CABMEN'S SHELTER SET FOR RESTORATION

News at last that the Cabmen's Shelter in the Market Square is to be restored. We are told that it will leave the Square in October and return early next year. The work is in part being paid for by a grant from Harrogate Borough Council. The grant would not have been available had the shelter not been made a listed building at the request of the Civic Society, against the wishes of the City Council. We look forward to its return, in pristine condition. We also urge the council to put a regular scheme of inspection and maintenance in place, so that it never gets into so parlous a state again.

AWARDS CEREMONY

Plans are well underway to give out the 'glittering prizes' that are Ripon Civic Society's Awards. The Awards ceremony takes place at the Spa Hotel on Thursday 7 October. Come along and see who's won what! The evening begins with a win reception at 7.00pm and the ceremony begins at 7.30pm. We'd be pleased to see you there.

NO GAZETTE COLUMN THIS WEEK

We've just heard that there will be no Civic Society column in this week's Ripon Gazette. This seems to be because there has been a sub-editing problem, which has resulted not only in the loss of the column but of other news and pictures, too. Given that Ripon news is always at a premium in the newspaper (though there's always room for Harrogate news . . .) this seems a great pity.

The column will (probably) appear on 6 August.

BANDSTAND POWER SUPPLY

The Yorkshire post has a story about the proposed supply to the bandstand inthe Spa Gardens. It mentions that Ripo Civic Society has welcomed the move in princile, but that we have 'voiced concerns over the impact the current proposals will have.'

This is what we wrote to Harrogate Council about the proposal:

'Ripon Civic Society has considered the plans for the proposed electricity supply to the Bandstand in the Spa Gardens, which is a Listed Building. We support the idea of an electricity supply to the Bandstand but are unhappy with this proposal.

'The drawings show a 400 x 400mm box, but the accompanying Fortress Range brochure does not include this size, the nearest is 636 x 400 x 180mm. The proposed box is very utilitarian, and is to be painted black. Access will no doubt be required so it cannot be screened in the flower beds, and it may need a small path or paving in front. The exact location adjacent to the Bandstand is not identified on the plans.

'We would suggest that, if the base of the Bandstand is hollow, could the electrics not be housed inside beneath the floor, with a simple lift up lid in the floor for access?

'We feel that there is insufficient information on the current proposal and, while supporting the principle of an electricity supply, we are not able to support this application as it stands.'

We await the descion of the Council, which is due on Tuesday 3 August.

RIPON CIVIC SOCIETY

http://www.riponcivicsociety.org.uk/

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