North Yorkshire Council is looking to extend the lease of Knaresborough Castle in order to plan celebration events at the landmark.
The authority took control of the castle in April after Harrogate Borough Council was abolished.
Knaresborough Castle, which overlooks the River Nidd, is the only castle in the county controlled by North Yorkshire Council.
However, the medieval fortress, which was seized by Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian troops in 1644 during the Civil War, is leased from the Duchy of Lancaster.
Knaresborough Castle
Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on the council, asked Cllr Simon Myers, executive councillor for culture, at a full council meeting yesterday whether the authority had an update on the lease extension.
It comes as Knaresborough Castle is set to celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2030.
Cllr Myers said:
“We have begun looking at the terms of the lease before entering into discussions with the Duchy.
“There are elements to the existing lease which perhaps should be altered and we’re looking at that.”
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Cllr Myers added that the council intended to set up a task force to liaise with community organisations and councillors in Knaresborough over anniversary events and the castle’s future use.
The move comes amid new found optimism over the future of the heritage asset.
A meeting of Knaresborough and District Chamber in February heard that the change of ownership could herald a bright new era for the castle.
Peter Lacey, executive member of the chamber, said an extension of the lease would allow for further use of the site for events.
Party in the Castle, a free event broadcasting the BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury, will be held in the castle grounds again next year.
Archaeology festival brings Knaresborough’s rich story to lifeAnyone walking around Knaresborough could hardly fail to notice it’s a beautiful and historic place. But trying to find out more about its rich past isn’t easy.
The town’s first community archaeological festival, which begins today (Saturday), aims to shine some light — and the organisers hope it will be the start of a long-term drive to tell Knaresborough’s story.
Hundreds of people are expected at the free festival, which takes place from 10am to 4pm today and tomorrow and at the same times next weekend at the Centre-on-Gracious Street.
A 4,000-year-old ceremonial axe found at Hopperton will be among the star attractions. People can bring along their own artefacts for experts to examine and Nun Tabbetha will provide some half-term fun by writing medieval pardons for naughty visitors.
Knaresborough Museum Association, which has organised the festival, hopes the event will prove a springboard for further study into the town’s past.
Chair Kathy Allday said:
“There is so much out there that we don’t know much about. Knaresborough remains a bit of a mystery in many ways.
“We hope the festival will create more interest in the archeology of Knaresborough, generate local pride and raise awareness of how fantastic Knaresborough is.”
Knaresborough Museum Association volunteers at a dig.
Former archaeologist Kathy is passionate about Knaresborough and full of tantalising tales, many of which remain shrouded in secrets.
For example, she says a washing tunnel is believed to have existed in a medieval hospital in Spitalcroft. The tunnel in a swollen pool naturally filled with pure, clean water but the site is now part of a private garden. The Trinitarian Priory, which was dissolved by Henry VIII, is known to have been a regional mother church but its full size and significance needs further research.
Two Roman hordes have been discovered in the area. Viking straps and Saxon pins will be on display this weekend. But Knaresborough’s golden age was the medieval period, when Kathy says Abbey Road “was like Piccadilly Circus” because so many people flocked to St Robert’s Cave, the Trinitarian Priory and Knaresborough Castle.
Nidd Gorge is a key area of historical interest. Kathy says:
“Because we have an ice age gorge that has been cut through we have layers from the past all revealing different artefacts.
“There is evidence of people living there for thousands of years. There are bones and teeth of prehistoric animals. Think Woolly Mammoths.”
A mudlarker called Steve has spent 20 years extracting items from the Nidd. His finds include medieval pottery, a Victorian doll and a jug inscribed with the name John Ingleby, from the family that owns Ripley Castle.
Kathy wants to know more about the Iron Age fort that existed at Nidd Gorge and talks excitedly about the possibility of bringing home Knaresborough treasures currently housed elsewhere, including the Brotherton Library in Leeds and the nomadic Harrison Collection.
For that to happen, Knaresborough needs a larger museum.
The association currently operates Knaresborough Museum at 8 York Place, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It has served the town well but the ground floor of a house was never likely to be an adequate long-term solution and there are plans to move to larger premises after a bid to use the former Castle girls school fell through.
Kathy is quick to pay tribute to the work of other local groups, including Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum, Claro Community Archaeology Group and Bilton Conservation Group for their work in specific fields.
But she hopes the museum can become the overarching focal point for telling Knaresborough’s story — not only a place to go but also a hub to conduct further research and hold events, including more festivals, that take the town’s story to community groups and schools.
It’s a long-term mission — but few would doubt Knaresborough has a story worth telling.
Read more:
- Knaresborough scarecrow trail to begin on Saturday
- Knaresborough to hold first community archeology festival
Knaresborough Castle to host free Glastonbury party next year
Knaresborough’s Party in the Castle will return next year, organisers have confirmed.
The free event, which was held in glorious sunshine in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle in June, enabled residents to watch BBC coverage of Glastonbury together on a big screen.
It was organised through a collaboration between business group Knaresborough and District Chamber and North Yorkshire Council.
Hundreds attended this year’s event. Pic: Mike Whorley
Enjoying the Glastonbury vibe. Pic: Mike Whorley
The two groups have now confirmed Party in the Castle 2024 will be held on Saturday, June 29.
A spokesperson for Knaresborough Chamber said:
“We are excited to announce the funding of 50% from North Yorkshire Council through Cllr Matt Walker and we have saved the date with Tim Dabell, manager of parks and open spaces, to secure the castle yard.
“We will be announcing our town events sponsorship packages in the new year. Party in the Castle is on for 2024!”
Read more:
- Hydro project planned for River Nidd at Knaresborough
- Gallery: Knaresborough’s midsummer party in the castle
Review: Sense and Sensibility at Knaresborough Castle
Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town. You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com
Last Friday, in the tranquil grounds of Knaresborough Castle, crowds gathered on the lawns in anticipation of an evening of open-air theatre, and, under a threateningly grey sky, of the heavens opening.
But despite the potential perils of the English summer, touring theatre group Chapterhouse resolved to perform their adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel, Sense and Sensibility, for their picnicking audience.
It is a tale that follows the highs and lows of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who embody the titular and often opposing qualities of reason and passion.
An economic set was split to show a wealthy dwelling on one side and a modest cottage on the other. Costume was delightfully plausible and, along with lively and emotive music interposing the drama, the scene was set for a pleasant evening spent in Regency-era England, filled with dancing, duets and duels.
The cast brought to life the wit and satire.
With the elements against them, the small cast of eight was a resilient bunch and, despite some technical glitches, was not deterred.
Without the use of microphones, the cast’s ability to enunciate at volume was truly tested and oftentimes unsuccessful; by having to exaggerate and bellow lines, some of the feeling and meaning was lost, and characterisation was subsequently underdeveloped.
Still, there was a great deal to enjoy in an energetic and fanciful adaptation that managed to convey a great deal of Austen’s wit and satire. George Barnden’s Sir John Middleton, with his outrageous booming laugh, received titters aplenty; Becky Bond captured the melodrama of thirteen-year-old sister Margaret with aplomb; Sasha Snowdon as Fanny was as snobbish as anyone who knows the story might expect; and, Lorna Panton, the impassioned Marianne, was convincing in her heartache.
While not fully equipped for the acoustics of the outdoors, Chapterhouse delivered a congenial and light evening’s entertainment of period drama; and, to everyone’s delight, the rain held off.
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From Jane Austen to beer festivals: what’s on in the Harrogate district this weekend
Summer may be drawing to a close but weekend activities across the district are certainly not.
Whether you’re looking for an evening with Oscar Wilde, a win for the Lionesses, or just a family picnic in the sun, we’ve collated a list of all that’s on offer this weekend in the Harrogate district.
FEVA FESTIVAL – Knaresborough
This weekend sees the final few days of Knaresborough’s FEVA.
The arts festival includes exhibitions, live music and theatre.
An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will be held at Knaresborough Castle this evening from 7pm – tickets start at £20.
Knaresborough Library will also host An Evening with Wes Martin – a Knaresborough-based bestselling crime author – and Aubrey Parsons, a vocal performer who has worked for Disney, the BBC and Audible.
Mr Martin will be on hand to answer all questions crime-related, as well as signing books, while Ms Parsons will be reading some of her favourite extracts from The Yorkshire Murders. The event is £5 to attend.
The free Picnic in the Park will take place outside Knaresborough House tomorrow from midday to 5pm.
Simply bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live music.
Knaresborough Lions’ Beer Festival will also be held at Knaresborough House this weekend and will showcase 25 special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager.
The beer festival is free to attend and begins this evening at 5pm. It will also run from midday to 11pm on Saturday, August 18, and midday to 5pm on Sunday, August 19.
For a full breakdown of this weekend’s events, click here.
Women’s World Cup Final: England vs Spain
Sunday sees the nail-biting final between the Lionesses and La Roja.
Harrogate’s own Rachel Daly has helped the team reach their first ever World Cup final and will be supported by many local fans.
Several venues across the district will have live screenings of the match, which kicks off at 11am GMT.
Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – Ripon Spa Gardens
An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow evening.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company, based in in Lincoln, will be putting on the show as part of its Open Theatre Air Tour.
Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic beneath the stars by bringing food, blankets and chairs.
Gates open at 6pm and the show will begin at 7pm – tickets start at £20.90 for adults.
Knaresborough’s Calcutt Gala celebrates 20th year
Calcutt Gala will be returning for its 20th anniversary on Sunday.
The event, which will be held at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, will include a martial arts demonstration, live music, a BBQ and bar, as well as an ice cream van and tombola.
The Cricketers will also be streaming the World Cup final before the gala.
The gala begins at midday and entry is £2 for ages 12 upwards.
All funds raised will be donated to the cricket club.
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Free weekly walking tours of Knaresborough have been introduced.
Professionally trained tourist guide Margy Longhurst is leading 60-minute tours every Wednesday — market day.
Those taking part will learn about the historic market and castle and much more.
Ms Longhurst said:
“The aim is to welcome visitors and newcomers to Knaresborough and give them an insight into the town’s history and places of interest.”
The not-for-profit tours get underway at 11am and 1pm at the Market Cross.
Margy Longhurst
Walkers will learn about the nearby statues and painted windows depicting colourful local characters, notably the Tudor prophetess Old Mother Shipton and Blind Jack, musician and engineer extraordinaire.
Moving along to Green Dragon Yard, medieval and Georgian buildings will be pointed out, including the Old Flax Mill, which played a key role during the heyday of the town’s linen industry.
Arriving at Knaresborough Castle, visitors will be guided round the ruins and hear stories of its association with royal monarchs such as King John and Edward II.
They will then experience the beauty of the view over the River Nidd and hear more about the surrounding places of interest, before being escorted back to where the tour commenced.
People can just turn up at the meeting point on Wednesdays at the Market Cross but the number of participants is limited to 16 on a first-come, first-served basis for health and safety reasons.
Free group tours for local charities and educational institutions can also be arranged by emailing Margy at margylonghurst@hotmail.com
Read more:
Crowdfunder launched to keep Knaresborough partying
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to enable Knaresborough to stage free annual parties in the grounds of the town’s castle.
Party in the Castle will feature a live big screen broadcast of the Glastonbury festival on June 24. People are invited to turn up with a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Lizzo and Lewis Capaldi.
Organisers Knaresborough and District Chamber hopes the event will have a similar vibe — and good weather — to the free coronation party at the castle last month.
Chamber member Kelly Young said it will hopefully become an annual event. But she added although entry is free, funds need to be raised for the big screen and to cover other costs such as first aid and insurance.
The crowdfunder therefore aims to raise £2,000 and has already achieved about £1,400. Any surplus will be used on future events.
Cllr Hannah Gostlow, who represents Knaresborough East on North Yorkshire Council, has also applied to the council to allocate £2,500 of her Locality budget on the event. Each councillor receives an annual Locality budget of £10,000 to spend locally.
Party in the Castle will take place from 5pm to 11pm. Anyone wishing to support the crowdfunder can do so here.
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GALLERY: A weekend of Harrogate district celebrations fit for a king
A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.
Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.
Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.
Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography
The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.
Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.
Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral
Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.
Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.
Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.
In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.
Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens
Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering
Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.
Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.
Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.
The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.
One of the Masham floats
Masham Market Square on Sunday
Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard
Read more:
- As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
- As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation
Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district
As the big day gets closer, The Stray Ferret is compiling a list of events across the district to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
If you have an event that you wish to include in our list, please send the details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Thursday, May 4
Ripon
5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: A coronation-themed evensong service will be held at the Cathedral.
Knaresborough
Flowers in the shape of the coronation crown will be on display at the Market Cross in Knaresborough until May 13.
Friday, May 5
Harrogate
7pm – St Wilfred’s Church, Duchy Road: Solemn Festival Mass for the Coronation followed by barbecue supper at 8.30pm. Tickets £15 to include food and welcome drink. Contact bookings@stwilfrid.org for tickets.
Killinghall
7.30pm-11pm – Killinghall Village Hall: A coronation ceilidh with The Dark Horse Ceilidh Bank. Drinks will be available at the cricket club bar and a pizza van will be on site. Adults £5, children go free. For details, click here.
Ripon
5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: An evensong service with Coronation Vigil will be held at the cathedral ahead of the royal ceremony.
6.30pm: Tribute bands playing live in the Market Place.
Saturday, May 6 Coronation Day
Harrogate
10am-8pm – Valley Gardens: A big screen showing the coronation and other coverage of events in London, followed by family films. Family entertainment, fairground rides. Entry is free.
10am-6pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.
Time TBC – Majestic Hotel: A big screen showing the coronation, along with family entertainment and the chance to win prizes. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend. For more information click here.
Noon-midnight – The Oatlands: Family open day with children’s entertainment, barbecue and an evening party. For more information go to www.theoatlands.co.uk/.
Killinghall
2.30-8.30pm – Killinghall Cricket Club: Bring a picnic and enjoy some games at the Killinghall Big Lunch Picnic. The bar will be open.
Knaresborough
10am-5pm – Knaresborough House: A big screen will stream the Coronation, as well as two family films on the day. People are welcome to bring picnics, but food and drink stalls will also be available at the free event.
10am-4pm – Castle Yard: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held as part of the coronation celebrations.
7pm – Gracious Street Methodist Church live streaming the Coronation Prom from the Royal Albert Hall in London from 7.00pm (concert starts at 7.30pm). Admission is free.
Langthorpe
Langhthorpe Parish Council, in conjunction with the Coronation Hall trustees, will be opening the the Coronation Hall with live coverage on a big screen. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. 100 free tickets will be provided on a first come first served basis.
Lofthouse
3pm – coronation celebration at the cricket ground. Races, activities and game from 3.20pm, dog show at 5pm and disco 6pm to midnight.
Masham
2-6pm – Swinton Park: Live music, garden fete activities and a variety of food and drink will all be on offer in the hotel grounds. The event is free to attend and the gardens will be open throughout the day for visitors to enjoy.
Nidderdale
4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Acoustic and Rock Cover Party. Various local musicians will perform covers of classic rock and acoustic hits. Afternoon tea is included in the ticket price, which is £25 (£15 for under 14s).
Ripon
9.30am onwards – Ripon Cathedral: A live stream of the BBC’s coverage of the coronation will be shown at the Cathedral. It it free to attend and there will be free self-service refreshments available.
Sunday, May 7
Beckwithshaw
2pm-4.30pm – Beckwithshaw Village Hall field: Afternoon tea. Bring a picnic, have fun with games and races. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided.
Harrogate
10am-7pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides,. Entry is free.
10am – 4pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.
12pm onwards – Majestic Hotel: Music from DJ Mark Green. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend.
4pm-midnight – Ivory: Charles and Camilla Go Large. A night of 90s house music with DJs Delano and Millsy
Kirby Hill
Coronation tea will be held at the church in Kirby Hill. Everyone is welcome.
Kirkby Malzeard
1pm onwards – Highside playing fields: Friendship lunch party: Bring a chair, food and drink for a party that includes Maypole dancing, music and children’s activities.
Knaresborough
6pm-11pm – The Coronation Concert will be screened live at Knaresborough Castle.
Masham
2.30pm onwards – Masham Square: Celebrations including a parade of floats, fancy dress competition, barbecue, live music and a quiz, ending with a firework display. Click here for details.
Nidderdale
12-6pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Jazz Blues and Brass Extravaganza. Performances will be held by Eugine’s Jazz Band and Harrogate Jazz Band, with a carvery lunch included. Ticket prices begin at £15.
Noon-3pm – Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground: The Big Lunch. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music from Ant & Frank and Dacre & Summerbridge Silver Band. Free entry.
North Rigton
Noon onwards: Village garden, North Rigton: North Rigton Parish Council is hosting the big coronation lunch. Bring a picnic or join friends for a meal.
Pannal and Burn Bridge
Noon-5pm – Crimple Meadows: Family fun day including food and drinks, licensed bar, fun races and tug of war. Cake sale, raffle and bouncy castle will also be on site. There will also be fundraising for local causes. Admission is free.
Ripon
1pm-6pm – Street party on Carr Close.
Last year’s jubilee street party on Carr Close was such a success, it’s happening again.
Spofforth
7pm-11pm – Celebrations will take place in front of Spofforth Castle. Gates open at 7pm, bring a picnic or enjoy on-site caterers with pizzas, crepes, ice cream and coffee. There will be circus entertainers and face painting plus a jazz band followed by the group Beatlemania playing sets of the Fab Four, finishing at 11pm with fireworks over Spofforth Castle. Stockeld Park is illuminating the castle in red, white and blue. Tickets available from the village shop.
Boroughbridge
10am – St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough: A service to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, hosted by the Mayor of Boroughbridge, Cllr Sean Hynes, and Rev Karen Gardiner. Visitors are asked to be seated by 9.45am.
Monday, May 8 – The Big Help Out
Harrogate
10am-4.30pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides, Little Bird Artisan Market. Entry is free.
1pm-2pm – Wesley Chapel: Coronation-themed song recital with Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and Christopher Glynn (piano). Tickets £10 on the door.
1-3pm – Oatlands Community Centre: Afternoon tea and community barbecue with crafts, face painting and other activities. Free.
Kirkby Malzeard
12pm-2pm – Mechanics Institute and around the village: The Big Help Out – assist a neighbour with weeding, sweeping or odd jobs and village litter picking. Refreshments at the Mechanics Institute.
Masham
Noon onwards – Masham Square: Family fun day with car boot sale, sports, a tug-of-war, welly wanging and a cow pat competition. Click here for details.
Nidderdale
1pm onwards – Glasshouses Village Green: Live music, children’s activities, and tea and cake, hosted by Glasshouses WI and Village Association. Bring a picnic and Prosecco to toast the King. Donations will be made to IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service). Free to attend.
4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Tribute Band Party will see an afternoon of tributes to the likes of ABBA and The Beatles. A hog roast is included in the ticket price, which begins at £15.
Ripon
11.30am-5pm – Ripon Cathedral: Bank holiday Monday will see the Coronation Beer Festival take place in the grounds of the Cathedral.
Starbeck
10am-2pm – St Andrew’s Church, High Street: The Big Help Out – get involved with volunteering to improve the area. Plenty for all ages to do, and a family picnic on Belmont Field.
Knaresborough Castle could host more events as new era dawnsKnaresborough Castle could stage more large scale public events in the wake of major political changes.
North Yorkshire Council will assume control of the castle when Harrogate Borough Council ceases to exist at the end of next month.
Councillor Carl Les and Richard Flinton, who will be leader and chief executive respectively of North Yorkshire Council, are due to visit the town on February 15 when they will discuss the future of the medieval fortress.
There was optimism at last night’s meeting of Knaresborough and District Chamber that the change of ownership could herald a bright new era for the castle, which was seized by Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian troops in 1644 during the Civil War.
Knaresborough Castle, which overlooks the River Nidd, will be the only castle in the county controlled by North Yorkshire Council and there is a feeling among chamber members that the new leadership will be open to fresh ideas — including holding more events at the site.
Chamber member Bill Taylor told the meeting:
“The castle is massively under-utilised. I’ve been in Knaresborough 24 years and can only remember four or five big events.”
Peter Lacey, executive member of the chamber, said the key issue was to extend the lease on the land, which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
Mr Lacey said the current lease is due to expire in about eight years and it was difficult to plan how to use the site until North Yorkshire Council negotiated an extension.
He added Knaresborough had “lots of willing partners” keen to work with the new council on initiatives at the castle and its grounds.
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Cllr Les has said the new council will champion “double devolution” by giving powers to local areas.
He previously said:
“We believe this double devolution which passports powers from Whitehall to the town hall and the town hall to the village hall is an exciting prospect.
“We are seeking more powers from the government, but we want more powers to be devolved to the very local area as well. We want to bring people together to get more things done at a local level.”
Mr Lacey said:
“When Carl Les says the council has the ambition to be the most local as well as the largest unitary council in the country, we will take him at his word.
“Knaresborough has been a spoke of Harrogate Borough Council for many years and now we want to become our own hub.”