Five arrested after county lines drug bust in Harrogate district

Five people have been arrested following a county lines drugs bust in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police said it seized large amounts of what are believed to be a class A and class B drugs, as well as “thousands of prescription-type drugs” including tramadol and diazepam, at addresses in the Harrogate district and Leeds.

A significant amount of cash and several “offensive weapons” were also recovered in the warrant, the force added.

Officers arrested five men who were aged between their 30s and 50s from the Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds area as part of the operation on Tuesday (February 27).

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“The substances will be sent for laboratory testing as part of the investigation.”

Police said the men have been released under investigation to allow for further enquiries.

The force said the raid came as part of an operation to tackle county lines drug dealing, which refers to drug supply lines run by organised crime gangs from urban areas who carry drugs into rural counties.

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Black Sheep Brewery chief executive leaves

The chief executive of Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery has stepped down after nearly nine years in post.

In a press release today, the company said Charlene Lyons had left to “pursue other interests”.

She is succeeded by Mark Williams, the chief executive of Keystone Brewing Group, which acquired Black Sheep last May after it entered administration.

Mr Williams said:

“We wish Charlene all the best in the future.”

He will be assisted by John Hunt, former managing director of Purity Brewing Co., who will take on the role of chief financial officer at Keystone Brewing Group.

It was also announced today that private equity firm Breal Capital, which bought Black Sheep for £5 million on May 26 as part of a pre-package administration deal, had rebranded as Keystone Brewing Group.

The Black Sheep rescue package resulted in a “small number” of staff losing their job. However, Ms Lyons was kept on.

Administrators Teneo Financial Advisory revealed sales fell from a high of £19 million in 2019 to £14 million in 2022, which resulted in a £1.6 million loss.

The move left creditors, including HMRC and suppliers, owed nearly £3 million.

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‘People need a community pub these days’, says new Jennyfields pub landlord

The Stone Beck pub reopened last week following its sudden closure six months ago.

The pub, which is part of the 1970s-built Jennyfield Local Centre, was forced to shut after police discovered it did not have a designated premises supervisor.

People in Jennyfields awaited a new landlord prepared to take on the pub and, arguably, turn its reputation around. Yesterday, the Stray Ferret spoke to the man who has taken on the challenge to do precisely that.

Alan Evans, 42, who previously owned Geek Bar in Harrogate, says he decided to take on the Stone Beck as a form of “semi-retirement”.

“I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I was 14 and I have 26 years of experience running bars. If you’ve drunk alcohol in Harrogate, likelihood is I have served you.

“I also own a mobile bar business and I’ve spent the last 10 years driving up and down the country. I loved it, but I’d like to be settled in one place rather than serving footballers at different events.

“I’m back home now and I want to put my all into this.”

Mr Evans, who is originally from Jennyfields, doesn’t shy away from the pub’s reputation. He says he and his team feel passionately about making people that “may not have previously felt comfortable coming into the pub” feel welcome.

He adds:

“We won’t tolerate any trouble-making.

“I’ve been in this industry a long time and I feel I know how to handle those situations. Sy, the manager, also has a lot of experience working on doors, so he too knows how to diffuse those situations in the right manner.

“We’re also working with the police and Punch Pubs, which owns the site, to ensure that sort of behaviour is limited, and people feel welcome.

“So far, we’ve had no trouble and some people, who have never come in before now, told us they felt happy and safe here.”

What changes can people expect?

Mr Evans says he plans to transform the Stone Beck into a community pub, with a goal to “make good, make money and make better”.

The team has re-vamped areas that were “in need of some TLC” while remaining focused on providing a good service to make a profit and “re-invest it into the pub”, he says, adding:

“We spent about four weeks cleaning the place!

“We’ve added in new windows, we’re changing the lighting, refurbishing the beer garden and adding some licks of paint too.

“We also actually turned the heating on. We are really aware of presentation and although it’s a work in progress right now, I’d say we’re just lifting everything rather than turning it into a trendy bar.”

He also said the pub will offer a range of themed nights and events to encourage different members of the community to visit the pub.

These include daytime bingo sessions for older people, which will be in partnership with Jennyfields Fisheries, as well as line dancing evenings and charity events. 

Mr Evans also told the Stray Ferret there will be a wide range of board games on offer. He added:

“This idea came off the back of Geek Bar.

“We’re working with The Secret Lair. It’s a not-for-profit that invites people to play board games – a lot of people play Dungeons and Dragons too – and just encourages people to socialise.

“It’s for absolutely anyone, but it’s proven popular with people that may be on the autistic spectrum, those with social anxiety and members of the LGBTQ+ community. People can be whoever they want to be when playing those games or getting into a character.

“It’s just a way of getting people out the house and socialising. It’s great.”

These will be free to play but require a deposit. People will also be able to take part in tournaments.

Food and drink

Mr Evans says the pub will serve “premium products at mid-range prices” to ensure it is affordable for the local community.

There are a range of draught beers and ales, including John Smiths and Stella Artois, which range between £3.50 and £4.50 per pint. Wine, spirits and soft drinks are also available.

The pub will also serve food in the coming weeks. Mr Evans says the menu will consist of “traditional pub-grub”, as well as American-style hot dogs and chilli, adding:

“We’re looking at getting a coffee machine so we can serve bacon rolls and hot drinks for people. Also, we’re in talks with street food vendors to host summer events.

“Basically, the pub is a place where you can buy a bottle of wine and not break the bank.”

In addition, the Stone Beck team also hopes to make the site a hub for remote workers, with free WIFI and charging points available.

Mr Evans told the Stray Ferret:

“We’ll be abiding by all the rules and regulations that are in place for the pub and we welcome anyone that does the same.

“Providing people respect the rules and laws, the venue and us, they are welcome.

“We’re running this pub as a business, not as a hobby, and we’ve got plans to keep it up and running for a long time.

“People need a community pub these days and that’s what we plan to deliver.”

The Stone Beck is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Mr Evans says the reaction has already been positive since last week’s reopening:

“I feel really enthusiastic about it. People have already given great feedback and we’ve already encouraged people who didn’t feel comfortable coming to the pub to come down, which is great.

“I’m really excited about the future of the Stone Beck.”

It’s been a difficult time for the local centre. In November, Boots announced it would be closing its pharmacy located in the Co-op.

Following that, several residents expressed concerns to the Stray Ferret about the future of retail in Jennyfields, as just one of four shops remains open at the site.

Most of the shops are still boarded up — but the reopened Stone Beck is breathing new life into the area.

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New twist in Sharow pub saga

An application for a certificate of lawfulness of use, submitted by the owner of a former Sharow pub, has been refused.

Mark Fitton, who bought the Half Moon Inn in 2017, submitted the application to North Yorkshire Council in December.

It followed a series of planning applications to convert the property into housing – all of which were rejected.

Local authorities grant certificates of lawfulness of use when they deem an existing building or use to be lawful. The certificates also prevent any enforcement action being taken.

Mr Fitton’s application said the property “has been occupied as a single dwelling house for more than four years”, which is a requirement to be granted the certificate.

However, in a public report uploaded by the council last Tuesday, a case officer rejected his claim. The report said:

“The submitted evidence points to the property being the applicant’s sole residence since November 2019 and has been occupied for more than four years with various domestication works having been carried out on the ground floor.

“A certificate of lawfulness is concerned with whether there has been four years continuous use as dwelling and not what works have been undertaken.

“Reference is made to being able to be prove four-year continuous use of the whole building but that is not clear form the submission.”

The planning officer, who said the use of the property was “not lawful” in a separate document, added:

“It is considered the use of the whole building as a single dwelling house has not been justified so sufficiently robust, precise and unambiguous to justify issuing a certificate under section 191 of the Town and Country Planning act 1990.”

Owner ‘saved a neglected and redundant historic building’

Mr Fitton submitted a separate certificate of lawfulness of use application last June, which was rejected on the same grounds.

He appealed the application, which is still ongoing.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Fitton what his plans were following the rejection, including whether he must vacate the property, and whether he would consider selling the pub.

He said in response:

“I shall appeal the North Yorkshire Council decision, as my occupation is clearly lawful.

“The Half Moon Inn ceased trading long before I bought it. My investment in the property has saved a neglected and redundant historic building from dereliction.

“The Half Moon Pub Group has been invited since 2018 to make an offer for the property, but it has not done so. My agent is still in contact with the group, requesting that an offer is made. The group continues to decline making an offer for the property.

“The property is being offered for lease, rather than for sale. When it was offered for sale, throughout most of 2017, there was no other interest and the Half Moon Pub Group did not make an offer for it.”

‘We are ready to re-enter negotiations’

The Half Moon Pub Group, which is campaigning to re-open the pub as a community venue, told the Stray Ferret it was open to buying or leasing the site.

Alison Da Costa, who oversees the group’s strategic development, said:

‘It is very clear that the huge interest in this 200+ year-old pub and valuable asset shown by the local survey we carried out in 2022 has not diminished.

“Our vision for the Half Moon Inn is for a community hub that would provide a vital central role in bringing together local residents, combating rural isolation for the elderly and offering job opportunities for local young people, as well as reducing the reliance on journeys to Ripon.

“Even only making a £1 profit would be a success: our group’s pub model is based on the public’s needs and wants rather than personal or commercial interests.

“We are ready to re-enter into negotiations to purchase or negotiate a lease in the Inn as soon as the owner accepts the democratic planning decisions made at local and national levels, which last year rejected the change of use confirming that the Half Moon is still a public house.”

Ms Da Costa also said the group planned to make the site “more than just a pub” with free wifi to use and a village shop.

The Half Moon Inn was granted asset of community value status in November 2022 following the work of campaigners.

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Knaresborough barrister attacked in-laws who overstayed their welcome

A Knaresborough barrister “lost the plot” and attacked his in-laws after their short stay at his family home lasted longer than expected.

Jonathan French shouted that he “couldn’t stand” the couple, ordered “get them out of my house” then branded them “scroungers” before he lashed out in March last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard, while in a “complete rage”, French pushed his mother-in-law and they both fell on the floor, which left her with a significant bruise to her bottom.

When she rang 999, French put his hands over her mouth and face then threw her phone across the room and smashed it.

He then turned his aggression on his father-in-law, who he punched in the ribs and bust his lip.

The 49-year-old lawyer, of Coverdale Drive, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, admitted assault, common assault and criminal damage on the day he was due to be tried.

French is currently suspended from work but hopes to return to his profession.

French ‘lost the plot’

The court heard the in-laws had been staying at French’s plush family home as they had sold their property and were in the process of moving to Portugal, where they now live.

French snapped after the stay lasted longer than expected, although they were due to leave within days.

Judge Robert Adams said French “really lost the plot” when he got home from work that day.

The judge said:

“He was heard shouting ‘get them out of my house’, ‘I can’t stand them’, ‘I can’t tolerate them anymore’ and ‘they’re nothing but scroungers’.

“He ran upstairs into their bedroom and began screaming at his father-in-law, telling him to get out immediately.

“The father-in-law had asked to pack his things but was told to leave immediately.”

The court heard French called his mother-in-law a “worthless f***ing b**ch” then again demanded that they leave then threw their suitcases around the room.

Prosecutor Sue Hirst said:

“He pushed her back onto the bed and they both fell onto the floor. In causing her to fall he caused a significant bruise to her bottom.

“She grabbed her phone and dialled 999 and began to speak to the operator.”

Miss Hirst said French put his hands over her mouth then threw and smashed her phone.

She added:

“He proceeded to assault his father-in-law, punching him in the ribs and assaulting him, causing an injury to the lip which was bleeding.”

Susannah Proctor, defending, said French was under an “extreme amount of pressure” at the time, has had counselling and has been in custody on remand.

Miss Proctor said French is currently suspended from his profession pending the outcome of the sentence hearing.

Miss Proctor added:

“He is hoping to rejoin chambers where he was working.”

Judge Adams sentenced French to a conditional discharge for two years.

The judge said he could take the “exceptional course” due to the time French has spent behind bars on remand.

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Man arrested for driving while unfit following Harrogate collision

A man has been arrested for driving while unfit following a Harrogate collision.

North Yorkshire Police today said the man, who is in his 50s, collided with two parked cars on Arthurs Avenue, near Harrogate Grammar School, at 6.45pm last night.

Police cordoned off the road after being called to the scene.

The force added:

“The driver of the car was arrested a short time later on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs.”

Police also said no injuries were reported but the man remains in police custody.

No further information was revealed.

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Harrogate woman faces child neglect charges

A Harrogate woman, who allegedly put a used toilet brush in the bath while a child in her care was bathing, has appeared before magistrates.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, pleaded not guilty to two charges of assault, neglect or abandonment of a child/young person to cause unnecessary suffering at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard the children came under the woman’s care in 2015 after their birth mother died and their father was in prison.

Alex Steadward, prosecuting, said the woman was a friend of their late mother and took legal guardianship of the children following her death.

Mr Steadward said the woman “emotionally and physically abused” both victims — one for nearly six years and the other for nearly three years.

He added she smacked and punched the victims, withheld food from them and even put a used toilet brush in their bathwater, putting “faeces in the water”, the court heard.

Andrew Tinning, defending, claimed it was her partner that faced the latter allegation, but his solicitor denied this.

Partner used ‘martial arts moves’ against victims

The woman’s partner, who also cannot be named to conceal the victims’ identities, pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm against one of the victims.

The man, of the same address, appeared at the same hearing yesterday.

Mr Steadward alleged the man “strangled” one of the victims and used “martial arts moves” against him, on February 2, 2017.

Brian Nuttney, defending the man, said his client denied these allegations.

The pair were released on unconditional bail and will appear before York Crown Court on March 18, 2024.

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New Starbeck fish and chip shop to open next week

The latest addition to the Starbeck takeaway scene will open its doors next week.

Portside Fish and Chips, which already has two sites in Leeds and one in Pontefract, will open in the former Karen’s Bistro unit on the high street.

The company, which launched in 2020, told the Stray Ferret its food is prepared in vegetable oil and cooked to order to “ensure the highest quality for customers”.

A portion of fish and chips costs £10, but the takeaway offers other traditional chip shop items including battered sausages, scampi and pies, as well as vegetarian options.

Kully Roda, owner of Portside, told the Stray Ferret:

“Regarding our Starbeck store, we are excited to become part of a vibrant high street, alongside esteemed brands, and local businesses.

“Understanding the economic challenges faced by our customers, we have tailored a meal deal menu to provide extra value. We have also introduced a lunchtime loyalty scheme, where customers can collect stamps per meal, redeemable for a lunchtime meal.”

The site, which will employ eight people, will provide competition for two nearby fish and chip shops Drake’s Fish and Chips and Bradleys as well as numerous other takeaways.

Portside will open its doors on Tuesday, February 20. It will be open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm, and 3pm to 8pm on Sunday.

It follows the opening of national food franchise, Pepe’s Piri-Piri, which came to Knaresborough Road earlier this month.

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Traffic lights near Ripley finally set to be removed

Traffic lights on Fountains Road at Ripley, which have been in place since early December, look set to be removed soon.

The lights were installed after storms in December flooded a notorious stretch of road (pictured), which runs between Ripley and Sawley.

The Stray Ferret reported on the issue last month after there appeared to be no end in sight for the traffic lights – despite a brief dry spell and respite period from flooding.

At the time, we asked North Yorkshire Council when the lights would be removed and what long-term flood prevention measures would be put in place. A spokesperson said:

“Before the traffic lights are removed, we must jet the gullies and inspect the carrier drain.

“Officers hope to be on site in the next few weeks.”

The council has now provided an update.

Melisa Burnham, the council’s highways area manager, told the Stray Ferret yesterday:

“The traffic lights were installed following heavy rainfall, resulting in an area of flooding.

“We appreciate the inconvenience the disruption has caused, but the safety of the travelling public is our top priority.

“Our officers finished unblocking the gullies on Tuesday (February 13) and the water has drained away. The road will now be repaired by the end of the week, and it can then reopen.”

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Knaresborough wall repair completed five weeks early

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed work to fix a Knaresborough wall has been completed five weeks earlier than expected.

The £200,000 project began after a section of the wall on Briggate collapsed on to the road last September. Nobody was hurt, but rubble remained on the road for almost three months after.

Initial repair work began at the end of November and paused over Christmas, but resumed last month to fix another section of the wall.

Two-way traffic lights were put in place on January 8 by the council, which said the maintenance work was due to be completed by Friday, March 14.

However, traffic lights were removed last Friday (February 9) – just over a month after the work began.

The Stray Ferret contacted the council to ask if the work had paused or finished. We also asked if it had been carried out with effective long-term maintenance measures in place after a reader in Calcutt got in touch to say he didn’t see any reconstruction of the wall take place and “most of the work was repointing”.

A spokesperson responded:

“I’m pleased to confirm the work has been completed ahead of schedule.”

The wall pictured at Christmas before the latest repairs.

A  Freedom of Information request submitted by the Stray Ferret revealed the wall was assessed as safe three times in the weeks before it collapsed despite complaints that it was crumbling and damaged by weeds.

Cllr Hannah Gostlow, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough East, told the council in June 2022 that the wall “could potentially be a risk to life”.

‘Lessons must be learned’

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West, today told the Stray Ferret the “sorry saga would never have happened if the wall had been properly maintained”, adding:

“The cost involved does not represent value for money for the taxpayer. As the work has taken less time than anticipated the council should now look to challenge the price. A local builder told me they could have done the work for a third of the price; had they been asked to tender. I will be asking the council to review its process for tendering and awarding of contracts.

“I would expect as a minimum the wall to be safety checked on an annual basis. Although a schedule of inspection hasn’t been confirmed with me. If residents raise any concerns they should be listened to and acted upon.

“The contractor should be congratulated for getting the work done ahead of time and I now hope the council can get the road resurfaced as planned in April.”

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