Pete Egerton

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Calvin Harris & Rag'n'bone Man

Giant

Listen Live Podcasts

Campaign to save Knaresborough Castle reaches Parliament

Friday, 19 December 2025 11:41

A campaign to save Knaresborough Castle is gathering pace.

A campaign to 'save' Knaresborough Castle and protect and restore the site has reached Parliament.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has presented a petition to Parliament.

The much-loved landmark sits at the heart of the community, but years of neglect have taken a visible toll.

Crumbling stonework, overgrown areas and unsafe, deteriorating paths now threaten the future of the castle.

Tom’s work supports the community-led campaign run by Kathy Allday, which has already gathered more than 2,300 online signatures, as well as the efforts of Liberal Democrat councillors Matt Walker and Hannah Gostlow.

Tom said:

"Knaresborough Castle is a fantastic local landmark, but years of unacceptable neglect have left it in urgent need of care – from worn stonework to overgrown areas and unsafe, deteriorating paths.

"By handing this petition into Parliament, I am standing with the community campaign led by Kathy Allday in calling for a proper restoration plan and guaranteed funding to secure the castle’s future.

"Now is the time for the Government to step up, and for North Yorkshire Council and the Duchy of Lancaster to make restoring this much-loved site an urgent priority."

The petition calls on North Yorkshire Council, which is responsible for the castle, to work with the Duchy of Lancaster to make restoration a priority.

It urges the development of a long-term plan, backed by dedicated funding, to protect the structure, preserve its heritage and secure the site for future generations.

Hannah Gostlow added:

“This castle means so much to Knaresborough, not only as a cornerstone to our visitor economy and heritage, but as an important community asset in our daily life, where we meet with friends, walk our dogs, and celebrate events - we want it to be cared for, just as we care for it.”

More from Local News

Christmas timetable revealed for Harrogate trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Police appeal after thieves break into Harrogate flat

Police have issued an appeal to identify two people after a burglary in Harrogate.
Goldsborough Hall to feature in new boxing film

Goldsborough Hall is set to appear on the big screen as part of highly-anticipated boxing film 'Giant.'
Council offers grants for Harrogate students

Students living in the Harrogate area who are currently taking post-16 education courses for the academic year 2025-2026 are invited to apply for a small grant from a local trust.
Harrogate nursery's 12 Days of Christmas raises £1,000 for local hospice

A Harrogate nursery has raised almost £1,000 for Saint Michael's Hospice as part of its 12 Days of Christmas activities.
The draw of Harrogate: Why buyers are moving more than 60 miles to live here

Homebuyers are moving more than 60 miles to live in Harrogate, according to a new study.
Selfless Harrogate boy writes festive job letter to Santa

An 8-year-old boy from Harrogate has written a letter to Santa offering his help this Christmas.
New pilates class for beginners to launch in Harrogate

A new beginners' pilates course is set to launch in Harrogate this January, offering an introduction to mat-based pilates in a small group.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Time to abolish the House of Lords, says Harrogate MP

Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the government to abolish the House of Lords in its current form and replace it with a fully elected second chamber.
Police appeal after 'disturbance' outside Harrogate bar

Police are appealing for information about a disturbance that happened outside a pub in Harrogate last month.
Opening date revealed for Wetherby's new Wetherspoons

JD Wetherspoon has confirmed the opening date for its new pub in Wetherby.
Ripon youngsters create fabric wrapping paper to combat waste

Enterprising Ripon Grammar students concerned about the amount of wrapping we waste every Christmas have put their principles into action.
Harrogate nurse takes on double marathon challenge for pancreatic cancer

A Harrogate woman is preparing to take on a demanding double marathon challenge to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Police appeal after gel blaster gun incident in Boroughbridge

Police have launched an appeal for those affected by youths shooting a gel blaster gun in Boroughbridge to come forward.
Number of primary school children being expelled a 'shocking indictment on society'

The number of primary school children as young as five being expelled due to their behaviour is a "shocking indictment on society", say councillors.
Ashville College appoints first female Head of Prep School

A Harrogate school has strengthened its Prep School’s senior leadership team with a hat-trick of new appointments – including its first female Head.
Popular Knaresborough fish and chip shop announces closure

A popular fish and chip shop in Knaresborough has announced it will be closing its doors.
Manchester Mayor backs Harrogate MP's campaign to scrap disabled bus pass ban

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has backed a campaign launched by Harrogate’s MP that restricts bus usage for disabled people.
Harrogate bakery reveals reasons behind 'heartbreaking' closure

A popular Harrogate bakery has revealed the reasons behind the 'heartbreaking' decision to close its doors.