District breweries ready to deliver as bars reopen

Breweries across the Harrogate district are revving up their supply chains for bars and restaurants ahead of the reopening on Monday.

The closure of hospitality meant many local brewers moved their focus towards online sales and targeted people enjoying a drink or two in their gardens during lockdown.

But from Monday, large orders are set to ramp up once again as restaurant bookings soar to satisfy eager customers.

Aron McMahon, co-owner of Turning Point Brewery in Knaresborough, was “amazed” after orders returned to pre-covid numbers. He said:

“We’ve definitely had an upturn in orders for kegs and casks, which is great. It’s just great to be brewing casks again after not doing it for so long.

“Over lockdown we were delivering kegs and casks every couple of weeks but now with the reopening it’s much more frequent. It’s amazing – orders for next week look like they did pre-covid.”

The rise in orders also means the business can look ahead to bringing staff back to full-time hours.

Currently most of them are on flexi-furlough, but Mr McMahon is hopeful that if the roadmap stays on track, all employees will be back to full-time hours by the end of the year.

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Similarly, in Harrogate, Roosters Brewery has also seen a rise in orders due to the reopening.

Ian Fozard, director at the brewery, said:

“We’ve had nothing substantial, but orders are coming in and we are very encouraged by what we have seen so far. It’s definitely a step forward.

“We are expecting more orders in the coming weeks, but we won’t know the extent of the damage to some businesses just yet.”

Tributes from across the Harrogate district paid to Prince Philip

The Harrogate district paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99 today.

Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip passed away this morning at Windsor Castle.

The Palace said it was with “deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip”.

Politicians, organisations and the Dean of Ripon Cathedral paid their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon.

You can find full coverage of the tributes from across the district below:

Ashville College pays tribute to Duke of Edinburgh

Ashville College has said it will continue to encourage its pupils to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Prince Philip founded the awards, which aim to empower young people to learn new skills, in 1956.

The college said it has supported its pupils taking part in the programme for many years and will continue to do so.

A statement from Ashville College said:

“We are very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Prince Philip today. Ashville College has supported pupils to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme for many years, with 100 pupils achieving their Bronze or Gold Award in the past five years alone.

“The DofE has provided these young people with opportunities to take part in a range of enriching activities that help them to broaden their horizons and develop skills that are transferable for their future careers. We will continue to encourage our pupils to take part in this prestigious award in the years to come.”

RHS Garden Harlow Carr shuts as a mark of respect

RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed for the rest of the day.

In a post on its Facebook page, the RHS said it took the decision out of a “mark of a respect”.

It said:

“As a mark of respect and due to our great sorrow and deep regret of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed for the rest of today.”

Flag flown at half-mast at Harrogate Civic Centre

Harrogate Borough Council flies flag at half-mast.

Harrogate Borough Council flies flag at half-mast.

Harrogate Borough Council is flying its flag at the Civic Centre at half-mast as a mark of respect following the death of Prince Philip.

In a tweet, the borough council said:

On behalf of all at Harrogate Borough Council, we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family after hearing of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Union Flag at the civic centre is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. https://t.co/8gzTV9P8kD

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) April 9, 2021

Mayor of Harrogate Borough offers ‘deepest condolences’ to Royal Family

The Queen and Prince Philip pictured in Ripon.

The Queen and Prince Philip pictured in Ripon.

The Mayor of Harrogate Borough has offered his “deepest condolences” to the Queen and the Royal Family after the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Cllr Stuart Martin MBE said it was with “enormous sadness” to learn of the death of Prince Philip.

He said:

“It is with enormous sadness to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“On behalf of myself and the Mayoress, our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy go to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family during this time.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue offers thoughts and prayers

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has offered its condolences to the Royal Family.

In a tweet, the service said it was “saddened to hear” of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

It said:

We are saddened to hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family at this sad time. https://t.co/fjnjEc3cSN

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) April 9, 2021

Dean of Ripon Cathedral ‘prays for comfort and strength’ for the Royal Family

Dean John, Ripon Cathedral.

Dean John, Ripon Cathedral.

The Dean of Ripon Cathedral has said his thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family after the passing of Prince Philip.

Dean John said “it was with great sadness” that the cathedral learned of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

He added that Prince Philip showed “great courage” in his early years, which shaped him “for a life of distinguished service”.

Dean John said:

“We reflect on his extraordinary life, of the great courage he showed in his early years, years that shaped him for a life of distinguished service as consort to Her Majesty the Queen. His contribution to the life of this nation, the Commonwealth and the world community is without question. We remember particularly his care for the natural world, the World Wildlife Fund, and think of the inordinate number of people who have benefitted from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

“Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with Her Majesty the Queen and her family. We pray for comfort and strength for them.

“In this Easter week, we Remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is with hope and confidence that we pray for the soul of Prince Philip, commending him to God’s safe and sure keeping.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP has called today ‘a sad time for our nation’

Andrew Jones MP has released this statement:

“The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh is a sad time for our nation.

“Prince Philip had a life-long record of public service to The Queen, to our country and to the many organisations he supported. It is a record that is second-to-none and my thoughts are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family and Prince Philip’s many friends at this time.

“Prince Philip’s role as consort to The Queen is his best-known contribution to our nation’s life but there was much more to this exceptional man.  He was part of a generation which suffered the privations and dangers of war as a serving officer in the Royal Navy, where he was commended for his bravery in action.

“He was an active member, patron or President of around 780 organisations and founded the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme helping young people move forward in their lives and careers. That scheme alone made a difference to the lives of millions.

“His environmental work over many decades, his championing of conservation of the natural world, helped change worldwide opinion.

“But while celebrating his record of service we should remember that he was a family man.  As we mourn the passing of an outstanding national figure his family mourn the passing of so much more; a husband of 73 years, a companion, a mentor to generations, a source of support to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“It is right at this moment of national mourning that election campaign is suspended and I have asked that local campaigning by the Conservative Party for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections and the Bilton and Nidd Gorge county council by election be suspended.

I know that other parties will want to join in observing this suspension too as a mark of respect for this formidable, long-serving, brilliant public servant.”

North Yorkshire Police has posted a tribute offering its condolences to Her Majesty The Queen

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. There is a sombre mood across the force today as our thoughts and condolences are with HM The Queen and the Royal Family at this very sad time. https://t.co/wuMov0GzWC pic.twitter.com/QR6jhjptk0

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 9, 2021

The flag is flying at half-mast at County Hall

North Yorkshire County Hall in Northallerton has lowered its flag to fly at half-mast following the Prince’s passing.

county hall flag

Lord Harewood said he was “greatly saddened” to hear of the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing:

David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood, said:

“All of us here at Harewood are greatly saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Patron and President of hundreds of organisations, he has championed and raised the profile of so many good causes.

“Harewood Staff, members, our visitors and residents across Leeds will remember with great warmth his visit to Harewood in 2002 on the occasion of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“The flag at Harewood House will fly at half-mast and our deepest sympathies are conveyed to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this sad time.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire has said:

“His Royal Highness was a hugely charismatic man, who was much loved and respected by so many.

“Prince Philip carried out over 22,000 solo engagements since 1952, including many in North Yorkshire, as well as accompanying Her Majesty The Queen at many other events. They were both at the 150th birthday celebrations of The Great Yorkshire Show in 2008.  The Duke was also a great supporter of military events across our region.

“He will be fondly remembered by so many, both here and across the Commonwealth. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme will be his legacy, touching over 6 million young adults and continuing under the auspices of HRH The Earl of Wessex.”

“His unwavering support for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II throughout Her Reign will always be remembered.

“On behalf of the people throughout the Lieutenancy of North Yorkshire I have conveyed to Her Majesty the Queen our deep condolences and great sympathy for the great loss She and her family have sustained.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats has also said campaigning will stop

The local Lib Dems retweeted an article by the BBC and added their own comment which said:

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. Our thoughts are with The Queen and the whole Royal Family at this difficult time.

“We are immediately suspending our local and national campaigning as a mark of respect.”

Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. Our thoughts are with The Queen and the whole Royal Family at this difficult time.

We are immediately suspending our local and national campaigning as a mark of respect.https://t.co/UhpIfxWjxL

— Harrogate & Knaresborough Liberal Democrats (@HKLibDems) April 9, 2021

Yorkshire Party has said it will stop it campaigning today

On Twitter it said:

“It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Prince Philip – the entire team here at the Yorkshire Party send our commiserations to her Majesty and their family at this time.

“As a mark of respect, the Yorkshire Party will halt campaigning today.”

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Prince Philip – the entire team here at the Yorkshire Party send our commiserations to her Majesty and their family at this time.

— Yorkshire Party (@Yorkshire_Party) April 9, 2021

Local MP, Nigel Adams, posted on Twitter:

“We mourn and give thanks for the life of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He has been an incredible support to Her Majesty as her consort & will also be remembered for his lifetime of service for our Country & Commonwealth.

May He Rest In Peace.”

We mourn and give thanks for the life of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
He has been an incredible support to Her Majesty as her consort & will also be remembered for his lifetime of service for our Country & Commonwealth.
May He Rest In Peace. https://t.co/M5HP0FEYOw

— Nigel Adams (@nadams) April 9, 2021

Harrogate district restaurants already fully booked ahead of reopening

There has been a rush to book tables at restaurants in the Harrogate district ahead of re-opening on Monday.

Restaurants can open their doors to eager customers as long as they have distanced outdoor seating.

Bookings have been overwhelming, with some places saying it’s busier than it was after previous lockdowns.

After months away restauranteurs and staff are eager to get back to work, even if the circumstances are a little different.

Chris Richardson, operations manager at Six Poor Folk in Knaresborough, said:

“We have almost full capacity on Monday which obviously filters down through the week but we’re pretty much fully booked on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After that, the bookings are similar every week throughout April and we just cannot wait to get back to it.”

Grantham Arms Boroughbridge

Grantham Arms is preparing to reopen with space for 90 people to sit outdoors.

A similar number of bookings has been seen across the district.

Simon Wade, owner of the Grantham Arms and Fox and Hounds in Boroughbridge said:

“We’ve done really well with table bookings. We have extended the outdoor area [at the Grantham Arms] and now have seating for 90 people. Getting the green light from government to reopen like this is a massive help for our business.”

David Dresser, who owns Fashion House Bistro in Harrogate, said:

“We’ve had a lot of bookings come in for next week I think so far it’s only Tuesday that is looking quiet. We have 40-50 table outside. We didn’t really have any preconceived conceptions of how we’d be, we aren’t packed but we are looking busy. We are just going to have to pray for good weather.”

After April 12, the next big step of the government’s roadmap comes on May 17 when it is hoped restaurants and hotels can open fully to allow guests indoors.

Harrogate pupils plant roses in memory of Captain Tom

Children at Brackenfield School in Harrogate have planted a rose garden in memory of their hero Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The reception children at the independent school followed Captain Tom’s journey during the autumn term.

They admired his determination and positivity and even adopted his inspirational quote “tomorrow will be a good day” as a daily mantra.

Captain Tom red roses, a variety named in memory of the war veteran, were planted where the children will see them grow on their way into school each day.

Headmaster Joe Masterson said:

“Sir Captain Tom Moore has made a profound impact on the entire nation, including our young children at Brackenfield, who were greatly inspired by his outlook on life.

“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed creating our new rose bed, providing a space for our entire school community to reflect and a fitting tribute to Sir Captain Tom.”

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The war veteran became a national treasure during the first lockdown when he began walking 100 laps of his garden at the age of 99 to raise money for the NHS.

By the time he’d finished he had raised over £30 million.

He died on February 2.

Harrogate district motorists caught during Easter roads blitz

A woman near Harrogate and a man in Ripon were caught almost three times over the drink-drive limit during an Easter weekend roads blitz by North Yorkshire Police.

Elsewhere in the district, a motorbike passenger had to be airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after coming off a bike in Pateley Bridge.

North Yorkshire Police released details of the incidents yesterday after stepping-up its presence on the roads over the four-day weekend.

Units were deployed to popular tourist areas, including the Dales, for the operation, codenamed Op Boundary.

It was prompted by the easing of some lockdown restrictions, sunny weather and the long weekend.

Eighty traffic offence reports were issued for offences including using mobile phones while driving, speeding and ignoring red lights.

A speed check over the weekend.

Eight vehicles were seized for having no licence or insurance.

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Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer, who led Op Boundary, said:

“We’ve dealt with some serious road offences over the last few days and Op Boundary allowed us to focus on reducing collisions in key areas and keeping the roads as safe as possible.

“But it also meant our units were strategically deployed so they could tackle other offences, such as theft and burglary, which involve the use of our road network.

“North Yorkshire’s roads aren’t racetracks and anyone who uses them illegally will be dealt with as robustly as possible. This is just the start of this intensive and hard-hitting campaign and we’ll continue this approach throughout the summer.”

Nine county lines drug arrests in Harrogate in four days

Four days of police action targeting county lines drug dealing in Harrogate has resulted in nine arrests.

As well as the arrests, cocaine and heroin to an estimated street value of £2,600 was recovered. Eight mobile phones, one large hunting knife, £500 cash and other drugs were also retrieved.

In one incident, two men were arrested after being found with 26 bags of suspected MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and cocaine in a pizza box. The 18 and 28 year old have been released while under investigation.

According to a press release by North Yorkshire Police, four county lines operations took place on four days in February and March.

North Yorkshire Police worked alongside the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit to make the arrests.

Funding was given by the Home Office and the National County Lines Coordination Centre.

The operations also revealed a new county line impacting Harrogate.

A total of 76 welfare visits were made to vulnerable people considered to be at risk of county lines exploitation. They were told how to spot the signs of county lines activity as many don’t recognises themselves as victims.

During one operation, officers arrested four teenage boys from Leeds, one aged 16 and three aged 17, who were believed to be staying with a vulnerable person in Harrogate in a practice known as cuckooing.

This is where drug dealers stay in the homes of vulnerable people while selling drugs.

One of the boys was charged with possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and is awaiting trial. The other three remain on police bail while the investigation continues.

Another man, a 30-year-old from Southampton, was arrested in Harrogate. Officers found 11 wraps of suspected cocaine. He was also released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Marcus Dawson of Harrogate-based Operation Expedite said:

“The safeguarding of vulnerable people continues to be a key focus of our work and these nationally funded days of action are very welcome, providing a boost to our existing proactive work, and allowing us to protect more people and disrupt more drug dealers.

“They also give us an opportunity the gather more intelligence about drug dealing. Members of the public can also help us protect vulnerable people by calling in information.”

Click here for help if you’re a parent or care and believe a child you care for is involved in drugs and drug dealing.

Read more:

Spot the signs of cuckooing and exploitation

Spot the signs that a young person may be exploited by drug dealers

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and happy Wednesday. It’s Suzannah here with you this morning bringing your road and rail updates every 15 minutes.

These live blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, aim to keep the Harrogate district moving.

A number of temporary traffic lights are in place across the district today, due to roadworks, so be aware of slight delays.

Keep us posted on social media and via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

9am – Full Update 

That’s it from me this morning. Leah will be back with you tomorrow morning for 6.30.

Have a lovely day.

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update

Roads

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads continue to look clear this morning, no traffic hotspots yet.

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, no traffic hotspots yet.

Remember Harlow Moor Road is closed at its junction with Otley Road, until April 21.

Temporary lights in place:

Trains

Buses

 

Police appeal after CCTV camera damaged in Ripon

North Yorkshire Police appealed today for witnesses after a CCTV camera on Bondgate in Ripon was damaged.

Police said the incident occurred at about 9pm on Sunday, February 21.

They issued a rather grainy CCTV image of a person wearing a mask who they hope to speak to about the incident.

Anyone who recognises the person, or has any information, is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Sarah Hargreaves.

Or email the officer at sarah.hargreaves1995@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote police reference number 12210064248.

Read more:

 

Union concerns about Harrogate council staff having to use public toilets

The trade union Unison has expressed concerns that some Harrogate Borough Council may have to use public toilets during office hours.

Knaresborough Tourist Information Centre is currently located in the town’s library.

But it is due to move to the Courthouse Museum, in the grounds Knaresborough Castle, in June.

Unison is concerned the museum does not have adequate on-site toilet facilities, forcing staff to use public toilets on Cheapside.

David Houlgate, Unison Harrogate branch secretary, said:

“We understand that for very many years staff at the courthouse museum have been expected to use the public toilets near to Cheapside.  Of course this was never really acceptable but now with the Tourist Information Centre re-locating there will be more staff, probably longer opening hours and increased footfall.

“Whilst public toilets are OK if people are caught short when out and about in the town they are not suitable to be the designated toilets for staff working in an indoor environment promoting the town and wider district.

“There is also no guarantee that they will be open when needed.”

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Mr Houlgate said if the council could not provide toilets, it should make an arrangement with a nearby organisation to allow council staff to use their toilets.

He added these concerns were put to the council when the move was first discussed in 2019 but they hadn’t been addressed. He also questioned what consultation had taken place.

The move to the museum was delayed due to the pandemic but is now scheduled to take place in June.

Disabled access also a concern

Unison also raised concerns about the tourist information centre’s disabled access. Mr Houlgate said:

“Whilst there is some provision to get in and out of the Courthouse, the nature of the building may restrict access within which is not ideal and may even be discriminatory.”

The union has asked the council if there has been an equality impact assessment in relation to the move.

Harrogate Borough Council has been contacted for a response.

Doncaster man jailed after spate of ATM thefts including Starbeck

A Doncaster man has been jailed for 11 years after targeting nine cash machines across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire including Starbeck.

George Tunney has been sentenced today at York Crown Court on charges of conspiracy to cause explosions and to burgle. As well as theft and handling stolen goods following the offences committed in January and March 2020.

Just a few months after being released from prison, Tunney began his first spate of burglaries in January 2020 in the Doncaster and Hull area.

In a second spate in March that year an ATM at the Co-op in Starbeck was targeted alongside The Post Office in Shepshed, Leicestershire and the Jet garage in Adwick near Doncaster. One of these crimes saw Tunney steal over £35,000 in cash.

In between January and March the 24-year-old targeted a further three cash machines in Grantham, Mansfield and Nether Poppleton.

His numerous offences caused in excess of £60,000 worth of damage to a number of businesses,

A few days after the second spate of attacks Tunney was found along the River Ouse near the York Designer Outlet after fleeing from the North Yorkshire Police officers.

Tunney pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 11 years in prison, plus banned from driving for eight years.

Read more:

North Yorkshire Police Detective Superintendent, Fran Naughton, said:

“The sentence given to Tunney today is a clear demonstration that this type of crime will not be tolerated.

“Not only did Tunney and his associates endanger many lives through the dangerous use of explosives, some of which were deployed at fuel forecourts, they caused well in excess of £60,000 damage to a number of businesses.

“These businesses provide essential local services to their communities and many were out of use for extended periods of time whilst repairs were made.”