Harrogate's political leaders praise Town after promotion triumph at Wembley

After Town's incredible footballers beat Notts County 3-1 to gain promotion to the Football League proper for the first time in their history, Harrogate council's leader said the team's success was likely to translate into more visitors while the MP said he had already been in touch to offer his congratulations.

Leader of Harrogate Borough Council Coun Richard Cooper said: "You can already see people on social media talking about the significance of this not just for the team but for Harrogate as a place they are looking forward to visiting.

"This is a real boost which our visitor economy needs at the moment.

“And it’s one more reason why our town is just the most brilliant place to live and thank you to Harrogate Town for making it so.

“I am not known as the world’s greatest sports fan but what a match! It seemed like everyone in Harrogate held their breath on Sunday afternoon and I was right there with them.

“I have lived here for 25 years and I don’t think I have ever been prouder of my adopted hometown.

"Whether it’s cycling, diving, football or a host of other sports Harrogate certainly punches well above its weight.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said he was confident Harrogate Town had a "great future" ahead of them.

Mr Jones said: “I have already written to the team offering my congratulations and I am certain that a great future lies ahead in the Football League.”

"I was on tenterhooks listening to the game. What struck me was that our team didn’t go to Wembley just to nick a quick goal and hope that would get them to 90 minutes.

“Just like in the semi-final they played a positive game going out not just to win but to play quality, engaging football.

“I think we all had our hearts in our mouths when Notts County equalised at the beginning of the second half and certainly they looked threatening for ten minutes or so but ultimately it was Town all the way once the third goal went in."

Harrogate & Knaresborough Lib Dem leader Coun Pat Marsh said: "I am so thrilled and proud of the success of Harrogate Town getting into the Football League, brilliant work by all involved.

"This will be a huge boost to the town's economy by all the extra visitors coming into our town and who could want to come back for a longer visit once they have seen what a fantastic place Harrogate district is."

Judith Rogerson, the Liberal Democrat's former parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough also hailed Harrogate Town's heroes.

She said: "It was fantastic to see Harrogate all over the headlines on Sunday. What a brilliant thing for our town and local community!

"Congratulations to Simon Weaver and everyone who made it happen.

"I'm sure there where will be lots of exciting times ahead to look forward to with the team."

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