Harrogate holidaymaker in Morocco joins desperate bid to save earthquake victims

A Harrogate woman on holiday in Morocco has joined the desperate attempt to help earthquake survivors.

Charlie Waterson, 28, arrived in Marrakesh with her boyfriend on Monday last week.

But their relaxing break suddenly took on a completely different complexion when the earthquake struck on Friday.

Almost 3,000 people are known to have died in the country’s deadliest earthquake in 60 years.

Fortunately the hostel Charlie was staying in was rebuilt in 2017 and managed to withstand the tremors.

Since then she has joined the attempt to help thousands of homeless people struggling to survive on the streets.

Yesterday she used £200 of her own money and £600 she managed to raise from friends and family back home to buy basic provisions for local people and she plans to buy more today.

Speaking last night to the Stray Ferret, Charlie (pictured above) said:

“I am trying to do as much as I can while I’m out here. Marrakesh is in a state of complete devastation.

“There’s not much aid out here. They blankets, food, women’s toiletries — anything really.”

Charlie dropped off some goods yesterday and plans to return to the mountains tomorrow to help more people. She said:

“I had a taxi full of food today and it went in seconds. I had women kiss my shoulder and children kiss my feet.

“I burst out into tears. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

Some of the provisions bought by Charlie.

Charlie and her partner are due to fly to Malaga later tomorrow for two days before returning to the UK on Thursday.

She urged people to do whatever they can to support the rescue operation by donating.

Read more:

 

Harrogate set to get earlier and later direct London trains

Harrogate is on track to get a direct train to London departing an hour earlier than the current first service of the day.

David Flesher, commercial director at LNER, told businesses last night the company wanted the first direct train to leave Harrogate at 6.35am, rather than the current 7.37am.

It would enable commuters to arrive at King’s Cross in the capital at 9.30am rather than the current 10.30am.

People travelling back to Harrogate from London would also benefit from a later last direct service home, Mr Flesher told Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting, under plans being formulated.

He said the final train would depart an hour later than the current 5.33pm service.

However, the changes are not due to be implemented until the end of next year.

Mr Flesher, who lives in Harrogate, told the meeting the number of customers using the Harrogate line had risen by 15% this year. He added:

“We want to bring earlier and later London services from Harrogate next year.”

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, who organised the guest speakers at last night’s transport-themed chamber meeting, asked Mr Flesher what time the new services would be scheduled for.

Mr Flesher gave the details and said the earlier and later services had been “long-awaited”. He added:

“That will get people into London at a much more helpful and sensible time in the morning.”

A LNER spokesperson contacted the Stray Ferret after the article was first published to say:

“These are ambitions that are being explored with timings subject to change. An hour earlier southbound is the ambition with a new timetable. With reference to the northbound return train in particular, this is in discussion but very much our ambition.”

Read more:

 

Knaresborough Town Council calls for 138-home scheme to be rejected

Knaresborough Town Council has called for a scheme to build 138 homes alongside a site of special scientific interest to be rejected.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Plans have been submitted to build the homes on two fields currently used for grazing on the other side of Water Lane to the gravel pits.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits

In its submission to North Yorkshire Council, which will decide whether to allow the scheme, the town council said:

“This is one of the last open green spaces used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and joggers where the countryside and clean air can still be enjoyed in Knaresborough and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough.”

The town council listed 15 reasons for declining the scheme, which include concerns about land contamination on the former landfill site and pressure on local GPs and schools.

It also said:

“Access to the site through Mint Garth/Stirling Chase/Old Penny Gate/Florin Drive is not a viable option as these houses were built with onsite parking for one car.”

A petition started by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures, which qualifies it to be debated by North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises the Conservative-controlled council.

Cllr Bell said there had been six housing developments within about a 15-minute walk of Water Lane in the last five years and his main concerns about the latest proposal were the suggested access route through a housing estate and the proximity to the SSSI. He said:

“This development threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality.

“The increased traffic will inevitably lead to higher levels of air pollution in an area that should be cherished for its fresh air and natural surroundings.”

A footpath goes across the site.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has ‘called in’ the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker told the Stray Ferret he had concerns about the SSSI, access and the design of the scheme.

He added calling in the application would enable it to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

Fields to housing? Dave Worner’s current view from home.

Dave Worner, whose home overlooks the proposed site, said:

“One of the main reasons we moved here was because it was on the edge of the countryside.

“I can sit and watch hundreds of people walking. It would cause significant harm to the surrounding area.”

Read more:

Site allocated for planning

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields have been rejected.

However, the site is situated within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where local development can take place.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland, said the scheme would create 138 homes with associated access, parking, open space and a children’s play area.

“The proposal is for a mix of affordable and market dwellings of which 40% would be affordable and 60% would be open market.

Plans for housing on Water Lane in Knaresborough

How the scheme would look.

Because the site is in the local plan, it says the principle of development has been established and “there are no material considerations which would indicate that the development plan should be set aside” and “therefore planning permission should be granted for the scheme without delay”.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects sent to the council said:

“The submission now presents a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations.

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

 

Performing arts school finds new home in heart of Knaresborough

Freedom Performing Arts has opened new studios at the former Castle Girls School in Knaresborough.

The arts school, which has 380 students aged three to 18, has operated out of the town’s Aspin Park Academy since 2010.

It will continue to run two classes every night at Aspin as well as one nightly class at the new venue in Castle Yard.

Amy Meikle, principal at Freedom Performing Arts, received the keys for the new premises in December last year after plans to open a museum on the site fell through.

Students at Friday’s opening.

She said it cost £25,000 to fully restore the building, which had been empty since it hosted Knaresborough and Harrogate Dance Centre pre-covid.

A ribbon was cut to mark Friday’s opening, which was attended by retired well known local dance teacher Miss Wenda (pictured below), who taught ballet and tap at Freedom before retiring in 2016.

Ms Meikle said being in the Castle Yard, close to the town centre, made the school feel like part of the community:

“I have loved seeing all the new businesses open in Knaresborough this month with more on the way. The town seems to be thriving and we feel super proud to have brought part of our school into the heart of the town centre.

“It really is a dream come true, I can’t believe this is real and I’m so grateful to everyone in my life who has helped make this possible.”

The studio has been completely renovated.

 

How the building looked in December.

Freedom runs a wide range of classes including ballet, tap, street, jazz, musical theatre, modern and acrobatics.

The building holds a strong personal connection for Ms Meikle, who said:

“I was born and bred in Knaresborough and my mum actually attended school in this building back in the 1950s/60s so it really has come full circle.”

The school has been nominated for four awards at Saturday’s Knaresborough Business Awards, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective.

The two-storey former girls school also hosts the 1st Scriven Scout Group.

Read more:

 

Harrogate head welcomes plan for new crossing outside school

A Harrogate headteacher has welcomed plans to introduce a crossing point on the busy road outside the town’s largest primary school.

Tim Broad has campaigned for several years to improve safety outside Western Primary School on Cold Bath Road. Three years ago he spoke of his fears a child could be killed crossing the road to the 500-pupil school.

Mr Broad and parents lobbied hard for two vehicle-activated signs to be installed notifying drivers of their speed in the 20 miles per hour zone.

Now North Yorkshire Council has revealed plans to spend £10,000 creating a crossing point outside the school.

The crossing point would be uncontrolled, meaning it would not have traffic lights.

An uncontrolled crossing in Lincolnshire. Pic: copyright Bob Harvey

Mr Broad said:

“Obviously I support any measure which results in improved safety for our children and road users in general.

“I would have preferred a controlled crossing as this would be much safer – children will still be dependent upon drivers being aware and considerate as I assume there will be no compulsion for them to stop to allow people to cross at this point.

“This is also something we will have to make very clear to our pupils to ensure they don’t have the expectation that vehicles will stop.”

Western Primary School

Mr Broad said he was unaware of the precise location of the crossing or the timescale for completion. He said

“The only concern I have is around the potential narrowing of an already narrow and busy road.

“This is likely to cause congestion, with more vehicles stationary outside the school, emitting pollution and further damaging the air quality. It would be interesting to hear the thoughts of the planners on this issue.”

Read more:

He added he “saw no reason” not to keep the vehicle activated speed signs outside the school and said he supported plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit around seven nearby schools but added:

“This needs to go hand in hand with efforts to change the culture of drivers in relation to these speed limits such that it becomes socially unacceptable to drive faster than 20 in these areas. Sadly, our experience on Cold Bath Road is that the majority of drivers, including a police van on Tuesday, ignore the signs.”

Knaresborough’s Remembrance Sunday parade saved

Knaresborough’s Remembrance Sunday parade has been saved after the police decided to stop providing traffic management.

Elliot Foskett, assistant chief constable at North Yorkshire Police, wrote to 32 smaller Royal British Legions in July informing them of what he described as the “difficult but lawful decision” to no longer provide the service.

Larger parades have utilised traffic management companies for many years to ensure public safety.

David Houlgate, vice-chair of Knaresborough Royal British Legion, said the news had left its annual parade in jeopardy.

But today Mr Houlgate said Knaresborough Town Council had agreed to find a traffic management company to oversee the road closure on Sunday, November 12.

This will allow the parade from St John’s Church to the war memorial in the castle grounds to take place as usual.

Mr Houlgate said:

“This is wonderful news for the town and the Royal British Legion but most importantly it enables us all to commemorate in the traditional way and thank those who have lost their lives in the service of their country as well as those who have served and continue to serve to this day.

“It would seem that the sense of community is still very much alive and kicking and we wish to place on record our thanks to Knaresborough Town Council for their intervention.  We are extremely grateful to them for this.”

The legion said in a statement it “remained extremely disappointed by the decision taken by North Yorkshire Police”.

Mr Foskett said the decision to no longer provide the service would ensure “police resources remain focused on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour”.

Read more:

 

Hazardous response team rescue person from Ripon Canal

Specialist paramedics and other emergency workers came to the rescue of a person on a boat on Ripon Canal last night.

Firefighters from Ripon were summoned to Boroughbridge Road, which runs alongside the canal basin, at 12.23am.

They were responding to a request from paramedics to help move a patient from a boat, according to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Its incident report said:

“Crews assisted to move the casualty into a seated position to allow paramedics to carry out an assessment.”

The report added firefighters then liaised with paramedics and staff from Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team, which provides emergency treatment in precarious rescue operations.

The report said:

“Crews then assisted the casualty from the boat to the pontoon and left them in the care of ambulance crews.”

No further details have been released.

The canal held an open day yesterday to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

Read more:

 

10 schemes proposed to reduce congestion in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Council announced 10 proposals this week to reduce congestion and make streets safer in the west of Harrogate.

The schemes, which would cost a total of £585,000, revolve around the Otley Road area, where just one of three planned phases of a cycle path has been completed.

Work is unlikely to begin until the 2024/25 financial year.

The 10 proposals were overshadowed by the same day announcement of a 20mph zone covering seven schools in Pannal Ash and Oatlands.

But if adopted, the schemes would have a considerable impact on the streets in one of the most congested parts of Harrogate.

The council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee is due to discuss the proposals at a meeting on Thursday.

Here are the proposals.

1 Signal upgrade at Cold Bath Road / Otley Road / Arthurs Avenue junction

Cost: £200,000

Signal equipment will be upgraded to link with signals at Pannal Ash Road Junction. Some kerb lines could be amended to make the footpaths wider. The aims is to improve traffic movement and congestion between the two signalised junctions.

2 Bus stop improvements on Otley Road corridor

Cost: £50,000

Bus stops will be relocated “to reflect current services”. Kerbs and signs will be improved in a move the council says will “improve facilities and accessibility around bus stops along Otley Road to reflect latest changes to bus services in the area”.

3 Extending the 20mph limit on Cold Bath Road to the junction with Otley Road and on surrounding roads

Cost: £100,000

Traffic calming measures will also include “formalising parking arrangements and installation of double yellow lines” to “reduce speed and enhance the local environment to bring the area forward as a pleasant place to walk, wheel and cycle”.

4 Improve the pedestrian crossing outside Falcon Chiropractic on Cold Bath Road

The crossing due to be upgraded

Cost £5,000

The signals cabinet will be relocated to the opposite side of the road where the pavement is wider. A raised table will also be introduced to calm traffic. Cycle storage and refuse bin will also be relocated “to improve accessibility around the pedestrian crossing that is currently blocked by other infrastructure placed on the highway”.

5 Improve the crossing between the public right of way on Green Lane and Ashville College

Cost: £10,000

A build-out crossing will be installed to improve visibility emerging from the public right of way and to slow traffic at the uncontrolled crossing point. The scheme will “improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists emerging from the bridleway”.

6 Install an uncontrolled crossing point near Western Primary School

Cost: £10,000

A ‘build-out’ uncontrolled crossing point will be installed outside the school. Some parking bays could be amended and the double yellow lines extended “to provide a safer place to cross near the school in addition to providing some minor traffic calming and preventing illegal parking at the junction”.

Read more:

7 Review cycle route signs

Cost: £25,000

Review and improve signing of the cycle routes across Harrogate “to improve awareness of cycle routes across the network in Harrogate”.

8 20mph zone outside Harrogate Grammar School on Arthurs Avenue.

Cost: £25,000

The zone will incorporate Cundall Way, Southway, Grasmere Crescent, Rossett Way, Arthurs Close, Arthurs Grove, Richmond Avenue, Richmond Road, Richmond Close and Richmond Holt to enhance the environment and make streets feel safer.

9 New cycle parking and improved public realm on Cold Bath Road

Cost: £10,000

Introduce a parklet by extending the pavements to provide more space for cycle parking or for people to rest.

10 Improvements to Nursery Lane to allow cyclists to use as an off-road leisure route

Cost: £100,000

The lane could become a cycle track to provide additional off-road infrastructure for cyclists. However, third party land would be required.

 

Harrogate’s Rossett School to hold 50th anniversary reunion

Rossett School in Harrogate is inviting former staff and students to return as part of a day of celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary.

The school was founded in 1973 and the event on September 28 will therefore feature a 1970s theme.

Students will play retro sports and take part in a bake sale, tree planting, burying a time capsule, a bubble release and a whole school photo. The afternoon will feature a music festival on the field, with a DJ and photo booth.

Former staff and students are invited along later in the day to attend a social event between 4pm and 6pm.

Headteacher Tim Milburn, himself a former Rossett student, said:

“Plans are well underway for what will be a fantastic celebration of our wonderful school.

“It will be a chance for everyone involved in the school both now and in the years gone by not only to remember all our past achievements but, importantly, to look ahead to the many great things to come.”

Time of change

The anniversary comes at a time of considerable upheaval at Rossett.

An Ofsted report in January said the school ‘requires improvement’ and highlighted problems including high staff turnover, disruptive pupils and extremely high absence rates among disadvantaged students.

Mr Milburn acknowledged there had been some difficult times recently but said the school was responding proactively.

The school’s sixth form has merged with Harrogate Grammar School‘s and last week it was announced Rossett will join Red Kite Learning Trust.

You can express an interest in attending the 50th celebrations here.

Read more:

 

Knaresborough Crag Rat Run set to return

Up to 300 people will experience the beauty of Knaresborough on foot in a fortnight’s time in the town’s biggest running event of the year.

Knaresborough Crag Rat Run has been staged annually since 2016 by Knaresborough Striders.

The event is suitable for all abilities and attracts a combination of serious club runners and people who just enjoy the challenge of completing the five-mile course.

The mixed terrain route starts at Knaresborough Cricket Club at 11am on Sunday, September 24 and includes sections on tarmac, woodland and the town’s crags. No road closures are required.

Tom Calvert, who won the race last year.

The course takes in some of the finest parts of Knaresborough, including Birkham Woods, Abbey Road and back along the crag top back to the cricket club.

Guy Close, chairman of Knaresborough Striders, said:

“In my view it has to be one of the best local races around. It’s family-friendly, suitable for all running abilities and cheap as chips to enter!

“Runners will also get the benefit of being cheered on by a fantastic group of Knaresborough Striders who are hosting the event.”

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served for cash donations. All money raised will go to local charities.

Further details, including how to enter, are available here.

Read more: