The family of a 16-year-old Harrogate schoolboy who died in a homeless hostel say they have been “deprived of answers” after an inquest into his death concluded.

Benjamin Nelson-Roux, a former student at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died in Harrogate on April 8, 2020.

He was found dead at a Harrogate Borough Council-run homeless hostel on Robert Street where he had been living since February that year.

A coroner concluded yesterday that the 16-year-old’s death was “unascertained”. A full post-mortem was not carried out due to the covid pandemic.

In a statement outside the coroner’s office in Northallerton, Kate Roux, Ben’s mother, said it had deprived the family of answers.

She said:

“We will never know the medical cause of Ben’s death, because no invasive post-mortem was carried out.

“The coroner’s service has deprived us of the opportunity for answers.

“We do know that he lived in fear, pain and self-loathing for the last year of his life. Although we begged for help, no meaningful support or even basic safeguarding was put in place.

“We know that this is still happening to children and families in the UK and at the time of giving evidence no significant changes have been made to practices or provision by the agencies involved.”

Read more:

• Harrogate schoolboy, 16, death in homeless hostel ‘unascertained’, coroner concludes
• High speeds and alcohol contributed to young Harrogate man’s fatal crash, inquest hears

Ben was placed in the hostel on Robert Street in February 2020 until alternative accommodation was found.

However, the inquest heard concerns from social workers and other agencies that the hostel was not suitable for him due to him being at risk of exploitation.

Following his conclusion at a hearing in Northallerton, Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, issued a prevention of future deaths report.

Mr Heath said he would to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to raise concern over the lack of under-18s facilities for drug misuse.

He also intended to write to North Yorkshire County Council to raise concern over why alternative accommodation was not sought outside of the county.

In response to the outcome of the inquest, Stuart Parsons, the county council’s corporate director of children and young people’s services, said:

“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with Ben’s family, and his loss has been extremely distressing for everyone involved in this tragic case.

“Ben received coordinated support involving children’s services, police, housing, a youth justice drug and substance misuse worker, and health and mental health professionals, involving a psychologist and a professor in forensic psychiatry.  

“Ben received support with his drug use prior to and during his time in the hostel. The coroner noted that social workers highlighted drugs misuse support as a priority need for Ben and that he developed a strong, open relationship with the substance misuse officer. 

“The coroner found that the accommodation did not contribute to Ben’s death. It was recognised that the hostel was a temporary last resort after a county wide search failed to find anything more suitable. By that point, Covid restrictions meant that the potential for other accommodation was removed. Alternative accommodation had been provided to Ben, but this was not successful. 

“Ben was never in the care of North Yorkshire County Council. The coroner found that his social worker correctly decided through regular contact with Ben that he had capacity and at 16 years old was able to refuse to come into local authority care. The coroner concluded that the county council was not avoiding him being in their care and, in fact, would have welcomed it.

“Social workers had involved the correct parties in supporting Ben, all of whom voluntarily attended meetings along with Ben’s parents. His social worker was seeing Ben much more often than would have been the case under statutory child protection and many other agencies were involved.

“The social worker’s aim was to try to restore relationships so that Ben could return home, as it was accepted this was the best place for him to be. 

“In this type of inquest, the court can reflect on instances where there may have been missed opportunities to act that may have prevented a death. The coroner did not find that any instances in this case on the part of any of the agencies involved.

“The North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership undertook a ‘learning review’ and recommendations were made to services, considering the views of Ben’s family. 

“Once received, we will respond to the coroner’s report in accordance with Regulations 29.”

Trevor Watson, Harrogate Borough Council’s director of economy, environment and housing, said: 

“Although only knowing and working with Ben Nelson-Roux for a short time, we were deeply saddened by his untimely death and would once again like to offer our most sincere condolences to his family.

“Hostel accommodation was provided to Ben as a last resort to prevent him from street homelessness. During this time Ben received extensive support from multiple agencies.

“In his conclusion, the coroner found that, on the balance of probabilities, it could not be concluded that the accommodation had contributed to Ben’s death. This was only intended to be a short term, interim placement whilst a room in specialist young person supported accommodation became available. Unfortunately, this was subject to delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

“In the next few days, we expect to receive a report from the coroner which we will carefully consider and respond to.”

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 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.

The Pavilions of Harrogate has secured new high-end retail events for this year.

The venue, which is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, has announced it is set to host the Sweaty Betty Sale, Joules Sale and the Boden Sale.

In the first quarter of the year Pavilions will host 150 events ranging from retail sales, to funerals, dinners and conferences.

The Sweaty Betty Sale starts at 1:30pm on Monday 20th March to Wednesday 22nd March, the Joules Sale will opens on Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March. The Boden Sale will be held on Wednesday 20th September and Thursday 21st September.

Heather Parry, managing director of Pavilions of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Event Centre, said: 

“Event organisers tell us they are impressed by the venues, our commitment to sustainability and the passion and dedication of our wonderful team. We are proud of our track record and continue to strive for excellence in all we do. 

“We are excited that 2023 will be our most successful year ever in both our venues.”

Raworths announces food bank as charity partner

Simon Morris, managing partner of Raworths and Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank. Credit: Raworths

A Harrogate law firm has chosen Harrogate District Foodbank has its charity partner for 2023.

Raworths staff will fundraise for the foodbank after voting for it to become the firm’s chosen charity.

Harrogate District Foodbank opened in 2013 and is funded by local churches, community groups and individuals, operating under the umbrella of national organisation, the Trussell Trust.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said 

“People may not expect Harrogate to need a foodbank as it has a reputation as an affluent area, but the reality is, there are also areas which need extra support. 

“In fact, everyone is feeling the pinch and looking to rein in their spending which also impacts charities. We believe this charity’s services are invaluable, so we really want to support and help where we can.”

Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank, said 

“We’re delighted that Raworths chose us as their charity partner this year.

“We depend heavily on the generosity of our local community for donations, funds and, of course, our incredible volunteers whom we rely upon for everything from our warehouse and deliveries to signposting volunteers and welcomers.”

Read More:

• Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners
• Business Breakfast: National firm acquires Harrogate accountants

Police have issued an appeal for a Harrogate man who is wanted for breaching a court order for animal cruelty.

Robbie Nelson, 24, of Woodfield View, was given a community order last year after neglecting two dogs at a house on High Street in the town.

The case was brought by the animal welfare charity the RSPCA, which revealed that the animals were living in a flat covered in faeces and with carpets soaked in urine.

Nelson was banned from keeping animals for five years and handed a community order to undertake rehabilitation activity following a court hearing in July 2022.

Read more:

• Harrogate man banned from keeping animals for five years
• Malnourished dogs found in Harrogate flat covered in faeces and urine

North Yorkshire Police has now issued an appeal for information on his whereabouts after the 24-year-old failed to comply with the order.

He was due to attend Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on March 3, 2023, but he failed to appear resulting in a warrant for his arrest.

The conditions in the flat in Harrogate. Picture: RSPCA.

Enquiries are ongoing to find Nelson, including multiple address checks and contact with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Job Centre.

A police statement added:

“If anyone knows where he is or have information that could help us to find him, please make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or call 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

“If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Please quote reference number 122300039283 when providing details.”

A corner has concluded that the death of a 16-year-old Harrogate schoolboy in an adult homeless hostel was “unascertained”.

Benjamin Nelson-Roux, a student at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died in Harrogate on April 8, 2020.

His body was found by his mum, Kate, at Harrogate Borough Council-run homeless hostel Cavendish House on Robert Street. He had been living there since February of that year.

The hostel was intended for adults and has nine bedsits.

A wide-ranging 12-day inquest was held into Ben’s death and concluded this morning at North Yorkshire Coroner’s Office in Northallerton.

The hearing explored the decision by North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council to place Ben in an adult homeless hostel, given his age, vulnerability, and what was known about his lifestyle at the time.

Death ‘unascertained’

Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, concluded Ben’s death was “unascertained”, but noted that “multiple drugs” had been found in his body.

Mr Heath said there was no evidence of any third party involvement.

Read more:

• Hearing begins into death of Harrogate schoolboy Benjamin Nelson-Roux, 16
• High speeds and alcohol contributed to young Harrogate man’s fatal crash, inquest hears

He added that the accommodation provided to the 16-year-old was “unsuitable”, but it could not be determined whether this contributed to his death.

The inquest heard that the hostel had no security on April 7 and April 8 due to a contract issue.

However, Mr Heath said it could not be determined whether any other accommodation would have prevented his death.

The inquest, which was held last year, heard how Ben’s body was found by his mother Kate after she forced entry into his room at around 4pm.

She carried out CPR until a paramedic arrived. However, he was certified dead at 4.50pm.

A toxicology report found several drugs in his bloody, including diazepam, ecstasy and cocaine.

Dr Carl Gray, consultant pathologist at Harrogate District Hospital, said he was unable to undertake a full post-mortem on Ben’s body as it took place during the first covid lockdown.

He told the inquest:

“The cause of death cannot be certain as there was no internal dissections due to the pandemic. Multiple drugs were present but were low and the effects were debatable.”

Ben was placed in the hostel on Robert Street in February 2020 until alternative accommodation was found.

The inquest heard concerns from social workers and other agencies that the hostel was not suitable due to the 16-year-old being at risk of exploitation from county lines drugs dealers.

The hearing at Northallerton also heard that Ben had struggled with drug misuse for several years.

Prevention of future deaths

Following his conclusions, Mr Heath told the court that he intended to issue a prevention of future deaths report.

Mr Heath said he would to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to raise concern over the lack of under-18s facilities for drug misuse.

He also intended to write to North Yorkshire County Council to raise concern over why alternative accommodation was not considered outside of the county.

A plan to convert the former Lugii’s restaurant in Harrogate into a flat has been approved.

The Italian restaurant, which was situated in a residential area on Valley Drive, closed in October 2021.

Applicant Nidge O’Brien tabled plans to Harrogate Borough Council to convert the building into a two-bedroom apartment.

Now, the council has approved the plans.

In a report, the authority said the move would “respect the character and appearance of the existing building and surrounding conservation area”.

Luigi’s closed its doors on October 17, 2021. In a post on its Facebook page, management at the restaurant said:

“We have thus reached the end of the journey, and we take this opportunity to thank all the customers who have supported us with their affection during these two years.

“Luigi’s Restaurant will open its doors for you on Sunday 17th October for the last time.

“Heartfelt thanks to all of you, it was a pleasure to pamper you and give you the goodness of our simple and genuine dishes.We will meet again, around the county.”

Read more:

• Knaresborough’s Riverside Cafe owners bid farewell after 13 years
• Harrogate Mojo bid to open until 6.30am approved

Harrogate is forecast to be the second fastest growing town in Yorkshire this year, says the new chief executive of North Yorkshire Council.

Richard Flinton, who is set to oversee devolution in the county from April 1, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Stray Ferret Business Awards on Thursday.

Mr Flinton told the ceremony at Pavilions of Harrogate that supporting local business would be a major part of the new council’s agenda.

He said:

“Supporting business will be a really big part of the council.

“I have got great admiration for the wealth creators, the entrepreneurs and the talented individuals in this room.”

Mr Flinton will oversee the biggest reorganisation of local government in North Yorkshire since 1974.

The move will see seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, and the county council scrapped to make way for one unitary authority.

Read more:

• National firm acquires Harrogate accountants
• Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners

Mr Flinton, who is also involved with York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said he wanted to see the new council work closely with the private sector.

He said:

“Our shared aim has got to be to try and create more jobs and wealth.

“I know that growing your businesses is what creates those jobs and that wealth. One of our roles in the public sector is to be able support you through infrastructure, through making sure people have got the right skills and work together to make sure we grow our economy.”

‘A massive opportunity’

Mr Flinton said Harrogate was “an incredibly important” part of the economy of North Yorkshire, adding:

“Ernst and Young are forecasting that Harrogate will be the second fastest growing part of the whole of Yorkshire this year, just behind the city of Leeds.”

He added that there was a “massive opportunity” for Harrogate to be one of the most vibrant towns in the north of England.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards showcased a variety of talent from across the area, and 11 finalists were crowned the winners of their categories.

The ceremony was attended by nearly 400 guests and celebrated the success of businesses from across the district.

You can read more about the winners of the awards here.

A Harrogate Conservative councillor has described as “unhelpful” comparisons between Harrogate’s failed levelling up bid and a successful bid for a village in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s constituency.

The comments came as both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives on Harrogate Borough Council made a rare joint plea to the new North Yorkshire Council to press ahead with a redevelopment of the town’s convention centre.

During a full council meeting this week, Cllr Chris Aldred, a Lib Dem, said the backing was needed after failed funding bids to the government’s levelling up fund in January.

He added that, while Harrogate was rejected for funding, a successful bid was made in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Richmond constituency.

Cllr Aldred said:

“Whilst government money was obtained to deliver a new Catterick town centre – I wonder whose constituency that is? – Harrogate lost out once more.”

Read more:

• New council chief questions future of Harrogate Convention Centre
• New board to review Harrogate Convention Centre operating model
• Government rejects £20m levelling up bid for Harrogate Convention Centre

However, Cllr Sam Gibbs, who works as a party agent for the Richmond Conservatives, said comparison between bids was “not helpful”.

He added that the area of Catterick was deprived and the success of the bid had nothing to do with Mr Sunak.

Cllr Gibbs said:

“I don’t think comparisons with other bids is helpful.

“Saying that we’re more deserving than X or Y is largely pointless.”

He added:

“Focussing on Catterick for a start, there is no such thing as Catterick town centre.

“Yes it is in Richmond and I know what you were getting at with it being Rishi’s constituency, but I’m sure you know that the bid was put in by the Liberal Democrat and Independent-run council and has nothing particularly to do with Rishi.

“If you have ever been around what you call Catterick town centre, it is hard to argue that the money is not needed. It is one of the most deprived parts of North Yorkshire, the money is very, very much needed.”

A rare joint plea

Both the Conservatives and Lib Dems agreed to call on the new unitary council to back a £49 million renovation of the centre.

The council has previously warned that if the convention centre redevelopment doesn’t go ahead, the district could lose out on up to £250 million over the next 40 years in lost tourism and business spending.

A motion passed by the council asked that the new council “moves forward with urgency” in setting up a management board for the Harrogate Borough Council.

The project has moved to the design phase but where the money will come from to pay for it remains uncertain. North Yorkshire Council will make a final decision at a later date.

A new council is set to take over in the Harrogate district in three weeks’ time.

Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will make way for North Yorkshire Council on April 1.

The move throws up questions over housing and planning in the district – in particular, who will make the decisions?

In this article, we will explain how key decisions over housing, new businesses and a Local Plan for the Harrogate area will be made.

Who currently makes planning decisions?

Currently, any decision over permission to build new homes or businesses in the Harrogate district is made by Harrogate Borough Council.

The council is the local planning authority – meaning any applications must be submitted to it.

Officials at the council then make decisions on whether to approve or refuse permission for a development.

Some applications may go to a council planning committee, which is made up of local councillors, to make a decision.

What will change from April?

From April, the borough council will no longer exist.

This means that the new North Yorkshire Council will become the local planning authority.

Any proposals to build new homes of businesses will have to be submitted to the new council.

It will then make decisions on new developments in the Harrogate district.

How will it make decisions?

North Yorkshire Council has proposed setting up two committees to deal with planning applications.

The first will be a strategic planning committee in Northallerton which will deal with major proposals, such as plans for 500 or more homes and employment sites.

There will also be a sub-committee on the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee, which will deal with proposals of 500 homes or less.

Similarly, plans for Ripon would be overseen by the Ripon and Skipton Area Constituency Committee.

What about the Harrogate district Local Plan?

Under the new council, a fresh Local Plan will be drawn up.

The plan will show where land can be used for housing and employment over the next 15 years.

It means that the current Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35 is set to be scrapped.

Read more:

• Councillor calls for housebuilding in Harrogate to be paused
• Harrogate councillors approve transfer of council-owned companies
• Explained: What happens to bin collections in Harrogate after devolution?

The Harrogate district has woken to its worst snow of the winter. Amber and yellow weather warnings remain in place all morning and roads are treacherous.

Please send news of how the weather is affecting your school, roads and neighbourhood so we can add it to the blog. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

12.39pm: Ice warning for tonight

A @metoffice warning for ice is in place across #NorthYorkshire until 10am tomorrow. A warning for #snow and #ice is also in place from 3pm tomorrow until 6am on Sunday.

Please take care when out and about.

Find out more at https://t.co/hUMWZu9ntv pic.twitter.com/6zjLqfCNjJ

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) March 10, 2023

12.08pm: Council says it ‘stood down’ today’s bin collections

Due to the weather conditions overnight, and the sub-zero temperatures predicted tonight and into tomorrow, we have made the decision to stand down today’s (10 March) household waste and recycling collections…

Find out more at: https://t.co/F9iIHqV6GD

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) March 10, 2023

11.42am: Minus nine degrees tonight?

The BBC weather forecast is currently forecasting a minimum temperature of minus nine degrees tonight. The Met Office, however, is predicting no lower than minus four degrees.

Either way, it is going to be cold and with standing snow conditions could be treacherous.

11.31am – Commercial Street in Harrogate ‘passable’

Commercial Street is “open for business” and “passable”, say businesses.

❄️Commercial Street is quite passable & OPEN for business❄️

☕️Don’t forget we’ve got 2 fab indie businesses to keep you warm with delish hot drinks – Bean & Bud and Lilly’s Cafe! ☕️

Find out more on our website https://t.co/UoImSxseXl#shoplocal #indie #Harrogate #snow pic.twitter.com/HWcapDPjsV

— Commercial Street (@Commercial_St) March 10, 2023

11.20am – More Harrogate pictures

More pictures of Harrogate covered in snow this morning on Montpellier and the Stray.

11.10am – Household waste recycling centres reopen

North Yorkshire County Council has announced its household waste recycling centres in Harrogate have reopened.

All of our household waste recycling centres have now reopened, except for #Leyburn. pic.twitter.com/A8Ldz5u5t2

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) March 10, 2023

11.05am – Ripon covered in snow

A nice aerial shot of Ripon market square and the cathedral sent into us by Paul Smith.

10.55am – Picturesque Knaresborough

Knaresboroughphotography has shared this picture with us on Instagram. Perfect for a postcard.

10.45am – Stray pictured in the snow

Ian Wilkie has sent some beautiful pictures of the Harrogate Stray pictured in the snow, along with a snowman.

10.35am – RHS Harlow Carr to reopen at midday

RHS Harlow Carr is set to reopen at midday today. However, play areas will be closed.

⚠️ Garden reopening at 12pm – 10 March ⚠️

We'll be reopening at noon today with a limited route around the garden – play areas will be closed. It will be half price tickets for payers.

Grab the camera and snow boots to enjoy a winter wonderland ❄ pic.twitter.com/S6Yr3HPku5

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) March 10, 2023

10.24am – West Harrogate recycling centre closed.

The West Harrogate recycling centre at Pennypot Lane is also closed this morning due to snow.

Thornton-le-Dale and West #Harrogate household waste recycling centres are also currently closed due to the #snow. pic.twitter.com/6038uUcNPK

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) March 10, 2023

10.15am – Belmont Grosvenor headmaster gives snowman advice

With pupils learning from home, Nathan Sadler, headmaster at Belmont Grosvenor School, has issued the following advice to parents:

In terms of learning from home, if you get the opportunity with your children, please can you:

• make snow balls
• roll in the snow – make snow angels!
• build a snowman
• sledge
• drink hot chocolate
• HAVE FUN!

Here he is pictured with his family and their snowman.

10.05am – Harrogate recycling centre is closed

North Yorkshire County Council has announced the household waste recycling centre on Wetherby Road is currently closed due to the snow.

The following household waste recycling centres are currently closed due to the #snow:
– #Harrogate Stonefall
– #Leyburn
– #Settle
– #Skipton pic.twitter.com/EfrQRGm9yS

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) March 10, 2023

10am – The view from Pateley Bridge

Joyce Liggins has sent this picture in of Pateley Bridge covered in snow this morning.

9.25am – No waste and recycling collections this morning

Harrogate Borough Council has announced that its waste and recycling teams currently are not collecting this morning.

Due to this morning's conditions, our waste and recycling crews aren't currently collecting.

We are keeping a close eye on the weather and road conditions and will provide an update later in the day. pic.twitter.com/o4pc5wNSGF

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) March 10, 2023

9.15am – Snow pictures from across Harrogate

9am – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal closed

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has announced it will be closed today.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is closed this morning due to the snow. Please don’t travel here as the car parks are closed and the paths are not safe. Take care on the roads and keep an eye on the website for all live updates. https://t.co/tyiQ88giPV pic.twitter.com/x0cdXUG7eS

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) March 10, 2023

8.30am – Full list of school closures

Here is the full list of school closures in the Harrogate district.

6.39am: Bus service cancellations

The Harrogate Bus Company is warning of problems and providing a link to more information.

⚠️ Due to the current weather conditions we have a number of diversions and cancellations in place.

ℹ️ Please see the link for further details: https://t.co/0dCzYc3pFH

We apologise for any inconvenience@MetroTravelNews pic.twitter.com/7VEpbzFYdP

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) March 10, 2023

6.34am: Pannal school closes

6.30am: Two schools announce closures

Admiral Long Primary School, Burnt Yates and Belmont Grosvenor School in Birstwith have emailed to tell us they have closed today.

Has your school closed? Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will include it in this blog.

Harrogate Grammar School is set to host a walk in memory of a former student.

Dom Sowa took his life in 2017, aged 17.

The school will be participating in the fundraising event Hopewalk on Sunday (March 12) from 10am at Swinsty reservoir.

The walks take place across the UK in support of Papyrus – a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Harrogate Grammar is inviting others to join in at Swinsty and help raise awareness of suicide prevention.

More information on the route of the walk can be found here. Those taking part are asked meet at the car park.

Read more:

• Harrogate Grammar School pays tribute to Seb Mitchell
• Harrogate Mojo bid to open until 6.30am approved