Appendix Question 12 – Free Text Agree with the criteria 1 If you could generate an atmosphere where people think - "What's on at the Stray in the next couple of weeks?" it could make the summer season very attractive. Get the Harrogate Festivals team on it. Make it a focal point, it could be our Central Park, but at the moment it is so big and empty, you feel intimidated waking on it. Don't ever let it be reduced or built on, but for goodness sake let's use what we have. 2 The use of the Stray should be managed by the Council who need to be overseen by "governors". The Council mustn't be allowed to act without restrictions. 3 Limit the change to a 5 year trial. If it works extend the time, if too many complaints or anti social issues, then revert back to the original Act . 4 I feel that providng procedures and policies are in place to charge a fee for recovery and maintenace of the stray area used by events and this money is used to preserve the stray why cant events take place? 5 It is wonderful to have the Stray on our doorstep but there needs to be common sense applied as to its use. The vast majority of the space isn't well used on a consistent basis, however the footways that navigate are. I do believe any events should ensure that footways around the perimeter of the Stray are open for walkers and runners. People need to realise that Local Authorities don't have an endless supply of resources available and events like this can help contribute to ensuring that Harrogate is a place that people continue to want to visit and live. 6 Greater use of the Stray is long overdue, subject to appropriate safeguards, which I'm sure the Duchy and Council would happily oversee 7 Balance and coordination is key. Balance because there will be impacts resulting from any change. Coordination, because the council should not consider events in isolation. The Stray provides us with a massive opportunity to deliver safe cycling provision off of roads. The Stray is a large area and having blanket restrictions is not appropriate, for example, the bonfire only impacts a very small area, as does the Christmas Market. Restrictions could be managed by area (e.g. east, west and centre Stray) with each area having a restriction. Impacts from the use of the Stray are a function of scale and duration. To take both scale and duration into account restrictions could be defined in day-area units (dm2). This would enable small community events to take place and not significantly eat into usage limits so that larger events can still take place. 8 The stray is a wonderful resource. I would like to see it used more often, as long as it is properly controlled. 9 Whilst relaxation of the current restrictions is desirable, new restrictions and regulations would need to be strictly enforced. It would be possible to have two smaller events on at the same time. More events should lead to more visitors to the town which can only be beneficial. The use of park and ride would help reduce traffic and parking problems. 10 Please keep the balance for local residents. I like in hearing distance of the Stray and accept the noise so long as it is controlled and not too frequent. Free for all and a wonderful resource is how I want the Stray to remain. 11 Protect Harrogate; Protect grass, flowers and beuaty; Manage traffic; When doing an event increase size but not as often. 12 There should be more days throughout the entire year in which no events take place, than the number of days on which an event is occurring. Access for local people and communities for "recreation" should remain the primary purpose of the Stray. The park-runners, footballers, dog-walkers, picnickers, boot-campers and so on are as much part of the life of the Stray as events. I think that events should be aligned with the "brand" of the Stray and Harrogate. I would not like to see events with a purely commercial purpose hosted on the Stray. I'd prefer to have the space used for national celebrations, cultural and sporting events. If the council generates income from provision of the Stray to other organisations I'd like to see that income invested in more areas being managed for conservation. My final point is that events generate people and traffic and perhaps it's time for a more structured park-and-ride service, to reduce congestion. 13 After any event all reinstatement costs should be borne by the organisers and not the public nor should Council Tax be increased to accommodate events. 14 *Not to impete to much on day to day life. 15 If the people of Harrogate are happy for change, then so am I. 16 its should be used more but not over development and ruined in the process 17 In favour of larger events but limited as the infrastructure is not designed for major disruption - effects people's daily pattern 18 On map I have marked ABCD - all areas I consider perfect for events. Even if a large event was held each month - 90 days, each area would only need to be used 3 times a year. The other areas would be available for recreation - about 3/4 of the Stray. 19 Whilst we all agree the Stray is a lovely green space that adds to the town, and should never be built on. The use of it more is a positive move that can only add to the town, lets face it.... it's only grass! and for all those who go on about the turf being spoilt... it can be replaced. The enjoyment, jobs and money it can generate has to be a good thing. 20 The Stray must be kept in a pristine condition for the benefit of all. At the same time events bring money into the town and interesting events like the tour de france. I would be content to see some limited increase in use of the Stray as long as we don't see it being turned into a venue for pop concerts and the like. 21 Just that the careful usage of it can only be good for Harrogate and the surrounding area. Any increase in its use must be carefully monitored by a small Committee with common sense. 22 The current restrictions should be amended only to obviate the need for supplemental acts of Parliament for large events and to allow for a small number only of additional small events. The use restrictions should remain largely confined to existing uses with such amendments only to allow a small number of further events outside the existing ones. 23 If the Council get this amendment then a separate Committee would be required to manage these events. 24 A safeguard must be in place to ensure the grass is protected, if there is a risk of it becoming a mud bath, hard standing must be in place. The Stray must quickly be returned to normal and not suffer weeks of repair work following an event. 25 I will keep an open mind on the Council's ideas until more detail proposals are put forward. The amendments should be time limited not set in stone. I suggest the amendments if agreed by the public should be renewed every 5 years if the public agrees this. So that if the Stray is being exploited and damaged by these events then the amendments can be withdrawn. 26 I would not want events on the stray every weekend and VERY careful vetting of the events allowed. The Stray is a very special jewel in Harrogate's crown and many tourists come to enjoy the tranquillity it affords this amazing town. It must be managed extremely carefully if any extension of the Stray Act is to be a benefit to the town and its inhabitants. 27 There needs to be a sensible balance struck in providing an open and free recreational space for Harrogate residents (most of us do not have gardens) and providing opportunities for community events. The former should take precedence and is in line with the spirit of the Act, the latter does provide opportunities for greater community integration Any relaxation of the Act should maintain the principle of all events being open to everyone - this should not be used as an opportunity for private interests to run private events 28 In general I support an extension to the events on the Stray - but to a modest extent, and considering the impact on residents. 29 Keep to a manageable amount of events. 30 Controls have to be included so that the Council can be held to account. 31 I agree the Tour of Britain has great interest nationally. However our open mountainous spaces are less than the French alps even so all the starts have to be staggered and the adjustments made once the "gate" is opened there will be no turning back. Respect and protect what we have. I can understand the frustrations of reapplying to Parliament. I would suggest a special in perpetuity amendment be applied for on such as Tour de Britain/France when this occurs, after all Parliament is elected "by the people for the people". That is not to say a single exception should be precendent. I may have "one foot in the grave" but I am not a "kill" joy.