Business Breakfast: Chamber meeting to focus on sustainability

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate business group meeting is set to focus on sustainability this month.

The event held by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will take place on Monday, September 12, at the town’s Cedar Court Hotel. 

Doors open at 5.30pm for open networking with the meeting proper commencing at 6.15pm.

It will feature talks from Cllr Keane Duncan, county councillor for transport, Paul White, from Auditel Limited, and Sarah Jones from Full Circle Funerals.

Meanwhile, Danny Wild, Harrogate College Principal and a member of Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, will speak about its work on retrofit to support businesses.

Sue Kramer, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce President, said: 

“With record temperatures this summer and a drought declared in Yorkshire, the environment has never been higher on everyone’s radar.

“I’m looking forward to hearing the individual stories from our three member businesses, as well as welcoming Cllr Duncan to our meeting, who will be informing us about his vision for transport in and around Harrogate, which I’m sure will include the Harrogate Station Gateway Project.”

Chamber members and guests can register their attendance here.

Networking event to be held in Harrogate

A networking event for businesses is set to be held in Harrogate this month.

Organised by Business Ladies Around Harrogate, it will focus on how firms can see out 2022 and head into next year.

It will take place at William and Victoria, Cold Bath Road, on September 9 and be hosted by Jo Smith, a development coach.

The event will include a workshop, as well as time for attendees to network with each other.

You can find out more information on the event here.

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Government approves James Street flats plan

The government has approved plans to redevelop a retail unit on Harrogate’s James Street to create three flats.

The application was made by Leeds-based company SJM Cotech Ltd and included plans to create a three storey extension for the flats to the back of the site and create two ground floor retail units.

The developer revised the plans after submitting them in May 2021, which initially outlined proposals for four flats.

The property is located at 16 James Street, near the cut-through to the Victoria shopping centre. It fronts both on James Street and on Market Place to the rear. It was previously home to Thomas Cook, the travel agent.

SJM Cotech Ltd took the proposal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after Harrogate Borough Council refused the plan in February this year.

Council officials said the proposal would fail to enhance or preserve the character of the conservation area.

In a decision notice, the council said:

“The rear historic offshoot is considered a heritage asset. The proposal seeks to remove and replace this without suitable justification.

“The proposal therefore would fail to enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the host building and Harrogate Conservation Area.”

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It added that the proposal would also result in “poor levels of natural daylight to all apartments”.

However, TJ Burnham, a government planning inspector, said in a decision notice that “nothing within the evidence suggests that this would have any harmful effect on the living conditions of a future occupier”.

A decision notice from the inspector said:

“There would therefore be no significant harm to the living conditions of future occupiers of the flats with regard to the availability of daylight or ceiling height.”

It added:

“I have identified no conflict with the development plan and there are no material considerations to indicate that the appeal should be determined otherwise than in accordance with it. I therefore conclude that the appeal should be allowed.”

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update

Drivers should expect the usual traffic in the Harrogate district during rush hour this morning.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

Traffic is moving as normal during rush hour this morning, with the usual queues on Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road.

However, motorists should be aware of 10 weeks of roadworks in Harrogate which started yesterday.

As previously reported, Northern Gas Networks is carrying out the work to replace ageing pipework. Work has started with temporary lights on Cold Bath Road.

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 Monday.

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 on its 1A, 1B, 1C and 36 services this morning.

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

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Business Breakfast: Masham brewery to mark 30th anniversary

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Black Sheep Brewery to celebrate 30th anniversary

A Masham brewery is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month

Founded in 1992, Black Sheep Brewery was set up by Paul Theakston in his hometown.

Mr Theakston said he was “dissatisfied” with the “blandness of the beer market” and opted to set up his own brewery.

To celebrate the birthday, the brewery will also relaunch its Pathmaker IPA.

Mr Theakston said:

“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since that first brew of Best Bitter back in 1992. I’m incredibly proud of the journey that Black Sheep has taken and thankful to our wonderful new and loyal drinkers who have joined us along the way. 

“I’m excited to enjoy a few pints of Pathmaker this September as we celebrate our big birthday.”

Man arrested in Harrogate on suspicion of carrying weapon

A 38-year-old man was arrested in Harrogate this past weekend on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon.

Officers were called to Cambridge Street at 2.20pm on Sunday (August 28) to reports of a man carrying a hammer and swearing at people on Oxford Street.

North Yorkshire Police arrested the man a short time later.

A police statement added:

“The man was arrested a short time later in Cambridge Street, on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. He remains under investigation while enquiries continue.”

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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.