Lidl scraps plan to open Ripon retail park store

Discount retailer Lidl will no longer be opening a supermarket on St Michael’s Retail Park in Ripon, the Stray Ferret understands.

The news comes more than two years after the company was granted planning permission for the site in September 2021.

The Stray Ferret understands the German retailer’s contract expired following ongoing delays in the project. However, it remains keen to open a store in the city.

At the time of approval, Lidl said the Ripon supermarket would create up to 40 jobs and have a sales area of 1,100 sqm.

The store would have taken over the three empty units at the Rotary Way retail park.

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However, Lidl is searching for new site locations across the UK, with Harrogate and Ripon both featuring in its list of priority locations published last autumn.

The company said it requires “prominent locations with easy access” and “strong pedestrian or traffic flow”. Town centres, the edge of town centres or retail parks are also a site requirement, it added.

On the subject of opening more stores, Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO, said in April last year: 

“The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store. 

“That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.”

The search for sites comes as part of Lidl’s plan to open more than 1,100 new stores across the UK.

The supermarket chain already operates store in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Person suffers leg injury following Bishop Thornton crash

A person was injured following a crash near Bishop Thornton this morning.

A witness told the Stray Ferret the collision happened at a crossroads on Fountains Road near the village.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue incident log said the collision happened at 10:12am. It said:

“Both Harrogate crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles.

“All casualties were out on arrival when fire crews arrived.”

The service added that crews helped with “scene safety” and causalities were transported to hospital in an ambulance.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the injured person suffered a “possible broken leg”.

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Sisters to open oxygen therapy and skincare clinics in Harrogate

Two East Yorkshire sisters are set to open a hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic and a skincare clinic on the same site in Harrogate.

The Heal-Air and Pure Skin Clinic will both be located in the former Dangerfield & Keane salon on Cold Bath Road but operate as two separate businesses.

The Heal-Air will operate hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers, which will allow customers to breathe in almost pure pressurised oxygen.

Owner Tara Hickson told the Stray Ferret this increased the level of oxygen the body can absorb, meaning more oxygenated blood flows through the body.

She said:

“Although it is not a guaranteed fix for anyone, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help increase blood flow, reduce pain, improve sleep and increase stem cell activation.

“It has also been found to help with conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, long covid and Parkinson’s disease.”

Ms Hickson set up The Heal-Air with her partner in 2021 after struggling with long covid.

She said she suffered with fatigue, headaches and brain fog and was recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers:

“I did my research into it; I looked on forums and websites and found lots of people saying it helped with long covid.

“It helped me so much – I’m pretty much cleared of symptoms now.

“I want people to have the same experience as I did.”

The pair previously had a clinic in Hull but decided to relocate to Harrogate after “falling in love with the area”.

Ms Hickson added:

“We’re really excited about opening and we feel Cold Bath Road is a great spot for the clinic.

“We’re also just looking forward to welcoming people and for them to feel the benefits of this service – I know I certainly did.”

The Heal-Air hopes to be open by mid-January. Appointment-only services will be available Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm.

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Skin Clinic

Pure Skin Clinic, situated just across the hall from The Heal-Air, will offer a range of skin treatments.

Owner Jade Hickson said people can expect “state-of-the-art laser treatments and the newest advancements in bio-chemical cellular renewal”, adding:

“Our treatments slow down the ageing process whilst having the cutting-edge technology to turn the clock back altogether.

“We pride ourselves in undertaking sympathetic but effective treatments that deliver results, whilst helping people love the skin they are in, assisting them as they learn to care for it.

“We also offer facials, consultations for skin conditions, general advice, massage therapy and so much more.”

After leaving a career in the army to have her daughter, Ms Hickson said she struggled to find a job that offered the flexibility she required as a new parent.

That was when she looked into laser technology and became captivated by human physiology, she added.

“I decided to re-enter part time education and gained a diploma in anatomy and physiology. In the years since I progressed to senior technician and continued to study and advance my education in the science behind the skin.

“I knew that I wanted to continue to invest into myself and so in 2018 I opened the first Pure Skin Clinic in East Yorkshire.”

Ms Hickson said the “time is right” to bring her business to Harrogate.

She said:

“As a little girl I would visit Harrogate with my mother and grandmother and I remember the huge Stray, the quaint side streets, and of course visits to Betty’s tea rooms!

“The pace of life felt tranquil, the people friendly, and the town has a style and elegance which makes it a perfect setting for an aesthetics clinic.

“When I met my fiancé, who also happened to live in Harrogate, it felt the stars had aligned and Harrogate was the natural choice for Pure.”

Pure Skin Clinic Harrogate will open on January 15. It will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and Thursdays from 10am – 8pm.

Harrogate Ice Rink organiser says it has ‘no plans’ to return this year

The company operating the Harrogate Ice Rink has revealed it won’t be returning to the town this year.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with Destination Harrogate, North Yorkshire Council’s tourism body, in Crescent Gardens.

The venture is in the second of a three-year deal between the two organisations.

However, John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret the ice rink will not be returning for the next festive season. He said:

“We have no plans to return for 2024 due to the losses sustained this year from the weather and lack of footfall in the area.”

The news comes after the company faced criticism from customers about the condition of the ice and poor customer service.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday on complaints from some unhappy customers, one of whom described the surface as “extremely dangerous” and said the “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

One customer described the rink as “wet and rippled”.

Mr Lowery said the company had “suffered like all outdoor ice rinks” following adverse weather conditions throughout December, which led it to close eight times in just over a month.

The rink opened on December 1 and will run until Sunday, January 7.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council to respond to the complaints made by readers and also whether it would comment on Events by Cynosure’s announcement that its deal would end a year early. But it declined to comment.

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Free Saturday parking returns to Harrogate multi-storey

People visiting Harrogate on a Saturday will be able to park for free in the multi-storey Victoria Car Park over the next few weeks.

Harrogate Business Improvement District announced the move today to boost town centre trade for retailers.

The BID implemented a similar scheme in October last year and hopes the latest venture, which applies every Saturday from January 6 to February 10, will increase footfall during what can be a quiet period for businesses.

Matthew Chapman, manager of the BID, said:

“Free car parking is something we regularly hear described as a positive incentive from both our members and the general public, so it’s great to again work in collaboration with the car parking team at North Yorkshire Council to deliver this scheme at a key time of year.”

Victoria car park

With eight hours of free parking available, the BID hopes the plan will give shoppers sufficient time to explore the town centre, shop and visit local bars and restaurants.

It will only be available in the Victoria Car Park, which can be accessed from East Parade, between 10am and 6pm.

To redeem the free parking, drivers must enter the automatic barriers between the designated timeframe. Vehicles that enter outside of the specified times will be charged regular parking prices.

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Police appeal following indecent exposure in Ripon

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for information following a report of indecent exposure in Ripon.

The force said a witness reported seeing a man on Park Street who had his hood up and both hands near his genitals.

The incident happened on Christmas Eve.

A police statement added:

“The witness reported she believed he was performing a sexual act.

“The male is described as white, aged between 60 and 75, with straight hair poking out of hood.

“He was wearing distinctive khaki-coloured socks with baggy trousers which looked strapped to the leg or belted. He was wearing a coat that was long and beige, and not waterproof.”

Officers have asked members of the public to “be vigilant” and report any information that could assist the investigation:

“Call 101, quoting reference 12230243453, for the attention of the York Initial Enquiry Team.”

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Ofsted praises ‘friendly’ staff at Harrogate kids club

Ofsted found the quality and standards of early years provision were ‘met’ at Saltergate Kids Club in Harrogate.

The findings were published in a report on Thursday, December 21, following an inspection in November.

When inspecting out-of-school settings, Ofsted only judges on the overall effectiveness of the quality and standards of the early years provision. This is because these settings do not need to meet the learning and development requirements of the early years foundation stage.

There are three possible outcomes: met, not met with actions and not met with enforcement.

Government inspectors said the staff at the out-of-school club, which operates from within Saltergate Infant School in Harrogate, are “friendly” and “familiar”. They said children arrive “happy and excited to meet their friends”.

It said children are “extremely settled” at the club, which registered in 2003.

Children were praised for the “high levels of focus and concentration” put into the activities on offer, while older children were found to be “caring” towards younger ones.

The report said:

“Staff are very attentive and have quality interactions with the children.

“There is a busy and happy atmosphere as children play games together.

“Children enjoy being creative.

“Children’s artwork is celebrated and displayed within the room, creating a sense of achievement and belonging.”

Children are encouraged to use their voices in the setting, which teaches them that their thoughts and ideas are important and valued, inspectors added.

Staff were also praised for the range of physical activities offered to children:

“Staff provide a range of opportunities for children to be physically active. For example, staff teach children how to play a variety of outdoor games.

“Children demonstrate persistence and resilience when learning to use the bat and ball.”

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The report also said children are “learning to be independent” and “behave well”.

Ofsted also said staff members communicate daily with the teachers at the host school.

It found the club, which has 38 children on roll, “mirrors the behaviour management strategies” the school adopts, which provides “consistency for children’s understanding of how to behave appropriately”.

The report added:

“Parents comment that staff are very approachable, friendly and that they feel fully informed about their children’s time at the club.

“They say their children are always happy, want to attend and settle quickly.

“Parents say they are grateful for the service provided and feel reassured their children are in safe hands.”

‘Continue to ensure the highest of standards are maintained’

Sally Wray, manager at Saltergate Kids Club, said in response to the report:

“We are ecstatic to have been awarded a good grade once again.

“I am so proud of all of our team and our children – we have a brilliant wraparound care setting for our families, and we will continue to work together to ensure the highest of standards are maintained.”

Saltergate Kids Club opens Monday to Friday from 8am – 8:45am and from 3.15pm – 6pm, during term time.

The services are offered to children from reception up to year 6.

The club was previously rated ‘good’ in 2018 following an ‘inadequate’ grading the year prior.

 

Harrogate Ice Rink organiser responds to complaints

The company operating Harrogate Ice Rink has responded to complaints about the condition of the ice and slow refunds.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council tourism body Destination Harrogate.

It opened in Crescent Gardens on December 1 but adverse weather has led to its closure eight times since then – including today (January 2).

The rink’s Facebook page has received numerous critical comments from people who have struggled to get refunds. Others have complained about the wet surface.

One unhappy customer, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the conditions were unsuitable for skating on December 20.

In a letter to the organisers seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:

“The ice and surface were extremely dangerous, wet, rippled and extremely slippery and not maintained and far from the standard of an ice rink.

“For example, no one was able to let go of the side rails and people left the ice…raising a significant health and safety issue.”

He said he asked to speak to a manager at about 6.40pm to voice his concerns about the state of the ice only to be told the manager had “left the site and was unavailable to speak to”, adding:

“Others were also raising the same concerns – staff were unable to assist and had no authority to provide refunds or offer solutions.”

In the same letter, he also said he later approached a staff member wearing “management” uniform (pictured below) who “denied being management and would not make comment”, while “watching football on his iPhone”.

The customer said the man pictured “denied being management”.

The man also claimed the quality of footwear was “extremely poor” and that “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

The man pictured his “rusty” skates.

He today told the Stray Ferret he has “heard nothing at all” since sending the letter on December 21.

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Others have also voiced concerns. Local resident Emma Alderson’s booking was cancelled on Christmas Eve following a yellow weather warning.

Events by Cynosure said the “safety of our skaters is priority” and “all tickets will remain valid until the 7th January should you wish to visit us after Christmas”. However, Ms Alderson has struggled to get a refund since. In a response to the company seen by the Stray Ferret, she wrote:

“Thank you so much for blocking me on the Facebook page. Why keep posting and not reply to people who are trying to rebook?

“Such a bad, poor and disgusting service you offer!”

Despite asking for a refund, Ms Alderson today said she has “had no update from them at all”.

Rink is ‘suitable to skate’

John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret it was “aware of complaints in regard to the ice rink”. Mr Lowery added:

“In regards to the ice rink being wet we have suffered like all outdoor ice rinks in the country from some of the warmest temperatures and heaviest rain with two named storms alone.

“At no time have we operated the rink when not suitable to skate. We have offered customers the opportunity to come back on another date if they attended when wet.

“Our technical team have worked through the nights etc to make it as good as possible.

“As for refunds these take up to 10 days from when requested and are being processed for any sessions that we have cancelled that the customer cannot change the date until.

“Due to holidays our office was closed over Christmas Day, Boxing Day but we can assure people will be refunded where entitled.”

Harrogate Ice Rink, which debuted in 2022, is part of a three-year deal between Events By Cynosure and Destination Harrogate.

It is set to run until Sunday, January 7, but with just two dry days forecast until then, the weather may continue to have an impact.

The Stray Ferret’s daily newsletter gets a fresh new look

As the Stray Ferret enters its fourth year of providing the best media coverage of the Harrogate district, we have given our daily newsletter a makeover.

The newsletter provides a round-up of what our journalists have been up to. The new look makes it easier than ever to get a snapshot of what is happening, with links to all the articles.

It includes a nightly introduction from Stray Ferret editor John Plummer as well as a round up of our daily news content, plus Photo of the Week, lifestyle features and in-depth topics.

Mr Plummer said:

“We hope the fresh new look appeals to readers. We are very grateful to everyone who reads the Stray Ferret and hope you continue to support independent local journalism in 2024.”

You can sign up here to the newsletter to keep up to date and get the latest news straight to your inbox.

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The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is coming to an end – but we still need your help

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

During the Christmas period, the Stray Ferret has been raising money to buy Dementia Forward a new minibus, which provides a lifeline to those struggling with dementia.

Our Christmas Appeal is coming to an end this Friday (January 5) but we still need YOUR help.

We’re still a long way off our target and, without the charity’s vital minibus service, many people living with dementia in the Harrogate district run the risk of becoming isolated and alone.

It’s a saviour for so many families and for the carers that deserve a much-needed break from caring for their loved one.

The bus service takes those living with dementia on trips out.

We know times are tough – and January only adds to that strain – but please dig deep this week and donate whatever you can to our appeal. Every penny will go towards funding a new vehicle and helping to better the lives of those living with this awful condition.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs replacing. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Click here to donate – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.