A Harrogate model boating club has said plans to erect a fountain in the boating pool at Valley Gardens will stop them being able to pursue their hobby.
Claro Marine model boating club meets twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays to operate motor boats on the pool behind the cafe.
Harrogate Borough Council plans to put a fountain in the pool to help improve water quality.
David Finnegan, secretary of Claro Marine, told the Stray Ferret it would make sailing the boats impossible:
“Model boats do malfunction – if we are distracted and steer them underneath the fountain by mistake, the boats’ electrics will be damaged and, if they fill up with water, it’ll sink them.
“A home made model boat can cost up to £1,000 — to get a well made British scale model steam plant for the boat can cost £800.”
Until recently council staff regularly drained and cleaned the pond of leaves and litter and then refilled it.
Last month, though, the pool was drained but not refilled due to the drought and the fountain is due to be installed next year.
Mr Finnegan said the council told him the decision had already been made:
“I am very disappointed at Harrogate Borough Council and certainly upset. We have members who are elderly and can’t drive so we need a central location.
“It’s a cost-cutting exercise and they’ve made no real effort to get in touch with us
“I have one friend who lives on his own and he loves the hobby. He is a non driver and, for him, this is like the end of the world.
“For us boaters it is such a relaxing and pleasant thing to do”
Mr Finnegan, 68, says there’s a long tradition of boating on the small pond – as a child he paddled in the water amongst the vessels. The boaters often have spectators who enjoy watching them – particularly children.
A video of the club’s boats being sailed on the pool.
The Stray Ferret put the club’s concerns to the council. A spokesperson said:
“Currently, the boating pond in Valley Gardens is empty due to maintenance and the continued hosepipe ban in place across Yorkshire.
“Next year, we will be installing a new fountain to help aerate the water and improve its cleanliness (once the hosepipe ban has been lifted).
“It will also provide another distinctive area for people to enjoy and complement the award winning floral displays, Himalayan and Japanese gardens, Grade II listed Sun Pavilion and Colonnades, and games and attractions currently on offer.
“The fountain – supported by Friends of Valley Gardens – is controllable so once installed, if it is problematic for the model boating club, we would be happy to discuss it with them to ensure it can be enjoyed by all visitors of Valley Gardens.”
The Boating Lake, Valley Gardens, Harrogate c.1949
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