John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

Pat Marsh refuses to resign as councillor following antisemitism row

A defiant Pat Marsh has said she will not resign as a councillor following comments on X about Jews that have been widely condemned as antisemitic.

In a series of posts made over the past month related to the conflict in Gaza, Cllr Marsh described Jews as “vile”, “evil” and “a disgrace to the world”.

It led the Liberal Democrats to suspend her from the party yesterday but she denied the comments were antisemitic and said they were made to highlight her opposition to the ongoing war and the deaths of thousands of children.

Despite senior councillors on North Yorkshire Council calling on her to quit, Cllr Marsh told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this morning that she intends to sit as an independent for the remainder of her term of office, which is another three years.

She claimed she had received emails of support from residents urging her to carry on serving them in her Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division.

Cllr Marsh said:

“I do not intend to resign I will complete this term of office as an Independent. I am receiving quite a few emails of support from my residents asking me to remain as their independent councillor.

“I have worked for my residents and the wider community for 33 years and will continue to do so until my term of office ends.”

However, Cllr Marsh’s comments about Jewish people may find her in breach of the council’s code of conduct which all councillors sign up to.

This includes ensuring councillors do not discriminate against any person, treat others with respect and must not bring the council into disrepute.

The Local Government Association says a councillor can be removed from their role by the local authority should they be found to have committed a serious breach of the code.

Council leader Carl Les said a complaint has been made to the council’s monitoring officer which could lead to a referral to North Yorkshire Police.

Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough Andrew Jones raised Cllr Marsh’s comments in the House of Commons yesterday evening during a debate about antisemitism.

He said:

“The most senior Liberal Democrat councillor in Harrogate and Knaresborough has been exposed for tweeting horrendous antisemitic comments for the past five weeks.

“She had hundreds of followers, including many senior local Liberal Democrats; she tweeted over 500 times on the subject, and those tweets were read over 10,000 times, so it beggars belief that no Liberal Democrat knew what she was saying.

“They must have known, but in the five weeks she has been tweeting, they did nothing until it was exposed in the media today.”

A Liberal Democrats spokesperson said there was “literally no evidence” to back up Mr Jones’ “unsubstantiated” claims.

They added:

“Ms Marsh was removed from her role in the party long before Andrew Jones made a comment. Andrew Jones had never raised these appalling remarks with the Liberal Democrats, until this afternoon in a press comment. These antisemitic views have no place in our party or our country.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism said the party had acted in a “swift and decisive” manner following the Tweets.

Special guests revealed for Harrogate crime writing festival

The special guests for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate has been revealed today.

The event, which is the world’s largest celebration of crime fiction, will be held for the 21st time at the Old Swan from July 18 to 21. .

Curated by bestselling crime writer and 2024 festival programming chair Ruth Ware, the special guests include Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman.

Organised by the arts charity Harrogate International Festivals, the event offers fans from around the world the chance to hear from the biggest stars of the genre, discover new talent and enjoy a programme of panels, talks and creative workshops.

Ruth Ware said:

“I’m so proud of the incredible roster of special guests appearing at this year’s festival- together they showcase the strength, breadth and sheer excellence of the crime-writing landscape.

“Harrogate has always been a festival with readers at its very heart, and there really is something for everyone in this glorious celebration of our brilliant and bloody genre.”

Festival highlights

Vaseem Khan, award-winning author of the Baby Ganesh Agency series and the Malabar House novels and last year’s festival programming chair, will open the festival in conversation with Abir Mukherjee, author of the globally bestselling Wyndham & Banerjee series.

Ruth Ware will interview author and television presenter Richard Osman about his multi-million copy bestselling Thursday Murder Club series.

International bestseller Shari Lapena visits from Canada to talk about her latest thriller What Have You Done with Liz Nugent, winner of four Irish Book Awards and fellow Irish crime writer Jane Casey will be in conversation with Erin Kelly, whose new novel The Skeleton Key is published in April.

Big name thriller writers Chris Carter, the bestselling author of the Robert Hunter series, and Dorothy Koomson – the ‘Queen of the Big Reveal’ – unveil their latest novels and festival favourite Elly Griffiths will discuss her new standalone mystery The Last Word.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“Ruth has curated a thrilling programme with every crime fiction reader at its heart.”

Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“It continues to be a privilege to support the world’s best crime writing festival as we have over the last 21 years.”

The full programme will be announced in Spring 2024.

Pic credits: Gemma Day, Conor O’Leary and Sara Reeve

Reform UK backs Independent Keith Tordoff for mayor

The Reform UK parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough has backed Independent Keith Tordoff to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Tordoff, from Pateley Bridge, is the sole Independent candidate standing for election on May 2.

Reform UK is not fielding a candidate but Richard Brown, who will stand for the party in Harrogate and Knaresborough at the general election, has given his support to Mr Tordoff and suggested the alliance could extend beyond May. He said:

“My focus is on becoming the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, so working strategically with Keith would be beneficial, not just to both us, but the whole region”.

“Having spoken to Keith, I have got to know about him and what he believes in. Working with him now, and going forward would be very useful.

“I think people want to see the country come together. They also want parties to work together, where there is common thinking, to give focus on delivering for the people.”

Mr Tordoff said:

“While I am not affiliated to a political party as an independent, I do of course need to work with other parties going forward.

“It is certainly true that many are watching the development of Reform UK, some welcoming the possibility of change and others still unsure — Reform UK does though, have the potential to change UK politics fundamentally and in my opinion for the better.

“I share their views that there needs to be fundamental change to how politics operates in this country.”

In a statement today announcing the news, both men highlighted concerns about the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, which has recently been scaled back after North Yorkshire Council admitted its initial plans were legally flawed.

Mr Tordoff said it “has been fraught with problems from day one, and now we have a project that is proceeding with little focus over the benefits”.

He added:

“Fundamentally it’s an example of a mismanaged project, without a clear set of objectives, and it seems to divide the community, but North Yorkshire Council are pushing ahead regardless.”

Mr Brown described the gateway as a “fiasco”, adding:

“I think we need to develop a better understanding of how the Station Gateway project has gone wrong for Harrogate, and what that means for the project going forward.

“It will give important learning for similar projects that come under the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. We need to do much better than we have done, or are doing.”

Whoever is elected mayor will oversee a new combined authority, and a multi-million budget in areas such as housing, transport and the police and fire services.

Heritage groups back plans to convert Harrogate Debenhams

Harrogate Civic Society and Historic England have supported plans to convert the former Harrogate Debenhams building into shops and 34 flats.

Debenhams closed on Parliament Street in 2021 after the company went into administration.

Wetherby developer Stirling Prescient initially applied to demolish the building and build 50 flats but withdrew these plans in May 2022 after widespread opposition.

But Harrogate Civic Society and the non-departmental public body Historic England, who were among those objecting, have backed latest proposals submitted to North Yorkshire Council in November last year.

The new application is to convert the first floor into 34 flats and use the ground floor and basement as a ‘flexible commercial space’ or a ‘drinking establishment’.

It also proposes erecting a rooftop extension, the removal and replacement of canopies, shopfronts and the slate roof, and re-cladding the part of the building with a 1960s facade. The plans also include a secure cycle store and seven car parking spaces.

Stirling Prescient has said the development would “provide a high quality and vibrant new residential development” as well as “a new focal point along Parliament Street”.

The civic society submission to council as part of the consultation process says it is pleased demolition is no longer being proposed, adding:

“We are content with the currently proposed uses of the building and are keen to see it returned to beneficial use and retain its positive place in the conservation area

“Loss of the existing façade of the 1960s building next to the Westminster Arcade will not be mourned, likewise the ugly canopy that does the conservation area no favours.

“Overall, we are very pleased to see this proposal for re-use of the building and look forward to it making a positive contribution to the conservation area and the vitality of the town.”

The HArrogate branch of Debenhams, which has filed for administration

Debenhams on Parliament Street closed in January 2021.

Suzanne Lilley, inspector of historic buildings and areas at Historic England, said in its consultation submission the site at 22-30 Parliament Street “forms part of an iconic commercial street-scene”, adding:

“The proposals have benefited from pre-application engagement with Historic England and we now welcome the approach taken by the applicant.

“There is an exciting opportunity here for a positive restoration and conversion scheme which enables these buildings to be appreciated and enjoyed by the public.”

You can view details of the application on North Yorkshire Council’s planning portal here, entering the reference number ZC23/03273/FULMAJ.

Readers’ Letters: Hookstone Woods being turned into a ‘light-polluted disco’

Readers’ Letters is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

I have walked in Hookstone Woods with my beloved dogs for over 30 years. For several decades it has been a sea of tranquillity in south Harrogate and an opportunity to enjoy the local nature while taking in the fresh air.

Unfortunately, in the last few years the squash club seems to be on a mission to make it its own territory. Not content with the noise pollution caused by their padel court (which has turned the ponds into an area which can feel like I am at a local shooting range on some days) and light pollution from that court and their new floodlights for the outside gym area, in recent months they have regularly decided to turn the woods into a disco with thumping music that can be heard throughout the area while they run outdoor classes.

It is such a shame that the club is now choosing to put a handful of people exercising ahead of the Harrogate community and wildlife by acting in such an anti-social manner. One of the purposes of Yorkshire Agricultural Society is to protect the environment but in the last year they seemed to have dropped that aim whenever they or one of their tenants can make some extra money. This is very sad as the society has been a stalwart for Harrogate for many years.

I just hope someone can save this ancient woodland before its character is destroyed forever.

Tim Johnson, Harrogate

Ripon Cathedral urged to bring ‘sham of a proposal’ to halt

This letter was sent to a member of North Yorkshire Council after plans to develop an annexe near Ripon Cathedral were halted. We have covered the ongoing saga extensively.

We, the undersigned, must reiterate our strong objections to the current delay from the cathedral and ask that you intervene to end this sham of a ‘public consultation’, which consists of: no significant changes to the original submission; newly formatted leaflets with no new information; 70% of ‘drop ins’ during the working day and a lack of record keeping from cathedral staff of comments and suggestions by the public.

We feel that we must question the validity of this ‘pause’ when answers which are received on fundamentally important matters such as the ‘300 trees’ and where they are going to be planted are conflicting. For the majority of 2023, the cathedral claimed that this off-site area would be ‘at Studley’, this changed in 2024 to ‘near Studley’ and now the cathedral state ‘outside the city.’ This is a core pillar in the cathedral’s mitigation plans and there is no evidence of this- indeed the cathedral communications team told me today that the evidence of this planting would not be forthcoming and that:

‘Regarding the off-site land for planting trees: there is an agreement which is between the private landowner and the cathedral and is a private matter.’

This is in direct contradiction to the position from November 2023, when they stated that this evidence would go into the public domain ‘at the appropriate time’.

The cathedral states there is a ‘40 -year-management plan in place.’ For this to be valid, it needs to be covered by a Section 106 agreement, setting out specific locations and specific actions and also giving a cash value for the planting and the cost of the management plan. The cathedral has failed to do this.

As this ‘off-site planting’ is supposed to be compensation to the people of Ripon for the trees felled at Minster Gardens, it is not a private matter, but very much a matter of public interest. This is a material consideration to the proposal.

We urge you to use your powers to intervene and bring this sham of a proposal to a halt before further embarrassment is caused to the city of Ripon.

With best wishes,

Jenni Holman, Andrew Burns, Pat Waterfall, Kevin Hill, Brian McHugh, Valerie Sheldon, Helen M Smith — Ripon

Rewilding the Stray would ‘give back what we have stolen’ from nature

The next two letters follow a feature published by the Stray Ferret last weekend. It discussed rewilding the Stray, in Harrogate, and received a huge response.

Let’s encourage wildlife; we’ve destroyed so much of it.

We need to take accountability and give back what we’ve stolen. I would love to see birds, bees and wildflowers.

The Stray isn’t just for us, it’s for our grandchildren and their children. It would be lovely if we could leave a positive legacy.

Maggie Boyd, Harrogate

Time to listen to the King and David Attenborough

I read the article about the idea of introducing wilder areas to The Stray and have some sympathy for people like Judy d’Arcy Thompson and Pam Grant. Change is often difficult when you’ve had to fight to preserve the status quo (more or less) year after year and when so often, change seems just for the sake of it.

However, the suggestions for The Stray are not just for the sake of it and are not even wholesale. In this case it’s to provide actual benefits to the whole community (and not even just wildlife). For example, you don’t even need ponds (though they would be great); simply re-introducing boggy areas would not only provide homes for some beautiful plants but also insects and other invertebrates which would help provide food for other animals. But not only that: bogs help soak up excessive water in the environment but also store water in times of drought. And we know how floods and droughts are hitting the area.

When the King has said “the greatest challenge we face is to reform our relationship with nature, to put sustainability at the heart of our economy and to recognise that the conservation of nature is not a luxury but a necessity”, and David Attenborough, “surely it is our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on earth” then surely we need to listen and change what we’re doing?

It’s so many of us doing the same thing over and over again which has led us to where we are now but time is running out.

I would like to suggest it’s time to act differently – and that’s not only individuals but also politicians, organisations, town and building developers, businesses etc. We need development that is built and developed to actively help biodiversity and the environment – rather than to suppress it or pay lip service to it.

Friedy Luther, Spofforth

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

The pub entrepreneur putting Boroughbridge on the map

Standing in one of his Boroughbridge pubs after the first covid lockdown had been announced, Simon Wade had a fleeting moment of negativity.

He recalls thinking, ‘What’s going to happen now?’, before he rallied and told himself to change his mindset.

“I thought, let’s face the challenge and make the most of it, things will return to normal so let’s get future-proofing. Since then, we’ve taken calculated risks and made the opportunity happen. We’ve put some good investment in to make the pubs the best they can be.”

It wasn’t easy but he managed to retain the courage of his convictions. With three decades of experience in North Yorkshire restaurants, pubs and hotels, Simon had spotted Boroughbridge’s potential when he moved to Langthorpe with his family nine years ago. He said:

“One hundred per cent I had one eye on what was going on in the area when we moved here, and I took the decision to be ready for it.

“The town has got a strong community feel, a lovely atmosphere when you walk around, and an independent high street which is well supported. Any houses that are built are occupied straight away. People who have lived in the town all their lives can now stay here, while others are moving in from the larger towns and cities for a more rural feeling while still being really well connected.”

The interior of The Fox and Hounds in Boroughbridge.

He has been focused on breathing new life into the town’s pub scene since 2018. At that time he was running The Grantham Arms, a 13-bedroom hotel with dining room, bar and outdoor heated terraces, which he bought in 2022. He put substantial investment into refurbishing the pub and two further venues, The Fox & Hounds in Langthorpe, a quintessential village pub purchased in 2020, and the Tap on the Tutt in Boroughbridge, formerly the Three Horse Shoes, which he bought it in July last year.

The latter, a grade two listed building which Simon describes as a ‘sleeping giant’, has been given an extensive refurbishment. The interior has been completely overhauled to enhance the original ornate features, stained glass and wood panelling.

Name change

Although the name change provoked ‘quite a lot of public opinion’, Simon said the renovations had been well received, with the combination of traditional pub food, hand-pulled beers, TV screens showing sport, pool table, darts board and a separate quiet area proving popular. He said:

“It’s now standing room only on a weekend. The pub is an integral part of Boroughbridge’s history and it’s risen from the ashes. The original features give a real sense of its history and, with the colour scheme and lighting, it looks wonderful. We’ve got a great team of people and give a good, friendly Yorkshire welcome.”

Simon hopes that between the three pubs, there is variety and something for everyone. He has a fantastic, close-knit team of around 60 full and part-time staff who all, except one, live in the town. Simon’s partner, Susie Winder, who grew up in Boroughbridge, is behind the style, design and refurbishment of the pubs. Simon credits her vision and natural talent for creating venues that appeal to customers.

The traditional interior design of the Tapp on the Tutt in Boroughbridge, formerly the Three Horse Shoes

The traditional interior design of the Tap on the Tutt.

While the pubs were shut during covid, Simon and Susie developed the outdoor areas to create beer gardens and more space. They also made sure they stayed visible to customers, holding online pub quizzes and offering a food delivery service. The approach paid off and Simon said the pubs came out of the pandemic stronger than before. They now hold regular events such as a recent Burns Night and Valentine’s to keep customers excited and interested. He said:

“It feels like Boroughbridge is often overlooked while things are happening around it and I want to help put it on the map. Boroughbridge has grown dramatically over the past four years and we are at the heart of the community. We reinvest heavily in our pubs for the benefit of our customers.”

He now has plans for another substantial investment — a microbrewery. The Tap on the Tutt has a large selection of drafts ales and world beers and is Simon’s attempt to get Boroughbridge noticed for having a real ale house. He’s aiming for the Cask Marque accreditation and wants to produce beer in-house.

With other investments taking place in the town, most notably at The Crown Hotel, which was bought two years ago by the Coaching Inn Group, Simon said Boroughbridge offers so much for residents to enjoy – and for businesses looking for a new opportunity. He said:

“More and more people are moving to Boroughbridge and it’s got such an up-and-coming feel about it. For anybody interested in starting or bringing a business here, the time to do it is now – so come and find your own little niche.”

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Yemi’s Food Stories: Foods for better mental wellbeing

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchefcompetition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

While listening to a podcast recently, I learnt that there are some foods that have been proven to slow down brain diseases. This got me thinking about how food can extend beyond sustenance and significantly impact our overall wellbeing.

The connection between food and mood is a fascinating interplay that goes beyond momentary pleasures.

Certain nutrients play key roles in brain function, affecting neurotransmitters and mood-regulating chemicals. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish contribute to cognitive function and may help alleviate symptoms of depression. Antioxidants, prevalent in fruits and vegetables, combat oxidative stress linked to mental health issues.

Which foods can help me mentally?

Foods that benefit humans mentally, which are also easy to weave into your diet, include oily fish like salmon; blueberries, which have antioxidants and benefits; dark chocolate, which contains flavonoids that may enhance mood and reduce stress, and nuts, which are good sources of healthy fats, antioxidants and contribute to brain health.

Spices and herbs are often overlooked but they improve our gut and mind health. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential mood-lifting properties.

Bananas are high in tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, promoting a positive mood, while oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which has been linked to lower stress levels.

Eggs are a good source of choline, which supports neurotransmitter function and potentially influences mood.

Leafy greens (kale, Swiss chard) are high in vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including mental health.

Yemi’s breakfast eggs with spinach.

All these can be used to create delicious and eye-catching dishes. Here are some mood-boosting recipes for you to try.

Leafy green vegetables in a red sauce

Blend some red pointed or bell peppers with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and chilli to form a base for a red sauce cooked in oil; season with fresh herbs before adding leafy green vegetables. If using spinach, make sure the red sauce is thick as the liquid from the spinach will dilute it.

Serve this with pan fried salmon and a side of brown rice or other type of grain for dinner.

Top sautéed vegetables with an omelette or boiled eggs for a healthy breakfast.

Yemi’s leafy greens with red peppers.

Berries and pancake stack with granola

Add blueberries to your pancake batter.

Top with berry compote, fresh berries, a scoop of probiotic yoghurt and a sprinkle of granola.

To make a quick and healthy granola, add oats to a dry frying pan over low to medium heat and toast for a few minutes before adding nuts and seeds.

Add a drizzle of honey and take off the heat, mix to combine and cool down ready to serve.

Healthy sweet treats

For healthy snack and desserts, try incorporating dark chocolate with nuts and dried fruit for natural sweetness.

Use probiotic yoghurt to bind toasted oats, seeds and nuts, set into shapes and coat with melted dark chocolate for a healthy snack.

Recent studies into the gut-brain connection encourages us to include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Beyond specific foods, how we eat matters. Adopting mindful eating practices, such as savouring each bite, can enhance the overall dining experience. This mindfulness fosters a positive relationship with food, reduces stress and promotes emotional wellbeing.

Remember, the food we consume has a profound impact on our mental state. By choosing nutrient-dense, mood-boosting foods and incorporating them into well-balanced meals, we can nourish not only our bodies but also our minds.

Council suggests cap on number of refugees in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council has said it would be “unsustainable” to welcome more than 55 refugees a year into the county due to pressures on housing and local services.

The council has responded to a government consultation on its plans to determine an annual cap on the number of refugees that can resettle in the UK each year.

These would be arrivals through so-called safe and legal routes and does not include Ukrainian refugees or Afghan citizens who worked with the UK government during the Afghanistan conflict.

The government says the cap will mean refugees can be “properly supported and integrated” into communities.

It forms part of the Illegal Migration Act, which also includes the government’s controversial plan to send illegal migrants to Rwanda.

According to a document that will be discussed by the North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-run executive on Tuesday, the council said the large number of arrivals from Ukraine and to a lesser extent Afghanistan has limited its ability to host more refugees.

The council said:

“We concluded that resettling more than 55 people a year under safe and legal routes would not be sustainable due in large part to the number of recent arrivals (Homes for Ukraine and Afghan ARAP), the lack of affordable housing available especially for larger families, and other competing service pressures and demands.”

Since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme in 2022, there have been 1,452 arrivals to North Yorkshire. Of these, 1,008 have moved on from their initial sponsor’s home with 569 going into private or social housing and 231 returning to Ukraine.

A total of 603 Ukrainian children have been integrated into the county’s schools or colleges.

In the third quarter of 2023, builders completed 152 affordable homes in Harrogate with 10 of these providing council houses to refugees from both Ukraine and Afghanistan.

Speaking in October when the cap was announced, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said:

“The unacceptable number of people making illegal, dangerous and wholly unnecessary small boat crossings is placing an immense strain on housing and services across the UK.

“As part of the Illegal Migration Act to stop the boats, we will bring in a cap on our safe and legal routes informed by the capacity of local authorities. This will ensure that we do not take more refugees than our public services and communities can cope with and that the refugees we do decide to take can be properly supported and integrated.”

Harrogate Spring Water campaigners step-up plans to save trees

Campaigners are to distribute tens of thousands of leaflets in Harrogate to rally support to oppose Harrogate Spring Water‘s expansion plans.

About 30 people attended a Save Rotary Wood group meeting last night to consider ways to prevent the company, which is part of French-owned Danone, being allowed to fell 450 trees the Pinewoods. The Stray Ferret also attended as part of our ongoing coverage of this issue. You can read a recent summary here.

Danone has submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to expand its bottling plant into a section of the Pinewoods known as Rotary Wood, where schoolchildren planted trees in the 1990s to combat climate change.

Sarah Gibbs, who has led the campaign, voiced concerns that if this application is approved, further expansion could follow.

She quoted from Danone’s design and access statement, which talks about the company’s growth and need to expand. The document, which is among more than 100 available to view on the council’s planning portal, adds ‘this growth is expected to continue and as such an additional building(s) will be required to satisfy demand’.

Ms Gibbs said the suggestion of more than one new building was “extremely worrying” and indicated “this is not the end”.

A previous banner campaign.

Danone has agreed to plant 1,500 saplings to create a new community woodland in land bought off a local landowner but several people at the meeting expressed fears that once it owned the land, it could be used for future expansion.

Ms Gibbs said:

“The land would be privately owned by Danone so in no way would it compensate for the loss of our community woodland.”

Harrogate Spring Water already has outline planning permission for the site, which means the principle of development has been established.

It has now submitted what is known as a reserved matters application, which seeks approval for details such as design and appearance.

The meeting heard various people give impassioned pleas about the impact of a bigger plastic bottling plant on the environment and how Harrogate should resist it. There were even calls for a legal challenge.

Harrogate Spring Water’s headquarters.

But Arnold Warneken, a Green Party councillor who represents Ouseburn, warned campaigners not to get carried away with their emotions and to focus on legitimate planning reasons for opposing the scheme — and to take inspiration from what happened three years ago when councillors rejected the scheme despite being urged to approve it by a council officer.

He suggested the group may wish to push for the application to be deferred and referred to North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee, which was created to assess major planning applications.

Campaigners agreed to distribute 10,000 leaflets — with tens of thousands more expected to be printed shortly.

You can view planning documents and comment on the application by visiting the council’s planning portal here and typing in reference number 20/01539/REMMAJ where it says ‘enter a keyword’.

Ripon and Pateley Lib Dems urge Tory council to press Chancellor to maintain taxes

Liberal Democrats in Ripon and Pateley Bridge are calling for Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council to write to the government calling for next month’s Budget to feature significant extra funding for council services.

Cllr Andrew Murday, who represents Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale and Cllr Barbara Brodigan, who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, have tabled a notice of motion to the full meeting of North Yorkshire Council on Wednesday.

The motion calls for England’s largest council by area to press Chancellor Jeremy Hunt not to reduce council spending to fund tax cuts.

The proposal is set to be considered as the authority debates its spending plan for the coming year, which includes using its dwindling reserves to cover a £41.6m deficit, despite having made numerous efficiency savings from becoming a unitary authority.

Cllr Murday said the council was having to make unacceptable cuts to services just to avoid what would become a catastrophic financial deficit.

He highlighted proposals for budget savings this year including reductions in home-to-school transport provision and support to local communities.

Cllr Murday said:

“Clearly local government is not getting sufficient funding for the services it should provide or has to provide. You don’t have to drive very far around North Yorkshire to discover the roads are in an absolutely chaotic mess. The services the council provides have been decimated.

“Somebody has just written to me about visitors slipping over on a path because leaves haven’t been cleared. The general standard of care is just appalling. I find it embarrassing to go to parish councils every week to be told how awful the services are.

“That’s not the fault of any of the officers or councillors. I am almost ashamed of the services the council provides and we have to be clear the services are so poor because there simply isn’t the money to provide them. There isn’t a single service working properly.”

To help maintain services, the meeting will see the council’s 90 elected councillors consider levying an average increase of almost £90 in annual council tax payments from April.

The council’s leadership has maintained that the financial pressures coming from increasing costs for social care and special educational needs and disability services are unsustainable without more funding and that the long-awaited review of funding for local government is needed urgently.

The council’s Tory leaders have repeatedly stated they have lobbied the government for extra funding to provide services across the large area for several years, and have worked with national local government bodies to highlight the pressures certain services are facing.

Cllr Gareth Dadd, the authority’s deputy leader and finance boss, who declined to comment on the notice of motion ahead of the meeting, has previously emphasised the council is focusing its available funding on preserving services for the most vulnerable residents.

Leader of the council’s Labour group, Cllr Steve Shaw-Wright said:

“I do think North Yorkshire has more things to concentrate on – it’s a bit of a futile gesture and yahoo politics.”

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