Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

Drivers are urged to take care on the roads this morning as a yellow weather warning for rain is in place.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across the Harrogate district this morning.

It means that adverse weather may affect driving conditions and could cause flooding in areas.

Motorists are urged to take care on the roads during the morning commute.

Meanwhile, drivers should be aware Northern Powergrid is carrying out work on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The company is undertaking emergency maintenance work near to the football ground.

Drivers should be also aware that traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 near Goldsborough continue to cause delays for drivers during rush hour.

The three-way lights at the junction with the A658 has seen queueing traffic for motorists over the last few weeks.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out work to lay a new water main for a housing development.

According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, the work is due to remain until November 27.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Trains and buses

This morning, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting no cancellations on its services this morning. You can get updates here.

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Harrogate’s showground vaccination site to close next week

Harrogate’s covid vaccination centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground will close next week.

The site is set to shut after two years of operation.

More than 250,000 vaccinations have been carried out at the centre, 30,000 of which have come during the autumn booster campaign.

The vaccination site will close on Wednesday, November 23.

Cath Dixon, clinical lead at the Yorkshire Health Network which runs the clinics, said:

“This has been a monumental team effort by all concerned over the last almost two years. We are extremely grateful to the staff at the events centre for their support and flexibility especially when events returned and they continued to support the vaccination programme while also delivering business as usual. They have been amazing partners during this whole process and we can’t thank them enough.

“We also owe huge thanks to our army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep the site operational in all weathers including the pouring rain and significant falls of snow, always willingly and cheerfully.”

Vaccinations will continue to be offered to those eligible until November 23.

The site will be open from 8.15am until 5.30pm each day, apart from Sunday when it will be closed.

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People aged 50 and over, pregnant women, carers, frontline health and care workers, care home residents and people of all ages who are vulnerable are eligible for a covid booster jab now.

However, first and second doses will also be available. A clinic for those aged five to 11 will be held on Friday after school and all day Saturday.

Those aged between 12 and 17 will also be offered vaccinations this Saturday afternoon until 5.30pm.

Those eligible for a vaccine can book via the NHS website or walk-in appointments are available.

Ms Dixon added:

“We are here till 23 November and would encourage anyone who has been invited to have a covid vaccination but has not yet come forward to book a jab before the site closes. 

“Covid is still circulating in our communities and we still have people in hospital with this virus so please take advantage of the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and stay well this winter.”

Consultation into new Harrogate district town after legal threat

Harrogate Borough Council has extended a consultation into a planned new town the size of Thirsk.

The proposed new town, called Maltkiln, would be built in the Cattal and Green Hammerton area in the east of the district.

Council officials launched a six-week consultation on October 3 into its draft new settlement development plan document, which sets out a 30-year vision and policy framework on how the town is designed and developed.

However, Cllr Arnold Warneken, who represents Ouseburn on North Yorkshire County Council, called for an extension to the consultation amid concern that the planning process was being rushed ahead of the new North Yorkshire Council coming into being.

He issued the plea after it emerged the consultation documents had been changed midway through – without people being told.

The council has since agreed to extend the consultation until November 25.

On its website, the authority said:

“After carefully considering requests from the local community and parish councils, we have extended the Maltkiln DPD consultation until midnight on Friday 25 November to provide more opportunities for the community to engage in the new settlement process.

“Comments received after that date will not be considered ‘duly made’.”

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The move follows Cllr Warneken submitting a letter to Janet Waggot, transition lead for North Yorkshire Council, and Richard Flinton, current chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, on behalf of local parish councils.

In the letter, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, he called for the consultation to be extended in the interests of transparency.

Cllr Warneken added that, while the parishes did not wish to go down the route of a judicial review, residents frustration should not be underestimated.

He said:

“As you will appreciate, use of that sort of terminology starts to take us into legal areas such as judicial review.

“We have no wish to go there. If nothing else, it would be a huge waste of public money. However, please don’t underestimate the level of frustration of local residents.”

You can take part in the consultation over the new town here.

Business Breakfast: New business networking group set up in Harrogate

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A new networking group has been set up for businesses in Harrogate.

1 and 3 Networking was founded by local businessmen Steve Simmonds and Graeme Fountain to help connect business owners and develop contacts across the district and beyond.

The networking group holds informal breakfast meetings at Oakdale Golf Club, Harrogate, on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Mr Simmonds, who is a data specialist, said:

“We have set out to launch a simple networking proposition for businesses in and around Harrogate. There are no membership fees and businesses simply register online and pay £10 for each session they would like to attend. 

“The idea is to help businesses of all sizes make new contacts at the meeting and develop business connections.”

Graeme Fountain, a local business consultant, added: 

“Business people who come along to 1 and 3 Networking are invited to provide an informal presentation, for a couple of minutes, on who they are and what they do as a business. 

“They also explain how other members of the group can help them, by providing introductions to suitable clients or potential business partners. 

“We know that local businesses want to help others thrive and this is the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Businesses wishing to attend pay £10 for each session, which includes a light breakfast and coffee.

For more information, visit the 1 and 3 Networking website here.

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Econ Engineering manager celebrates three decades in post

A senior Econ Engineering manager has been recognised for this long service to the business, which has so far spanned three-and-a-half decades.

Colin Thewitt was 16 when he joined the Ripon company as a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) trainee. 

He started in the in the drawings office, making detailed drawings of the parts needed to create Econ’s legendary gritters.

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering.

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering.

Now, he was made factory manager in 2020 and is in charge of a team of 140 people.

Colin said: 

“When I joined Econ I had no idea I would still be here 35 years later and still enjoying it.

“Engineering is a fantastic career as every day is different. I was lucky to start as a trainee, which is different to being an apprentice.

“I would certainly recommend a traineeship, as being a trainee you learn more specific skills relevant to the job you are doing and industry you want to work in.”

Jonathan Lupton, Econ Engineering director, said: 

“It was my father who took Colin under his wing as he clearly saw something in him – and I’m very glad he did.

“Colin is a key part of our business and is highly regarded by his colleagues. And as you would expect from someone who has been here 35 years, he knows the business inside out, and gladly shares his knowledge with those keen to learn from him.”

Teen denies stealing bikes from Harrogate school

A teenager is set to stand trial after being charged with stealing multiple bikes in Harrogate, including from St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before youth court held at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday on a string of charges.

He denied stealing two bikes from a secure bicycle unit at St Aidan’s on Oatlands Drive on October 8.

He also pleaded not guilty to stealing a bike from The Matrix on Hornbeam Park on October 4 and another bike from Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on October 16.

The teenager denied a charge that he dishonestly undertook or assisted in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods in relation to the bike stolen from The Matrix.

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A trial date for the charges was set for January 19, 2023.

Meanwhile, the teenager also denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards another boy in McDonalds, Boroughbridge Road, in York on November 3.

He is set to stand trial on January 30, 2023, in relation to the charge.

However, the teenager admitted to failing to comply with a youth rehabilitation order imposed by the court on September 5 in relation to a separate charge.

The teenager had failed to attend statutory appointments, returned home late for curfew twice and on two occasions failed to connect a GPS enabled device to electricity supply as required by the court.

The court adjourned the matter until December 9 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Developer tables plan for 55 retirement homes in Kirk Hammerton

A developer has lodged plans to create 55 retirement homes and a community hub in Kirk Hammerton.

SageHaus Living, which is based in the Isle of Man, has submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council for land off Station Road in the village.

It would see 55 park homes built, which the developer said would be “sustainable modular retirement bungalows”.

A hub would also be built, which would be open for the community to use for meetings and other activities.

The developer said in documents submitted to the council that scheme would help bring more retirement accommodation to the district, while also being environmentally friendly.

It said:

“SageHaus Living are introducing a new concept for eco retirement living to overcome the lack of supply of age appropriate retirement options for the elderly population of Harrogate.

“The development will deliver a retirement lifestyle that is focused on community and independent living whilst being carbon net zero.”

A visual of the community hub planned for the Kirk Hammerton site.

A visual of the community hub planned for the Kirk Hammerton site.

The proposal comes as SageHaus acquired the land, known as Carlton Fields, back in 2021.

In a statement on its website, the company said the nine acre site would help to provide a “peaceful community”.

Simon Westray, managing director of SageHaus Living: 

“Our first site exemplifies our business model; a rural but sustainable site that is very well connected (both Harrogate and York are only 10 minutes by rail) where we can provide a peaceful community for our residents. 

“We very much look forward to working with Harrogate Council to deliver much needed elderly and truly sustainable accommodation in the district.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Man denies wounding with intent on Harrogate’s Bower Street

A Harrogate man has denied wounding another man with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on the town’s Bower Street last month.

William Boam, 23, who lives on the street, appeared before York Crown Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It follows an incident on Bower Street on the night of October 14.

Boam, who appeared via video link from HMP Hull, also denied a charge of common assault against another man on the same night.

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He pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a knife on Bower Street.

A trial date was set at York Crown Court for April 11, 2023.

Recorder Tahir Kahn remanded Boam in custody until the date of the trial.

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

Drivers heading from Ripon down the A61 should be aware of roadworks in the area which may cause delays.

Long term works on the A658 near Knaresborough are also continuing.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

Motorists heading from Ripon towards Ripley and Harrogate could face delays due to temporary lights at Wormald Green.

OpenReach is carrying out work in the area, which includes temporary lights.

The lights are expected to remain until tomorrow (November 16).

Meanwhile, drivers should expect the usual traffic on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road.

Drivers should be aware that traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 near Goldsborough continue to cause delays for drivers during rush hour.

The three-way lights at the junction with the A658 has seen queueing traffic for motorists over the last few weeks.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out work to lay a new water main for a housing development.

According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, the work is due to remain until November 27.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Trains and buses

This morning, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting no cancellations on its services this morning. You can get updates here.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Christmas window competition set to return

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Christmas shop window competition for businesses in Harrogate is to return this year.

Organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate, the contest is set to include awards for large retailer, medium retailer and small retailer.

The competition, which is returning for its third year, promotes town centre shopping and broadcasts the ‘shop local’ message in the run up to Christmas.

The competition is limited to 50 entrants within the BID Levy area. Before dressing their windows, participants are asked to take into account the following criteria:

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said: 

“We are delighted to announce the return of the Harrogate Shop Window Competition, once again in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

“The town was beautifully presented last Christmas, with scores of retailers getting in the festive spirit and entering the competition. With the return of the competition, as well as our dazzling Christmas lights, Harrogate will very soon be looking at its absolute best.”

The competing retailers must have their windows completed by 8am on Tuesday, November 29 in time for shortlisting, with judging taking place on Thursday, December 1, between 3.30pm and 8pm.

The awards will be presented at prize giving ceremony being held on Tuesday, December 6, at the West Park Hotel.

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Ripon BID helps local businesses make savings

Businesses in Ripon have made nearly £30,000 worth of savings following the introduction of a support scheme nine months ago.

Ripon Business Improvement District launched the savings scheme with Place Support Partnership in an effort to help local firms.

To date, Ripon BID says they have identified £29,829 of savings against the project with several businesses taking on their advice and contracting services or renegotiating with their suppliers.

Helen Thornton, director of Ripon Museum Trust said 

“Ripon Museum Trust has just fixed its utility contracts in the most challenging of circumstances with the help of Rishi Sood from Place Support Partnership provided by the Ripon Business Improvement District. Rishi came to see us and gave us very level-headed and honest advice. 

“All the usual norms of the market for buying gas and electricity have basically flown out of the window recently and none of us in the trust are remotely qualified to understand the market – except we all knew it was going to be a pretty terrifying price.”

A final round of visits from PSP will be announced in the New Year, but businesses are urged to register their interest now via info@riponbid.co.uk.

Kirkby Malzeard councillor Margaret Atkinson dies

Tributes have been paid to Kirkby Malzeard councillor Margaret Atkinson, who has died.

Cllr Atkinson represented the Fountains and Ripley ward on Harrogate Borough Council, which she was elected to in 2018.

She was also recently re-elected to North Yorkshire County Council and was appointed chair of the authority this year.

Conservative leader of the borough council, Cllr Richard Cooper, described her as “the kind of person who lifted a room”.

He said:

“It was such a shock to learn of the sudden passing of Margaret.

“It is hard to imagine a council without her unfailing cheerfulness. She was just the kind of person who lifted a room somehow.

“I know too that she was admired and respected in the communities she represented – a real champion of the farming community.

“The thoughts of all her colleagues are with her husband Mike and their family at this time.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:

“Margaret’s passing is such sad and tragic news, and a huge loss to not just the county council, but North Yorkshire as a whole.

“Margaret’s passion and drive for the county was second to none, and she embraced the role of the council’s chair with the verve and integrity that she became renowned for.

“She was very interested in all the people and groups she met, especially those in the rural communities we serve, as she came from those communities herself, and was a great champion of rural affairs.”

Cllr Atkinson was elected to the county council for the first time in 2013, where she represented the Masham and Fountains division.

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She retained her seat at the local elections in May this year.

The same month she was appointed as the last chair of the county council before it was due to become North Yorkshire Council.

Margaret Atkinson

Being appointed chair of the county council this year.

She was described by her colleagues as a “tough cookie” ahead of her appointment.

Fellow Conservative county councillor Cllr Nick Brown told the Stray Ferret she would be sorely missed.

He said:

“She was hugely respected in her area and she was a hard working and determined lady who did good things for her constituents.

“She will be badly missed.”

A life in farming 

Cllr Atkinson was a semi-retired farmer and also the secretary of the Yorkshire and North-East branch of the British Charolais Cattle Society.

She was also a member of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s joint advisory committee.

Born into the well-known Stockil family, her grandparents had farmed at Kiplin and Brompton-on-Swale. She grew up on a farm at North Stainley, near Ripon, with three older brothers and a younger sister.

Initially working in the accounts department at ICI Harrogate, she then attended agricultural college and set up her own agricultural secretarial business, providing services to farming communities across Yorkshire.

Through her charity work, Cllr Atkinson supported cancer research, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a farming charity, the Addington Fund.

Cllr Atkinson, who lived in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, leaves a husband, Michael, three children and five grandchildren.