Support for one of the district's most popular beauty spots continues to grow

The Lions have made a £500 donation after reading the appeal backed by the Gazette for readers to help save the steps, which have been eroded by floodwater.

President of Ripon Lions Club Eric Clark, said; “We support any good causes in our city and we have been reading the articles in the Gazette for a couple of weeks now so we thought it was time for us to get involved and help in some way.

“The Fairy Steps are a lovely beauty spot and I’ve liked them since I was a boy, I used to go and play up the steps and sometimes go out to Fountains.

“All of the local schools used to take their children to the steps, and it would be great to encourage them to get involved in helping this appeal too.

“I hope some local businesses in Ripon and other local organisations join us in supporting the steps. I remember them being repaired some years ago and I understand that their state is getting that way again.

“Hopefully we can do something about it and band together.”

The campaign started when Ripon City Councillor Stuart Martin was contacted by a resident who raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Fairy Steps near the Rustic Bridge, and has since worked with the ranger and officers at Harrogate Borough Council to explore ways of preserving them.

Coun Martin appealed to Gazette readers to get in touch and share anything they know about the steps in order to prepare a funding bid, whilst also welcoming any suggestions, advice and offers of help with the restoration.

Coun Stuart Martin said: “I am delighted that Ripon Lions have got involved and supported the restoration. I hope that support for the restoration will continue to build.”

Plans to set up a ‘friends of the Fairy Steps’ group are also being discussed.

Can you help to save the Fairy Steps? Call Stuart Martin on 07811 390448 or email: [email protected]