GUARDIANS of a 50-acre woodland, whose high-profile campaign secured it Town Green status, have been praised by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis for their efforts.
Mr Willis was speaking at the annual pre-Christmas gathering of the Harrogate-based Hookstone and Crimple Wood Preservation Group, formed in 1996 to prevent an infill application at the woods.
Mr Willis said gaining proper protection for the woodland was a tremendous achievement in an important part of the countryside within the town. The MP said the group's determination to succeed and their efforts had been a classic example to others.
Group chairman Ian Croft said although there was no immediate threat to the woodland the aim was to be ever-alert.
He said: "We have no idea where any new threat might come from, but feel it is important to keep our group active by maintaining a healthy membership and a regular programme of events."
Hookstone Wood, part of a nature reserve, forms a gateway to Crimple and Bathing Well Woods and the Crimple Valley. The group secured Town Green status for Hookstone Wood last year, protecting its future from development or encroachment, giving unrestricted public access.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article