Fresh row in Harrogate over UCI Road Worlds graffiti and bill to repair 'devastated' Stray

I guess, like many, I would love cycling events to come to my home town much more.

When I ride roads that have been graffiti-ed (?) I find it inspiring, even if it's a faded and slightly hopeful "Go Cav" up a climb. Dangerous? My arse. Given that so many drivers can't notice a painted bike lane, does Mrs van de tramp really think they'll be led to perfidious ends by GO markings?

Actually I hope another event goes to Harrogate ASAP, and some really naughty graffiti goes on the road.

Please dont think we are all like this in Harrogate!

The event was a magnificent showcase for our town, despite the weather.   The vast majority of residents enjoyed having the international vistors milling around (the Belgians were a joy!) and the pubs, hotels, cafes and restaurants were heaving (at least those that made an effort!).

Unfortunately, our local rag is a vehicle for the elderly residents of the town to vent their failing spleens - a sad platform for the disaffected, bored and dying to complain about younger people enjoying themselves, or having any sense of community.  For the Harrogate Advertiser, Judy Arsey Thompson is a go-to rent-a-quote for all ocaasions.  She is permanently appalled, furious, disgusted and "calling for" something to be done.  Nobody has voted for her.  She is utterly unaccountable.  And represents nobody, other than her own narrow self-interest.  But the Advertiser lap her up - it beats having to do actual journalism.

This "graffiti scandal" is just the latest way for her to get her name in lights, and to drag the name of the town further into the gutter.

Please do not fall for it.  Harrogate residents are mostly nice, open welcoming people.  Most of us like the street graffiti.  We live in a lovely town, and have some fantastic cycling country just minutes away.  Please come and see us - maybe in spring once the grass has grown back!

Overspend and yet I bet the event brought in multiple times more than that in revenue plus future visits from tourists. Typical ignorant impatient types, how much would they be using the grassed areas at this time of year anyway, as above, not as if there's no other grassy areas to use. If it's still in a state and not recovering as expected by spring then do what's needed and have a plan of action of how to ensure it does recover properly as elsewhere.

Storm in a D cup as usual with these people!

We have one of these associations around us that 'rail against' most things; can't they think of more positive things to put their time and energy into?  Betting they're (mostly) retired, do they need to feel important or something?  I'm sure there's some legal people doing quite well out of this.

I've been to music festivals that turn into mudbaths each year but by the next one - it's as good as ever. No Idea what they do to 'fix' the grass or even if they need to but someone could ring the Eavis' to see what they do.

Rain was torrential so Harrogate should bear some responsibility.
If they had better weather the grass would be fine.

It will probably look like that for a while, given that grass doesn't really grow at this time of year. Treat it properly over the Winter and come Spring, it will be ready to burst quite quickly back into life. 

The only way to deal with it right now would be for the whole lot to be dug over and new turf laid on top. 

OK, that is still pretty poor!  People shouldn't expect it to return to how it was before immediately, grass takes a while to grow, but it is fair for residents to expect the event organiser to ensure that it is in decent condition by the spring, including smoothing ruts and so on.

It is a mess. If I still lived there I would be pissed off tbh, despite the event which I did enjoy. Yes it WILL recover but the timescale for it will destroy any goodwill towards ever holding an event like that again (not they probably will).

People do use the Stray and although there's a lot of it to go about I think it will sour views towards cycling when it gets to spring and people are still not allowed on it.

"I don't understand why the Stray Defence Association is getting involved with what's been painted on the road. That's got nothing to do with the Stray."

Reckon a complaint about "lycra louts" "pretneding they're racing ion the world chalmpionships" will be next up

Disappointed that the articles don't feature pictures of what the Stray looks like now... any local readers?

Large areas are really muddy and the whole of West Park Stray is still fenced off. I'd like them to open the paths across it, even if they fence off the grass. As it is now, it blocks my preferred route into town (on foot).

I don't understand why the Stray Defence Association is getting involved with what's been painted on the road. That's got nothing to do with the Stray.

Judy D-apostrophe...a case of nominative determinism?

Thrilling developement as the focus shifted from muddy lawn to van der Poel stencils. #madeinharrogate

Disappointed that the articles don't feature pictures of what the Stray looks like now... any local readers?

Report a life threatening pothole and you'll wait a lifetime for action...

At least nobody drew a penis on the road?