Burglars leap fence and climb ladder in Harrogate house break-in

Burglars jumped over a garden fence then climbed a ladder to break into the upstairs of a home in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police today appealed for information about the incident, which happened in Woods Court, Harrogate at about 6.15pm on December 1.

The force is unsure whether one or two criminals were involved. It said in a statement:

“The suspect(s) are believed to have accessed the rear garden via jumping over the fence and used a single-section ladder to gain access to the upstairs of the property.

“They are also believed to have exited over the same garden fence to make their escape.

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

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Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Jonathan Cleary. You can also email Jonathan.cleary@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200214547.

R number rises in Harrogate district as tier decision looms

The rate at which coronavirus is spreading in the Harrogate district has increased for the first time in more than a month.

The R number rose from 0.4 to 0.5 over the weekend after falling consistently since early November.

It means every 10 people infected pass on covid to five others, which means the virus is still diminishing in the district but at a slower rate.

The government is due to review tier levels on Wednesday, with any changes taking effect on Saturday.

It seems likely that North Yorkshire will remain in tier two.

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The seven-day average rate of infection for the county is 96 per 100,000 people, compared with an England average of 181.

The figure for the Harrogate district is 78, having peaked at over 300 early last month.

Starbeck has taken over as the district’s covid hotspot, with 21 infections in the lasts even days.

Knaresborough central is next highest with 14, followed by Knaresborough north with 13.

 

Speed sign to be installed outside Western Primary School

A speed sign is to be installed outside Western Primary School in Harrogate as part of the school’s long-running campaign to improve road safety.

Western is one of the largest primary schools in the Harrogate district, with 500 pupils.

It is also situated on one of the busiest streets — Cold Bath Road.

Tim Broad, headteacher of Western Primary School, has spoken of his fears a child could be killed crossing the road.

He and teachers have lobbied North Yorkshire County Council for action.

The campaign finally bore fruit when John Mann, who represents Harrogate central on North Yorkshire County Council, agreed to fund a vehicle-activated sign from his locality budget.

Each county councillor receives a locality budget of £5,000 per year to spend on local needs, and councillor Mann’s allocation covered the £3,200-plus VAT cost of the sign.

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Mr Broad said the school was “very grateful” to councillor Mann. He added:

“This will make a significant difference to the safety of our pupils and it is a relief to know that somebody is listening to our concerns and taking some positive action.

“However, there is much more that needs to be done and I am hoping we can work with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council to make the whole of Cold Bath Road a safer and healthier environment for everyone who uses it.”

The sign, which has a five-year warranty and a life expectancy of 10 years, will be fixed to the street lamp immediately outside the school.

A radar in the sign detects vehicles travelling above the 20mph speed limit from at least 50 metres away and this triggers a ‘slow down’ message.

The sign will be spun round every few weeks to face traffic from the opposite direction.

Police appeal for help identifying man after Nidd Gorge theft

Police are appealing for help to identify a man after a car window was smashed and a handbag stolen at Nidd Gorge car park.

North Yorkshire Police released a CCTV image of the man yesterday and said it wanted to speak to him.

The man is described as bald and around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall. He was captured on camera wearing a green jacket, possibly a wax/Barbour style, and black trousers.

Nidd Gorge is a popular beauty spot often frequented by dog walkers.

A woman’s car rear window was smashed while she was walking her dog between 9am and 10.10am on November 3.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement it wanted the public to “help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident”. It added:

“In particular, we are appealing for information about any suspects that might have been seen in the car park on the morning of the incident.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Daniel Fawkes or email daniel.fawkes@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200193289

Covid rate rises again in Harrogate district

The coronavirus rate of infection for the Harrogate district has increased for the first time in almost a month.

The seven-day average rate of infection peaked at 303 people per 100,000 on 9 November.

It then fell rapidly to 85 on 30 November, according to the data from Public Health England.

But yesterday’s latest figure, which is for the seven days to December 3, showed the rate had gone up on three consecutive days and is now 95.

That is still below the North Yorkshire average of 105 and the England average of 148.

But it does suggest the sharp downwards trend went into reverse before the end of lockdown on December 2.

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The district’s R number, which refers to the rate at which the virus is spreading, remains low at 0.4.

This means every 10 people infected will pass it on to another four.

Killinghall and Hampsthwaite is still the local area with the most positive cases, having recorded 21 in the last seven days.

Lightwater Valley fined £330,000 after boy thrown off Twister ride

The company that owns Ripon theme park Lightwater Valley has been fined £330,000 after a child was thrown off its Twister ride and suffered “life-changing” head injuries.

Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd received the fine at York Magistrates Court for the incident on May 30 last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, which regulates workplace health and safety, found that although the theme park’s Twister procedures said those between 1.2 metres and 1.5 metres tall must wear seat belts, several children under 1.5 metres were not wearing seat belts on this ride. CCTV footage and statements by members of the public backed up this claim.

Many belts were found not to be functioning correctly. On several occasions, the final position of the lap bar restraint allowed significant gaps to remain in the containment and did not fully contain smaller passengers.

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Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd, which is registered in Sherborne, Dorset pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £333,344 and ordered to pay costs of £16,183.

Speaking after Friday’s hearing,, HSE inspector Andrea Jones said:

“A child suffered life-changing head injuries at Lightwater Valley theme park.

“Our investigation found that the theme park did not implement suitable operating procedures and monitoring of ride operators in relation to the ride restraints.

“This was an entirely avoidable incident. Several children were put at risk and Lightwater Valley has now been held to account for their failings.”

The child’s mother spoke of how “the little boy I took to Lightwater Valley that day is not the same boy that woke up after the surgery. I still grieve for my little boy”.

‘Considering the fine’

Lightwater Valley said in a statement:

“We have from the outset accepted full responsibility for this accident and our sincere and heartfelt apologies go out to the young boy, his family and his friends.

“We have co-operated fully throughout the HSE’s investigation and are carefully considering the fine imposed by the court.

“Since the incident we have been providing support and assistance to the family and will continue to do so.

“The health and safety of visitors to our park remains our top priority and we are determined that an incident such as this will never happen again. We have undertaken a full review of our health and safety systems and procedures following the accident.”

The great house near Ripon that inspired Jane Eyre

Four miles north of Ripon is a house that inspired one of the greatest novels in English history.

Charlotte Bronte stayed at Norton Conyers in 1839 and heard the legend of a mad woman who was confined to the attic in the previous century. Thus was born the idea of Mrs Rochester and Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre.

A secret staircase, found when floorboards were lifted in 2004, attracted international attention because it matched the novel’s description of a hidden flight of stairs from near Mr Rochester’s bedroom to his wife’s attic prison.

There is, however, so much more to Norton Conyers than Jane Eyre, even though it is perhaps less well known than other nearby great houses, such as Newby and Beningbrough.

Charles I and James II both stayed at the grade two late medieval house, which has been in the Graham family since 1624. It usually opens to the public 28 days a year although covid prevented this in 2020.

Sir James Graham and Lady Halina in front of the clock tower.

Sir James Graham, the 11th baronet, and his wife Lady Halina have occupied the family seat since 1982 and clearly adore it but the effort of maintaining such a large, historic site is considerable. Deathwatch beetle has been a particular menace.

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The couple are now trying to raise £260,000 to renovate the beautiful clock tower, which is leaning and in danger of collapse. Swarms of wild bees got into the wood and caused it to rot.

The sum would also go towards repairing the roof above the adjacent 17th century stables, Smithy, laundry and bakery. Lady Halina says:

“We’ve received a £60,000 grant from the Country Houses Foundation. We don’t know where the other £200,000 will come from.”

The secret staircase that was discovered at Norton Conyers in 2004.

The clock tower bell dates back to 1724 but hasn’t sounded since 1986, when the clock last worked.

Clock experts Smith of Derby have been hired to get the clock and bell working for the first time in almost 35 years.

Visitors regularly talk of Norton Conyers’ special atmosphere. Archaeologists have been working there for more than 25 years and new discoveries are constantly being made: just six weeks ago restoration work on an ancient door discovered symbols designed to ward off evil spirits.

Lady Halina says:

“There is so much more to the house than Jane Eyre. But it is a lot of work. The house is our blessing and our curse!”

The four poster bed that James II stayed in.

£100,000 emergency charity appeal launched

A £100,000 appeal has been launched to help small charities in North Yorkshire survive the winter.

Two Ridings Community Foundation, which coordinates giving in North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire, is running the Surviving the Covid Winter appeal until January 26.

Donations will fund grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary organisations.

Two Ridings Community Foundation usually runs a winter fuel appeal but has altered its plans this year to help charities struggling on the frontline in the battle against covid.

Not-for-profit groups based in North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire with annual turnover of less than £500,000 will be eligible to apply for grants to use as unrestricted funding.

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Jan Garrill, chief executive of the foundation, said:

“There is seemingly no precedent for these times. What I do know is now is the time to give. Whether you are able to donate £10 or £10,000 we urge you to support this campaign.

“In these times, it is important that we look out for one another and stand shoulder to shoulder with people and communities”.

Information on how to donate is available here.

Stray FM licence should have been re-advertised, says Harrogate peer

Stray FM should have had its licence re-advertised rather than be allowed to lose its “special identity” to “out-of-town owners”, a Harrogate Conservative peer has said.

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate said Ofcom, which regulates commercial radio, needed to do more to protect “well-loved” radio stations that were being “absorbed into the mega-conglomerates that now seem to control the sector”.

Speaking in a Lords debate about radio licenses, he added:

“In the region where I live in Yorkshire, a large number of local stations have lost their special identity as their out-of-town owners dispose of local staff and content, and simply hijack the licensed frequency to pump out centrally edited music that is obtainable in various other ways, either from national broadcasters or through web streaming services.

“That simply should not have been allowed.”

Lord Kirkhope, who is a lawyer and former MP for Leeds North East, has a long-standing interest in radio.

He helped set up a hospital station in Newcastle in the 1960s and subsequently applied unsuccessfully for for the Tyne and Wear franchise that went to Metro radio in 1973.

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He told the Stray Ferret he had Stray FM, which owners Bauer Media rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio in September, and other local radio stations in mind when he made his comments in Parliament.

He added licences should not have granted “without adequate local content”, adding:

“In those cases I consider there has been a breach of the spirit of the regulations if not the legality.

“In some of the obvious local cases like Stray FM those licences should instead have been re-advertised.

“After all, I might have been interested myself in maintaining the local spirit and I think there are others who might have joined me.”

Bauer Media has always maintained the station retains local content and services, as well as a presence in Harrogate.

 

Leeds nearest hospital to get first vaccines

Leeds will be the nearest place to receive the first coronavirus vaccines, according to national media reports this morning,

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday 50 hospitals were ready to receive the vaccine within days.

The Department of Health has yet to publish an official list of hospitals or details of how the jab will be administered. But the names of the 50 hospitals appear to have been leaked to the national media, some of which have published them today.

According to the reports, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, whose hospitals include Leeds General Infirmary, is the nearest to the Harrogate district.

The Harrogate Nightingale is not included on the list.

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The vaccine must be kept at -70°C until it is used, which means sites chosen to administer it must have adequate storage facilities.

Hancock has also said there will be a community rollout of the vaccine, including GPs and pharmacists.

The Stray Ferret asked Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust if it could confirm it was not on the list.

A spokesman replied:

“Any comment on decisions on which hospitals are on the list would be something for the NHS England regional communications team.”