Bilton Liberal Democrat candidate ‘very sorry’ after by-election defeat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election has said he is “very sorry” for the result after the Conservatives took the seat from the party.

Speaking today, Liberal Democrat Andrew Kempston-Parkes said the election result was “not what we hoped for”.

Matt Scott, the Conservative candidate, won the North Yorkshire County Council seat for the Tories by 352 votes.

The by-election was held following the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Geoff Webber who died in March after holding the seat since 2017.

Mr Kempston-Parkes said after the result:

“I look to my comrades in the Labour Party and my sisters and brothers in the Green Party and say as long as the parties of the centre and left continue to fight each other, Conservatives will continue to have power even though they get less than 50% of the vote.”

Matt Scott, Conservative candidate for Bilton and Nidd Gorge.

Matt Scott, the new Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge on North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Scott, who already represents the area on Harrogate Borough Council, won the North Yorkshire County Council seat this morning by a margin of 352 votes ahead of second-placed Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Kempston-Parkes.

His victory marks a shift in power away from the Lib Dems who had previously won six out of eight county council elections in Bilton in the last 16 years.

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Speaking after being announced as winner at the Pavilions of Harrogate today, Cllr Scott said:

“I’m very grateful to the people of Bilton and Nidd Gorge – it’s been a pleasure to serve as the Harrogate borough councillor in Bilton Woodfield since 2018.

“It’s a real privilege to be the county councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge as well.”

There are two Bilton and Nidd Gorge seats on the county council, the other being held by Conservative Paul Haslam whose position was not up for election.

Cllr Scott won today with 1,991 votes, followed by Liberal Democrat Andrew Kempston-Parkes (1,639), Labour’s Tyler Reeton (434), Green Party’s Anrold Warneken (430), Yorkshire Party’s John Hall and  , independent Harvey Alexander (46).

Voter turnout was 37.4% of eligible voters and there were 19 spoiled ballots.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Labour candidate Tyler Reeton gave a message to other young aspiring politicians and promised the party will “come back stronger”.

He said:

“If you are young don’t be scared to run in politics. Politics is yours and you are the future generation. As a 19-year-old, I am honoured to have stood here today with rather strong competitors.

“The Labour Party is not going anywhere in Harrogate – we are going to come back stronger next year and we will win Bilton.”

Ripon council to buy CCTV camera to tackle anti-social behaviour

A mobile CCTV camera is to be deployed in Ripon to target hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour and crime.

Ripon City Council has this week agreed to purchase the surveillance equipment which its leader said will act as a “significant deterrent” against “frustrating” levels of crime seen during the third national lockdown.

It comes as the authority discussed using the cameras in March in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour which has blighted the city.

Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, Cllr Andrew Williams, leader of the council, said:

“We have witnessed in recent months problems with anti-social behaviour across the city.

“Thankfully the pressure that this council has brought to bear upon the relevant authorities has led to a significant improvement.

“But I do think it would be helpful in terms of supporting police efforts generally across the city, and reinforcing the point that the city council and city as a whole won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour, that we have a mobile CCTV camera.

“The ability to deploy a camera would act as a significant deterrent and be extremely useful.”

Cllr Williams said a “yob culture” had developed in the city with recent reports of crimes including street robberies, assaults on emergency workers and members of the public being spat at.

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He previously said empty streets and dark evenings earlier in the lockdown had created the “perfect storm” for crime and that some residents – including himself – had become too afraid to leave their homes on an evening.

Cllr Wiliams also raised concerns over the number of officers patrolling the streets.

In February, North Yorkshire Police responded by stepping up patrols and said it had made “a number” of arrests, recovered drugs and seized criminal property including cash, imitation firearms and other weapons.

This was after the spate of crime prompted a meeting between city councillors and North Yorkshire, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan who later said she was “confident” that officers were dealing with the problem “robustly”.

At Tuesday’s meeting, city council clerk Paula Benson said the CCTV camera could cost more than £7,000 and that the authority hoped to secure the funds through grants.

Cllr Stuart Martin said:

“It is absolutely essential that we support the police in the fight against crime and the more we can do to help them the better.

“It is a good move forward and a good use of public money.”

In a direct plea to those causing anti-social behaviour problems, North Yorkshire Police inspector Alex Langley previously said:

“If you commit anti-social behaviour and mindless acts of theft and criminal damage we will take every opportunity to investigate and prosecute you.

“As a young person you may not realise that throwing that stone or stealing some alcohol may result in a criminal record – and that a criminal record could prevent you accessing higher education and certain types of employment.

“Please stop and think about the consequences of your actions and how your decisions today could impact on your future.”

Stray Foodie: Chicken & Oregano Patties with Mozzarella, Asparagus & Broad Beans

Stray Foodie Lockdown Recipes are written by Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins. In 1997, Frances opened the Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, where she was the owner for 20 years. During her ownership, she held her Michelin-star status for 16 of those years.

“I’d love to see how you make the recipes your own – let me know by using #StrayFoodie or tagging @thestrayferret in your social media posts.”

 

At this time of year when our weather seems to be cooler than expected, I am always delighted to see the resilience of oregano and experience the delight of this flavoursome herb.

Oregano is a flowering mountain herb related to marjoram, sometimes referred to as wild marjoram. It is a perennial and seems to be fairly resistant to our climate even though it has Mediterranean origins. Like most herbs, its flavour is in the leaf and can sometimes be more powerful dried than when used from fresh. It has warm, aromatic and sensual flavours and its leaves are just stunning when put through mixed salads. I love this herb and grow it in abundance.

This recipe is for Chicken and Oregano Patties. Once again this recipe can be built on and extended to suit your individual requirements.

For 4 Starter Size Portions, you will need:

Frances’ chicken and oregano patties

Method:

Bone out the chicken thighs and mince (or very finely chop) the chicken, ham, anchovy fillet, breadcrumbs, onion.

Mix well and add the lemon zest, pepper and the herbs.

Separate the egg, whisk the egg white until stiff, mix the yolk into the chicken mixture and lastly add the whipped egg white. The whipped egg white ensures that the patties are light and soft when cooked.

With a little flour, shape into small, round patties.

Put the olive oil in a small roasting pan, heat through and place the patties in the roasting pan. Give them a good shake so they don’t stick!

Put them in the oven on 180c – 200c, dependant on oven variation, for 20 – 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven, take out the chicken patties and keep warm.

Place ½ pint of chicken stock in the still warm pan. Reduce by half with a squeeze of lemon juice and pour over the Chicken Patties.

Serve with sliced Mozzarella, Broad Beans, fresh Asparagus and Lemon Zest.

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Harrogate Election Day Guide: All you need to know

Election day has arrived and Harrogate residents are heading to the polls in what will be one of the most challenging ballots ever held due to pandemic restrictions.

There are just two top roles up for grabs – North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) and Bilton and Nidd Gorge county councillor.

The PFCC election was originally meant to take place this time last year but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak which has meant Conservative Julia Mulligan has stayed in the post for an extra year.

Ms Mulligan has held the role since it was created in 2012 and there are four candidates in the race to replace her including Philip Allott (Conservatives), James Barker (Liberal Democrats), Alison Hume (Labour) and Keith Tordoff (Independent).

Meanwhile, and unlike most areas, there are no full elections being held for all county councillor seats on North Yorkshire County Council.

This is because of government plans to end the county’s two-tier councils to make way for unitary local government, with elections to a new structure due to take place in May 2022.

There are, however, votes being taken for the Bilton and Nidd Gorge seat which has been left vacant since the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Geoff Webber in March.

There are six candidates contesting to take the seat including Matt Scott (Conservatives), Andrew Kempston-Parkes (Liberal Democrats), Tyler Reeton (Labour), Arnold Warneken (Green Party), John Hall (Yorkshire Party) and Harvey Alexander (Independent).

There are also no elections to Harrogate Borough Council but the authority is in charge of collecting votes and has announced a number of changes will be in place due to Covid-19.

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Voters at polling stations can expect one-way systems, social distancing, plastic screens and PPE for election staff. They must also bring their own pen or pencil, wear a face covering and sanitise their hands when entering and leaving.

Anyone who is unable to go along in person because they are self-isolating can apply for a proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day.

Wallace Sampson, chief executive at Harrogate Borough Council and local returning officer for the PFCC election, added:

“You do not need your poll card to vote, however, we encourage voters to bring it with them to make the process quicker and more efficient.
“Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 6 May. If you have opted to vote by post you must return your postal ballot pack by 10pm. You can hand it in at any polling station if you don’t have time to return it by post.
“Please also check the information on your polling card, as your polling station might have changed since the last elections.”

A number of polling stations across the Harrogate district have temporarily and permanently moved locations because of coronavirus restrictions.

The following have moved temporarily:
· All Saints Church School has moved to Sicklinghall Village Hall
· Baldersby Mission Room has moved to Rainton Village Hall
· Lofthouse Memorial Hall has moved to Middlesmoor Village Hall
· St Mary’s Church at Dunsforth has moved to Boroughbridge Methodist Church
· St Michael’s all Angels Church at Wilsill has moved to Broadbelt Hall, Glasshouses
· The Inn at South Stainley has moved to Markington Village Hall
· The Kitchen, Asenby Hall has moved to Rainton Village Hall
· Woodside, Carters Lane has moved to Askwith Village Hall
· Nun Monkton Primary School has moved to Kirk Hammerton Village Hall
· St George’s Social Club has moved to Marks Church Hall
The following three polling stations have also permanently moved;
· North Rigton Primary School has moved to St John’s Church, North Rigton
· The Hydro has moved to Jennyfield Evangelical Church, Grantley Drive
· Citizens Advice Bureau has moved to The Wesley Centre, Oxford Street

Voters must be 18 or over on the day of the election.

They must also be registered at an address in the area where they want to vote, be a British citizen, an Irish or EU citizen or an eligible Commonwealth citizen and not legally excluded from voting.

The election winners are expected to be announced on Friday 7 May. For more information go to www.harrogate.gov.uk/voting-elections

Two new covid cases in Harrogate district

There were just two new cases of people testing positive for coronavirus in the district in the past 24 hours, according to data from the NHS.

The total number of people who have tested positive in the district since the pandemic began stands at 7,680.

There have been no recorded deaths from covid at Harrogate District Hospital.

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The 7 day rate (cases per 100,000) in Harrogate is now the lowest in North Yorkshire at 16.8 – with the most recent data up to April 29.

The average in North Yorkshire is 26.5. Selby has the highest rate in the county – more than four time higher than in Harrogate at 71.7.

 

 

Would you abseil off the Crowne Plaza hotel?

Daredevils are needed to abseil off the 140-foot Crowne Plaza hotel in Harrogate to raise money for Yorkshire Cat Rescue.

The charity needs 15 brave volunteers to take the plunge off the top of the building, located next to the conference centre, on July 3rd.

Volunteers will need to raise at least £100 for the charity, which takes in and rehomes unwanted cats and kittens. The money will be used to pay for food and vet bills.

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Volunteers will get kitted out at the top of the hotel by trained staff, before lowering themselves down the side and back up at their own pace.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue, based in Keighley, found homes for 557 cats last year, and spent more than £100,000 on vet bills.

This is the charity’s second extreme stunt to raise money, after March 2020 saw volunteers walk on hot coals in a fundraising firewalk.

Harrogate district records four more covid cases

The Harrogate district has seen four more covid cases as the number of infections remains low.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

NHS England figures show the last death was recorded on April 11.

The number of patients who tested positive for covid and have died at the hospital remains at 179.

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The 7-day day rate of cases per 100,000 stands at 16.8 in the Harrogate District (latest data April 28) .

The North Yorkshire rate is 30.3 The highest rate in the county is in Selby where the 7-day rate is 101.5.

 

Debut novelist concocts a murder mystery in North Yorkshire

A retired woman from Harrogate has spent lockdown writing her first novel, Murder After the Matinee, which is now available in stores and online.

Lorna Snowden set the murder mystery in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Ashdale, which is loosely based on Ripon.

The book’s protagonist is Lydia Buckley, a divorcee who moves to the village and becomes the prompt for the Ashdale Players’ production of Aladdin. Shady business dealings, infidelity and a shocking killing ensue.

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Ms Snowden began the novel during the first lockdown and decided to retire so she could spend more of her time writing.

She said:

“The plot had been in my mind for quite a while but when lockdown started I just wrote and wrote. I wrote the entire book in two months.

“My daughter read it after I’d finished and said, ‘have you really written this?’.”

She was recommended to her publisher, Troubador, after an editor enjoyed the novel. She intends to spend the rest of her retirement writing a series to follow on from the first book.

Ms Snowden crafted the plot using her own love of pantomime and experience with the Pannal Players troupe.

Her previous experience of owning a bridal shop will influence her second instalment, Murder Before the Wedding, which she is midway through writing.

Murder After the Matinee is available online from Waterstones and WHSmith and is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.

Do you believe in ghosts? There’s a job for you in Ripon…

Do you believe in ghosts? Have a lively sense of humour? Can be a bit spooky?  If the answer is yes to these questions then the Ripon Ghost Walking Team want to hear from you.

The group is looking for new volunteers to take the unafraid on evening tours of the city.

The tours cost £3 per person, are held on the last Thursday of the month and all proceeds are donated to Ripon Museums.

Having stopped due to covid, the tours are to resume this month but a few members have retired so the team is looking for new recruits.

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Richard Pratt from the Ripon Ghost Walk Team said:

“We’re looking for someone who is out-going, can talk to people and judge their audience well. The ability to be spooky would be a bonus and you need a good sense of humour.”

The tour starts in the Market Square and takes visitors to the cathedral grounds to hear the story of a keen fisherman who drowned and is seen wandering around the area he is buried. It also encompasses the Workhouse Museum, which Mr Pratt said “was one of the most haunted places in England”  given its grim history.

The thoroughly spooked group ends back at Market Square in time to hear the Hornblower at 9pm.

The next tour starts on May 20 at 7.15pm. For more information on the Ripon Ghost Walks and how to apply to be a volunteer visit the Ripon Museums website.

The faint hearted need not apply.

 

Did you know? 

The Stray Ferret and the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) have worked with historian Malcolm Neesam to produce two fantastic audio tours of Harrogate.  Both last about an hour and are easy to do. The first will take you back to the golden age of Harrogate’s Victorian Spa days, the second will take you through the heart of the shopping district, stopping to learn about historic buildings as you go. To take a look click here. 

 

MPs watch: third jobs, dining on the Stray and vaccination passports

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In April, normality began to return to the district as retail, leisure and outdoor hospitality reopened. On April 9, Prince Philip died and the three district Conservative MPs paid tributes to him.

We asked Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

Andrew Jones, Conservative Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

 

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton.

 

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

 

Nigel Adams, Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams: