Harrogate Borough Council last night rejected a bid to introduce a ban on animal testing in the district.

Victoria Oldham, the Conservative councillor for Washburn, called for a moratorium on animal testing in the district at the full council meeting.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is lobbying government to help Harrogate-based animal testing firm Labcorp Drug Development expand.

Protests frequently take place at the company’s site on Otley Road.

Cllr Oldham told the meeting that Beagle puppies, non-human primates. rabbits, mice and mini-pigs were used on the site.

She added:

“It has long been acknowledged that the costs of animal experiments are high and that they are not reliably predictive of what will happen in humans.

“The current drug development failure rate stands at a staggering 96% and the global non-animal testing market was worth $1.11 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow by up to $1.65 billion by 2023.

“Bearing these factors in mind, why is there an insistence that investment in medical progress needs to be in the outdated and unreliable field of animal experiments?

“Local jobs are important to our district but at what cost?

“Will you consider leading on introducing a moratorium on animal testing in the Harrogate borough?”

Cllr Oldham, an animal lover, said she “considered it to be a non-political question”.

Cllr Graham Swift, the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, replied:

“I don’t like and I don’t want medicines tested on animals. But the law insists medicines are tested on animals prior to being tested on humans and prior to being used as medicines.

“The recent covid vaccines are a great example of the benefits of medicines. But all drugs administered through humans are administered through this process of animal testing.

“I have great faith in science and research. New testing methods can and do and will reduce the number of animals and the duration of their use.

“So I continue to support the development of technologies that reduce animal testing. It is my hope that one day these technologies will mean that no medicines are ever tested on animals.

“But it is not possible for Harrogate Borough Council to declare a unilateral moratorium on animal testing in the Harrogate borough. It is not within our powers.”

Cllr Swift added that about a third of Labcorp’s 4,000 UK staff were based in Harrogate, which was “great for the economy”.

Read more:

• Harrogate council criticised for approving Pannal ‘skyscraper’
• Harrogate’s former Laura Ashley shop could become yoga studio

He said he could facilitate a request by cllr Oldham for councillors to visit the site but added they needed to remember the company was regulated by the Home Office rather than the council. He added:

“I am confident that Labcorp are very happy to entertain councillors at their site to educate, to explain and for us to understand the progress they are making.

“I think it’s fair to say that this is a top quality company doing things for the benefit of human beings and it is not our role to simply go in there and police them.

“It is very clearly the role of the government and the authorities to do that. But it’s totally appropriate that they educate us.”

The Rogers’ almshouses in Harrogate have undergone a £200,000 refurbishment and welcomed three new residents.

Bradford mill owner George Rogers built the almshouses in 1868 for former employees when he retired to Harrogate.

They have provided low cost housing to people in need ever since.

Harrogate district mayor Trevor Chapman yesterday opened a new almshouse, which was created by converting an old laundry on the site.

Two other houses have been refurbished, meaning three new residents will move into the 15 dwellings, which are opposite St Peter’s Church of England Primary School on Belford Road.

The work was funded by a £95,000 grant by Homes England, which is the government housing agency, and funding from the Rogers’ Almshouse Charity, which owns the site.

The one-bedroom homes are run by a board of trustees, which includes the Dean of Bradford Cathedral, the vicars of Christ Church and St Peter’s Church in Harrogate along with a team of volunteers.

To qualify for an almshouse, residents must be aged over 60, have lived in Bradford or Harrogate for at least three years and meet hardship criteria.

Read more:

• Harrogate business group uninvites Philip Allott from meeting
• Bid to fell huge 100-year-old Harrogate weeping willow

Guests from Homes England and the Almshouse Association were among those present at the opening of the new homes.

Schoolchildren from St Peter’s, who traditionally support the almshouses  by carol singing and presenting gifts at Christmas, sang at the event.

Stuart Holland, chair of trustees at Rogers’ Almshouse Charity, said:

“The grade two listed building is admired by so many as they pass by.

“They look at the brown plaque, enjoy the award winning garden and dream of living in such beautiful houses.”

Eighteen people are due to appear in court in Harrogate charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this evening that four of the 18 have also been charged with human trafficking of young people.

The charges relate to Operation Jackal, an investigation into county lines drug dealing between Harrogate and Bradford.

The accused are due to appear at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on October 7 and 21.

‘County lines’ refers to drug dealers in towns and cities establishing supply chains in rural areas, often using young and vulnerable people to carry, store, and sell drugs.

The charges follow a policing operation in Bradford and Harrogate last year involving North Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Police, the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency and the National County Lines Coordination Centre.

Read more:

• Harrogate man:’My whole life has been consumed by drugs’
• Man died in Harrogate swallowing suspected drugs he was hiding from police

The 80-year-old owner of Harrogate coach firm Murgatroyd was left bleeding after being “punched” in a row over fuel.

Keith Murgatroyd was left “black and blue and badly shaken” by the incident, according to his daughter, Sophie Murgatroyd.

Ms Murgatroyd, a solicitor, told the Stray Ferret her dad took a coach to refuel ahead of doing a school run only to be told by a member of staff there was a £30 limit.

She said her dad questioned this because a sign said HGVs were excluded from the limit but the employee refused to accept this.

Ms Murgatroyd said:

“My dad walked back to bus, leaned over the steering wheel to get his wallet, and then this member of staff punched him in the back of the head and continued to punch him until he was dragged off.

“People couldn’t believe what they witnessed.”

Ms Murgatroyd, who spent 20 years growing up on her parents’ farm in the Harrogate district but now lives in Cheshire, has returned home to look after her dad. She said:

“I appreciate we have just come out of covid and there is a fuel crisis and everyone is incredibly stressed but as a daughter this is incredibly hard to stomach.

“This has really shaken him. He hasn’t driven since.”

Read more:

• Driver shortage causes bus cancellations in Harrogate district
• Man arrested after Saturday night street brawl in Pateley Bridge

The alleged incident happened on an Esso forecourt on the A1 outside the Harrogate district.

Local Legend

Mr Murgatroyd, who lives in Thruscross, took over the business from his parents Harold and Elsie Murgatroyd, who founded the company in 1935.

He has done school runs in Nidderdale for 60 years and also still farms.

“He’s a local legend. Whenever I say my name is Sophie Murgatroyd people say, ‘Oh, Keith took me to school’ or they took a trip somewhere with him.

“He’s happiest when he’s doing his school run and walking around the farm.”

Keith and Sophie Murgatroyd

Ms Murgatroyd, whose older brother John will take over the business when their dad retires, said her father refused to go to hospital even though he was left “shaken and bleeding”. She added:

“It was my worst nightmare, getting a call like this. He’s a tough old thing. He will be fine physically. I’m not sure what affect it will have on him emotionally and his confidence.

“He’s 80 and he’s given so much and he doesn’t deserve this.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said:

“A man is helping police with enquiries following the incident and the investigation is ongoing. Currently no charges have been brought.”

A spokesman for Esso said the incident happened on a site owned and operated by Euro Garages, an independent retail company, and the staff on site were employed by the site owner.

It said it had “raised the issue directly” with Euro Garages, adding:

“We are sorry to learn of the incident you describe. The current fuel crisis is difficult for all concerned and we ask everyone to treat one another with respect and understanding as we work hard to help resolve the situation.”

A spokesperson for EG Group, which owns Euro Garages, said:

“We are aware of an incident that has taken place at one of our sites. We take issues of colleague and customer safety very seriously and we are looking into this in line with our internal policies and procedures ‒ as a matter of the utmost priority.”

A Harrogate nurse has spoken about how a defibrillator saved a man’s life at a 50th birthday party in Starbeck on Saturday.

Andy Dennis, who works in the intensive care unit at Harrogate District Hospital, was among guests at Harrogate Railway Sports and Social Club.

Mr Dennis was talking to hospital colleagues when he noticed the DJ, Dave Bielby, slumped motionless in his chair.

He went over and could not detect a pulse so he called for help and began administering chest compressions to restart his heart. He said:

Fortunately the club had a defibrillator on site and Mr Dennis, aided by players and other nurses, gave four electric shocks in between further chest compressions. He said:

“After the fourth shock, he started to move and vomited. Then the paramedics arrived and I handed over control to them.”

Mr Dennis said the defibrillator almost certainly saved Mr Bielby’s life because the time it would have taken to get one of two others in Starbeck — at the Prince of Wales pub and the Lloyds Pharmacy — would have cost valuable time.

“It made all the difference. The more these things are available to everyone and people have training in them the better. They really are easy to use.

“It would be great if we could use this tragic but well-ending story to get word out and encourage more people to get trained in using defibrillators.”

Read more:

• Calls to improve safety of children walking to school in Starbeck
• New restaurant and bar planned on Harrogate’s King’s Road

Harrogate Railway Athletic FC is now encouraging everyone to sign a petition calling for defibrillators to be installed at all sports grounds.

Peter Scott, a volunteer for Harrogate Community First Responders, which works with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to provide emergency treatment, said every minute lost treating someone when their heart stops reduces their chances of survival by 10%.

He said defibrillators cost between £1,000 and £2,000 and more should be installed around the Harrogate district.

He added:

“It’s important people know how easy it is to use defibrillators.

“If you can take the fear out of using them it will save more lives.”

Mr Bielby posted his gratitude to those who helped on the Harrogate Railway Facebook page. He said:

“I died and was brought back to life. Can’t thank the guys enough. Currently in hospital. The road to recovery starts now.”

Mr Dennis is fundraising to raise £200,000 for the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres. You can support his efforts here.

The Harrogate district average covid rate has fallen after soaring in recent weeks to record levels.

Another 95 infections were recorded today by Public Health England.

It brought the weekly rate down to 560 per 100,000 people after it yesterday reached 580 — the highest it has been at any time.

The district’s rate still remains well above the North Yorkshire average of 451 and the England average of 336.

Killinghall and Hampsthwaite has recorded 71 infections in the last seven days, which is the most in the district. Ouseburn, Hammerton and Tockwith is next with 70.

At the other end of the scale, Stray has had just 25 cases, which is the fewest in the district. Menwith, Beckwithshaw and Denton Moor has had 26.

Read more:

• Rise in covid cases ‘being driven by school-age children’, says public health boss
• Harrogate district continues to set new coronavirus rate record

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has admitted he has “much to learn” about male violence against women and girls but did not mention resigning.

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition calling on Philip Allot to resign following comments he made on BBC Radio York on Friday about the murder of Sarah Everard.

In the interview, Mr Allott said women “need to be street wise” and that Ms Everard “never should have submitted” to arrest.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, London mayor Sadiq Khan and TV personality Piers Morgan have been among those condemning his comments and calling for his resignation.

Read more:

• Bishop of Ripon: Crime Commissioner’s position is ‘untenable’
• Harrogate protesters tell Philip Allott to go over Sarah Everard comments

Locally, protestors gathered near the war memorial in Harrogate yesterday to coincide with a public engagement meeting organised by the commissioner’s office, which Mr Allott did not attend.

Knaresborough resident Mr Allott, who was elected in May to succeed fellow Conservative Julia Mulligan, said in a statement:

“I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology for my comments on BBC Radio York on Friday 1 October, which I realise were both misconceived and insensitive and have caused upset and distress. I have withdrawn the remarks.

“Clearly, I have much to learn, so as well as committing to working ever more closely with subject-matter expert colleagues in my own organisation and beyond, I will be seeking meetings as soon as possible with local partner organisations across North Yorkshire and the City of York that provide services to tackle male violence against women and girls, in order to deliver on their concerns and broaden my understanding of the issues.

“I hope that all those reading this statement will accept my apology and the commitment I have given to my own learning – and to driving forward positive progress in keeping our communities safe.”

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

New Tesco would require safer roundabout

With reference to your article on the Stray Ferret relating to the proposed new Tesco on Skipton Road.

I am in full agreement with the construction of a new roundabout in order to enter and exit the new Tesco superstore.

However, the existing roundabout on the Skipton Road/Ripon Road must be made safe. The introduction of traffic lights is an immediate priority and a must when traffic to the new Tesco store increases significantly.

There is a serious accident(s) waiting to happen at this roundabout due to the excessive speed motorists negotiate it.

David James, Harrogate

Where is the overall plan for all these new homes?

Your article calling for improved safety for children walking to school in Starbeck will come as no surprise to residents of Kingsley Road, Bogs Lane and connected streets.

Local action groups have been trying to get improvements to this dangerous narrow road for many years. At the root of the problem are Harrogate Borough Council’s planning and North Yorkshire Council’s highways departments, which between them have shown gross incompetence in not resolving the issue before any developments were allowed.

Four different developers are building on up to six different adjacent sites off Kingsley Road and Kingsley Drive. At present 268 houses are being built, with applications for a further 363 in the pipeline, a potential total of 631 new builds.

As long ago as April 2017, when the Kingsley Meadows development by Barratt Homes was allowed, mention was made in the report of the issue and the need to establish a footpath, indeed on the approved plans a footpath construction was included as part of the permission.

I am astonished that such a major development has not been subject to an overall plan, providing benefits for existing residents, whose concerns have been totally ignored.

Rather than dealing with each adjacent application individually, an overall plan needed to be put into place to improve existing inadequate roads, minimise disruption to existing residents by providing services to developments in one go, rather than several road digging up exercises. Elected councillors have a lot to answer for in not dealing with the issues.

Mr Daren Leeming is right to be concerned for his children’s safety. I sincerely hope that no-one will be injured on this road.

Brian Souter, Kingsley Road resident

Read more:

• Tesco Skipton Road supermarket ‘could put us out of business’
• Ripon’s delayed leisure scheme more than £3m over budget

Ripon seats need improving

As a new resident in lovely Ripon, please could Harrogate Borough Council arrange for the seats on the Market Square to be treated before the winter?

Some of them are looking really bad and will continue to deteriorate if not looked at soon.

Thanks for the Stray Ferret. Excellent organisation etc.

John A. Roberts, Ripon

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

A free six-hour event on Hornbeam Park tomorrow will kick-off the first ever Harrogate district Climate Action Festival.

The three-week festival, which encourages local people to reduce climate damage, is being held in the run-up to the COP26 global climate change conference in Glasgow .

Thirty-two exhibitors will be at Harrogate College from 10am to 4pm for a day of demonstrations, discussions and activities. There will be live music on two stages, as well as vegetarian and vegan food.

Visitors can drop in whenever they like and see a model, energy efficient passive house that has been built on site and learn about how their homes and businesses can become more environmentally friendly.

Holly Hansen-Maughan, partnerships and development lead at the college, said the event would be a family-friendly way of engaging people in climate action.

She added there were plans for the festival to become an annual event.

The festival will be launched by the Mayor of Harrogate and there will also be speeches by Andy Shepherd, professor of earth observation at the University of Leeds and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Read more:

• Harrogate College works with local firms to skill future staff
• Eco-house to be built in two days at Harrogate climate festival

A motorist was lucky to escape serious injury when his car overturned near Knaresborough yesterday.

Traffic Constable David Minto, one of two police officers who attended the scene, tweeted about the incident today.

TC Minto, who is based in Harrogate, said the crash happened near Copgrove, which is five miles from Knaresborough. He added:

“The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

“He was discharged a short while later.”

TC Minto added that no other vehicles were involved.

No further details of the incident are currently available.

Read more:

• Fuel Watch: Harrogate district fuel stations aim to return to normality
• Ripon’s biggest car park set for three-week resurfacing