Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division which will see five candidates standing for election.
Sam Gibbs, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division will be Sam Gibbs.
Mr Gibbs currently sits Harrogate Borough Council representing the Valley Gardens ward.
On his priorities for standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Gibbs said:
“My priorities are tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting town centre investment, protecting green spaces and ensuring Harrogate remains a great place to live and visit.
“As a borough councillor since 2018 I have campaigned to protect Rotary Wood, to tackle town centre anti-social behaviour and to keep our streets tidy.
“Harrogate has recovered well from the pandemic. Our retail vacancy rates are at 8.2% – well below the national average and the council distributed over £93m to local businesses during covid. The Convention Centre brings around £30m into the local economy annually and underpins thousands of jobs. We must support it.”
He added:
“Parking charges should be kept low. Most have not been increased in eight years and parking is far cheaper than York and Leeds.
“As a trustee of Harrogate and District Community Action, and through my work with the Local Fund, I have supported community groups who do fantastic work and help our most vulnerable.”
Paul Ko Ferrigno, Green Party
Paul Ko Ferrigno will be standing for the Green Party in the division.
A scientist in biology and biochemistry, Mr Ferrigno coaches grassroots football and is a governor at two local primary schools.
He also founded Wetherby-based Avacta Life Sciences. Mr Ferrigno said he felt strongly about cuts to local government funding, which he believes has “negatively impacted” education.
He said:
“The Green Party is the only party to put the future first. What I have learned is those small decisions can lead to massive changes.
“I want to take this lesson and apply it to every decision made by the new council so that we can improve our local communities by thinking about the long term impact of each proposal on our children and their future.”
Lucy Gardiner, Independent
Local businesswoman Lucy Gardiner will be standing as an independent in the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
Ms Gardiner said among her priorities will be to improve infrastructure, clean up the town centre, support businesses and reduce congestion.
She said:
“I hold Harrogate very close to my heart. I am very proud that it’s my hometown, where I have my interiors business and where I bring up my family. We must protect its future.
“For far too long the councils haven’t been transparent nor fully engaged with the residents and businesses. Rather than towing a party line, I wish to use the wealth of knowledge at our finger tips by engaging with local people, businesses and groups to protect our heritage, while encouraging positive change for the future.”
She added:
“We need proper infrastructure before any more house building is passed. Smarten up our town centre and support our businesses, to lead the way on the high street.
“Reduce congestion with well connected travel schemes for all not the few. Protect our Stray and gardens for a greener brighter future.”
Andrew Williamson, Labour
Andrew Williamson will be standing for the Labour Party in Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate.
Mr Williamson has lived in Harrogate for most of his life and works in the private sector, but has previously worked for Harrogate Borough Council.
He said he wanted to get involve with the Labour Party due to his concern over the loss of the district councils.
Mr Williamson said he felt the best way to represent those who may be affected by the abolition of the lower-tier authorities was to stand himself.
He said:
“I have been an active member of the Labour Party for about six months now. I wanted to get involved because I’m concerned about what impact the abolition of North Yorkshire’s district councils might have on local services and amenities.
“I believe strong Labour representation on the new unitary authority is the best way to protect the services our communities depend upon.”
David Johnson, Liberal Democrat
David Johnson is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
A Harrogate resident for 30 years, Mr Johnson works as a librarian and was the secretary of the local Liberal Democrat constituency party.
He said he takes an interest in library policy issues, but has also campaigned on issues such as the European Union, fracking and children’s food allergies.
Mr Johnson said:
Final backing for 72 homes in Spofforth“There needs to be more done to deal with congestion on our roads and improve the local bus services. There is a need for more social housing in Harrogate.”
A plan to build 72 homes in Spofforth has been given final backing by councillors.
Yorkshire Housing Ltd plans to build the housing development on land at Massey Fold in the village.
A government planning inspector approved the homes in October 2021 following an appeal by the developer against Harrogate Borough Council’s refusal.
The developer already had outline permission to build on the site, but councillors turned down an application for appearance and landscaping in November 2020.
A reserved matters application, which includes access to the site, was backed by the authority’s planning committee today.
Cllr Robert Windass, who sits on the committee, said councillors had no choice but to approve the plan.
He said:
“We rejected this at committee and we felt strongly that it would not go ahead.
“The Planning Inspectorate has had a different decision. They [the developer] have now got planning permission. Our hands are tied.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Pat Marsh said:
“In some respects our hands are tied.
“This went to appeal and it was given permission. This is sort of a final legal tie up.
“I am sorry to think that this is going to go ahead. It is something that this committee strongly opposed every time it came here. That is why it went to appeal.”
Inspector backs Spofforth homes
Siobhan Watson, a government planning inspector, gave the go-ahead for the proposal in October after she said she found the design and proposed housing “to be acceptable”.
She also awarded costs against the council after finding that the authority “behaved unreasonably” and that its reasons for refusal were “vague and illogical”.
The decision followed concerns from local residents over the design and that the housing would not be in keeping with the village.
At the time, more than 300 local people and organisations, including Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, raised concerns about the scheme.
Shirley Fawcett, chairman of Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council, wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson appealing for help in challenging the development.
Six people injured in serious A59 crashSix people including a six-year-old boy have been injured in a serious crash on the A59 near Hopperton.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened shortly before 8pm on Saturday, April 16.
Officers said the incident involved a blue Vauxhall Zafira and a silver Seat Leon.
The six-year-old boy, who was in the Seat, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and his condition is described as stable.
Three other occupants of the car, all from Lancashire and aged between 16 and 25 years old, were also taken to hospital with minor injuries and were later discharged.
Read more:
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The occupants of the Vauxhall Zafira, a man and woman in their thirties from the York area, were treated for minor injuries in hospital and later released.
A police statement added:
“The stretch of road was closed for around six hours while officers investigated the scene and to allow the vehicles to be recovered.
“We are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone who recalls seeing the vehicles prior to the collision, to get in touch as soon as possible to assist the investigation.
“In particular, we are appealing for dash camera or CCTV footage of road users on the A59 between 7.40pm and 7.50pm.”
Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Jack Dodsworth. Alternatively, email Jack.Dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk.
Election 2022: Coppice Valley and Duchy candidate previewAhead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Coppice Valley and Duchy division which will see five candidates standing for election.
Graham Swift, Conservative
Graham Swift will be standing as the Conservative candidate for the Coppice Valley and Duchy division on North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Swift sits on Harrogate Borough Council and is the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development on the authority.
He currently represents the Harrogate Duchy ward on the borough council, to which he was elected in 2018.
Mr Swift moved to Harrogate in 2010 after spending most of his working life living and working abroad for a large food company.
Mr Swift, who is the only candidate who lives in Coppice Valley and Duchy division, said:
“I have a proven and long track record of correspondence with and action for residents and I don’t just turn up at elections.
“Actions include improving public space, liaising with police to reduce crime and supporting residents in getting better services. I am already an established district councillor and the future unitary council will strengthen my ability to support residents on a much wider range of issues.”
Leighton Regayre, Green Party
Leighton Regayre is set to stand for the Green Party in Coppice Valley and Duchy ward.
Mr Regayre is a climate science researcher at the University of Leeds and has lived in North Yorkshire for more than 20 years.
He said he was standing because he wants to tackle the climate emergency and cost of living crisis.
He said:
“We subsidise hugely profitable fossil fuel companies rather than taxing them fairly. Yet, a Green New Deal offers a huge economic opportunity.
“With a Green New Deal, we could put people to work insulating our nation’s homes and investing in future renewable technologies.
“The Green Party is committed to making these things happen. Yorkshire has an important role in any progressive future vision for the UK.
“I want to help Yorkshire lead the implementation of a Green New Deal that brings near-term prosperity to our region and long-term security to our nation and planet.”
Daniel Thompson, Independent
Daniel Thompson is standing as an independent candidate in the division on May 5.
Born and raised in Harrogate, Mr Thompson said he wanted to “bring new energy and ideas to the table” which would be “unconstrained by a political party”.
He said:
“During this campaign I could talk about potholes and dog poo but we have to tackle the elephant in the room, housing.
“The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have signed away our green fields to national developers with a town plan that was never fit for purpose.
“They talk of sustainable homes but where are the locally sourced building materials; solar panels, electric charging points; cycle lanes? Where are the new schools; new doctors surgeries, new dentists? Where is the funding for greater capacity in our NHS A&E?”
Mr Thompson, who also runs a business in the town, added that he would be “fighting for an immediate halt and reversal to all multi home planning approvals”.
“In truth, we need to be ambitious, proposing a new settlement near to road and rail links, surrounded by new woodland and benchmarked by the highest standard of sustainable construction.”
Patricia Foxall, Labour
The Labour Party candidate for Coppice Valley and Duchy will be Patricia Foxall.
Ms Foxall has lived in in Harrogate for more than 40 years and brought her children up in the town.
She spent most of her working life in local government, but has since retired. Ms Foxall said she would fight to reverse cuts to council grants.
Ms Foxall added that she would also make housing one of her priorities.
She said:
“The council have finally produced a housing plan.
“However, it fails to address the desperate need for affordable housing and the need for local services to keep pace with development. That said, I am in favour of all parts of the district taking a share of new housing.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat
Peter Lacey will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.
Mr Lacey runs a strategic consulting business in the health and care sector and is also the executive committee member of Knaresborough’s Chamber of Trade and a director of the Community Land Trust.
He said he believes strongly in “the need to devolve more decision making to local communities”.
Mr Lacey said:
“Building community engagement and doing more to support neighbours is important to developing stronger local communities.”
Mr Lacey, who is a local methodist, is also chair of Knaresborough Connectors, a community development organisation that has grown out of the covid response working with the county council’s Stronger Communities department.
He added:
“I will work to see a clear, locally owned and deliverable strategic plan developed for the town that embraces all elements from tourism to manufacturing, which are key to bringing high quality, well paid jobs to our area.”
Election hustings
The Stray Ferret is hosting an election hustings at the Wesley Centre on Tuesday, April 26, at the Wesley Centre in Harrogate.
The event is a chance for you to ask your local election candidates who will be standing in divisions in Harrogate the questions that matter to you.
For more information and to book your free ticket for the evening, visit our Eventbrite page.
Plan approved to convert former Harrogate restaurant into craft barPlans have been approved to convert a former restaurant in Harrogate into a craft pub.
Husk Beer Emporium, which has a shop on King’s Road, lodged the proposal to change the unit on Station Square into a bar.
The vacant unit was previously home to Greek restaurant Souvlaki and is opposite the Queen Victoria monument.
Now, Harrogate Borough Council has approved the plans.
Danny Duckworth and Tom Gill, who own the Husk Beer Emporium, told the Stray Ferret previously that the aim of the bar will be to showcase the best craft beers from across the UK and abroad.
Husk Beer Emporium owners Danny Duckworth and Tom Gill.
It would also offer live music, meet the brewery nights, food, outdoor seating and an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of unique beers.
Mr Gill told the Stray Ferret in March that he hopes Husk bar can be part of a Harrogate craft beer trail, boosted by the Station Gateway scheme that would see the outside area at the end of James Street pedestrianised to allow for al-fresco summer drinking.
He said:
“More and more people are seeking places like this out.”
Mr Duckworth added:
“The craft beer scene in Harrogate is buzzing for us to open, we hope they can support us.”
Read more:
- New Harrogate bar for craft beer lovers could be coming soon
- Cosy Club plans new bar on Harrogate’s Cambridge Street
‘No suspicious circumstances’ surrounding Brearton house fire, say fire service
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue say there are “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the cause of a house fire in Brearton which left one woman dead.
Lynda Greenwood, 67, was identified locally as the victim of the fire, which gutted the village home late on the evening of Saturday, April 2.
The fire service and North Yorkshire Police launched a joint investigation following the fire.
Emergency services from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Ripon were called to the scene at around 10pm but, despite their best efforts, Ms Greenwood was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said that the service cannot confirm the cause of the fire until a report has been accepted by the coroner.
They said:
“While there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire, we cannot confirm the cause until the report has been accepted by the coroner – which may take several months.”
Read more:
Ms Greenwood grew up in Knaresborough, attending King James’s School while it was still a grammar school in the 1960s. She went on to complete a law degree at Kingston University and practised in Surrey, where she became partner in a law firm.
After having her daughter, she set up Greenwoods Solicitors in her home town. She specialised in commercial property, lasting powers of attorney, wills and probate.
Police confirm 39-year-old man arrested after West Park attempted robberiesPolice have confirmed that a 39-year-old man has been arrested following two attempted robberies on Harrogate’s West Park.
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that officers were called to the area near the parade of shops, close to the junction with Tower Street, where witnesses said a man had attempted to mug several people.
Officers said two woman reported a man had tried to take their mobile phones.
A local resident called police after hearing one of the victims screaming for help on West Park.
Two police cars, two vans and an ambulance were at the scene shortly after 7pm.
Read more:
- Police warning after Land Rover thefts in Harrogate
- Girls aged 13, 14 and 15 bailed after McDonald’s police attack
- Police on West Park after attempted muggings in Harrogate
Officers added there were also reports that an object had been thrown at a woman on Oxford Road.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed this afternoon that a 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of two attempted robberies, assault and a public order offence.
A police statement said:
Election 2022: Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone candidate preview“The man currently remains in custody and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
“Members of the public are asked to contact officers if they have any information that could assist the investigation. Please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12220066183 when providing any information.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division which will see four candidates standing for election.
John Ennis, Conservative
John Ennis, who currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, will be standing for the Conservatives in two-weeks’ time.
Mr Ennis said his priorities ahead of the election will be environment and open green space.
He said:
“I live within the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone ward, the only candidate from a major party who does. I have been a resident for over 25 years, and am Andrew Jones MP’s endorsed candidate for our ward.
“My priority is our environment and precious green spaces, especially the Stray, Hookstone Woods and Panhandle Park. On my initiative new trees have been planted, ‘heritage’ lampstands installed, seating areas improved, new paths laid for walkers.
“I have a record of getting the small things done that make a difference: street signs and street lights repaired, potholes filled and roads resurfaced, litter and graffiti removed promptly, anti-social behaviour tackled.”
Mr Ennis added that he believes his 12 years as a councillor at both county and borough level is the “best guarantee of results” for the division.
Anna McIntee, Independents
Local resident Anna McIntee is set to stand as an independent candidate in the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division on May 5.
A mum-of-three, Ms Mctinee will be one of five independent candidates standing for North Yorkshire Council in divisions within Harrogate.
She said she was standing as she believes the town needs “fresh, forward thinking”.
Ms McIntee said:
“I have lived and worked in Harrogate for 15 years, raising my three daughters here, who attend a local school, and I’m very passionate about Harrogate and its future.”
Among her priorities include saving green spaces, a community led housing plan and transparent council finances.
She added:
“Like many of us, I have watched the town centre decline, shops close down, pollution increase, and our Victorian heritage slip away.
“We need some fresh, forward thinking on the council, with a new vision and joined up plans.”
Helen Burke, Labour
Helen Burke, who has lived in Harrogate for 44 years, is set to stand for Labour in the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division.
Ms Burke, who has worked as a welfare rights worker, said she has spent most of her life working to support people on benefits and “to appeal against unjust decisions”.
She is also a member of the campaigning group Keep Our NHS Public, which campaigns for better resources for hospitals and the NHS.
The Labour Party will be fielding 12 candidates in Harrogate and Knaresborough at the local elections in two weeks time.
Chris Watt, acting chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency party, told the Stray Ferret previously that the party is campaigning on housing, public transport and working with police to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Patricia Marsh, Liberal Democrats
Patricia Marsh, who is currently leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Harrogate Borough Council, is set to stand for North Yorkshire Council.
Ms Marsh has been a councillor for 32 years and lived in Hookstone for more than 40 years.
She said that she wants to listen to and work with local residents to improve not only her ward but all of Harrogate.
Ms Marsh said:
“It is important that more is done to protect our green spaces, fix potholes, make the town a cleaner place and where possible address issues of inappropriate development.
“There needs to be improved partnership working between local business and the County Council.
“The level of road congestion and pollution we have to suffer is becoming intolerable. We need an integrated Park and Ride scheme for the town.”
She added that Harrogate would need a new secondary school and that she would campaign for a town council to replace Harrogate Borough Council.
Read more:
- No deals expected between Harrogate district opposition parties ahead of election
- Council chiefs promise ‘seamless transition’ to new North Yorkshire Council
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Wathvale by-election: Candidates set out pledges
People in the Wathvale ward near Ripon are set to head to the polls on 5 May to elect a new Harrogate borough councillor.
The vote follows the resignation of Conservative councillor Bernard Bateman who held the seat since 2016.
The by-election to the borough council is separate from the elections to the new North Yorkshire Council.
These are the three candidates, listed alphabetically, who are standing to replace him:
Hannah Corlett, Green Party
Hannah Corlett lives in the village of Melmebry and works as a communications officer for the Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust.
She joined the Green Party in 2020 in what she described as a “turning point” in her life.
She said:
“I got involved with their activism straight away, fighting Harrogate Spring Water’s expansion into Rotary Wood. It opened my eyes to the damage to our planet and the part we play in it, driven by poor ideological policies in the UK and globally.
“I want to see a change in direction that people lead, and I believe we can do this from the ground up with grassroots activism.
“If chosen as an elected representative on Harrogate District Council, even for one year, I will push to make sure funding and support goes to where it’s needed.
“I will also ensure decisions consider the environmental impact and the lives of those who live in this area.
“I am passionate about making positive shifts to protect the natural environment and supporting others in this fight. I desire to see changes, and I hope those who want the same will choose Green.”
Sam Green, Conservatives
Sam Green is a former Harrogate Grammar School student who owns a financial and real estate company in the town.
He said:
“My ambition to be a councillor is not for money, status, or benefits. It simply stems from my desire to help people in whatever way I can to achieve their ambitions, be successful and to hopefully make the world a better place.
“While still a young man (26) and recently married to my wife Maya, I feel that I bring a fresh perspective and energy, balanced by the traditional values I was raised and instilled with, together with proven entrepreneurial skills and people experience.
“As an industrious individual with a proven track record of success in the private sector, my promise to the electorate in Wathvale is simple.
“Local elections are about local issues and if elected, I will serve to the best of my ability to achieve the best possible services and value for money from our council.
“Whilst I will proudly serve as a councillor for all, it will also be my mission to encourage engagement by younger voters and to help address fundamental issues affecting our future generations, such as affordable housing.”
Chris Knight, Liberal Democrats
Chris Knight is a semi-retired business consultant. He joined the Liberal Democrats in 2016 and supported the party’s Skipton and Ripon parliamentary candidate, Andrew Murday, during the 2019 General Election.
Mr Knight said he is a “passionate believer in strong local representation, as well as collaborative politics at a regional, national and international level.”
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He also said the sale of Ripon Spa Baths and the troubled construction of the city’s new swimming pool are two examples of why change is needed in local government.
He said:
“Ripon’s new swimming pool finally opened last month after repeated delays and some £4 million over budget.
“The council has been warned repeatedly that the area has active ground instability, but went ahead with the development anyway.
“But the whole story gets worse. Harrogate Borough Council have announced that the listed building containing the old pool is going up for sale.
“After getting the old pool onto the community asset register, the independents on Ripon City Council then sat on their hands for the next six months whilst there was a moratorium on the sale.
“Despite their bluster, they failed to come up with a plan which could have retained the building for the benefit of Ripon residents.
“So, thanks to a combination of Ripon Independents and Conservative councillors, a golden opportunity to enhance our lives has been wasted.”
The Wathvale ward vote will take place on the same day as elections to the new North Yorkshire Council on 5 May.
The successful by-election candidate will serve one year on Harrogate Borough Council before the authority – along with North Yorkshire County Council and the other six district councils – are scrapped and replaced by the new council in April 2023.
Green Party’s Hannah Corlett and Liberal Democrat Chris Knight are also standing for the Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division on the new council.
The deadline to register to vote has passed and those on the electoral register should have received a polling card or letter during the last two weeks in March.
Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm on election day.
Those who are unable to vote in person can apply to vote by post or proxy.
Sharow residents to carry out pub viability studyResidents behind a bid to save a Sharow pub are set to carry out their own viability study into taking on the building for community use.
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.
Mark Fitton, owner of the building, has applied to change the use of the former pub into a home.
However, the Half Moon pub group, which is made up of residents who object to the loss of the pub, has launched a campaign to save the building for community use.
The group is set to commission a viability study and valuation from York-based commercial property specialists MJD Hughes.
Dan Robinson, one of the volunteers at the pub group, said:
“Our proposed model is community ownership with free-of-ties lease or purchase.
“We’ll conduct business for the benefit of our community. Our next step is to look at a community share offer, to raise funds and to give locals a chance to own a stake in their pub and a say in its future. We know it’s possible.”
Read more:
The campaign comes as Mr Futon lodged an application to Harrogate Borough Council to turn the pub into a four-bedroom house.
In documents submitted to the council, Mr Fitton said “all avenues” had been explored to reopen the pub but had proved unviable.
In a planning statement, the developer said:
“It could hardly be clearer that there is no reasonable prospect of the Half Moon Inn re-opening as a viable hospitality venue.
“All avenues for such an opportunity have been fully explored, over an extended period of time, by agents with strong commercial credentials, unrivalled local coverage and a national licenced-premises specialism.”
However, proposals to convert the pub have been long opposed by the parish council.
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the latest plan at a later date.