Council may take action over trouble at Harrogate beauty spot

Angry members of the public had complained about the damage and detritus, dangerous overflow parking, loud music and camp fires in Harrogate's greatest nature and wildlife spot have called on the authorities to do more to protect Nidd Gorge.

A spokesperson for the highways department at North Yorkshire County Council said: "County council engineers are in discussion with Councillor Zoe Metcalfe and Councillor Ed Darling regarding a request from residents for yellow lines to be installed near the car park of Nidd Gorge on Ripley Road and at the junctions of Scotton Drive and Scotton Grove onto Ripley Road.

"Poor and inconsiderate parking on pavements and verges have been reported.

Our engineers are looking into the situation and have requested photographic evidence."

A public meeting had already taken place in the Woodland Trust car park at Nidd Gorge including nearby residents from Scotton Moor, a representative from The Woodland trust and Coun Zoe Metcalfe.

Those attending heard reports of illegal and dangerous overflow parking at peak times, blocking pedestrians paths and residents' driveways, cars idling, dogs barking and loud music noise at anti-social times with the behaviour of some professional dog walkers identified as part of the problem since the car park reopened after lockdown.

Nidd Gorge, which is blessed with a dramatic ravine, the River Nidd, ancient woodland and tree-covered valley sides, was the subject of a lengthy battle against a possible relief road in recent years.

The Woodland Trust is also reported to be erecting additional advisory notices to deter anti-social behaviour at Nidd Gorge.

The Nidd Gorge area is also the subject of a new campaign at the moment to raise £300,000 to create Harrogate first community-owned woodland at Long Lands Common.

Your chance to buy shares and help Harrogate dream of setting up first ever community-owned woodland

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