Rail workers and teachers will be on strike in the Harrogate district today as part of the latest wave of industrial action.

More than 400,000 workers in various sectors took part in strikes yesterday in the biggest day of industrial action since unrest began last year.

They included the first of two planned teachers’ strikes by members of the National Education Union. Picket lines are expected to form outside schools in the district again today.

Today also sees RMT members at 14 train operators, including Northern, stage the first of four planned 24-hour strikes. The next one is due on Saturday.

Northern, whose services include those passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough, will run an amended strike timetable on the affected days, with a 12-hour operation on selected routes from 7am to 7pm.

Northern’s guide to services in the days ahead.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, urged customers to check before they travel.

Ms Williams said:

“We’re expecting the skeleton services we can run to be very busy – so customers should plan ahead and check before they travel.

“Given the reduced timetable only runs until 7pm, I’m very keen to stress that people should check their ‘last train home’ on those dates – so that customers don’t find themselves stranded at the wrong end of the line as a result of this action by the RMT.”

Junior doctors staged a picket line on Wetherby Road near Harrogate District Hospital on Monday as part of a 72-hour strike that finished yesterday.

Read more:

• Junior doctors begin strike at Harrogate District Hospital
• Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate fish and chip shop Graveleys has re-opened its restaurant as its comeback gathers pace.

The local institution, which chat show host Michael Parkinson described as his favourite restaurant, appeared to have served its last customer when it closed in November 2019.

But last year’s demise of the ill-fated Catch Seafood venture that took its place paved the way for owner Simon Pilkington to bring Graveleys back to life.

The takeaway reopened last month and this week the restaurant followed suit.

It is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday, but will also open on selected Sundays — including Mother’s Day this weekend.

The restaurant on Cheltenham Parade has an alcohol licence and will focus on good value, no frills fish and chips.

Mr Pilkington said Mother’s Day and Easter were among Graveleys’ busiest times of the year and he was excited to see the business fully operational again.

Harrogate company buys land for student accommodation in York

A Harrogate property company has bought land in York to build new purpose built student accommodation.

Gregory Properties, which is based at Cardale Park, has purchased a strategic site on Foss Islands Road in the city.

A street view of the plan for the accommodation by Gregory Properties.

The land was previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and sits between both the University of York and York St John University.

The firm has drawn up plans to build a 138-room student accommodation with seven communal rooms, as well as car and cycle parking.

John McGhee, director and head of residential at Gregory Properties, said:

“Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use. This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know that York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK. Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both Universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

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Swimwear has been made compulsory for all sessions at Turkish Baths Harrogate following a complaint to the police.

Until this week, clothing was optional at two single sex sessions for men and women each week. It is compulsory at mixed sessions.

But a spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the Victorian venue, said:

“Following a complaint at Turkish Baths Harrogate, an operational decision has been made that swimwear is now compulsory at all bathing sessions.

“The complaint related to an incident which due to its serious nature has been reported to the police and is currently being investigated.

“We have a duty of care to our customers and staff members, and in order for all single sex sessions to operate in a safe environment, it has been decided that swimwear must be worn until further notice.”

The Moorish design

The council issued the statement after a bather, who regularly attends men-only sessions unclothed, alerted local media to the change.

The person, who asked to remain anonymous, said recent attendees of single sex sessions received emails yesterday informing them of the change with immediate effect, with no consultation.

He also pointed out the ‘bathing etiquette’ section on the Turkish baths’ website had been amended to say ‘swimwear is compulsory at all sessions (including single-sex sessions)’.

The person said the majority of people at male-only sessions preferred not to wear clothes because they found them uncomfortable.

He added he would monitor the situation in light of the complaint to see whether the unclothed option was reintroduced.

The baths, which has Islamic arches and screens as part of its Moorish design, opened in 1897 and have been fully restored with a plunge pool, steam room and sauna as well as rooms of various temperatures to relax in.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Turkish Baths celebrates 125th birthday
• Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future

Leon has confirmed its Harrogate restaurant will close in just over two weeks’ time — as speculation mounts over the site’s future.

The Stray Ferret revealed this week the Wetherby Road fast food venue would cease trading, with the loss of about 20 jobs, on April 2.

Staff were informed of the decision on Monday.

A Leon spokesperson said today:

“We’re confirming we have decided to close the doors of Leon Harrogate on Wetherby Road. Our last trading day will be April 2.

“Guests will still be able to get their Leon fix at the drive-thru in Gildersome, and at the Leon Leeds Station restaurant.”

Retailer EG Group operates sites with franchise partners including Starbucks, Greggs and KFC in the UK.

It considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Our Facebook post about Leon’s closure generated about 400 replies, with people eager to know what will follow.

Some local residents had objected to the site being used as a fast food restaurant because of its proximity to homes and the busy junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive.

Vehicles will stop using the site after April 2 — but it could only be a temporary pause until a new business moves in.

Read more:

• Harrogate fast food restaurant Leon to close
• Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under

Northern Powergrid has said it aims to restore electricity by 4pm today after a widespread power outage in the Harrogate district.

The company, which manages the electricity network, reported cuts in Harrogate and in many rural areas to the west in Nidderdale this morning. The number of homes affected in total is not known.

The Curious Cow of Harrogate pub, on the edge of Killinghall, posted on social media that it was unable to serve lunches today due to the situation.

Northern Powergrid’s live power cuts map indicated properties were affected in Harrogate and nearby villages, including Birstwith, Menwith Hill, Kettlesing and Darley.

The message accompanying notifications said:

“We’ve had to switch off the power for safety purposes whilst our engineers work on the cables and equipment that serves your area. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

#Powercut in #HG3 affecting 15 customers. #TeamPowergrid are working hard to restore power and estimate to have all customers restored by 4pm. Report your power cut online to be kept updated at https://t.co/q94zD0HFnk. pic.twitter.com/Yc8OhkJf3N

— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) March 15, 2023

Read more:

• Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under
• Laughing gas discovery fuels fears for young people in Harrogate district

A Nidderdale artist who uses art for therapy is donating fees from a workshop this weekend to the National Autistic Society.

James Owen Thomas, who has autism, is artist in residence at Fishpond Wood in Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge. His JOT Gallery was highly commended at this month’s Stray Ferret Business Awards.

He holds monthly workshops, the next one of which on Saturday will donate all £25 fees of those taking part to the society as part of World Autism Acceptance Week, which begins on March 27.

James uses recycled materials to highlight nature and the importance of protecting the environment.

He works with unwanted, discarded materials and turns them into something unique. He also uses art to make a difference to mental wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety.

James said:

“I am on the autistic spectrum myself and have always found art therapeutic.

“There will be a full spectrum of colourful materials at the workshop and we will be creating textured photo collages of trees and nature for you to take home.”

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A dog walker has expressed concern after discovering 10 canisters of laughing gas dumped by the side of the road.

John Chadwick stumbled across the canisters on the rural Gravelly Hill Lane in Huby.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the second most-used drug among UK 16- to 24-year-olds. It can induce euphoria and relaxation, as well as hallucinations.

The drug can lead to various health problems but is not currently illegal to possess. However, selling it to children is prohibited.

Mr Chadwick said this was the first time he’d seen the canisters and it “highlights what I believe is becoming an increasing health and behavioural issue predominately amongst younger people”.

He added:

“I’ve heard lots about it on phone-ins, I guess maybe I didn’t expect it in a rural environment. In that sense it was a bit of a shock – a bit like seeing a few old fridges dumped. A violation of our village.

“I am concerned that what could be seen as some harmless fun could escalate into something worse.

“Had somebody driven to this place to inhale the gas for fun and then driven off? In that case there is a danger to the perpetrator and others. Or was it just littering?”

The canisters were dumped by the side of a rural lane.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“There are significant dangers associated with using nitrous oxide. Inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness and ultimately suffocation as the body is essentially starved of oxygen.

“There is also evidence to show that people with heart conditions can be at risk of higher harm and that inhalation can lead to anaemia or long-term nerve damage.

“We would ask parents to be vigilant for the signs that their children may be purchasing the substance online.

“Anyone who is found guilty of supplying nitrous oxide could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.”

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• Children in North Yorkshire face two-year wait for mental disorder assessment
• County council plans programme to tackle children being ‘enticed’ to vape

Baroness Masham, who was a the longest-serving female member of the House of Lords ever, Paralympian medallist and disability rights campaigner, has died aged 87.

She died peacefully in hospital in Northallerton on Sunday.

Born Susan Sinclair on April 14, 1935, she became a wheelchair user after injuring her spinal cord in a riding accident in 1958.

In 1959 she married David Cunliffe-Lister, who became Earl of Swinton in 1972, to become Lady Masham.

She served as a cross-bench peer for 53 years after becoming Baroness Masham of Ilton in 1970.

Baroness Masham was the aunt of Mark Cunliffe-Lister, the 4th Earl of Swinton and husband of Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat to the Masham and Fountains division on North Yorkshire County Council this year in a by-election caused by the death of Conservative councillor Margaret Atkinson.

Baroness Masham won medals in swimming and table tennis at the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Paralympic games.

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In 1974 she founded the Spinal Injuries Association and remained its president until her death.

The association, which announced her death today, said it was “devastated to have lost our greatest champion”, adding she was “the reason we have been able to champion, fight, serve and support thousands of spinal cord injured people”.

Baroness Masham was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1976.

She belonged to various parliamentary committees and last spoke in the House of Lords on February 2 this year.

Guy Tweedy, a Harrogate thalidomide campaigner and trustee of Disability Action Yorkshire who met Baroness Masham many times, said:

“Baroness Masham was a formidable woman. She was a trailblazer for disability rights, along with Lord Morris of Manchester and Baron Ashley of Stoke.

“Without the work of those three we wouldn’t be where we are today with disability rights.”

Harrogate fast food venue Leon is to close — just nine months after opening.

The Mediterranean-inspired drive-thru and restaurant opened on Wetherby Road at the end of June.

There were concerns that having a drive-thru close to the junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive would cause traffic problems.

But they failed to materialise and staff were informed yesterday the site will close on April 2.

A source, who asked not to be named, said:

“It is purely down to low sales to my knowledge, it has never been as busy as you would expect a new restaurant to be.”

About 20 staff, most of whom are part-time, are affected by the news. The source added:

“There was some discussion about other job roles in the EG group, which owns Leon, but it wasn’t clear exactly what would happen.”

Leon’s closure will prompt speculation about the future of the site.

EG Group had considered opening a Starbucks on the site and may be tempted to revive those plans.

EG Group is the UK’s largest operator of KFC, Greggs and Starbucks franchises.

It has transformed the derelict former dentist site and installed electric vehicle charging points. There is a large car parking area.

The Stray Ferret has approached Leon for comment.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Leon drive-thru to open on Friday
• Arson at Harrogate’s Kimberley Hotel: police appeal for witnesses

The organisers of the Knaresborough tractor run have revealed that this year’s event has raised £23,340 so far.

It means Knaresborough Young Farmers, which started the event in memory of former member Mike Spink, have now raised £107,840 over the years for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Almost 400 tractors took part in the 25-mile route on Sunday, which started at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground.

The convoy passed through Ripley, Knaresborough, Staveley, Burton Leonard, Markington, Bishop Thornton and Glasshouses before stopping in Pateley Bridge for lunch.

It then continued to Bewerley, Dacre, Darley, Birstwith and Hampsthwaite before finishing in Knaresborough.

A statement on the event’s Facebook page said:

“Big thank you to all those who attended yesterday.

“Thank you to our sponsors, marshals and anyone who helped on the day, without you we couldn’t have reached this total.

It is still possible to donate here.

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