A marathon spell of bell ringing will take place tomorrow to mark the 1,350th anniversary of the consecration of Ripon Cathedral.
The cathedral’s bell ringers will attempt a peal to mark the consecration by St Wilfrid in the year 672.
Peals are traditionally rung to mark significant events in the history of both the cathedral and the city.
Over 160 peals have been rung at the cathedral since the first in 1764.
A post on the cathedral’s Facebook page said:
“A peal requires at least 5,040 changes to be rung continuously and without repetition or mistake and will take up to three-and-a-half hours to complete, so it poses a significant mental and physical challenge to the bell ringers.
“The attempt will be made by members of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers under the leadership of Martin Davies, the cathedral ringing master, and will start at around 9.30am. We wish them luck!”
Read more:
- Revealed: the three Harrogate district sites that could become investment zones
- Bequest could bring new recreational facilities to Quarry Moor in Ripon
Revealed: the three Harrogate district sites that could become investment zones
North Yorkshire County Council revealed today it has selected three possible sites in the Harrogate district to become investment zones.
The sites are: junction 47 of the A1; Potter Space Ripon, a business park at Junction 50 of the A1 and Harrogate Convention Centre.
The government has said the zones, which will receive liberalised planning laws and tax incentives for businesses, will support business and economic growth.
But they have been criticised by conservation organisations because of the potential impact on wildlife.
Last month, North Yorkshire County Council was named as one of 38 local authorities in talks with the government over creating investment zones.
Today, the county council named the 12 commercial sites it had identified for possible zones in North Yorkshire.
Read more:
- Harrogate district planning rules could be ‘radically streamlined’
- Harrogate Convention Centre ‘could lose £250 million without investment’
Of the seven districts within the county, only Selby, where five sites have been identified, has more locations than the Harrogate district.
Carl Les, the Conservative leader of the county council, said:
“We are at a very early stage in the process, but this could be an exciting and welcome initiative that would enable us to work with the government to deliver benefits for the North Yorkshire economy.
“Following discussions with our district council colleagues, we are submitting an expression of interest. This identifies a number of sites across the county that we feel fit the criteria from government. We look forward to further negotiations with Government following our submission.”
Full list of sites in North Yorkshire
The sites identified in the expression of interest are:
- Hambleton: Dalton, at Junction 49 on the A1.
- Harrogate: Harrogate, at Junction 47 of the A1; Potter Space Ripon, at Junction 50 of the A1; Harrogate Convention Centre.
- Richmondshire: the area around A1 Junctions 52 and 53.
- Ryedale: Eden Camp East, Malton.
- Scarborough: Scarborough Business Park.
- Selby: Gascoigne Wood Rail Interchange, Olympia Park, and sites at Eggborough, Kellingley and Sherburn.
Cllr Les said:
“The sites we are putting forward for consideration are locations that have already been earmarked for commercial development to support business growth and job creation. The proposed benefits of investment zones could help to make these sites even more attractive to new businesses and accelerate development ambitions.
“We are fully aware of the need to minimise any environmental impacts, so all the sites we are putting forward have been selected in accordance with local planning and conservation policy. None are sensitive or protected sites.”
Proposed sites must meet the Government’s criteria to offer a significant economic opportunity, be ready to deliver quickly and align with the wider local strategy.
Once the government has received the expressions of interest from invited authorities, further criteria will influence site selection, including consideration of the overall geographic distribution of investment zones, the balance between residential and commercial, and urban and rural sites and the readiness to deliver.
Harrogate’s ‘little temple’ could be sold to make way for Station GatewayA ‘little temple’ in the centre of Harrogate is set to be removed as part of the £11.9m Station Gateway.
The tempietto, an Italian term for little temple, is close to the Victoria monument opposite the train station in the town centre.
The area is due to be redeveloped as part of the gateway scheme, which aims to improve the public realm and encourage cycling and walking.
Station Square, where the little temple is situated, would be cleared to make way for an open landscaped area with water jets that can host events. The Victoria monument would, however, remain.
North Yorkshire County Council, which is leading on the gateway scheme, said today it had submitted a planning application to remove the tempietto.
A council spokesman said:
“The proposal is to remove the tempietto permanently from Station Square under the redesigned public realm to facilitate an open vista suitable for performance and event space options.
“It would be recycled or sold as appropriate to enable re-siting in another location as opposed to being scrapped.”
The council also revealed it plans to consult on new traffic regulation orders, which would involve closing some roads to traffic, as part of the gateway scheme.
Read more:
- Transport chief denies inflation will lead to ‘cheap’ Harrogate Station Gateway
- Harrogate traffic to be counted for £11.2m Station Gateway
Richard Binks, head of major projects and infrastructure at the council, said:
“We have recently submitted two planning applications relating to individual scheme elements – removal of the tempietto and wall lowering in Bower Street – and will consult on the scheme’s traffic regulation orders shortly.
“After that, the executive will be asked to consider whether to submit a full business case to West Yorkshire Combined Authority and implement the project.”
Asked why the council had submitted these applications before the executive has made a final decision on whether to go ahead with the gateway, the council spokesman said:
“Statutory orders and applications are being processed now to capture an informed position, which is needed before submission of a full business case.
“That submission of a business case is subject to approval from the council’s executive.”
Latest gateway consultation response
Mr Binks also today revealed details of the third round of consultation on the gateway scheme. He said:
“In the third public consultation on the Harrogate Station Gateway Transforming Cities Fund project, held between 20 July and 23 August, we received 2,044 completed surveys. This is higher than the previous two consultations (which received 1,101 and 1,320 responses).
“Analysis of all the feedback, including approximately 5,000 text comments, plus letters and emails, is ongoing.”
A 2010 conservation area character appraisal published by Harrogate Borough Council describes the Station Square area as ‘bitty’, with “a thoroughly unscholarly tempietto”.
Questions are being raised over the future of a partnership which sees North Yorkshire and Cornwall’s fire control rooms share emergency calls at peak times.
At more than 300 miles apart, the fire services joined forces in 2016 with each call centre able to dispatch crews in the two counties.
It has been hailed as a move to make services more effective as the geographic distance means they are less likely to be affected by major incidents at the same time.
But the partnership is now being brought into question after plans were revealed to close Cornwall’s call centre and merge it with others elsewhere in England.
Cornwall Council, which administers the service, said all options are being considered for the control room and that a final decision would be made next year.
However, it would not comment on what a potential closure could mean for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
At a recent Cornwall Council meeting, the proposals were met with protests from dozens of firefighters after further criticism from the Fire Brigades Union, which said it is opposing the “ridiculous move” in the interests of public safety.
Read more:
- ‘Harrogate firefighters being used as guinea pigs’, says union
- Harrogate district businesses ask police for help tackling anti-social behaviour
The issue has also been raised by Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents Harrogate Fairfax on Harrogate Borough Council. He was contacted by a member of staff at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service who said the proposals have caused “huge upset and emotional strain”.
Councillor Aldred has since has called on North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to carry out a review into the “critical” service.
In a statement, Conservative commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said the agreement with Cornwall “remains in place with no change” and that she had been reassured that talks would be held about any potential change. She said:
Man on the run from police has Harrogate connections“My chief fire officer, Jonathan Dyson, has provided assurance of the current and future resilience of our control room in North Yorkshire.
“Jonathan is in regular contact with the chief fire officer of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the timescales for any decision and potential change to their control room allows North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to explore future resilience opportunities.
“As such, there is no current impact on our control room’s ability to handle 999 calls and to effectively mobilise our fire engines to emergencies.”
A wanted man who didn’t turn up in court to face attempted robbery charges has Harrogate connections, police said today.
Keith David Whitehead, 45, failed to appear at York Crown Court on Friday last week.
He was accused of attempting to rob a man in Scarborough in October last year. The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
He has also been recalled to prison for displaying poor behaviour, including harassment, which is in breach of his licence conditions.
North Yorkshire Police today appealed for help locating Whitehead.
A police statement today said:
“Police enquiries are ongoing in North Yorkshire where it is known Whitehead has connections in Scarborough and Harrogate.”
Whitehead is described as white, short grey hair, 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build.
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the force control room, quoting reference number 12220163507.
Read more:
- Arrests in Harrogate and Ripon as police target drug dealing
- Harrogate district businesses ask police for help tackling anti-social behaviour
Vic Reeves art exhibition at Harrogate gallery
An exhibition of original art by the comedian Vic Reeves is on display at Red House Originals Gallery in Harrogate.
The exhibition, called Yorkshire Rocks and Dinghy Fights, includes several paintings of Brimham Rocks.
Leeds-born Mr Reeves, a keen artist who exhibits under his real name Jim Moir, is a frequent visitor to the National Trust site near Pateley Bridge.
The exhibition, featuring work priced up to £12,500, also includes paintings that show his love of birds and shoes, as well as art highlighting his surreal sense of humour.
Mr Reeves attended the opening of the exhibition, which was extended by a week due to demand. Saturday will be the last day.
Dave McTague, who is responsible for marketing at the gallery, said:
“We’ve had a phenomenal response to it. We’ve had people travelling from all over the country.”
Red House Originals Gallery, on Cheltenham Mount, is owned by Richard McTague, nephew of Paul McTague, who owns the McTague of Harrogate gallery next door.
While McTague of Harrogate features traditional art, Red House focuses on pop art, modern art and contemporary work, often showcasing Yorkshire artists.
Read more:
- Ripon man’s art focuses on horror of Ukraine war
- New music festival celebrates remarkable composer buried in Hampsthwaite
Learning goes outdoors at Hookstone Chase Primary School
A new play area has opened at Hookstone Chase Primary School in Harrogate.
The new equipment is part of investment the school is making in facilities especially for reception age children.
The school is part of Northern Star Academies Trust, which runs four primary schools in Harrogate.
Constructed from natural timber to reflect the school’s commitment to the environment, the play area gives children a new learning space to get physical and creative – with a water stream, sand play and jungle planters.
A new shelter offers a place to act out plays, have outdoor lessons, or even an alfresco story time.
The play area is the first part of a development plan for the school being led by new headteacher, Joe Cooper, who joined the academy at the start of September.
Mr Cooper said:
“Learning should be engaging and fun – whether it’s inside the classroom or outside it.
“Our new play area for our youngest children is a safe place where they can let their imaginations run free. Whether children want to run and climb or play quietly with friends in specially created seating areas, there is something for everyone. Outdoor play is a great way for children to build social skills and friendships”.
Jenn Plews, chief executive of Northern Star Academies Trust, said:
“Learning outdoors is an important part of the curriculum in every Northern Star Academy. Getting outside has benefits for children’s wellbeing and health, as well as their learning”.
Read more:
- Ofsted finds ‘good’ village school near Knaresborough is ‘like a second home’
- Victorian primary school in Harrogate undergoes major revamp
Temporary bar to open at Harrogate Town in fortnight
A temporary bar is due to open at Harrogate Town‘s stadium in about two weeks.
Club chief executive Sarah Barry revealed the news at a fans’ forum last night — and added she hoped the Wetherby Road ground would have a second bar for home supporters by Christmas.
Not being able to get a drink on match days has been frustrating fans for some time.
Ms Barry told the forum she had been working on a solution since she arrived as chief executive just over a year ago, adding:
“We got planning permission on 6 September – that’s how long it has been. By the time we got planning permission unfortunately for us we can’t get the building slot we hoped.
“I’m absolutely delighted to say we have just had permission to put up a temporary bar which we hope will be put up as soon as possible. We will also be turning another part of the ground into a home supporters bar too.
“We will certainly have a temporary bar coming imminently and we will have a second bar, I’d like to say by Christmas, but don’t hold me to that as we still have to go through some hoops.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Aon renews Harrogate Town sponsorship
- ‘Nightmare’ and ‘flawed’: Harrogate’s Otley Road cycle path under further fire
About 100 fans attended last night’s event at the Cedar Court Hotel and although many questions focused on Town’s poor form there were no direct calls for manager Simon Weaver to go.
Irving Weaver said it was a “fair question” when someone asked about the direction of the club but added it was “a bit early” for a change.
Last night’s fan forum also revealed…
Simon Weaver has turned down two job offers at other clubs
Chairman Irving Weaver revealed his manager and son Simon Weaver had rejected two job offers from professional clubs. He said:
“I’ve never disclosed this and he doesn’t know I’m going to say this: Simon has had a couple of offers because of the success of the club.
“One was from a Championship club and six weeks ago a League Two club went direct to him without any protocol of going to the chairman.”
The Weavers are “scrappers” who plan to battle their way out of trouble
Simon Weaver has been under pressure lately following a poor run of form that has left Harrogate just above the relegation zone.
Irving Weaver said he and Simon had no plans to quit and would work together. Talking about their relationship, he said:
“I’ve always said it was a linkage that was strong and if it failed it failed together. We are scrappers. We are going to graft this.”
Luke Armstrong has the manager’s backing – but is not “undroppable”
Asked about the struggling striker, Simon Weaver said:
“Nobody is undroppable. I have a really good relationship with Luke. He’s my Harry Kane. He has droughts, takes a battering, but I know there’s goals in there and there’s a real player there. I’m backing him but don’t be kidded – no player signs a contract where they are guaranteed a spot but the lad needs backing.”
Attendances are “not as bad as reported”
Sarah Barry was asked at the forum why ticket prices had been ‘hiked up’. She replied:
“I’d challenge that by saying prices have not been hiked up — we’ve aligned them. We were way, way, way behind average and had a price freeze for three or four years.”
She said there had only been a few home matches so far this season and there were mitigating circumstances behind some low attendances. She said “overall it’s not as bad as reported”.
Irving Weaver gave a more despondent answer when asked what the season’s highlights had been for him so far.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update“There have not been too many highlights on the pitch. We’ve been down on crowds so that’s not an easy one to answer. It’s been a tough time all round. We need to be racking up the points.”
No new issues today on the main routes into Harrogate, such as Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road, but traffic on Wetherby Road has been particularly bad in recent days.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Temporary traffic lights are still in place on the A661 Harrogate Road near Spofforth. The lights are in place while Northern Gas Networks carries out maintenance work and are due to last until October 18.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Stop go boards are due to be in place on John Street today and on Harcourt Drive.
Roadworks on the Boroughbridge Road at Scriven are likely to cause delays for motorists travelling between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.
Looking ahead, roadworks are due to begin o Cold Bath Road on Monday. Work is also scheduled to begin on Monday to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, which suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020.
The scheme requires the road to be closed from October 17 to December 9. A diversion will be in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Also, lights will be installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley on Monday. The road suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020 an a weight limit has been in pace since.
Details of the scheme are here.
Trains and buses
Train operator Northern has issued this today:
“Due to significant IT issues this morning, Northern currently do not have access to update any customer information systems. This means that live departure board screens at Northern managed stations may not show the most recent updates and PA systems can not be used.”
The Harrogate Bus Company is not currently reporting any cancellations but you can get updates here.
Read more:
- Gasworks on Cold Bath Road rescheduled until Monday
- Harrogate district businesses ask police for help tackling anti-social behaviour
Boroughbridge postmaster recalls being saved after cardiac arrest
A passing motorist saved the life of Boroughbridge postmaster Nigel Hamilton-Evans when he collapsed by the roadside.
Mr Hamilton-Evans, 57, was walking along Aldborough Gate in Boroughbridge when he suddenly collapsed in cardiac arrest.
The passer-by pulled over, called 999 and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Mr Hamilton-Evans said:
“He did CPR and kept me alive until the ambulance arrived.
“If he hadn’t been passing at that exact moment, I wouldn’t be here today. I am so lucky that he knew what to do.
“A few people stopped to offer their help and, while doing CPR is hard work, he said the adrenaline had kicked in by that stage and he wanted to carry on; he said he was determined not to let me die.”
The ambulance crew arrived and continued with the life-saving efforts.
Mr Hamilton-Evans was eventually taken to Harrogate District Hospital before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where he had surgery to fit an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, a small device that sends electrical pulses to regulate abnormal heart rhythms.
Mr Hamilton-Evans, who is married to Karen with one son, Rhys, later travelled to meet the man who saved him to say thank-you in person. He said:
“It was a very emotional meeting; this guy had saved my life, what can you say? I asked what I could do for him and his family to say thank-you. He said, ‘nothing, just to see you smile is enough’. He was so humble.”
“Then he said, ‘the one thing you could do is raise awareness of the importance of people learning CPR and defibrillators’, so that’s what I’m doing.”
Since his near-death experience last year, Mr Hamilton-Evans has raised £1,600 towards funding a community public access defibrillator, which will be located in Boroughbridge. He also plans to organise CPR training in the town.
He will be sharing his experiences with students who are learning CPR to mark Restart a Heart Day at Boroughbridge High School on Friday this week.
Restart a Heart Day
Mr Hamilton-Evans is one of many cardiac arrest survivors and their life-savers supporting Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s attempts to provide CPR training to more than 40,000 people to mark Restart a Heart Day.
Ambulance staff and volunteers will visit 136 secondary schools to teach the life-saving skill to tens of thousands of students.
Professional football clubs in Yorkshire are also urging members of the public to get hands-on as ambulance staff and volunteers visit stadiums throughout October to teach CPR to football fans. They will be at Harrogate Town’s home match against Hartlepool on Saturday.
Read more:
- New heritage map reveals Boroughbridge’s rich history
- Ofsted finds ‘good’ village school near Knaresborough is ‘like a second home’
This year’s activity means that Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers will smash the milestone of more than 200,000 people being taught CPR since the Restart a Heart campaign was launched in 2014. During this time bystander CPR rates in Yorkshire have increased from 40% to 75%.
Jason Carlyon, community engagement officer with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said:
“Our message is simple – please be confident to intervene when someone has a cardiac arrest.
“Everyone in every community has a role to play in the chain of survival, whether it’s by calling 999, doing chest compressions, locating a defibrillator, retrieving it or by telling others what to do.
“We come across many patients who are alive today because someone started CPR when they collapsed – everyone deserves that chance.”
To mark this year’s Restart a Heart Day, Yorkshire Ambulance Service has launched two CPR training methods:
- A mobile CPR training kiosk – believed to be the first of its kind in the UK – which teaches CPR in just 90 seconds. Users watch a tutorial video and practise on a manikin which provides feedback about the effectiveness of the chest compressions.
- An immersive 360 CPR training video which can be viewed on a range of devices, including phones and virtual reality headsets, and sets out the scenario of a student coming across a stranger in cardiac arrest.