Flora Grafton, Author at The Stray Ferret

Campaigners shocked as Harrogate district has highest number of fatal accidents in county

Road safety campaigners say they are shocked after data revealed the Harrogate district has the highest number of fatal accidents in the county.

Data released by North Yorkshire Council, showed 16 of 89 fatal collisions in North Yorkshire happened in the Harrogate district. Only Selby had the same number.

The data is taken from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022.

Hazel Peacock, Dr Jenny Marks, Dr Vicki Evans and Ruth Lily of the Oatlands and Pannal Ash Road Safety & Active Travel Campaign, told the Stray Ferret:

“It is shocking and sad to hear Harrogate has one of the highest fatal collision rates in North Yorkshire.

“Given the overwhelming evidence between speed limits and road safety we urge North Yorkshire Council (NYC) to take a proactive approach to delivering improvements across the Harrogate town and the wider area.”

The group said the statistics show the need to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph is “really clear”.

Annual fatal accident statistics

2019: Six fatal collisions happened in the Harrogate and Scarborough districts which is the highest number within the period – equating to around one every two months.

During the same period, Richmondshire did not report any fatal collisions, while Selby reported just one.

A breakdown of collisions (and the severity) in the Harrogate district. Credit: North Yorkshire Council.

However, the statistics show numbers more than halved in the Harrogate district during the pandemic.

2020: Three fatal incidents happened but in Craven and Selby numbers shot up with six fatal crashes in the same year.

2021 and 2022: After lockdown restrictions lifted, the Harrogate district saw a further seven fatal collisions.

Selby reported another nine during the same period, while Craven and Richmondshire saw just two.

The number of fatal collisions in the Harrogate district is inconsistent over the four-year period.

Although the Harrogate district has the largest population many people will question why the figure is so much higher than the rest of the county.

Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said:

“We take our road safety responsibilities very seriously. Every fatal collision that occurs on our roads network is inspected by an investigation team and, where appropriate, we put in place measures to reduce the risk of further incidents.

“Harrogate is the county’s largest, most heavily populated town, with significant local and through traffic.

“This number of collisions is the result of a variety of factors, including population density and distances travelled.”

The Harrogate district also saw 730 road collisions in total during the period — the highest in North Yorkshire – which accounted for almost a quarter of all collisions across the county.

Mr Duncan added:

“We invest heavily in road safety engineering across North Yorkshire and long-term collision numbers in the county are down.

“We have also recently committed to an ambitious new approach to setting speed limits that will see these reviewed on every inch of the county’s 5,750-mile network. We will soon consult on our most extensive 20mph zone in Pannal Ash and Oatlands.

“We will continue to work with our partners, including the emergency services, in an effort to ensure this downward trend in collisions continues.”

2023 – a bad year

Throughout 2023, the Stray Ferret has already reported on six fatal collisions in the Harrogate district, meaning this year’s figures have increased again.

Five people died in car crashes on the A61, which runs between Ripon and Harrogate, this year.

A 59-year-old motorcyclist was killed on the A61 on August 29. Officers believe that the motorcyclist was travelling with a group of unknown motorcycles immediately before the collision and he was at the rear of the group.

Just a few days later, three members of a Ukrainian family were killed in a three-vehicle crash that involved a double decker bus on Sunday, September 3. One child was left orphaned.

Most recently, a man in his 90s was hit by a car on the road, near Killinghall, after getting off the 36 bus.

Fatal collisions also happened on Brimham Rocks Road, near Pateley Bridge, North Park Road in Harrogate and the B6265 near Boroughbridge.

EXCLUSIVE: Stray Ferret reveals not a single litter fine in Harrogate district for past three years

There has not been a single fine for littering in the Harrogate district over the past three financial years.

The figure was revealed by North Yorkshire Council following a Freedom of Information request by the Stray Ferret after repeated coverage of residents’ concerns about litter.

The council said it is “very fortunate” that most local people choose to do “the right thing” and dispose of their litter responsibly.

It also said dedicating officers to catching and fining people is “very resource intensive” and requires them to “be in the right place at the right time”.

A spokesperson for the council said:

“We have a team who are out every day, in all weathers, keeping the district clean and tidy.

“Dedicating officers to deal with catching and fining people is very resource intensive, and requires us having people in the right place at the right time to catch someone committing an offence within the 505 square miles of what was the Harrogate district.”

The Stray Ferret also asked the council to breakdown any littering fines into specific locations where they were issues – including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Ripon and Nidderdale. The number remained at zero.

Neil Hind, chairperson of Pinewoods Conservation Group, said litter remains a “constant problem” in the Pinewoods area, and feels there is a lack of enforcement locally:

“It seems clear there is no real enforcement undertaken.

“As such we have taken our own direct action with regards to litter within the Pinewoods that has made a noticeable difference.

“We have a committed group of volunteers who regularly collect litter across the woods to keep the area tidy.”

An ongoing problem

The results of our FOI is likely to upset many people in the district.

Throughout 2021, Pinewoods volunteers urged people to “just use a bin” after a rise in littering, while post-covid parties on the Stray left the land carpeted with rubbish.

More recently the council’s decision to reduce the number public waste bins but make them larger, has also caused concern.

In August this year, the Stray Ferret reported on a call for an urgent review of litter bins in the Jennyfields area after reports of dog poo bags piling up.

In July, we reported on a Starbeck community group which gathered to litter-pick after seeing an increase in rubbish around the area.

The issue of litter is a subject that always raises the public’s blood pressure. It’s likely many residents will struggle to accept the council’s approach and be appalled at a total absence of litter fines.

The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Supporting those with young onset dementia

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 talked about young onset dementia.

Dementia is often mistaken as a disease that only affects the elderly.

But young onset dementia is robbing people of retirement age – and younger – of their former selves every day.

It refers to those who develop symptoms of dementia under the age of 65, but the Dementia Forward team has helped people as young as 39. Karen Thomas, head of young onset, said:

“Often, GPs don’t recognise dementia in younger people. They can be tested for menopause, or anxiety, or a B12 deficiency.

“It takes some people four years to get a diagnosis – that means vital years of help and life have been cut into.”

Around 5% of those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s in the UK have young onset dementia – but how can they access the support they need if their condition is not recognised?

That’s where Time Out Together comes in.

The Time Out Together group at Castle Howard.

Time Out Together began 10 years ago when Dementia Forward took over a carers’ respite service at Harrogate Hospital. When the team heard the service would be axed, they immediately stepped in.

The group, which is now held every Wednesday in Burton Leonard, supports people living with young onset dementia. It provides a temporary escape from this awful disease and prevents people from struggling alone.

They begin by catching up over coffee and cake, before heading out on their chosen activity. The group has ventured across the district and beyond; they visit the beach, art galleries, nature reserves, they play golf, they go on walking trips, and much more.

Karen said Dementia Forward wants to connect the group with other communities and educate people on young onset along the way. She added:

“The young onset care service is based on the same model as the rest of Dementia Forward, but the advice they’re given is different – it’s much more tailored to their age.”

(L) one member, Mark, with the Nidderdale Llamas.

The team also helps people with legal aid, financial advice, employment and navigating relationships.

Whatever the needs of the person with dementia and their carer, Dementia Forward provides sensitive and specialist care to guide them through a dark time.

Dementia is a multi-faceted disease that affects everyone differently. Those living with young onset dementia can experience memory loss; a decline in co-ordination and movement; they can face complete personality changes and can even become entirely incontinent.

It’s an evil, silent disease that is taking people from their loved ones every day, and without Dementia Forward, many people would be struggling alone.

More than 50 people use the minibus service to access Time Out Together and the charity’s other social groups, which is why we need your help to keep it going.

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.

However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old 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.

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

Thank you.

The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Harrogate charity raises £75,000 for critically ill newborns

A Harrogate charity has raised £75,000 to fund life-saving medical equipment for newborn infants.

Friends of Alfie Martin, which was established in 2002, held its £1Million Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel in Harrogate this month as part of its bid to reach its £1 million fundraising goal.

The charity raises funds to purchase medical equipment for the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, which looks after around 1,600 seriously ill babies every year.

Around 300 guests attended the event, which included a tombola, silent auction and bingo.

One winner even went home with a diamond necklace.

Fiona Martin, founder of Friends of Alfie Martin, said:

“What an incredible evening with an electric atmosphere for Alfie’s charity. The love and support for Alfie’s charity is overwhelming and so was the amount raised.

“We are so proud and grateful to our amazing supporters and with their support we can continue to make a huge difference to the care of critically sick babies across the Yorkshire region.”

Ms Martin, who lives and works near Harrogate, set up the charity with her husband after losing their son, Alfie.

He was born full-term but needed urgent transportation to Leeds General Infirmary to receive critical care.

After a gruelling wait due to a lack of transportation, Alfie was moved to the Regional Teaching Hospital, where he eventually died.

Friends of Alfie Martin is now the biggest single contributor to the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care.

Most recently, it has provided the unit with heart-monitoring equipment, specialist incubators and mechanical breathing support ventilators.

Committee member Michele Bradley said:

“The list of future requirements for the centre is daunting, but the dedicated committee of volunteers is determined to continue to ensure that other parents do not have to suffer the tragic loss of a child.”

GALLERY: Harrogate Christmas Fayre gets underway

Harrogate Christmas Fayre opened today to ensure the town is in full festive swing.

The fayre, which is organised by Greater Manchester events company Market Place and tourism organisation Destination Harrogate, includes town centre stalls selling foods, gifts, and homeware.

There are also fairground rides near the war memorial and children’s entertainment, as well as the Candy Cane Express road train and an open-top bus tour.

The fayre also includes the Harrogate Ice Rink in Crescent Gardens, where there is also a bar and alpine tipi, as well as a carousel, bungee jump and children’s stalls.

The fayre is open daily until December 17, and the ice rink runs until January 7.

Here are some photos from the opening day.

Pic: Stephen Garnett.

Harrogate pantomime’s Naail Ishaq & Tim Stedman

The Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Band playing on the open-top bus. Pic: Stephen Garnett

The Enchantica’s Christmas Choir

The Harrogate Ice Rink

Pic: Stephen Garnett.

The Candy Cane Express road train

Crescent Gardens.

The open-top tour bus.

The alpine tipi in Crescent Gardens.

Ripon school to hold ‘Elf Day’ in memory of pupil killed in A61 crash

Holy Trinity Church of England School in Ripon is holding an elf-themed day today in memory of a pupil who was killed in a fatal collision on the A61.

Six-year-old Ihor Bartieniev, who was Ukrainian, died as a result of a collision on the road between Ripon and Harrogate in September.

Ihor’s mother Daria Bartienieva, 35, and stepsister Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, were also killed in the crash.

To celebrate his life, pupils and staff are invited to dress up as elves, wear elf hats or simply wear red and green non-uniform clothing.

Children will take part in the school’s trinity trot, whereby pupils run laps of the playing fields, and activities organised by older pupils.

In addition, the school has asked pupils to bring a donation which will fund a story-telling chair in Ihor’s honour.

Headteacher of Holy Trinity School, Sue Sanderson, said:

“Ihor always had great tales to tell, so a story-telling chair seems a fitting way to celebrate his life.

“It will travel through school with his classmates.”

Ms Sanderson also described Ihor as being “so full of fun and sparkle”.

Campaigners protest outside Harrogate Spring Water consultation event

A group of protesters demonstrated outside Harrogate Spring Water’s public consultation event this evening in opposition to the company’s latest expansion plans

Members of the Save Rotary Wood Again group stood outside the Crown Hotel, in Harrogate, to campaign against the company’s revised plans to expand its bottling plant off Harlow Moor Road, which involve felling 450 trees planted by schoolchildren to combat climate change.

It comes after the company, which is part of Danone, announced it is in a contractual agreement with a landowner to buy two acres of land and plant 1,200 saplings – which it said would equate to around a 3:1 replacement of those removed during expansion – to offset the impact if the reversed matters planning application is accepted.

It claims this would deliver a 10% increase in current biodiversity levels in the area, as well as boost the level of economic output generated by the company to around £6.2 million per year.

However, one member of the group, Sarah Gibbs, who wore a tree costume at the protest, feels the new community woodland is “just a tick box exercise”.

She added:

“They’ve done it to tick boxes and get public access. We just want our woods safe.”

When asked about what alternative plans the group feels may be suitable, Ms Gibbs said:

“We just don’t want to develop into the woodland.

“They could take it into the car park and get a coach to work to be considered ‘green’.”

Another campaigner, Matt Jacobs, added:

“We’re at a point in life whereby we must reconsider single use plastic – it shouldn’t event be legal to sell it.”

An artist impression of the revised plans.

However, despite the group opposing the plan, Harrogate Spring Water already has outline planning permission, and it is now preparing the reserved matters planning application to agree and finalise the details.

At the event, managing director Richard Hall told the Stray Ferret:

“Following last year’s public consultation, we listened and we knew people were concerned about the loss woodland.

“I hope people will see this evening we’ve listened and worked on their feedback, and that this an opportunity for the community.”

Mr Hall said the company understands people’s concerns and said the campaigners “have the right to protest”.

He added that Harrogate Spring Water had “worked hard” to balance investment into the community, jobs, and the environment.

The company said the expansion will create more than 50 jobs and at least 20 construction jobs during the development phase.

In addition, it says it is working alongside local forestry experts to identify other locations in Harrogate where an additional 1,500 trees will be planted to further improve the replacement rate.

The Stray Ferret has reported on Harrogate Spring Water’s plans extensively. You can read more on the topic here.

Yorkshire Water begins £19m works in bid to improve River Nidd quality

Yorkshire Water has started work on a £19m project to improve the River Nidd’s water quality.

The scheme, which is taking place at the Killinghall wastewater treatment works on Crag Hill Lane, will see new technologies introduced to remove phosphorus from treated wastewater.

Phosphorus is often found in household products, including washing detergents and shampoo, as well as in land fertilisers.

The company said it is an “essential” part of many ecosystems, however, it can become harmful to humans and wildlife when unmanaged.

As part of the scheme, Yorkshire Water will install 800m2 aerated rush beds, which are described as a “natural solution” for treating sewage during heavy or prolonged rainfall. These will be the first aerated beds installed at any Yorkshire Water plant.

Andy Wilmer, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

“We are committed to reducing how much Phosphorus enters the River Nidd and in addition to improving water quality, we’re also improving the natural environment in the area and ensuring our site meets our WINEP targets.”

In a letter to Killinghall residents, seen by the Stray Ferret, the company said the normal sewage treatment process does not remove much phosphorus, meaning much of it passes through the plant and out in the treated effluent.

It added:

“By carrying out this work, we’ll be removing more phosphorus and releasing less into the environment.”

Yorkshire Water hopes the project will lead the company to reduce phosphorus levels in the county’s rivers and seas by 56% by 2025.

The work, which began last week and will take place Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6:30pm, is expected to continue until Spring 2026.

Mr Wilmer added:

“For the duration of this scheme, you may notice an increase in vehicles coming to the site as we take delivery of equipment and materials. Our delivery route will be from Otley Road to Crag Lane and on to Crag Hill Lane.

“We are aware there is a school on this route and for safety reasons have asked that all site traffic avoids school drop and pick up times.”

Council spends £850 on photographer for Ripon hornblower

North Yorkshire Council spent £850 on a photographer who captured images of the Ripon hornblower on the River Thames.

The council revealed the sum following a Freedom of Information request by the Stray Ferret.

Allison Clark, the city’s first female hornblower, represented Ripon and North Yorkshire’s tourism industry at the World Travel Market event this month after Ripon City Council granted a special dispensation.

As part of this, she “called the watch” on a City Cruises boat on the River Thames.

The event was jointly hosted by North Yorkshire Council, Visit York, Visit Leeds and Herriot Country Tourism.

The council told the Stray Ferret it spent £1,658 of taxpayers’ money on the trip.

More than half of this — £850 — went to the photographer, who took other images of the City Cruises event besides the hornblower.

The council contributed £500 towards commissioning the cruise.

It also spent £175 on a standard room at a Premier Inn, including breakfast, plus rail fares for the hornblower and a representative of Ripon City Council, which cost a further £132.

Asked if the trip had been beneficial to local tourism, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said:

“The purpose of the City Cruise was to provide a platform for the tourism businesses of North Yorkshire, York, Leeds and Herriot Country, to connect with buyers from the travel industry.

“There are many great stories to tell the travel industry about North Yorkshire, and on this occasion we chose to tell them about the fascinating history of the Ripon hornblower.

“This demonstration undoubtedly made an impression on the travel industry representatives on board and we hope that this memorable event, together with the connections they made with businesses, will encourage them to bring more and more visitors to North Yorkshire in the coming months and years.”

The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: How does Dementia Forward work?

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed 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 find out how Dementia Forward works.

For over a decade, Dementia Forward has become a lifeline for thousands of families in the Harrogate district.

Many don’t know where to turn after a dementia diagnosis. Their lives have changed suddenly, and it can feel lonely and isolating. But the Dementia Forward team are on hand every step of the way to provide unrivalled support.

The dementia support advisers’ (DSAs’) first step is to visit the person living with dementia and their carer at home. They want people to feel as comfortable as they can in a time of such uncertainty. The advisers form a relationship with them and let them know they’re not alone.

One of the founding members, Kathy Patton, said:

“We see how they are, see how they feel about the diagnosis and signpost any help they need.

“That’s our core service.”

The team make it their mission to advise on what they see in front of them – rather than to frighten people over what is to come – and, from there, the support and care remains.

For those that may not be ready to take the leap with Dementia Forward yet, the team makes routine check-ins every six months to ensure the person is doing well and to provide any updated guidance that may be needed.

Better yet, the core service is entirely free.

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

The DSAs tailor their care and support to the individual. Whether this is emotional or physical support, financial or legal advice, the team understand the condition and the needs of the families, and work tirelessly to meet them.

CEO Jill Quinn said:

“Once the ducks are in a row, we work with people to keep them well. Our advisers need to know everything in their area that could help them – like walking groups, singing groups etc.”

Dementia Forward also offers regular social groups across the district. These offer a temporary escape from the disease, a place to feel understood and less isolated, as well as much-needed respite for carers.

The charity’s Hub Club takes places every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Those living with dementia spend the day at the Burton Leonard’s site and enjoy hours of games, puzzles, music and good company.

People with dementia can also visit the weekly wellbeing café, which offers board games, table tennis and lunch to enjoy. It’s a safe space where they can feel heard and carers can offload to others sharing the experience.

Kathy added:

“Dementia Forward is support for the person with dementia and their family or carer.

“The support can be as much or as little as they want.”

Dementia Forward also hold monthly coffee mornings for those living with dementia, their carers, their families, and anyone else in the wider community. They fundraise for the charity and educate people on dementia and the life changing affects it has.

But none of this would be possible without Dementia Forward’s minibus service. The minibus is already used by more than 50 people in the district; it allows those living around Harrogate and Ripon to attend social groups and access support they may not otherwise receive.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.

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

Thank you.

Annual fatal accident statistics

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2023 – a bad year

An ongoing problem

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