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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- Leeds United footballer banned from driving after speeding in Harrogate
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.”
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.
Read more:
- Leeds United footballer banned from driving after speeding in Harrogate
- Harrogate Ice Rink organiser responds to complaints
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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- Burglars in balaclavas break into Ripon motorbike shop
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.”
Read more:
- Boroughbridge out-of-school club receives glowing Ofsted report
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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.
Read more:
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- Harrogate trains cancelled as flood threat remains
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.
Read more:
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- Harrogate trains cancelled as flood threat remains
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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.
Section of Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate to close temporarilyA section of Harrogate‘s Penny Pot Lane will close for at least four days from next week.
The part of the road, which runs between Ingleborough Drive and Young’s Drive, will be blocked as Yorkshire Water carries out work in the area.
A spokesperson for the company said it was making improvements to its water network:
“Our teams will be working to make improvements to our water network which will require the temporary closure of Penny Pot Lane.
“We are expecting the road to be closed from 8-12 January to allow the work to be conducted safely.
“We will work as quickly as possible to complete the improvements and apologise for any inconvenience the closure will cause.”
The spokesperson also said the road will then re-open under two-way traffic lights to enable the final work to be carried out.
Pic: North Yorkshire Council.
However, according to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map, the closure could be in place until January 21.
The spokesperson told the Stray Ferret a diversion will be in place on what is a busy route in and out of Harrogate.
Access will be maintained for residents, they added.
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Burglars in balaclavas break into Ripon motorbike shop
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following a Ripon burglary on New Year’s Eve.
The force said in statement today that three men broke into Eurotek Sports Motorcyles, on Camp Hill Close, at around 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve.
It added:
“The men, all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, arrived in a white Ford transit style van, with chevron markings on the rear.
“Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or has information that could assist with the investigation to email gareth.skelton@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Gareth Skelton.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Quote reference number 12230247331 when passing on information.”
The Stray Ferret contacted the police to ask what had been stolen, but the force said there was no “additional information to add at the moment”.
It also said the incident is under investigation and “officers are currently gathering CCTV footage”.
Read more:
Pharmacy closure prompts concerns about future of Jennyfields retail
Jennyfields residents have expressed concerns about the forthcoming closure of the Boots pharmacy in the Co-op.
The Stray Ferret reported last month Boots planned to close 300 UK stores, with those in close proximity to other sites run by the company most at risk.
But the loss of the facility has upset locals — and heightened fears about the future of retail in Jennyfields, where many shops are shut.
The nearest Boots pharmacies will be in Harrogate town centre, Knaresborough Market Place, St James’s Retail Park and Market Place West in Ripon when the one in Jennyfields closes.
Freda Roach, a nearby resident, described the loss of the pharmacy as a “great blow to the local community” and a “retrograde step”, adding:
“[The pharmacy] is used by a great number of Jennyfields people who do not have a car and use the bus or walk.
“I for one will be very upset when the branch is closed as the nearest pharmacy is not in walking distance, and relying on buses will make it half a day’s job having to travel into Harrogate.”
Read more:
Another Jennyfields resident, David Smith, said the move was “ridiculous”.
He said:
“I have been going there for prescriptions for at least 30 years. It is always busy and recently you usually have to queue.
“In addition, I understand that the next nearest surgery at Killinghall is closing.
“We are going backwards rather than forwards.”
‘A popular and busy pharmacy’
Councillor Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate on North Yorkshire Council, was also “disappointed” by the news.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I was very disappointed to hear that Boots intend to close the pharmacy located in the Jennyfields Co-op – and I have asked the public health team at the council to consider what representations we need to make to NHS England, who are responsible for ensuring pharmacy provision is adequate.
“This is a very popular and busy pharmacy.”
Three out of four units are closed at the Jennyfield Drive site.
One Stray Ferret social media follower commented to say the centre used to be a “thriving little area”. But three out of four units on the Jennyfield Drive site, as well as the Stone Beck pub, are closed.
The prospect of a new Tesco supermarket a mile away has also fuelled concerns about the future of retail in Jennyfields.
But Cllr Harrison said:
“Jennyfields is a vibrant housing estate, and is more than capable of supporting quality businesses in this location – I am keen to understand what the landlords’ plans are to ensure the future attractiveness and viability of the units.”
A spokesperson for the Co-op said the use of the space occupied by the pharmacy is “being reviewed” and “no decisions have been taken at this stage”.
Twenty UK Boots stores have already closed in line with the new plan – four of which are in Yorkshire.
Boots declined to comment on the Jennyfields closure when approached by the Stray Ferret. But staff at the pharmacy told the Stray Ferret they have been “given options” about employment going forward.