Town council passes no-confidence motion in North Yorkshire Council

The vote was taken by Knaresborough Town Council after a debate in which members claimed the unitary authority was guilty of “systemic neglect and central apathy” over its handling of services in the town.

Councillors raised various issues at the meeting on Monday, ranging from the management of historic sites to the maintenance of a public paddling pool and grass cutting.

The issues included:

• Maintenance and investment at local sites such as Knaresborough House and Knaresborough Castle
• Infrastructure problems including concerns over Viaduct Terrace and the condition of historic cobbled streets
• The closure of the town’s paddling pool and the condition of public toilets at Waterside
• Traffic congestion and parking issues on the High Street, alongside concerns over signage and tourism support

The motion was tabled by Councillor Matt Walker and seconded by Councillor Hannah Gostlow, both Liberal Democrats.

It was backed by all but one councillor in the chamber.

Cllr Walker said the vote sent an “incredibly powerful message” to the council’s headquarters in Northallerton.

“Knaresborough is standing together, and we have had enough,” he added.

Knaresborough Castle: Photo: David Dixon/Geograph Britain and Ireland. Licensed for use under Creative Commons.

“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 town council wanted to hold talks with North Yorkshire Council over a devolution deal to take responsibility for the services and property it runs in the town.

She added: ​“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.

“We believe local decisions are often best made by those who know the town and its needs most closely.”

The town council said it would now formally submit the declaration of no confidence to the leadership of North Yorkshire Council, alongside a demand for an immediate capital investment package and the commencement of local devolution talks.

In response, the leader of the Conservative-controlled authority, Councillor Car Les, said: “I can confirm we have received this from Knaresborough Town Council and while disappointed to receive it, we will be very willing to have a meeting with them at the earliest opportunity to discuss this.”