John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

Council explores move to protect Harrogate Convention Centre with limited company status

Harrogate Convention Centre could come under the control of a limited company as part of a potential bid by the borough council to protect its most prized asset.

With the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council fast approaching, the convention centre is set to be handed over to the new North Yorkshire Council next April as the venue also pushes ahead with plans for a £49 million redevelopment in the face of growing competition.

But borough council bosses have this week revealed they are working with consultants on new models for how the venue could be run.

This includes the possibility of creating a limited company which would be run by a board of directors, including senior staff and councillors, although it would still be owned and funded by the new North Yorkshire Council.

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, told a meeting on Monday that events venues in Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow operate in this way and that this “would be my recommendation”.

Wallace Sampson, chief executive of the borough council, also said the convention centre could follow the “success” of the district’s leisure centres which were brought under the control of the council’s new leisure company Brimhams Active last year. He said:

“Clearly our view is that Brimhams has been a success in terms of creating a local authority controlled company – it has got a very clear focus and strategic vision.

“There is now a model in place which gives it a degree of freedom to operate, notwithstanding the fact that there is a board with representation from the borough council.”

Mr Sampson also stressed that the council was looking into a variety of different business models for the convention centre and that this work with consultants KPMG “hasn’t concluded yet”.

As well as Brimhams Active, the council’s tourism company Destination Harrogate is also set to be handed over to the new North Yorkshire Council.

But what will happen to the companies after this major change for local government in seven months’ time remains unclear as council staff continue to plan how all services across North Yorkshire should be run in the future.

Councillor Pat Marsh, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, said she was worried that decisions about the convention centre “won’t be in our hands” without a limited company and that she had seen the benefits that such a move could bring as a board member on Brimhams Active. She said:

“We need to have that business as most councillors think the convention centre underpins the economy of this town.

“Without it, I wouldn’t like to think how Harrogate would be.”

The proposed £49 million redevelopment of the convention centre recently moved to the next design stage – although a final decision on the major plans is still just under a year away.

It will be in July or August next year when that decision is made and because of local government reorganisation, it will be taken by the new North Yorkshire Council.

The proposals come after warnings that the venue “may fail to survive” and suffer losses of up to £250 million over the next 40 years unless the redevelopment is carried out.

Harrogate district remains the county’s cannabis farm hotspot

The Harrogate district is still the place in North Yorkshire with the highest number of cannabis farms, data from North Yorkshire Police has revealed.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed that between 2016 and 2021, nine major farms with more than 25 plants were discovered in the Harrogate district.

That was almost double the amount found in the Selby district, which was the next highest with five.

This marked a continuation of a trend highlighted two years when an FOI request from the Stray Ferret found that the Harrogate district also had the highest number of cannabis farms then.

Between 2017 and 2020, officers made 22 arrests of people involved with cannabis farms in North Yorkshire.

Countywide issue

In total over the five-year period between 2016 and 2021, Police recorded 25 crimes relating to cannabis farms across North Yorkshire.

Only two crimes were recorded in 2016/17 and there were three each in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

However, there were nine in 2017/18 and eight in 2020/21.

On average, 323 plants were seized from farms. The largest number recorded was 2,797.

Since the available data ended in 2021, North Yorkshire Police has continued to deal with the issue of large-scale cannabis production in the Harrogate area.

Earlier this year, seven people were jailed for a combined 22 years after Police discovered £450,000-worth of cannabis spread across farms at three properties.

In February, two men were stopped on the A1(M) with 14 kilos of cannabis in their car. They were jailed for two years.

North Yorkshire Police was approached for comment about the latest statistics and why the Harrogate district is so popular with cannabis growers but did not respond.

Knaresborough café holds first dog tea party

A Knaresborough café has played host to its first dog tea party, with both canines and owners getting sweet treats.

Scarlett’s tea room welcomed 25 white and fluffy Coton de Tulears.

The dogs went for a walk around the town with their owners before heading to the tea room to enjoy cake for humans and treats and chews for the dogs.

Sarah Williams, who runs Scarlett’s, called the event “hugely fun.”

Coton dogs at the tea party Scarlett's tea room in Knaresborough

The dogs getting treats at the tearoom (photo: Sarah Williams)

The dogs with their owners (photo: Sarah Williams)

The Coton de Tulear is a small dog which originates from Madagascar.

They are known to be affectionate and playful, and are closely related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese breeds.

The dog owners who came to Knaresborough on Sunday are members of a Facebook group that occasionally meets up to walk their dogs together.

Ms Williams heard about the group through Hayley Goddard, who also works at the café, and said “why don’t you come to Knaresborough.”

Coton dogs outside Scarlett's tea room in Knaresborough

25 dogs were at the event with their owners (photos: Sarah Williams)

According to Ms Williams, Scarlett’s team room has long proved popular with dogs. She said:

“We’ve got so many dogs that come into the tearoom. Some of them have to coax their owners in… And the dogs know that they can come get a treat. So as soon as they’re [nearby], they’re in here dragging their owners.”

Thankfully, she added, all the dogs were well behaved.

The dogs first went for a walk around Knaresborough (photo: Sarah Williams)

Test Match Special coming to Harrogate for Ashes

The Test Match Special show is coming to Harrogate next year just weeks before the Ashes.

Harrogate’s Royal Hall is one of 17 venues in the country selected for the cricket-themed show.

It will see Voice of Cricket Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew joined by Aussie bowling legend Glenn McGrath and other special guests to relive Ashes anecdotes and discuss the forthcoming series.

The Harrogate event will take place on April 22, about two months before the 73rd Ashes series gets underway.

Since its inception in 1957, TMS has followed thousands of matches through iconic voices that include John Arlott, Brian Johnston, Aggers and Sir Geoffrey Boycott.

TMS’ debut live theatre tour took place this year. Guests included the likes of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Steven Finn, Ebony Rainford-Brent and TMS super-fan Stephen Fry.

Agnew said:

“We had such a fantastic time on our debut tour that the TMS team has decided to do it all again – and this time with an Ashes twist!

“The shows will be the perfect appetiser ahead of a fascinating Ashes summer.”

McGrath said:

“Next summer is shaping up to be another intriguing series and I am really looking forward to touring the UK with Aggers to talk all things Ashes, share some of my experiences and look ahead to the summer’s Test action.”

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday September 9 here.

Police use drone in search for missing Harrogate woman Judith

Police used a drone today in the search for missing Harrogate woman Judith Holliday.

The drone was flown in large open areas around North Rigton and Lindley Wood Reservoir as the search entered its 10th day.

Judith, 73, left her care home on Harcourt Road in Harrogate at 10.32am on Saturday, August 27. She was then captured on CCTV at Harrogate bus station and later in Library Gardens at 10.43am.

It’s believed she then caught a bus out of Harrogate and then flagged down a member of the public and asked for a lift to North Rigton, where the last confirmed sighting took place.

North Yorkshire Police is now asking anyone who was in North Rigton between 1.30pm and 3pm on August 27 to check any dashcam or camera footage to see if it captured Judith.

Police searching for Judith Holliday at Almscliffe Crag.

She was last seen wearing a distinctive blue jacket and is described as being of thin build, approximately 5ft in height, and having medium length grey hair.

North Yorkshire Police critical incident inspector Phoebe Southall said:

“Please continue to support our search by checking dashcam and video footage and remaining vigilant.

“Please also check any outbuildings or sheltered areas.

“Any immediate sightings of Judith should be reported to 999.

“If you have any dashcam or video footage of Judith or information that could assist the investigation then please call us on 101. “

Quote reference number 12220153505 when providing information.

Lucinda Edwards, Judith’s niece, thanked people for their support:

“We’re so grateful for the level of support our community has shown in our mission to locate Judith.

“Judith and anyone living with an illness like hers deserves to have this level of support and awareness to keep them safe.”

Judith has dementia and requires medication, however she often presents fit and well.

New Harrogate district town could have up to 4,000 homes

The planned new town for the Harrogate district could have up to 4,000 homes — 1,000 more than previously indicated.

The town, called Maltkiln, will be based around Cattal train station and is likely to have a higher population than that of Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge combined. But its precise size has yet to be determined.

The Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place, said the new settlement would provide ‘at least 3,000 homes’.

Most coverage since has referred to the 3,000 figure but a new press release by property developer Caddick Group, announcing plans to consult with residents, says the site could have ‘up to 4,000 homes’.

Cattal station

Asked to clarify the number, Caddick said in a statement to the Stray Ferret that its outline application in 2019 also referred to ‘up to 4,000 homes’, adding:

“There are advantages of a larger settlement in terms of its ability to deliver and sustain a range of new infrastructure such as schools, shops and healthcare facilities.

“Our proposals would deliver new homes at a similar rate to that envisaged in the Local Plan but over a longer period of around 25 years.”

Caddick is consulting with residents and stakeholders before submitting updated proposals for Maltkiln to Harrogate Borough Council, which will determine the number of homes permitted.

The developer is holding a public exhibition at Green Hammerton village hall on Monday next week. It is also mailing leaflets to more than 1,000 properties in the area and has created an online portal for consultation responses.

Besides the new homes, Caddick’s plans include a local centre with retail, community and health facilities, two primary schools and employment space, centred on Cattal station.

It said:

“Maltkiln will offer a wide range of housing types for sale and rent, including family homes, starter homes, affordable homes, and homes for older people.

“This wide mix of residents means that the new homes would have differing occupancy levels, but based on a completed settlement of up to 4,000 homes we estimate there could be between 8,000 and 10,000 residents.

“This would help to address the acute shortage of housing of all types within the area and it is important to note that if outline approval is given, it will still be several years before development can begin and the population will then grow gradually in phases.”

Land in Cattal earmarked for development

It said its plans would provide “safe and convenient walking and cycling routes”, which will reduce the reliance on cars and “financial support for new and extended bus routes”.

Caddick added:

“The proposals include new bridges over the railway line and the removal of level-crossings, which will also allow for operational improvements on the Leeds-Harrogate-York railway line.

“Improvements are also earmarked for the A59, replacing dangerous junctions.”

Chris Procter, from Caddick, said:

“We’ve carefully considered the feedback provided to date and arrived at proposals we believe will address an acute need for housing in this part of North Yorkshire, whilst incorporating a raft of community, transportation, and environmental innovations which we believe will make Maltkiln a great place to live and work.

“We have worked with residents and stakeholders from across the region for a number of years and are very encouraged by the way the Maltkiln development has taken shape to date.

“Being a company with its roots in the immediate area, we are truly committed to bringing an exceptional scheme to life and this latest round of community consultation holds the key for helping us do just that.”

Preparation for Maltkiln began in 2018, when Gillespies, supported by Cushman & Wakefield and Vectos, was commissioned by Harrogate Borough Council to develop a concept framework for the delivery of a new settlement within the broad location.

Harrogate Neighbours warns of care home closures

The chief executive of a Harrogate care charity has warned the energy crisis could force some care homes to close without urgent government action.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said spiralling bills were already being felt by care providers, with the charity’s own gas costs more than doubling over the last 12 months to over £90,000.

She added the looming winter and further price rises was a “huge concern” for the care sector, which looks after the most vulnerable in society. Ms Cawthray said:

“Those working in social care are responsible for people’s lives and we have got to make sure that not only are our residents warm, but also that food costs are addressed.

“I have a colleague who is a small care provider and very concerned about how he is actually going to pay the wages, nevermind keep people warm.”

New prime minister Liz Truss has pledged to “act immediately” on the energy crisis – with a price freeze funded by government-backed loans to energy companies widely expected.

But with the full details of the plans yet to be announced, Ms Cawthray said the charity was already looking at different ways to reduce its energy costs, including the use of heating monitors in residential rooms and solar panels.

She added that any government plans must include care homes and charities like Harrogate Neighbours, which provides residential care and a hot meal delivery service. She said:

“The government needs to be helping out everybody – it worries me just how people are going to cope.

“We use a huge amount of energy, not just in our residential areas but also in our kitchens and for our meals on wheels service so we have really got to think about our costs.

“This is a huge concern for us as we are a not-for-profit organisation

“At The Cuttings, our residents are responsible for their own bills so we have got to ensure they are not going to be turning down their heating to save money.

“We are going to have to be creative and innovative, as we always are.”

Get your antiques valued by TV expert Paul Martin at Newby Hall

People can get their antiques valued for free in the Harrogate district this week by TV expert Paul Martin and his team.

Mr Martin, who has presented programmes including Flog It! and Trust Me, I’m a Dealer is filming a new Channel 5 series called The Great Auction Showdown.

The series will see Mr Martin go head-to-head with a rival expert as they compete to make the most at auction.

Filming will take place at Newby Hall, which is between Ripon and Boroughbridge, on Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm this week.

People are invited to take their antiques for valuation or just turn up and watch.

Executive producer Rosy Marshall McCrae said:

“This series will be so much fun and we really want to speak to members of the public in Ripon who maybe have a beloved or curious object they want to know the value of, or fancy making some cash at auction.

“We’d love to see unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces and can’t wait to see what precious antiques the area holds with its rich history.”

Mr Martin said:

“I can’t wait to get on the road, meet local people and see what incredible items I’m sure we’ll find.

“This series is a competition – and one that I definitely want to win each week! – so if you have something quirky, historical or exciting at home that you think could just be worth something, come on down!”

For more information email TheGreatAuctionShowdown@stv.tv or call or text the production team on 07717 694989.

North Yorkshire Police pledges ‘swift and decisive’ action after officer assault

North Yorkshire Police has pledged to take “swift and decisive action” against anyone who assaults an officer after shocking pictures emerged.

A police officer suffered head injuries when he was called to reports of a disturbance in York on Sunday night.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and possessing a Class B drug.

Police said in a statement that a full investigation is underway, and the teenager remained in custody.

Chris Brumfitt, Chief Inspector of York and Selby, said:

“An attack on a police officer or an emergency worker is an attack on our family, and we take this extremely seriously.

“Officers and emergency service workers are trying to protect the public and do not come to work to be assaulted.

“Anyone who assaults an officer in York or North Yorkshire should expect swift and decisive action.”

Search for missing Harrogate woman focuses on North Rigton

The search for missing Harrogate woman Judith Holliday is once again focusing on North Rigton after a possible sighting on a bus to Ripon was ruled out.

Judith, 73, was last seen on Saturday, August 27, when she left her care home in Harrogate and walked to the bus station and Library Gardens.

A further sighting the same day in North Rigton has been confirmed by North Yorkshire Police.

Another sighting was reported on September 1 by a passenger on a bus to Ripon but this was ruled out today.

Judith Holliday

Judith’s family had been anxiously awaiting CCTV footage from the Harrogate Bus Company to confirm whether or not it was her.

Lucinda Edwards, Judith’s niece, appealed to the company on social media over the weekend to speed up the process of checking the CCTV images.

Lucinda told the Stray Ferret it was frustrating to have to wait until after the weekend for the footage to be assessed.

Ms Edwards, a charity fundraiser from Harrogate, said:

“There’s a vulnerable woman out there. I just feel let down that it’s taken days and days to check the footage.

“We are not looking for a stuffed bunny that’s been lost on a bus, we are looking for a 73-year-old lady and it’s not good enough.”

A spokesman for the Harrogate Bus Company said:

“We are co-operating fully with the police investigation, as we have done throughout, including provision of CCTV footage.”

Pub sighting

Lucinda, who has been back in North Rigton today searching, said Judith was spotted at the Square and Compass pub in the village early in the afternoon on the day of her disappearance.

She appealed to anyone who may have seen her, or who may have offered her a lift, to come forward.

Relatives spent the weekend giving out flyers in Otley, Ilkley, North Rigton and Wetherby.

In addition, hundreds of posters have gone up across the Harrogate district appealing for information.

Posters have gone up across the district.

Judith is described as being of thin build, approximately 5ft in height with medium length grey hair.

She has a condition which presents like vascular dementia, meaning she can get a bit confused, but often comes across as being as sharp as a tack.

Lucinda said:

“The kindness of people helping us to find her has been astonishing.”

North Yorkshire Police said anyone with any information that could assist with the search should call 101 and quote reference number 12220153505.

Any immediate sightings should be reported via 999.

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Pub sighting