This is why lots of scarecrows have appeared on the Stray in Harrogate

What Harrogate politicians say about July 4 reopening of bars, cafes and restaurants

The figures have been made with help from a number Harrogate primary schools in a bid to keep birds away from the newly-seeded grass and placed along the Stray at West Park.

Schools including Coppice Valley, Rossett Acre, Woodfield, Belmont Grosvenor, Killinghall, Oatlands Junior, Pannal and Starbeck were involved in the project.

Ben Grabham, Director of Services at the Borough Council, explained the scarecrow situation in a video on social media.

He said: "It's a really big thank you to all of the children, parents, grandparents and teachers who have helped to make the scarecrows and they will be on display across the Stray and obviously prevent birds eating any of the seed."

He confirmed that the West Park Stray will be closed for the next four weeks to allow the seed to germinate and allow repair works to begin on the footpaths which go across the grass.

Drainage works have already been completed and Mr Grabham said 26 new trees will be planted during the autumn/winter period to replace the 14 dead trees which were removed earlier this year.

Mobile testing for coronavirus in Harrogate on Wednesday

He added: "A big thank you to everybody for their patience and understanding whilst these works have been undertaken. As I say, there will be disruption for a few more weeks but the end results will be worth it."

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