29 May 2008:
Harrogate Borough Council has this week agreed to suspend car parking charges in Ripon City over two special weekends this summer.
The Ripon Independent Traders' Association approached the borough council for its support because of disruption that is being caused during the multi million pound re-development west of the Market Place and which is creating some pressure on local trade.
Car parking charges will be waived over the weekend of 5 and 6 July, which is the Discover Ripon and Ripon Independent Traders' Special Market weekend, and on St Wilfrid's day on 2 August.
Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning who approved the suspension of charges for these special events, said:
"Ripon is no doubt undergoing a key re-development and, of course, this is going to bring many benefits to the City.
However, the borough council is very sympathetic to the problems that the City is facing during the works, particularly small businesses who are seeing a downturn in trade.
"We do hope that this gives a very clear message to anyone proposing to visit Ripon.
The City is open and ready to welcome visitors as always."
It is understood that the Ripon Independent Traders' Association has also approached the highway authority, North Yorkshire County Council, for their support over these weekends.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Don Mackenzie is available for comment on 01423 872211 or 07957 304109.
Further technical information is available from John Burton, Head of Transport on 01423 556606.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The re-development plans include:
- A food supermarket for Booths Supermarkets (gross ground floor area of approximately 20,000 sq ft/ 1,858 sq m) including a first floor area, part of which will provide space for the supermarket and part of which will be separately accessed for use as offices, leisure or other commercial use or as a community facility
- Three additional shop units (with a total gross ground floor area of approximately 11,700 sq ft/ 1,086 sq m) adjoining the southern side of the supermarket
- A car park providing approximately 180 car parking spaces
- 21 apartments adjoining the north side of the King William public house fronting onto Blossomgate and the new road, with private space at the rear and car parking beneath the supermarket
A revised access off Blossomgate for servicing the supermarket and adjoining shops as well as existing properties adjoining the south side of the development.