Readers' Letters: 'Shameful' empty super-green council properties need tenants

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 week, we’ve collated some of our readers’ letters and comments left in the comments section of our new website.

'How can increasing production help the environment?'

Harrogate Spring Water's expansion plan is an ongoing saga that never fails to get people talking. The below are comments left on an article addressing the latest updates.

 Don't forget what this company does - they sell water in plastic bottles, how can increasing production of this help the enviroment!

Keith Taylor.

This reader agreed with above, stating:

The environmental impact and biodiversity value of planting new trees (which may in any case get felled as well when they get in someone's financial way) isn't as high either. Tom Gordon is right about other ways HSW could benefit Harrogate.

Freddy Luther.

'A real loss to fashion in the town'

The following comment was left on an article about Catherine Smith Vintage on Cold Bath Road announcing its upcoming closure.

The closure of the Vintage Shop on Cold Bath Road is a real loss to fashion in the town. 

Catherine has always had wonderful stock and I continue to enjoy wearing several Jean Muir jackets and a fabulous Max Mara camel coat. Good luck in your semi-retirement, Catherine!

Barbara Coultas.

'These houses were billed as being the best of the best'

Another hot topic this week was how five energy-efficient council homes in Harrogate have now stood empty for a year since completion. The below is a comment on the article highlighting this.

I was going to contact my local councillor regarding this. Someone has beaten me to it. It is shameful how these houses were billed as being the best of the best, but have been empty since they were built. When are they going to have tenants?

Fran Gargett.

'I really can’t see this is a priority in our town'

Finally, we brought readers the news that the trial for a land train in Knaresborough has been postponed. These two comments on the story - published on Tuesday - were in support of the plans being shelved for now.

Not only is it great news but, despite the comment that the project received broad support from residents, I can advise that there was zero support from the residents of Waterside who could see all the difficulties of running a land train along this narrow lane with multitudinous pedestrians/cyclists as well as residents seeking to access their properties.

Ian Fozard.

This project shouldn’t receive any public money especially when we’re told public funds are so stretched. I really can’t see this is a priority in our town when so many more important things need fixing.

Ian Brown.

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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