Man arrested after incident outside Harrogate McDonalds

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article in Harrogate town centre.

North Yorkshire Police were called to Cambridge Road outside McDonalds at around 1.40pm this afternoon.

Officers said an 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of breaching bail conditions, possession of a bladed article and obstructing police.

A statement from police this afternoon said the man remained in custody at this time.

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North Yorkshire fire service improving, say inspectors

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is making “significant steps” after requiring improvement, say inspectors.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services inspected the service in spring 2022 for effectiveness and efficiency.

They rated it as “requires improvement” for effectiveness and “inadequate” for its efficiency in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risk.

However, following a visit in September this year, inspectors said the service was now making progress.

In a report published today, Michelle Skeer, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire Services, said there was evidence that the service had improved.

She said:

“I am pleased to see the significant steps that the service has taken in response to the causes of concern we issued. 

“The strengthened working relationships between the enabling services have helped to change the working culture and improve staff understanding of the benefits that the collaboration can provide. 

“We saw evidence that showed the improvements made are sustainable and that they will continue to be monitored at a senior level.”

The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for comment but not yet had a response.

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The move comes as North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel raised concern last week that the service’s response times had increased.

A meeting of the panel was told that people had to wait for an average of 13 minutes and nine seconds for firefighters to respond to incidents.

This compared with 11 minutes and 37 seconds the year before.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, described the figure as “worrying”.

However, Zoe Metcalfe, Conservative North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said the service had been working “at pace to make considerable progress”.

Harrogate district MP gives maiden House of Commons speech

Harrogate district MP Keir Mather gave his first speech in parliament this week.

Mr Mather, 25, overturned a 20,137 Conservative majority to win a by-election for Selby and Ainsty in July triggered by the resignation of previous MP Nigel Adams.

He became the first Labour MP elected in any part of the Harrogate district. His constituency includes villages such as Spofforth, Follifoot and Great Ouseburn.

During his speech in the House of Commons on Monday, he pledged to work for constituents and “defend their interests”.

Known as the baby of the house, he referenced the fact that he was the first parliamentarian to be born after the Labour government of 1997 came to power.

He said his constituency faced issues such as poor dental provision, timely ambulances and residents suffering from the cost of living crisis.

Mr Mather, who is a former senior public affairs adviser for the Confederation of British Industry, added:

“As I said on the night of my election, I hope to be a representative of that power of young people to make a difference. But we won’t do it alone.

“I was sent to this place by a constituency that is older than the national average, but who put their faith in me to defend their interests.

“That is because, in spite of the divisive politics that seeks to pit one generation against the other, in Selby and Ainsty we share our ambitions for our community and our country, and are committed to realising them together.”

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Horsebox trailer stolen in Green Hammerton

Police have issued an appeal after a horsebox trailer was stolen in Green Hammerton.

The white Ifor Williams horsebox was stolen from Boroughbridge Road between 7pm on Friday, October 12, and 8.45am on Saturday, October 14.

It has a registration number W29 ESH.

The white trailer has a loading ramp on the left-hand side, which is unusual as it is on the right-hand side on most trailers.

The inside of the trailer has ‘Swillington Trailers’ stickers showing.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“If you see the stolen vehicle, or know where it is, please email Neel.Seth@northyorkshire.police.uk. You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Neel Seth.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230195137.”

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Details of Stray bonfire and fireworks revealed

The organisers of Harrogate‘s annual bonfire and fireworks on the Stray have released further details about this year’s event.

The event, which is organised by Harrogate and District Round Table, will return on Saturday, November 4, for its 52nd year.

The bonfire will be lit on the Oatlands Stray near to St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

It will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm and include fireworks and live music.

The event is free to attend but the round table, which is a charity, will raise funds for Harrogate Homeless Project.

Ut has set up a GoFundMe page and urged people to text BONFIRE to 70560 to donate £5.

Matthew Firth, who has helped to set up the event, said:

“It is important that we help end homelessness on the streets of Harrogate. 

“Especially going into wintertime when the mercury regularly drops below freezing and these poor people, often through no fault of their own, end up on the streets.”

Visitors on the night will be able to buy burgers, sausages, hotdogs and vegetarian options served by local scout groups.

Vintage Event Bars will run a licensed bar at the event, serving a selection of alcohol. Soft and hot drinks will also be available.

Toilets will be available on site.

Live performances will be held on the pop-up stage throughout the night — with Three Strikes Band already confirmed — and more to be announced.

Organisers have asked people not to bring sparklers to the event for safety reasons.

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Final approval granted for 390 homes near Ripon

Council officers have given final approval to a major 390-house development near Ripon.

Housing developer Taylor Wimpey will oversee the scheme, which will be built on land off Whitcliffe Lane.

The former Harrogate Borough Council initially rejected the proposal in 2017, but the decision was overturned by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Councillors deferred the scheme to officers for approval in February 2022.

Now, North Yorkshire Council has given the development the final go-ahead after discussions over internal access at the site.

A report by Andy Hough, planning officer at the authority, said “a lengthy negotiation” had taken place with the developer over the road network and consultation with the council’s highways department.

The site layout for the West Lane development, as submitted to

The site layout for the Ripon development.

Councillors had initially raised concern over the development and its impact on the countryside and the nearby Fountains Abbey.

At the time, Cllr Pat Marsh described the plans as being “forced upon” the area following the appeal.

She said:

“The impact on these particular areas which include a World Heritage Site that we must protect are going to be there whether we like it or not.

“I feel strongly that these reasons for refusal still stand.”

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The proposals were initially brought forward by Britain’s largest housebuilder Barratt Homes before the developers pulled out of the scheme.

The government’s housing agency Homes England and developers Taylor Wimpey then struck an £89.5m deal to acquire the site in February 2021 and get the plans back on track.

The approved plans include 156 affordable homes, 42 bungalows, cycling and walking links, a new bus route and children’s play areas.

Business Breakfast: Masham brewery announces leadership changes

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Masham brewery T&R Theakston has announced changes to its leadership structure.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of the family-controlled business, will become company chairman from January 1, 2024.

Mr Theakston will continue to be actively involved in the brewery and supporting the board in his new position.

Meanwhile, Richard Bradbury will assume the role of sole managing director.

Mr Bradbury has been a director of T&R Theakston since 2015 and joint managing director with Mr Theakston since November 2020.

Mr Theakston said:

“This is a natural evolution from how Richard and I currently work together. 

“Having jointly charted the company through the challenges of the covid pandemic and the current cost inflation impacts on the brewing and hospitality sectors, this new structure will ensure Theakston’s continued growth as we look forward to its bi-centenary in 2027 and beyond.”

Council offers businesses net zero project grants

Business grants have been made available to firms across North Yorkshire.

As part of the government’s shared prosperity funding, North Yorkshire Council has made grants and support available for companies looking to take on net zero initiatives.

Support will be offered by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and grants will be made available for up to £2,000 or 80% of project costs.

More information on the application process can be found on the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.

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Police release CCTV image after theft in Harrogate Victoria Shopping Centre

Police have released CCTV images of two people they would like speak to following a theft in Harrogate town centre.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at TK Maxx in the Victoria Shopping Centre at 10.07am on August 31.

A man stayed by the exit of the store while a woman selected nine designer handbags, valued at almost £480, and left the shop without paying.

Officers have launched an investigation and released CCTV of a man and woman.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the woman or the man, who had distinctive long hair tied up, as they believe they may have information that could help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email hazel.simms@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC1338 Simms-Williamson.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote reference number 12230164126 when passing on information.”

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Man accused of plotting terrorist attack on RAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate

A man is to go on trial accused of planning terrorist attacks at an RAF base near Harrogate and St James’ Hospital in Leeds.

Mohammed Farooq, 27, of Hetton Road in Roundhay, Leeds, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court yesterday accused of terrorism charges.

According to media reports, a judge told the court the trial related to “an alleged plan to target RAF Menwith Hill, in Harrogate, and St James’s Hospital, in Leeds, in a terrorist attack”.

Mr Farooq denied a charge of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between July 12, 2021, and January 21, 2023.

He also pleaded not guilty to possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

However, he admitted a separate charge of possessing an explosive substance in suspicious circumstances between January 18 and January 21.

Mr Farooq also pleaded guilty to possessing a document containing information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

He also admitted two charges relating to the possession of an imitation firearm.

His trial is due to start at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday (October 19).

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Police find missing 16-year-old from Harrogate

Police have confirmed a missing 16-year-old girl from Harrogate has been found

Officers issued an appeal after she was last seen at 12.45am yesterday (October 17) in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police has since confirmed the teenager has been found.

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