Bishop Monkton man with ‘flagrant disregard for court orders’ jailed for 26 weeks

A Bishop Monkton man who drove an uninsured vehicle while disqualified and resisted arrest has been jailed for 26 weeks.

Paul Moehr was also banned from driving for 89 months when he was sentenced at York Magistrates Court yesterday.

Moehr, 51, of St John’s Road, pleaded guilty to four charges: driving whilst disqualified; obstructing a constable in the execution of duty; use of a vehicle on a road without third party insurance and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

The court heard he drove a Vauxhall Vectra whilst disqualified and uninsured on North Street in Ripon on January 20, 2024.  On the same day, he resisted police at the White Horse Inn, in Ripon.

He also admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis when he was taken into custody at Harrogate Police Station on the same day.

Magistrates said he “had a flagrant disregard for court orders”, which played a part in his sentencing, alongside a previous record of offending and persistent driving offences.

Moehr was also ordered to pay £154 to the court.

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Harrogate sandwich shop to close after 51 years of trading

A Harrogate takeaway sandwich shop it set to close after 51 years of trading.

The Bread Bin, on Skipton Road, opened in 1972.

Jude Gray, the current owner, has worked alongside her mother, who took over the business in the 1990s, for the last 15 years.

However, she today told the Stray Ferret “rising costs” led the family to close the business, adding:

“Obviously, the industry is just not in great shape.

“Overheads are mental, and the price of gas and electric has gone crazy.

“Also, my mum, who still works in the shop, just turned 73. We kind of just knew it was the right time with that combined with the rising costs.”

The café sells a range of hot and cold sandwiches, jacket potatoes, drinks and sweet treats.

However, Ms Gray also attributed the closure to Brexit and the effect it has had on trade with suppliers.

“I know it’s not going to get any better. What was once a £5 product has gone up to something like £16.

“I think we will be one of many in this situation.”

She did, however, say customers are “gutted” about the sandwich shop closing, adding:

“It’s quite an unusual place and we have such a loyal customer base.

“Because it’s been around so long – we’ve got people who came in as children that now bring their children and even grandchildren.”

Ms Gray said The Bread Bin will likely close at the end of February, but a date has not been confirmed yet.

She said the business will not be put up for sale.

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‘Fire-damaged’ pub near Knaresborough for sale at £495,000

A pub near Knaresborough that suffered two fires in three years has been put up for sale.

The Tiger Inn at Coneythorpe has remained closed since the second fire in August last year.

Now, after months of uncertainty, the inn has been offered for sale for £495,000.

According to Fleurets, the listing agent, the pub was “superbly successful” with a turnover in the region of £900,000 in recent years.

However, it acknowledged “the kitchen was damaged by a fire in August”, adding:

“The business has not re-opened and the tenant has left.

“The landlord has undertaken works to make good the damage caused by the fire, and the kitchen is ready to be fitted out.”

It said the remainder of the property was in “very good condition, unaffected by the fire and ready to trade”.

The interior of The Tiger Inn. Pic: Fleurets.

Fleurets said the two-storey property included a ground floor bar and restaurant and a recently refurbished studio flat upstairs.

It added:

“The front bar is in three sections.. The three sections can accommodate 10, 16 and 18 covers for dining. The right side extends into the restaurant area providing 68 covers.

“[It includes] ladies, gents and disabled toilets, an office and an upland beer store. The catering kitchen is huge, and purchasers may choose to reduce its size prior to refitting.”

The property, which is under a freehold tenure, also still holds a premises licence.

The upstairs flat. Pic: Fleurets.

The Stray Ferret has reported on the fires at the Tiger Inn over the years – most recently in November.

It suffered its first fire in November 2020. The blaze, which started in the kitchen, lasted for six hours and caused widespread damage to the site.

It then re-opened after renovations in October 2021, only for a second blaze, attributed to an overheating ice machine, to occur last year.

The blaze at the Tiger Inn pub in Coneythorpe yesterday (November 13).

The fire in 2020.

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Business Breakfast: Duchy Hospital rated ‘good’ by Care Quality Commission

The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate, has been rated ‘good’ in a recent report by the Care Quality Commission.

The hospital, which is part of Circle Health Group, was assessed to be good in all five categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

The healthcare watchdog also rated the surgery, outpatients and diagnostic and screen service departments as good.

The inspection, which took place in November, was the first since 2017, after which the hospital was rated “requires improvement”.

Michelle Eardley, executive director of the hospital, said:

“This is a challenging time for people working in healthcare and to have had our culture and delivery of care recognised as making a difference to the patients we care for is incredibly rewarding.

“We are fully committed to delivering the best possible care for patients in Harrogate and further afield. We look forward to building on this to achievement and working towards obtaining an “outstanding” rating across all domains.”

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce to meet tonight

The monthly Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting will take place tonight.

The meeting will focus on corporate social responsibility and will include speakers from Harrogate Spring Water, EnviroVent and the charity Supporting Older People.

Chamber chief executive officer Martin Mann said:

“Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer simply a business buzzword or tick box exercise; it is fundamental to modern business practice.

“Organisations that live and breathe strong social and environmental values positively impact the communities and people around them, making for a better place to live and do business.”

The meeting will be held at The Old Swan Hotel, from 5.30pm – 8pm.

Ripon restaurant nominated for national award

Jaflong in Ripon has been shortlisted for Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the National Curry Awards in Manchester next week.

Salauddin Khan, owner of Jaflong, said:

“Our priority is always to give our customers the best experience in food preparation. We are delighted that our passion for excellence has been recognised in these awards.”

The restaurant, which is on Kirkgate, gained national recognition at the same awards event last year.

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Motorist’s frustration at lack of information on A59 at Kex Gill reopening

North Yorkshire Council is still unable to say when the A59 at Kex Gill will reopen.

The council announced the sudden closure of the main route between Harrogate and Skipton a week ago today. It said it was for safety reasons after a crack on the verge, which appeared the week before, had worsened.

The closure, which is close to a £68.8 million scheme to build a new road, is causing lengthy detours.

After being approached by motorists for an update, the Stray Ferret asked the council when the road is expected to reopen.

Melisa Burnham, the council’s highways manager, said today:

“Following the closure of the A59 at Kex Gill, our highways team has been conducting detailed site investigations, closely monitoring the area, and assessing the most effective repair scheme.

“The closure is a result of land instability due to the heavy rainfall experienced over a prolonged period this winter and is not related to the ongoing construction works.

“However, this closure does once again highlight the necessary decision to carry out the ambitious realignment project of the A59 at Kex Gill, which has had a long history of landslips.

“A signed diversion is in place and we ask all road users to adhere to the closure and diversion for their safety.

“We appreciate the inconvenience caused and would like to reassure the public that we will be carrying out this repair as quickly and as safely as possible.”

A ‘total lack of communication and urgency’ from council

Edward Winterschalden, who drives from Harrogate to Giggleswick twice a week, told the Stray Ferret the road closure has added “about 20 to 25 minutes each way to an hour’s journey, plus about eight miles each way”.

He urged the council to communicate better about the situation, adding:

“They’ve had a week to assess what needs to be done and how long to fix it. You can sort of live with hassle if you know what’s going on.

“One week has passed and nothing. The inconvenience to commuters, local residents etc is huge, yet a total lack of communication and urgency. More noise is needed.

“A major route connecting communities and businesses is closed and we have no idea when it will re-open.”

A three-mile section of road is being built in the landslip-prone area.

The Department for Transport is providing grant funding of £56.1 million and the remaining £12.7 million has been allocated from North Yorkshire Council’s capital reserves.

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Schools and attractions close early as snow hits Harrogate district

Several schools and attractions closed early today due to widespread snow in the Harrogate district. Here’s a look back at what happened.

6.04pm: Bus diversion

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1755649562037862600

5.52pm: No reports of rush hour travel woes

Rail operator Northern has not reported any delays and we are unaware of any major issues on the roads at rush hour. Do let us know if you know otherwise so we can spread the word. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.28pm: Angel of Killinghall

Five-year-old Sofia Grace has been making the most of the snow in Killinghall. Here she is making snow angels and riding the exercise machine in the village park.

Thanks to her mother Simon Beckett and Melanie Beckett for sending them, do keep sending us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.10pm: Gritters out!

North Yorkshire Council has posted on social media that its fleet of gritters is out tonight.

 

5.04pm: Did highways gritting chief come a cropper on ungritted road?

You may have seen our post earlier in this blog about Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways at North Yorkshire Council and mayoral hopeful, coming off the road near Pateley Bridge in his campervan this morning,

It appears the road is one not gritted by the council. You can read more here.

4.29pm: Deeper snow in Nidderdale

This post on X shows a fair dollop of snow has settled at Greenhow, near Pateley Bridge.

https://twitter.com/juliatetley/status/1755609043090178543

4.03pm: Children making the most of the snow

The fresh snow is heaven for children, and Tobias, seen here, is making the most of it. Do send us your photos and updates by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.31pm: Two-year-old Tobias enjoying the snow

Tobias, 2, is enjoying the snow in Birstwith.

His family sent us this photo.

Pic: Ann Taylor.

2.46pm: Harrogate College announces early closure and cancelled event

Harrogate College took to social media to say the college will close at 3pm today.

It also said, “due to the heavy snow”, tonight’s Apprenticeship Open Event has been cancelled.

2.21pm: Road conditions worsen towards Harrogate

A nearby resident, who sent us the photos below, told us traffic coming into Harrogate on the A61 is “crawling” from Almsford Bank towards the Oatlands crossroads.

She said road conditions have “got worse” in a short space of time.

2.06pm: Snow sees no sign of easing in Harrogate

Snow is continuing to fall around Harrogate. This is on Leeds Road, where it sees no sign of easing soon.

2.02pm: Further update about Springwater School

Chris Watt provided another update about Springwater School, in Starbeck. He posted this on X and tagged the Stray Ferret.

@thestrayferret @HgateAdvertiser Further update from Springwater School #Starbeck: *weather update*
Further transport providers have asked to collect children early, please contact your child or young persons transport to confirm what time your child will arrive home.

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

1.49pm: Oatlands Infant School to close at 2pm

Oatlands Infant School, in Harrogate, is closing at 2pm today.

1.45pm: Early collection at Bilton Grange Primary 

Parents can collect children from Bilton Grange Primary School early this afternoon. Pick-up began at 1pm.

1.41pm: 2pm collection at Springwater School

Thanks to Chris Watt for posting this on X about Springwater School in Starbeck and tagging us.

@thestrayferret Springwater School in #Starbeck have provided the following snow update: Dignity minibuses and IPT buses have let us know that they will be collecting children at 2pm – please make arrangements to be home to collect your children and young people early.

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

 

1.36pm: View at highest point in the district

How is it looking at Greenhow Hill, near Pateley Bridge — the highest point in the Harrogate district? Here’s the latest from North Yorkshire Council’s live weathercam.

 

1.16pm: Starbeck Primary Academy allows early collection

Thanks to Starbeck resident Chris Watt for the update. Do let us know how things are where you are so we can update this blog.

@thestrayferret @StarbeckPrimary are allowing parents to collect their children early if they are concerned about travel, but are currently remaining open as normal. #Starbeck

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

1.10pm: Dogs having fun in Harrogate

Snow is settling — and dogs are enjoying it.

1.01pm: Weather warning across UK

The Met Office has published this image showing most of the country is affected by weather warnings for snow, ice and rain.

12.52pm: Harrogate High School to close too

Harrogate High School contacted the Stray Ferret to say it will be closing at 1pm today.

12.47pm: Tory mayoral candidate runs into a spot of bother…

The snow has also caused problems for Tory mayoral candidate, Keane Duncan, who is currently taking on a 100-day campervan trip around North Yorkshire.

Mr Duncan took to social media after Peggy, his van, got stuck in the mud near Lofthouse.

He said the “heroic efforts” of two Lofthouse locals meant he and Peggy were back on the road quickly after.

Pic: Keane Duncan on X, formerly Twitter.

12.40pm: Nidderdale High School

Nidderdale High School is closing at 12.45pm today.

12.37pm: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Harrogate, closed at 11.45am today.

It took to social media to say this was to “ensure the safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers”.

12.30pm: Harrogate Grammar School

Harrogate Grammar School is officially closing at 1.15pm.

12.30pm: Rossett School

Rossett School is also closing at 1.15pm.

12.30pm: St Aidan’s School

St Aidan’s School said it is officially closing at 1.30pm.

Outwood Academy in Ripon, Ripon Grammar School and Boroughbridge High School all said they had no plans to close early.

Snow

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Another cyclist knocked off bike in Harrogate collision

A cyclist was knocked off his bike in a collision with a vehicle in Harrogate yesterday (Tuesday, February 6).

North Yorkshire Police, which is now appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage, said the incident happened at around 7.30am on the B6161 Oaker Bank.

Both the cyclist and the car were travelling towards the Jubilee Roundabout prior to the collision, the force added.

Police today said:

“The car driver did not stop at the scene.

“The vehicle is believed to be a white Volkswagen Golf, 2014-2019 model. A wing mirror light bar and cover were detached during the collision, and so the car will have distinctive damage to its wing mirror.”

Officers said the cyclist, a man in his 40s, was “not seriously injured”. They added:

“If you were the car driver involved, please contact North Yorkshire Police.

“In addition, anyone who witnessed the collision, recognises the car involved, or is aware of a VW Golf with wing mirror damage, is asked to get in touch.

“Please email david.minto@northyorkshire.police.uk, or call 101, quoting reference 12240022993.”

This is the fourth incident of its kind in less than two months.

It follows a spate of separate incidents, which saw three cyclists knocked off their bikes in Harrogate in just one month.

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Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall retains Michelin star rating

Fine-dining restaurant Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has retained its Michelin star ranking for the fourth year running.

The restaurant, which is one of five dining options at the hotel, received the award at The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2024 ceremony last night.

It opened in July 2019, with Mr Rankin as chef patron and was awarded its first Michelin star in June 2020, followed by four AA rosettes last September.

Mr Rankin said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to hear that we have retained our Michelin star for a fourth year running. This is a true testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team and it’s truly humbling to have our hard work recognised.”

Mr Rankin was awarded his first Michelin star in 2005.

Michelin Guide recognitions in the Harrogate district

Several Harrogate district restaurants were featured in this year’s official Michelin Guide.

Fletchers, which is also at Grantley Hall, was among those, as well as Samuel’s at Swinton Park.

Paradise Food, located at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, and The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton were also recognised in the guide.

The Lime Tree Inn in Great Ouseburn, Goldsborough Hall and Where there’s Smoke in Masham were also all featured.

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Harrogate Town manager and winger nominated for Sky Bet awards

Harrogate Town AFC manager, Simon Weaver, and winger, Abraham Odoh, have both been nominated for Sky Bet League Two awards.

Weaver, who has been the club’s manager since 2009, has been shortlisted for the manager of the month award after a successful run that has taken the team into the promotion reckoning.

The English Football League said Weaver has gained momentum in the second half of last season and “continues to gather pace in North Yorkshire”, adding:

“The momentum gained in the second half of last season continues to gather pace in North Yorkshire.

“Weaver has made light of recent injuries to guide his side calmly into the promotion race with 10 points from four unbeaten matches.”

Lee Bell of Crewe Alexandra, Graham Coughlan of Newport County and Karl Robinson of Salford City are all up for the manager of the month award.

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Abraham Odoh, 23, who joined the club last summer following a spell at Rochdale, is one of four players up for the Player of the Month award.

The EFL said although he is a winger Mr Odoh “pops up all across the Harrogate front line” and “takes on defenders at will”. It added:

“Witness his stunning solo goal against Doncaster and a fine assist at Forest Green. Two goals and two assists in four games.”

Wrexham’s Steven Fletcher, Notts County’s Jodi Jones and Danilo Orsi of Crawley Town are also among those nominated for the award.

Harrogate Town are currently eighth in the league.

The team will play Colchester United at home on Saturday.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Food and Drink Company to cater the MOBO Awards

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!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024. 

Harrogate Food and Drink Company has landed a catering contract for the MOBO Awards this week.

The company will spend four days providing the catering for artists, crew and media at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

The MOBO Awards, which launched in 1996, celebrates hip hop, grime, R’n’B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and African music.

Artists such as Central Cee, Dave, Stormzy, Jorja Smith and RAYE are among those nominated for a MOBO this year.

Andi Aikman, owner of the Harrogate Food and Drink Company, said:

“This is not our first rodeo. This is undoubtedly a massive event for us, but we regularly cater for big events with equally as demanding customers.

“The priority is to ensure that all the hardworking contributors to these awards are fed regularly – they need their energy.”

Harrogate hairstylist shortlisted for national award

Luan Barlow, owner of Harrogate-based Luan Hairstylist Extensions Bridal, has been shortlisted for two awards at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Ms Barlow is a finalist in the Best Bridal Individual and Hair Extension Specialist categories.

She said:

“I am completely overwhelmed once again, my small business has grown so quickly in such a short space of time, and now for the second year running I am a finalist in one of the most prestigious hair and beauty awards!

“Not only for one category this year but for two which is an incredible achievement. I cannot wait to see where my business will be in the next few years and I’m proud to be representing small businesses in Harrogate.”

Knaresborough energy company to sponsor local 10k run

Harmony Energy, a renewable energy company in Knaresborough, is set to sponsor the Burton Leonard 10k and 3k races.

The event, which began more than 30 years ago, will raise money for Ripon Community House, which provides emergency food parcels those in need locally, as well as the village school.

Peter Kavanagh, chief executive office of Harmony Energy, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting such a brilliant local event. It will be great to see people of all ages taking part and enjoying the day.

“Sport and fitness are vital to people and to communities, and we’re delighted to support local races like this.”

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