Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Council rejects 20mph limit on main roads near Harrogate schools

North Yorkshire Council has rejected requests to reduce the speed limit on some main roads outside schools in Harrogate to 20mph.

A report due before Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, will recommend creating a 20mph zone outside schools in the Pannal Ash and Oatlands area of the town.

The council announced plans for the “landmark” zone in September following a safety campaign by residents, councillors and schools.

The proposed area for the new zones included seven Harrogate schools. These are Harrogate Grammar School, Rossett Acre Primary School, Rossett School, Ashville College, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Oatlands Junior School and Oatlands Infants School.

It included roads such as Arthurs Avenue, Oatlands Drive, Yew Tree Lane and Cromwell Road.

But it now appears main routes Leeds Road, Wetherby Road, Otley Road, Hookstone Road, Hookstone Drive, York Place and Leadhall Lane will not be included in the plan.

A map of the 20mph areas in Pannal and Oatlands. Picture: NYC.

Neil Renton, headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, told the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in September he hoped Otley Road — where students enter the school — could be reduced to 20mph.

But the report due before Cllr Duncan on December 18 says the main roads were identified as either “strategic distributor” or “main distributor” roads.

It added:

“Practically given the recognised role in the strategic network and their function to carry high volumes of traffic between primary destinations it is not considered appropriate to implement physical traffic calming features and an associated speed reduction to 20mph.”

Meanwhile, the council said Leadhall Lane “does not have identified destination points such as schools, shops or sports centre” and a 20mph limit would be “difficult to achieve”.

‘Incredibly disappointed’

Christopher Harrison, headteacher at Oatlands Infant School, said he was “incredibly disappointed” by the plans.

The school caters for pupils between the ages of four and seven.

Mr Harrison said he hoped the council would reconsider its proposals and reduce the speed limit on Hookstone Road from 30mph to 20mph.

He said:

“As headteacher of Oatlands Infant School, I am incredibly disappointed by the decision to keep Hookstone Road at 30mph.

“We have a healthy, active school community who love to walk, cycle and scooter to school alongside Hookstone Road on a daily basis.

“We worry that the current speed limit of 30mph is not safe enough for our children, and that a reduction to 20mph would enable more families to travel to school in safety. We hope that North Yorkshire Council reconsider this decision with our youngest, most vulnerable members of our community in mind.”

Otley Road

Hazel Peacock, of the Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign, said the plans did not go far enough and urged the council to include the roads in the proposals.

She said:

“For the safety and well-being of the 9,000 school children and the wider community in Oatlands and Pannal Ash we urge North Yorkshire Council to reconsider the inclusion of Hookstone Road, Hookstone Drive, Leadhall Lane, part of Leeds Rd (A61), Otley Rd (B6162), Wetherby Road (A661) and York Place (A6040) as 20mph in the Harrogate (south and west) 20mph Speed Limit review to be considered by Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation and mayoral candidate, on Monday 18th December.

“Without the inclusion of Hookstone Road, Hookstone Drive, Otley Road and part of Wetherby Road specifically only five of the nine schools in the zone will be fully covered with 20mph roads immediately surrounding them; leaving St John Fishers Catholic High School and Willow Tree Primary School on 30mph roads and a combination of 30mph and 20mph in the case of Harrogate Grammar School and Oatlands Infant School.

“Considering people hit by a vehicle at 20mph are around five times less likely to be killed than at 30mph (Transport for London data) and that 16 children are killed or seriously injured in road crashes every week on their way to or from school (Public Health England), it is clear why the inclusion of these roads as 20mph matters.

“We hope Cllr Duncan will include them to prioritise the safety and well-being of the school children and members of the community as has been done on ‘main roads’ by other local authorities, in many including nearby Otley, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, London, rural villages in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.”

The scheme is estimated to cost the council £200,000.

The authority has recommended proceeding to consultation on traffic regulation orders for the areas proposed to be reduced to 20mph.

A decision will be made on the recommendation at next week’s meeting.

Labour designates Harrogate and Knaresborough ‘non-battleground’ seat

The Labour Party has designated Harrogate and Knaresborough as a “non-battleground” seat at the next election.

The party published a list online of 211 seats which it considers to be non-target constituencies.

Among them is Harrogate and Knaresborough, as well Skipton and Ripon, both of which are currently held by Conservative MPs.

Local Liberal Democrats have claimed the move means the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency will be a “two horse race” at the next election.

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:

“This constituency will be a two horse race between the Liberal Democrats and a desperately out of touch Conservative party.

“Even Labour have now admitted they cannot win here. The Liberal Democrats are on a winning streak locally, as people send this government a message.”

The Stray Ferret has approached the Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party, which has yet to name a parliamentary candidate, for comment.

It comes as speculation over the date of the next general election has increased amid continued infighting in government.

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has been selected to fight the seat for the Tories again.

He is aiming for a fifth straight election win in the constituency at the next election.

Council scraps ‘waste of money’ £100,000 Harrogate cycle plan

A £100,000 project to make a minor Harrogate road better for cycling has been scrapped after being criticised as a “waste of money”.

North Yorkshire Council revealed in September it planned to upgrade Nursery Lane, which is a minor road off Otley Road, into an off-road leisure route.

The scheme came as part of 10 proposals put forward to reduce congestion in west Harrogate.

However, a council report due before Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, next week shows the plan has now been dropped.

The project was criticised by cyclists at a meeting of Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in September.

David Mitchell, of Harrogate District Cycle Action, told councillors that spending £100,000 on Nursery Lane was “not sensible because it would not make a meaningful difference to the cycle network”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, told the meeting the cycling community had told him the proposal was “a complete waste of money because that lane is already safe”.

The report, which will go before Cllr Duncan on December 18, says the scheme has been scrapped as feedback showed it “was not supported and the funding could be better utilised on other projects”.

It has been replaced with a £60,000 plan to resurface the footpath and cycleway between Green Lane and Blenheim Way, which is known as Rossett Cycle Path.

The report said the move would “enhance the off-road route and encourage its use as an alternative route to the Otley Road corridor for walkers and cyclists”.

The Stray Ferret reported the proposed congestion-reducing initiatives when they were published in September. You can read them here.

Funding for the overall project has increased to £854,000 after the authority received further section 106 contributions.

The cost for the improvements is now estimated at £715,000 – an increase from £585,000.

The council said any remaining money would be kept as a contingency to cover design work, which is expected to start in January 2024.

A further report on the proposals will be brought before Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in the spring.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate BID appoints communications officer

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate Business Improvement District has hired a public relations and communications officer.

Ed Horner, a former journalist at The Press in York, has joined the organisation and will be tasked with working alongside alongside the BID team, board directors and BID members to deliver its term two business plan.

He will also oversee the BID’s communications, as well as offering support on projects, campaigns and events.

Town centre businesses which fund the BID voted this year to continue to support it for another five years.

Matthew Chapman, manager at Harrogate BID, said:

“We were thrilled to have a strong collection of people apply for this role and Ed’s experience in local media, appetite to deliver positive outcomes and awareness of the local area really take us to the next level as an organisation as we approach term two and our new business plan.”

Pictured above: Matthew Chapman, BID manager, Chris Ashby, street ranger, Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive and Ed Horner, PR and communications officer

Investment management firm recognised at London awards

Redmayne Bentley has been recognised at the Investors’ Chronicle Celebration of Investment Awards.

The investment management firm, which has an office on Victoria Avenue near Harrogate Library, received the accolade for Best Wealth Manager for Tax Services at the event in London.

The awards recognise the best financial service providers, and winners are voted for by Investors’ Chronicle readers.

Nigel Bottomley, head of office of Redmayne Bentley’s Harrogate office, said:

“The expertise we have across the firm, coupled with the effort and commitment we put into building personal client relationships, is what we believe sets us apart.

“This award comes at what is a special time for the firm, coinciding with our celebration of 148 years in the industry after first being established by John Redmayne in 1875.”

Harrogate hospital defends criticism of new parking payment system

Harrogate District Hospital has defended appointing Parkingeye to oversee its car parks after criticism from patients.

The hospital brought in the company to operate its new parking arrangements in September, which includes automatic number plate recognition and a ticketless system.

However, some patients and visitors have criticised the decision after being given fines due to problems paying for parking.

Derek Sendrove and his wife, Zhanna, used the hospital car park in October when both were receiving treatment.

Mr Sendrove said the couple had registered their card with the app, which makes it possible to pay for parking via mobile phone.

Derek Sendrove.

However, on a visit on October 30, which lasted 44 minutes and would cost £4, the card was not recognised.

Mr Sendrove said the card has been valid every other time they have used the car park.

The couple were subsequently handed a £70 fine by Parkingeye, which Zhanna appealed but was refused. The pair have since taken the decision to Parking On Private Land Appeals, the industry arbitrator.

Mr Sendrove told the Stray Ferret he felt the incident raised questions over why the hospital chose the parking company in the first place.

He said:

“It seems that Parkingeye are profiting from their own faulty app, and it is also rather surprising that instead of choosing another app, Appy Parking, which is installed throughout the town; for some inscrutable reason, Harrogate hospital have chosen to partner with a different organisation, Parkingeye.”

The Stray Ferret took Mr Sendrove’s concerns to Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and asked whether it had any response to the question over its choice of provider.

A spokesperson for the trust said:

“Parkingeye has extensive experience of working with NHS organisations and currently manages parking at over 30 NHS trusts and more than 680 healthcare sites. After careful consideration Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust chose Parkingeye to provide a car parking management service at Harrogate District Hospital.

“Since the introduction of the new camera controlled barrierless system at Harrogate District Hospital, congestion has significantly decreased on Lancaster Park Road due to the improved access into our car parks ensuring that visitors can get to their appointments on time and visit their loved ones.

“On occasion a parking charge notice may be issued to motorists who do not follow the parking rules which are displayed on the parking signage.

“A motorist has the opportunity to challenge the decision through Parkingeye’s appeal process. Parkingeye will consider the evidence and circumstances and if it is appropriate may cancel a parking ticket.

“Should the motorist still wish to contest the decision, they can contact Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA), an independent organisation that allows motorists to contest the decisions of parking operators by visiting https://www.popla.co.uk/. POPLA will look at both sides of the appeal, consider the evidence provided and ultimately decide to uphold or overturn the ruling made by the parking management company.”

A Parkingeye spokesperson said:

“Parkingeye has partnered with Harrogate District Hospital since September this year to significantly improve how its car parks operate.

“During this time there has been investment in modern consumer-facing systems which has enhanced accessibility and made parking at the hospital easier and safer for staff, patients and visitors. The system is designed to ensure the efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital by ensuring that patients, visitors and staff park in their allocated car parks.

“The car park features over 30 prominent and highly-visible signs providing information on how to use the car park responsibly, including guidance that patients and visitors must pay on exit using one of the user-friendly payment kiosks or through the Evology payment app.

“The motorist received a parking charge after parking in an area that is reserved for patients and visitors and not making a payment. Our systems also show that the Evology app was working effectively and took a normal level of transactions on October 30th.

“Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their parking charge.

“The motorist’s appeal was unsuccessful and is now being reviewed by POPLA, the independent appeals service.”

What’s your experience of using the new Parkingeye app at the hospital? Get in touch on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Business Breakfast: Harrogate carbon accounting firm makes two new hires

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

A Harrogate company that specialises in carbon accounting has announced two new appointments.

Flotilla, which is based on Station Parade, has hired Charlotte Hallowell as a carbon accountant and Jason Talman as full stack developer.

The company said it made the appointments as part of continued growth in its services.

John Rastrick, Flotilla chief executive, said:

“Bringing Charlotte and Jason on board is critical to the delivery of our high-quality net zero solutions services. Charlotte’s analytical and business understanding skills will help clients realise the wider benefits of starting and delivering a net-zero journey.

“Jason is a determined problem solver and I am confident his arrival will allow us to further develop our technology for the benefit of our clients and for our planet.”

Henshaws to hold leadership course

Henshaws is set to host a leadership programme in February 2024.

The charity will hold the event at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate from 8am on February 2.

There will be a breakfast and networking lunch included. The course will include a presentation from business coach, Rob Northfield.

The course is aimed at anyone who wants to grow in their career or personal life.

Tickets are £99 and all proceeds go to Henshaws.

Flora Simpson, senior fundraiser at Henshaws, said:

“We were so over the moon with the success of Rob’s first event and are so happy to be able to bring this learning back.

“We had such a great turn out from a host of local business owners and their teams but also individuals who are aiming for self-development.”

Leeds United footballer accused of speeding in Harrogate

Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen is to appear before court in January charged with speeding in Harrogate.

Kristensen, 26, of North Park Road in Harrogate, is alleged to have been speeding in excess of 30mph on the A6040 Knaresborough Road near the Stray in a Bentley Continental on February 19 this year.

A hearing was held at Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning, but Kristensen was not present.

Magistrates adjourned the case until January 23, 2024, and ordered the 26-year-old to appear in person.

Kristensen, who is a Denmark international, is currently playing for Italian side AS Roma on loan from Leeds.

He joined the club in July after the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League.

Kristensen made 26 appearances for Leeds last season and scored three goals.

He joined United from Red Bull Salzberg in July 2022 for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £10 million.

New travel agents to open in Harrogate

A new travel agents looks set to open in Harrogate town centre.

Althams Travel plans to open a new branch on Cambridge Street next to Claire’s and WHSmith.

The unit used to be occupied by camera shop, Jessops.

The travel agent, which currently has 32 branches across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, was established in 1874.

Its nearest branches to Harrogate are currently Otley and Horsforth in West Yorkshire.

The company is advertising for a branch manager, assistant manager and two travel consultants for its Cambridge Street outlet.

The Stray Ferret contacted Althams Travel to ask when it expects to open its Harrogate branch, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Starbucks recruiting staff for new Harrogate drive-through

Starbucks has advertised for staff for a planned drive-through on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The multi-national coffee shop, which already has an outlet on Cambridge Street in the town, looks set to open a new site at the former Leon drive-thru.

North Yorkshire Council approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding in August.

Since then, the company has advertised for a supervisor, assistant manager and barista on hospitality recruitment site caterer.com for a new store in the HG2 area.

The Stray Ferret asked Starbucks if it had an opening date planned for the site and how many staff it would employ.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Harrogate.”

The move comes as Leon, which opened at the site last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.

It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.

Currently, the building has been empty for eight months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage.

Harrogate boy given life sentence for murder of Seb Mitchell

A 17-year-old boy has been given a life sentence after murdering Harrogate schoolboy Seb Mitchell.

Dylan Cranfield appeared before Leeds Crown Court this afternoon to be sentenced after being found guilty of murder in August this year.

He stabbed Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb in the chest with a kitchen knife which led to a fatal loss of blood and cardiac arrest.

Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, sentenced Cranfield to a life sentence with a minimum of 11 years.

Cranfield murdered Seb, 17, after a row over a broken mirror at a property on Claro Road in Harrogate on February 19 this year.

Cranfield pleaded not guilty – he accepted he stabbed Seb, but said he did not intend to kill him.

A teenage girl who witnessed the incident told police Cranfield pointed the knife at Seb and said “I’m going to wet you up”, which the court heard was “London slang” for a stabbing.

Seb was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He died two days after the incident.

Cranfield, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was found guilty at a court hearing on August 25.

Judge Kearl lifted reporting restrictions on Cranfield, which had previously prevented the media naming him during proceedings.

Courts have discretionary powers to prevent the media from naming children to protect their welfare. Such orders remain in place until the child reaches 18.

However, Judge Kearl the welfare of children had to be balanced against the open justice principle that says the media should be able to report cases “fully and contemporaneously”.

He said the public interest of highlighting the dangers of knife crime meant it was therefore “in the interests of justice to lift reporting restrictions”.

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