Vanishing youngsters at core of town's economic strategy

The five-year Harrogate Borough Council district strategy, the first blueprint of its kind to preserve the district's economy was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the Council's cabinet last night.

The strategy will focus on promoting the 9,000 businesses across the district which are responsible for about 87,000 jobs, as well as campaigning for better regional and national transport links.

It also sets out to stem the flow of talented 18 to 29-year-olds from Harrogate, regarded as a major threat to the town's future economy.

Currently more than 70 per cent of teenagers leave the town at 18 to go into higher education – and most never return.

But the strategy pledges to forge closer links between the Council, colleges and higher education authorities across the region to help keep young talent in the town.

It also identifies promoting the Council-run Harrogate International Centre, which employs 5,000 people and attracts 350,000 business visitors a year, as key to the district's future.

Councillor Andrew Jones, cabinet member for resources on Harrogate Borough Council, said: "We are a prosperous area and it is vital that we maintain that prosperity.

"The strategy will help us to focus our aims and support businesses which are starting up as well as encouraging the diversity of businesses in the area.

"Campaigning for better transport links, creating opportunities for young people, and attracting even more business visitors and tourists will have a really positive effect on Harrogate and the surrounding district."

Brian Dunsby, chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce welcomed the strategy.

He said: "We are delighted to see the new strategy being brought in and it addresses the needs of the town as well as safeguarding its future.

"This renewed focus on the need to invest in infrastructure, embrace innovation and enterprise whilst protecting the excellent working environment in the district is excellent news."