New plan to convert former Harrogate post office into holiday apartments

Fresh plans have been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former post office into 23 holiday apartments.

The Post Office on Cambridge Road controversially relocated to WH Smith in 2019 amid claims by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones the service was being “downgraded”. The building has stood empty since.

Proposals lodged to Harrogate Borough Council by Leeds-based Priestley Group would see the building converted into self-serviced holiday apartments.

It would also see a commercial unit created on the ground floor.

The developer said that guests would book the accommodation online and be given access codes to gain entry to the building and individual apartments. No reception or bar facilities are included in the plan.

In documents submitted to the authority, the developer said:

“The current application proposals would secure the active re-use of a longstanding vacant property located within the heart Harrogate town centre, which is the principal centre within the district providing a wide range of shops, jobs, services, community, civic and public transport facilities.”

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

The application comes as two previous plans to convert the former post office into housing were withdrawn.

In November 2020, Harrogate-based developer One Acre Group submitted plans for 25 apartments and offices on the site but withdrew the application last year.

Its plans had been welcomed by conservation group Harrogate Civic Society although it was concerned about a proposal to build an additional floor.

Meanwhile, the Stray Ferret reported this month that proposals to convert the building into 11 flats had also been withdrawn.

Harrogate care boss relieved as government ends mandatory covid testing

A Harrogate care boss says she is relieved after the government announced an end to mandatory covid testing in care homes.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive at Harrogate Neighbours, said homes were now trying to adapt to the “new normal” and scrapping testing would save time.

The Department of Health and Social Care announced that routine asymptomatic testing will end on August 31 in hospitals and care homes as covid cases fall nationally.

However, testing for symptomatic cases among residents and staff and those being admitted to a home from hospital will continue.

Ms Cawthray said the ending of asymptotic testing will also be a relief for care home residents.

She said:

“Removing mandatory testing in care homes is a huge relief as testing takes up considerable time – not only administering the tests, but logging the results as well as having to ensure all staff are doing it within the guidelines, Residents have been fed up with the testing regime too – we are all trying to return to the new normal.

“We are still being asked to wear PPE and we will continue to be vigilant with staff and residents by reporting any positive cases. Staff will still have to let us know through our sickness reporting system if they have any symptoms and then they will test as per the guidelines.”

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The end of mandatory testing comes as the NHS is set to roll out Autumn covid booster vaccines for those aged over 75 and who are most susceptible to serious illness.

Ministers have encouraged people to take up the jab, which will be available to book through the National Booking Service ahead of a rollout starting from September 12.

Steve Barclay, health and social care secretary, said:

“Thanks to the success of our world-leading vaccination roll-out, we are able to continue living with covid and, from August 31, we will pause routine asymptomatic testing in most high-risk settings.

“This reflects the fact case rates have fallen and the risk of transmission has reduced, though we will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with sectors to resume testing should it be needed. Those being admitted into care homes will continue to be tested.

“Our upcoming autumn booster programme will offer jabs to protect those at greatest risk from severe COVID-19, and I urge everyone who is eligible to take up the offer.”

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic roundup

Work is due to start today on gas works in the Harrogate area which will cause delays for drivers.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

As previously reported, drivers in the Harrogate area should be aware of planned roadworks which will last for 10 weeks from today (August 30).

Northern Gas Networks is carrying out the work to replace ageing pipework. Work is due to start on Cold Bath Road today.

Further gas works will see road closures and temporary traffic lights on many of the main routes into town, including Ripon Road and Kings Road just as children return to school.

A road closure is in place on Oakdale in Harrogate until September 5 as Northern Gasworks carries out work in the area.

Meanwhile, temporary lights remain on Ripon’s Clotherholme Road as the company carries out replacement work to gas pipes.

The lights will remain in place until September 5.

Trains and buses

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

Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting no cancellations on its services this morning.

You can find out more on the disruption to services here.

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County council ‘monitoring’ major projects amid soaring inflation

North Yorkshire County Council officials have said they are monitoring the cost of major projects amid soaring inflation levels.

The council was this week forced to plug a £7.2 million shortfall for its Kex Gill realignment after the overall cost of the scheme soared due to inflation.

The project is now set to cost £68.6 million – a 12% hike from its original figure.

The Stray Ferret asked the county council whether it now expected to find more funding for other projects, such as the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme and the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route.

Gary Fielding, director of strategic resources at the council, said:

“We can’t speculate about future inflation rates and global and national impacts on the economy, but like other organisations and businesses we continue to monitor costs and market conditions when embarking on projects.

“At present inflation is a pressure across the board and North Yorkshire County Council will continue to work to mitigate the impact it has.”

The A59 at Kex Gill, which is to be realigned after historic problems with landslips.

The A59 at Kex Gill, which is to be realigned after historic problems with landslips.

Mr Fielding this week warned senior councillors that the authority faced “high risks” as the cost of projects, such as Kex Gill, increased in price.

He told councillors that the “burden of risk” would fall on the council should any “unforeseen events” see additional cost for schemes.

This additional cost would come at a time when government funding is either being cut or capped.

Mr Fielding said:

“In terms of capital, you are seeing two things happening in general and I think it is right that members are aware of the risks.

“We have got allocations in government funding across the board actually reducing in quantum for the forthcoming period and in parallel with that we have got inflation rates taking off.

“So what you have actually got is a much reduced spending power going forward and a higher profile of risk based upon major schemes where the burden of risk will fall 100% with the council.”

Otley Road and Station Gateway

The comments come as the county council looks to press ahead with some of its major highways schemes.

The authority is due to procure a contractor for the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route this month.

The cost for the first phase of the scheme was £827,000.

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However, soaring inflation could see the figure for the second phase be higher than anticipated.

Melissa Burnham, highway area manager at the county council, told the Stray Ferret last month:

“Final detailed designs for phase two of the Otley Road cycle route are due to be approved within the next few weeks, with the contract expected to go out to tender during August.

“It is expected the contract will be awarded to the successful provider during the autumn.”

Inflation and the cost of living crisis has also raised concern over Harrogate’s Station Gateway project.

While the county council would not be drawn on any potential increases to the cost of the scheme, officials said previously that cheaper materials could be used.

Both county council and Harrogate Borough Council officials have remained committed to the scheme and recently pledged a further £300,000 to the project.

Harrogate bowls clubs feature in national campaign

Bowls clubs in Harrogate have featured in a national campaign to raise participation levels.

The All to Play For initiative was launched during the Commonwealth Games in an effort to broaden the people taking part in the sport.

The Harrogate Amateur Bowling Association featured heavily in the campaign with filming taking place at the Black Swan Bowling Club, Devonshire Place, Harrogate and also at Wetherby Bowling Club, Grange Park, Wetherby.

Dave Rowson, secretary of the HABA, said:

“We were delighted to be selected for the National Play Bowls campaign and see some of our local clubs and players included.

“We are grateful to the support from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England and hope we can encourage as many people in the local areas to Try Bowls.

“It really is a sport for all and can be played by families and individuals of all ages.”

Part of the campaign included shooting a promotional video, which includes shots from players in Harrogate taking part in the sport.

You can watch the video by Bowls England below.

 

The campaign comes as bowls clubs in the Harrogate district joined together in a bid to recover from the covid pandemic.

All 16 clubs that play in the Harrogate league came together after it became clear that some were at risk of folding.

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The clubs recently received funding from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England in order to come up with a plan to increase participation.

The league has also trained 10 coaches, bought new equipment and put on “Try Bowls” sessions as part of the effort.

The HABA will also be hosting a charity bowls event on Sunday (August 28) in aid of the Robert Ogden centre.

For more information on how to get involved with the open bowl sessions, email habasect@gmail.com.

Woman denies attempted murder in Bilton

A 44-year-old woman denied attempted murder in Bilton when she appeared in court today.

Clare Bailey, of The Riddings, Dudley, appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning to face the charge.

Ms Bailey, who appeared by via video link from Low Newton Prison, near Durham, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before entering a plea of not guilty.

She is alleged to have attempted to murder the named woman at a house on Byland Road, Bilton, on Thursday, June 23, this year.

The court set a trial date of December 12, 2022, which is scheduled to last for five days.

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Harrogate driver tests positive for drug driving twice in two days

A driver in Harrogate has tested positive for drug driving twice in 48 hours.

North Yorkshire Police stopped the vehicle after information showed they had been arrested two days ago.

They had initially been arrested for drug driving and a further test was confirmed as positive for cannabis.

The driver was released under investigation.

Make that twice in 48 hours after the driver tested positive again for #Cannabis on a @DrugWipeUK An evidential sample has been obtained & will be sent to @RSSS_DianeFair for analysis. Driver has been released under investigation pending the result of this #Fatal5 #DrugDriving pic.twitter.com/xrFKYFp5Hd

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) August 25, 2022

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Don’t call 999 to report hosepipe ban breaches, say police

Police have urged people not to call 999 to report breaches of the hosepipe ban in the Harrogate district.

Yorkshire Water announced the ban this month following days of dry weather and high temperatures.

It comes into force today and is the first hosepipe ban in the area since 1995.

Now, North Yorkshire Police has urged the public not to report any breaches to the force.

Police said in a statement that any flouting of the ban was a civil matter not a criminal one and any calls would divert handlers away from “real emergencies”.

The force said:

“In other parts of the county, we’ve already seen colleagues receiving hundreds of 999 calls about the hosepipe bans, even before restrictions come into place.

“But the hosepipe ban is a civil matter, not a criminal one, and should not be reported to the police.

“And crucially, every call made to the police about the hosepipe ban is diverting our call handlers away from dealing with real emergencies.”

Police have urged people to follow advice on the Yorkshire Water website if they suspect potential breaches of the ban.

It comes as the Harrogate district is officially in drought following long spells of dry weather this summer.

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The Environment Agency declared the drought status last week. The last drought in Yorkshire was declared in autumn 2018.

On the hosepipe ban, Neil Dewis, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said:

“Parts of Yorkshire have seen the lowest rainfall since our records began more than 130 years ago.

“The hot, dry, weather means that Yorkshire’s rivers are running low and our reservoirs are around 20% lower than we would expect for this time of year.

“We’ve been doing everything we can to avoid putting in restrictions but unfortunately, they’re now necessary as part of our drought planning.”

The hosepipe ban includes:

Watering a garden using a hosepipe
Cleaning vehicles or boats using a hosepipe
Watering plants with a hosepipe
Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe

People can still undertake these activities without using a hosepipe if they use tap water from a bucket or watering can; or use water that is not sourced from taps such as grey water, rainwater from a water butt, or a private borehole, for example.

Businesses will be allowed to use a hosepipe if it is directly related to a commercial purpose.

There are restrictions on using a hosepipe if not for those essential commercial needs – so using a hosepipe to clean a path outside a business property, for example, would not be allowed.

Blue badge holders, those on Yorkshire Water’s Priority Services register or WaterSure tariff for medical reasons, are also excluded from the ban.

More information is available here.

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update

Drivers should be aware of the usual rush hour traffic on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road this morning.

Meanwhile, many motorists in the Harrogate are set to face roadworks for 10 weeks after the bank holiday weekend.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

As previously reported, drivers in the Harrogate area should be aware of planned roadworks which will last for 10 weeks from Tuesday (August 30).

It will see road closures and temporary traffic lights on many of the main routes into town, including Ripon Road, Kings Road and Cold Bath Road just as children return to school.

Meanwhile, a road closure is in place on Oakdale in Harrogate until September 5 as Northern Gasworks carries out work in the area.

Temporary lights remain on Ripon’s Clotherholme Road as Northern Gas Networks carries out replacement work to gas pipes.

The lights will remain in place until September 5.

Those using the A1(M) towards Wetherby should be aware of traffic due to Leeds Festival at Bramham Park starting this weekend.

Trains and buses

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

Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting cancellations its 36 service this morning.

You can find out more on the disruption to services here.

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Harrogate solicitors Raworths announces four promotions

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate’s Raworths Solicitors has announced four new promotions at the firm.

The promotions have been made in the private client and commercial teams.

John Carter, a lawyer in commercial property is promoted to senior associate and Claire Hunter, a solicitor in family children and divorce, Jessica Toller, a solicitor in wills and estates and Jennifer Watson, a solicitor in corporate, have each been promoted to associate.

Deborah Boylan, head of employment and people partner at Raworths, said: 

“It’s always incredibly gratifying to be able to recognise and reward the huge contribution and commitment of our people, particularly when they have been integral to the firm’s success for many years.

“It’s important that we nurture and support our people and encourage them to be the best they can be by investing in their professional development and progression.  Our commitment to developing talent also helps to position us well for the future.”

Harrogate estate agent donates cash to replace charity van

Former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot receives the keys off Linley & Simpson chairman Will Linley.

A Harrogate estate agent has donated £20,000 to a charity to help replace a stolen van.

Martin House Children’s Hospice fell victim to its van being stolen from its warehouse in Wetherby in January.

Now, Linley and Simpson, which also has an office in Ripon, has donated cash to help replace the vehicle.

And the keys to the new vehicle were picked up from Linley & Simpson chairman, Will Linley, by former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot, who is also a long-standing Martin House ambassador.

Mr Linley said:

“We shared the whole community’s shock at news of the theft. The fantastic work of the Martin House team touches the lives of so many people across Yorkshire, so we welcomed the opportunity to help.

“Many of our people have volunteered at the hospice, and our branches act as collection points for bric-a-brac that its shops can sell, so the work of the warehouse and the vans is very close to our hearts.”

Stephanie Rimmington, head of retail at Martin House, said:

“Without their donation, we could have been without a van for months while our insurance claim is processed, adding to an already challenging situation amid covid.

“By replacing the stolen van much quicker, our retail team is now able to get back out on the road, collecting donations to keep our retail outlets fully stocked, and generating more income for the hospice.”

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