Harrogate district braced for further rail strikes

Passengers are set to experience rail disruptions next week and into the Early May Bank Holiday as unions carry out further strikes.

Train union ASLEF has announced its members will carry out “action short of strike” between Monday April 29 and Saturday May 4 in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Northern, which operates stations in Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough, has warned passengers to expect late notice cancellations during the time period.

On its website, the company said:

“If travelling with Northern, or connecting onto other services across the country, check before you travel as industrial action may affect multiple parts of your journey.

“Between April 29 and May 4 (during ‘action short of strike’) we expect some late notice cancellations to services, particularly the first and last services of the day.

“The majority of services will be running as planned on these days, but please check before travelling, as close to the time as possible as short notice cancellations are likely.”

There are also disruptions predicted between May 6- 11 due to ‘action short of strike’ called by ASLEF, meaning almost two weeks of disruptions with a strike on Thursday May 9.

Passengers also faced disruptions on the last bank holiday, over Easter weekend.

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Police seek man after Harrogate supermarket fraud

North Yorkshire Police has issued a CCTV image of a man it wants to speak to about fraud at a Harrogate supermarket.

The force said today the incident related to a fraudulent exchange of cash.

It happened at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Harrogate in February this year. No further details have been revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“We believe he will have information that could assist our investigation. If you can help to identify the man in the image, please contact us via email at IET@northyorkshire.police.uk.”

To pass on information quote reference 12240045890 and call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

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Harrogate primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Harrogate has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

The school was inspected in March and the newly released report said St Peter’s is “a welcoming and friendly school” where children are taught “an ambitious curriculum” and “‘enjoy their learning and achieve well”.

Inspectors noted the adaptation of lessons to provide effective support for all children including those with additional needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

They added children “talk with maturity about a range of issues”, “show empathy and care for each other” and that there is, “a range of opportunities for children to develop their talents and interests”.

Paul Griffiths, headteacher at St Peter’s CE Primary School, said;

“It is privilege to lead a wonderful team of dedicated and hardworking professionals who work tirelessly to provide the very best for children and their families.

“I am immensely grateful to the whole staff team for all they do. As a school we are very fortunate to have a hugely supportive parent body and wonderful children who help to make St Peter’s a very special place. We look forward to building on the many positives from the recent inspection to continue to improve our facilities and provision for the benefit of all.”

Paul Griffiths St Peter’s head teacher

The school is part of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, founded in 2015 the company covers nine schools in Harrogate and Craven.

Jane Goodwin, CEO at Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, said:

“This Ofsted outcome is welcomed by the School and the Trust as a representation of the fantastic School that St Peter’s is. As a happy and caring environment where everyone works hard together, all children enjoy and benefit from the quality of learning and wider experiences that staff create for them.

“St Peter’s is a shining example of a Yorkshire Causeway school, and I am hugely proud of their achievements.”

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Harrogate BID to provide grants to upgrade storefronts

Harrogate Business Improvement District has announced it will provide grants to support businesses in making improvements to shop fronts and accessibility.

Each year, the BID provides the match funding to levy paying businesses for support with improvement work.

The organisation will provide match funding up to £750 towards these improvement works. All members within the Harrogate BID area are eligible to apply for the grant which is available on a first come first served basis.

The aim is to offer investment into repairs and redecorations of business entrances and streets as well as the refurbishment or replacement of graphics and signage to improve the appearance of the town.

The funding will also go towards making Harrogate businesses more accessible. The grants will provide improvements including the installation of ramps, handrails, and automatic doors.

The BID said the funding “helps to create a great first impression for any visitors to the town and allows residents and business owners in Harrogate to take pride in their town”.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“Harrogate is always championed as the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown, and we know that first impressions really do count. This is why we are proud to once again launch the Shop Front Match Funding Grant to support our members and this worthy representation.”

Businesses wishing to submit a request for a grant should email info@harrogatebid.co.uk with a short description of the proposed work, any equipment needed, the expected completion date and any quotations or proposals.

Further details on the terms and conditions of the grants can be found on the Harrogate BID website.

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Harrogate clothes shop closes for refurbishment

A prominent James Street store has closed to undergo refurbishment.

The unit at 20-22 James Street houses two shops, Monsoon, with the James Street entrance and sister shop, Accessorize with the Marketplace store front.

Monsoon & Accessorize is currently closed, but the Stray Ferret understands the store is due to reopen after a refit.

The store is listed as permanently closed on Google, which raised confusion around the shop returning.

The Stray Ferret contacted the company for confirmation but Monsoon Accessorize declined to comment, stating that commenting on shop openings and closures is against company policy.

The women’s fashion retailer currently has notices displayed in both windows, which say “sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever” and “be right back”.

It comes as the company submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council for new signage this year.

London based Adena Services Ltd applied for a ‘halo lit fascia signage to existing retail unit’. The new signage is proposed to be coral, gold and illuminated.

Proposed shop front

The unit is the second shop on James Street to have closed for refit and later appear on Commercial Rightmove in recent weeks.

The Rightmove listing describes the site as:

“Available on a new full repairing and insuring lease for a term of years to be agreed in multiples of 5 with 5 yearly upward only rent reviews.”

The closed sign currently displayed in Monsoon’s window

The company behind Monsoon Accessorize was founded in the 1970s but went into administration in 2020 due to trading issues during the pandemic and closed multiple stores across the country.

The Harrogate store survived the closures after company founder Peter Simon brought Monsoon Accessorize out of administration.

Accessorize storefront Harrogate

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Knaresborough primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

Knaresborough St John’s Church of England Primary School  has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating in its latest report.

Inspectors described the school, which is part of Elevate Multi Academy Trust, as “welcoming and caring” and said “the school places very high value on pupils’ personal development”.

The report said there was a strong relationships between pupils and adults. It added that there was a rarity of bullying in the school and a broad and ambitious curriculum.

The report said:

“Respect is at the very heart of this school and individuality is celebrated. Pupils say that one of the best things about their school is how kind staff are. Leaders at all levels are passionate about their school and have high expectations.

“Their goal is for students to flourish in all areas, this includes academically, spiritually and by becoming active in the local community.”

Knaresborough St John’s Church of England Primary School on Stockwell Road.

Alex Hope, the school’s headteacher, said the staff took pride in the findings in the latest Ofsted report.

He said:

“I am so proud of everyone involved with Knaresborough St John’s C of E Primary School for being recognised as being a good school that provides the best possible start for our youngest children.

“We know the importance of the earliest years in school and how they create the foundation for the rest of a child’s school life. We take pride in this being one of our exceptional strengths.”

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Police issue CCTV appeals after Harrogate shop thefts

North Yorkshire Police has issued CCTV images for two separate shop thefts in Harrogate.

Police are appealing after a theft involving four women from Next clothes store in the Victoria Shopping Centre.

The incident happened in February and involved four women entering the store with pushchairs.

The force issued a statement today, which said:

“They walked around the shop, piling items of clothing and hiding them on the pushchairs. They left the store without paying for the items, which are estimated to be worth more than £500. Please contact us if you recognise the people pictured on CCTV, as they may have information that will assist our investigation.”

Next CCTV supplied by North Yorkshire Police

Email katie.hicks@northyorkshire.police.uk, call 101,  or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website. Quote reference 12240022674 when passing on information.

Harrogate Waitrose theft

Police have also issued a separate CCTV image of a woman they would like to speak to after a theft from Waitrose in Harrogate.

The incident happened on Saturday, March 2.

A police statement said the theft involved:

“A woman filling a basket with products worth more than £200, and leaving without paying. Please contact us if you recognise the woman pictured on CCTV, as she may have information that will assist our investigation.”

Waitrose CCTV supplied by North Yorkshire Police

Email katie.hicks@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference 12240038563 when passing on information

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Police investigate suspected dog poisonings at Harrogate reservoir

North Yorkshire Police is investigating suspected dog poisonings at Lindley Wood Reservoir near Harrogate.

Police are appealing for information following the death of two dogs at the site. The animals died after eating something that is believed to be toxic on a walk at the reservoir between March 31 and April 15.

The Stray Ferret reported on Friday that Yorkshire Water, which owns the reservoir, had urged dog walkers to remain vigilant.

Police are carrying out enquiries and said in a statement released today:

“We were made aware of what happened at around 4pm on Tuesday, April 16.

“If you have any information that can help us with our investigation, please get in touch. We would also like to hear from any other dog owners who believe their dog may have been affected in similar circumstances after visiting the location in recent weeks.”

Last week, dog owners took to social media to report the suspected poisoning. A five-year-old Cockerpoo and a puppy died after being walked at the site.

Lindley Wood, along with nearby Swinsty, Fewston and Thruscross reservoirs is owned by Yorkshire Water.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson urged dog owners to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious at its reservoirs.

They said:

“We are saddened to hear of these incidents, which we were made aware of via social media. Our colleagues have not found anything suspicious at the reservoir, but we would encourage the dog owners to reach out to our customer service team and share specific details of where they were walking at the time so we can establish if this was on land owned by Yorkshire Water, and if so, support with any required investigation.

“In the meantime, we would continue to urge walkers and owners to remain vigilant and keep their dogs on a lead when walking around our reservoirs, for their safety, and the safety of surrounding wildlife.”

To provide information to the police email pierre.olesqui@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 quoting reference number 12240069458.
To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

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Knaresborough health and beauty week begins today

Knaresborough’s first health and beauty week begins today.

Sixteen businesses are involved in the venture, which runs from April 22 to Sunday, April 28.

It is one of many events being organised this year by Knaresborough Business Collective.

The collective was set up by independent traders Natalie Horner and Annie Wilkinson-Gill in 2021. The health and beauty week has been created to showcase Knaresborough’s beauty venues.

The event follows the Knaresborough Business Collective’s first week of exclusive offers, Knaresborough food and drink week, in March.

Similar to the food and drink week, the beauty event will give people cut-price deals throughout the week. Salons, clinics and wellness shops will have a range of exclusive offers, many of which are yet to be announced.

Loft salon Knaresborough, is one of the locations offering discounted treatments

In an interview with the Stray Ferret, prior to the Knaresborough food and drink week, Ms Horner said:

“There are so many amazing businesses in Knaresborough it is just a case of showcasing what we have to offer and drawing people in.

“We have launched to event to show what is on offer in Knaresborough, sometimes people get stuck in a routine and need to be shown what options they have. Sometimes people don’t realise these places even exist, so it helps to put them on the map.

“All the businesses are so different they have lots to offer and we had to make sure there was a mutual benefit.”

The collective has also revealed plans to run another event, a retail week in the run-up to the Knaresborough Business Awards in summer.

Deals for this week will be updated daily and shared to the Knaresborough Business Collective Facebook page. Participating businesses will also put posters in their windows.

The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co will have offers this week.

The businesses involved are:

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Business Breakfast: New managing partner announced at law firm after 30 years

LCF Law has announced that managing partner Simon Stell, who has led the firm for almost 30 years, is to step down from the role.

The firm has announced that partner and disputes specialist Ragan Montgomery will take the position.

Mr Stell joined LCF Law in 1995, when it was known as Last Cawthra Feather before becoming LCF Law in 2014. He will continue to work with Ms Montgomery to assist with the handover. He will continue with the firm, acting as a mentor.

In her new role, Ms Montgomery will be responsible for overseeing LCF Law’s operations and leading the firm’s client service, growth and development strategies. She has worked at LCF Law since 2003 and is currently operational head of the firm’s Dispute Resolution department.

Ms Montgomery said:

 “After joining the firm 21 years ago as an assistant solicitor, to be appointed managing partner is a huge honour and it’s a challenge that I’m really looking forward to as we strive to build on our enviable reputation in Yorkshire and beyond.

Mr Stell said:

“Over the many years that I have been with LCF Law, there have been lots of changes, but we have always had a firm eye on the future.

“One thing we were certain about was that law would still be a people business and we’ve worked hard to build a great team. I’m proud to remain a part of it in my new role. I very much look forward to supporting Ragan and continuing to be a dedicated contributor to LCF Law’s ongoing success.”

Toy shop opens in Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear, a new toy shop in Boroughbridge has officially opened.

The store sells eco-friendly gifts and sensory items in the former Clairemarie fashion store on Horsefair. The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10-4pm.

Store founder and owner Alyss Jones said:

“I am very excited to have officially opened the doors to my toy shop Coco & Bear. Boroughbridge is a beautiful town, and we are very proud to be a part of such a friendly community. The local support has been amazing. We would love anyone who is passing to pop in and say hello.”

Coco & Bear interior

Creative and digital agency appoint new marketing manager

Josh Dodd, Show & Tell marketing manager.

Yorkshire branding, creative and digital agency, Show + Tell, has announced Josh Dodd as the agency’s marketing manager.

Mr Dodd will be responsible for Show + Tell’s marketing and content strategies, brand development and tactical campaigns.

Previously Mr Dodd was commercial marketing coordinator at CMS Distribution, a supplier of business and consumer technologies.

Charlie Hartley, founder and CEO of Show + Tell said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to the Show + Tell team. His impressive background in B2B marketing and his passion for creativity and innovation make him the perfect fit for this role. It’s a significant hire for us as an agency, and we are confident that Josh will make significant contributions to our marketing efforts and help us achieve our goals for growth and success.”

Mr Dodd said:

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at Show + Tell. The agency’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations, and it’s exciting to be part of an organisation that has just received two industry awards for the Best B2B Website. I’m looking forward to driving impactful marketing initiatives that contribute to the continued success and growth of Show + Tell.”

Harrogate accountants expand firm

Graham and Liz from Wild & Co Chartered Accountants 

Wild & Co Chartered Accountants has expanded its office space in Windsor House over the past two years and doubled the size of its team.

Liz Wild founded the firm in 2009 and now the company has 7 staff and looks after clients in Harrogate, Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax and South Yorkshire.

Ms Wild said:

“We set out to fill a gap for businesses that are looking for a proactive accountancy partner to work with them throughout the year and give them greater visibility over their business numbers.Last year we introduced a Growth Hub for clients with a programme of workshops, webinars and news bulletins to support business growth and we regularly share knowledge about new apps and software that streamline management information.”

“Even though digital accountancy is more widespread now than it was when we started out 15 years ago, we are still one of the few firms embracing all the possibilities it offers and keeping clients fully up-to-date on how technology can move them forward. As we continue to expand our own business, we are looking forward to helping our clients to grow theirs too and to enjoy doing so.”

Have some news to share about your business? Send it to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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