Whatever the decision on its bottling plant Harrogate Spring Water must remember its responsibility to the town and its people

The company’s proposal to increase the size of its plant on Harlow Moor Road into an area of community woodland has led to the likes of the Rotary Club of Harrogate, Harrogate Civic Society, the Ramblers Association, the Pinewoods Conservation Group and the Save Rotary Wood Group raising concerns.

With councillors looking at approving plans today, it is important for the owners of Harrogate Spring Water to remember the responsibility that they have towards the people of Harrogate, Harrogate’s standing as a spa town and the wider region of Yorkshire.

Harrogate as a spa town and its spring water are bywords for excellence and quality. Any business that bears the name must remember the obligation it has to the local community.

The fact that both Dame Joanna Lumley and Dame Judi Dench have called for North Yorkshire councillors not to back the plans, shows the strength of feelings towards the loss of community woodland. Especially as the trees were planted by children.

Councillors find themselves in an invidious position. On the one hand Harrogate Spring Water is an undoubted success story. The company is not only a key employer in the region, it says the expansion will create 50 new jobs, it is also a key player in the supply chain.

Harrogate Spring Water also gives the region an ambassadorial soft power. The success of Harrogate Spring Water is to be celebrated.

Locally elected councillors have a duty to their local communities and must make decisions on the basis of their primary concerns.

Whatever the outcome of the vote, Harrogate Spring Water will have to rebuild bridges with the local community.