Police recommend extra security for Harrogate mosque

Police have told the Muslim organisation planning to open the Harrogate district’s first mosque to include extra security measures due to safety fears.

Harrogate Islamic Association has applied for planning permission to convert the former Home Guard club on the corner of Tower Street and Belford Place into a place of worship.

As part of the planning process, the council consults some organisations to see if they lend support, recommend refusal or suggest alterations.

North Yorkshire Police has submitted a designing out crime report, which says the main crime associated with mosques is racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.

It suggests that the plans include external lighting, iron railings, laminated glass, CCTV and intruder alarms.

Police also suggest an external post box to prevent arson.

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The mosque faces opposition from a leaflet campaign and Bristol planning expert Gavin Boby, who calls himself the Mosquebuster.

But many people posted supportive comments on social media when the Stray Ferret reported the opposition yesterday.

Harrogate Civic Society has also lent its support after rejecting two previous proposed sites for the mosque.

Henry Pankhurst, on behalf of the civic society, said:

“We are very hopeful that the building will be able to take its place, once repaired and refurbished, as a worthy neighbour to all of the notable nearby properties.

“Railings should be erected as above and windows should be of a design which is suitable for this historic building and the conservation area.

“Every care should be taken to preserve historic features internally as well as externally.”

Children’s author Hilary Robinson to give talk in Harrogate

Children’s author Hilary Robinson is set to give a special talk at the first meeting of Harrogate Children’s Book Group in 2022.

The event is free to attend. Those who are interested just need to register interest by sending an email here by January 24.

Hilary Robinson will give a presentation and sign copies of her Poppies series of books, which explores stories from the First World War and is now included on the reading list in Key Stage 2.

The meeting will take place at Woodlands Methodist Church Hall in Harrogate from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday, January 29.

Fiona Brady, chair of Harrogate Children’s Book Group, said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming Hilary to our AGM. Her poetic books are touching tributes to the memories of war.

They celebrate the humanity and compassion that thrive even in the darkest of times, and explore difficult themes in a way that is perfect for younger readers.”

Ms Robinson is a radio producer and broadcaster who has written more than 70 picture books, including the Mixed Up Fairy Tales.

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Harrogate Children’s Book Group was first formed in 1980 and has since encouraged hundreds of local children to read for pleasure.

It is part of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, a charity that promotes enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading.

The Federation organises the highly-regarded Children’s Book Award, which is the only national award voted for solely by children from start to finish.

Children at 11 primary schools and seven secondary schools in the Harrogate area take part in the voting process each year.

Fiona added:

“We are looking forward to resuming our regular storytelling events and author talks in 2022 and continuing to work with schools to provide books for pupils.

If anyone with a passion for encouraging reading among children is interested in getting involved in the group, we are always looking for volunteers to join.”

Harrogate Islamic Association hopes to see off anti-mosque campaign

Harrogate Islamic Association has said it is confident of seeing off an anti-mosque campaign fronted by a Bristol-based planning expert who calls himself the “Mosquebuster”.

Gavin Boby takes credit for the rejection of 47 out of 73 planning applications for UK mosques he has contested in the last 10 years.

In his latest video, Mr Boby said plans to convert the former Home Guard club on Harrogate’s Tower Street into a mosque “get under his skin”. He then goes on to make comments about the plan many would deem to be Islamophobic.

Mr Boby, who according to the Daily Mail has the support of the far-right English Defence League, suggests that people emphasise concerns about parking, traffic and pollution when objecting to plans for the mosque.

Since the start of the anti-mosque campaign, households across Harrogate have reported receiving leaflets through their doors encouraging them to oppose the plans with a guide on how to word the objection.

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Harrogate Islamic Association, which is behind the plans for the new mosque, which would be the first in the Harrogate district, has received one of the leaflets and addressed the concerns raised on its social media channels.

Zahed Amanullah, from HIA, told the Stray Ferret:

“Harrogate is a tolerant and welcoming place. That is why we live here and why I do not think a campaign like this will work here.

“For the most part when we have seen comments from Harrogate residents they are supportive. It’s people from outside the area who seem to object the most.

“I think this campaign and these leaflets will backfire on those who oppose the mosque. Residents who have received a leaflet have been in touch to tell us that they will now officially support our plans.”

The consultation period for the mosque plans on Harrogate Borough Council’s planning portal ends on Sunday, February 6.

Private Harrogate hospital drafts in robot with £250,000 investment

A private hospital in Harrogate has drafted in a robotic surgical assistant and made improvements at the building with a £250,000 investment.

BMI The Duchy Hospital, based on Queen’s Road, is now the only hospital in the Harrogate district with the ROSA Knee System.

The robot is designed to help surgeons carry out more personalised procedures with a greater degree of accuracy.

It has a robotic arm that is guided by the surgeon. The robot also analyses data to help surgeons plan, carry out and assess the knee replacement.

This investment comes as the private hospital, which is part of the Circle Health Group, continues its work with Harrogate and District Foundation Trust to help ease NHS waiting lists.

Orthopaedic surgery among the most in-demand services in the NHS.

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Professor Nick London, Mr David Duffy, Mr Jon Conroy and Mr Mark Farndon have used the new system.

Professor Nick London said:

“So far we’ve had excellent outcomes for patients. As we continually strive towards getting 100 per cent of patients the best outcome from their surgery, there is a significant group who may benefit from the advantages the ROSA robot brings.”

Rick Sanders, executive director at BMI The Duchy Hospital, said:

“We are delighted that robotic-assisted knee surgery is now available here in Harrogate. It gives our highly experienced consultant surgeons the option of using this state-of-the-art equipment.”

The investment also means new camera system for surgery, new LED lighting and redecorated interior.

Mr Sanders added:

“As patient activity at our hospital increases and we continue to work closely with the Harrogate District Foundation Trust to ease their waiting lists. The improvements will help us offer the best experience possible for our patients.”

Gino D’Acampo restaurant in Harrogate set to close

An Italian restaurant owned by Gino D’Acampo will close this month after more than four years in Harrogate.

Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant on Parliament Street is one of five of the celebrity chef’s restaurants to close.

After opening the business in 2017 Mr D’Acampo claimed it was the only “proper Italian” in Harrogate.

His comments sparked a furious backlash at the time from a number of Harrogate’s Italian restaurant owners.

The closures follow the news from the start of the year that his My Pasta Bar chain entered liquidation amid problems with coronavirus.

Piccolino will take on the former Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant in Harrogate, which will reopen after a rebrand on Monday, January 24.

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A spokesperson for Piccolino, which is part of the Individual Restaurants group along with Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, said:

“This former Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant will become part of the Piccolino family of restaurants on January 24.

“We are thrilled to announce that we will soon be opening a brand new Piccolino restaurant in Harrogate.

“We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors of Harrogate’s brand new Piccolino.”

Downing Street parties: Harrogate MP says ‘lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers’

Harrogate MP Andrew Jones has told a constituent that “lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers” after Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted attending a party during the first coronavirus lockdown.

In the letter to a constituent, who shared the contents with the Stray Ferret but did not want to be named, Mr Jones said he had received a lot of letters and emails about the issue.

The Stray Ferret has asked Mr Jones multiple times for his response to reports of the Downing Street parties since the story broke in December. He has never responded.

The Conservative backbencher called in Parliament for Sue Gray to complete her investigation and share the results as soon as possible. But this is the first time he has criticised Boris Johnson’s handling of the matter.

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He said in his letter:

“I followed coronavirus restrictions. I take the maxim ‘lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers’ seriously.

“Like most I could not see my family, I could not meet with colleagues and I most certainly could not socialise with friends.

“My office team were all working from home and there was no mixing between us at all during work, let alone after work with alcohol.

“It is therefore frustrating to have been put in a position of waiting for the Prime Minister to account for exactly what occurred.”

Mr Jones said he could not understand “why it took so long and was so difficult to answer the direct question: ‘Were you at an event on such-and-such a date?'”

However, he said he felt the Prime Minister’s statement on the May 20 party was “clear”. But, he goes on to add:

“His [The Prime Minister’s] apology was necessary and welcome, but I do not think this closes the matter. There are many more questions, some as a consequence of his statement.

“In respect of the investigation announced by the Prime Minister in December, if this finds wrongdoing, and the police find that these actions were criminal, then consequences must flow from that.”

Mr Jones also added that he has discussed the matter with the party whips and the chair of the government’s backbench committee, also known as the 1922 Committee.

Five arrests amid ‘sharp rise’ in Harrogate burglaries

Police have arrested five people, including a 12-year-old boy, in connection with a spate of burglaries in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police revealed how officers have seen a sharp rise in burglaries in the town. The force said many of the properties targeted were insecure.

Officers believe the incidents are linked and have arrested a 12-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman in the last four days.

Since the start of the year there have been burglaries on Butterbur Way, Hartwith Drive, Gentian Glade, Saltergate Drive, Woodfield Road, Pennywort Grove, Tewit Well Road, Kenilworth Avenue, Strawberry Dale Avenue, Carlton Road, West End Avenue, St Anthans Walks and Hutton Gate.

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Police released the above list in the hope that anyone with information or CCTV footage will come forward. Anyone who can help with the investigation should quote reference 12220008323.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Before you go to bed tonight, please take a few minutes to secure doors and windows to your property, including garages, sheds and outbuildings.

“Also remove all valuables from your car or van and lock it. Move keys away from the door and windows where they can be seen and potentially accessed.

“If possible, secure your vehicles in a garage or behind a gate.”

Harrogate vet sees big rise in dogs with mystery illness

A Harrogate vet has warned dog owners to avoid popular walking spots if their pets have symptoms of a mystery illness spreading across town.

There have been widespread reports of vomiting and diarrhoea among dogs that have been to the East Yorkshire coast in the last week. However, dogs have also caught the virus in Harrogate.

The Harrogate Vet, on Leeds Road, told the Stray Ferret that its vets have seen a three-fold increase in dogs with gastroenteritis in the last week.

Sarah Woods, one of the vets at the practice, said:

“It is not unusual for viruses to spread but this is different in terms of the sheer number of unwell dogs we are treating — around a dozen a day.

“We do not want dog owners to panic or change anything they are doing.

“Dogs that have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea just need to avoid popular areas to prevent the spread.”

Ms Woods added that most dogs they have seen have responded well to treatment.

Kelly Anne, who owns a miniature schnauzer called Pepper, said her dog became unwell after a walk around the Skipton Road area of Harrogate. She said:

“She has really not been herself at all, it has just been really sad to see.

“Last night I saw her stomach contracting and how much pain she was in. It made me cry.”

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Nicky Shamir, who works as a hypnotherapist, recently took her cockapoo Barney for a walk round Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. She said:

“On the way back he started with diarrhoea and when I managed to get him home he just slept.

“He is just eight months old so it was really unusual and I took him to the vet. We have now got him on some medication and he is starting to improve.”

Kirsty Atkinson owns three cocker spaniels called Isla, Miley and Jet. She told the Stray Ferret:

“One started being ill on Tuesday evening then the other Wednesday and last one started yesterday.

“The only place they have been walked is around the block we live on Harlow Avenue and the bit of parkland at the end of Hartley Road so we could only have picked it up there.

“It’s a bit worrying but more reassuring that we maybe know it’s just gastroenteritis and that they should be better within a few days.”

Gas supplier objects to Tesco plans in Harrogate

Northern Gas Networks has submitted an objection on Tesco’s plans to build a new supermarket in Harrogate.

The supermarket giant has lodged proposals to Harrogate Borough Council for a new store on the former gasworks in the New Park area of town.

Northern Gas Networks, which sold the site to Tesco for £2.8 million in 2003, is concerned about the potential impact on Harrogate’s gas supply.

Tesco site

The site of the proposed Tesco.

In its formal objection on the council planning portal, NGN said it retained legal rights on a high pressure pipeline at the site that was “instrumental in supplying gas to the town”. It says the legal rights enable it to prevent any building on or near the length of the pipeline.

The pipe cuts across the north-eastern side of the site from Skipton Road to Oak Beck.

It is standard practice for NGN to object to any plans which are close or over a high pressure pipeline. Its objection aims to ensure the company, which distributes gas to 2.7 million homes in northern England, will be involved in the planning process.

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A spokesperson for Tesco said:

“We will consider all feedback received on our application. We will have further discussions with Harrogate Borough Council about the issues raised.”

Artist impression of how the Tesco will look on Skipton Road.

Tesco has harboured ambitions for a new store in the town for almost 20 years. The retailer previously had plans approved in 2009, but pulled out after opposition from local traders.

Although many people have welcomed the prospect of a new supermarket in the north of Harrogate, some are concerned about traffic plus access to the site.

However, the company has said in transport documents submitted to the council that the site would see fewer car journeys than under previous plans.

First look at Harrogate cafe helping disabled people into jobs

A new ethical cafe in Harrogate, which provides jobs for people with disabilities, has opened.

Artizan International quietly opened its South-American themed cafe in the former Game unit on Cambridge Road at the start of the week — and it’s already drawing a crowd.

Demand is so high that the cafe is looking to accelerate the renovation of the first floor to make way for more seating.

The charity opened a shop around the corner on Oxford Street in 2020, which helps visually impaired people overseas earn a living by selling their craft work.

However, Artizan International founder Susie Hart discovered there were “countless” young people with other disabilities in North Yorkshire. As a result, she set the cafe on a different path by giving them the opportunity to find employment.

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The cafe serves a speciality Peruvian hot chocolate. All of its coffee, tea and sugar are from Fairtrade sources. It also stocks a range of soups, panninis and cakes.

It is open from 10am until 5pm Mondays to Saturdays. The cafe is closed for art workshops for children on Sundays.

Liz Cluderay, UK programmes officer at Artizan International, told the Stray Ferret:

“The long term aim of the project is very much about reaching local businesses. We want them to see young adults with learning disabilities and just how capable they are.

“Work like this is particularly important because of coronavirus. In the first lockdown they were sent home and, for the most part, their work opportunities have not returned.

“But people shouldn’t come here because they feel sorry for the people who work here. We want customers to come here simply because it’s a brilliant cafe with amazing coffee and food.”

More pictures from inside the cafe

There is plenty of food and drink on offer.

The cafe has been decorated beautifully.

Matthew is cooking up a storm in the kitchen.