Pannal and the Crimple Valley Part 2

 Since I wrote in my blog that I wanted the Crimple Valley to be a Country Park in keeping with Bilton which has Knox Country Park and Jennyfield which has Killinghall Country Park the idea seems to have taken off. I emailed our Councillors both HBC and NYCC. I also wrote to Our MP Andrew Jones who sent a very encouraging letter to me saying "This particular year has highlighted the importance of green spaces for many people across the country and I would like to see green areas protected.In the first instance I have contacted Mr 

Wallace Sampson OBE Chief Executive, Harrogate Borough Council to bring the matter to his attention and ask if Harrogate Borough Council, as land owners, would be in favour of the land being designated as a Country Park". 

Harrogate Borough Council have an appalling record in regards to the Crimple Valley. The land this side of the A61 Leeds Road they wanted to put a gypsy site there. Was this a red herring as their next plan was to build houses. Was this so that they thought the gullible people of Pannal would say oh well that is better than a gypsy site but they were wrong we are not gullible we are astute and knew what they were up to and their plan was defeated. Unfortunately the land the other side of the A61 Leeds Road we have lost to light industry. Goodness me I have lived here so long and been involved in local politics by being Chairman of the Harrogate Civic Society and attending all the council meetings and watching what happens. One time I was nearly thrown out of the Chamber for objecting forcefully to their plan to demolish the Sun Pavilion in the Valley Gardens and build a car park. I formed the Friends of the Valley Gardens and we won.

I have stated to all concerned we re not asking for money so don't come up with the excuse "we are cash strapped" I am just wanting the Crimple Valley to be designated as a Country Park as I feel that if the footpath was to be upgraded Pannal would find the money.We have enough development going on in the village for the developers to help.  Sandy Bank Quarry is safe "for the moment" as I had a SINC put on it but I am keeping my eye on it as "you never know".

I have been joined by our MP, a leading Barrister, Save Crimple Valley and a lady from Burn Bridge called Ethne Bartup who all think this should happen: Crimple Valley be designated a Country Park. In the spring it is a delight with all the wild flowers and the May blossom on the bushes. It was even more of a delight before it was ploughed up as there was a mass of wild flowers with lots of purple orchids. Which in some parts of Yorkshire is treasured. 

Have I written this blog as a rant or with sadness. The latter I think but also with optimism as this can be achieved. 

I would like to wish you all a Christmas as good as you can make it. It will certainly be different but we all have hope for 2021. My book on Pannal and Burn Bridge Past and Present will be out. Spring will come the daffodils will be out, the sun will be warmer.WE HAVE HOPE.