The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating an allegation that a senior North Yorkshire Police officer may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid a speeding sanction.

The IOPC, which handles complaints against police forces in England and Wales, said today it had opened a criminal investigation into the matter in November after hearing about the allegation.

Today’s statement added:

“This week, we notified the officer they are under criminal investigation for the potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.

“They have also been served notice, informing them that we are investigating gross misconduct in relation to potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and conduct.

“We have been advised that the officer has subsequently been suspended from duty.”

The name of the officer, or where he or she is based, has not been revealed.

IOPC director David Ford said:

“Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.

“In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police.

“I would like to make clear that the launching of a criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.”

Mr Ford added:

“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.

“Our investigation is at an early stage, and we will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police issued a statement about the investigation:

“North Yorkshire Police is aware of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and as it is led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct all enquiries should be directed to them at this stage.”

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The Harrogate district could see gusts of up to 61mph as Storm Pia moves in tonight and tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from midnight tonight until 9pm tomorrow.

The forecast shows Pateley Bridge will see the worst of the storm, with gusts reaching 61mph in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Winds will reach 54mph in Masham, while Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon will see up to 50mph.

Disruption

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday on the disruption already caused by the wind throughout the Harrogate district — now another local attraction has followed suit.

The National Trust announced on social media today that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon, will also be closed tomorrow. It said:

“It’s already getting rather breezy here at Fountains. With wind speeds set to increase overnight and throughout tomorrow we’ve made the decision to close the site tomorrow, Thursday 21 December.

“We don’t like to disappoint anyone, but the safety of our visitors and team is always our top priority.”

The charity advised people to “check our social media channels and website” for updates.

It comes after Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough announced yesterday it will close tomorrow, while Harrogate’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr cancelled its Glow event amid the weather warning.

The weather warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Read more:

• Harrogate district attractions to close amid wind warning
• Kidnapped Forbidden Corner owner released after kidnapping

North Yorkshire millionaire and owner of The Forbidden Corner, Colin Armstrong, has been freed after being kidnapped in Ecuador.

The 78-year-old was taken from his home in the Los Ríos territory in the early hours of Saturday, December 16.

A Columbian woman, believed to be his partner, was also reportedly kidnapped.

However, the General Commander of the Ecuadorian police, César Augusto Zapata Correa, said today on social media Mr Armstrong was found “on the road to Manabí”:

“On the road the Manabí, our units released citizen Colin A, kidnapped days before in Los Ríos.

“At the moment he is safe and healthy.”

Nine people have been arrested in connection to the case, the commander added.

The Forbidden Corner also took to social media to confirm the news:

“We can confirm that Mr Colin Armstrong has successfully been released and is currently with the police having interviews and then will be returning to his family in Ecuador.

“All of his UK family, staff and friends are delighted with the outcome and look forward to a happier Christmas.”

No further details, including the whereabouts of the woman also allegedly taken, have been revealed yet.

Mr Armstrong, who was formerly the UK’s honorary consul in Guayaquil, owns the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate, near Leyburn.

It employs 50 people and receives around 150,000 visitors every year.

He is also the founder of Agripac, an Ecuadorian agricultural supplies company, which he founded in 1972.

Read more:

• Forbidden Corner owner Colin Armstrong ‘kidnapped in Ecuador’
• Police appeal after 14-year-old injured in Harrogate collision

Ripon Business Improvement District yesterday announced The Little Beauty Rooms as the winner of its Christmas window competition.

The salon, which is on Westgate, was decked out with pink and silver baubles, pink reindeer, festive green garlands and Christmas lights.

Owner Lynne Stewart told the Stray Ferret the team had decorated the window at the start of November, meaning people had plenty of time to enjoy it. She added:

“This is the first time we’ve entered.

“So many people have told us how much they love it.”

A total of 34 local businesses entered the competition, which first ran last year, and the public voted for their favourite.

Last year’s winner, The Wakeman’s House Café, came second and Saint Michael’s Hospice took third place.

The salon’s team.

Ms Stewart added:

“We’re just so grateful to everyone who voted for us – thank you!”

The salon, which offers a range of traditional beauty treatments and services, has also won an advert in Review Ripon magazine as part of the competition.

Lilla Bathurst, manager at Ripon BID, added:

“We were thrilled that so many Ripon businesses took part in this hotly fought competition.

“The aim with all Ripon BID’s trails and competitions is to get locals and visitors exploring the city and discovering new businesses.”

One lucky local also won a hamper from the Ripon Hamper Company as part of the competition.

Read more:

• New bridal boutique to open in Ripon
• Forbidden Corner owner Colin Armstrong ‘kidnapped in Ecuador’

Two tourist attractions in the Harrogate district have announced closures and cancellations due to a yellow weather warning for wind.

The Met Office has forecast gusts of up to 50mph locally in the early hours of Thursday morning. The wind is due to strengthen tomorrow night.

Mother Shipton’s, in Knaresborough, announced today it will close as a precaution.

It issued a statement on social media:

“Given our unique location within an ancient forest, ensuring the safety of our visitors is our top priority.

“Consequently, we have made the challenging decision to temporarily close the site on Thursday due to the adverse weather conditions.”

Those with bookings to the site on Thursday have been contacted and will receive refunds, the company added.

One person commented on the statement:

“So gutted this was the only Christmas thing we had planned due to time and budget but understand safety has to come first.”

RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Harrogate, today announced it had cancelled Thursday’s Glow light show event due to the weather.

The horticultural charity said on social media:

The company said the gardens will be open as usual tomorrow, but added it will “keep reviewing wind speeds and may need to close the woodland and glasshouses”.

It expects tomorrow’s Glow event to go ahead.

The garden will be part-open during the day tomorrow, with the woodland and glasshouses closed.

The weather warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.

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• Knaresborough man issues puddle warning after dog dies
• Forbidden Corner owner Colin Armstrong ‘kidnapped in Ecuador’

North Yorkshire businessman and millionaire, Colin Armstrong, has been kidnapped from his home in Ecuador, local media reports have said.

Various Ecuadorian news outlets said the 78-year-old was reportedly taken from his ranch in the Los Ríos territory in the early hours of Saturday, December 16.

A Columbian woman, who is believed to be his partner, was also allegedly taken by the group of kidnappers.

The Ecuadorian police took to social media to say specialised units of the force were carrying out “operational and research tasks” in relation to the case, following an “alleged criminal act against a businessman”.

They did not name Mr Armstrong in the statement.

A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign and Development Office, which also did not name Mr Armstrong, said in a statement:

“We are in contact with the Ecuadorean authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family.”

Ecuadorian news outlet, Expreso, said the chief of the Los Ríos Police, Colonel William Calle, indicated the anti-kidnapping and extortion units were “working on the release” of the man involved.

Read more:

• Pedestrian ‘serious but stable’ after Harrogate crash
• Morning trains disrupted due to trespasser at Starbeck 

A video of what is claimed to be the businessman’s South American home circulated on social media following the incident. The footage, which has been shared by Ecuadorian news outlets, shows blood-stained bed sheets and a broken doorframe.

Mr Armstrong, who was formerly the UK’s honorary consul in Guayaquil, owns the popular Leyburn tourist attraction, The Forbidden Corner, as well as the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate.

It employs 50 people and receives around 150,000 visitors every year.

He is also the founder of Agripac, an Ecuadorian agricultural supplies company, which he founded in 1972.

Mr Armstrong was awarded an OBE and CMG by the Queen in 2011 for services to the British Monarchy.

A bridal boutique offering new and second-hand dresses will open its doors in Ripon on Friday.

Gail’s Wedding Boutique, which can be found in Duck Hill Shopping Quarter, will sell pre-loved dresses which have been repaired to sell on, as well as new dresses and sample cut dresses.

Owner Gail Byrne, who lives in Ripon, has been a seamstress for more than 30 years. She decided to venture into the bridal industry after paying for her daughter’s wedding dress last year, which set her back more than £2,000.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“Don’t get me wrong it was worth every penny, but I couldn’t help but think how expensive it was for just a few hours of wear.

“It’s so much money which a lot of people don’t have, and I wanted to help those people.”

Ms Byrne will also offer repairs and alteration services, for both new and second-hand dresses, which would take “no longer than two weeks to turn around”.

Some of the dresses in store.

There will be a range of designer brands in stock, she added, but these will vary dependent on which dresses are brought in to re-sell.

“Brands and individuals bring their pre-loved dresses to me to repair and then sell on.”

Ms Byrne also said she has placed affordability at the forefront of her newest venture, with all dresses costing £1,000 or less.

She will also sell bridesmaids dresses and evening wear.

Gail’s Wedding Boutique will open on Friday, December 22.

It will be open Monday to Friday from 1pm – 4pm. The shop is appointment-only on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays.

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• Harrogate man to represent UK at Eurovision

The Coach & Horses in Harrogate has revealed plans to expand its bar.

Provenance Inns bought the pub on West Park in 2021 and extensively refurbished it.

But the new, much smaller bar has met with a mixed reaction.

Provenance Inns has now applied for a variation of its premises licence to relocate the bar. A notice advertising the move has been posted in the pub window.

Anthony Blundell, head of business development at Provenance Inns, which bought the site in 2021, told the Stray Ferret:

“The application is for moving the bar.

“It is in response to the feedback we’ve received from our guests, since our remodel, to have a much larger bar that our guests can sit or stand at.”

Mr Blundell added the company had also applied for another bar in the upstairs dining room, adding:

“[This will be to] service dinners and make it even more appealing for private parties.”

The Coach and Horses has rebranded as the Sleigh and Reindeers over the festive period.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to represent UK at Eurovision
• Andy’s Man Club to open Harrogate branch

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.

Today, we spoke to Dementia Forward’s founder and CEO, Jill Quinn.

 “I sometimes feel national charities have lost touch with local communities.

“The need for dementia support was huge and the funding was usually decided in London.

“We felt we could do a better job by being rooted in the community.”

It was this realisation that prompted Jill Quinn MBE to improve local dementia support in the Harrogate district.

Jill, who previously worked for two national dementia charities, said she wasted many years in retail management before realising that the voluntary sector was where she belonged.

Dementia Forward was born in 2012 after Jill and other founding members left their previous healthcare jobs on a Friday and launched the charity the following Monday.

The team places need at the centre of the charity – something that can’t be done from 200 miles away. She added:

“People know when they put their pound in the pot, they’d be getting better services in the local area.

“You can’t design a service to be delivered in the local area from an office in London.”

It began with just seven members of staff. The team were donated second-hand laptops and worked from a small office in Ripon.

Now, with a flagship hub in Burton Leonard, 64 employees and more than 250 volunteers, Jill was right – Dementia Forward can serve the local community better.

It now covers the whole of North Yorkshire and helps more than 4,000 families.

“It was meant to a small, fluffy, local charity, but we hit a model that works.

“I like to believe every single person at Dementia Forward is just as passionate as me.”

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

Jill and her team made – and still make – it their mission to help those living with dementia and the people around them from the very early stages, all the way until end of life.

“We meet people, we gently inform them of what may come in the years ahead, and then we’re here for them going forward.

“We don’t hold hands with people because they’re independent enough, but we’re just an arm’s length away.”

The charity also educates people in the wider community on dementia, as Jill felt general awareness of the disease was very poor when it started, and has worked with transport companies, shops and churches to increase knowledge.

She has also led the charity to receive various awards for its work, including the Queen’s Voluntary Service Award and the King’s Fund Impact Award.

The Dementia Forward team receiving the Queen’s Voluntary Service Award in 2021.

Jill said:

“It’s hard to describe what Dementia Forward means to be – it’s just my life.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve done, but there’s still a lot to do, and some things are harder to fundraise for than others – like a minibus.”

Dementia Forward offers various social events and groups to combat loneliness and bring those living with dementia together. The groups go on regular trips out and many use the minibus service to access the support services.

However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. 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.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Please give generously to those who need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

A Harrogate-born pop star will represent the United Kingdom at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Olly Alexander, frontman of UK-chart-topping band Years & Years, announced the news on the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night.

The contest, which is being held in Malmö in Sweden, will mark the beginning of Olly’s solo career.

In a press release published by the BBC, he said:

“I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year.

“As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.

“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour.”

Despite this being his first solo venture, Olly 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 achieving 6.5 billion global streams.

He has also worked with the likes of Sir Elton John, Kylie and Pet Shop Boys.

He added:

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name.

“I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all.”

But the Harrogate-born star is not just a singer – he has also received prestigious recognition for his acting skills.

Olly starred in the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin, which won best new drama at the National Television Awards.

He was also nominated for leading actor at the BAFTA Television Awards for the same programme.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, also said:

“To have an artist of Olly Alexander’s calibre representing the UK in Malmö in 2024 is testament to just how much the BBC wants to keep momentum of Eurovision riding high since the UK had the honour of hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine in Liverpool earlier this year.

“Olly is the perfect ambassador for the UK as both an immensely talented and world-renowned artist and passionate fan of the competition.”

Olly’s Eurovision song, co-written by British producer Danny L Harle, has not yet been released.

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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