2 AUGUST 2006 With cars, boats, planes and trains, we often know more about far flung places than we do about our home area.  But things are set to change in the ancient city of Ripon as Ripon City Partnership hosts its inaugural 'Discover Ripon Day on Sunday, 20 August.  And what's more, Harrogate Borough Council is supporting the partnership on this special day by offering a full day of free parking in the city centre.

 

At last night's meeting of the Ripon City Partnership, Council Leader, Mike Gardner, who is also a Director of the Board of the Ripon City Partnership, confirmed the council's decision.  He said:  "Ripon has so much to offer, indeed we are confident in saying that its close rival the city of York had better watch out.  I thought I knew Ripon but I am finding out more and more about its ancient charms and I want to help local people do the same.

 

"Millions of pounds of have been poured into Ripon, whether from Harrogate Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Heritage Lottery, Yorkshire Forward or local businesses.  The waterside is spectacular and there is so much going on it is difficult to know what to mention first.  But perhaps I don't need to.  Let this special event take care of that.  We do hope that this special event will become an annual feature in the city.

 

As well as something of fun for all the family, the Partnership will be unveiling its full plans in the coming weeks.  These include a walking trail around the city, which will take in commercial and historic points of interest.  This will open up more opportunities for leisure pastimes as well as letting residents know the full extent of the commercial outlets available in the city.  ENDS