Campaigners protest against Harrogate Spring Water’s Pinewoods plans

Campaigners gathered at Valley Gardens yesterday to protest against Harrogate Spring Water’s expansion into the Pinewoods.

It was organised by Harrogate & District Green Party who had members on hand to provide information to the public about the proposals alongside activities for children and live musicians.

Harrogate Spring Water, which is now owned by multinational firm Danone, was granted outline planning permission in 2017 to expand into Rotary Wood in the Pinewoods.

Danone recently bid to vary the terms of this by increasing the size of the bottling plant even further into the woodlands. Harrogate’s planning committee rejected the proposal in January after almost 400 people objected.

Many objectors were jubilant at the outcome but the original outline permission in 2017 still applies. 

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A Green Party spokesperson said:

“We were able to inform people of the proposals and how to object to the Danone/ Harrogate Spring Water compensation plans and highlight the tragic potential loss of woodland habitat in our community. 

“Many people don’t realise the planning application could still go ahead – and we feel strongly they should be able to understand the process and the potential outcomes – and importantly make their voices heard.

“It was fantastic to see so many people enjoy the weather, and families and children get involved with learning more about nature and share how they feel about trees. The community came out together to share the goal of saving our trees and highlighting the plight of Rotary Wood.”

Fire brigade rescues stranded teenagers from Rudding Park pond

Two teenage boys had to be rescued by firefighters after being stuck in the middle of a pond on Rudding Park’s golf course.

Rudding Park has an ‘access pontoon’ to allow staff to cut the grass on an island on the golf course.

The two youths, who were believed to be trespassing, decided to take the pontoon across to the island yesterday evening and made the mistake of letting go of the rope.

The fire brigade was called and officers threw lines to reach the boys and pull the pontoon to shore.

Other than perhaps a dented ego, the boys were both unharmed. Officers advised them on their future behaviour.

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Bilton bridge mural aims to lift community spirit

Artist Emma Garness hopes her ‘uplifting’ mural on the Iron Bridge in Bilton will become a beacon of positivity in the area.

The bridge, which is on the edge of Bilton and crosses over towards Claro Road, was previously covered with tags and offensive graffiti.

The Beverley-based artist was commissioned to paint the mural by the owner of the bridge, Network Rail, and she’s been putting the finishing touches to it today.

Emma asked local schools to contribute ideas, with children from Grove Road Community Primary School asking for a fox, and Woodfield Community Primary School an oak tree.

It also includes a cherry tree blossom and crocuses from the Stray.

She said:

“The mural includes elements from the community. I want it to be something they can be proud of. It was so dark and uninviting but the space has changed completely.”

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There have been problems with anti-social behaviour on the bridge but Emma said art has the power to change a space that has had negative connotations.

The bridge was previously covered with graffiti.

She said:

“This was a dark and grimy bridge but art can change the atmosphere of somewhere.”

Emma started working on the mural on Saturday and has been inundated with positive feedback from curious people crossing the bridge.

She added:

“People have said it’s so uplifting. To see how an overnight change can give people such positive vibrations. It can drop pebbles that ripple to people’s emotions.”

‘Don’t tarnish the whole of Bilton with anti-social behaviour’

A Bilton resident has passionately defended the area following reports of anti-social behaviour and crime.

Dani Paizis was hurt to read articles in the Stray Ferret that she believes unfairly tarnished the whole of the Harrogate suburb.

One person said they were planning to move their family from Bilton after witnessing graffiti, arson and drug dealing and others said the problem was getting worse.

Ms Paizis has lived in the old part of Bilton for around seven years and said she has never seen or experienced anti-social behaviour.

She believes any problems are concentrated around a few streets.

“I’m passionately pro-Bilton. That needs to be put across.

“Any anti-social behaviour does need dealing with, but it’s a shame for a small area to tarnish the whole of Bilton.”

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She said she was proud to be part of the local community, which she said had rallied during lockdown.

“You need to hear about the other side of Bilton. We have a fabulous community. People take care of their properties here, all neighbours take care of each other.

“We have thriving primary schools and a church community. Young families move here because it’s safe.”

Ms Paizis said she sympathised with the family who wanted to move away due to perceived problems, but said “it’s not a representative view of Bilton”.

She added that any young people who might be mixed up with anti-social behaviour needed support:

“We all need to focus on his helping and supporting young people to feel purposeful and focused as we come out of the pandemic.”

Knaresborough cat lucky to be alive after acid attack

A cat in Knaresborough is lucky to be alive after being the victim of a suspected acid attack.

Emma Harrison, who lives on the Stockwell estate, said on Tuesday her two-year-old cat Tilly came inside looking so wet she thought she might have fallen in some water.

But on closer inspection, she was dry underneath, with a strange and unpleasant smell coming from her fur.

Ms Harrison said:

“She wouldn’t let me touch her. She was howling and crying.”

She took Tilly to the vet, who said the liquid on her fur smelled like acid. The vet told Ms Harrison to prepare for Tilly to suffer organ failure, which she said was “upsetting and scary” to hear.

Tilly the cat before the acid attack took place.

Ms Harrison described Tilly as a real “people’s cat” who would go up to anyone.

“She is sweet by nature.”

After Tilly was given steroids and painkillers, by Thursday it seemed she was getting back to normal – but then her fur starting falling out.

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North Yorkshire Police told Ms Harrison they believed the incident was a one-off, but she has urged other cat owners in that part of Knaresborough to be extra vigilant.

Ms Harrison said she hoped Tilly was now over the worst.

She added:

“I don’t have the words to be polite about whoever did this.”

Julian Smith MP criticised for taking on third lucrative advisory role

Skipton and Ripon Conservative MP Julian Smith has been criticised for taking on a third lucrative advisory role in a year.

His latest position is advising MJM Marine, a County Down-based cruise ship refurbishment company.

He will be paid £60,000 for 30 to 40 hours of work over the next year.

In total, his three advisory positions, all with businesses related to Northern Ireland, will earn him up to £144,000 for 84 hours work.

This is almost double his salary as an MP which is £81,932.

Former Northern Ireland secretary

Mr Smith was dismissed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in February last year but received praise across the political spectrum for his role in bringing a power-sharing agreement back to the country.

Since he left government, the majority of his tweets have related to Northern Ireland politics.

Mr Smith has previously been warned by a government advisory committee about his business roles and the potential for a perceived conflict of interest with his former role as a Northern Ireland minister.

‘His constituents deserve better’

News of Mr Smith’s latest appointment comes as former prime minister David Cameron is at the centre of lobbying concerns.

Brian McDaid, who stood for the Labour Party against Mr Smith in Skipton and Ripon in 2019, accused the MP of focusing more on his business interests in Northern Ireland than on his constituents.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“What experience and knowledge is required to carry out these advisory roles?

“During these times of austerity and the impact of the pandemic on us all, Mr Smith must be struggling on his MP’s salary to have to seek additional work with very lucrative remuneration.

“His constituents deserve so much better, especially during these very difficult and uncertain times.”

David Edwards, chair of the Skipton and Ripon Liberal Democrats, told the Stray Ferret:

“The fact that Mr Smith appears to be more willing to put his time and effort into consulting for businesses in Northern Ireland rather than represent and address the concerns of his constituents in Skipton and Ripon unfortunately comes as no surprise.

“This also adds to the current wider concerns around the relationships between ministers and private companies and we support a comprehensive review and reform into the rules around this.”

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Mr Smith’s jobs

Ryse Hydrogen: £60,000 for 12 months. He is expected to work 20 hours.

In August 2020, Mr Smith took an advisory role with Ryse Hydrogen. Its chief executive Jo Bamford also owns Wrightbus, a Northern Ireland bus production company that has a relationship with the Northern Ireland Office in government.

Simply Blue Management: £2,000 a month for one or two hours a month over 12 months.

In January this year, Mr Smith began advising Cork-based firm Simply Blue Management. Its website describes itself as ‘the leading early stage developer of sustainable and transformative marine projects’.

MJM Marine: £60,000 for 12 months. He is expected to work 30 to 40 hours.

From last month, Mr Smith began advising MJM Marine on ‘business development’. The company calls itself a ‘leading international specialist in cruise ship refurbishment’. It’s based in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The Stray Ferret contacted both Julian Smith and MJM Marine for a response but we did not receive one at the time of publication.

Knaresborough man recalls Hillsborough disaster horror

A Liverpool fan from Knaresborough has recalled the horror of attending the Hillsborough disaster, which happened 32 years ago today.

The Stray Ferret asked David Houlgate, founder of the Harrogate district branch of the Liverpool FC Supporters Club, about his memories of the day that claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans in a crush on the Leppings Lane end.

A 2016 inquest ruled the supporters were unlawfully killed due to grossly negligent failures by police and ambulance services.

A total of 43 Liverpool fans from the Harrogate district travelled by coach to the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.

The coach departed from Gracious Street car park in Knaresborough and picked up fans in Starbeck, Harrogate and Leeds.

David was 21 at the time and travelled on the coach with his mum Diana, who was the branch secretary.

He was in the upper tier of the stand and saw members from Harrogate pulling people out of the pen where the crush took place. He recalls:

“I was fortunate not to be in the pen but we had some really young lads in there. We were lucky that we all survived.

“When it was happening you saw people starting to climb fences and police pushing them back in. You could see supporters on the pitch resuscitating people. You saw supporters carrying people on old advertising boards. It was clear something dreadful was happening.”

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There was an emotional wait back at the coach for the Harrogate and Knaresborough fans to return. Fortunately, all did. David said:

“You’re suffering from shock and you’re not computing it all.

“Nobody had mobile phones back then and everyone had families with parents sat at home, wondering if we survived.”

David still travels to Liverpool games on the coach with fans from the area. He said he shares a bond with the few fans left who were at Hillsborough and also still go to games.

Due to lockdown, he is currently working from home and said time alone can trigger painful memories.

He remembers the 96 people who lost their lives as well as the countless others who were affected by the tragedy.

He added:

“I’m sat at home now thinking about it. It’s with you all the time and impacts on how you look at life.”

No vaccinations at Great Yorkshire Showground for 19 days this summer

During 19 days this summer there will be no covid vaccinations at the Great Yorkshire Showground due to other events taking place at the site including the Great Yorkshire Show.

The Yorkshire Event Centre at the showground has been the district’s mass vaccination site since the inoculation programme began in December. The NHS has an agreement to use the site until August 13.

Yorkshire Agricultural Society revealed last week that the GYS will take place over four days from July 13 to 16.

A spokesperson for the NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group said they will schedule vaccine delivery and appointments around the dates when the site is unavailable.

They added other sites such as the former Lidl in Knaresborough and Ripon Racecourse will still be available on these days, supply permitting.

A spokesperson said:

“We have a lease agreement in place for the Yorkshire Events Centre which retains the site until August 13. During this time we will schedule clinics at the YEC in line with available vaccine supply and demand as we have done so far in the programme and these will not necessarily take place every day, particularly as demand reduces as we move through the vaccination cohorts.

“Up until then there will be 19 days on which we will be unable to use the Hall for vaccination clinics and we will schedule our vaccine delivery and appointments to accommodate those dates. However other sites such as the Knaresborough Pharmacy site and Ripon Racecourse will still be available on these days (supply permitting) so there will continue to be flexibility of vaccine delivery across the Harrogate area.”

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Heather Parry, managing director of the Yorkshire Event Centre, added:

“We are very proud to serve the NHS during the pandemic by providing a safe and secure space for the vaccination centre at Yorkshire Event Centre.

“Our agreement with the NHS has always been based on the understanding that when it was safe for events to resume at the Showground, we would work together to find the best solution and I’m delighted that we have been able to do so.

“I’m full of admiration for the NHS staff whose efforts mean thousands of local people have benefited from the vaccination programme here so far.”

Coughed at and facing aggression – being a Harrogate traffic cop during covid

After a year of intense challenges, we spent a morning with the Harrogate traffic cops to learn about the year they’ve had and to get a glimpse of the job as we re-emerge from lockdown.

Whilst patrolling the town’s roads in an unmarked car with TC Tim Healey, he told the Stray Ferret that changing covid rules has meant catching offenders has been like “trying to catch water in a sieve instead of a bucket” and why he doesn’t mind being unpopular.

Covid challenges

The three covid lockdowns have presented multiple new challenges to the police and the government’s guidelines for travel have frequently been tested.

TC Healey said they’ve received many excuses for people on the road when they shouldn’t have been.

He said:

“Travelling for mental health reasons can be the first thing that someone throws at you.”

The officer said the government’s guidelines could have been clearer, which has resulted in people making up the rules to fit what they want to do.

He added that officers have been “pulled in many different directions” due to the changing rules.

“Sometimes it’s been like trying to catch water in a sieve instead of a bucket.”

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Covid has also meant police officers have had to deal with some unsavoury and potentially dangerous incidents in the line of duty.

In Ripon earlier this year, TC Healey stopped a car suspected of drink driving. The passenger wasn’t happy and decided to blow and cough in his face saying “coronavirus” over and over.

Another new phenomenon due to covid was neighbours reporting on other neighbours for suspected covid breaches, which TC Healey said he did not agree with.

Criminality

As the roads in Harrogate become busier as lockdown restrictions ease, we are out with TC Healey as part of Operation Boundary, a campaign to clamp down on criminality and traffic offences.

Whilst observing traffic on Skipton Road, TC Healey spotted a man using his mobile phone whilst driving a white van.

After being pulled over, the man was rude and aggressive to the officer and said, “Do you also want to know what my mum had for breakfast? Why so many questions?”

TC Healey said they regularly face hostility from the public for doing their job.

He added:

“They say you should be catching real criminals like rapists and sex offenders. Or they say have you got nothing better to do than pick on decent people going about their life?

“Were you bullied at school is another classic.

“But road policing is important and until you’ve dealt with a serious collision you look at what we do in different light.”

Criticism

NYP says Operation Boundary has been successful in targeting road offences across the county.

But the force recently received criticism from some residents in Harrogate for the speeds its police cars travel from Harrogate Police Station off Otley Road into the town during lockdown.

In February, a Harrogate police officer who drove through a red light in Harrogate at 50 miles per hour and then crashed into a car carrying two elderly women was found guilty of dangerous driving.

On the balance between driving fast through our urban areas and catching criminals, TC Healey said officers are trained to drive at high speeds as the extra few seconds can make all the difference.

He added:

“It’s not about going fast and flying around. You’re a professional and take your job seriously. You don’t want to put anybody’s life at risk.”

Spring into life

As our three hours in the police car draws to a close without much incident, a message comes through the radio that sees TC Healey’s expensive, high-powered vehicle spring into life.

The blue lights come on and its sirens ring out down Skipton Road as he attempts to catch a vehicle failing to stop reported by other officers near Ripon.

We approach the Little Wonder roundabout at a high speed and my adrenaline threatens to go into overdrive, but TC Healey’s colleagues radio to say the culprits have been apprehended.

The two men are arrested and held in custody on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and the driver on suspicion of drug driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police — which to TC Healey means a job well done, even if he wasn’t the one to catch them.

Calls to refuse plans to build 95 homes at Granby Farm in Harrogate

A residents’ group has called on councillors to refuse plans to build 95 homes at Granby Farm in Harrogate and create a ‘green legacy’ instead.

Redrow Homes and Richborough Estates have submitted proposals for the development, which would be built on land designated for development in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan.

A council officer has recommended the plans be approved, subject to conditions, but the planning committee will make the final decision on Tuesday.

In a site assessment produced when creating the Local Plan, the council described the site as ‘an important part of the green infrastructure network’ of Harrogate and said any development should maintain 50% open fields — yet the plans propose only 25% be kept green.

The application has attracted over 150 objections from local residents, as well as from Harrogate Civic Society.

One objection, by Granby Residents Group, said developers should go back to the drawing board and retain a ‘green corridor’ so people can walk from the Stray to Nidd Gorge and to Longlands Common.

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Harrogate Civic Society said in its objection letter:

“An open corridor into the countryside is lost, giving pedestrians and cyclists only a narrow passageway through a housing estate to reach open country and the green belt.”

Gary Walker, whose house borders the field, said:

“The council has a unique opportunity to create a green corridor from the centre of Harrogate to Nidd Gorge. In order to ensure this is delivered the planning application must be rejected and modified.”

A design and access statement prepared on behalf of the developers said the site would include ‘significant green infrastructure’.

Redrow Yorkshire managing director John Handley said:

“Redrow is committed to strong placemaking and the creation of thriving communities. A key element of this involves designing in green spaces, enhancing or replacing existing wildlife habitats and better connecting people to them through thoughtful design of the public areas.

“In his report to councillors for the Harrogate site, the planning officer has confirmed that the amount of green space meets the requirements of the Local Plan.  We have also made revisions to landscaping, tree retention and supplementary planting which ensure that the finished site will offer a biodiversity net gain.

“Our plans include a large area of green space of just under a hectare which, in turn, connects to the existing open space created as part of our neighbouring Devonshire Gardens development. This creates a conjoined area of larger open space.  We are also incorporating a new footpath and cycle greenway, which will connect our development and other housing allocations in the area with both Harrogate town centre and The Stray.”