Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Fears for rural transport as Masham and Ripon minibus service is scrapped

Councillors have expressed disappointment after a flagship on-demand bus service in Masham and Ripon is set to be scrapped.

Last week, North Yorkshire Council took the decision to end its YorBus pilot on June 30 over cost concerns.

It was revealed that the service carried just 14,208 passengers over 12 months, at an average cost per passenger of £15.57 across the year.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for transport, said in a statement that the cost of the service was “significantly higher” than traditional routes.

However, some councillors have expressed disappointment that the on-demand service will no longer continue.

Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister.

Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who represents Masham and Fountains division, said the bus was used by younger people in her area.

She said:

“I’m very disappointed. There were a lot of the younger generation using it.

“At the same time, it was expensive to run. It was using a lot of money. But it was not a great surprise and I don’t think it was ever to going to get to a break even point.

“However, I think it does demonstrate that there is a need for bus services in rural areas.”

She added that she would like to see a community service introduced in the place of YorBus.

Meanwhile, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, described the decision as “regrettable but understandable”.

She added that the service was never going to survive in light of the council’s failed £116 million bid to government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ fund.

She said:

“Without government help this has had to be funded by the council. Usage peaked over last summer and then levelled off to about 2.4 passengers per hour, more passengers could possibly have made the pilot more cost effective.”

Cllr Andrew Williams, who also represents Ripon Minster and Moorside, added:

“It’s sad that the innovative idea has failed to take off but NYC can’t justify the continuation of a service which is costing a subsidy of £14 for each journey made,

“I suspect that most council tax payers would think that was pouring money down the drain. We have tried to provide a service but residents have voted with their feet and simply not used it in sufficient numbers to justify continuing further.”

The Stray Ferret approached North Yorkshire Council to ask why the scheme was not scrapped within the first year given the running costs.

A spokesperson for the council said the pilot was extended to “explore options for wider rollout could be explored in more detail, including assessing potential zones and a review of the overall delivery model”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Duncan said that the authority would be reviewing initiatives to help rural transport.

He said:

“While continuing to work closely with operators to support at-risk services, we are also currently reviewing a number of initiatives to improve rural transport and asking the public for their views to help shape our future strategy.”

Junior soldiers to march through streets of Harrogate

Junior soldiers from Harrogate’s Army Foundation College will take part in a parade through the town centre next weekend.

The Freedom Parade will take place on West Park and Montpellier Hill.

The event allows junior soldiers to exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Harrogate.

It was last held in May 2019 and saw hundreds of soldiers march through the town centre.

The closure means that West Park, Parliament Street and Montpellier Hill will be closed from 11am until 12pm on Sunday (June 11).

The streets will reopen as soon as the parade has passed.

Covid vaccine clinics to be held in Knaresborough this month

Covid booster clinics will take place in Knaresborough this month, starting tomorrow.

Homecare Pharmacy will operate pop-up clinics at Unit 1 Grimbald Crag Court on St James Business Park in the town.

The clinic will be aimed at those who are vulnerable or aged 75 and over.

Appointments will also be held for those who are aged 18 and over and missed any primary doses.

The centre will be open from 9am until 3pm on the following dates:

June 3
June 9
June 16 and 17
June 23 and 24

Those eligible for a covid vaccine can book an appointment at the clinic here.

Covid vaccinations are now being held mostly in GP and pharmacies.

Health officials in North Yorkshire said last month more covid vaccine appointments would be available for residents in the Harrogate area following concern over a lack of nearby clinics.

Those eligible for a spring covid booster are advised to check the NHS booking service online or call 119.

More information on covid vaccine appointments can be found on the NHS England website here.

No trains in Harrogate and Knaresborough tomorrow as strikes hit services

No trains will operate through Harrogate and Knaresborough tomorrow as rail workers take strike action.

ASLEF, which represents train drivers, will walkout tomorrow in a dispute over pay and conditions.

It comes as members of the RMT Union are striking today, which has left limited services available.

Tomorrow’s industrial action means no Northern trains will operate on the Leeds to York line. The company has said services will return to normal on Sunday (June 4).

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASELF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

“This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people’s opportunity to explore the region during the half-term holidays. It’s understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

23-homes plan in Bishop Monkton recommended for approval

Council officials have recommended that a plan to build 23 homes in Bishop Monkton is approved next week, despite 127 letters of objection.

The proposal, which has been tabled by Kebbell Development Ltd, would see the houses built on land off Knaresborough Road in the village.

The site is opposite the grade-II listed Church of Saint John the Baptist.

Councillors on Skipton and Ripon constituency planning committee will consider the application at a meeting on Tuesday.

Officers at North Yorkshire Council have recommended councillors approve the plan, which would see a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes built at the site.

In documents submitted to the council, the developer said the scheme would create a “sustainable development with a unique character that responds to the surrounding context”.

However, the proposal has been met by 127 letters of objection from local residents. It received one letter of support.

Bishop Monkton Action Group raised concern that the scheme would affect surface water drainage, increase flood risk and impact upon the sewerage system.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the council, Bishop Monkton Parish Council said:

“The existing drainage network in St. John’s Road is at full capacity and cannot take further input.

“The sewage works down Boroughbridge Road appears also to be overloaded as records show it discharges raw sewage into the River Ure on a regular basis presumably because of the extent of the combined sewers in the village.”

But case officer Kate Broadbank’s report concludes:

“Whilst there will be some level of harm to the conservation area and setting of the listed church, this has been assessed as being less than substantial harm with this being outweighed by the public benefits of the provision of housing, including affordable housing, and the provision of a level path, which connects the village to the playground.”

She recommended approval subject to 29 conditions being met and a section 106 agreement, which developers pay to compensate for infrastructure associated with their schemes.

The agreement says the developer would have to pay £40,000 towards the village hall, the cemetery, the boules club and the playground.

It would also have to pay £12,635 either to the council or a management company as financial security for ongoing maintenance of on-site public open space and £35,000 to the village hall.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers sponsors Henshaws BedFest

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate Specsavers has been announced as main sponsor for this year’s Henshaws BedFest.

The festival, which takes place on June 10 at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, is set to feature live music from local artists, a variety of street food vendors, a licensed bar and an ideal spot to watch the Bed Race.

The event will also raise money for Henshaws’ work supporting people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities.

Andy Bryer, retail director for Specsavers Harrogate, said:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Bed Fest, it’s such a fun-filled event tied to an iconic Knaresborough tradition and the proceeds go towards an incredible cause.

‘The work that Henshaws does is quite literally life changing and we’re really proud to be working with the team on ongoing fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.”

Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced Belzona Polymetrics as a new sponsor for next season.

The company, which is based on Claro Road, will feature on the club’s match day celebration announcements on its scoreboard.

Staff at Belzona in Harrogate.

Belzona, which was founded in 1952, is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials.

Joanna Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:

“Their support means that we can continue to enhance the match day experience for our fans, creating an engaging sentiment at every game.

“We are proud to be partnering with such a reputable and community- minded company, and we look forward to a successful collaboration both on and off the pitch.”

A spokesperson for Belzona said:

“Historically, Belzona has always fostered strong links with the local community and is delighted to have the opportunity to uphold this relationship by supporting Harrogate Town AFC, a football club that lies at the heart of the town, providing entertainment and many jobs for the local community.”

Controversial Knox Lane 53-homes plan deferred for third time

A controversial plan to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate has been deferred for a third time.

Councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency planning committee made the decision over land contamination concerns.

The committee requested that a further report into land contamination be produced, as was previously requested by Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.

The proposal, which has been proposed by North-east property developer Jomast, was initially recommended for approval subject to conditions by council officers.

Among the conditions is that Jomast would be required to pay £64,000 for healthcare, £140,000 for education and £60,000 for open spaces in the form of a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of development on local infrastructure.

However, councillors decided to defer the pan for a third time.

The meeting, which was held at Harrogate Civic Centre yesterday, was due to be streamed onto the authority’s YouTube channel — but was not broadcast.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said a “problem with the connection” in the council chamber meant it was not possible to livestream the proceedings.

The application has proved controversial with residents in the Bilton area.

Campaign group Keep Knox Natural has previously called on the council to remove the parcel of land from the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

Meanwhile, Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the council’s planning committee, previously vowed not to vote for the scheme until he felt the “land is safe”.

Harewood Bridge to be closed for repairs for four weeks

Harewood Bridge near Harrogate will close for four weeks this summer.

The bridge will close from July 26 until August 24 for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

The grade-II listed structure carries the A61 Harrogate Road over the River Wharfe and is a busy route between Harrogate and Leeds.

Leeds City Council is closing the bridge to carry out waterproofing, resurfacing and footpath repair works.

Cllr Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:

“Harewood Bridge is a strategic vehicle crossing used by thousands of people each day and therefore to close it requires careful planning. By carrying out the repair works during the school summer holidays we can hopefully limit the disruption with expected lower traffic levels.

“We apologise in advance for the potential disruption and ask road users for their patience. The works are essential for the long-term maintenance of this vital crossing between Harrogate and Leeds.

“We would please like to urge motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow the signed diversion and allow a bit of extra time for their travel.”

The footway across the bridge will remain open throughout the work.

A diversion route will be in place during the work from Otley Road, Arthington Lane, Main Street, Pool Bridge, Harrogate Road, Swindon Lane and onto Harrogate Road.

The same route will be in place in the opposite direction.

Council rejects Harrogate office block conversion over natural light concern

A plan to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats has been refused over natural light concerns.

Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive into 12 flats.

Documents submitted to the council outlined plans to create 12 two-bedroom apartments.

It would see the ground, first and second floors converted.

But, council officials have rejected the plan over concerns that those who would live in the flats would not have enough natural light.

In a decision notice, the authority said:

“The existing building abuts mature trees and hedges to the south on an embankment within the conservation area.

“The cumulative effect of the trees, hedges and site topography would provide large amounts of shade to the east, south and west elevation windows of six proposed dwellings during most parts of the day.

“These windows serve habitable rooms including living/dining rooms and bedrooms.

“The trees cannot be managed under this prior notification application, and there are no mitigating factors that would compensate for this significant loss of natural light.”

The move comes after two previous proposals to change the use of the office block to residential were refused in 2022.

Meanwhile, another application by Artium Group was withdrawn in July 2022 amid concern from Harrogate Borough Council officers over the impact on neighbouring trees.

In the latest proposal, developers said the building is already surrounded by residential properties.

It said:

“The ground and first floors of the building have been vacant for several years and the second floor of the building has recently become vacant.

“The building is surrounded by existing residential properties which are previously converted office buildings surrounded by mature trees.”

MPs Watch: River Nidd and King Charles coronation

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In May, the saga over designating bathing water status to the River Nidd rumbled on. Meanwhile, at the start of the month, the country celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.

We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but we did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

On May 2, Mr Jones met with Harrogate Town FC’s community foundation.
Mr Jones met with leadership of North Yorkshire Council, local NHS and the Chief Constable on May 15.
The Conservative MP gave his first interview to the Stray Ferret on May 16 where he discussed his candidacy for the next General Election, sewage in the River Nidd and the Station Gateway scheme.
On May 17, Mr Jones urged a developer to give residents clarity over a planned solar farm in Scotton.
On both May 20 and May 27, Mr Jones joined volunteers at Knaresborough Lido to count visitors for the Bathing Water Quality Status application.
He held a constituency surgery on May 30 at the Harrogate Civic Centre.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for May.

Among those included meeting with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the National Air Traffic Specialists (NATS) to discuss upcoming changes to national airspace.

He also met with the met with the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce with other North Yorkshire MPs to discuss challenges in the hospitality sector. Mr Jones also visited Yorkshire Cancer Research at Grove Park Court in Harrogate to discuss their latest projects and collaborations with universities.

Mr Jones’ office pointed out that his engagements and activities could also be found on his Community News website and his Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith made no spoken contributions or submitted any written questions in the House of Commons in May.
On May 7, Mr Smith attended a coronation service at Ripon Cathedral.
The Ripon MP visited the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in Dublin on May 11.
On May 24, he received a piece of artwork called “A Path to Peace” from Pateley Bridge artist James Owen Thomas.
Mr Smith visited the Ripon Walled Garden on May 26.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, he is what we found on Mr Adams:

Mr Adams asked Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, on May 2 about what the government was doing to plan for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
He asked two questions of Secretary of State for the Home Department, Robert Jenrick, two questions on the recruitment of Border Force staff since April 2022.
Mr Adams posted no updates on his website throughout May.
Normally a frequent social media user, Mr Adams posted just three times on his Twitter during May. None related to constituency issues in rural Harrogate.

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Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor

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