Plan approved to convert former Harrogate RAF club into flats

A plan to convert a former Royal Air Force club in Harrogate into flats has been approved.

The club on East Parade occupied the building between 1966 and 2022 and served to support ex-RAF servicemen and servicewomen throughout the Harrogate district.

Its members were part of the RAF Association, a registered charity that provides welfare support to the family of RAF members nationally.

Now, Harrogate Borough Council has approved a proposal by Mr Aaron Dean to convert the club into four flats following its closure last year.

The club closed after over 50 years in June 2022 due to a dwindling membership locally.

A statement from the club chairman last summer said the club was no longer viable and when sold, the proceeds would be given to the RAF Association.

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A closing party was held at the club where people made donations to obtain some of its remaining military memorabilia.

Despite closing the club, the Harrogate district branch of RAFA is continuing with its charitable endeavours and remaining members will still attend annual events such as the Battle of Britain commemorative parade at Stonefall Cemetery and Remembrance Sunday parades.

Harrogate hospital trust spends £9m on agency staff

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has spent £9 million on agency staff costs this year.

The figure covers staffing in areas such as nursing, dental and clinical support staff.

The trust set a target to spend no more than £473,000 each month on agencies — the equivalent of a maximum of £5.7 million over the year.

However, according to board papers, the trust has spent £9.8 million on agency staff – £4.1 million more than its target spend for the year.

In January alone, the hospital spent more than £1 million on agency staff.

HDFT agency staff spending per month. Table: HDFT.

HDFT agency staff spending per month. Table: HDFT.

It comes as Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds North West and the party’s shadow environment minister, described Harrogate hospital’s reliance on agencies as “a disgrace”.

He told the House of Commons last month that a constituent called Marjorie Dunn spent just over seven weeks at the hospital last year.

Mr Sobel said:

“In that time she saw NHS nurses leave the service and she was treated predominantly by agency staff — mistreated, I have to say, by agency staff. It is a disgrace.

“When she was eventually moved to a recovery hub run by Leeds City Council she got excellent treatment there.

“She had broken her pelvis and been told she would never walk again, but it was the council physiotherapist who got her up and walking again. Is it not right that we should be supporting local authorities such as Labour-run Leeds to get such facilities as well as the NHS?”

The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust for comment.

A spokesperson said previously:

“We pride ourselves on providing the best possible standards of care for our patients, wherever that care may be being delivered. On the rare occasions when this has fallen below our expectations or those of our patients, we have procedures in place to identify this and ensure we continuously improve.

“Workforce challenges in the NHS are well documented. As a trust, we monitor recruitment, retention, turnover and staff wellbeing closely and have a bank of the trust’s own nursing staff, who are available to support where we have short- term absence. These staff are familiar with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and our standards of care.

“On occasion, we do need to use the services of agencies to support nursing gaps, however we expect all staff working at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to provide the same standards of care for our patients, and we will address this if it is found not to be the case.”

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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough finance firm makes three new hires

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Knaresborough-based financial advisory firm has hired three new employees as part of growth within its group.

Prosperis Ltd, which is based at St James Business Park, made the hires to meet demand from corporate clients locally and around the UK.

Corporate services associate Ben Morris has joined the firm at its Knaresborough head office, while Dominic Ferneyhough joins as an independent financial adviser at its Skipton office.

Meanwhile, Ryan Green joins as a trainee in Skipton.

Niall Gunn, managing director at Prosperis, said:

“Recruiting new staff is never easy but we are delighted to have secured the services of Dom, Ben and Ryan,

“We will look to add high quality staff to the team as we continue with our expansion plans this year.”

Knaresborough company to sponsor Harrogate 10k

A green energy company based in Knaresborough is to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

Harmony Energy announced this week it will sponsor the event, which is being held on Sunday, July 2, and organised by Harrogate Harriers.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, and Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, and Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer

The annual race starts and finishes at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy chief executive, who along with five other Harmony employees ran last year’s 10k, said: 

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with Harrogate Harriers to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

“I was approached last year by one of the committee, who lives near me, asking if we would consider sponsoring the Harrogate 10k. I’ve always enjoyed running and the health benefits it brings so I welcomed the opportunity to support the event.

“Harmony Energy already sponsors the Brownlee Foundation, which sees thousands of children taking part in triathlons, and it is great being able to support another sporting event involving children and adults on our doorstep.”

Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer, said: 

“Once again we are indebted to Harmony Energy for sponsoring the Harrogate 10k.

“Their funding allows us to not only stage the event, but to ensure it is properly marshalled, with first aiders and the necessary insurance in place.

“Last year nearly 500 runners took part in the event, and this year with covid fading into the distance we hope it will attract many more. It’s a really good course, takes in some beautiful scenery and is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.”

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Harrogate Town plans new terrace and merchandise kiosk

Harrogate Town has lodged plans to install a new terrace and merchandise kiosk at its Wetherby Road ground.

The club has tabled the proposal, which would see a new 100-person terrace built near to the north stand turnstiles, to Harrogate Borough Council.

Meanwhile, a kiosk is also planned in order to serve fans refreshments and Harrogate Town merchandise.

The club said the new terrace is required because the English Football League will no longer accept perimeter standing at stadiums.

In planning documents, it said:

“The proposed terrace will accommodate spectators which use the existing perimeter standing areas and will therefore not increase the overall ground capacity.

“The small kiosk building will be used for the club shop selling on site merchandising on match days, as well as a replacement (non-alcoholic) drinks servery to replace a kiosk within the AON Terrace that was recently converted to WC’s.”

The location for the terrace and kiosk at the Envirovent Stadium.

The location for the terrace and kiosk at the Envirovent Stadium.

The council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

The club recently saw its proposal to upgrade its Envirovent Stadium approved.

It will see almost 1,000 seats installed to bring the ground up to EFL standards.

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To the south of the ground, the Myrings terrace will see 264 seats installed and the 1919 bar will be demolished and replaced with a new standing terrace.

A total of 603 seats were installed in the Black Sheep Brewery stand a few weeks ago.

The changes will not increase the overall capacity of 5,071 but will see the number of fans that can be seated rise from 1,193 to 2,060.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers director retires after 30 years

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate opticians director is set to retire after 30 years in business.

Robert May, director of Harrogate Specsavers, has overseen the growth of the opticians on Beulah Street from three test rooms and six staff to 11 testing rooms and a team of 50 people.

Mr May will leave the store to optometrist directors Fraz Khan and Caroline Sullivan, as well as Andrew Bryer, retail director.

On his retirement, Mr May said:

“I often say to people, in what other job do you get the opportunity to make a difference to someone’s life every 20 minutes? 

“There’s so much more to it than just getting customers new glasses. I’ve experienced the industry progress from pen and paper to full retinal photos and OCT scans, the level of holistic eye healthcare we can provide is really exciting.”

Mr Khan added:

“Robert has been a pleasure to work with over the last two years and he will be dearly missed by staff and customers alike.

“He’s gone above and beyond during his 30 years as an optometrist director and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.”

New legal director at Harrogate law firm

Raworths Solicitors in Harrogate has appointed a new legal director.

Heather Roberts has been hired to the company’s growing commercial property team.

Heather Roberts and Matthew Hill. Picture: Rachel Creer.

Heather Roberts and Matthew Hill. Picture: Rachel Creer.

Ms Roberts joins the firm with 20 years of experience of acting for investors, developers, landlords, tenants and banks.

She said:

“I have been aware of Raworths’ reputation as a legal firm which builds lasting relationships with its clients, and at the heart of that is the unique way the team can draw upon the skills and expertise of their colleagues across disciplines. 

“This approach really appeals to me, and I’m excited to add to the incredible pool of talent here to help grow the commercial property business. 

“The firm proactively supports and nurtures the ongoing development of its team at all levels, and I also hope to play a key role in cultivating the skills of our expanding team going forwards.”

Matthew Hill, head of commercial client services at Raworths, said: 

“We welcome Heather, whose specialist commercial property expertise will be a huge asset to our growing team which has benefitted from a raft of new client wins over the past few months.

“There are major opportunities for us to grow our business in this sector, driven by a stronger than anticipated market post-pandemic and growth more broadly across the region where the demand for space continues to surge.

“Heather’s appointment is part of a strategic recruitment drive for our commercial team as we look to grow our client portfolio across the region and nationwide.”

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Police issue ‘keep dogs on lead’ plea after sheep killed near Harrogate

Police have urged people to keep dogs on leads in the countryside after a sheep died at Norwood, near Harrogate, following an attack.

North Yorkshire Police is investigating after four sheep were attacked by a dog on Friday, which left one dead.

The force described the dog involved as being light ginger in colour, and a similar size to a Hungarian Vizsla, but with a larger head.

Officers have appealed for further information about the incident.

A police statement today added:

“It is particularly upsetting at this time of year, as many sheep are carrying lambs.

“Anyone who was in the Norwood area around 1pm on Friday, 24 March who may have information on this incident, is urged to contact officers as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information on the incident can contact the force and quote reference 12230052829.

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Nidderdale smokehouse company ordered to pay creditor £3,300

A food business based in Nidderdale has been ordered to pay £3,372 to one of its creditors.

Wiltshire-based Trafalgar Fisheries made the claim against Mackenzies Yorkshire Smokehouse at Harrogate County Court yesterday.

Alistair Watret, who appeared on behalf of the claimant, told the court no payment had been made to the company since December 30 last year.

He added there had been “no contact at all” from Mackenzies since that date.

A representative from Mackenzies was not present at the hearing.

Deputy district judge Armstrong said the firm had “failed to provide any contact details” for the hearing.

However, he added this was “not entirely surprising” given that the company had appointed liquidators.

As reported by the Stray Ferret, Mackenzies entered into voluntary liquidation owing more than £1 million last month.

Papers filed with Companies House reveal it owed £1,025,690.40 to 156 other companies. Among its debts is almost £45,000 to HMRC for VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions.

As well as a smokehouse, Mackenzies runs a farm shop and cafe, both of which remain open.

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The company hired Clark Business Recovery to oversee its liquidation in February.

Mr Watret told the hearing yesterday that Trafalgar Fisheries still wished to proceed with the claim despite Mackenzies appointing liquidators.

Judge Armstrong ordered Mackenzies pay the sum to Trafalgar Fisheries.

In making his judgement, he also said an order will be sent to the liquidators.

Harrogate district villagers demonstrate against 73-home scheme

Villagers in Staveley demonstrated last weekend against a planned scheme for 73 homes near a nature reserve.

Thomas Alexander Homes, which is based in Leeds, has tabled the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council for land off Minskip Road near to Staveley Nature Reserve.

The plan would see a mixture of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses built in the village, which is between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge. The developer has also earmarked 40% of the homes as affordable.

However, residents armed with placards took to the village green on Saturday to protest against the plan which they say would be “utter madness”.

Graham Bowland, from Staveley Residents Action Group, said residents had also written to the council to object to the scheme.

He said:

“As of today there are 130 resident objection letters with Harrogate Borough Council – either processed or being processed.

“We bombarded them with actual letters given the lack of opportunity to use the planning portal over the past couple of weeks.”

The portal, which allows people to comment on planning applications, was down for over a week until last week.

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Residents previously raised objections at a village hall meeting this month.

The developer said in its plans the site represented a “logical extension” to the village.

It said:

“The proposal forms a logical extension to Staveley, the local authority concurred with this assessment by allocating the site for residential development to the scale of approximately 72 dwellings.”

Concern over tree felling as part of Kex Gill reroute

Concern has been raised over tree felling as part of the £69 million Kex Gill realignment.

The project, which is North Yorkshire County Council’s most expensive and ambitious, will reroute a landslip-blighted road between Harrogate and Skipton.

As part of the scheme, the authority has started to clear woodland off the A59.

However, residents have raised concern that the move is “disproportionate” to the highways project.

Sheenagh Powell, who lives nearby, said the move was “distressing”.

She said:

“Hundreds of trees have already been felled which appears totally disproportionate to the scheme. 

“The environmental impact is huge.”

However, county council officials have defended the move and said site clearance had been undertaken now to avoid the bird nesting season.

A spokesperson added:

“The stretch of the A59 at Kex Gill runs through important habitats including a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“Plans are in place to mitigate the impact on wildlife in the area such as barn owls, bats, nightjars, wild game, toads and badgers.”

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The A59 at Kex Gill, near Blubberhouses, is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton. Since 2000, the route has been closed 12 times following landslips.

Ministers at the Department for Transport gave the final go-ahead for the route last month.

The move will see the road rerouted to the west of Blubberhouses and is expected to be completed in May 2025.

The scheme has faced numerous delays and, following tender returns, the estimated cost of the scheme increased by £7.2 million to £68.8 million, which the council attributed to inflation affecting constructions costs.

The project will be funded by a £56.1 million grant from the Department for Transport, with the council covering the rest from its reserves.

A further £11 million has been factored into the budget to cover any issues with ground conditions or bad weather.

Explained: What happens to leisure centres when Harrogate council is scrapped?

A new council is set to take over in the Harrogate district next week.

Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will make way for North Yorkshire Council on April 1.

Brimhams Active, an arms length company owned by Harrogate Borough Council, currently runs leisure services in the district.

In this article, we explain what will happen to leisure facilities under the new North Yorkshire Council.

Who currently runs leisure facilities in the district?

Currently, Brimhams Active operates leisure facilities in the Harrogate district.

The company was set up in August 2020 to run swimming pools and leisure centres.

This includes Harrogate Hydro, Knaresborough Pool, Starbeck Baths and the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon.

Brimhams Active has also overseen major projects, such as the redevelopment of the Harrogate Hydro swimming pool and the construction of new facilities in Ripon and Knaresborough.

What will happen under the new council?

As of April 1, Brimhams Active will transfer over to North Yorkshire Council.

The new council will add Selby’s leisure services to the Brimhams Active portfolio from September 2024.

North Yorkshire Council will also undertake a £120,000 review of leisure services with the aim of creating a countywide model for delivering leisure and sport by 2027.

While people who use the centres may not see an immediate change, the ownership of the company will be different.

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