Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Findings of UCI review to be published before end of the year

The findings of a council-run review into Harrogate’s hosting of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships could be revealed before the end of this year.

Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny commission are running the review into the cycling event, which was hailed as a success by organisers but criticised by many businesses and residents who had complaints over road closures and diversions.

The nine-day event will also be remembered for leaving West Park Stray severely damaged after it was used as a spectator area during heavy rainfall, with repairs works and upgrades later costing £130,000.

Cllr Nick Brown, who is one of several councillors leading the cross-party review, told a meeting on Monday that the commission had asked residents to give their views on the event as part of a consultation which will now be opened up to businesses.

He said:

“The public consultation has been undertaken – we have got about 700 responses which for a consultation is quite a lot.

“Those have been analysed and we are going to do some further consultation with the business community and a number of other organisations.

“This has taken rather longer than I would have liked, but obviously we have had covid so it has not been a very easy time.

“We will hopefully have a report to the commission in December.”

If the findings are published in December, it will mark more than two years since the event was held in September 2019 when hundreds of international cyclists competed in races starting in different towns and cities across Yorkshire but with each finishing in Harrogate.

The review of the event was launched last year with the aim of “building on its successes and identifying any areas for improvement to inform the organisation of future events,” the council previously said.

It is also separate to an economic impact study of the event which was carried out by accountancy firm Ernst and Young at a cost of £19,000 to the council.

The study concluded the championships was watched by a global television audience of 329 million and resulted in an economic boost to the local economy of £17.8 million.

However, it did not take into account losses by businesses affected by road closures and a reported drop in town centre footfall – something the new review is aiming to cover.

Harrogate’s Oatlands Drive set to get double yellow lines?

A review into traffic measures on Harrogate’s Oatlands Drive is likely to include new double yellow lines, according to a senior county councillor.

North Yorkshire County Council is due to publish a new set of measures this autumn to improve walking and cycling in the Oatlands Drive area.

The Oatlands Constituency Feasibility Study is being drawn up after the council ditched proposals to introduce a one-way system on the road following complaints from residents.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire County Council, told the Stray Ferret that he expected double yellow lines to be included in the feasibility study.

It follows concern that drivers have been ignoring signs erected by Harrogate Borough Council warning drivers they face a £100 fine or being towed away if they park on Stray land next to the cycle lane on Oatlands Drive.

The new signs on Oatlands Drive.

One side of Oatlands Drive has double yellow lines but the other side — where cars park — does not.

The signs only appeared last week but pictures have already emerged of cars parked right next to the signs blocking the cycle route.

Double yellows expected for Oatlands

Although Cllr Mackenzie said he could not guarantee where the proposals would suggest the double yellow lines be placed, he said they were likely to be included in a “comprehensive scheme” for the area.

He said:

“I’m pretty sure it will be included.”

Cllr Mackenzie added that the county council had outlined plans for double yellow lines in its rejected proposals for Oatlands.

But he added that introducing double yellow lines might just increase parking congestion on other streets.

Cllr Mackenzie said:

“We could have put in yellow lines, but we are also aware that residents on St Hilda’s Road are already suffering from long term parkings problems.

“While those people are not breaking any laws, it does make it difficult to get in and out of driveways.

“Every time we introduce them [double yellow lines], it tends to shift the problem elsewhere. If it did not have a knock on affect then we would have done it.”

Cllr Mackenzie said he expected officers to bring the review into Oatlands to him “in the next few weeks”.

A ‘more permanent solution’ needed

Following the introduction of the signs on Oatlands, a borough council spokesperson said the authority hoped people would “think twice” before parking on the street.

The spokesperson added council officials were working with the county council on a “more permanent solution” to the parking problem.

They said that parking on the Stray breached the Stray Act 1985:

“A breach of the act allows the borough council — as custodians of the Stray — to issue a £100 fine to anyone caught parking on the Stray, or to have their vehicle towed away.

“We hope that the signage will make people think twice about parking on Oatlands Drive and allow cyclists to use the cycle path as intended.”

In a letter to the Stray Ferret, Judy d’Arcy-Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, said yellow lines was the “simplest solution” to parking problems on Oatlands Drive but the county council had been “ridiculously uncooperative”.

Harrogate district covid rate increases as pupils head back to school

The Harrogate district’s covid infection rate is rising steadily as thousands of pupils make a return to classrooms this week.

The borough’s weekly rate per 100,000 people now stands at 386 and pre-term testing is being used to limit infections at schools and colleges, while rules on social distancing and face masks have been scrapped.

Meanwhile, a further 102 infections have been reported in the district, according to today’s daily Public Health England figures.

The return of schools has stoked concerns over a sharp spike in cases, similar to what has happened in Scotland where infections among under 15-year-olds have tripled since pupils restarted in mid-August.

Speaking last week, Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said cases in the county are currently much higher than when schools returned last September – and that people should be “very aware” another spike can happen.

He said:

“This time last year, the rates before schools went back and worse weather arrived were considerably lower than those we see now.

“Last year, we saw another big spike in cases, so we need to be very aware that that can still happen.”

Health officials at the county council last week urged all 16 and 17-year-olds to get vaccinated against covid “as soon as possible” ahead of the return to school this week.

The calls came as scientists on the UK’s vaccine advisory body refused to give the green light to vaccinating healthy children aged 12 to 15 years on health grounds.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said these children were at such a low risk from the virus that jabs would offer only a marginal benefit.

Infection rate almost up to 400

According to latest NHS figures, a total of 127,181 people in the Harrogate district have now received their first vaccine dose and 116,631 people their second.

Meanwhile, no further covid deaths have been recorded at Harrogate District Hospital.

The hospital reported three more covid deaths on Friday to take its toll since the pandemic began up to 184.

The latest infection rate for the Harrogate district of 386 is above both the North Yorkshire and England averages of 341 and 321.

The rate has been climbing steadily in recent weeks after falling sharply in mid-July from a record level of 536.

Elsewhere in North Yorkshire, Selby currently has the highest rate at 392, while Richmondshire has the lowest with 242.

Former Harrogate vicar jailed for sexual abuse of three-year-old girl

A former Harrogate vicar has been jailed for sexually abusing a three-year-old girl.

Gordon Newton, 40, of Cross Church Street, Huddersfield, was team vicar at St Wilfrid’s Church before he moved to be vicar at Staincliffe and Carlinghow, Batley, in 2016.

According to an annual report published by the church, which is on Duchy Road, Newton joined as assistant curate in May 2012 before being licensed as team vicar in April 2013.

He was also member of the management team at the Jennyfield Styan Community Centre and a chaplain with the Harrogate and District Sea Cadets.

Newton pleaded guilty to 12 charges at Leeds Crown Court on Friday (September 3).

Six of the charges were for sexual assault on a child aged under 13, three were for engaging in sexual activity with a child aged under 13 and three were for making indecent photos of a child.

He was jailed for nine years and seven months.

The Stray Ferret contacted St Wilfrid’s Church for comment, but did not receive a response by time of publication.

500 staff at North Yorkshire care homes could leave due to compulsory vaccinations

About 500 care workers in North Yorkshire could be forced out of their jobs when compulsory vaccines come into force in November.

Many care homes are already struggling to recruit staff and this is set to exacerbate the problem, with 5.5% of the workforce set to lose their jobs.

From November 11, it will become a legal requirement for all staff working in care homes to be fully vaccinated against covid – unless they are exempt – in order to protect elderly and vulnerable residents most at risk from the virus.

Health officials in North Yorkshire say they are supportive of this but are calling for the rules to be applied also to NHS staff to prevent a wave of care workers quitting their jobs to join the health sector.

Speaking at a meeting last week, Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for adult services and health integration at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“If nothing changes, quite simply there will be around 500 people currently working in North Yorkshire’s care sector who will no longer be able to do so.

“It will be illegal to employ them and that would be a terrible shame.

“This is a consequence which needs to be avoided so we are lobbying government at the moment.

“That said, I am a full supporter of mandatory vaccinations and it does disappoint me that there are so many people working in the sector who are refusing to be vaccinated.”

There are currently 8,967 care staff working in North Yorkshire, both at the county council and at private companies.

Of those, a total of 494 have refused vaccines, representing 5.5% of the workforce.

Health officials have insisted they are making progress on bringing these numbers down, but the looming November 11 deadline comes at a time when the sector is also facing surging demand and serious recruitment issues with around 1,000 jobs currently vacant.

Cllr Harrison said:

“It is fair to say that the workforce in adult care has quite simply started to evaporate in recent weeks. Even this month we have seen a 70 per cent drop in applications for vacant positions.”

The staffing situation has also led to warnings from the Independent Care Group, which represents independent care homes, that an army of volunteers could be needed to avoid a “winter meltdown” in staff numbers.

Mike Padgham, chair of the non-profit organisation, which provides care services in North Yorkshire and York, said:

“The staffing crisis is now so bad that providers are battling day-to-day to cover shifts both in homes and in looking after people in their own home.

“Many say it is the worst they have known in more than 30 years and so we need urgent action now before the added pressures of winter turn this into a total meltdown.”

Mr Padgham has also previously spoken of his “dismay” over compulsory vaccines, saying the government is creating another barrier to recruitment and “forcing people to do something against their will”.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid last month urged care workers to book their vaccine appointments as soon as possible with the “grace period” ending on 11 November.

How many, or how few, staff choose to do so could well determine how well care homes cope in the coming months.

Strong objections to Northern Energy plan to move from Hampsthwaite

Residents and parish councils have lodged strong objections to plans for a major oil and gas company to relocate to Marton-cum-Grafton.

Northern Energy is currently based In Hampsthwaite and has had its headquarters in the village for more than half a century.

However, the company tabled proposals to Harrogate Borough Council in February to move to Limebar Lane, one kilometre from the village of Marton-cum-Grafton and next to the A168.

The firm, which has an annual turnover of £27 million, supplies more than 50 million litres of oil and liquid petroleum gas across the UK each year.

But two parish councils have written to the council to object to the plans.

They say the development is inappropriate and would have “unacceptable consequences”, such as loss of agricultural land, increase in traffic and the proximity of the site to local residents.

Arkendale, Coneythorpe and Clareton Parish Council wrote to the council to object in “the strongest terms”.

It said:

“The other consequence is of course that valuable agricultural land will be lost.

“Such land is increasingly being lost to development and for us to be as sustainable as a nation we need to preserve our agricultural capacity rather than rely on importing foodstuffs from abroad.”

Meanwhile, Marton-cum-Grafton added in its response that the development was “not of exceptional quality” and “does not enhance its immediate setting nor is it sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area”.

The application has so far attracted 33 comments to the council, with 32 of those objecting and just one in support.

Council officials will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

Company has “outgrown” its site

However, Northern Energy has said it has outgrown its current site and needs to move.

The plans include 10,000 square feet of office space, a vehicle depot, LPG and oil storage tanks and a new car park.

The site would accommodate 30 office staff and 20 operations staff.

The proposed Northern Energy site off the A168 as submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in planning documents.

In documents submitted to the council, the company said the current location was “beginning to hinder business”.

It said:

““Such is the success of the business, the company have now outgrown their current premises on the edge of Hampsthwaite.

“Indeed, the location of the facility, some distance from the local highway network, and the absence of oil and fuel storage capacity on site is now beginning to hinder the business.”

Northern Energy is currently consulting on its plans to relocate. Residents can have their say on the plans here.

Nidderdale Charity Walk returns for 27th year today

Walkers are set to flock to Nidderdale today for the annual charity walk and run.

The Nidderdale Charity Walk and Run, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Harrogate, is returning for its 27th year and aims to raise money for charitable causes while encouraging people to keep active.

Over the years, participants have raised money for a number of charities including Harrogate Hospital and Community, Dementia Forward and Harrogate Easier Living Project.

The rotary club also offers those causes which have received 10 or more supporters an 80% donation of the entry fees their fundraisers have paid.

Held annually, five routes will be included in this year’s event with a mixture of distances ranging in distance from four to 26 miles.

All walks start at Pateley Bridge Scout Hall and lead into Upper Nidderdale, with some going beyond into Lofthouse and Ramsgill.

Councils have ‘dodged hefty bill’ with cancellation of Tour de Yorkshire, says councillor

Yorkshire councils have “dodged a hefty bill” with the cancellation of the Tour de Yorkshire 2022, a senior councillor has said.

Cllr Andy Solloway, who sits on North Yorkshire County Council, said he was not surprised the cycling race was cancelled for a third year in a row and that he believes councils would have had to fork out more cash to the organisers if it went ahead.

The county council backed the race with £100,000 and set aside a further £100,000 to underwrite any failure to gain sponsorship.

Co-organisers Welcome to Yorkshire also received the backing of other councils including Craven, Barnsley, Richmondshire, East Riding, and Redcar and Cleveland which agreed to underwrite the event by £100,000 to cover any sponsorship losses.

The extra funding came on top of the £100,000 each council in race start and finish locations had already agreed to.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Solloway said:

“It seems to me that the Tour de Yorkshire’s unviability would have meant that local councils were in line for subsidising rather than underwriting as we were assured at the time, which was actually less than a couple of months ago.

“I think councils with their stretched funds may have dodged a hefty bill here.”

Disruption to people

Welcome to Yorkshire said the decision to cancel the event was made due to “financial challenges” and after “lengthy discussions” with co-organiser Amaury Sport Organisation.

The race would have seen a four-day men’s event going from Beverley to Redcar, followed by Skipton to Leyburn, then Barnsley to Huddersfield and Halifax to Leeds.

A two-day women’s race was also planned for the middle two stages.

The cancellation comes after the 2020 and 2021 legs of the event were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Solloway, who is also leader of the Independent group on Craven District Council, added:

“While I think that there will be many disappointed, I also think that there are others that will take a different view and not relish the disruption.

“I am wondering if Welcome to Yorkshire knew that this was going to happen, but still pushed ahead with trying to get the councils on board.”

‘A line had to be drawn somewhere’

Councils which were approached by Welcome to Yorkshire to provide financial support but did not make any decisions included Leeds, Calderdale and Kirklees.

A spokesperson for the organisers said:

“Welcome to Yorkshire’s commitment to the Tour de Yorkshire is in a facilitatory capacity to organise, plan and deliver the race.

“Funding has always come via a combination of local authorities paying for the right to host a start or a finish of a stage and commercial partners paying for sponsorship, engagement and branding opportunities.

“Welcome to Yorkshire has been transparent through the whole process with regards to the increased costs and delays in planning because of covid-19.

“Increasing commercial demands meant a line had to be drawn somewhere as it was becoming not viable despite how disappointing this may seem.”

Three covid deaths recorded at Harrogate hospital

Three covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

According to latest NHS England figures, two deaths were reported on September 1 and another on September 2.

It takes the death toll since March 2020 from patients who tested positive for coronavirus to 184.

Meanwhile, the Harrogate district has reported 100 covid infections, according to today’s Pubic Health England figures.

It’s the highest daily figure recorded in the district since July 19.

The district’s weekly infection rate now stands at 341 per 100,000 people, which is above the North Yorkshire rate of 308 and the England average of 301.

According to the latest figures, Harrogate District Hospital is treating 11 patients for covid.

Elsewhere, 126,939 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 115,524 have had a second dose.

Eco-house to be built in two days at Harrogate climate festival

An eco-friendly house is set to be built in just two days at this year’s Harrogate District Climate Action Festival.

The home will be one of the main features at the festival, which will be held at Harrogate College next month.

Pure Haus, a Leeds-based company that builds eco-friendly homes, said the home will demonstrate passive house principles, which means it requires very little energy and results in near zero carbon homes.

The design and construction principles include high insulation, airtightness and high performance windows.

Kevin Pratt, director of the company, said designing and building such houses helps to reduce carbon emissions and reach climate targets.

He added he hoped the ‘show pod’, which will be brought in on a crane lorry and put together in two or three days, would give an insight into how homes can be built on eco-friendly principles.

The festival, which takes place from October 1 until October 21, is being coordinated by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition.

It will include a range of guest speakers, including Professor Andy Shepherd, who is professor of earth observation at the University of Leeds, and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.

No booking is required and attendance is free.

Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, said:

“We are proud to be hosting the launch day for this festival as its aims align perfectly with the college’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future.”

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