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May 2020

Coronavirus

Community invited to share NHS support on Harlow Hill railings

Published: 2 May 2020, 16:39 BST

by Vicky Carr

Members of the community on Harlow Hill are already contributing their own ribbons to the display, created by Andrew High. He said it's an opportunity for local people to unite in thanks for the NHS.

The hard work of NHS staff is being recognised with a piece of community artwork on Otley Road in Harrogate.

Railings at the junction with Harlow Moor Road have been decorated with blue ribbons, a yellow heart and the letters NHS in tribute to those saving lives around the country.

Andrew High, who put the ribbons onto the railings, said he wants members of the community to add their own decorations too. He said:

"If you've got family who have been treated, or people you know who work for the NHS, it doesn't matter. In your own little way, just attach your bit of string or ribbon - whatever you have to hand.

"It will be nice to see more ribbons attached to it so we feel part of something. There are a few more slowly appearing."

Andrew was also the mastermind behind the decorations put up on Otley Road for the UCI Road World Championships last year. A member of the congregation at Harlow Hill Methodist Church, which was open every day for the community to gather and watch the cycling, he wanted to draw attention to the stretch of road which was a prominent feature in the racing routes throughout the week.

As well as the UCi colours in ribbons around the trees and benches, Andrew put lettering on the railings at the junction spelling out "Harlow Hill", "Welcome" and "Yorkshire". He said:

"I had planned this year to do the Olympic rings and every time someone from Yorkshire got a medal, I was going to put a gold, silver or bronze medal on with their name on. Of course, that hasn't happened.

I thought it would be nice for the NHS to go up and people to add their own little bits. After the UCI, there was a nice feeling among the hill that we had joined together. That was an enjoyable experience. This isn't, but it is nice to know we're a community and people are thinking of and looking out for each other."