Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division which will see five candidates standing for election.
Sam Gibbs, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division will be Sam Gibbs.
Mr Gibbs currently sits Harrogate Borough Council representing the Valley Gardens ward.
On his priorities for standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Gibbs said:
“My priorities are tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting town centre investment, protecting green spaces and ensuring Harrogate remains a great place to live and visit.
“As a borough councillor since 2018 I have campaigned to protect Rotary Wood, to tackle town centre anti-social behaviour and to keep our streets tidy.
“Harrogate has recovered well from the pandemic. Our retail vacancy rates are at 8.2% – well below the national average and the council distributed over £93m to local businesses during covid. The Convention Centre brings around £30m into the local economy annually and underpins thousands of jobs. We must support it.”
He added:
“Parking charges should be kept low. Most have not been increased in eight years and parking is far cheaper than York and Leeds.
“As a trustee of Harrogate and District Community Action, and through my work with the Local Fund, I have supported community groups who do fantastic work and help our most vulnerable.”
Paul Ko Ferrigno, Green Party
Paul Ko Ferrigno will be standing for the Green Party in the division.
A scientist in biology and biochemistry, Mr Ferrigno coaches grassroots football and is a governor at two local primary schools.
He also founded Wetherby-based Avacta Life Sciences. Mr Ferrigno said he felt strongly about cuts to local government funding, which he believes has “negatively impacted” education.
He said:
“The Green Party is the only party to put the future first. What I have learned is those small decisions can lead to massive changes.
“I want to take this lesson and apply it to every decision made by the new council so that we can improve our local communities by thinking about the long term impact of each proposal on our children and their future.”
Lucy Gardiner, Independent
Local businesswoman Lucy Gardiner will be standing as an independent in the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
Ms Gardiner said among her priorities will be to improve infrastructure, clean up the town centre, support businesses and reduce congestion.
She said:
“I hold Harrogate very close to my heart. I am very proud that it’s my hometown, where I have my interiors business and where I bring up my family. We must protect its future.
“For far too long the councils haven’t been transparent nor fully engaged with the residents and businesses. Rather than towing a party line, I wish to use the wealth of knowledge at our finger tips by engaging with local people, businesses and groups to protect our heritage, while encouraging positive change for the future.”
She added:
“We need proper infrastructure before any more house building is passed. Smarten up our town centre and support our businesses, to lead the way on the high street.
“Reduce congestion with well connected travel schemes for all not the few. Protect our Stray and gardens for a greener brighter future.”
Andrew Williamson, Labour
Andrew Williamson will be standing for the Labour Party in Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate.
Mr Williamson has lived in Harrogate for most of his life and works in the private sector, but has previously worked for Harrogate Borough Council.
He said he wanted to get involve with the Labour Party due to his concern over the loss of the district councils.
Mr Williamson said he felt the best way to represent those who may be affected by the abolition of the lower-tier authorities was to stand himself.
He said:
“I have been an active member of the Labour Party for about six months now. I wanted to get involved because I’m concerned about what impact the abolition of North Yorkshire’s district councils might have on local services and amenities.
“I believe strong Labour representation on the new unitary authority is the best way to protect the services our communities depend upon.”
David Johnson, Liberal Democrat
David Johnson is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
A Harrogate resident for 30 years, Mr Johnson works as a librarian and was the secretary of the local Liberal Democrat constituency party.
He said he takes an interest in library policy issues, but has also campaigned on issues such as the European Union, fracking and children’s food allergies.
Mr Johnson said:
“There needs to be more done to deal with congestion on our roads and improve the local bus services. There is a need for more social housing in Harrogate.”