Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Residents call for Sharow pub reinstatement after latest council rejection

Residents in Sharow have called for a local pub to be reinstated following a council decision to reject plans for it to be turned into a home.

The Half Moon Inn pub on Sharow Lane was opened in 1822 but closed down back in 2016.

Since then, a long running saga has unfolded over how best to put the building to use.

Harrogate Borough Council turned down latest plans by owner Mark Fitton to convert the pub into a house last month.

The Half Moon Inn at Sharow.

Now, residents are calling for the public house to be reinstated.

A spokesperson for the Half Moon Inn Pub Group, which campaigns to reopen the facility, said:

“Local residents are now calling for the Half Moon’s reinstatement, this time as a community hub, where food, drinks, cultural and community events can take place, free wifi can be provided, as well as a small shop that offers daily necessities so local residents don’t need to drive to Ripon.”

Asset of community value challenge

The move comes as the borough council awarded the pub asset of community status in November following a campaign by local residents and the parish council.

However, Mark Fitton, the owner of the pub has challenged the council’s decision and described it as “flawed”.

Mr Fitton said no attempt has been made to reopen the pub as a community facility, despite the building being available.

In a letter to the borough council, he said:

“The Half Moon Inn has been openly available for a community take-over for five of the past seven years.

“During all of that time, no proposal has been put forward.”

Mr Fitton called for a review of the decision.

In a letter to Mr Fitton, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, the council confirmed that it expected to complete a review by January 29, 2023.

Who will make decisions on new homes in the Harrogate district in 2023?

A debate is brewing over who should decide on plans for new housing in the Harrogate district.

Currently, Harrogate Borough Council makes decisions on proposals for new homes and major developments.

But this will be taken out of the council’s hands in April 2023 when North Yorkshire Council takes over.

Some politicians argue that planning powers should be given to local areas.

But, for council bosses, it appears the matter is not so straight forward.

Local areas should make planning decisions

Ahead of the new council being formed, North Yorkshire County Council set up a working group to look at how planning matters should be decided.

The authority is set to approve measures to create its own Local Plan – but has yet to decide how planning decisions should be made.

For most councillors, they believe the area constituency committees should be in charge of such decisions affecting their own areas.

The committees are made up of county councillors from a local area, such as Harrogate and Knaresborough, and discuss matters relevant to that place.

New housing under construction at King Edwin Park in Harrogate.

Cllr Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough area committee, pointed out that not handing powers to such committees would “erode accountability”.

She said:

“The devolution of decision making powers on planning is the right thing to do. How is a Councillor in Scarborough supposed to understand the impacts or issues of a particular development in Harrogate?

“In the new North Yorkshire Council structure Area Committees will be key, they should be given powers to direct local services and they should have budgets to make that happen.

“Having one huge planning authority for the entire of North Yorkshire would be impractical, costly and would erode local accountability.”

The issue is particularly pertinent when it comes to major developments.

In Harrogate, decisions are still expected on a bottling plant at Harrogate Spring Water and a 3,000 home town between Knaresborough and Cattall called Maltkiln.

Major developments

Councillors believe that such decisions should be made at a local level.

However, in a county council report, officials suggested that a threshold should be set for applications to be made a county-wide committee.

One of the suggestions was that decisions on applications for 500 houses or more would be taken by North Yorkshire Council.

Cllr Arnold Warneken, a Green Party county councillor who represents Ouseburn, said he had concerns over such a threshold.

He said that area committees should have input on major applications, whether they are made at a county level or not.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We got to have a situation where they [local committees] get some input.

“If they are always a consultee then they will have their say.

“I do not want to leave this down to chance, I want it written into the council’s strategy.”

‘Two models being considered’

Conservative Cllr Simon Myers,, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for growth and housing, said two models are being considered for planning across the county.

He said the aim for the new authority was a “co-ordinated planning policy overseen by one over-arching authority”.

He said:

“This will help attract new enterprise and also bring in much-needed new homes to address the affordable housing issues which are seen across North Yorkshire, but especially in our rural and coastal communities.

“We envisage several committees will make key planning decisions when the new council launches from April 1 next year.

“There are currently two models which are being considered for the new North Yorkshire Council to ensure that planning policies are co-ordinated in the best possible manner and are addressing the needs of local communities.

“The first option would see six planning committees introduced based on constituency areas, while the other proposal would see the six committees condensed into three. Both options with see a strategic committee dealing with major planning applications as well as decisions concerning waste and minerals.

“A great deal of work has gone into making sure that planning decisions are made effectively with the advent of the new council, and I have chaired a group of members who have been looking at the issue. I would like to put on record that I am extremely grateful for all the work that has been undertaken by both members and officers.”

The county council’s executive will consider the options and make a decision when members meet on Tuesday next week (December 13).

That decision will then go to a full council meeting in February when it will be discussed and ratified ahead of the launch of the new council.

330 knitted Christmas angels set to delight Bilton

A group of churchgoers in Bilton have knitted 330 Christmas angels in an effort to “cheer everyone up” this year.

The group, which attends Bilton Grange United Reformed Church on Woodfield Road, takes on the task of knitting angels every year.

Norma Trotter, one of the churchgoers, said the aim was to cheer people up during the festive period.

The angels will be placed on the hedge outside the church every day until the Sunday before Christmas.

Norma said:

“They’re sometimes gone within the first half an hour.”

Norma explained that they are sought after by the locals, asking if they can still have one after school when they are usually all gone.

She said:

“Some of the knitted angels have even ended up in Poland and North America.”

Norma referred to her crafting group as “the natty knitters” as they come together every other Monday to get out of the house and catch up.

She added that the group may embark on another project at the church next year, which could make knitted fruit and veg for the harvest.

The Christmas angels will be free to take until Sunday, December 18.

Harrogate hospice to hold remembrance service

Saint Michael’s Hospice is set to hold its annual remembrance service in Harrogate tomorrow.

The hospice, which is based at Hornbeam Park, will hold the event on Saturday (December 11) at Crimple House.

Held every year, the service will feature music, comforting readings and quiet time for reflection alongside the heart-warming moment where the community’s dedicated lights are illuminated together.

Portia Crewe, Knaresborough, has attended the hospice’s Light Up a Life service annually since her father Bill’s passing in 2015.

Bill was cared for by the hospice in the last three weeks of his life.

Bill Crewe and his daughter Portia

Ms Crewe said:

“Since attending the first time, several friends and family now attend, and it has become a staple within our family’s calendar. It was so poignant that we haven’t missed a service since.”

The Light Up Life event at St Michael’s Hospice is now an established Christmas tradition for the Crewe family.

The service will start at the hospice on Saturday from 4pm.

After making a dedication, people will receive a personalised dedication card in the post with a star to place on the tree and help memories of loved ones shine on through the festive season.

For more information, visit the Saint Michael’s Hospice website here.

More crossings needed in Oatlands area, says Harrogate councillor

More crossings should be installed on Oatlands Drive to make cycling and walking safe, says a Harrogate councillor.

Cllr Pat Mash, who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookston on North Yorkshire County Council, said she welcomed new plans for a toucan crossing on Wetherby Road.

The authority revealed the proposal for the junction at Slingsby Walk this week.

But, Cllr Marsh said more crossings were needed on Oatlands Drive and Stray Rein following the announcement of the Wetherby Road installation.

She said:

“I have been pushing for this for sometime. However it does not go far enough crossings should be created across Oatlands Drive and Stray Rein to ensure pedestrian and cyclists have safe access and hopefully it would encourage more people to use this as a cycle route.

“I am not too sure traffic signals are right on such a busy road as Wetherby Road. Maybe a well signposted pedestrian crossing, but then it is about the safety of all.

“This would have more benefit to the cycling community than the cycle way proposed on Oatlands Drive which is in such isolation from the rest of the community. At least Slingsby Walk would achieve more connectivity.”

North Yorkshire County Council has proposed the Wetherby Road crossing, which would cost £75,000, which it says could “double the number of people using a popular cycling and walking route”.

However, council officers have conceded that it will likely cause further delays for motorists in the area.

If approved, implementation of the crossing will be subject to a detailed design and safety audit before it could be introduced in 2023/24.

Funding of £75,000 for the crossing has been secured from Harrogate Borough Council’s sustainable transport budget.

Conservative Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, said:

“We are committed to creating opportunities for people who want to walk or cycle for work, education, shopping or other reasons. This is clear in the Harrogate area through our Transforming Cities Fund gateway project and Active Travel Fund schemes to develop a safe, accessible network for cyclists and pedestrians.

“The Slingsby Walk crossing could offer a significant addition to the town’s infrastructure, providing a safe, formal crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists who might be hesitant about using the link at the moment.

“We recognise concerns around existing traffic congestion on this section of Wetherby Road. While an additional crossing would place extra pressure on the network, this needs to be weighed against the benefit to pedestrians and cyclists that already use this location and those that would if there was a formal crossing.”

Harrogate woman takes command of Royal New Zealand Navy ship

A Harrogate woman has taken command of a Royal New Zealand Navy ship.

Yvonne Gray is a former student of Bilton Grange Primary School and Harrogate Granby High School.

She moved to the pacific with her wife Sharon 2012 after falling in love with the country following a camper van holiday.

She initially trained as a teacher, but joined the Royal Navy and then moved onto the Royal New Zealand Navy.

As the Commanding Officer of the RNZN’s Mine Counter Measures Team she participated in activities all over the world, and her role in maritime evaluation has seen her help ‘work up’ ships and crews to peak efficiency.

She said her eyes lit up at the thought of taking command of HMNZS Manawanui, which entered service with the Royal New Zealand Navy three years ago.

Commander Gray said:

“Sure, for a lot of warfare officers, that’s the pinnacle of their career to get to ‘drive’ a ship. I prefer to think of my career as a ridgeline, sometimes the view is good and sometimes it is better.

“When I’ve really enjoyed a job it’s because I’ve made a difference, where things are a little bit better than they were before. With Manawanui, it’s not just about the command. This is an opportunity to take a ship still in its infancy and further the capability of that ship, and influence and help those who carry our Navy into the future.”

The vessel HMNZS Manawanui is based at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. Manawanui is Māori for ‘steadfast’ or ‘big heart’.

The ship is the first Commander Gray has taken charge of in her career.

Commander Gray took charge the ship this week.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s dive, hydrographic and salvage vessel HMNZS Manawanui at sea.

She joined the Royal Navy in 1993 as a warfare officer and signed an eight-year commission.

“The idea was at the end of eight years you got £23,000. I was really into cooking at the time and I thought do eight years, get £23,000, open my own restaurant.”

But several years in, she knew the Navy life was for her.

“I was really enjoying myself. I could see it was an organisation where I fitted well.”

Police support Starbeck BT ‘street hub’ despite drugs concerns

North Yorkshire Police has backed the installation of a BT ‘street hub’ in Starbeck despite concerns they can encourage drug dealing.

BT has applied to Harrogate Borough Council to remove the existing phone box and set up a hub on High Street outside Starbeck Post Office. The telecommunications company plans to install seven of the hubs across Harrogate.

The hubs, which are being installed across the country, provide free phone calls and Wi-Fi, rapid charging points and touch screen tablets that can be used to access services.

BT describes them as ‘reinventing phone boxes for the digital age’. But in a letter to the council, Richard Ball, designing out crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, said the force was aware the street hubs could be used for anti-social behaviour, such as drug dealing.

However, Mr Ball said he felt the issue was addressed by BT as the company could block any phone number used for such crimes.

He said:

“I am aware this type of installation has caused anti-social behaviour issues in other parts of the country.

“For example, the free call to mobile service has been used to facilitate drug dealing. However, BT have produced a comprehensive anti-social behaviour management plan.”

Mr Ball added that the force would support the street hub and would be interested in “utilising the community messaging facility that the street hub can provide”.

BT has also applied to install three free-standing units with screens on both sides on Cambridge Street outside the former Smiggle shop, on Oxford Street outside Marks and Spencer, and on Station Parade in front of the Cotswold Company.

The applications reveal Harrogate Borough Council’s planning department has already expressed concern about the proposals, saying they would be viewed as “street clutter” .

However, BT argued the hubs were largely used to replace older infrastructure and would deliver a valuable service.

Council defends bid to create doomed investment zones in Harrogate district

The leader of North Yorkshire County Council has defended its decision to support the government’s doomed investment zones.

The council submitted expressions of interest to create 11 zones, including three in the Harrogate district at junction 47 of the A1 near Knaresborough, business park Potter Space Ripon at junction 50 of the A1 and Harrogate Convention Centre.

The zones, which were a key policy under former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ administration, were supposed to benefit from tax incentives and liberalised planning regulations.

But some environmental groups expressed concerns about their potential impact on nature and the landscape.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in his autumn statement the scheme would be focused towards research and the council’s proposals would no longer be taken forward.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said the authority remained “committed” to economic growth in the county despite the decision.

He said:

“We understood when making our submission that the investment zones proposal was at a very early stage and that there were no guarantees.

“However, we are committed to seeking opportunities to support sustainable growth whenever possible, so we believed there was value in presenting an expression of interest relating to suitable sites around North Yorkshire. These sites were selected following discussions with colleagues in district and borough councils.

“All the sites put forward for consideration are locations that have already been earmarked for commercial development to support business growth and job creation. While the proposed benefits of investment zones may have been attractive to new businesses, we will continue to work with our partners to support economic growth across the county.

“In Harrogate, the convention centre is the subject of a bid to the government’s Levelling-Up Fund. We hope to learn the outcome of this bid shortly.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate branding agency appoints technical director

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

Today is the final Business Breakfast of 2022. It will return in the New Year.

A Harrogate branding agency has appointed a new technical director.

Dan Martin has joined Impression Studio, which is based on Albert Street, after spending two years at creative agency Jaywing.

Mr Martin has 20 years of experience in a range of industries including electronics, HR, education, and a variety of web agencies.

On joining Impression, he said:

“I’m just so excited to have this opportunity.

“I know I have skills and experience that will benefit Impression but it’s also a chance for me to take the next step in my career and test myself at a new level.

“I was happy in my previous role and could have stayed there forever, but this was just too good to miss and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we go together.”

Mr Martin will be tasked with overseeing all technical aspects of the work produced. At a strategic level he will be setting the direction of the agency in terms of the technologies used and the approach taken.

Charlie Hartley, managing director of Impression, said:

“Dan brings a wealth of experience delivering complex technical solutions for Enterprise level brands looking to innovate digitally.

“He’ll be implementing Headless CMS & React development solutions to position the agency as one of the leading web development agencies in the north of England.”

Boroughbridge company appoints new director

Boroughbridge-based firm Reed Boardall has appointed a new director.

Norman Hartley, who has been with the firm for 16 years, has been promoted to transport operations director.

Previously head of transport operations, Norman joined the business in 2006 and has progressed through various positions including operations shift manager and planning manager.

In his new role, Norman will be responsible for reviewing and developing processes to drive efficiency and achieve organisational growth.

Marcus Boardall, chief executive, said:

“Norman is a confident leader who has constantly demonstrated his ability to manage, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence.

“He’s a fantastic example of one of our many long-serving colleagues who, through hard work and talent, has built a career with us. This latest promotion is well-deserved recognition of his commitment to the company and we believe he will make a valuable contribution in his new role.”

Harrogate company fined £170,000 after employee contracts blood infection at contaminated lake

A Harrogate company has been fined £170,000 after one of its employees contracted a blood infection working at a lake contaminated with sewage.

The man was working for Alder and Allan Ltd, which is based on Station Parade and employs 1,250 staff, during a clean-up operation at a lake near Churchbridge, Cannock, Staffordshire, in June 2019.

Alder and Allan, which was founded in 1926, specialises in environmental clean-ups on behalf of public and private sector companies.

The employee had been working at the lake for two weeks before contracting leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) and became seriously ill.

Dead fish had to be cleaned out of the lake after it was contaminated with sewage when a nearby pipe burst.

‘Serious risk of ill health’

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, which regulates workplace health and safety, found there was a serious risk of ill health to employees at the site as there were inadequate hygiene provisions in place to suitably guard against bacteriological and pathogen infection.

The man was left with a rash across his whole body meaning he had to limit contact with his family. His kidney and liver also had to be monitored. He was given antibiotics and did not make a full recovery for around four months.

It was also found that no on-site toilets were provided and workers were forced to use a local supermarket to wash and go to the toilet.

There was also a lack of supervision at the site, with the company also failing to conduct a suitable risk assessment and implement an appropriate system of work.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety Act 1974 and Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and were fined £126,100 and ordered to pay costs of £43,494.

HSE inspector Lyn Mizen said:

“This serious ill health matter could have been avoided if the clearly foreseeable risks and dangers had been appropriately controlled and managed, right from the outset.

“Portable welfare units can be easily sourced and are clearly needed for heavily contaminated work situations such as this.

“HSE will not hesitate to hold duty holders to account if they fall short of appropriate welfare standards.”

‘Significant efforts were made to address the risk’

Adler and Allan

A spokesperson for Adler and Alan Ltd said:

“We have received a judgement in a health and safety case, relating to an incident in 2019.

“Following work on a client site, an employee of Adler and Allan contracted leptospirosis.

“It was ruled that although significant efforts were made to address the risk, a short delay in getting a welfare van to site meant we did not meet the high standards we set ourselves on this occasion. We cooperated fully with the Health and Safety Executive following the event and undertook all required rectifying work.

“The health and safety of our people is one of our core values. We take this extremely seriously, continually investing in our SHEQ capability, ensuring that all relevant policies are in place and adhered to, the correct PPE is issued and used, and employees are provided with training that always meets or exceeds regulatory requirement.”

Asset of community value challenge

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Local areas should make planning decisions

Major developments

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‘Two models being considered’

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Boroughbridge company appoints new director

‘Serious risk of ill health’

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‘Significant efforts were made to address the risk’