Public paths finally reopen on Stray at West Park in Harrogate

The grass may be damaged and the mud still there in spades (check out our video which shows its extent in graphic detail) and the tall perimeter fencing still in place round the whole area but a gap has been created for the public footpaths.

However, pedestrians cannot walk onto the actual Stray and new shorter orange plastic fencing has been erected either side of the paths while Harrogate Borough Council gets to grips with the huge task of restoring the Stray after the havoc created by a combination of hosting events in the Fan Zone during the UCI world cycling championships in September and the wettest weather for decades.

It's the latest signs of normality starting to return to the Stray at West Park as the council steps up its efforts after UCI organisers handed the site back.

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But the council is having to tread carefully to prevent any further damage.

To this end, they have put up signs warning people not to step on to the actual grass.

Recent weeks have seen the council working closely with an agronomy specialist to develop its plans for reinstating the grassy parkland.

Looking to the future health of the Stray, Harrogate Borough Council is also aiming to improve drainage on the land at West Park.

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