Readers’ Letters: Knaresborough’s drains are still a ‘disgraceful state of affairs’

Readers’ Letters is a free weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

This letter follows one we published last month from the same reader, bemoaning the state of Knaresborough’s drain infrastructure. It came after a freak flood in the town in May, which caused homes to be evacuated and roads to be underwater. Months on, this reader feels nothing has changed.

It is some time since I contacted you regarding the condition of the drains on Knaresborough High Street.

You will be delighted to know that absolutely nothing appears to have been done to clear them. Instead, the worst affected one has been converted into a planter, which must enhance the chances of the town in 'Britain in Bloom'.

As before, I have no pleasure in sending you pictures of the three blocked drains, plus a fourth one from further up the street which is now also choked (pictured below).

This is an absolutely disgraceful state of affairs.

Colin Harrison, Knaresborough

We need to separate Ripon Cathedral Choir from the annexe project

This reader gives his opinion on the contentious Ripon Cathedral Annexe project.

It has been wonderful reading about the success of Ripon Cathedral Choir’s recent tour of Bavaria.

It is essential though to separate the experiences of the choir from the planning application to build an £8 million annexe. 

Multiple national and regional organisations have registered their objections to these plans. Campaigners have repeatedly raised concerns about the loss of public land, the impact on the heritage of the area, the lack of sensitivity of the project on the conservation area, the archaeological impact, as well as the potential for gypsum instability.

The cathedral has promised that it will soon unveil revised plans, which will hopefully serve the entire community of Ripon – rather than the 60 or so cathedral choristers.

Brian McHugh, Ripon

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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