1,000 sign petition to protect Bilton’s Knox Lane from housing

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to prevent land targeted for homes in Bilton being available for development.

North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee rejected an application by the developer Jomast to build 53 homes off Knox Lane, as reported by the Stray Ferret in September.

Residents have been engaged in a long-running campaign to protect the land from housing. More than 500 objections were made against the Jomast plans.

With the immediate threat of housing removed, the campaign organisation Knox Community Conservation Group is now attempting to protect the land from further planning applications.

It set up a petition to remove the land from the forthcoming North Yorkshire Local Plan, which will replace the current blueprint for where development can take place.

The plan will replace the current Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which was created by the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire Council, said this month the new plan was expected to be finalised in about four years. He added a call for sites was due to go out to consultation this spring.

Knox Lane

The land off Knox Lane. 

Knox Community Conservation Group campaigners were at Nidderdale Greenway last weekend urging people to sign the petition, which closes on February 5. 

It will then be presented to the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee at its next meeting on March 14. 

The petition says previous site assessments conducted by Harrogate Borough Council of the Knox Lane site in 2013 and 2016 found it to be unsuitable for development because it “would have adverse or highly adverse effects on historic environment, priority habitats and/or species and landscape”.

The group says these concerns remain and has called on people to “preserve and protect” the historic area of Bilton, where a former railway line used to run through.

The photo shows (from left) Margaret Cockerill, Alison Heyward and Jill Harrison all from Knox Community Conservation Group.

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Elite Meat celebrates 25 years of Starbeck shop

Starbeck butchers Elite Meat is celebrating the opening of its shop 25 years ago today.

Brothers Gordon and Andrew Atkinson, the sons of a local farming family, opened the traditional butchers on High Street in 1999. 

The brothers prided themselves on providing quality locally produced Yorkshire meat and although much has changed in the last quarter of a century, Elie Meat remains part of the Starbeck community — and attracts customers from further afield because of the quality of its cuts.

How Elite Meat looked when it opened in 1999.

Gordon Atkinson said:

“The past five years haven’t been smooth sailing with covid and the economic crisis for many, but it is still great to see even after 25 years people still support their local independent businesses. 

“I still love coming to work every day and working alongside my enthusiastic and passionate team who keep the cogs turning.

“We wouldn’t be here without you and it is more important than ever to shop locally, so thank you to our loyal customers. Here’s to the next 25 years.”

The shop today

Since opening, Elite Meat has won almost 30 awards for its products and service — with notable accolades for Britain’s Best Sausage and North Yorkshire’s Best Traditional Butchers Shop in 2023. 

Andrew Atkinson left the business several years ago to focus on farming in Kettlesing and Harrogate, but still helps with sourcing farm suppliers and lambs for the butchers. 

The business has evolved to offer cooking and butchery classes for people to take part in. 

Elite Meat is celebrating its milestone by offering a range of discounts this week. Further information  can be found on its Facebook page. 

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Plans for staff bedsits above Ripon Chinese takeaway set for refusal

Councillors have been urged to reject plans for staff living accommodation above a Chinese restaurant in Ripon.

North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee will meet on Tuesday, February 6 to vote on the proposal by Mr Wang, who took over the Dragon Inn in 2021.

The restaurant is situated in a five-storey grade two listed building in Market Place.

The Stray Ferret previously reported the committee deferred a decision on the application in September 2023. Councillors asked for further information amid concerns about issues such as access, the fire escape and bin collections.

The planning application seeks to change the use of the building to a house of multiple occupation on the floors above the restaurant. 

A design and access statement submitted in support of the bid said the upper floors had become domesticated and modernised as staff accommodation in the existing building but formal planning consent and listed building consent had not been sought – hence the application. 

Planning documents also indicate an additional internal staircase would be installed to connect the ground level to the first floor accommodation.

But council case officer Emma Walsh said this would harm the building in Ripon Conservation Area.

Ms Walsh’s report concludes:

“The optimum use and ongoing conservation of the building can be achieved without the proposed layout alterations and as such, the proposal is not considered to be outweighed by public benefit.”

Ms Walsh also recommends councillors reject a separate application for listed building consent for work to convert the building into a house of multiple occupancy.

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Andrew Jones MP hits back after Lib Dem rival Tom Gordon attacks schools funding

The Liberal Democrat bidding to be Harrogate and Knaresborough’s next MP has accused the government of failing local children after new figures revealed a decline in funding per pupil.

The National Education Union, which is the UK’s largest education union, published a county-by-county breakdown of school funding statistics last week.

It revealed school funding in North Yorkshire was set to fall by £14 million in 2024/25 compared with this year and 286 of 340 schools in the county will have less to spend. The cut will equate to a £188 reduction in funding per pupil in North Yorkshire.

Tom Gordon, who will bid to unseat Conservative Andrew Jones at the next general election, said the Lib Dems were calling for the government to review school funding after the Institute for Fiscal Studies said the purchasing power of school budgets in 2024 will still be about 4% lower than in 2010.

Mr Gordon said:

“This Conservative government has failed North Yorkshire’s children. Parents in our community should not have to send their children to schools which have had their funding decimated by a Conservative government that has lost interest in providing high-quality education.

“Investing in education is investing in our future but this Conservative government has let school buildings crumble and overseen a severe shortage of teachers. Far from preparing the next generation for the future, Ministers have totally abandoned them.

“The Liberal Democrats know that investment in education boosts our children’s futures. The Treasury needs to urgently look at increasing school funding”.

‘Hard facts’

But Mr Jones disputed the figures and said recent investments to local schools and colleges in painted a different picture.

He said:

“Rather than quoting figures produced by a national trade union we can look at some hard facts about local and national investment.

“The effect of educational investment since 2010 is clear in Harrogate and Knaresborough.  Harrogate High School has been completely rebuilt and we are about to see a £20m new campus for Harrogate college.  A new specialist autism school is opening on the site of the former Woodfield Primary School with a £3.5m investment from North Yorkshire Council.

“There is more evidence of local progress.  Look at the new sixth form centre at King James or the new lecture theatre at Harrogate Grammar.

“Rossett School and Bilton Grange have received grants to make classrooms warmer and more energy efficient.

“Just last year local schools received £2.5m to help with energy bills and teachers’ pay increases.”

He added:

“School spending was £35bn per year in 2010. For 2024/25 it is £58.8bn. That is a 68 per cent cash increase. The budget increase in 2022/23 was £4bn, for 23/24 it is £3.5bn. That is 15 per cent in just two years, taking the budget to a record high in real terms and per pupil.

“I am particularly pleased that the funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen by 50 per cent since 2019/20.”

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North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive salary set to rise above £200,000

North Yorkshire Council has proposed pay rises for its most senior officers, with chief executive Richard Flinton set to receive £205,897.

A report that details new pay deals will go before councillors on the Conservative-run executive next week before a final decision on whether to approve them is made by full council next month.

According to the document, nine staff will be paid a salary of more than £100,000 from the start of the new financial year in April.

When the council was set up last year, the Stray Ferret reported that eight staff would be paid more than £100,000, with Mr Flinton receiving £198,935.

This year’s list of staff receiving in excess of £100,000 includes directors Stuart Carlton (education), Richard Webb (health) and Karl Battersby (transport) who are all set to be paid £155,296, compared with £150,044 last year.

North Yorkshire Council is part of a national pay framework with annual pay awards set by different bodies.

Mr Flinton, who was previously chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, will receive a 3.5% pay rise, which is a figure determined by the joint negotiation committee for chief officers.

Salaries ‘not excessive’

It will be the second full financial year of North Yorkshire Council following the abolition of the seven district councils and North Yorkshire County Council.

Staff from the district councils transferred to the new council under their existing terms and conditions. However, the report notes that a “small number” of senior district council officers did so without a designated post at the new authority.

It says these people have been allocated duties “appropriate to their skills”.

The lowest paid members of staff at the council are set to be paid £22,366 with the average staff member being paid £27,334.

The report says the gap between the average salary and that of the chief executive has been reduced since last year.

It adds:

“The ratio between the median and the highest i.e., the ‘pay multiple’ has reduced again to 7.5:1, which compares well with the recommendation in the Hutton Report that the multiple should not exceed 20.

“North Yorkshire Council does not have a policy on maintaining or reaching a specific pay multiple but is conscious of the need to ensure that the salaries of the highest paid employees are not excessive and are consistent with the needs of the authority as expressed in this policy statement and its wider pay policy and approach.”

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Harrogate musical theatre company celebrates 100 years 

Harrogate musical theatre company HOPs is staging a series of celebratory shows and events this year to mark its centenary.

HOPs, formerly known as Harrogate Operatic Players, will perform Made in Dagenham from June 11 to 15 at Harrogate Theatre.

Its other plans include a centenary ball and afternoon tea to allow past and present members to come together and reminisce. 

Made in Dagenham follows sell-out performances of Chity Chitty Bang Bang and Kinky Boots in recent years. Musical director Jim Lunt and director and choreographer, Mike Kirkby, will return for the summer production. 

Mike said:

“HOPs will always have a special place in my heart and after 20 plus years, I am honoured to be back once again as director for this fabulous production.

“I am truly proud to bring this gritty and poignant story, steeped in reality and drama, to the stage.”

HOPs president Christine Littlewood said:

“I have watched so many people come and go over the years all with the same love and enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby.

“The friendships, support, camaraderie and enjoyment never changes and continues with the present membership.”

HOPs president Christine Littlewood

Formed in 1924

The Harrogate Operatic Players was formed in March 1924 and its first performance was Trial By Jury at the Winter Gardens in May 1924. Since then, it has performed almost every year. Its shows have included The King and I in 1966, Oliver in 1974 and My Fair Lady in 1978 and 2019. 

Understandably, the only years missed were 1940-45 during the Second World War. However, they managed to hold restricted performances of ‘Musical Squares – A Covid Concert’ during the covid pandemic. 

The trustees choose shows which accommodate all ages into the cast. 

In recent years, they have made a push to raise the quality of their costumes, sound and marketing. 

For further information on HOPS visit here and for more information on the production visit here.

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Harrogate singer Sarah Collins: ‘What a fantastic surprise and a memory of a lifetime’

Harrogate singer Sarah Collins stole the show on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on Saturday night.

The Stray Ferret reported on Friday that Sarah would be appearing in front of millions of viewers on primetime BBC One.

But in a further twist, she got to perform with LeAnn Rimes at the end of her appearance as the show’s unexpected star.

Sarah’s husband nominated her for the regular unexpected star slot.

Led to believe she was on a trip to London, Sarah was stunned to discover she was actually on stage in front of an audience of 2,000 people at the Theatre Royal on London’s Drury Lane. 

She went on to perform How Do I Live at the end of the show and was surprised again when American singer LeAnn Rimes, who had a hit with the song, walked out on stage to join her.

Sarah posted on her Instagram page afterwards:

“Wow! What a fantastic surprise and a memory of a lifetime. Thank you @leanntimes.”

Speaking to The Stray Ferret before the show was broadcast, Sarah said:

“It was the most amazing experience ever, it was really emotional.

“It is a dream come true, like a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.”

The whirlwind continued today for the singer and mother-of-two when she appeared on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2.

Sarah has been singing most of her life from performing in musicals as a child and later joining a band as a teenager to then using music as a form of therapy. 

Shortly after having her daughter in 2012, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and a full recovery was not certain. 

During this time, her parents gifted her the vinyls she grew up listening to and she used music to help her recovery. She later set up a YouTube channel in 2014, which now has 45,000 subscribers. 

Sarah Collins

Sarah set up a Motown and soul band ‘Keep the Faith’ which performed worldwide until her mother became ill four years ago.

She has received support on social media from the likes of Paul Heaton, Billy Ocean and Candi Staton.

Her Big Show appearance is available on iPlayer and can be watched here.

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Woman’s decomposed body discovered at park home in Knaresborough

The partially decomposed body of a woman found at an over-50s retirement park in Knaresborough yesterday is believed to have laid undiscovered for about six weeks.

Neighbours at Nidderdale Lodge Park raised the alarm yesterday when they became suspicious about the length of time since they had seen the woman.

They alerted the emergency services after noting a smell when they lifted the letterbox to check on her welfare.

Bob Frendt, who lives at the 53-home retirement park for over-50s and used to chair the residents’ association, said:

“It’s really sad. It’s awful to think she died like this.

“People look out for each other here. The community spirit is very good but this woman kept herself to herself and nobody noticed she was missing until yesterday.”

Mr Frendt, who is well known for his aid trips to eastern Europe, said police checks indicated the woman’s phone had not been used since December 18, which was 41 days before her body was discovered.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today:

“Police were called by the ambulance service at 10.30am on Sunday, January 28 following the death of a woman in her 50s at Nidderdale Lodge in Knaresborough.

“Officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

“A file is being prepared for the coroner.”

Nidderdale Lodge Park was established in the 1960s as a caravan park and began providing park homes in the 1980s.

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Police seek man after woman ‘sexually touched’ in Harrogate bar

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak after it said a woman was “sexually touched” walking through a Harrogate bar.

In a statement today, North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at Banyan Bar & Kitchen on John Street.

It took place at about 8.30pm on Friday, December 15.

The police statement said:

“Officers would like to speak to the man in the image as they believe he will have information that could assist the investigation.

“Anyone who recognises the person in the image or can help to identify them is asked to email katie.jacobs@northyorkshire.police.uk

“Or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Katie Jacobs or collar number 1131.”

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

Quote reference number 12230237996.

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Yemi’s Food Stories: Goat goodness in Yorkshire

Goat meat isn’t as well known here in Yorkshire, but growing up in Nigeria it was a staple and the base for many dishes.

Celebrations called for goat meat over any other types of meats, and it is loved by most because of its unique and distinctive aroma and flavour profile, which is robust, savoury, and slightly gamey. It pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices and lends itself to different cooking techniques.

Goat meat is a blank canvas that offers many possibilities in the kitchen. From slow cooked goat meat stews and pulled goat meat with Mexican flavours, to goat meat curry and Suya spiced goat meat – the possibilities are endless!

The meat is a lean protein, low in saturated fat, packed full of vitamin B and selenium and utterly delicious. Tender and succulent when cooked right, goat meat boasts a remarkable textural profile. Whether pressure cooked for tenderness, slow cooked to perfection or grilled to a smoky char, it offers a delightful mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.

A popular way to cook it in Nigeria is called ‘asun’. The meat is seasoned and broiled in its own juices, then grilled to perfection with different local herbs, spices and peppers.

Yemi’s grilled goat meat, fried peppers and sweet potato.

Here is a recipe to try.

Herb-infused grilled goat skewers

Ingredients:

Instructions

Marinate the goat meat:

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, smoked salt, and pepper. Crush a sprig of rosemary and thyme between your palms and mix well with the marinade to infuse
  2. Add the cubed goat meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight

Skewer the goodness:

  1. Cut the peppers and onions to 1inch squares
  2. Remove meat from fridge and mix in the peppers and onions; allow to come to room temperature
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated goat meat, peppers and onions onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Grill to perfection:

  1. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Dip a sprig of Rosemary and thyme in seasoned oil and brush over the meat at intervals. Aim for a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

Serve and enjoy:

  1. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve these herb-infused grilled goat skewers with flat breads, roasted beets, leafy salad with pomegranate molasses dressing and fresh pomegranate seeds, couscous, a side of tzatziki or a refreshing mint yogurt sauce.

This recipe showcases the meat’s natural richness, enhanced by the herby marinade. The cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano add layers of flavour that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

It’s a versatile recipe that works as an appetiser, a centrepiece for a Mediterranean feast, or even tucked into warm flatbreads for a delightful sandwich.

A great spice mix for goat is Nigerian Suya or Yaji, which is a peanut based spice that you can buy pre-mixed. Simply add some oil and your marinade is ready.

Yemi’s goat meat in Suya spice and jollof rice.

Where to buy goat meat in the Harrogate district

In Yorkshire, you can get goat meat from the markets held in Ripley, several local farm shops, or online.

In Harrogate, Yorkshire Farmers Meat Co and Country Butchers on Leeds Road are both able to source it.

Fodder Harrogate sources its goat meat from Ben Ryder of Ripon and currently has some in stock.

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