A model boating club is to vote this week on whether to continue following the decision to install a fountain in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.
Model boating has taken place on the boating lake near the cafe for 99 years.
But in one of its final acts before abolition, Harrogate Borough Council spent £6,000 on a new fountain.
Claro Marine model boating club pleaded with the council not to press ahead with the water feature, warning it would jeopardise their hobby.
Boats could run aground if they hit the fountain and their engines could be damaged by the spray.
But the council brushed aside the concerns and the fountain is now active.
The fountain in Valley Gardens
Claro Marine appealed last week for access to a new lake but so far nothing has transpired.
Club secretary Dave Finnegan said members would meet on Tuesday night to decide whether to continue.
“Some members, including myself, are members of other clubs. The only bad part is the distance — at least two of our members do not drive.
“There is a real chance Claro Marine modellers will close.”
Read more:
- ‘The council have destroyed 99 years of model boats in Harrogate’
- Model boating must continue, says Friends of Valley Gardens
‘The council have destroyed 99 years of model boats in Harrogate’
A new fountain in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens has effectively ended a century of model boating, according to the club that has used it for decades.
Claro Marine model boating club pleaded with Harrogate Borough Council to halt the £6,000 installation of the fountain in the boating pond near the cafe.
It said water from the fountain would damage the boats’ engines and jeopardise their hobby.
But the council, which was abolished a week ago, pressed ahead and the fountain was switched on a few days ago.
The pond has been used for model boating for 99 years.
Cub secretary Dave Finnegan, 69, told the Stray Ferret he was “very sad” because it spelled the end of a pastime he had pursued since childhood.
Mr Finnegan said:
“The council have destroyed 99 years of model boats in Harrogate. They will not listen.”
The club, he said, had been told the fountain would be situated in the deep end but it was actually in the middle of the pond, creating more of an obstacle.
The fountain is expected to operate from 9.30am to 6pm each day.
Mr Finnegan said:
“Even if switched off, the fountain is an underwater object to hit or go aground on.
“How do you get a boat back if it’s in the middle of the pond? I will not be sailing in Valley Gardens.
“I would like to thank all the visitors to the pond while I have been sailing for their kind comments and questions.”
The fountain has created an obstacle in the middle of the pond.
Mr Finnegan said the club was now trying to find another pond in the Harrogate area.
Alison Wilson, head of parks and environment services at Harrogate Borough Council, previously told the club:
“As the body [of the fountain] consists of a base and jets there is little infrastructure involved. Once in place, we will consider any protection required to ensure there is no damage to the jets from boats and vice versa.
“We do not wish to curtail your clubs activities, simply make the area more attractive and usable at other times of the week”.
Read more:
- Model boating must continue, says Friends of Valley Gardens
- Model boaters in Valley Gardens call for public support to stop fountain