Fundraisers embark on 500 mile challenge to raise money for friend’s son

Two Harrogate fundraisers are embarking on a combined 500 mile run throughout January to raise money after their friend lost her life to bowel cancer.

Emma Egerton died on December 10, 2022, leaving behind her five-year-old son Oliver.

As a result, Sarah Long and Nikkie Brown, Emma’s friends, have sought to take on the challenge to raise money to set up a trust fund for Oliver and raise awareness of bowel cancer in the process.

The pair will embark on around eight miles per day in an effort to reach the 500 mile target before the end of the month.

Sarah said the two friends were taking on the challenge to help give Oliver a future after losing his mum.

She said:

“No child should ever lose their Mummy at such a young age and nothing will ever replace his loss – we hope that by doing a little something to raise funds for his Trust Fund will go a tiny way to give Oliver a brighter future.”

The pair have so fair raised £980 towards their cause.

For more information on the campaign and how to donate, visit Sarah and Nikkie’s JustGiving page here.

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More drivers arrested in Harrogate for drink driving than any other district

More drivers have been arrested in the Harrogate district as part of North Yorkshire Police’s Christmas drink drive campaign than any over district.

The force tested 1,035 people throughout December for drink and drug driving.

It comes as part of North Yorkshire Police’s campaign to clamp down on people driving under the influence.

Following roadside tests carried out by the force 121 people have been arrested.

Of that number, 33 drivers were in the Harrogate district. The second most were in York, which saw 30 people arrested.

Ryedale and Craven saw the fewest arrested with six and three drivers.

Drink driving arrests made by North Yorkshire Police during the force’s campaign. Data: NYP.

Seventy-three of the arrests were for drink driving, 40 arrests for drug driving (one person was arrested for both drink and drug driving) and nine people were arrested for failing to provide. 

Eighteen of those arrested followed a road traffic collision.

Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of specialist operations at North Yorkshire Police, said:

“Along with other emergency services we see far too often the devastating consequences that drink and drug driving causes.

“We often use the term ‘the ripple effect,’ as the mindless actions from one individual can lead to trauma and heartache for many more people.

“Although a vast majority of people were driving within the legal limits, 121 arrests is an alarming number, and it makes this set of results a difficult read.

“This campaign has focused on asking people to call us with information about drink and drug drivers.

“I’m pleased to say we’ve received a significant amount of calls over the past month and often these calls have often resulted in arrests and most likely the prevention of further devastation.”

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Referendum should not ‘slow down’ Harrogate town council creation

A referendum should not slow the process of creating a Harrogate town council, local Liberal Democrats have said.

Harrogate and Scarborough are the only parts of North Yorkshire which do not have a parish or town council. However, a lower-tier authority looks set to be created after 75% backed a proposal in an initial consultation.

North Yorkshire County Council looks set to hold a second consultation on the plans instead of a local referendum.

Both Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors in Harrogate called for a binding referendum over the matter in September last year.

However, local Lib Dems have now said that, while the party backed a referendum, they feel it should not slow down the town council process.

Cllr Chris Aldred, who represents Fairfax on Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems are in support of a town council and have been out talking to residents about the need to protect our local voice.

“We encouraged people to take part in a consultation last year and make their opinions known.

“Our council group voted in favour of a referendum but would not want to see a referendum process slow the establishment of a town council if the outcome of the public consultation showed strong support.”

‘Democratic legitimacy’

Cllr Richard Cooper, Conservative leader of the borough council, tabled a motion at a meeting in September last year calling for a referendum on the matter.

The resolution also said information should be made available prior to the referendum as to which services a new town council could provide, together with an indicative level of investment required to give “democratic legitimacy” to the process.

The creation of a town council will see Harrogate residents pay an additional precept on their council tax to fund its functions.

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At the time, Cllr Cooper said a ballot had to be held before residents were asked to pay an extra tax to fund it.

He said:

“Asking the public if they want a new town council without informing them what it might do and how much extra council tax they would have to pay is not a meaningful conversation.

“And if as everyone tells me that the people of Harrogate are clamouring for a town council, then what do we have to fear?”

The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Cooper for comment on the news that a consultation couldl be held instead of a referendum, but did not receive a response.

Referendum ‘not justified’

A report due before North Yorkshire County Council’s executive on January 10 says a referendum “may not be justified” if a consultation is likely to give the same result.

Cllr Carl Les, Conservative leader of the county council, said in response to the borough council’s motion:

“It should be noted that it is not legally possible to hold a binding referendum to create a town council as the legislation does not provide for this and the council cannot fetter its discretion in this way.

“However we note the council’s request about how to carry out any future consultation.”

The report goes on to add that such a referendum may not “illicit a different response” to a consultation and that the additional cost may not be justified.

“It is not clear that a referendum would elicit a different response. There is no requirement under the law for a referendum to form part of a community governance review to provide democratic legitimacy to the outcome.

“The additional cost of a referendum may not be justified if the outcome is likely to be the same as writing to all households.”

Instead, the county council has recommended a second public consultation to be held for eight-weeks from February 20.

Harrogate district residents to be offered cost of living support

Thousands of people in the Harrogate district will be offered support amid the cost of living crisis.

North Yorkshire County Council is working with Harrogate Borough Council to offer a one-off payment in supermarket e-vouchers to help those most in need to pay for food and other essentials.

The scheme was initially set up by the Department for Work and Pensions to help people meet the cost of energy bills, food and other essentials as the country recovered from the covid-19 pandemic.

The funding is allocated to councils, which then distribute the money in a way that meets the needs of their local communities.

Cllr David Chance, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for corporate services, said: 

“These are difficult times for people, so the third phase of the Household Support Fund will really make a difference to the many residents who are struggling to afford food and basic necessities.

“We’ve been working closely with borough and district council colleagues to identify who is eligible for the Household Support Fund vouchers based on guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions, so you do not need to approach your local council, we will contact you.”

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The latest round of the Household Support Fund has also been used to supplement other schemes which will help residents with their household costs. 

This includes support for food banks and other schemes providing free food across the county.

For more information on the Household Support Fund in North Yorkshire, visit the county council website here.

Knaresborough housing site should be reviewed under local plan, says councillor

A councillor has called for land earmarked for homes in Knaresborough to be reviewed under the council’s new housing plan.

North Yorkshire Council is set to draw up a new local plan when it comes into force in April. It will outline where development can take place across the Harrogate district over the next 30 years.

But Andy Bell, who sits on Knaresborough Town Council, has called for land at Water Lane in the town to be “questioned” after it was previously allocated for housing in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan.

The site was subject to a 170-home proposal last year, but it was thrown out by the government’s Planning Inspectorate on appeal.

Cllr Bell, a Liberal Democrat who spoke against the application at the Inspectorate hearing, said the new council should “think again” on the development.

He said:

“There have been four developments within a few hundred metres of this site recently, three of which are still under construction.

“We can not lose what makes Knaresborough special by allowing development if it is not right for the physical site or the community. This is not a no to all development.

“The Water Lane development had huge issues with access, no public transport provision, and was far too close to the neighbouring site of special scientific interest.

“It has been rejected at all levels of the planning process. It’s time to think again and question its place in the local plan.”

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The Water Lane site is currently allocated for 148 homes under the current Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-2035.

The creation of a fresh local plan for North Yorkshire was agreed by senior councillors last month.

The new local plan will look ahead for a minimum of 15 years, and at least 30 years in relation to any larger scale developments, such as new settlements or significant urban extensions. It would encompass all areas of the county outside the national parks.

Conservative Cllr Simon Myers, executive councillor for growth and housing on the county council, said:

“The plan will be vital to the new North Yorkshire Council’s ambitions to deliver sustainable economic growth, through good homes and jobs, as well as the best facilities and infrastructure for everyone who lives or works in the county.

“Planning guidance will also play a key role in meeting our ambitious targets to tackle climate change. In addition, it can support other services in meeting the needs of our many communities at a local level, taking into account everything from transport and education to housing, health and social care.”

Man denies carrying knuckleduster on Harrogate’s Bower Street

A Harrogate man has denied carrying an offensive weapon on the town’s Bower Street.

Ben Hay, 36, was charged with being in possession of a knuckleduster without lawful authority at the back of Harrogate Homeless Project on December 14, 2022.

He was also charged with being in possession of cannabis on the same date.

Mr Hay, whose address was listed as the hostel on Bower Street, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday.

The 36-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and to enter a not guilty plea to both charges.

A trial will be held on February 24 at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm partner finalist at Northern Powerhouse awards

Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.

A Harrogate law firm partner has reached the final of the Northern Powerhouse awards.

Kate Banerjee, who heads the children’s department at Jones Myers solicitors, has been shortlisted in the private client category.

Organised by the Legal 500 guide, the prestigious accolades recognise outstanding firms, lawyers, rising stars and in-house teams across 23 categories and celebrates their achievements over the last 18 months.

Ms Banerjee said:

“This recognition is a true team effort and attributable to the relentless dedication of our specialists who consistently provide the best solutions for our clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Well done to every team member and we wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

Richard Peaker, managing partner at Jones Myers, said: 

“Kate’s shortlisting among the best lawyers in their field is well deserved and reflects the esteem in which Kate and the Children’s Department are held.

“The recognition also reinforces Jones Myers standing as a leading family law practice which has maintained its number 1 position in the legal guides for over two decades.”

The awards will take place on March 23, 2023, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.

New manager hired at property firm to oversee Harrogate portfolio

Darran Ezard, new property manager at Scanlans.

Darran Ezard, new property manager at Scanlans.

A property management firm has appointed a new manager to oversee its portfolio in Harrogate, Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Scanlans, which is based in Leeds, has hired Darran Ezard to oversee its properties in the district.

Recent additions to Scanlans’ Harrogate management portfolio include Queens Close, Grayson House, Oak Lodge, Cavendish Place, Beech Grove, Trafalgar Court and Byron Court.

Michael Willans, the head of property management for Scanlans in Yorkshire, said: 

“Darran is an excellent addition to our growing team and we are really pleased to welcome him to the firm.

“He has a track record of successfully managing a wide variety of large and small developments in the Yorkshire area, and is adept at working with contractors, tenants and owners as well as management bodies and their directors.

“Having him on board extends our capabilities at a time when we are seeing good growth in contracts as we continue to strengthen our presence in the Yorkshire regional market.

“Harrogate in particular is proving to be an area of rapid expansion for us, with around a dozen new, sought-after sites coming under our management in the first quarter of this year alone.”

Mr Ezard added:

“It’s an exciting time to join Scanlans as we build our presence in the North Yorkshire market and across the region.

“I look forward to utilising my property management and accounting experience to help us further develop our market share, working with a strong team of colleagues and with tenants, leaseholders, freeholders and management companies to look after their interests.”

Knaresborough man admits assaulting two police officers in Harrogate

A man has admitted assaulting two police officers outside Tesco Express in Harrogate town centre.

Jonathon Bogg, 31, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker on December 11, 2022.

The court heard how Bogg had been spotted by the officers on Cambridge Road and tried to run.

The 31-year-old was being pursued by police for another offence. Once caught, he punched both officers in the face and head.

Bogg, of Windsor Lane, Knaresborough, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning where he spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

He also admitted a further charge of being in possession of 10mg of diazepam, which is a class C controlled drug.

Bogg was bailed and ordered to appear before the court on January 27 to be sentenced.

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Kingsley residents call for halt to new housing decisions

Residents in the Kinglsey area of Harrogate have called for a halt to new housing decisions until North Yorkshire Council comes into force.

The Kingsley ward area will eventually see more than 600 homes built, including developments at Granby Farm and 149 homes on Kingsley Road.

The scale of housebuilding has led residents and councillors call for a stop to further decisions amid concern over noise, transport and open space.

In an email seen by the Stray Ferret circulated to both Harrogate borough and North Yorkshire councillors, Kingsley Ward Action Group pleaded for no further housing decisions to be made until April, when the North Yorkshire Council will take over from existing local authorities.

The group said the new council should be able to “assess the damage already caused and re-evaluate the need for any further development in this area”.

It said:

“You have an opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted on the Kingsley ward area by deferring all new applications until after the change of council boundaries and a new better thought out plan investigated. 

“It has been pointed out multiple times that this area of the plan was ill thought out and now you have the chance to put it right before it is too late. 

“For the sake of the residents and this area of Harrogate please take action because if you don’t it will be a stain on Harrogate and the reputation of the council.”

The plea comes as Persimmon Homes resubmitted a revised plan for 162 homes on Kingsley Drive.

It is the third time the developer has submitted a proposal at the location, which used to form part of Kingsley Farm.

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Persimmon Homes had initially lodged plans to Harrogate Borough Council for 181 homes in March last year.

However, the proposal was met with concern from council officials and 222 letters of objection from residents.

The developer said it had reduced the size of the scheme in response to comments from the authority and “other third parties”.

It said:

“The development proposals have again been amended to respond directly to the comments and matters raised following the submission of amended documentation in August 2022.

“The proposed amendments to the scheme will deliver a green space and landscape driven development, which will enhance pedestrian and cycling connectivity within the local area, and which will overall provide a very high standard of residential amenity for prospective residents.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate IT company posts improved revenue in interim results

Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.

Harrogate IT service provider Redcentric has posted improved revenues in its interim results.

In the six months to September 2022, the company’s total revenue grew by 38.8% to £61.5 million.

The figure is up from £44.3 million in the same period in 2021.

The results come as the company, which is based on Otley Road, acquired both Sungard Availability Services Ltd the entire issued share capital of 4D Data Centres for £10 million last year.

Peter Brotherton, chief executive officer at the company, said:

“The last six months have been a transformational period for the business, with three acquisitions completed. These acquisitions, together with the two acquisitions completed in the previous financial year, have significantly enhanced our product offerings, and substantially increased run rate revenues from c.£90m to c.£150m.

“The integration of the businesses acquired in the last six months is progressing well, with annualised savings of c.£10m already realised and initiatives underway to deliver a further c.£7m of annualised savings.

“The outlook for organic growth is also favourable, with positive net new business achieved in each of the last six months to 30 November 2022.

“We look forward to building on the success of the last six months and to fully capitalise on the very significant opportunities resulting from the enlarged customer base and increased breadth of products and services.”

Businesses invited to bid for £7m net zero grant schemes

Businesses are being invited to apply for new grants aimed at net zero projects in North Yorkshire.

The move comes as the county is set to be awarded £7 million worth of funding as part of a devolution deal from government.

York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership is running two grant schemes.

One is a £1m project development support scheme, which is aimed at supporting net zero ideas so they are ready to take to investors.

The second grant stream has £6 million of funding and is aimed at delivering net zero projects.

Applications and expressions of interest are open until midday at February 6.

For more information, visit the York and North Yorkshire LEP website here.

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