Tory Party candidate for Harrogate Town Council by-election responds to concerns over Sun Pavillion

The move by Tom Martin follows a letter from a concerned local resident over the condition of the Grade II listed Sun Pavillion and Sun Colonnade in Harrogate’s Valleys Gardens.

The Sun Colonnade was described as looking “neglected” and “dirty” in a recent public letter by local resident, Valerie Cooke, who also cited litter covering the footway, damaged wood coverings and gaps in the roof.

In conjunction with Friends of Valley Gardens, Tom Martin has organised the community litter pick to clean up the much-loved public space and support the local community.

Tom Martin said: “Living on Harlow Terrace, I use Valley Gardens every day; walking the dog or taking our little girl to the playground at the weekend.

"I want to make sure it continues to thrive for the benefit of the local community and visitors to Harrogate.

“I’d like to thank Valerie Cooke for taking the time to raise this issue and the Friends of Valley Gardens for helping me to arrange the community litter pick.”

The community litter pick will take place at 10am on Wednesday, April 1, meeting at the Sun Pavillion and Sun Colonnade.

Anybody is welcome to attend the event and litter grabbers and rubbish bags will be provided.

The by-election for the Valley Gardens ward follows the decision by Lib Dem Edward Metcalfe to step down following a move out of Harrogate for a new job opportunity.

Harrogate Town Council was officially established on April 1, 2025.

The first elections for the new council took place on May 1, 2025, to serve the unparished areas of the town following local government reorganisation and the abolition of the former Harrogate Borough Council.

The turnout in last year’s Harrogate Town Council elections for the Valley Gardens ward was 35%.

Valley Gardens by-election candidates in full

Nat SLATER – Liberal Democrats

Thomas James MARTIN – The Conservative Party

Alex IRELAND – Green Party

Tracey Joan DE WET – Reform UK