Council increases some pest control fees in Harrogate district

North Yorkshire Council has increased the cost of some of its pest control services.

The cost of paying the council to treat ants has gone up from £56.40 to £87 and the cost of treating wasps has risen from £66 to £73.

However, council fees for tackling rats, mice and grey squirrels have been pegged at £108, £98.40 and £175.20 respectively locally.

It is part of a move by the new council to harmonise pest control fees in the county.

North Yorkshire Council replaced seven district and borough councils, including Harrogate, in April.

Four of the previous councils — Harrogate, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Ryedale. — treated pests, which is a discretionary service local authorities are not obliged to provide.

According to a council report, Harrogate Borough Council was the only one to make a profit from pest control. The other three councils subsidised the service.

Harrogate Borough Council spent £102,100 on the service in 2022/23 and generated £153,600 — a profit of £51,500.

Now the council has set a new set of fees, which it estimates will generate a £13,000 profit this year.

The report says:

“The benefit is not significant in terms of income, but it would achieve greater consistency in charges across localities.”

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Top US colonel due in court today over Harrogate schoolboy crash

The two-day trial of a highly decorated American colonel accused of seriously injuring two schoolboys in a collision in Harrogate is due to begin today.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate, is charged with causing injury by careless or inconsiderate driving on Yew Tree Lane on February 2 this year.

Two 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered serious injuries in the collision near Ashville College.

Mr Oakes’ LinkedIn profile, which was taken down before the case first came to court in August, stated he was chief of the space policy division for the US joint chiefs of staff at the Pentagon.

The joint chiefs of staff consists of the most senior leaders in the United States Department of Defense, which advises the president.

Today’s hearing is due to take place at York Magistrates Court.

Mr Oakes pleaded not guilty when the case opened in Harrogate in August. Both he and the magistrates opted not to send the case to crown court, where he would have faced a jury trial.

The schoolboys are expected to give evidence via a video link during the trial.

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Flood threat remains after wind fells trees in Harrogate

Flood warnings remain active across the Harrogate district this morning after a wild night of weather that saw several trees fall.

The entire length of the River Nidd and its tributaries and the Lower River Ure are subject to flood alerts by the Environment Agency.

More severe flood warnings are in place at Hunsingore on the Nidd and on at Boroughbridge camping and caravanning site on the Ure.

Last night saw several trees crash down, including one outside Valley Gardens in Harrogate at the bottom of Valley Drive.

Helen Bagnall, who witnessed the incident, said:

“The tree has fallen on top of a car and is completely blocking the road, I tried to ring the police but there is nobody answering unless it’s an emergency. It just kept going round in circles, asking me if I wanted to report dog fouling.”

Grayston Plain Lane at Hampsthwaite was blocked next to the Northern Energy site due to a fallen tree.

A tree also came down at the Oval in Harrogate.

Last night saw firefighters rescue two people trapped in a car that got stuck in floodwater in Ripon shortly before 7pm.

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Knaresborough set for late night shopping

Knaresborough’s independent traders will stay open late for the next two Thursdays.

About 25 traders will welcome customers until 7pm on December 14 and 21 as part of an annual pre-Christmas boost for businesses.

Some hair and beauty salons, which regularly stay open late on Thursdays, will operate until 10pm.

Knaresborough and District Chamber organises the activity each year to help independent stores.

Chamber member and salon owner Kelly Teggin said:

“We have chosen a week night so not to clash with Christmas parties and Thursday was chosen as many of the hair and beauty salons open late so there’s a good number of footfall in town that evening.

“We have also chosen a night when the market’s not on so there’s plenty of free parking right in the town centre for shoppers.”

Knaresborough Christmas Market Weekend took place last weekend.

The town’s annual Christmas tree festival, which features about 70 trees individually decorated by community groups and businesses, is also taking place at  at St John the Baptist Church until December 23. Entry is free.

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Novelist Ruth Ware to curate Harrogate crime writing festival

Novelist Ruth Ware has been named as festival programming chair for next year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

The festival, organised by the charity Harrogate International Festivals, is hailed as the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction.

Held next year from July 18 to 21 at the Old Swan, the festival regularly attracts some of the world’s most popular crime and thriller writers to Harrogate.

Ms Ware, whose books have sold six million copies, follows in the footsteps of the likes of Ian Rankin, Elly Griffiths, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Val McDermid and Vaseem Khan.

Her 2015 debut thriller In a Dark, Dark Wood, about a bachelorette party gone disastrously wrong, was a Richard and Judy Choice, and a Sunday Times and New York Times top ten bestseller.

Since then, her novels have appeared on bestseller lists and been optioned for both film and TV, including her latest thriller Zero Days which was selected by Universal International Studios.

Ms Ware, who lives near Brighton, said:

“When I first began writing, one of my most cherished dreams was a panel at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

“To be invited to chair the festival is truly an honour I could never have imagined – and it’s been my privilege and delight to work alongside the phenomenal programming committee to create a programme that showcases the strength, diversity and sheer literary inventiveness of our brilliant and bloody craft.

“From writers I’ve admired for years to newcomers I’ve been thrilled to discover – I can’t wait to share it with you all.”

Simon Theakston, of Masham brewery T&R Theakston Ltd, which has been the festival title sponsor since 2005, added:

“I’m delighted that such a talented writer as Ruth Ware is taking on the role of festival programming chair.”

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Taxpayers bear multi-million pound losses on Harrogate’s vacant Royal Baths

The long-term vacancy of two prime retail units in Harrogate’s Royal Baths has cost the taxpayer almost £1 million in lost rent and service charges, the Stray Ferret can reveal.

North Yorkshire County Council paid £9.5 million for the Grade II listed building in 2018. A current council report has valued it at £7 million and forecasts it to generate an investment return of just 1.64%.

But in addition to the £2.5 million decline in property value, the long-term vacancy of both buildings is haemorrhaging lost rental income each month.

A year ago today (December 9, 2022) the council evicted the owners of the Viper Rooms nightclub — one of four commercial units it lets in the Royal Baths.

The venue has stood empty since, despite repeated claims by the council of “significant interest”.

The former Potting Shed bar, which along with the JD Wetherspoon pub and Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant make up the other commercial units, has been empty since the council acquired the historic complex five years ago.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council, which succeeded North Yorkshire County Council in April this year, about the cost of the ongoing vacancies.

A council statement said rent for the Viper Rooms premises “would have been in the region of £90,000 since December last year”.

It added maintenance for the building is covered by a service charge which is approximately £75,000.

The council added no business rates are payable due to an exemption for the premises as a listed asset.

As for the Potting Shed space, the council said the original rent was £125,000 a year when the county council acquired the vacant unit in 2018. That figure represents a loss of £625,000 over five years.

The vacant former Potting Shed unit.

It did not give a figure for the loss of service charge income at the Potting Shed but said no business rates were payable on either premises due to an exemption for them being a listed asset.

The council said “no agent’s fees have been paid at this time” to Savils, which has been marketing the Viper Rooms, adding any fee “will be made when the unit has been let”.

Asked why it was taking so long to find a Viper Rooms tenant, despite the apparent interest, the council said:

“The leisure market continues to be highly variable. Savills has conducted a significant number of viewings, and we do now have offers for both vacant units.

“An offer for the Viper Rooms unit has been accepted while the offer for the Potting Shed is due to be considered shortly.

“The situation of having vacant units is by no means unique and is a widespread issue nationally following the impact of the covid pandemic and the cost of living situation.

“Harrogate’s Royal Baths do, however, cover their costs and the council has not had to use funds from alternative budgets to support the asset.”

Council urged to “get their act together”

Former Conservative councillor Richard Musgrave branded the Royal Baths an “under-performing trophy asset” in 2021 because of the sum paid and returns generated.

The continued loss of rental income since, the depreciation of the value of the asset and its low investment returns has again raised questions about the council’s business acumen.

The Royal Baths forecasted return of 1.64% is by far the lowest in the council’s portfolio.

Cllr Stuart Parsons, leader of the Independent group on Conservative-controlled North Yorkshire Council, said the situation was “extremely concerning”. He said:

“The council really ought to get their act together and get it sorted immediately.

“A 1.64% return on investment is very low. They could have put the money in the bank and got just under 5%.”

Cllr Parsons said the newly formed council was still going through its investment portfolio to decide which assets to keep.

The Royal Baths complex

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election, said:

“North Yorkshire Council’s approach to business and investment in Harrogate is disappointing, and we deserve better.

“The continued cuts to local government from the Conservative government have left local authorities scrambling to buy up investment properties as new revenue streams. Often they do not have the skills of expertise to make a success of such investments, and we can see how that plays out first hand with the Royal Baths as one example.

“Their approach has been shortsighted, resulted in the loss of local businesses, and decreased the value of the assets they purchased. Someone should be accountable for this decision.”

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Asked to respond to claims that it lacks the commercial acumen to run businesses, the council said:

“North Yorkshire Council has a wide range of skills among its own staff, but also recognises that external support is necessary for assets that are more complex. A number of external professionals assist the council in managing this asset is the best interests of local residents and taxpayers.”

Paul Kinsey, who owned the Viper Rooms, has been locked in protracted negotiations with the council over the fixtures and fittings, declined to comment.

 

Wind warning for Harrogate district tomorrow

The Met Office has issued a weather warning covering the Harrogate district tomorrow.

The yellow alert for wind is active from 9am to 11.45pm.

Gusts over 40 mph are expected, along with persistent morning rain. Further rain is expected over the next few days.

The Met Office map for tomorrow.

Two flood alerts and a more severe flood warning remain in place locally after yesterday’s heavy rain.

The warning is active on the River Nidd at Hunsingore. The latest Environment Agency update at 11.13am today said the old corn mill area is most at risk, adding:

“Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action.”

A flood alert for the Lower River Ure, updated at 9.31am today, said:

“Areas most at risk include low-lying land including agricultural land and local roads in the areas around Masham, Boroughbridge, Aldborough and Bishop Monkton.”

A flood alert covering land around the Lower River Nidd and its tributaries, including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter was last updated at 9.03am today.

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Village floods as Harrogate district warnings remain

Eight flood alerts and warnings remain in place across the Harrogate district this morning after hours of persistent rain.

Many roads and large swathes of land were flooded last night, leading to treacherous conditions.

Last night also saw firefighters deployed sandbags at Killinghall Primary School after some of the building was flooded.

Driving on the A61 between Harrogate and Ripon was particularly dicey, with the bridge dividing Ripley and Killinghall deep in water.

Bishop Monkton, which is between the two locations, was among the worst hit areas as the beck flooded.

Bishop Monkton. Pic: Helen Bagnall 

Bishop Monkton is subject to a flood warning, which was updated by the Environment Agency at 1.30am this morning to say further rainfall is forecast this afternoon and over the weekend.

It added:

“We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area. Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.”

Flood warnings, which are more severe than flood alerts because they indicate flooding is expected and people should act, are also in place on the River Ure at Boroughbridge camping and caravanning site and on the River Nidd at Hunsingore, which is between Cattal and Kirk Deighton.

The Hunsingore warning, updated at 2.20am this morning, says:

“Areas most at risk include The Old Cornmill at Hunsingore. Further rainfall is forecast over the weekend. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings.”

The Boroughbridge warning says:

“River levels are expected to remain high into the weekend, where further heavy showers are possible. We are closing locks and flood gates in the area.”

Less severe flood alerts are active on the Lower River Ure, the Upper River Nidd catchment area, the Middle River Nidd catchment area, the Lower River Nidd catchment area River Crimple.

Rain died out overnight but the wet weather is forecast to return this afternoon and tomorrow.

Let us know of flooding in your area, Please send updates and photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Yorkshire Soap Company wins Harrogate Christmas shop window contest

The Yorkshire Soap Company has won this year’s Harrogate Christmas Shop Window Competition.

The shop on James Street’s woodland-themed window took the medium shop category prize and then claimed the overall title at an awards ceremony at the Crown Hotel last night.

Sophie Likes on Beulah Street won the small shop category and Bettys on Parliament Street claimed the large shop title.

Jane Fletcher, manager of the Yorkshire Soap Company, said it was “an absolute thrill” to win the contest for a first time, especially as it was up against retail giants like Bettys.

She added:

“When people bring children to see the window and you see they are pointing and laughing at it then it is something magical.”

The annual awards, again organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate and sponsored by Harrogate Business Improvement District, attracted about 30 entrants.

Clare Granger, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, presented the awards along with Mervyn Darby, president of the Rotary Club of Harrogate and Dan Siddle, chair of Harrogate BID.

Graham Saunders, who organised the judging on behalf of The Rotary Club, said:

“The judges could see the incredible effort those who entered the competition put into their displays, and I’m sure the public also appreciate the work done by business owners to help Harrogate looks its very best for the festive season.

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Matthew Chapman, the manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“Since it featured on the Channel 5 documentary ‘Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas’ the shop window competition has continued to thrive, and it’s the businesses who take part that we have to thank for its ongoing success.

“The town centre shops, cafes and hotels have been beautifully presented this year, with the competition giving an incentive for business to go all-out.

Harrogate Christmas Shop Window Competition Results

Overall Winner: ​

The Yorkshire Soap Company, James Street

Large Shop Winner:  ​

Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Parliament Street

Highly Commended: ​Weetons Food Hall, West Park

​​​Medium Shop

Winner:​The Yorkshire Soap Company, James Street

Highly Commended: ​Helen James Flowers, Station Parade and ​Baroque Hair, Kings Road

Small Shop

Winner: ​Sophie Likes, Beulah Street

Highly Commended: ​Imagined Things Bookshop, Montpellier Parade and​​​​Bacchus Wine Bar, Station Parade

Representatives from Sophie Likes collect award for winning the small shop category.

Representatives from Bettys with Clare Granger, Mervyn Darby and (right) Dan Siddle.

Helen James Flowers was highly commended.

 

 

Farmsion relaunches Ripon butchers shop

Premium meat retailer Farmison & Co relaunched its butchers shop in Ripon today.

Cut by Farmison, which is based at the firm’s headquarters on Bondgate Green, is now open every day of the week except Sundays from 9am to 6pm.

It previously opened on fewer days until 4pm.

The relaunch marked the latest phase in the company’s recovery since it was rescued from administration in April by a consortium led by ex-Asda chief executive Andy Clarke and Chilli Marketing owner Gareth Whittle.

Meat being prepared at Cut by Farmison.

Farmison also announced today it had reached an agreement to supply Harrods in London.

It has also entered the fish market through a partnership with online seafood business Fish for Thought.

It hopes the move to extend the opening hours of its Ripon shop will attract more shoppers from the city and nearby places such as Harrogate who are attracted to the company’s free range, grass-fed approach to butchery.

Farmison also plans to open more shops nationally to diversify from its online model, which currently accounts for 92% of its business.

Andy Adcock outside the Ripon shop today.

Chief executive Andy Adcock said:

“We have this fabulous factory in Ripon, which is at the front end of a huge craft butchery operation.

“We’ve not been maximising the retail capability and the potential of this shop for local people.

“The quality of the product here is not the same as what you will get anywhere else.”

Paul Minett, who has joined Farmison as a retail consultant, was in the store today for free tastings and to provide cooking advice.

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