Consultation begins on use of the Stray for 2017 Tour spectator hub

The Stray in Harrogate which was a focal point for many on Stage 1 of the Tour de France between Leeds and Harrogate in 2015. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

As in 2014, when the town hosted the Tour de France Stage One finish, Harrogate Borough Council has applied to the Secretary of State for Communities to apply for the temporary relaxation of some sections of the Stray Act to allow for the accommodation of support and media vehicles and a spectator hub during the weekend of April 28 to 30 2017, and the days preceding and after the event.

The council said it expects that the area of the West Park Stray bordering the A61 will be used, while a small area on the corner of Oatlands Drive and Knaresborough Road may needed for overflow parking.

Director of economy and culture at Harrogate Council Nigel Avison said: “As custodians of the Stray, we will be working with highly respected organisations such as the Stray Defence Association, to ensure the land will be well looked after and will be fully reinstated after the Tour has taken place.

“We received high praise for the way in which the Stray was restored quickly after the Tour de France moved on.”

Details of the consultation can be found on the DCLG website.

With less than a month to go until this year’s race, disabled spectators are being invited to apply for tickets for an accessible viewing area in Settle.

Stage One of the Tour finishes in Settle on Friday April 29, and there will be space for ten disabled spectators and their carers in the special area.

Those requesting spaces will need to prove eligibility.

Applications must be received by April 22 and tickets will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Visit www.cravendc.gov.uk/tdy for details.