Tanker operation raises sewage concerns on River Ure

A three-week tanker operation on the River Ure near Boroughbridge has raised concerns about how well a treatment plant can cope with sewage.

Boorughbridge resident Caroline Slater contacted the Stray Ferret saying she had noticed a “raw sewage” smell when walking her dog near the river.

She attributed the smell, which she believes is due to excess sewage flowing from a wastewater treatment plant in Aldborough into the river, to recent periods of heavy rainfall, as well as “the large number of new houses built in the area”.

Ms Slater said:

“The pumping station at Boroughbridge sewage works cannot cope with the amount of sewage.

“The Ure is really polluted. Sometimes there are huge banks of foam which do not dissipate, greasy films and a smell of sewage.

“I have witnessed contractors cleaning up the riverbank areas after floods and using the river as a dumping ground for waste.

“It was really smelly down there on Saturday when there was no pumping going on. It just smelt like raw sewage.”

Ms Slater also said “tankers have been pumping sewage out from Aldborough road for the past three weeks — maybe more — and taking it away”.

She added:

“I have contacted Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency. I really am despairing. I would ideally like to get some momentum going to try to clean up the River Ure.

“Young people bathe in it at the salmon ladders in the summer, also at Ripon and Masham, further up and downstream. It isn’t safe. Nature is suffering. Nobody seems to be accountable.

“I am also extremely concerned about the continuation of house building in the area and what effect this will have on infrastructure that cannot cope. “

Town council also ‘doubts’ treatment plan can cope

The Stray Ferret contacted Cllr Robert Windass, a Conservative who represents Boroughbridge and Claro on North Yorkshire Council, about the matter.

Cllr Windass said Boroughbridge Town Council shared Ms Slater’s concerns.

He added:

“I am aware that tankers are pumping out sewage from the Aldborough treatment plant and taking it to other plants. This happens when the River Ure is in flood as it has been for the past few weeks with all the rain we have had.
“Certainly, the town council and many residents have expressed concern about whether the Aldborough treatment plant can cope with the increased sewage because of the number of new homes built in and around Boroughbridge. They always say that it can but when situations like this occur, we have our doubts.
“Personally, I have not been downstream of the treatment plant recently, but I will make a point of doing so in the next few days.”

Yorkshire Water’s response

The Stray Ferret put Ms Slater’s concerns to Yorkshire Water and asked for confirmation on whether excess sewage is being released into the River Ure.

A spokesperson said “diluted wastewater from storm overflow” is released into the river during periods of heavy rainfall. If more rainwater is pumped into the treatment works than it is designed to handle, an excess is released into nearby rivers.

The spokesperson added:

“The storm overflow at Boroughbridge wastewater treatment works is in operation currently due to the amount of rainfall in the area recently and possible groundwater infiltration into the sewer network.

“Storm overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and act as a relief valve during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall to prevent wastewater backing up and flooding homes and businesses.”

Yorkshire Water said the tankers were in place due to groundwater potentially infiltrating a sewer. The firm said this was also as a result of heavy rainfall and could result in wastewater escaping the network from manholes if left unmanaged.

The spokesperson added:

“Our teams are currently tankering in the area to relieve pressure on the sewer network and will be carrying out a thorough investigation of the network in the coming days to identify any possible sources of infiltration.”

The firm added the tanker was also removing some wastewater, groundwater and sewage flow from within the network and taking it to the treatment works. It said this was “taking the pressure off the sewers to prevent pollutions”.

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Jobs lost at Black Sheep Brewery in Masham

The new owners of Black Sheep Brewery have made redundancies at the Masham firm.

Keystone Brewing Group, which acquired the brewery from administration in May last year for £5 million said a “strategic restructuring” resulted in the “reduction of a small number of roles” within Black Sheep.

The company attributed the redundancies to “enormous challenges” faced by the hospitality sector and said “efficiency measures are essential” to secure the future of the brewery.

Chief executive Mark Williams said the organisation was “forced to consider all options available”, adding:

“This is an incredibly difficult time for all, and we are saddened the impact of this decision will have on our valued colleagues.

“Making redundancies is always the last resort, but unfortunately we have been forced to consider all options available to us.

“This is about making the brewery as efficient as possible, and securing its legacy for years to come.”

The Stray Ferret asked Black Sheep Brewery to confirm whether those made redundant had been paid. The team responded:

“The Black Sheep Brewery team can confirm that all staff who’ve since left the business as a result of this restructuring have been paid as agreed within the terms of their redundancy.”

We also asked the company to confirm exactly how many redundancies were made, but did not receive a response.

The news comes just weeks after the firm announced former chief executive Charlene Lyons had stepped down after nine years in post.

In a press release issued last month, the company said Ms Lyons had left “to pursue other interests”.

Ms Lyons was kept on following last year’s sale of Black Sheep, which also resulted in a “small number” of staff losing their jobs at the time.

Administrators Teneo Financial Advisory revealed sales fell from £19 million in 2019 to £14 million in 2022 – resulting in a £1.6 million loss.

Creditors, including HMRC, were owed nearly £3 million.

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New bookshop to open in Pateley Bridge

A new book shop is set to open in Pateley Bridge.

Paper People Books, which will take over the former JOT Gallery site on the High Street, will stock books and literature for different age groups.

Owner Kerry Thorpe, who moved to Pateley Bridge six months ago, said the shop will offer adult fiction, children’s literature, books on the local area and more.

There will also be a large children’s room with games and puzzles to encourage young ones to read and play.

Ms Thorpe told the Stray Ferret:

“Reading should be fun, not a chore and we want people to feel happy and spread a bit of joy when coming into the shop.

“I’m a former art teacher and always loved books and people, using your imagination and being creative. I’m dyslexic myself and wanted to show books are for everyone.

“I work with children who say they can’t do certain things because they find reading, spelling and traditional work difficult.

“If you have an idea and really believe in something you can do it with hard work. This is something I wanted to show my children too.”

Ms Thorpe added the book shop will be a “good addition to the town”. She hopes to run various in-store initiatives to help people in the wider community.

These include a ’till round-up scheme’, whereby people round up their payment and the extra money is donated to local schools to fund new books for children.

Ms Thorpe also said the team are working with Bark and Read, a Kennel-club owned foundation, which invites children to read with their support dogs. She said the charity will hopefully visit the Pateley Bridge shop once a month to run sessions.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We are super excited to be opening, we hope to bring a bit of fun to reading, inspire others and work with local schools and people to really make this a success.

“We feel everyone needs a book in their lives, we are all so busy and sometimes it’s just great to switch off, read a book and really escape.”

Paper People Books will have two official opening weekends: March 23 and 24, and March 30 and 31.

The shop will then open Tuesday to Friday, as well as weekends during the summer.

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Cold callers arrested after Harrogate woman in 80s hands over bank card

Three men have been arrested after a Harrogate woman in her 80s handed over her credit card in a door-to-door cold call.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today one of the three men, who are from Middlesbrough, entered the woman’s home on the pretence of selling household items after being released from prison on March 6.

The statement adding:

“He pressurised the victim into handing over her bank card and pin number and withdrew the maximum amount he could.

“He fled from the property when he saw a friend of the victim arrive on the drive.”

Police investigations identified a vehicle connected to the incident.

The car was intercepted when it re-entered Harrogate a few days later and officers arrested the three men inside.

The statement added:

“The suspects were taken into custody for questioning. The driver, 51, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and drug driving after testing positive for cocaine at the roadside.

“The passengers, one aged 37, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and a 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal.”

The statement said the men have been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

‘Check before you open the door’

Police warned people to be on their guard against door-to-door sellers, who they said can be “pushy” and “threatening” and may charge inflated prices.

It urged people to:

Police added:

“If anyone who cold calls tries to enter your home without your permission, is threatening or refuses to leave your property, call 999.

“Older people are targeted due to their trusting nature, so if you have older parents, relatives or friends, please share this message with them and check they know how to stay safe if cold callers knock on their door.”

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Harrogate man given hospital order for attempted murder of two children

Warning: this story contains references to self-harm, suicide and mental illness. 

A Harrogate man has been given a hospital order with restrictions for the attempted murder of two children.

Following a nine-day trial in April 2023, George Edward Yates, 42, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Beckwithshaw on June 20, 2022.

At the time the Judge adjourned sentencing so that Yates could undergo psychiatric assessments.

He was today sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.

On sentencing, reports were presented back to the court which stated that at the time of the offence Yates was suffering from delusional thoughts before carrying out the knife attack on two children.

Because of his mental state at the time of the incident, the judge sentenced him to a hospital order with restrictions, meaning that should he ever released back into the community, he will be closely monitored by mental health professionals.

‘Placed knives around his house and in his car’

During the trial the court heard how Yates, commonly known by his middle name Ed, and previously of Beckwithshaw, had placed knives around his house and in his car.

He’d also prepared a homemade incendiary device which was capable of causing a fire.

At around 8am on the day of the incident, he attacked the two children with a large bread knife, severely cutting the throat of one child which resulted in life threatening injuries.

Police sealed off the area.

He then attempted to do the same to a younger child.

Hearing the screams of the younger children, a teenager ran to help them and tackled Yates, managing to wrestle the knife from him as he attempted to harm the youngest child.

Fortunately, all three children were able to run away from Yates.

Two decorators working at a house nearby were approached by the children and they protected them from Yates, who had chased after them following the attack.

Pre-recorded interviews of the children recounting the incident, which were conducted by specialist police officers, were played in the court.

The painters and decorators’ evidence was also read out to the court.

The two men described hearing the children’s screams and seeing them running towards them, one with blood pouring from a large open wound in their neck.

The court heard how the men rushed to provide first aid to the children, using one of their own hoodies to try to stem the flow of blood, while they called the emergency services.

The teenager had also suffered a minor hand injury from grabbing the knife away from Yates.

The decorators stated that as they were helping the children, Yates twice approached them, but they protected the children by shouting at Yates to keep back and go away.

Police were called to the scene and after making an initial check on the welfare of the children, they entered a nearby house and found Yates in the bathroom.

He had attempted to take his own life by cutting his own throat and wrists, and superficially stabbing himself in the chest. He’d also ingested liquid morphine, which he’d taken from his mother’s house days before the attack.

Yates was immediately arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to his self-inflicted wounds.

Following treatment, Yates assaulted a police officer who was on bed-watch duty at the hospital.

The most seriously injured child was taken separately to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent life-saving surgery.

‘Utterly horrific and disturbing crime’

Speaking after sentencing, senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Steve Menzies of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:

“This was an utterly horrific and disturbing crime, made all the worse by the young ages of the victims involved. To be attacked in such a violent manner, without any warning, is sickening, and sadly something the children will never forget. Whilst they have made remarkable physical recoveries, and shown immense bravery throughout the incident, the police investigation, and the trial, the emotional effects will be long-lasting.

“Since the attack they have all received support and care from specialist services, and I hope that with further support from professionals, their loved ones, and the sentencing that has been delivered by the courts today, they can put this horrendous incident behind them and move on to more positive times.”

He added:

“I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the teenager. They witnessed a horrific scene, yet tackled Yates and managed to grapple the knife from his hands. Thanks to that swift and decisive action, the younger children survived.

“I also have to commend the two workmen who cared for the children, called the emergency services, and protected them from Yates until police arrived at the scene. Their quick thinking meant that the children received prompt medical care, and also meant that Yates survived his self-inflicted injuries, so he could be dealt with and face justice today. I nominated them, and the older child for formal recognition and I am delighted that the judge formally commended them in her summing up.

“As for Yates, he carried out an appalling attack on two defenceless children, and after hearing the evidence, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder of the two children. I’m just incredibly thankful that the children survived.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow investigators, and the prosecution team, who worked meticulously and tirelessly on this case to bring about today’s result. This has been a traumatic, disturbing, and highly emotional incident for everyone involved, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their professionalism and pure determination to ensure justice was served for the three children.”

Read more:

Harrogate man given hospital order for attempted murder of two children

Warning: this story contains references to self-harm, suicide and mental illness. 

A Harrogate man has been given a hospital order with restrictions for the attempted murder of two children.

Following a nine-day trial in April 2023, George Edward Yates, 42, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Beckwithshaw on June 20, 2022.

At the time the Judge adjourned sentencing so that Yates could undergo psychiatric assessments.

He was today sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.

On sentencing, reports were presented back to the court which stated that at the time of the offence Yates was suffering from delusional thoughts before carrying out the knife attack on two children.

Because of his mental state at the time of the incident, the judge sentenced him to a hospital order with restrictions, meaning that should he ever released back into the community, he will be closely monitored by mental health professionals.

‘Placed knives around his house and in his car’

During the trial the court heard how Yates, commonly known by his middle name Ed, and previously of Beckwithshaw, had placed knives around his house and in his car.

He’d also prepared a homemade incendiary device which was capable of causing a fire.

At around 8am on the day of the incident, he attacked the two children with a large bread knife, severely cutting the throat of one child which resulted in life threatening injuries.

Police sealed off the area.

He then attempted to do the same to a younger child.

Hearing the screams of the younger children, a teenager ran to help them and tackled Yates, managing to wrestle the knife from him as he attempted to harm the youngest child.

Fortunately, all three children were able to run away from Yates.

Two decorators working at a house nearby were approached by the children and they protected them from Yates, who had chased after them following the attack.

Pre-recorded interviews of the children recounting the incident, which were conducted by specialist police officers, were played in the court.

The painters and decorators’ evidence was also read out to the court.

The two men described hearing the children’s screams and seeing them running towards them, one with blood pouring from a large open wound in their neck.

The court heard how the men rushed to provide first aid to the children, using one of their own hoodies to try to stem the flow of blood, while they called the emergency services.

The teenager had also suffered a minor hand injury from grabbing the knife away from Yates.

The decorators stated that as they were helping the children, Yates twice approached them, but they protected the children by shouting at Yates to keep back and go away.

Police were called to the scene and after making an initial check on the welfare of the children, they entered a nearby house and found Yates in the bathroom.

He had attempted to take his own life by cutting his own throat and wrists, and superficially stabbing himself in the chest. He’d also ingested liquid morphine, which he’d taken from his mother’s house days before the attack.

Yates was immediately arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to his self-inflicted wounds.

Following treatment, Yates assaulted a police officer who was on bed-watch duty at the hospital.

The most seriously injured child was taken separately to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent life-saving surgery.

‘Utterly horrific and disturbing crime’

Speaking after sentencing, senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Steve Menzies of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:

“This was an utterly horrific and disturbing crime, made all the worse by the young ages of the victims involved. To be attacked in such a violent manner, without any warning, is sickening, and sadly something the children will never forget. Whilst they have made remarkable physical recoveries, and shown immense bravery throughout the incident, the police investigation, and the trial, the emotional effects will be long-lasting.

“Since the attack they have all received support and care from specialist services, and I hope that with further support from professionals, their loved ones, and the sentencing that has been delivered by the courts today, they can put this horrendous incident behind them and move on to more positive times.”

He added:

“I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the teenager. They witnessed a horrific scene, yet tackled Yates and managed to grapple the knife from his hands. Thanks to that swift and decisive action, the younger children survived.

“I also have to commend the two workmen who cared for the children, called the emergency services, and protected them from Yates until police arrived at the scene. Their quick thinking meant that the children received prompt medical care, and also meant that Yates survived his self-inflicted injuries, so he could be dealt with and face justice today. I nominated them, and the older child for formal recognition and I am delighted that the judge formally commended them in her summing up.

“As for Yates, he carried out an appalling attack on two defenceless children, and after hearing the evidence, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder of the two children. I’m just incredibly thankful that the children survived.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow investigators, and the prosecution team, who worked meticulously and tirelessly on this case to bring about today’s result. This has been a traumatic, disturbing, and highly emotional incident for everyone involved, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their professionalism and pure determination to ensure justice was served for the three children.”

Read more:

Temporary lights installed on Knaresborough High Street

Multi-way traffic lights have been installed on Knaresborough High Street ahead of six days of roadworks.

The temporary lights, which are on the A59 and Gracious Street crossroads, were put in place at 11.30am this morning.

Delays are likely as the route, which is a main route for access into the town and for school drop-offs, is one of Knaresborough’s busiest.

It comes as Northern Powergrid carries out maintenance works and utility repairs in the area.

The Stray Ferret contacted Northern Powergrid to ask what exactly the work will involve. A spokesperson said:

“The works on Knaresborough High Street relate to two high voltage faults, in three separate locations.

“Engineers have attended the site to excavate and locate the fault, which has required necessary traffic management to be put in place to safely carry out the work.

“Jointing work will take place on Thursday 14 March to repair the fault, which will require testing. It is expected that re-instatement will be completed by the weekend of 16/17 March.

“We apologise to customers and local residents for any inconvenience and can reassure that we’re working hard to complete the works and keep disruption to a minimum.”

However, according to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map the lights will remain until Tuesday, March 19 at 11.59pm.

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Local politicians and businesses react to Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget prompted a mixed response among local politicians and businesses today.

Mr Hunt’s announcements included a 2p cut to National Insurance contributions, increasing the child benefit threshold from £50,000 to £60,000, raising the VAT registration threshold for small businesses to £90,000 and £3.4 billion for the NHS.

We asked local politicians and businesses to respond to give their verdicts.

Andrew Jones: Budget will drive ‘economic growth for years ahead’

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, praised today’s Budget.

He said the fall in inflation from 10% to 4% had allowed Mr Hunt to “further ease the tax burden for thousands of working people in Harrogate and Knaresborough”.

He also welcomed the extension of the Household Support Fund for a further six months, which he said has “helped many households in my constituency who have struggled with the higher cost of living”.

Mr Jones said:

“It is good to see that the representations North Yorkshire Council made to the Chancellor highlighting the scheme’s positive impact have been heard.

“Following the cut already announced in last year’s Autumn Statement, today’s news of a further cut for National Insurance contributions means a saving of £900 for the average worker earning £35,400. There have been other measures to reduce the cost of living which include maintaining the cut in fuel duty and the freeze of alcohol duty which will also help the hospitality sector.”

Mr Jones also said he “strongly supports” the additional NHS funding, which will go towards improving technology and IT systems.

He added:

“I have heard first-hand from many clinicians and those working in the NHS about how their IT systems are slow and out-of-date.  This investment will free up clinicians to carry out more procedures and for different parts of the NHS, such as hospitals and GP practices, to better communicate with each other.

“The economic forecasts have been upgraded and there was some very positive news on investment from businesses, plus measures to boost business investment further. This was a budget which will drive economic growth and strengthen resilience for the years ahead.”

Lib Dem labels Budget a ‘desperate deception’

But Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats, criticised the Tory government’s financial plans.

Mr Gordon said the Budget will “barely touch the sides” for local families and pensioners who face “soaring mortgage bills while the cost of the weekly shop goes through the roof”.

He added:

“People in Harrogate and Knaresborough know that their tax bills will remain sky high after this Budget, and the Chancellor is attempting a desperate deception after years of income tax hikes.

“People don’t want more Conservative empty promises while our local health services are left on their knees. They want proper change through a general election so we can kick this Conservative government out of office.

“It’s clear the choice locally at the next election will be between the out-of-touch Conservatives or a fresh start with the Liberal Democrats.”

Budget shows ‘little to directly benefit’ Knaresborough businesses

Knaresborough and District Chamber of Trade said it sees “little to directly benefit our businesses” in the town.

A spokesperson for the group said:

“Perhaps the headline for the sector is the increase in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000, but this increase falls well below increases in inflation over several years since the current level was set.”

The chamber acknowledged the town had “recently benefitted” from levelling up money, delivered through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and said the viability projects funded by this money could “significantly increase future footfall” in the town, adding:

“It would therefore increase economic prosperity, so perhaps there is something in the small print that commits to continued support to such projects, but the underlying trading conditions for many of our town businesses will see little short term benefit from this Budget.”

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Local brewery welcomes alcohol duty freeze

A Masham brewery praised the extension of the alcohol duty freeze.

Mr Hunt had planned to end the alcohol duty freeze in August, but today announced it would continue until February 25 in a bid to support hospitality venues.

Richard Bradbury, managing director of Theakston’s Brewery, welcomed the Chancellor’s decision against a backdrop of “continually rising running costs for pubs”.

He added:

“From increases to the national minimum wage, rising energy costs and reduced spending due to the cost-of-living crisis, the pressures pubs face continue to mount so it is a comfort to know that at least one cost is held.

“According to the Campaign for Real Ale, more than 1,200 pubs have closed in the past year alone so measures which give pubs a fighting chance to survive should be welcomed.

Ripon BID feels alcohol freeze ‘does not go far enough’

But Ripon Business Improvement District felt the extension was not sufficient.

It told the Stray Ferret the pause “does not go far enough for the hospitality industry”, and said it “echoes” the concerns of The Campaign for Pubs, which aims to protect and support local pubs.

The BID added:

“The campaign called on the government to introduce a VAT cut to at least 10% on all hospitality sales for a year to benefit all pubs, rather than only those offering food and accommodation.

“It also proposed to extend zero business rate relief to small brewers and producers, as well as to take further and “more meaningful action” on reducing energy bills for businesses.”

However, Ripon BID felt “none of this appears to have been addressed in the Budget”.

It concluded:

“The raising of the VAT threshold to £90,000 from April 1 is welcomed, but with a previous seven-year freeze perhaps it will not have the impact first perceived.”

Other key changes in the Budget included a new excise duty on vapes to discourage young people from vaping, as well the abolition of multiple dwellings relief in June and a 40% relief on business rates for the film industry.

Harrogate charity Artizan launches appeal to restore shop roof

A Harrogate charity has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money to restore the roof of its shop.

Artizan International stocks products made by differently-abled people in Ecuador in its Oxford Street shop and gives them paid employment opportunities.

Local people with a range of disabilities also create products in the on-site workshop, which are then sold in the shop.

However, the charity said repairs needed doing urgently following “terrible” water damage to the roof and ceiling of the workshop and store room:

“The roof of our Artizan International shop is in urgent need of repair, leaking water into the building and damaging the products made by our artisans.

“The roof is in desperate need of a full strip and recover.

“Years of neglect from before our time have left the tiles in disrepair, allowing leaks to infiltrate various locations in the building.

“The risk of permanent damage looms large, threatening not only the structure but also the invaluable work we do with our members.”

The state of the roof.

Founder Susie Hart, who issued a plea for help on social media, said the damage is ruining a space “so full of joy”.

She added:

“Our artisans in Ecuador wholly rely on us to sell their work here in the Harrogate store, and we couldn’t do that if we didn’t have this beautiful space in which to do it.”

The charity said it is now turning to the community to “safeguard the heart” of the shop and donate money to fund the roof repair, adding:

“Your contribution, regardless of its size, will play a crucial role in securing our roof and, more importantly, securing the future for those we proudly represent.”

Artizan hopes to raise £15,695 by March 31. It has so far raised just under £3,000.

The charity also has a café on Cambridge Road, which employs people with disabilities and learning difficulties and provides them with employment opportunities.

You can support the appeal here.

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Harrogate man releases UK’s Eurovision song entry

A Harrogate-born pop star flying the flag for the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has today released his entry.

Olly Alexander, frontman of UK-chart-topping band Years & Years, announced the news that he would represent the UK on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in December.

The contest, which will be held in Malmö in Sweden, will mark the beginning of Olly’s solo career. Now, with just over two months until the competition, he has released the UK’s Eurovision entry song Dizzy to the public.

He said the song was inspired by 1980s artists including Erasure, Adamski and the Pet Shop Boys, adding:

“I wrote the song last summer with Danny L Harle, we started off with the word ‘Dizzy’ because it just popped into my head and I liked it.

“I was thinking about fun things that could make you dizzy and I remember saying “dizzy from your kisses”, so the song is about feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone they totally turn your world upside down and inside out.”

The music video, which was directed by Colin Solal Cardo, was also released this morning and is already trending on YouTube.

Olly took to social media to tease the release of Dizzy, where he wrote:

“I’m so proud of this song and video, I can’t wait to get going with this new chapter honestly, I’m so excited.”

Despite the competition, which is marking its 68th anniversary this year, being Olly’s first solo venture, the 33-year-old is no stranger to global success.

Since 2015, Years and Years have scored two number one UK albums, 10 UK top 40 singles and, most recently, were awarded the BRIT Billion Award after reaching 6.5 billion global streams.

He has worked with the likes of Sir Elton John, Kylie and the Pet Shop Boys, and also been recognised for his acting skills.

He starred in the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin, which won best new drama at the National Television Awards and was nominated for leading actor at the BAFTA Television Awards for the same programme.

Olly even has his own figure in Madame Tussauds in London.

All three live Eurovision programmes – including two semi-finals and the final – will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

They will be held on May 7, 9 and 11, 2024.

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