A Harrogate travel agent has encouraged people to book holidays for the summer, despite the uncertainty surrounding future coronavirus restrictions.

Holiday travel is currently illegal but operators are allowed to sell flights and packages for summer and beyond.

The UK watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), says you should usually get your money back if coronavirus restrictions force plans to be cancelled.

Ben Poole, owner of The Travel Journal on Montepellier Mews, says people thinking about booking their holidays for the summer should feel reassured.

He said:

“It’s not illegal to have a holiday to look forward to. I have been telling anybody that has been calling up asking about holidays that they have nothing to lose by booking.

“There are really competitive deals available for June and July, for example, and the worst that will happen is you will get a refund if it’s cancelled”.

Read more:

• My Year: ’10 months of hell’ for Boroughbridge travel agent boss

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Boris Johnson is due to set out rules for foreign travel later this month.

The travel sector has criticised government ministers for sending mixed messages surrounding holidays.

Yesterday, transport secretary Grant Shapps said people shouldn’t be booking holidays.

Yet this morning health secretary Matt Hancock declined to answer when asked by the BBC if people should book foreign holidays or not.

Mr Poole believes the government should close the borders, which could mean travel agents would be able to receive a package of financial support.

He added:

“The borders should have been closed in March 2020, with no exceptions. The trade is in full support of that.”

Elderly care charity Harrogate Neighbours is helping people in the district celebrate special occasions by selling ‘afternoon tea’ boxes and added extras delivered to their door.

The boxes cost £9.95 and include a selection of home-made cakes as well as ham and cheese sandwiches.

The charity is also providing added extras, such as flowers and balloons, to help create memorable moments.

Shirley and Mick Flynn will celebrate their 50th Valentine’s Day together this week and will be the first people to receive a complimentary ‘Special Moments’ box on February 14.

The couple were both born and raised in Harrogate and have been married for 46 years. In 2018, they moved into Harrogate Neighbours’ extra care facility The Cuttings, where they receive extra support from carers.

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Inside one of the special boxes.

£1 from every box sold will be donated to Resurrected Bites, which supports families in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Nidderdale and Ripon affected by the pandemic with food parcels.

Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, CEO Sue Cawthray said:

“Celebrating special occasions can be difficult to do in lockdown, particularly within the older generation, so we wanted to provide an affordable service that people could access to celebrate special days like Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries.

“We’re so lucky to have the kitchen space on site to create made-to-order boxes and the amazing volunteers who will help us to deliver the boxes. Due to this, we are also in a position to donate £1 from every box sold to the fantastic Resurrected Bites initiative to support families all over the region who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.”

To order your Special Moments box in time for Valentine’s Day, call Harrogate Neighbours on 01423 888777.

Campaigners say Harrogate’s Rotary Wood “remains at risk” after a senior Harrogate borough councillor said it would be “premature” to comment on a future sale of the site.

There have been calls to protect the wood after Harrogate Borough Council’s 12-person planning committee voted to refuse Harrogate Spring Water’s controversial plans to expand its bottling plant, which would have involved the loss of more trees at the woodland.

The company already has outline planning permission to expand into the wood, but applied for a revised application for a bottling plant that was 22% larger than originally agreed.

HBC owns the Harrogate Spring Water site on Harlow Moor Road and leases it back to them.

At last night’s full council meeting, Neil Hind, chair of the Pinewoods Conservation Group, asked Cllr Graham Swift, cabinet member for economic development, if HBC would commit to retaining Rotary Wood  “with no plan to lease or sell it” in the future.

Cllr Graham Swift responding to the Pinewoods Conservation Group last night.

In response, Cllr Swift said he was “personally surprised” by the committee’s decision to refuse the extension, but added that the reserved matters application still had to be determined.

He said:

“A key component about the council making any decision about a potential disposal of land is to ensure that we have access to the full facts so that all the relevant considerations can be taken into account.

“The planning status of the site is one of these considerations. Therefore, as the reserved matters application is still to be determined by planning committee it would be premature at this stage to comment on a potential future disposal.

“Equally, it would be wrong of me to interfere with planning matters or attempt to override planning decisions by causing obstruction to their decisions.

“Our committee has already taken a decision to approve one application from a significant local business and although reserved matters are still to be dealt with, I’m not prepared to interfere with the planning process or limit it in its powers.”

He added that should the council decide to lease or sell the site it would “abide by proper procedures”, including considering an asset of community value status.

Read more:

• Harrogate Spring Water’s Pinewoods expansion refused

• Harrogate Spring Water to ‘consider options’ following expansion refusal

Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Pinewoods Conservation Group said:

“The fact the response was via the cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development is a clear indication of the council’s priorities and intent here.

“We were obviously very disappointed by the reply from Cllr Swift who is obviously very supportive of the development plans.

“This was an opportunity for the council to confirm once and for all its green intentions and it unfortunately failed to do so. As such it is unfortunate that Rotary Wood, planted by the community, remains at risk.“

What happens next?

Harrogate Spring Water has already said it will consider its options following last month’s decision.

The company could choose to appeal the decision, submit another application or stick with the original outline planning permission obtained in 2016.

If they decide to proceed with the original outline planning permission they need to submit a full application before May, which would again be considered by HBC’s planning committee.

In 2015 the Pinewoods was registered as an Asset of Community Value. This would give the local community a chance to buy or lease the site if the council decided they wanted to dispose of it.

Killinghall Parish Council has pleaded with locals to stop feeding peacocks that it says are “feral” and causing damage to the village.

A post on the council’s Facebook page says the birds are damaging homes, gardens and vehicles, and people should “stop encouraging them” by giving them food.

It reads:

“Whilst these birds are beautiful to look at it must be emphasised that they are FERAL.

The parish council would be grateful if the birds were not to be encouraged, especially by leaving food out for them as they are causing damage to properties, gardens and vehicles in the village.”

Peacocks are also known for their loud and distinctive squark, with many councils across the country receiving complaints from residents about the noise.

‘I love to see them’

The majority of villagers on a Killinghall Facebook group have leaped to the defence of the “awesome birds”, with one person saying they are “part of our village identity”.

Another person said seeing the peacocks has a positive impact on their mental health:

“I think we are really blessed to have them in the village. I love to see them!”.

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Peacocks are classed as peafowl and are a non-indigenous species that are not covered by any UK wildlife protection laws.

Known for their extravagant display feathers, the birds were believed to be introduced from India by the Romans.

There was a suggestion that the Killinghall peacocks could be relocated outside of the village, which was unpopular with one local who said the peacocks have lived in fields that have now being built on with housing.

“We have invaded their home, it would be wrong to relocate them now”.

Another person conceded that the birds have caused scratches on the roof of their car “but that doesn’t bother me” as the car is old anyway.

Harrogate’s top peacock

A post on the RSPB’s forum says a large part of a peacock’s diet is grass, so there is no need to worry about their survival if they are not fed by humans.

The Killinghall birds rival Bilton’s Peter the peacock for Harrogate’s top peacock. Peter even has his own Facebook page with almost 500 followers.

A Lidl supermarket could be the latest addition to Ripon’s new St Michael’s Retail Park.

The German chain announced its intention to expand into the city last year and has now said its preferred location is the £10m retail park that opened its doors in July 2020.

The public has now been asked to comment on the plans, which would see the supermarket in a unit next door to Marks and Spencer Foodhall.

The new store has a planned sales area of 1,100 sqm and could create 40 new full and part-time jobs if it’s granted planning permission.

Lidl already has plans to open its first store in Harrogate on Knaresborough Road.

Read more:

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• Bishop’s blessing for new Ripon M&S store

As well as the M&S, Ripon is served by an Aldi, Booths, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

On a website for the proposals, Lidl argues its “offer is different” from other city centre supermarkets and would not compete directly with shops in the city centre.

A Lidl spokesperson said:

“We are delighted to announce plans to open a new store at St Michael’s Retail Park, creating new job opportunities and bringing more shopping choice to Ripon.

“We have a long-standing desire to open a store in the city and after many years of searching for an available site, St Michael’s Retail Park presents a fantastic opportunity for us to serve the local community and deliver our high quality products at low prices to Ripon.”

Lidl said a planning application will be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in the coming weeks. Anyone wanting to view the plans and have their say should visit www.stmichaelsripon-lidl.co.uk.

North Yorkshire County Council has launched a public consultation for three schemes to improve cycling infrastructure in Harrogate.

In December, NYCC accepted £1,011,750 as part of a five-year, £2 billion programme by the Department for Transport to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

The money will be spent on three projects in Harrogate plus one in Whitby.

The public can have their say on the proposals here. The consultation will close on February 23.

The schemes under consideration in Harrogate are:

• Oatlands Drive, Harrogate: segregated cycle lanes along an existing cycle route, improved crossing facilities at four locations and other improvements;
• A59, Maple Close, Harrogate to Knaresborough: segregated cycle lanes along an existing cycle route and improved crossing facilities at either end;
• Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, Princes Square to Station Parade: pedestrian crossing improvements, segregated cycling infrastructure and bike storage facilities.

Read more:

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Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“To help us to develop our proposals, we are inviting local people to give us their views on the proposed corridors and potential improvements. Detailed designs will follow, taking account of the feedback we receive, and we will consult further on those later in March.

“The grant comes with strict conditions. Schemes must be delivered quickly, should reallocate road space from vehicles in favour of cyclists and pedestrians, and offer alternatives to existing, well-used bus routes.”

A new 70-home housing development on Kingsley Farm in Harrogate will contribute to a growing “nightmare” scenario for traffic on nearby Knaresborough Road, says a local residents group.

Over 600 homes will eventually be built in the Kingsley ward of Harrogate.

John Hansard from the Kingsley Ward Action Group told the Stray Ferret that the scale of development has led to a “tipping point” for congestion, which he said is affecting quality of life for locals and commuters using the busy Knaresborough Road.

Clogged with traffic

Stonebridge Homes has already built 60 homes at Kingsley Farm on Kingsley Drive and the developer is now preparing for phase two of the scheme, which received outline planning permission in 2019.

Next Tuesday, Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee will consider a reserved matters application for the proposals which deal with appearance, layout and access.

The developer has reduced the number of homes from 90 to 70, which it says “is in the interests of good design”.

However, Mr Hansard told the Stray Ferret that traffic from the development will still impact on Kingsley Drive, Bogs Lane and Knaresborough Road, with the latter regularly clogged with traffic.

He said:

“At Kingsley Farm there are too many houses, too close together. The extra traffic means quality of life has decreased for residents. It’s becoming an absolute nightmare.”

Read more:

• One-way system in Kingsley will lead to ‘horrendous’ congestion

• Housing Investigation: 26,500 more cars on the district’s roads

In August 2020, the planning committee refused a different planning application for 149 homes in Kingsley, citing congestion as a reason for refusal.

Councillors said this was because the development would make already clogged roads in the area even worse.

‘Not severe’

The Stray Ferret asked Stonebridge Homes to comment but we did not receive a response at the time of publication.

In a transport assessment attached to the original planning application, transport consultants Sanderson concluded extra traffic generated through the homes would not be severe.

It said:

“The impact of the additional vehicle trips has been assessed at the key junctions on the local highway network and this has demonstrated that the effect of the generated traffic is not severe.”

Some Harrogate entrepreneurs have made the most of lockdown by selling everything from brownies to burgers made from their home kitchen.

However, new businesses have been warned they face being sent to court and fined if they don’t register with the council.

Food businesses who plan to operate for five or more days in any five consecutive weeks must register with Harrogate Borough Council 28 days before starting trading. A food safety officer will then check whether the kitchen is clean.

Steve Pepper runs food safety courses for people in the Harrogate district. He told the Stray Ferret that home cooks risk an unlimited fine at the magistrates’ court if they fall foul of the law.

He said:

“A lot of people think, I’m a good cook so I will just sell some brownies.

“But some people know they wouldn’t meet the hygiene regulations so they carry on regardless, or they have ignorance of the law.”

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Whilst a food hygiene certificate is not compulsory, businesses need to also inform HMRC that they are self-employed.

Mr Pepper said kitchens must be adapted to meet hygiene standards. This includes making sure plants and pets are in different rooms.

The council also requires two sinks with one used only for washing hands.

Mr Pepper is concerned some people might be looking to cut corners due to falling on hard times due to covid. He has been running workshops to help educate people on what steps need to be taken before launching a new business.

He added:

“It is happening. Covid has cost people their normal jobs and they will do things they wouldn’t normally do”.

Drinkers in Starbeck could soon be spoilt for choice with the opening of a new micropub called The Office Ale House.

IT consultant Kevin Jones, who has had experience running pubs in the past, said he hopes to get the venue on 67d High Street up and running by May, subject to planning permission and covid rules.

It would be another addition to Starbeck’s high street after plans were unveiled last week for a bar at the former Greenalls carpet shop at the high street’s junction with Spa Lane.

Kevin told the Stray Ferret that The Office Ale House will be in the vein of smaller hostelries such as Blind Jack’s in Knaresborough which specialises in cask ale, bottled craft beer, and the best from local breweries.

He said:

“I believe Starbeck needs it and covid has made us all desperate for human interaction.”

Kevin Jones.

Kevin says he is confident that Starbeck is big enough for the two new venues, and thinks covid has highlighted how important pubs are for local communities.

He added:

“I’m not worried about covid. I think it’s shown us we have to get out and socialise. I want somewhere where people can get off the train, have a couple of pints and a chat.”

Read more:

• New bar could open in former Starbeck carpet shop

• Drivers ‘dice with death’ at Starbeck level crossing

If approved by Harrogate Borough Council, the pub will be open seven days a week from 12pm to 9pm. It will also be dog friendly.

Starbeck is currently served by one pub, the Prince of Wales, plus two clubs.

The Henry Peacock closed in 2012 and has now been demolished and replaced with retail units.

Councillors will next week consider proposals for 69 retirement apartments with care near to St James Retail Park in Knaresborough — but concerns have been raised that it will worsen traffic on Grimbald Bridge.

Adlington, part of the Gladman group, is behind the development which would be built on land adjacent to the single-track Grimbald Bridge on Wetherby Road which passes the River Nidd.

Adlington has built similar developments for retirees across the north of England, including Adlington House on Bridge Street in Otley.

The company said the Knaresborough scheme will follow its ‘extra care’ model which tries to maintain the residents’ independence.

It said in its plans:

“Residents can live with as much independence as they wish, but have care support available to suit their needs with advancing age, without moving to more specialised accommodation.”

The developer wants to demolish a derelict bungalow and house that is currently on the site. The three-storey development includes 22 one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom apartments.

Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee will meet a week on Tuesday (February 16) to consider the proposals, which have been recommended for approval by a council officer.

Read more:

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Grimbald Bridge is a pressure point for congestion and the proposals include a new, single priority-controlled junction on Wetherby Road.

The development would be built to the left of Grimbald Bridge on Wetherby Road.

However, this has not been enough to allay concerns over traffic and pedestrian safety, with both Knaresborough Civic Society and Knaresborough Town Council objecting on transport grounds.

Knaresborough Town Council called the development “over-intense with poor access”.

It added:

“The scale of the development is overpowering, blocking natural daylight from adjacent properties.”