John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

Unison raises dispute with Harrogate council after five staff told they won’t transfer to new council

A trade union has opened a dispute with Harrogate Borough Council after five staff at the local authority were told they will not transfer to the new North Yorkshire Council after all.

Harrogate Borough Council will be abolished on April 1 and it was thought all staff except chief executive Wallace Sampson would transfer to the successor authority under TUPE terms.

But Unison said it was “dismayed” to discover five audit services staff had recently discovered they would transfer to Veritau, a shared service group owned by local authorities in Yorkshire and north-east England.

Unison Harrogate branch secretary Dave Houlgate said the staff would switch to Veritau on “detrimental” terms to those who will transfer to North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Houlgate said:

“Staff and Unison have engaged with the TUPE process for well over a year now and our expectation and the expectation of all staff is that they will transfer to the new North Yorkshire Council on April 1 on their existing terms and conditions but with the opportunity to move on to new terms and conditions at the new council, which Unison has negotiated.

“It would seem, however, that the current county council has decided at this very late stage it does not want Harrogate Borough Council staff who work in the area associated with audit services to transfer to the new council but instead has decided that they should transfer to a separate company, Veritau. Unison opposes this move.”

Our #Harrogate branch has lodged a formal dispute with Harrogate Borough Council after it emerges not all staff will be offered the opportunity to transfer to the new #NorthYorkshire council when the councils come together on 1 April#LocalGov @unisonyh https://t.co/gQt7z5SHxJ

— North Yorkshire UNISON (@NYUnison) January 16, 2023

Mr Houlgate said the option of staff not being offered the chance to TUPE to North Yorkshire Council “has never been on the agenda, even though we had raised it as a concern early in the process” and the union was “dismayed by this development”.

He said although North Yorkshire County Council and Veritau wanted staff to transfer directly to Veritau, it was ultimately Harrogate Borough Council’s decision.

“We object in the strongest terms to this late change of plan which shows total disregard for the staff involved, denies them the opportunity to move on to new terms and conditions negotiated and agreed by Unison and ignores established procedures and protocols that are in place.

“Staff in audit services at Harrogate should, as they expect to do, transfer to the new authority and then if there is a need to review how audit services are delivered for the new council then the proper processes should be followed after the transfer.

“Our expectation was that Harrogate Borough Council would stand by its staff and should resist this late change rather than give it the ‘green light’. Our dispute is intended to ensure this happens.”

The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate Borough Council for comment.

Harrogate district MP received free FIFA World Cup tickets from Qatar government

An MP whose constituency includes parts of the Harrogate district received free tickets and hospitality to the FIFA World Cup from the Qatar government.

The latest MPs’ register of financial interests reveals Conservative Nigel Adams received match tickets, flights and accommodation for the World Cup valued at £2,880.

Mr Adams, whose Selby and Ainsty constituency includes southern parts of the district including Spofforth and Follifoot, was part of a parliamentary delegation attending the World Cup from November 29 to December 1.

He attended a dinner with UK and Welsh government ministers hosted by the British Embassy to mark the participation of England and Wales in the tournament.

England played Wales on November 29 although Mr Adams’ entry on the register of interests does not specify which match he attended.

Mr Adams, a former Cabinet Office minister who will step down as an MP at the next general election, declared the trip in accordance with parliamentary rules.

Eighteen months ago, he received £6,000 worth of free hospitality tickets to three England Euro 2020 matches at Wembley Stadium

Human rights

The Qatar government was criticised for its human rights record during the World Cup.

Asked by the Stray Ferret about Mr Adams’ trip, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive, said:

“It would be deeply worrying if any MP accepting hospitality from a foreign government were to feel compromised when it came to raising human rights issues.

“As we saw with the debate around the World Cup, the Qatari authorities sought to downplay some of the very serious human right issues in the country and it’s entirely likely they saw these trips as a means to win over MPs.

“Amid Qatar’s unprecedented World Cup building boom, hundreds of thousands of migrant workers were systematically exploited, and the tournament took place in a country where LGBTQ+ people run the risk of arrest and imprisonment, and where freedom of speech and women’s rights are unacceptably curtailed.”

Mr Deshmukh added:

“There is obviously an important place for parliamentary fact-finding trips, including as a means of raising human rights issues through private channels, but MPs receiving expenses from any government should ask themselves what might be expected of them in return.

“MPs’ own constituents and the wider public will expect politicians to continue to raise important human rights issues without fear or favour, regardless of whether they’ve been the recipient of a paid trip to Doha or anywhere else.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted Mr Adams about the trip but has not had a response.

Cut-price deals for diners during Harrogate district’s first Restaurant Week

Several restaurants and bars will be offering cut-price deals next month as part of the Harrogate district’s first Restaurant Week.

The offers include three courses for £20 at Harrogate’s West Park Hotel and lunch and a drink for £10 at The Inn at Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate. Other venues taking part include Manahatta and Cosy Club in Harrogate and The Inn South Stainley, which is offering two cocktails for £10.

Restaurant Week, organised by tourism organisation Destination Harrogate, will take place from February 6 to 10.

Manahatta is among those taking part. Photo credit: Think Harrogate

Businesses that sign up will offer set-price menus to customers who quote the offer. It is hoped the initiative will enable them to attract new customers and get a publicity boost.

John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, urged people to “book in and tuck in”, adding:

“Excellent food and drink is a firm offer within the Harrogate district’s visitor experience, and through focusing on our tourism strengths, we’re showcasing our best stories to attract more visitors and to set us apart from our competitors.

“The initiative also supports our commitment to sustainable tourism, encouraging visits during times of the year when, traditionally, visitor numbers have been lower. Spreading visitor footfall across the year lowers impact to the environment, and offers new opportunities to our local businesses, along with great deals for our visitors and residents alike.”

A list of restaurants taking part is available here.

Missing Ripon girl found

A missing girl from Ripon has been found, police have confirmed.

North Yorkshire Police has issued an urgent appeal to find the girl this morning.

However, the force confirmed she had since been found.

Officers thanked those who had shared the appeal on social media this morning.

Harrogate charity seeks 60 runners to take on Great North Run

People with new year’s resolutions to improve their fitness are being sought by Saint Michaels Hospice to set themselves a new challenge.

The Harrogate charity is looking for 60 runners to take part in this year’s Great North Run and raise money to support its work.

Last year, runners at the event raised £30,000 for the hospice, which works with families living with terminal illness and bereavement.

Saint Michael’s chief executive Tony Collins said:

“New year is the ideal time to take up a personal fitness and wellbeing challenge. What better way to stay motivated than by knowing that your running challenge will bring care and comfort to local families at the most difficult of times.

“As an independent local charity, we rely on our community to help raise the majority of the funds we need to provide our vital care.”

“By taking part in the Great North Run for Saint Michael’s, you’ll be helping us to care for patients and their families in their own homes as well as at our hospice, and providing much-needed support for children, young people, and adults living with bereavement.”

The hospice offers participants tips to prepare for the half marathon, and has a marquee in the charity village with drinks and goody bags after runners cross the finishing line.

However, a spokesperson said there was usually a “flurry” of interest and sign-ups after the ballot places were announced in February, so anyone hoping to take part should sign up soon to avoid disappointment.

Entries are £30 each and there is a discount for people signing up in teams. Supporter David Brigham was one of those taking part with his daughter Charlotte Simpson last year.

He said:

“The atmosphere was amazing with a feeling of great achievement as runners collected their medals and had photographs taken to remember the occasion. Personally, I will never forget the experience and the pride in what we achieved.”

The Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 10, starting in Newcastle and finishing in South Shields. To find out more about taking part for Saint Michael’s Hospice, click here.

Killinghall Cricket Club applies to build new two-storey pavilion

Killinghall Cricket Club has submitted plans to demolish its pavilion and construct a two-storey replacement on the same site.

Planning documents sent to Harrogate Borough Council describe the current 1970s structure as “deteriorating and neglected” and would cost more to refurbish than it is worth.

It is poorly insulated with ageing communal showers and the changing rooms lack privacy, the documents say. They add:

“Umpires and female cricketers currently have nowhere designated to get changed, so have to use communal areas, the toilets or come already changed. The facilities for the scorers on matchdays are currently a wooden hut situated next to the clubhouse, which is neither attractive nor very comfortable to sit in.”

Killinghall CC has been on the rise in recent years, Last year the team were crowned first division champions in the Nidderdale and District Cricket League.

The club has opened up its facilities to the public during summer.

Since the demolition of the Three Horseshoes pub and long-term closure of The Greyhounds Inn, the club has also used its pavilion and bar to provide a social centre for the village at weekends.

It hopes a new pavilion would help it fulfil this and encourage the creation of a junior team. The documents say:

“The proposal will provide exceptional changing and hosting facilities for visiting teams, which would be of the best in the current Killinghall teams’ leagues.

“There is a hope to introduce junior cricket back to the cricket club, that used to be a vibrant and engaging part of the local community. The introduction of these new facilities will help facilitate the introduction of this and hopefully attract them to the club.”

“This development is very much needed to the club and the village community. We feel that the scale of the pavilion is appropriate for the size of the site and has been carefully considered. The chosen materials and design compliment and contribute positively to the overall character of the pavilion, cricket ground and the surrounding village.”

Nidderdale fell running group achieves affiliation to England Athletics

A Nidderdale off-road running group formed just over six months ago has become affiliated to England Athletics.

Nidderdale Fell and Trail holds three organised runs a week and a club training night on Tuesday evenings at Nidderdale Showground.

Many of the runs are around Pateley Bridge and allow members to enjoy safe and social running in some of the most beautiful routes in the Harrogate district. Some runners also compete in events.

The club, which was originally called Pateley Runners, has now become the fifth in the Harrogate district to be formally recognised by England Athletics, which is the governing body for athletics.

It joins Harrogate Harriers, Ripon Runners, Nidd Valley Road Runners and Knaresborough Striders as official affiliates.

Running in the dark with head torches.

Si Lawson, chairman and co-founder of the group, said:

“England Athletics affiliation is an amazing achievement for a club that is only six months old.

“We’re all excited about running and racing for our club and proudly wearing our new eye catching running tops.

“We live in a rural part of the Harrogate district and as well as being an off-road running club, we are providing a safe and secure environment for our members, and are making a significant impact on our members mental and physical health.”

Mr Lawson said he expected the club’s 200-strong membership to dip because affiliation meant the introduction of an annual fee of either £36 or £20, depending on the type of membership.

Fees are necessary for insurance and coaching purposes.

Nidderdale fell and trail running athletics

Experiencing Nidderdale’s beauty close up.

The club plans to train up to 16 club members as UK Athletics-qualified run leaders to cater for the wide range of runs and distances the club offers. They range from gentle five kilometre jogs to long off-road runs of up to 40 kilometres.

Now it is affiliated, it aims to offer at least seven weekly sessions.

The club is also applying for grants on the grounds that it supports health and wellbeing as well as combating loneliness and social isolation.

Some female runners did not feel safe running alone through woods and on footpaths before the group came along. Mr Lawson said:

“Running has such a positive impact on physical and mental health. However, running solo in a rural area is isolating and motivation is difficult, particularly in winter months.

“Nidderdale Fell and Trail has forged a community where everyone is welcomed and encouraged, and a safe running environment created. This has already had such a positive benefit on mental health, and has helped numerous members with anxiety, low mood, loneliness and confidence. “

Harrogate ice rink to return again this Christmas

The company behind Harrogate’s Christmas ice rink has said it was “very happy” with how it went and plans to return for at least the next two years.

Events by Cynosure transformed Crescent Gardens into a festive treat, installing the ice rink and a host of fairground attractions, including a carousel.

The ice rink, which operated for a month, was one of the highlights of Harrogate’s Christmas offering, which also included a ferris wheel, a market and the Candy Cane Express free road train.

Harrogate Borough Council tourism organisation Destination Harrogate organised the activities in partnership with Events by Cynosure, Harrogate Business Improvement District and events company Market Place Europe as part of a bid to attract more Christmas visitors.

John Lowery, director of Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret it had a three-year deal to operate the ice rink in Harrogate.

Mr Lowery said the ice rink attracted about 15,000 bookings and although he was pleased overall there was room for improvement.

He said the main improvement would be to extend the length of the 10-day market, which ended before mid-December:

“When the market ended it did go quieter. A lot of traders said the same thing. I’d like to see the market there right up until Christmas.

Mr Lowery also said he wanted the Crescent Gardens site to include a Santa’s grotto and better bar facilities.

He said:

“Our intention is to make Harrogate a destination for people to go at Christmas so they spend money in town and restaurants.

“We’ve learned more about the site and the flow of people and how Harrogate works. Between Christmas and the new year was a lot quieter than I expected.”

Man rescued after getting trapped under tree in Nidderdale

A man was rescued after he became trapped under a tree in Summerbridge today.

Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon were called at 9am to help the male, who got trapped after trying to fell a tree that was hanging dangerously over a road.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log said:

“Male had been rescued by contractors prior to fire service arrival.

“Male was given precautionary checks by paramedics but was discharged on scene with bruising and grazing. No action was required by fire service.

Strong overnight winds uprooted numerous trees across the district overnight, including two at Ripon Grammar School (see below).

The Stray Ferret asked the school about the incident but has not yet received any details.

Tree fell Jan 2023

New consultation reveals more people still oppose than support £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

The latest consultation on the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme has revealed more people still oppose the scheme than support it.

The results, published today, show 46 per cent of the responses were negative, 45 per cent were positive and nine per cent neutral.

However, the outcome is closer than the previous consultation when 59 per cent were negative and 39 per cent positive.

The £11.2 million scheme would transform the area around Harrogate’s railway and bus stations but has proved controversial because of its potential impact on business and traffic. It would see James Street partly pedestrianised and traffic on Station Parade reduced to single-lane.

North Yorkshire County Council, which is leading on the scheme, said today’s results “demonstrate significantly higher support for the proposals”.

A total of 2,044 people responded to the latest consultation — almost twice as many as last time.

Just 41 per cent felt very positive/positive about the likely impact on businesses whereas 51 per cent strongly agreed/agreed the proposals would be a better use of public space, and make the town centre more attractive to residents and visitors.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:

“It is encouraging to see the public voice significant and growing support for the gateway scheme and its objectives.

“While overall opinion of the scheme is split almost 50:50, key elements of the scheme received positive support from the public who took part. They told us they believe the scheme will be positive for business, make getting around the town centre safer and encourage more people to walk and cycle.”

How the area outside the train station would look.

Cllr Duncan added:

“I am hopeful that this thorough process will address areas of concern and help build further support for the gateway scheme from Harrogate residents, businesses and visitors.

“The next stage will be for local Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors to consider the feedback and have their say on whether they wish the scheme to go ahead. Subject to approvals, we remain on track to start construction in November.”

Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, Cllr Phil Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to see that the majority of people who responded agreed that the proposals would encourage walking and cycling in the town centre.”

What happens now?

The council now intends to draw up final designs.

The findings of the third consultation and details about next steps will be presented to North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation on January 20.

These will include publication of the necessary traffic regulation orders, which is scheduled for February.

In May, executive councillors will consider the outcome of the recent consultations and whether to submit the full business case to West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which would need to be approved to release the funding.

In the event that all approvals for the scheme are received, construction is expected to begin by November.

What is the Station Gateway?

The project is one of three in North Yorkshire, and 39 nationally, being mainly funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund to promote active travel.

North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and the West `Yorkshire Combined Authority are working together on the scheme, funded by £10.9m of funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and a £300,000 contribution from Harrogate Borough Council.

North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority all support the gateway.

Read more:

Read more:

Human rights

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

What happens now?

Read more:

What is the Station Gateway?