A “historic” deal is set to unshackle Ripon from years of neglect by councillors in Harrogate, it was claimed today.
North Yorkshire Council‘s ruling executive agreed to set up a project team to oversee Ripon people taking control of Ripon Town Hall, the market place and car park, public toilets and the Wakeman’s House.
The assets were controlled by Harrogate Borough Council until it was abolished in April.
North Yorkshire Council agreed to trial local management as part of its commitment to what its Conservative leadership calls “double devolution”.
Councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group who represents Ripon Minster and Moorside, praised the move at today’s meeting and launched an eviscerating attack on Harrogate Borough Council.
He said:
“This is for Ripon potentially a historic day in the building of a more constructive relationship with the unitary authority than it had previously with a rather fractured relationship that existed with Harrogate Borough Council.”
‘More grass on market than centre court at Wimbledon’
Cllr Williams said Ripon’s poor relationship with Harrogate led the city council to formulate “ambitious and complex” plans to take control of assets. He added:
“They all interlink to develop the central area of Ripon, which has sadly been neglected for some time.
“If you look at the Wakeman’s House that we are hoping to take ownership of, no work has been undertaken on that for over 10 years. The lease income from the business in there has been spent elsewhere.
“Ripon Town Hall last had maintenance carried out on it in 2004 when the queen visited.”
The Wakeman’s House
Laughter was heard when Cllr Williams added:
“The market place will soon have more grass growing on it than the centre court at Wimbledon.”
He then criticised the decision to close public toilets at 9pm when the city encouraged visitors to watch the nightly hornblower ceremony. He added:
“We firmly believe Ripon people know Ripon better than anybody else and know best how to make it a success rather than it currently is, which is underachieving its potential.
“The people of Ripon and the council are firmly behind the principle of double devolution.”
Cllr Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, told the meeting she endorsed Cllr Williams’ comments.
The executive agreed unanimously to proceed with the proposals.
Knaresborough also set for more local control
North Yorkshire Council invited town and parish councils to submit expressions of interest to run local assets in November last year.
Harrogate was excluded from the process because it doesn’t have a town council and moves to set one up have been delayed by local Conservatives.
Twelve parish councils submitted expressions of interest.
Knaresborough Town Council and Ripon City Council were among those selected to advance their proposals, with a view to formally taking over on April 1 next year.
Knaresborough bid to manage the markets and assets associated with managing the market, such as road closure signs and tables.
But Little Ouseburn’s proposal to take charge of grass cutting of the green area outside Broomfield Cottages.was rejected because it “did not evidence legal competence”.
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- 14 Harrogate town centre flats to go on market
Free walking tours of Knaresborough get underway
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
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