Water carry on

Yet, despite receiving no complaints, visitors are no longer allowed to taste the special water because it is said to breach EU legislation.

Even though the water has always had a strong-smelling odour, and has been sampled by visitors as part of a one-off historical experience rather than daily consumption, the presence of sulphur means the museum’s supply has had to be cut off until safety concerns have been reconciled.

Matters will, thankfully, come to a head this Wednesday when Harrogate Council discusses the issue – one option is to erect a sign telling tourists that the water is for smelling and not drinking.

But, rather than hold the meeting behind closed doors, it should be held in the public – so taxpayers can better understand the EU’s interfering nature and how its inflexibility is now threatening a cherished tourist attraction.