New video shows scale of Stray repairs needed in Harrogate

For anyone who hasn't seen the Stray at West Park in Harrogate recently, an amazing new video shot by the Harrogate Advertiser shows the full scale of the damage and the work to be done.
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Throughout the recent dark days for the devastated and water-logged Stray at West Park, The Stray Defence Association has been liaising with all the relevant organisations involved to achieve a successful outcome to the current situation.

These volunteer guardians says they know just how difficult the task of restoring the parkland is for the relevant officers of Harrogate Borough council in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

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In an attempt to turn a negative situation into something positive, the SDA has raised a new proposal - that a community bulb planting project should be carried out to restore the area’s floral glory.

Some of the fencing round the ravaged Stray starting to come down.Some of the fencing round the ravaged Stray starting to come down.
Some of the fencing round the ravaged Stray starting to come down.

Such is the scale of the West Park Stray’s problems, this is unlikely to be achieved before next autumn.

Judy D’Arcy Thompson, the SDA’s chairman said: “Harrogate Borough Council has already agreed to it, and the SDA has approached the Rotary Club, Dementia Forward and Marie Curie with a view to using the occasion to highlight their work for charities, too.

“However, such is the state of the West Park Stray that this has been put ‘on hold’ until September 2020, when it is hope that the bulb planting can go ahead and combined with another event on the Stray.”

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Under fire from some residents who loved the UCI cycling championships, the SDA has also taken the time to spell out its philosophy.

“Harrogate treasures its Stray for its beauty, sense of peace and tranquillity as well as its vital environmental role as a green lung in the heart of the town, a natural benefit promoting wellbeing.

“Everyone can use the Stray, and each has their own individual way of doing so.

“The Stray Defence Association works to ensure that people do respect it and can access and enjoy these benefits for centuries yet to come.

“Holding events is a wonderful part of enjoying our Stray.

“However, we believe that any such events should have a ‘soft footprint’ on the Stray.”