Route for Saturday's Harrogate Town open-top bus parade is revealed

The route has been revealed for Harrogate Town's celebratory bus parade through the town. Picture: Matt Kirkham.

The Harrogate Bus Company will be taking the players and management on a celebratory tour of the town on Saturday which will start and finish at their home ground, the CNG Stadium, taking place between 12.05pm and 12.40pm.

Town secured their place in the Football League following an historic 3-1 win over Notts County at Wembley on Sunday. It is the first time they have ever reached such a level in the game.

The parade will take the following route through the town.

* 12.05pm: CNG STADIUM

* 12.07pm: THE EMPRESS

* 12.13pm: WEST PARK

* 12.15pm: CENOTAPH BETTYS

* 12.22pm: CAIRN HOTEL

* 12.24pm: CLARO BEAGLE

* 12.33pm: MAJESTIC WINE

* 12.35pm: FIRE STATION

* 12.40pm: THE CNG STADIUM

It comes after the Harrogate Bus Company said it was keen to help the club celebrate its play-off victory, if it could be done safely.

North Yorkshire County Council said it is holding talks with the club and police over how this can be achieved.

Coun Don Mackenzie, the council's executive member for access, said he supported the idea but added there will be concerns over the possibility of crowds congregating.

"We have had very little to celebrate in recent months and Harrogate Town's impressive elevation into the Football League is a welcome respite from the gloom" he said.

"There would appear to be no risks involved to passengers on the bus itself since, presumably, the players and key staff have all been tested and found to be covid-free.

"There are clearly concerns about the proximity of crowds of people to one another lining the street but it is to be hoped that supporters would show common sense and maintain social distancing."

After football was halted in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, clubs in the National League voted to end the season.

There was a period of time when it looked uncertain whether play-offs would be held, leaving Harrogate unsure if their hopes of promotion would be ruined.

But their 3-1 victory over Notts County at Wembley on Sunday saw Town victorious in the end.

The club's chairman Irving Weaver won the praise of political leaders at a council meeting last night when he said he hopes there will be a boost to the town's economy next season.

"I'm hoping that bigger away crowds will start to spend money in the town and let's hope we can keep putting you on the map", he said.

Coun Chris Aldred told Weaver: "On behalf of all the local residents, I just want to congratulate you because it is tremendous news.

"You, Simon and Gary have done an absolutely brilliant job and as you say, you will be putting Harrogate on the map."

In accordance with EFL regulations, the club will need to rip up their artificial pitch at the CNG Stadium and replace it with grass.

Work has already begun, and Town will play their first home matches at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster next month.