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28
Feb 2022
The Stray Ferret was refused entry to Ripon's new leisure centre today by staff from Harrogate Borough Council.
Our Ripon reporter Tim Flanagan, who lives in the city, was turned away by a council press officer when he arrived shortly before 2pm.
Tim was told today's event at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre was for councillors only and separate arrangements would be made for the press at a later date.
It later transpired that several other media outlets were allowed to look around the new complex today to provide coverage ahead of Wednesday's opening date.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, who witnessed the incident, said it appeared Harrogate Borough Council was censoring media organisations that asked "legitimate questions" about the way public money is spent and this was "totally unacceptable".
The Stray Ferret has led on coverage of delays to the construction of the pool and mounting costs, as well as concerns about sinkholes. The pool was due to be ready nine months ago and the leisure centre project is £4m over budget.
Part of the site remains closed for further work after a void — a gap below the surface — was discovered last year.
The Stray Ferret replied by asking if it was a councillors-only event why other media outlets were allowed to attend.
https://twitter.com/Harrogatebc/status/1498312826112380928
The spokesman said:
The statement did not mention that local media were also invited — but not the Stray Ferret.
We were subsequently invited to an invitation to view the centre tomorrow.
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