Lauren Ryan, Author at The Stray Ferret

Yorkshire Water apologise after lorries pass Killinghall school

Yorkshire Water have issued an apology after its lorries drove past Killinghall Church of England Primary School during pick up and drop off times last week.

The organisation is currently carrying out work on a £19m scheme to clean up the River Nidd at the Killinghall wastewater treatment works on Crag Hill Lane. Works at the site are expected to continue until Spring 2026.

Since the scheme began last year, the primary school and residents in the village have raised concerns about children’s safety as the volume of heavy goods vehicles increased on Crag Lane.

Last year Andy Wilmer, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said in a statement that vehicles would not be an issue and that site traffic would avoid school drop off and pick up times.

But, residents have said that Yorkshire Water lorries were still passing the school during pick up times. Last week two lorries passed the school between 8:45 and 8:50am.

Killinghall resident, Richard Thompson shared a photo of the lorry and told the Stray Ferret:

“HGVs have been driving past Killinghall CE Primary School during drop-off time for the last two days, despite Yorkshire Water’s recent public undertaking that they would not.

“This has put young children including toddlers at significant risk. The lorry came extremely close to some pedestrians and several parents commented.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson at Killinghall Church of England Primary School said:

“It is an issue we are aware of, lorries are definitely driving past. Traffic is a problem in general down Crag Lane because it’s a narrow street and cars park on the road. Lorries drive past and often go on the verges or resident’s gardens. The main time this is an issue for us is school pick-up times.”

Yorkshire Water has since apologised and said measures would be put in place “to ensure this does not happen again”.

A company spokesperson said today:

“We apologise for the disruption caused by a supplier delivering to our site during school drop off time. We and our contractor at Killinghall are working closely with our suppliers to put measures in place to ensure this does not happen again in the future.

“As part of our work in the area, our education team will be visiting the school to deliver an industry-first Lego blockages programme later this week, educating students on what should and shouldn’t be flushed down to the toilet to reduce blockages in the sewer and how everyone can do their bit to support the environment.”

Killinghall primary school on the junction of Otley Road and Crag Lane

Crag Lane is a narrow country lane connected to Otley Road which runs through Killinghall village. The school is on the corner of the two roads.

The Stray Ferret spoke to local and parish councillors about the issue, who stressed safety measures should be taken seriously.

Cllr Michael Harrison, Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division said:

“Yorkshire Water committed to avoiding school hours for the largest vehicles to use the lane for these temporary works, and so it would be helpful if residents feedback if this is not being adhered to.”

Cllr Anne Holdsworth, acting chair of Killinghall parish council said:

“The development of the Killinghall Sewerage Works has caused controversy and efforts have been made to introduce safety measures and signage. An approach to Yorkshire Water should provide the measures which have been introduced with cooperation of the Contractors. I would suggest that a record of vehicles that are appear to be ignoring the safety measures in place to protect school children and other pedestrians is noted kept and reported as soon as possible.”

“This project is likely to take many months to complete and currently the need for heavy goods vehicles is for the preparation of the necessary ground works.”

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£20m rebuild of Harrogate College underway

A £20m scheme to rebuild Harrogate College has begun.

The college on Hornbeam Park in Harrogate is replacing its main building and constructing a renewable energy skills hub to ‘future-proof’ the site.

Preliminary work began in February while the full construction phase, in what is currently the campus’s car park, will start in March.

The upgrade will create modern facilities such as a mock hospital ward, digital technology suite, electric vehicle workshop and a construction centre focused on modern building methods.

A total of £16m of the funding has come from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.

The college aims to move into the new main campus building in July 2025, after which the current property will be demolished.

Danny Wild

Principal Danny Wild said:

“We are really excited to see work on our new campus getting underway. The resulting, purpose-built facilities will allow us to keep producing the highly skilled individuals that our region’s businesses need, now and for decades to come.

“It will also allow us, while building on our close collaboration with local employers, to consolidate our position as the leading local provider of T Levels – the new, work-focused alternative to A levels that are becoming increasingly popular.

“We look forward to showing off the results, which will usher in an exciting new chapter for Harrogate College, its students and the people of North Yorkshire, in the summer of 2025.”

An artist’s impression of the renewable energy technology centre.

The college has pledged to become net-zero by 2035 and will focus on teaching sustainable technology skills. It has teamed up with local businesses including Energy Oasis, which recently trained tutors on how to fit and wire up PV solar panels, so they can in turn teach the students.

Energy Oasis founder Mike Kaye said:

“We are really proud that the college is looking to become a centre of renewable and sustainable excellence.

“This is one of the fastest growing areas in the economy and the more people, whether they are just starting off or looking for a career change, who can be trained up in these skills and deployed into the workforce, the better. By offering comprehensive energy and sustainability courses, Harrogate College is arming students with the necessary skills to lead the way towards a greener future.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said:

“As well as enhancing the facilities available to Harrogate College students, this £20 million new campus will bring many broader benefits to Harrogate, Knaresborough and the wider area.

“With many of the courses set to be on offer at the new campus geared toward sectors where there are currently local skills shortages, the development will provide a real boost to local economies, providing valuable opportunities for our young people and adults.”

The college will run as normal throughout the building phase and students will continue to have full access to all of the existing facilities.

Business Breakfast: I’Anson Bros recruits commercial director as new mill opens

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024.

Masham animal feed producer I’Anson Bros has appointed a new commercial director.

as the business looks to grow its sales with its new, £20m feed mill and distribution centre.

Andrew Richardson will take up this post at the beginning of March as Waterloo House, the firm’s new production facility prepares to go into production at Dalton Industrial Park, near Thirsk.

The new mill is the largest financial investment in the 120-year history of the company and will more than double production capacity.

Mr Richardson Richardson has extensive experience within the agri, retail, equine/leisure and fuel sectors having previously held the roles of managing director and group chief executive at two other major agri supply companies.

He said:

“I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to be part of such a significant and important project and look forward to working with the team to make it an outstanding success.

“The new mill will deliver real benefits for customers, providing security of supply, the ability to meet growing demand and the development of new products.”

I’Anson managing director Sarah Richardson said:

“The role of commercial director is vital in ensuring we capitalise on the significant investment we have made in developing the new mill. The search to find the right individual has been long and thorough but we are delighted to have attracted someone of Andrew’s undoubted calibre.”

Contract cleaning firm forecasts strong growth

Contract cleaning firm It’s Clean is forecasting double digit growth for the third year running as it marks 25 years.

The business has expanded its management team and moved to larger premises on Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park.

Managing Director David Whan said he expected 2024 to see the same level of growth as the last two years after the firm secured new multi-year office cleaning contracts with two of Harrogate’s biggest businesses.

Mr Whan said:

“Some services are much better from local providers and contract cleaning is one of them, which is why we have focused our growth on a limited geographical area and developing a well-supported and highly trained regional team of cleaning staff and managers.

“We have overcome the recruitment challenges many operators face in our line of work by offering fair levels of pay and working hard to generate a sense of pride in being part of one of the most established and best known cleaning firms in the region.”

Harrogate Law firm welcomes back apprentice

LCF Law’s specialist debt recovery team has welcomed Oliver Wraith back into its team.

Mr Wraith was an apprentice in the debt recovery division in 2019 and completed a level 3 paralegal apprenticeship in 2022. He then left to travel before re-joining LCF Law to continue his legal career.

He said:

“I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone thinking of pursuing a legal career, as you get lots of real experience alongside studying for the qualification.”

LCF Law’s head of debt recovery, Andrew Langton, said:

“It’s great to have Oliver back. When he first started it was just the two of us, and we have now grown to a team of five.”

Asda to open new Express store in Harrogate

A new Asda Express convenience store is set to open in Harrogate early next month.

The Spar shop at the Esso garage on Wetherby Road is being rebranded by Asda. The Esso garage will remain but the shop will become an Asda Express, stocking up to 3,000 branded and own-label products.

Asda told The Stray Ferret that the new store is expected to open on March 5 as part of an ongoing programme to convert sites acquired from EG Group and Co-Op.

Asda plans to open 110 Express stores in February, of which 109 are former Co-Op and EG Group sites.

The move is part of Asda’s long-term plan to expand into the convenience market and become the second largest UK supermarket.

An illustrative shot of an Asda Express.

Two Asda Express stores opened in Knaresborough, as reported by the Stray Ferret last month. There are also plans to convert two sites in York and Leeds.

Andy Perry, managing director of Convenience at Asda, said:

“This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market. We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK.”

Knaresborough restaurant to launch new takeaway venue next month

A Two Brothers grill and pizzeria takeaway is set to open early next month on Chain Lane, Knaresborough.

The business will be based in the former Chilli Hut unit and will be Two Brothers’ second restaurant in Knaresborough, joining their existing venue in Castle Courtyard.

The Italian restaurant was established in March 2018 when the Ravasz brothers, Nandor and Szilard, opened the restaurant with their wives Vivien Kovacs and Eniko Szenasi.

In an update posted on social media by business group Knaresborough Chamber, it was revealed the restaurant plans to open seven days a week from March 10.

Knaresborough Chamber also shared that the new takeaway will offer the same food as the restaurant and potentially additional options.

The statement said:

“With separate premises we can speed both kitchens up so we will be able to offer a quicker service for both sitting in and taking away. At the moment the take away orders are putting pressure on our tiny kitchen, slowing both services down.

“We have still got much to do as the building needs refurbishing and new equipment. We are still deciding if we should open during the day or just at night as we are not sure if there is a market for daytime take away in town.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted the restaurant for further details but have not yet received a response.

EE boosts mobile connectivity in rural areas around Harrogate

Network provider EE has claimed mobile coverage in rural North Yorkshire has “significantly improved” after it upgraded more than 40 masts.

Five of the 40 masts that have been upgraded over the last two years are in the Harrogate district.

They are at Blubberhouses, near Fewston Reservoir, as well as at Spofforth, Kettlesing, Bishop Thornton and Thruscross Reservoir.

Most of the masts have been built or upgraded by EE as part of the Shared Rural Network, a £1 billion initiative to extend 4G connectivity to rural communities, with the aim to cover 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, said:

“Having championed the creation of the Shared Rural Network, I know how essential it is in helping to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas and boost regional economic growth.

“This improved mobile connectivity from EE means businesses and visitors in North Yorkshire are now better connected and residents have more options when it comes to working remotely and accessing essential services.”

North Yorkshire-based photographer and blogger Stuart Hodgson added:

“Our phones can now help us follow walking routes and find our way, and even help us identify some of the wildlife and plants along the way. It can also provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.”

A 2021 report by an independent rural commission set up by North Yorkshire County Council warned that poor connectivity in rural areas was hindering economic growth and leaving tens of thousands in technology ’notspots’.

Improved connectivity is said to have the potential to boost investment and jobs as well as encouraging younger people to live and work in rural areas.

EE said it had attempted to place masts in non-intrusive areas to balance the need for improved connectivity with respect for the landscape,

Last call for entries to Knaresborough Bed Race

Entries to Knaresborough’s biggest annual spectacle are set to close soon.

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is a highlight of the town’s summer. It sees 630 people in 90 teams, each with six runners and a passenger, complete a 2.4-mile course through Knaresborough’s streets and finish with an icy swim across the River Nidd.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch the crazy race and admire the dressed up teams and beds before the start at Knaresborough Castle.

The teams then parade through the town at 1pm before getting under starter’s orders at 3pm at Conyngham Hall.

This year’s event, which takes place on June 8, is already close to having the maximum number of teams.

Teams have until February 29 to enter, with event organisers Knaresborough Lions Club urging people to “get your bed race entries in before it is too late”.

The 2024 theme is Great Inventions And Technology Through The Ages.

Knaresborough Bed Race parade 2023.

Team coordinator Matt Walker said:

‘We’ve had a great level of interest already this year. People have reacted really positively to the theme of Great Inventions and there has also been a great reaction to the entry form moving online this year.’

Entries cost £240 for an adult team and £100 for a junior team. Entries can be made here and for any queries contact Knaresborough lions.

Nidderdale Walk to celebrate 30th anniversary this year

The Nidderdale Walk is set to return this year for its 30th anniversary and organisers hope for a landmark event.

This year’s walk is set to take place on May 19, starting in Pateley Bridge and heading into upper Nidderdale.

The walk is made up of six routes ranging from four miles to 26 miles with a new 18-mile hike added this year.

The varied routes take walkers through the scenic countryside of Wath, Ramsgill, Lofthouse, Gouthwaite, Fountains Earth Moor, and Scar House Reservoir.

The walk first took place in 1994 and has since raised more than £970,000 for local and national charities.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, it generated £24,000 last year alone and is hoped overall total raised surpasses the £1 million milestone this year.

The Nidderdale Walk is organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

Brian Stuttard, chairman of the walk committee said:

“The sole purpose of this Rotary event is to provide fundraisers with well organised, waymarked walks with checkpoints along the way to enable them to raise money for their own charities. We do the preparation, you raise sponsorship by walking or running.”

Rotary Club members Alistair Ratcliffe, Vic Smith-Dunn, John Wallace & Charles Dickinson with Verity Frearson director Matthew Stamford (centre)

Lead sponsor for the event this year is estate agent Verity Frearson. Director Matthew Stamford said:

“This is one the most eagerly-anticipated charity events on the Harrogate social calendar and we are delighted to be supporting it in its 30th year.

“So much has been raised over the last 29 years for so many good causes and it would be the icing on the cake if we were able to help the Rotary Club of Harrogate reach their £1m milestone. It promises to be a great day and we cannot wait to get involved.”

For more information on this year’s Nidderdale Walk click here.

Boroughbridge sweet shop to close next month

Sweet and Seasonal, a traditional sweet shop in Boroughbridge is set to close next month.

The store has been a prominent feature on the High Street since opening in 2022. But the shop announced its upcoming closure on social media yesterday.

It said:

“Our last day of trade will sadly be Wednesday, March 6, to allow us enough time to empty the shop and return the keys to the landlord before our lease end date.

“This means there are now just a couple of weeks left to come down and see us before we go. As I am sure you can understand, we will not be buying anymore sweets so the stock we have, is what we have!

“We would love to go out on a high and to see as many of you as possible before we go, so please do come down and support us in our final weeks.”

The store sells traditional sweets, chocolate and gifts. Earlier this year the business revealed on social media it was having “some very difficult and complicated discussions surrounding lease renewal” and had been “left in a position where we are unable to keep the shop open”.

It added:

“It has not been an easy decision and we have truly thrown everything into finding a solution but sadly it has not been possible.

“It has been a pleasure and the best experience of my life, I will miss being a part of the community of Boroughbridge.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Sweet and Seasonal for more information but has not received a response.

Business Breakfast: Estate agent re-enters Harrogate lettings market

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024.

Estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has announced it is re-entering the residential lettings and property management market in York, Harrogate and Ilkley.

Sophie Tillisch will head the department at the firm’s Harrogate office. It plans to recruit several new staff.

Ms Tillisch said:

“We’re thrilled to be returning to the lettings market at a time when demand for quality rental property is soaring. We will be providing a bespoke package of services that will reflect the landlord’s individual requirements.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, added:

“It’s more than three years since we agreed the sale of our lettings division, which managed more than 600 homes, but we still regularly receive enquiries from landlords looking for an agent with a wide-reaching branch network to manage their investments.

Harrogate carbon accounting firm hires new manager

Flotilla, a Harrogate net zero partner based on Station Parade, is expanding its team with the appointment of an engagement manager.

Sandra Tully will be responsible for lead generation, brand awareness and client engagement.

Ms Tully said:

“I’m very much looking forward to embracing this new stage in my career alongside the team at Flotilla. The chance to put my existing experience to work enabling organisations to do good for people and the planet is a privilege”.

Knaresborough Golf Club donates to Harrogate hospital charity

Knaresborough Golf Club has donated over £6,000 to Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, which will be used to fund improvements to within the hospital’s dementia care services and the cardiology department.

Georgia Hudson, volunteer and charity manager at the hospital said:

“We are deeply honoured to have been a part of their phenomenal fundraising journey and wish all at Knaresborough Golf Club the very best for the future.

“Their donation will really make a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff.”