Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

S Club

Reach

Listen Live Podcasts

Councillors back creation of Harrogate Town Council

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 15:40

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors have approved final recommendations for the long-awaited creation of a Harrogate Town Council.

At a meeting in Northallerton today, they agreed on how many members will sit on the town council and when it will be formed.

The new parish of Harrogate will come into effect on April 1 2025 with the first elections taking place a month later.

There will be 19 councillors on the town council who will each represent wards previously used by the defunct Harrogate Borough Council such as Saltergate, Coppice Valley and Valley Gardens.

Just 300 people responded to the third round of public consultation about the town council with 71% backing single councillor wards.

Cllr Michael Harrison (Conservative, Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate) said the low response rate shows that the public is comfortable leaving it up to elected officials to decide what happens next.

The town council was set to be created this year until it was delayed as councillors asked to redraw the ward boundaries.

Cllr Peter Lacey (Liberal Democrat, Coppice Valley & Duchy) said the delay had been a disappointment for the people of Harrogate.

He added:

“It’s taken a year longer than it should have. Hopefully, we can move forward quickly with proper local representation.”

With the wards set to mirror those previously used by the now-abolished Harrogate Borough Council, Cllr Paul Haslam (Independent, Bilton & Nidd Gorge) said it could look like HBC is being reinstated, which may be confusing for residents.

There is now less than a year until elections take place but still there are no concrete indications as to what services the town council might provide.

It’s been suggested that residents will pay an additional £40-£60 on top of their annual council tax bill to pay for the running of the council.

More from Local News

Light up a Life service returns to children's hospice

People from across the Harrogate district are being invited to join Martin House Children’s Hospice for its Light up a Life service next month.
Ripon Food and Gift Fair to return tomorrow

Ripon’s annual Christmas Food and Gift Fair returns to the city's cathedral tomorrow (Friday).
Roads around Ripon market square to reopen following resurfacing

The roads around Ripon's Market Square are reopening today (Thursday) following resurfacing work.
Italian restaurant in Harrogate named among UK's top 100

An Italian restaurant in Harrogate town centre has been named among the best in the UK.
Trains struck 97 objects in past year – with some items 'deliberately' placed on tracks

Northern services across the North struck 97 objects in the past year, with some items 'deliberately' placed on the track.
Ripon businesses set to host late night shopping event

A number of businesses across Ripon are hosting a late night shopping event next week.
Harrogate woman with MND creates charity recipe calendar

A Harrogate resident living with motor neurone disease (MND) has created a recipe calendar to fundraise for charity.
How Harrogate health and wellbeing services have helped transform lives

Customers of one of Harrogate's three community-based leisure hubs have spoken of the diverse range of classes which are helping their health and wellbeing.
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival to return to Ripley for sixth year

The ever-popular Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will be returning to Ripley for a sixth year, organisers have confirmed.
New denture clinic opens in Harrogate

A new denture clinic has opened on Otley Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate groups granted share of Harrogate Rotary legacy fund

Charities and community groups from across the Harrogate district have been awarded a series of grants as part of the Brigantes Rotary Legacy Fund.
Harrogate Neighbours annual ball raises over £19,000

Harrogate Neighbours has raised thousands of pounds following its seventh annual charity ball.
Harrogate street rangers cover 5,000 square metres with deep cleans

Harrogate BID's street rangers have now deep cleaned more than 5,000 square metres of the town as part of their mission to keep it "safe, clean and welcoming for all."
Former Harrogate teacher to officiate student's big day

A former St Aidan's teacher is set to take on a unique role in the life of one of her past pupils - not as an educator, but as the celebrant for their wedding.
Lauren Doherty educates pupils on road safety as part of national campaign

Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty BEM BCAv has been sharing her road safety message with local pupils as part of Brake's National Road Safety Week.
Harrogate's Rachel Daly scores 50th goal for Aston Villa

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly has reached a major goalscoring milestone after scoring her 50th goal for Aston Villa Women.
Ready, Steady, Cook competition raises £6,000 for children’s cancer

A Ready Steady Cook-themed competition has raised more than £6,150 for a children’s cancer charity.
Police search for man following shop theft in Bilton

Police have issued CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to following a shop theft in Harrogate.
Harrogate hotel's loos inspire artists' exhibition

An exciting new exhibition which flushes away the norms of traditional art is being showcased in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP opens 2,500th case since taking office

Local MP Tom Gordon has reached a major milestone just four months after taking office.