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14
May
Harrogate flowerbeds replaced with gravel because of pigeons
North Yorkshire Council has stripped the flowerbeds in Harrogate's Victoria Gardens bare and covered them with gravel because of damage it is blaming on the local pigeon population.
The Stray Ferret recently noticed that the flowerbeds, which are usually a riot of tulips and marigolds at this time of year, were looking more like the bottom of a budgie’s cage, so we asked the council what had happened.
We received a written response from Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transportation, whose responsibilities include parks and grounds.
Victoria Gardens are for the time being a flower-free zone.
He said:
Unfortunately, pigeons have left the area in a condition that we did not feel reflected the standard expected in Victoria Gardens.
It was decided that a short-term solution was required and so the decision was taken to lay gravel over the affected area. However, in order to retain some colour, we are planning to install a number of floral containers.
There are no plans to introduce these measures in any other areas.
The area will remain like this until work begins on the Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, in which tree planting and floral displays will have a large role to play.
Planters are expected soon.
The Station Gateway scheme, which would transform Station Parade, Station Square and the One Arch pedestrian tunnel, is currently on hold following a legal challenge mounted by opponents of the project.
The case was heard in Leeds last month and a decision is expected soon. If the challenge succeeds, the scheme will be delayed further, but if it fails, work is expected to start this summer.
The pigeons will be monitoring progress.
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