Harrogate Civic Society and local authority to discuss concerns over town's heritage assets

Harrogate Civic Society is to meet North Yorkshire Council to discuss the condition of some of the town’s heritage assets and public spaces.

The meeting follows a challenge issued to the local authority by the respected civic group to answer the question “does North Yorkshire Council care about Harrogate’s heritage?”

North Yorkshire Council confirmed it had contacted Harrogate Civic Society chair Michael Newby about a meeting date.

Mr Newby had claimed that more than two weeks had passed without any suggested dates from North Yorkshire Council.

But a North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said that Mr Newby has been contacted about a meeting date.

Mr Newby said, when it came to protecting Harrogate’s precious heritage, Harrogate Civic Society was “not prepared to let this matter rest.”

He said: “A number of Harrogate’s assets are listed buildings, for example, St John’s Well, Tewit Well and the Sun Parlours at The Sun Pavilion and Sun Colonnade.

“While their maintenance should be a priority we should not ignore structures like the West Park shelters or the 14 historic serpent benches in Station Gardens .

“Harrogate Civic Society is not prepared to let this matter rest.”

The society has previously warned that what it claimed was “neglect” of historic features in Harrogate could affect the town’s appeal to residents and visitors.

It cited issues including “missing roofs, rotten window frames and cracked masonry”.

Mr Newby said: “Harrogate has some astounding heritage assets but they are being allowed to rot before our eyes.

“It is not only their intrinsic historic value to Harrogate which matters, they are also important in attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer and come back to the town.”

The unitary authority of North Yorkshire Council was formed in 2023 as part of local devolution, meaning the demise of both Harrogate Borough Council and the previous North Yorkshire County Council.