North Yorks Council warns action to plug £25m black hole is essential

The politician charged with ensuring a range of key services are maintained for North Yorkshire’s 618,000 residents has warned unless the authority strips back £25m of annual costs its ability to fulfil a range of economic goals will be significantly curtailed.

North Yorkshire Council‘s executive member for finance, Councillor Gareth Dadd, issued the alert as the authority’s executive met to consider pushing forward the recently launched unitary council’s first economic strategy.

The meeting heard the five-year plan was set to be launched next year and aim to support business growth, key sector development, generating inward investment and prioritising regeneration while improving infrastructure and connectivity.

Executive members were told the vision is to be “an innovative, carbon negative economy driven by our productive and entrepreneurial business base and the places and communities that make North Yorkshire distinctive”.

Cllr Dadd, who is also the authority’s deputy leader, said as moves to consider next year’s budget were getting underway, even with grant funding for some of the economic development opportunities the council was pursuing it would still need to financially support the schemes.

Referring to the strategy, he said:

“It is a salutary reminder of the importance of us getting our revenue budget in ship-shape order for us to make choices over some of the priorities that this document will produce.”

After the meeting, Cllr Dadd said the council was set to make “substantial in-roads” into the £25m black hole in the coming months, with authority prioritising making operational efficiencies, while not ruling out cuts to services.

He emphasised while creating the unitary authority had presented savings opportunities, many councils across the country were facing “immense financial challenges”.

He said:

“If we don’t sort the revenue budget out and continue taking from reserves then our ability to fulfil the economic development plan will be rapidly diminished because we will not have the reserves to support it.

“The first station of this train journey has to be to have a sustainable revenue budget which will then lead to council tax cuts or investment in services.

“Clearly that puts us in a great position to make those choices and if we do decide to invest then we need to prioritise that as well. There is no running away from it – everything is underpinned by the revenue budget.”

The authority’s recurring annual deficit is forecast to have fallen by about £5m since the start of the financial year, partly as a result of having increased buying power following the merger of eight councils.

Cllr Dadd added:

“Our priority will always be efficiencies in operations rather than service cuts. We are looking at back office first and the premium from unitary is there to be taken. It won’t all come at once.

“I can’t guarantee there won’t be service changes, but as long as I have a breath in my body and in the position I am, the influence I have got will be used to protect services for vulnerable people.”

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Ex-serviceman who lost his legs in IRA bombing finds therapy in Harrogate choir

An ex-serviceman from Knaresborough, who was a victim of an IRA attack, has spoken of how singing has been his therapy after a career in the military.

Andy Mudd served in the The Royal Military Police for 18 years after joining up aged 18. He served in Germany, Ireland, London, Cyprus, and Lebanon.

While in Colchester with his wife in 1989, a bomb planted by the IRA exploded under their car.

Mr Mudd said:

“Luckily, my wife was only slightly injured.

“I, unfortunately, lost my right leg from the hip and the left one above the knee. I also lost two fingers on my right hand. But we survived!”

Despite his disability, Mr Mudd continued his work for his corps – serving seven years in a wheelchair — until 1996. He was awarded a British Empire Medal and was mentioned in Dispatches for his work.

After leaving the military, Mr Mudd joined the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA), where musician and choir-leader Gareth Malone scouted a group of singers to perform at the Invictus Games in Florida, in 2016.

It was then that Mr Mudd discovered his love for singing.

He added:

“I eagerly joined, although not singing since my days in the choir at Saint John’s Church, Knaresborough, in the 1970s.”

The group, which was named the Invictus Games Choir, also sang and recorded ‘Unbroken’ by John Bon Jovi at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios.

From there, Mr Mudd went on to sing with the Help for Heroes Choir and Take That at the Royal Variety Show, as well as at The Royal Albert Hall and Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Harrogate Male Voice Choir with the Ryelarks Choir.

Mr Mudd and his partner, Joyce, moved back to Harrogate last year and he quickly discovered the Harrogate Male Voice Choir to continue his singing journey.

He said:

“I was warmly welcomed into the 2nd tenor group and have been thrilled to sing with this fine male voice choir.

“Two hours of rehearsals every Tuesday evening fills my heart with joy.

“It’s a great therapy; always learning and producing a great sound.”

One member of the choir, Lawrie Coulthard, told the Stray Ferret:

“Andy is a most welcome addition to our choir.

“Not only having a splendid voice, but his happy persona also adds enormously to our friendly atmosphere at rehearsals and concerts.”

The choir, which was formed nearly 55 years ago, now has around 50 members and sings a variety of musical genres.

It has performed at a range of venues, from village churches and castles, to stately homes and even The Royal Albert Hall.

Mr Mudd added:

“I have enjoyed it so much and recommend it to anyone who wants to sing.

“Come and join us!”

The choir rehearses every week at Woodlands Methodist Church on Wetherby Road.

Those wishing to join can call 07905515492.

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Boroughbridge community larder hosts cost of living event

Two Harrogate district charities are holding a community event which hopes to combat the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Boroughbridge Community Larder operates a food bank at Boroughbridge Methodist Church which aims to reduce food waste.

It has partnered with local mental health charity, Mind in Harrogate District to host the Boroughbridge Community Larder Event, which will offer visitors legal advice, cooking demonstrations and mental health support during the financial climate.

The event will begin with a cooking demonstration from Season Well – a Leeds-based project which promotes organic and healthy eating. Attendees can expect to learn budget-friendly recipes using produce from the community larder and local ingredients.

North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Support will offer drop-in sessions to those looking for energy-saving strategies, priority services registers and financial guidance through the cost-of-living crisis.

Mind will also provide mental health signposting services for those that may need it, as well as on-site support.

Kirsty Dawson, rural wellbeing coordinator at Mind in Harrogate District, said:

“We’re facing the biggest cost of living crisis in a generation. The pressure from this crisis is impacting everyone, from people who were already struggling, right through to people who’ve never worried about money before.

“That stress and worry can make it hard to stay mentally well. Mind can’t fix the cost-of-living crisis, but we can help the people, families and communities in our district feel more able to cope.

“By working with other local organisations and helping to highlight the support that is available locally, we hope we can help people to better manage these difficult times.”

The event is open to everyone and is entirely free to attend.

It will take place Wednesday, November 8, from midday until 4pm, at Boroughbridge Methodist Church.

The larder will operate as usual on the day and will provide food resources from noon until 1.30pm at the same venue.

Those that would like to watch the cooking demonstration must register by Tuesday, October 31. You can register in person at the Community Larder or contact Kirsty at kirsty@mindinharrogate.org.uk or on 07305 049296.

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Prolific Harrogate burglar jailed for three raids including at restaurant and bar

A career burglar and “persistent thief” has been jailed for two years for a series of raids, while he was on a suspended sentence, for breaking into Harrogate hair salons.

Anthony Fraser, 38, targeted three premises including a bar and a restaurant in Harrogate town centre just three months after receiving a suspended prison sentence for raiding two hairdressers, York Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Kelly Clarke said that on April 26 the “recidivist” burglar raided North Bar in Cheltenham Parade after using a crate to smash a glass door. He then stole £500 of items including £198 of alcohol.

About a month later, he targeted a property under renovation at Princess Square after scaling the rear brick wall. He tried to force the door open but was unsuccessful and ran off.

On August 7, he stole more than £500 from a safe at the Estabulo restaurant on Albert Street after breaking in through a rear fire door. CCTV captured him looking around the office for a key to the safe before stealing the contents and riding off on a pushbike.

Fraser, of Swan Road, Harrogate, admitted two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary with intent to steal. All three offences were in breach of his eight-month suspended prison sentence for three burglaries committed in January.

In those raids, Fraser stole thousands of pounds’ worth of products from the Hart & Hart hair salon and Nathan Cosgrove Barbers, both on Commercial Street, on the same weekend.

CCTV showed him smashing a window at Hart & Hart in the early hours of the morning, evidently with a brick. He then left but returned a few hours later and reached in through the smashed window to steal hair straighteners worth over £300.

He left the Nathan Cosgrove salon a “mess” after ransacking the place and stole about 30 items worth £6,851. He also took the till.

The following day, police raided a “drug den” in Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, where they found Fraser and a suitcase containing a “large amount of barbering equipment”.

Fraser had over 30 previous convictions for 50 offences, the majority for theft and kindred, dating back more than 20 years.

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He appeared for sentence for the new offences via video link yesterday after being remanded in custody.

Addicted to Benzodiazepine

Defence barrister Danielle Gilmour conceded that Fraser, a drug addict, was an inveterate burglar who “goes around looking for (opportunities) to burgle”.

She said that Fraser, who had been living in a hostel in Harrogate after being spared prison in March, was addicted to the prescription drug Benzodiazepine.

Recorder Dafydd Enoch KC branded Fraser a “recidivist burglar” with an “appalling” record.

“You have a very long history of burglary and other dishonesty offences,” added Mr Enoch.

“Most, if not all of it, is born out of a long-standing drug problem.”

He criticised Fraser for targeting yet more premises in Harrogate just three months after receiving the suspended sentence, including a “small business” from which he stole £500 cash.

Fraser was jailed for two years, of which he will serve half behind bars before being released on prison licence.

Leeds Bradford Airport closed after plane skids off runway

Leeds Bradford Airport has closed after a plane arriving from Corfu came off the runway this afternoon.

The TUI Airways flight is believed to have overrun the runway and veered onto the grass taxiway at around 1.53pm.

Emergency services are at the scene. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Leeds Bradford Airport issued a statement saying:

“We can confirm the airport is now closed.

“We ask passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

“There are no reported injuries from today’s incident and all passengers have now safely disembarked the aircraft.”

Pic: pipsqueek01/cat_cutmore/BantamDxn on Twitter.

A spokesperson for TUI added:

“We are aware of an incident at Leeds Bradford Airport this afternoon, in which upon landing flight TOM3551 slightly veered off while turning into the taxiway.

“There are no reported injuries, and our ground team are on hand to support passengers as they disembark.”

The aircraft landed amid Storm Babet – a weather warning of wind and rain that has hit the UK.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement at 1.57pm:

“Remaining crews are now assisting in evacuating all persons from the aircraft to the terminal.”

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Bogus police officers steal puppy in Harrogate, say owners

An eight-week-old puppy was stolen by two people posing as police officers at Harrogate bus station yesterday, according to her owners.

The incident occurred between 4pm and 5pm.

Sophie, who is a cross between a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua, had only been with Michael Stuart and his partner since Tuesday, October 17.

Mr Stuart posted on Facebook this morning:

“My partner had our puppy stolen from her on Thursday evening at Harrogate bus station by two people posing as police officers.”

He told the Stray Ferret his partner, who is Hungarian and speaks little English, became confused when approached. He said:

“She could not understand them – they were posing as the police.

“She panicked and handed the dog over to them.”

The couple reported the incident to the police last night. However, the dog has now been returned to its owners.

Mr Stuart said:

“A couple found the dog nearby and took her home last night. They saw the Facebook post and contacted police.

“We are so very lucky.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the “incident is now closed” following the return of the puppy.

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Stump Cross Caverns to feature in Channel 5 programme

Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is set to feature in a well-known Channel 5 programme next week.

The Hotel Inspector, which is led by former hotelier Alex Polizzi, offers guidance to hotels and businesses on how to redirect themselves and avoid closing down.

Lisa Bowerman, owner of Stump Cross Caverns, told the Stray Ferret she saw a post from Channel 5 on Facebook looking for businesses to be part of the show.

She said:

“I was scrolling Facebook in February, and I noticed an advert calling for any business who needed help during these unprecedented times, including tourist attractions, to get in touch.

“We had watched The Hotel Inspector and had seen how Alex could turn businesses around, so I emailed straight away!”

The caverns have been open since 1860, but Ms Bowerman has been running the business for the last 20 years.

However, she added “after that long you don’t always see the things that need changing”.

“I applied because I was on my knees – I was knackered — I really needed an expert opinion on how to redirect the business into profitability.”

A spokesperson from Channel 5 said Alex quickly realised the business needed “streamlining and smartening”.

The filming finished towards the end of June and Alex’s “formidable force” has made a “massive difference to the business”, Ms Bowerman added.

“I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to have the expert support and guidance and motivation of Alex and her team.

“We will be forever grateful, and it will be something I never forget. Alex’s guidance has made us realise our mistakes.

“The changes have been successful, and we now feel we are on the right path.”

The episode will air next Tuesday, October 24, at 9pm on Channel 5.

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RHS Harlow Carr to close tomorrow due to weather warning

RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate has announced it will close tomorrow and its Autumn Garden Weekend has been cancelled due to Storm Babet.

The Autumn Garden event was due to take place this weekend on Saturday (October 21) and Sunday (October 22).

However, the RHS said in an email today:

“The extreme weather means it will not be possible to set up the event as planned on Friday and therefore the garden will be closed in order to ensure the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.”

The announcement follows a weather warning issued by the Met Office earlier this week.

It said the Harrogate district will see heavy rain from 9pm on Wednesday to 6am on Saturday.

The RHS added it will “monitor the weather” and hopes to reopen the garden as usual on Saturday.

It added:

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this is likely to cause, and we thank you for your understanding.”

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Harewood Bridge closure postponed due to Storm Babet

Planned repairs and overnight closures of Harewood Bridge near Harrogate have been postponed due to a weather warning.

The specialist works to the grade-II listed bridge would have seen an upgrade to the surfacing on the road. A 15-mile diversion would have also been in place.

Leeds City Council was due to close the bridge overnight on Wednesday (October 18) and Thursday (October 19) between 9pm and 5.30am.

However, in an email from Connecting Leeds, people were told the plans have been delayed due to “Storm Babet and heavy rain forecast”.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council added:

“For the works to happen, conditions must be absolutely dry for the period of treatment to the road surface.

“Alternative arrangements are being looked into by the contractor about how we carry out this work with wetter and possibly unpredictable weather ahead.”

The Met Office issued a weather warning on Monday for rain in the Harrogate district from 9pm on Wednesday to 6am on Saturday.

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

The plans at Harewood Bridge followed four weeks of works to the bridge over the summer holidays.

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Seven Harrogate district charities receive National Lottery grants worth £450,000

Seven voluntary organisations in the Harrogate district have received National Lottery cash injections totalling nearly £450,000.

They are among 300 organisations in Yorkshire and Humberside to receive a share of more than £13 million awarded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Dementia Forward, based in Burton Leonard, was awarded almost £240,000, which was the largest donation made to a North Yorkshire charity.

The grant will provide three-year funding for its time out together group for people aged 35 to 65 with young onset dementia.

The group enables younger people with this rare form of dementia, who receive little support, to socialise and go on day trips.

The time out together members at Dementia Forward.

Debby Lennox, community liaison manager at Dementia Forward, said:

“The real testament to the success of this project and the need for it to continue is the difference that it is making to the people we support and their families – it truly is life changing.”

The other local groups rewarded were:

Ripon Community Link — £170,000

Ripon Community Link supports adults and young people with learning disabilities.

The charity offers members the chance to work in a café or shop based at Ripon Walled Gardens, and aims to boost self-confidence and employability skills.

The funding will be used to employ more staff to support members working and encourage them to serve customers.

Emerging Voices — £5,780

Emerging Voices is a Harrogate-based project which uses music to improve mental health.

Members can receive mentoring from musicians and teachers. They are offered support with songwriting, singing and playing instruments.

It will use the donation to restart a wellbeing choir and mentoring services.

It hopes the choir will bring people together and reduce isolation.

St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Harrogate — £10,000

 St Joseph’s Catholic Church, on Skipton Road, will use its award to contribute towards the replacement of a boiler in the church hall.

The hall is used by groups to host community events and private functions.

Starbeck Community Library — £6,000

 Starbeck Community Library, located on the High Street, will use the donation to improve the children’s reading area.

It hopes a new and improved reading area will encourage families to stay at the library for longer and, in turn, improve children’s development.

Autism Angels — £10,000

 Summerbridge-based charity Autism Angels offers horse riding sessions to children with autism.

It also offers support to parents, siblings and carers.

The grant will be used to fund additional support sessions for parents and carers. It hopes to start a father’s support group and a parenting programme.

The charity also hopes the funding will reduce isolation and increase awareness and knowledge.

The Robinson Library — £7,500

The Robinson Library in Timble is used as a village hall to house community events, as well as health and wellbeing activities.

The money will be used to refurbish the kitchen.

Joe Dobson, head of funding for Yorkshire and Humberside at the National Lottery Community Fund, said:

“We’re delighted that local groups are using our funding to strengthen communities and improve lives in our region.

“Their passion, creativity and commitment are making a real difference to local people’s lives, and this deserves recognition.”

The fund aims to distribute at least £4 billion by 2030 to support community activities, inclusivity and improve the environment.

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