River Nidd sampling reveals high levels of faecal bacteria

A major water sampling operation along the length of the River Nidd has revealed high levels of the faecal bacteria E.coli.

Dozens of volunteers tested water quality at 45 locations on August 3 as part of an ongoing clean-up campaign.

Analysis of the results has now revealed high levels of E.coli, which can cause illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea, along the Nidd and “extremely high levels” at some points — especially the beck tributaries.

Volunteers conduct sampling at Oak Beck this month.

A second round of water sampling is due to take place next month before a formal bid is submitted to the government to designate bathing water status on the Nidd.

If accepted, agencies will be obliged to undertake measures to clean the Nidd, as has happened on the River Wharfe in Ilkley.

David Clayden, chairman of Nidd Action Group, which is coordinating the sampling, said:

“The results so far indicate high levels of E.coli, particularly down river. Specific locations, including some of our becks, show especially high values whose origins we need to understand better through discussions with the organisations charged with keeping our River Nidd clean.

“I’m not surprised by the findings as this is a uniquely comprehensive, citizen science led activity, aimed at exposing the true levels of pollution in the Nidd, and through rational analysis getting them improved.”

River Nidd water sampling

Volunteers involved in the project to test Nidd water quality.

Knaresborough bathing levels

The results showed in the upper catchment, down to Birstwith, the concentrations of E. coli were much lower than in the middle and lower catchment.

E.Coli concentrations rose below Killinghall sewage treatment works and stayed high, with the most extreme value at Nidd viaduct, below the confluence of Oak Beck and the River Nidd.

Knaresborough sampling locations had concentrations well above the levels deemed sufficient for inland bathing water. Reports of bathers around Knaresborough Lido falling ill played a major role in prompting the campaign.

The tributaries in the middle and lower Nidd catchment all had particularly high concentrations of E.coli – Ripley Beck, Oak Beck and Crimple Beck. Bilton Beck was extremely high.

Mr Clayden said besides next month’s second round of testing, “many more local actions” were being planned to provide improved information to help look after our river. He added:

“During the survey I was heartened to meet many wonderful local people, volunteering their precious free time to understand and benefit their local river.”

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Hammering can’t hide how far Harrogate have come

Ten years ago today, Harrogate Town played Stockport County in the National League North.

Their next fixtures were against Histon, Stalybridge Celtic and Gainsborough Trinity.

Last night they entertained Blackburn Rovers, one of only seven teams ever to win the Premier League, in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

It was another one of those occasions that highlighted how far the club has come.

Full stands and optimism before kick-off at Wetherby Road.

Manager Simon Weaver, who was in charge back in 2013 and has since overseen the side’s rise to the English Football League, spoke before the match about relishing the underdog tag and taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

It was, in theory, Town’s first ever competitive fixture against a Championship side but in reality it was anything but as Rovers’ movement caused problems from the start and within 13 minutes they had opened up a 2-0 lead.

Business was brisk at the pie stall.

A rare Harrogate attack.

Their supremacy came despite the absence of most first team regulars, including 19-year-old Harrogate-born Harry Leonard, who scored in Rovers’ 2-1 defeat of West Brom in the opening match of the season.

Town also left out many first team players, a perplexing decision given the opportunity at stake — not to mention the ticket prices. They had a few chances, hitting the woodwork after about half an hour, but the atmosphere soon muted and by half-time they were 4-0 down.

Town star striker Luke Armstrong was brought on but a penalty extended Rovers’ lead to 5-0 and when it became 6-0 with more than 20 minutes another milestone loomed in the shape of a record defeat in the club’s league era.

The start of a busy night for the scoreboard.

When it became eight, the gallows humour set in with the home fans chanting ‘this is embarrassing’. The Beatles sang about 4,000 holes in Blackburn, Lancashire — there appeared to be more than that in the Harrogate defence.

The 2,653 crowd will have swelled the club’s coffers — but a historic night ended in painful fashion.

Most fans realised this was a milestone match in the club’s history and a place in the last 32 alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal was always as likely as a super blue moon. But the 8-0 scoreline left little scope for pride on what should have been a celebratory night.

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Thieves steal ‘large amount’ of equipment from Ilke Homes’ factory

Thieves have stolen a “large amount of equipment” from Ilke Homes factory in Flaxby.

The modular housebuilder, which employed 1,150 staff, went into administration in June. Nearly all staff immediately lost their jobs.

The equipment was stolen two days after it had been auctioned by administrators to realise the value of assets on behalf of creditors.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“North Yorkshire Police is investigating a report of a break-in at a large industrial premises near the village of Flaxby in North Yorkshire.

“It was reported that on August 19 a large amount of equipment worth thousands of pounds had been stolen from the premises.

“The investigation is ongoing at this time. No arrests have been made.”

Ilke Homes’ factory is close to junction 47 of the A1, about two miles from Knaresborough.

Ilke Homes’ site near the A1(M).

Administrators AlixPartners commissioned Hilco Valuation Services to auction items including electric hand tools, travelling cranes and tipping skips.

The Stray Ferret asked AlixPartners for details of the value of stolen items and whether the site maintained on-site security.

It declined to comment beyond a statement that said:

“We can confirm that there was a break-in and subsequent theft at a property relating to the Ilke Homes administration.

“The administrators are now working with insurers and all related parties to minimise any losses incurred.”

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Ilke Homes, which was founded in 2018, reported a pre-tax loss of £34m in its latest accounts.

It claimed to produce operationally zero-carbon modular homes from its Flaxby site.

Police urged anyone with information about the break-in to dial 101 and quote incident number 12230156480

Firefighters rescue 16-year-old dog in Harrogate

Harrogate firefighters rescued a 16-year-old dog that had got stuck on a path yesterday.

A crew from Skipton Road were summoned to nearby Dene Park in Bilton at 9.43pm last night.

According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report, the dog was too frail to stand.

It said:

“Fire control received a call from a resident who was concerned for the safety of a 16-year-old dog who was unable to get up and was laid in the middle of the path.

“The caller stated the dog was very old and his owner was also an elderly gent.

“Other residents were unable to lift the dog and take him back home. A fire crew from Harrogate attended whilst still maintaining their availability and assisted by lifting and carrying the dog back home to his owner.”

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Rachel Daly and Erling Haaland win player of year awards

Harrogate-born Rachel Daly was named PFA women’s Players’ Player of the Year last night.

The Aston Villa and England player was chosen from a shortlist of six at a ceremony at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. Chelsea’s Lauren James was named Young Player of the Year.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland took the men’s award at the same event. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was named Young Player of the Year.

In a tweet last night, Daly said she was “feeling beyond grateful” to have won the award, which was voted for by her peers.

https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1696619128289644693?s=20

It is the latest success for the former Rossett School student, who in just over a year has won Euro 2022 with England, won the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer and played in the World Cup final.

Daly’s achievements have, however, been completely overlooked by North Yorkshire Council, which still has no plans for a civic honour.

The Stray Ferret is backing Killinghall Nomads‘ campaign for this to change. Daly started her career with the club. You can sign a petition supporting this here.

Rossett School, which has said it will rename its sports pitches in honour of its former pupil, has also joined calls for the council to recognise Daly.

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Police issue CCTV image after assault in Harrogate shopping centre

North Yorkshire Police has today issued a CCTV image of a person that they want to speak to following an assault in Harrogate.

The incident, which occurred in the Victoria Shopping Centre, happened on Wednesday 21 June 2023 at approximately 12.30pm.

The suspects spat at one of the victims and removed the second victim’s  glasses and then stamped on them.

Officers have now appealed to the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the CCTV image.

A police statement added:

“Officers are now asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the image as they believe they will have information that will help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email Georgia.Ladly@northyorkshire.police.uk  or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for Georgia Lady.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12230114298 when passing on information.”

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Line-up for Harrogate literature festival revealed

The line-up for this year’s Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival has been announced today.

Authors and thinkers will descend on the Crown Hotel in Harrogate for the four-day event produced by Harrogate International Festivals and sponsored by Harrogate law firm Raworths Solicitors.

Speakers at the festival, which takes place from October 19 to 22, range from leading authors Victoria Hislop, Alison Weir and Andy McNab to ex-cricketer Monty Panesar and media star Dr Hilary Jones.

For lovers of historical literature, Ms Hislop will introduce her new novel, The Figurine and historian and author Ms Weir, author of the Sunday Times bestselling Six Tudor Queens series, will explore the life of one of Britain’s most infamous monarchs, Henry VIII, the subject of her latest historical novel.

Royal correspondent and author Robert Hardman will share insights from his account of Elizabeth II’s reign,Queen of Our Times and ex-England cricketer Monty Panesar will recount stories from his sporting career.

Andy McNab, who has written three best-selling books about his life in the SAS, will give the inside line on his latest fictional thriller, Down to the Wire and comedian Rosie Holt will share the story behind how she became an internet sensation.

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Dr Hilary Jones will join a panel exploring the challenges currently faced by the NHS and husband and wife team Carrie and David Grant tell the tale of their extraordinary family, explored in their new book A Very Modern Family.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, senior partner at Raworths Solicitors, which is sponsoring the event for the 11th year, said:

“This year’s line-up of literary names is outstanding – a true celebration of great books, thinking and writing. We are proud to play a part in bringing such a prestigious event to our town.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said the festival “features a terrific mix of fiction writers, TV broadcasters, sports personalities, historians and journalists, with more thrilling programme announcements coming soon”.

More information is available here.

Knaresborough survey calls for phased introduction of electric vehicle chargers

Knaresborough people support electric vehicle chargers but feel they should have been introduced in a more phased manner, a survey has revealed.

The survey showed concern about North Yorkshire Council‘s decision to install slow charging bays in town centre car parks that already struggled to cope with traffic on weekends and market days.

Business group Knaresborough & District Chamber conducted the survey amid particular concerns about the nine electric vehicle bays and one electric vehicle car-share space in the town centre Chapel Street Car Park.

The sight of petrol and diesel cars struggling to park there while most of the electric vehicle bays are empty has enraged some traders, who say they are losing business as customers give up and go elsewhere.

The survey, which was completed by 81 people including 30 local business owners, revealed about seven out of 10 supported the call for the council to renegotiate the contract, perhaps by phasing-in or sharing the spaces between electric vehicles and other vehicles.

It is believed the council is unwilling to enter talks with the private company that provided the charging infrastructure as it could jeopardise the contract across the county.

A chamber press release said:

“Respondents to the survey believe that Chapel Street was the wrong place to install chargers, particularly as they are of the slow charge type, and that York Place Car Park, which we believe was originally preferred by the council, should have been used.

It added “local opinion is not against the need for electric vehicle charging, in fact many recognise the need, welcome it and want Knaresborough to be seen as a leading venue for sustainable transport, including visiting by train”.

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Twice as many businesses said they had had customers complain to them about the lack of parking places when EV spaces were free compared to those who had not heard such comments.

The survey also highlighted concerns about poor engagement, lack of information and lack of adequate signposting to car parks across the town .

One survey respondent said:

“These spaces cropped up overnight and whilst used by electric cars they are not always on charge.  There is limited parking in town and this initiative has seen congestion within Chapel Street as people strive to park with electric vehicle spaces either empty or misused.”

Steve Teggin and Kelly Teggin began the petition.

A 600-signature petition, instigated by local traders Kelly Teggin and Steve Teggin, calling for some parking spaces to be reallocated is due to be discussed by the council’s area constituency committee on September 14.

Chamber executive member Peter Lacey said:

“We’re pleased to have been able to highlight broader issues that the installation of the EV charging points has raised and are keen to engage constructively with other partners in the town and with North Yorkshire Council to improve the ways in which people can access our fantastic retail and recreational offer both in the town centre and at Conyngham Hall public car park where 14 spaces continue to be blocked due to grid connection issues.

“Access to the town by car will always be critical, particularly for more vulnerable groups, and we certainly want to encourage the adoption of EVs, but this needs to be part of a strategy that improves footfall and reduces congestion, something that has currently taken a step backwards in our town.”

 

 

 

 

 

Business Breakfast: Transport leaders to reveal plans for Harrogate

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Prominent local transport leaders will discuss their future plans with Harrogate businesses next week.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on September 11 includes key speakers from the bus, rail and aviation sectors.

They include Henri Rohard, managing director of Harrogate Bus Company, Tony Baxter, regional director east at rail operator Northern, David Flesher, commercial director of LNER and Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport. 

A chamber spokesman said:

“Harrogate businesses rely on dependable transport, and so this event is an invaluable opportunity for members to ask travel-related questions to experts.”

The event at the Cedar Court Hotel begins with networking at 5.30 pm and ends at 8pm. You can book a spot to attend here.

 

Harrogate agency recognised by World Land Trust

The environmental charity World Land Trust has recognised a Harrogate research agency as a valued and significant supporter

The agency, which was established by Jennifer Brennan and Clare Vokes in 2019, donates a percentage of its annual turnover to the trust.

Its contribution was mentioned in the charity’s latest annual report.

Ms Brennan said:

“Even if you’re too busy running your business, there are easy steps you can take, like supporting organisations like the World Land Trust to protect biodiverse habitat and help offset your organisation’s carbon footprint. If businesses act collectively, we can make a difference.”

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The 1980s pop star now pursuing her Five Star career in Harrogate

One of the most British successful musicians of the 1980s is back in the headlines — and now lives in Harrogate.

Deniece Pearson was the lead singer of Five Star, which had over 20 top 30 UK singles, including System Addict and Rain Or Shine. The group is the youngest British act to have a number one album.

Deniece was just 15 when Five Star, which consisted of four siblings, was set up in 1983 as Britain’s answer to the Jackson 5.

A Brit Award and a Grammy nomination followed as the band enjoyed hit after hit. She met the Queen twice.

After a break to raise her two children, Deniece is now forging the next stage of her career from her new home in Harrogate.

She moved to the town about 18 months ago purely by fluke — she was visiting a friend in Leeds and came to Harrogate for a massage. Deniece explains:

“I thought ‘this place is really lovely’ and started thinking ‘I might just come and live in Harrogate’.

“It’s just gorgeous. It’s the happiest place in the UK to live. It was beautiful at Christmas last year and I’m a real Christmas girl.”

Deniece returned to the stage in the 2000s, which included performing in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live.

She’s now preparing for a 40th anniversary Five Star show at Pizza Express Live in London on September 30.

Deniece has also released a new single called Forever Young, which is taken from an EP also featuring new versions of Five Star classics System Addict and Rain or Shine.

She will be on tour in the UK this autumn and a solo album is expected next year.

Where does she like to relax when she’s back home in Harrogate?

She mentions The Ivy and Valley Gardens, adding:

“I haven’t really got to know Harrogate that well yet but from what I’ve seen I love it. It’s such a great town.”

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