Election 2022: Fairfax and Starbeck candidate preview

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 Fairfax and Starbeck division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Sue Lumby, Conservative

Sue Lumby will be standing for the Conservative party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Ms Lumby is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents Harrogate Coppice Valley ward.

The Stray Ferret asked Ms Lumby for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gordon Schallmo, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck is Gordon Schallmo.

Mr Schallmo has lived in Starbeck for the past 12 years and works as a draughtsman at a local steel construction firm.

He has been a member of the Green Party since 2015 and says his true passion is volunteering at his local nature reserve.

Mr Schallmo said he felt it was important to “do my bit” and look after the environment.

On why he is standing, he said:

“My main reason for standing is because I’d like to address the poor town planning that in recent years has seen money wasted on poorly thought-out schemes and rather than just complaining about it I thought I’d done something about it so here I am.”

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Chris Watt, Labour

Chris Watt will be standing for the Labour Party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Mr Watt has lived in Starbeck for the last 13 years and currently works for the NHS.

He was previously parliamentary aide to a minister in the last Labour government and led government relations for an environmental organisation.

On why he standing, Mr Watt said:

“I’m proud of my area and want to give something back. I use our local shops, and facilities like Starbeck Baths, Fairfax Community Centre and Starbeck Library and want our area to be the best it can be.

“I want to continue to be a strong local champion for Fairfax and Starbeck, having led the campaign to re-open our local swimming pool and persuading the council to listen to residents and reject plans for more unsustainable housing that would increase traffic and worsen parking problems in our community.”

He added:

“On the doorstep, I’ve heard concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour and am already working in partnership with the police to tackle this blight on our area.

“Local businesses have also been badly hit by the pandemic and we are seeing too many empty premises on our high streets. Labour would push for support for local business.”

Philip Broadbank, Liberal Democrat

Philip Broadbank will be standing for North Yorkshire Council in the division for the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Broadbank is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council representing Starbeck.

He has lived in the Starbeck and Knaresborough Road area for most of his life.

Mr Broadbank said on standing for North Yorkshire Council:

“I am keen to campaign for the establishment of a new Harrogate town Council once Harrogate Borough Council is no more. 

“Over the years I have been actively involved in many groups and organisations in the ward. 

“I want to see better opportunities for young people in the area and greater encouragement to get them involved in local activities.”

Ex-England player appointed director of rugby at Harrogate

Harrogate Rugby Club has appointed Martyn Wood as its new director of rugby.

The former Harrogate Grammar School student will replace David ‘Doc’ Doherty, who announced he will step down at the end of the season.

Wood joins Harrogate following a long playing career with Wasps, Bath and England. He also had coaching roles at Hull Ionians and Yorkshire Carnegie.

The club will end this season bottom of National League 2 North.

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The club has also announced that Sam Fox will continue as head coach next season.

Fox was appointed to the role at the start of this season after previously being head coach of the academy.

Aled Jones will take up the role of head of rugby transition.

Jones will be responsible for supporting young players as they move from the academy to senior rugby and will manage and coach the Georgians next season.

Election 2022: Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is 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 Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Michael Harrison, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the division is Michael Harrison.

Mr Harrison currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council as a councillor.

He is also the executive member for adult services and health integration on the county council.

On why he is standing, Mr Harrison said:

“I am the only candidate who lives in the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate electoral division.

“I have represented the area for 20 years as a parish, borough and county councillor. I have a track record of working all year round, not just at election time and will help deliver the new council for North Yorkshire if given the opportunity on May 5.”

Bill Rigby, Green Party

Bill Rigby is the Green Party candidate for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division.

Mr Rigby lives in Knaresborough with his family and became the first Green Party mayor of the town in 2016.

He worked as a consultant and teacher in eduction and set up a university in East Africa.

He said he spent his working life “fixing” things and feels this experience will help him being a councillor.

Mr Rigby said:

“It has become apparent that our society needs ‘fixing’, but the problems run deep, so the mending process involves us all working together, in harmony, with an eye on a common goal. 

“I feel my experience is just right to help our district succeed in this endeavour. Old methods and ‘business as usual’ have led us in the wrong direction. 

“I am now convinced that Green values and principles offer the best route to a happier future, not only for ourselves but also for all our companions and fellow creatures.”

Edward Clayson, Labour

The Labour candidate for the division is Edward Clayson.

Mr Clayson is a mental health nurse in the NHS and has lived and worked in Harrogate for 30 years.

He is currently branch secretary for the Harrogate Labour Party and has been a member for the past decade.

Mr Clayson said, if elected, his aim would be to get a “fair and equitable” service from the council for all.

He said:

“I am passionate about the NHS and, in particular, trying to improve mental health services in the Harrogate district

“I have been involved in local campaigns, including the Save Nidd Gorge campaign and also have campaigned for a mental health services.

“If elected for North Yorkshire County Council, I will work in the best interests of all residents in this ward hoping to ensure a fair and equitable service from the council to all.”

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David Goode, Liberal Democrat

David Goode is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division on election day.

A Knaresborough resident for 30 years, Mr Goode is currently a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.

He is also a member of Knaresborough Connectors, Community Land Trust and Chair of Governors at Aspin Park Academy school.

During his working life, he worked as an IT consultant and sales and marketing specialist. He has since retired.

Mr Goode said, if elected, he would help establish stronger rural and urban communities.

He said:

“Through NYCC Locality Fund I have supported the establishment of a new youth group for 7-to-11-year olds, provided funding to set up community gardening projects, helped fund two defibrillators in the town and in partnership with Knaresborough Connectors helped fund laptops for school children during the pandemic. 

“The key to establishing stronger urban and rural communities is the provision of affordable public transport – subsidised – fairer integrated ticketing between bus companies and rail with integrated timetables between bus companies and rail.”

Approval finally granted to convert Harrogate’s Alexa House into home

A plan to convert a Victorian guest house in Harrogate into a family home has been approved.

Alexa House on Ripon Road was sold last year for an undisclosed sum by former owner Sandra Doherty.

Ms Doherty, who owned the property for 15 years, sold the bed and breakfast after she stepped down as chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce to retire to Northumberland.

Previous applications from Ms Doherty to convert the property were turned down.

She had previously had an application to convert the guest house into seven apartments rejected in January 2021 after Harrogate Borough Council said it would not “contribute to local distinctiveness”.

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Now, a fresh application to change the former guest house has been given the go-ahead by council officials.

The plan submitted by the Architect Design Studio Ltd on behalf of Laura Harvey includes converting the outbuildings at the property into a garage and workshop area and reducing the size of the car park.

Alexa House was built in 1896 by the renowned art collector Baron Conrad Adolphus du Bois de Ferrieres.

It was built as a hunting lodge for its London-based owners to spend time enjoying Harrogate’s spa waters and riding in the nearby countryside.

Plan for five flats above Harrogate’s Oxford Street shop approved

Plans for five flats to be created above a Harrogate shop have been approved.

The proposal submitted by investment company Quarters of Leeds is for the space above the former Advantage Sports shop on Oxford Street.

The shop closed in October last year after being a fixture in the town centre for many years.

Under the plan, the first and second floors will be divided into five flats and the ground floor will be retained as a retail unit.

Four one-bedroom and one two-bedroom flats will be created.

Harrogate Borough Council has granted permission for the scheme to go-ahead.

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The developer said in documents submitted to the authority that the plans would help with housing for the town.

It said:

“The proposal will help support the creation of much-needed housing, giving the high street a new lease of life, while still retaining part of its retail character.”

Harrogate Leon developer puts up another sign without permission

Developers behind a Leon drive-thru in Harrogate have put up another advertising sign before permission to do so has been granted.

Pictures from the Wetherby Road site show a sign for the restaurant, which will serve healthy fast food, being placed on top of the building this morning. The sign is one-metre tall and the lettering lights up red.

Euro Garages has applied for the installation of 15 advertising boards, which include drive-thru directions, menus and a height restrictor bar.

But Harrogate Borough Council has yet to approve the application.

A spokesperson for the council said:

“We are aware of the signage and are considering what action may be required.”

The move comes just three weeks after the developer erected an eight-metre tall sign outside the drive-thru.

Council officials ordered the sign be taken down and warned that any work undertaken on advertising signage before an application was approved would be at the developer’s “own risk”.

Euro Garages declined to comment.

Concern over Leon design

Local residents have raised concern that the building on the site will be different from that which was approved.

Initially, approval was granted for the site to become a Starbucks — but it has since emerged that the drive-thru will instead be a Leon.

Residents raised concern when it became clear that the design of the building was not the same as that lodged to the council.

Joe Shields, who lives next to the site and is a former marketing manager for companies including fast-food chains, told the Stray Ferret:

“I have opened a few drive-thrus, I’m not against them.

“It is opening a drive-thru here which is nuts.”

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Harrogate Borough Council has acknowledged that the building being constructed is not the same as the designs submitted to the authority.

However, it added that the developer has already submitted another application for the design, which is under consideration.

The drive-thru has long proved contentious since it was granted permission by a government planning inspector last year.

Last month, the Stray Ferret reported that Harrogate Borough Council had agreed to pay £25,000 in costs to Euro Garages following the appeal hearing.

Helen Hockenhull, the planning inspector, awarded costs against the council after she said it “demonstrated unreasonable behaviour”.

Election 2022: Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is 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 Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Stanley Lumley, Pateley Bridge

Stanley Lumley will be the Conservative candidate for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale on May 5.

A lifelong resident of Nidderdale, Mr Lumley represents the area on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

He is also the cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport on the borough council.

Mr Lumley said:

“I am a life-long resident in Nidderdale and I am standing because I am passionate about the people and the place I live. 

“I am proud to represent my community and I hope to be able to continue serving all residents on the new North Yorkshire Council regardless of their political persuasion. 

“This is the most important election in local government for almost 50 years, the new council will need experienced and capable councillors to ensure equality for all and strong representation.”

Alison Harris, Yorkshire Party

Alison Harris is the candidate for the Yorkshire Party in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale.

Ms Harris is a retired Harrogate resident who  formerly worked in further education and for Barnsley Education Welfare Service.

On why she is standing, she said:

“I want more affordable housing built, with support for social and council housing from a devolved Yorkshire authority.

“Transport needs an overhaul: train services across the Pennines and to the east need vast improvement and country bus services should be expanded. Making public transport attractive and cheaper would go a long way to creating better environmental conditions.

“I support efforts to lessen our carbon footprint, including greener homes and an educational focus on green technologies.”

Andrew Murday, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Murday will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election on May 5.

Mr Murday lives in Glasshouses and and worked as a heart surgeon for most of his professional life.

He has also been a member of Bewerley Parish Council for the last three years.

 

He said:

“Nidderdale is one of the most beautiful places in the country. But rural areas are not without real problems; transport, affordable housing, an ageing population and the rest.

“Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council are run by a tired group of Conservatives who are beholden to a tired Conservative government. They have been there so long they now take our votes for granted.

“The change in the structure of local government now taking place in our region make these elections more important than ever. The time is ripe for new Liberal Democrat ideas based on the principals of liberty, equality and community and in which there is equal opportunity for all.”

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Election 2022: Harlow and St George’s candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is 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 Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.

Steven Jackson, Conservative

Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.

He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.

When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:

“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.

“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”

He added:

“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.

“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”

Andrew Rickard, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.

Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.

He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.

On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:

“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control. 

“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”

He added:

“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”

Sarah Hart, Independent

Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.

A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.

Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.

She said:

“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.

“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.

“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”

She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.

John Adams, Labour

John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.

His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.

Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.

He said:

“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics. 

“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”

Mr Adams added:

“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”

Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.

Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.

He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.

He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.

Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.

He said:

“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.

“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”

Harrogate council tax rebates on the way – but thousands of households will have to wait to apply

Council tax rebates worth £150 are starting to be paid into bank accounts across the Harrogate district – but thousands of households will have to wait to apply.

The government support is being sent out by Harrogate Borough Council to help ease the impact of huge rises in gas and electricity bills.

The payments are being made directly into the bank accounts of households with council tax bandings of A – D, but only to those which have a direct debit set up with the council.

Around 15,000 households paying by any other means will need to apply online, however, the application process has yet to go live.

Julie Gillett, customer services manager at Harrogate Borough Council, told a meeting of the council’s cabinet last night that the authority was working to put the process in place and that this could take around another month.

She said: 

“At the moment, we are working on making payments to the direct debit payers and then opening applications up to non-direct debit payers.

“We are still in development, but we will be looking more towards the end of May to be able to get these applications made.”

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The council this week confirmed the £150 payments have started for those whose first direct debit was taken in April.

It also said the majority of other payments will be made within 28 days.

Also at the meeting, councillors approved the use of £253,350 in government funding to provide £150 payments to households which are not eligible for the main scheme.

This will include households which are in higher council tax bands of E – H but have a low income, as well as multiple occupancy homes which are not liable for council tax but are responsible for energy bills.

The support will also go to band A – D households where council tax liability falls to the owner but the occupiers are responsible for energy bills.

Separately, a further £35 will be added on top of the £150 payments for households which receive council tax reductions.

As well as the council tax rebate announced in February, the government will also discount energy bills by £200 for all domestic electricity customers from October.

However, unlike the council tax rebate, this discount will be automatically recovered from people’s bills in equal £40 instalments over a five year period from 2023, when it is hoped global wholesale gas prices will have come down.

Election 2022: Oatlands and Pannal candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.

Today, we look at the Oatlands and Pannal division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.

John Mann, Conservative

John Mann is the Conservative candidate for Oatlands and Pannal division.

Mr Mann is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, representing Harrogate Pannal ward.

He is also chair of the authority’s planning committee.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Mann for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gillian Charters, Green Party

Gillian Charters is standing for the Green Party in Oatlands and Pannal division.

Ms Charters taught at a Knaresborough comprehensive school for 20 years before retraining as a probation officer.

She now works part-time for a Quaker special school in North Yorkshire.

For 30 years, she has been a member of the Green Party, which she says is the party that has “both the environment and social justice at its heart”.

Ms Charters said she was standing for North Yorkshire Council because she wants to “improve living conditions and the environment” within the area.

Margaret Smith, Labour

The Labour candidate for Oatlands and Pannal is Margaret Smith.

Ms Smith worked for several years at a further education college before setting up a business focused on the use of IT in communities and small to medium-sized enterprises.

She said the company employed up to 25 people and provided opportunities to people, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

On why she is standing, Ms Smith said:

“Although not resident in the actual division, I live quite close and regularly walk through the Oatlands area, use its facilities and have conversations with people out and about.

“It is one of Labour’s many environmental policies which will have a major impact in the area. We intend to invest in reducing residential streets to safe environments where families can walk, cycle and play, e.g by stipulating a 20 mph speed limit in residential areas.”

She added:

“Pannal has for some years now suffered by being used as a “rat run” for drivers coming from new housing developments built in  areas of the town without appropriate infrastructure – something which must be stopped.

“Residents on the streets around the Leeds Road traffic lights in Oatlands are now experiencing the same problem with motorists trying to avoid the lights on the main road. These are narrow streets with an infant school located on one of them – Cromwell Road.”

Ms Smith added that she would also support a town council for Harrogate and devolution of powers to parish councils, such as Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council.

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Justin Chan, Liberal Democrat

Justin Chan will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.

Mr Chan is a lifelong Harrogate resident and currently works in retail as a customer services assistant.

He has a degree in politics and spent a year at Catania University in Sicily as part of an Erasmus exchange.

Mr Chan said he believes North Yorkshire Council should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion.

He said:

“It’s important to make local voices heard and to allow councillors strong decision-making powers to enable them to campaign for their local communities. 

“The new local authority should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion perhaps with a park-and-ride scheme. I will work to ensure Harrogate gets its own town council.”