Four memorial benches in Harrogate’s Pinewoods have been vandalised.
The benches, some of which were paid for by families who lost loved ones, were damaged last night (June 25).
Of those which were vandalised, two were on the path between the war memorial and Harlow Moor Road.
Another two were damaged off the path.
https://twitter.com/PinewoodsHgt/status/1673241422269390850
Pinewoods Conservation Group, which helps to maintain the 96-acre woodland, said the incident highlights an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
It described the damage as “very disappointing”.
The group added that the vandalism has also been reported to North Yorkshire Police.
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New canopy and benches installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
A new canopy and picnic benches have been installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.
Harrogate Borough Council put in the facilities, which cost £25,000, as part of its annual maintenance programme.
The council said the existing benches were in need of repair.
It added the new seats and canopy would “ensure visitors have adequate seating and shelter from not only the rain and snow but also the hot weather”.
A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said:
“Valley Gardens receives more than four million visits per year, and the new picnic benches have been installed to replace the existing ones that were in disrepair, as part of our annual maintenance programme.
“To celebrate these new additions to Valley Gardens we are hosting a treasure hunt on Tuesday 14 February between noon and 4pm. The first 240 children to complete the treasure hunt will receive a free ice-lolly.”
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Harrogate district benches celebrate key workers
Two new benches have taken pride of place in Harrogate and Knaresborough to celebrate key workers.
One of the benches is in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens; the other overlooks the boats on the River Nidd in Knaresborough.
The volunteer group Supplies for Key Workers in and around Harrogate is behind the project.
The group commissioned the benches from Harrogate Borough Council at £1,200 each, using money left over from fundraising events.
Julie Mills, head of the Supplies for Key Workers group, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is just brilliant to see. When I saw that plaque, I was quite emotional. This is what we have all done together.
“We have not really stopped since the first lockdown but it is nice to sit on the benches and reflect on what we have achieved.”
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More than 3,000 people are in the group, which was set up at the start of lockdown.
The group is still receiving requests for scrubs and visors.