John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

23 trees in Knaresborough to be felled this week for new leisure centre

A total of 23 trees will be chopped down in Knaresborough this week to make way for the town’s new £17 million leisure centre.

Fencing has been placed around the affected area, which includes the play area where the new centre will be built. Work to remove the trees is expected to begin today and take five days.

Once work is completed, the play area will reopen.

A letter from Harrogate Borough Council to councillors says the trees “will be replaced in due course with native species at a ratio of at least 2:1 – either on Fysche Field or in Knaresborough”.

It adds:

“Much of the wood removed will be turned into wood chippings and used in the parks and open spaces we manage.

“The larger trunks that can’t be chipped will also be used in other ways such as natural bases for signs, benches or habitat creation to ensure the continuation of biodiversity on site.

“The carbon capture of these younger native trees, along with the removed trees being repurposed, will encourage wildlife and ecosystems for years to come.”

The council is undertaking the work as part of a scheme to build a larger leisure and wellness centre in Knaresborough.

The local authority approved its own plans last week to build the new centre, which will include a six-lane, 25-metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points and bicycle storage.

Its letter to councillors says work on the centre will “start in the coming weeks”.

The centre will be built on the site of the existing play area, and slightly beyond. To compensate for its loss, another play area will be built in front of the new facility.

‘Bit of a shock to people’

Andrew Willoughby, a Liberal Democrat who represents Eastfield on Knaresborough Town Council, said it was sad to lose any trees but the plans were reasonable because of the wider benefits of the scheme and the fact that twice as many new trees will be planted.

Cllr Willoughby added that the majority of trees to be lost were planted about 30 years ago when the current pool was built. He said:

“Losing 23 trees is a bit of a shock to people. It’s sad to see any trees go. But I think what they are doing is quite reasonable.”

Cllr Willoughby added it was necessary to remove the trees quickly before birds started nesting in them in a few weeks.

Man completes epic football fan challenge at Harrogate Town

German football fan Daniel Barthold became a member of the exclusive 92 Club when he watched Harrogate Town yesterday.

The 92 Club is reserved for fans who have visited the grounds of all 92 clubs in the top four tiers of English football.

It includes every Premier League ground as well as all those in the Championship, League One and League Two.

So although Harrogate’s League Two 2-1 defeat against Hartlepool United yesterday won’t live long in the memory of many homes fans, it was a memorable occasion for Mr Barthold.

He was actually in Harrogate on New Year’s Eve to watch Town v Port Vale at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road but the following day’s match was postponed due to covid.

He described yesterday’s return trip as a “special day”. He said:

“The trip was very smooth yesterday, especially with the early kick off time.

“It was a bit odd because I was just in Harrogate two months ago so to come back just for the football is unusual. Normally I visit a city only once to see the ground and do a bit of sightseeing.

“I found Harrogate a lovely town and because it was the last ground missing out of the 92 I will always remember it.”

Mr Barthold’s first English ground was White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur, in 2001. He moved to the UK in 2010 and then set about completing the 92 in earnest.

Relaxing in Harrogate when he visited on New Year’s Eve.

Watching Celtic today

He is on the move again today, watching Livingston v Celtic, which will complete his list of grounds visited in the Scottish Premiership.

The superfan, who has even written a book about his travels, doesn’t plan to stop there.

“I’m trying to complete the UEFA members list, which means one match at least in each of the 55 member countries. I have done 53, Armenia and Kazakhstan are missing.”

“I’m a huge sports fan so I regularly attend NFL, NBA and NHL games as well in North America. I usually plan in advance and study the fixtures list of European football and other sports.”

His home club is FC St. Pauli from his native Hamburg.

Bid to set up new taxpayer-funded Yorkshire tourism body branded ‘laughable’

Taxpayers in North Yorkshire are set to fund a new tourism organisation in the wake of Welcome to Yorkshire’s demise.

Welcome to Yorkshire entered administration on Tuesday after years of financial and reputational difficulties.

Yorkshire Leaders Board, which represents council leaders and metro mayors, agreed at a private meeting this week there should be a new regional destination marketing organisation funded by local authority grants. A timeline will be agreed in May.

The prospect of local authorities, including North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, funding another tourism body has prompted concrns.

Stuart Parsons, leader of the Independent group on the Conservative-controlled county council, said:

“North Yorkshire County Council and the district / borough councils have spent vast amounts supporting this organisation with little or no return.

“The idea of setting up another group at this moment is just laughable.”

Welcome to Yorkshire in happier times.

‘Couldn’t organise a tea party’

Cllr Parsons was also critical of the decision by Yorkshire Leaders Board to publish a summary of a tourism report by Merran McRae, a former chief executive of Wakefield and Calderdale councils, rather than the full report. He added:

“We haven’t seen the report and so don’t know just how rotten things were. Also given that the leaders of North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council served on the existing board I’m afraid that I would have no confidence in their ability to organise a tea party let alone a regional agency.

“All previous board members must be prevented from serving on any new organisation as they have failed taxpayers.”

Stuart Parsons

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, was a Welcome to Yorkshire board member for five years until administration. Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, was a board member from 2016 to 2019.

A Conservative county councillor, who asked not to be named, branded Cllr Les’ five years on the board as a “litany of failure”, adding:

“It fits with other issues showing a lack of judgement — the loss-making Brierley Group companies and the £9m acquisition of the Royal Baths in Harrogate.

“Some of the core services North Yorkshire County Council runs are excellent but when it comes to commercial judgement, it’s a series of disasters.”

£85,000 a year from county council

The county council paid annual subscriptions of £85,000 to Welcome to Yorkshire.

Carl Les

Cllr Les said the new tourism body would be smaller than Welcome to Yorkshire and focus on strategic marketing to “get people interested in coming to Yorkshire” and leave specific initiatives to other groups.

He said his anonymous critic “doesn’t actually know an awful lot about what has happened” and added “it was a pity they didn’t challenge me face-to-face”.

Cllr Les added he was unable to discuss Welcome to Yorkshire in detail as it was now being managed by administrators.

£62,100 since 2012 from Harrogate Borough Council

Harrogate Borough Council has paid £62,100 from its holiday tourism marketing budget to Welcome to Yorkshire over the last decade — but hopes to get £12,100 reimbursed.

A spokesman added:

“We recognise the need for an organisation that has a Yorkshire-wide focus to help develop the Yorkshire brand in order to attract visitors to the region.

“This enables us to build on the successes of Destination Harrogate, and the reputation we have as an events destination, to drive both leisure and business visitors to the Harrogate district.”

Welcome to Yorkshire chairman Peter Box said in a statement:

“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for board members and staff as we have endeavoured to deal with well-publicised legacy issues.

“These matters, coupled with the impact of covid and the task of securing sufficient funding from the public and private sectors to place Welcome to Yorkshire on a sound financial footing, have made the situation increasingly challenging.”

“It is my sincere hope that the public sector will recognise the value of a new regional destination management organisation to build on the many achievements of WtY.

Council leader Richard Cooper has not responded to a request for comment by the Stray Ferret.

Richard Cooper

Armstrong Watson LLP has been appointed as joint administrators of Welcome to Yorkshire.

County Councillor Gareth Dadd, North Yorkshire’s deputy leader for finance and assets, said in a statement:

“This is disappointing news, but we now have an opportunity to work with all our partners across Yorkshire to build a new destination marketing company with a new funding model that will help the whole of Yorkshire punch its weight and build on its globally recognised brand.

“North Yorkshire has seen its fair share of benefits from the work of Welcome to Yorkshire in past years in attracting visitors to the county for world class events such as Tour de Yorkshire and our role in the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. And it’s important to say that all loans made to the Welcome to Yorkshire by the county council have been repaid in full with agreed interest.”

It remains to be seen whether the new organisation, which could be run by many of those involved with Welcome to Yorkshire, will avoid the same mistakes.

New cocktail bar to open on Harrogate’s Parliament Street in two weeks

A new cocktail bar promising a “sanctuary away from the madness” of Harrogate’s Parliament Street will open on March 18.

Roland’s Bar is situated in the former Moss Bros unit in the heart of the town’s nightlife.

It will be the second Roland’s Bar, following on from the flagship venue in Leeds.

Amanda Keegan, events and marketing manager at Roland’s, said besides cocktails, the venue would serve “the best Guinness in Harrogate” as well as a wide selection of beers, including some from the town’s Cold Bath Brewery Co.

Roland’s Bar Leeds. Pic: Roland’s Bar

Asked what would differentiate it from the many other bars in the area, she said:

“The warm welcome, the high quality of drinks and the easy, relaxed atmosphere. It will be a sanctuary away from the madness.”

Ms Keegan said the family-owned business would decide the opening times next week. She added:

“We hope to bring the same energy, warmth and experience to our beautiful new home on Parliament Street.”

Stray Ferret celebrates second birthday with record readership

The Stray Ferret celebrates its second birthday today.

The website launched on March 4, 2020 — less than three weeks before the first national covid lockdown.

Much has changed since then, and the Stray Ferret has been first with the news that matters to people in the Harrogate district.

In December last year we launched our App which can be downloaded here. The Stray Ferret website and app now attract more than a million page views a month and an average of 210,000 users. We have a very engaged social media following of more than 24,000 who comment on stories, debate the issues we report on and tell us what they think of our journalism.

Readership has grown consistently and we look forward to continuing to serve the people of Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, as well as all points in between.

Thank you for your support. Keep sending us your news to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We thought you might be interested to see which stories got the most attention in the past year.

Top 10 most-read Stray Ferret stories

1. Live blog on Jennyfields gas leak
2. Live blog on last month’s floods
3. St Aidan’s school in Harrogate rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted
4. Harrogate Food Hall to close after just six months
5. Guide to fireworks display in the Harrogate district
6. Live blog: Fuel Watch
7. Taylor Wimpey responds to TV report of ‘nightmare’ Harrogate new build
8. Delivery van gets stuck on Harrogate’s Stray after attempting shortcut
9. Harrogate Christmas market cancelled
10. Arrest warrant for former Coach and Horses landlord

£1,000 grants available for Harrogate district platinum jubilee celebrations

Harrogate district residents can apply for grants of up to £1,000 for events that celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Harrogate Borough Council announced today it has launched a £15,000 community grants scheme to help people enjoy the extended bank holiday from June 2 to 5.

Applications can be made for grants of between £200 and £1,000 for events and activities taking place over the Jubilee bank holiday.

Organisations can also apply for up to £2,000 for legacy projects that must be completed by September 30.

Council leader Richard Cooper said:

“I’m delighted that we can offer grants to help celebrate the Her Majesty The Queen’s platinum jubilee.

“We’re looking for some really creative ideas that will remember the impact this momentous event has across the country. Whether that’s an art project, street decoration or legacy project, we want you to apply before the closing date in April.”

A council press release said applicants must be able to show a clear link to the jubilee celebrations. It added:

“Proposals are welcome from parish and town councils, voluntary and community groups and schools that are wanting to host a community activity or legacy project that benefits the wider community.”

Guidance notes and an online application form are available here.

The closing date for all applications is noon on Friday April 8. Applicants will be notified of the decision the week commencing April 25.

Mountain rescuers help man stuck at Brimham Rocks

A man had to be rescued when he was unable to get down from the top of one of the rocks at Brimham Rocks.

Visitors to the National Trust-owned site near Pateley Bridge are free to roam the Millstone Grit rocks, which are 325 million years old.

But a male had to be helped to safely after making it to the top of one of the rocks.

North Yorkshire Police called Upper Wharfe Fell Rescue Association to help.

A spokesperson for the association, which is based in Grassington, said:

“The team arrived promptly and quickly assessed the scene. Members climbed the rock, quickly set up ropes, the young man was made safe and lowered off.”

The incident, which required 12 attendees and took almost two hours to resolve, happened on Saturday afternoon

Drone pic shows Ripley Castle after major scaffolding project

An aerial photograph shows historic Ripley Castle after a four-week scaffolding project.

The 14th Century, Grade I Listed building, home to the sixth Baronet Ingilby and his family, is about to undergo major renovations to its roof.

Elite Scaffolding, which has completed similar projects at Knaresborough Castle and Allerton Castle, overcame three storms to erect the poles around the castle.

Spencer Cassidy, managing director of Thorpe Arch-based Elite Scaffolding, said:

“This is the third Yorkshire castle that we have scaffolded, and in terms of scale it is certainly the most significant.

“Before starting, we worked closely with Ripley Castle owner, Sir Thomas Ingilby, and main contractor, HACS, to ensure our work would not visually impact on two weddings it was hosting.

“We have been keeping a very close eye on the weather, and despite enduring three significant storms which have brought gale force winds, torrential rain and snow, I’m pleased to say haven’t given us any problems.”

Ripley Castle is a private house but its grounds are open to the public.

Street party fees waived in North Yorkshire for Queen’s jubilee

People in the Harrogate district can apply for road closures free of charge for celebrations marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The nation will mark the Jubilee with a four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5.

North Yorkshire County Council announced today it would waive standard £300 street closure fees for the long weekend. The will apply to residential streets.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways and the Conservative representative for Harrogate Saltergate, said:

“To show our support we are waiving the normal administration fee and allowing residents to close their streets to through-traffic.

“This will create a safe open space for communities to come together for the anniversary to mark the Queen’s extraordinary 70-year reign. Please come forward and organise a street party in your community.”

The council website says:

“In order to close the road to traffic for a street party, the council must go through a legal process required by the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. This will incur costs in the region of £300.”

County council leader Carl Les said:

“We recognise the significance of 2022 as the platinum jubilee year for Her Majesty the Queen and know how passionate our communities are to celebrate this special event.

“There will be a host of events taking place in North Yorkshire, which we will announce in due course and we have already pledged our support for the Queen’s green canopy tree-planting initiative.”

Anybody wishing to host a street party must apply before April 29, 2022. For more information click here.

Knitting show gives Harrogate economy £2m boost

The Knitting & Stitching Show has agreed a deal to stay at Harrogate Convention Centre for the next three years.

The show, which is open to the public, features hundreds of stands from retailers, more than 200 workshops, a theatre with live demos, gallery exhibitions and expert advice.

The economic impact of the show on the town is estimated to be £2 million over the three years of the deal.

Organisers predict 12,000 to 14,000 visitors will attend the four-day show from November 17 to 20, which will mark the 30th year the show has exhibited in Harrogate.

Paula Lorimer, director at the centre, said:

“This news follows on from a raft of other flagship events that have signed contracts to return to our venue for the next three or four years, including the Flooring Show, Home and Gift, the Bridal Show and Fashion Week.

“These are crucial as they mark the confident return of big exhibitions, which are such big drivers of the wider local economy.”

Harrogate firm completing £2m refurbishment of Leeds building

A Harrogate-company has almost completed a £2m refurbishment of a historic Grade II listed building in Leeds city centre.

Westcourt Group‘s upgrade of 56 Wellington Street, with the building dating back to 1873, will provide 10,254 sq ft of prime grade A office space over six floors in the city’s professional district.

56 Wellington Street

Tim Hodgson, managing director of Westcourt Group, said:

“This is a truly unique building that we have sensitively reinvented to provide grade A workspace with an attention to detail that that really accentuates the building’s heritage, whilst importantly bringing into the 21st century.”

Some of the staff taking part.

Johnsons staff pledge to walk 280,000 steps for Cancer Research UK

Staff at Harrogate district nursery Johnsons of Whixley have pledged to walk 10,000 steps each during March as they take part in Cancer Research UK’s Walk All Over Cancer challenge.

Throughout March, 28 staff members at Johnsons will walk a total of 280,000 steps combined, which equates to approximately 140 miles per day, 980 miles per week and an overall estimate of 5,000 miles for the month.

Marketing manager Eleanor Richardson has organised the challenge.

“The steps challenge is a great way to fundraise for the charity and a great activity for team building and general fitness. There are many benefits to walking 10,000 steps per day.”

You can support Johnsons walking challenge here.

Send us your business news to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Harrogate firm completing £2m refurbishment of Leeds building

Johnsons staff pledge to walk 280,000 steps for Cancer Research UK