Knaresborough Town Council Passes Vote of No Confidence in North Yorkshire Council Over ‘Systemic Neglect’

Knaresborough Town Council has overwhelmingly voted to declare no confidence in North Yorkshire Council, accusing the authority of failing to maintain key services, historic landmarks and public facilities across the town.

The motion, backed by all but one councillor, follows growing frustration over the condition of local assets including Knaresborough Castle, Knaresborough House, the town’s paddling pool, public toilets and historic cobbled streets.

Councillors claimed that the creation of the unitary North Yorkshire Council has left Knaresborough overlooked, with decisions increasingly being made from Northallerton rather than by local representatives.

The strongly worded motion describes what councillors called “persistent and systemic neglect” of the town’s infrastructure, heritage and public amenities.

Concerns Over Castle, Paddling Pool and Public Toilets

During Monday’s meeting, councillors highlighted a range of issues affecting residents and visitors, including:

• The condition of Knaresborough Castle and Knaresborough House.
• Structural concerns at Viaduct Terrace.
• The closure of the popular paddling pool.
• Poorly maintained public toilets at Waterside.
• Missing and damaged historic setts in the town centre.
• Traffic congestion and illegal parking on the High Street.
• Inadequate signage and visitor information.

The council warned that continued deterioration risks damaging both the town’s heritage and its reputation as one of North Yorkshire’s most popular visitor destinations.

Calls for Greater Local Control

The motion, proposed by Councillor Matt Walker and seconded by Councillor Hannah Gostlow, also calls for discussions on a devolution agreement that could transfer responsibility for local services and assets from North Yorkshire Council to Knaresborough Town Council.

Councillors argue that decisions affecting the town should be made closer to the community and accompanied by the funding needed to maintain local facilities properly.

The council is also demanding a significant investment package to fund repairs and improvements to key sites including Knaresborough Castle, Knaresborough House, Viaduct Terrace, public conveniences, the paddling pool and town centre infrastructure.

‘North Yorkshire Council Simply Doesn’t Work’

Speaking after the vote, Cllr Walker said the decision reflected widespread public concern.

“We were promised that local government reorganisation would improve services. Instead, it has lived up to none of its promises. North Yorkshire Council simply doesn’t work.

“The influx of messages I received from residents ahead of this vote proves this isn’t just a political issue — it’s a community-wide crisis.”

Cllr Gostlow said the council wanted to open constructive discussions about bringing more powers back to Knaresborough.

“When councillors, across parties, unite behind a common position, it reflects widespread concern about the current situation.

“We want to see constructive discussions begin on a local devolution deal that would enable Knaresborough Town Council to take on greater responsibility for local assets and services, with the resources needed to deliver for residents.”

The vote represents one of the strongest public criticisms yet of North Yorkshire Council by a town council since local government reorganisation created the unitary authority in 2023.