Campaigners in Kirkby Malzeard, seeking to purchase and restore a now-derelict village pub (pictured below) have suffered a major setback.
The Henry Jenkins Community Pub group (HJCP) has failed for a third time to have part of the building re-listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The campaigners – some of whom are pictured above – raised a petition of more than 500 signatures in support of their bid.
They were advised of the decision by Harrogate Borough Council, which said:
“The nomination for part of the Henry Jenkins site (the eastern part) is unsuccessful and does not meet the definition of community value as detailed in the Localism Act 2011 Section 88 (2).”
Chair of the HJCP group, Richard Sadler, said:
“We are very disappointed that despite all the evidence, the council has chosen once again to side with private developers from outside the area – rather than supporting local grass roots community groups.
“The council cut our feet from under us by delisting part of the pub – simply because the developer sold this part to his business associate. Now they have turned their backs on us again by refusing to relist this part of the pub – when the council has a clear duty to help communities in rural areas fighting to save community facilities.
“This is despite overwhelming support of local residents, local businesses, the parish council and our local ward councillor for our plans to bring back this much-loved facility as a revitalised pub, bistro and coffee shop.
“With more people working from home and greater appreciation of the importance of community hubs, there’s a crying need for a great range of facilities in this fast-expanding village. “
Mr Sadler pointed out that the group has secured more than £230,000 in share pledges from nearly 200 residents in support of plans for a community buyout.
The Henry Jenkins closed its doors in 2011 and was purchased out of administration by pub company Fielder Holdings.
In 2017 a nomination made by campaigners for an ACV listing was successful, but the eastern annex was subsequently sold by David Fielder to his business associate Justin Claybourn, who applied for and was granted planning permission to convert his part of the building into a single dwelling.
This led to removal of the CVA covering the eastern portion – a decision the campaigners have fought to overturn ever since.
When announcing its decision on the third attempt to secure CVA listing for the whole building, HBC referred to the HJCP petition, which was received by the council at its full meeting on 6 October and pointed out:
“There is nothing in the Assets of Community Value legislation or council constitution to enable the consideration of petitions, therefore this does not form part of the assessment process.
“However, it is noted that only 25 of the names on the petition are from Kirkby Malzeard itself and almost two-thirds of the signatories do not live in the Harrogate district.”
Mr Claybourn, said:
“I’m pleased that the council has made this correct and sensible decision and I now look forward to progressing plans to convert my part of the building into a holiday home for my family.”
The sole Conservative councillor who spoke out against the choice of Dallamires Lane for Ripon’s new pool, says the project is a poor use of public money.
Originally scheduled to open in May, the scheme, which includes refurbishment of the adjoining leisure centre, is already more than £3 million over budget at £13.5 million with the costs set to rise even further.
Cllr Nigel Simms, who represents the Kirkby Malzeard and Masham Ward, told the Stray Ferret:
“Nothing has happened to change my mind, the geology of the site with its sinkhole issues, means it’s the wrong place.
“I’m all in favour of new leisure facilities for Ripon, but a more stable area should have been selected.”
At the June 2019 planning meeting where the application for the pool and leisure centre refurbishment was approved, Cllr Simms, said:
“I do not believe that you can build this thing and that in 50 years time it will still be there for the use of the people of Ripon.
“I don’t think it’s an economic use of public funds.”
Earlier this month Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet approved further investigation of the unstable ground conditions under the 26-year-old leisure centre building, ahead of remedial works in the New Year.
In the meantime, the long-awaited new pool for Ripon is scheduled to open on 8 December.
The Stray Ferret asked HBC about the final costs for the leisure centre work and a council spokesperson, said:
“As outlined during the cabinet meeting, the costs for the investigation works are not as yet known. Following the investigation works, there will then be assessment of the proposed remediation strategies, together with an assessment of the estimated cost.
“The council would not be able to disclose details of costs until the agreed remedial works are contracted as we view that providing this information may prejudice future commercial negotiations with supply partners.”
Two Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to HBC by the Stray Ferret about the cost of ground remediation work at the site, which caused the initial six-month delay to the swimming pool opening, received similar responses.
However, in September, the council provided details of additional costs incurred for the project in response to an FOI request submitted by Ripon resident and chartered civil engineer Stanley Mackintosh.
In its FOI response to him, HBC said that:
- Money already paid for construction and associated works stood at £12,936,235.55.
- A further £619,427.06, had been allocated for payment.
This running tally of £13,555,662 in September compares with the original 17-month contract signed with construction company and principal contractor Willmott Dixon for £10.2 million.
Mr Mackintosh told the Stray Ferret:
“I have always been in favour of a new swimming pool and leisure centre for Ripon, but along with others, have argued over many years that the Camp Close site, with its known history of ground instability, was not the right place for it.”
Dog owners (pictured above) who visit Hell Wath nature reserve in Ripon on a regular basis, fear a potential future clash with cyclists.
The area, with its wooded and riverside walks and wildlife, is popular with people who take their dogs there for daily exercise.
Currently, signage at an entry near the football pitches (pictured below) states ‘no pushbikes’ but there are concerns that this could change, if a cycle route was created on the site, following an approach from the community.
Dog owners Janet Anderson and Brian Don, who attended a Friends of Hell Wath committee meeting earlier this month, made their feelings known.
Ms Anderson, told the Stray Ferret:
“Dogs and cyclists just don’t mix in a setting like this and we are very worried that we will not be able to let our dogs off the lead, to get the exercise they need, for fear of them being involved in an accident with a bicycle.”
Mr Don, added:
“We have absolutely no issue with paths being made more accessible to people in wheelchairs, but a cycle route is a completely different proposition.”
Discussions about a possible route for cyclists were initiated following a community event held at the nature reserve in September by the Skell Valley Project, headed by the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Working with volunteers, the project aims to bring about environmental and other improvements to a 12-mile stretch of the river valley – part of which runs through Hell Wath.
The minutes of the Friends of Hell Wath meeting of 1 November meeting, state:
“The committee confirmed that it had been approached about a cycle route and that it also had reservations.
“It also noted that Hell Wath is secured for community use and the committee is not the arbiter for who can use it and should therefore explore whether safe access for cycling could be facilitated.”
Committee chair, Councillor Stuart Martin, who was not present at the 1 November meeting, pointed out:
“Friends of Hell Wath are consultees and should there be any plan for a cycle route, or improved access for people with limited mobility, we will be consulted alongside all statutory bodies and the public.”
Mr Don welcomed the opportunity for wider consultation and said:
“Hundreds of local people take their dogs to Hell Wath each week and some of them have been going there for up to 50 years. It is important for our voices to be heard
“We just ask that any consultation that takes place is publicised in a way that can be accessed by everybody – particularly older people who are not familiar with the use of social media.”
Additional safety measures have been taken at a Ripon residential block in danger of collapse through subsidence caused by sinkhole activity.
Ripon City Council is in the process of writing to North Yorkshire County Council, calling for the four properties at Bedern Court to be demolished.
In the meantime, Bedern Court Ltd (BCL) – a not-for-profit company controlled by owners and leaseholders with houses and apartments in the 29-unit development – has installed the steel fence (pictured above) inside the courtyard to keep people away from the affected block.
The new fencing is in addition to the continuing closure of Peacock’s Passage, at the side of Bedern Court on Skellgarths (pictured below).
BCL chair Mat Pritchard, told the Stray Ferret:
“With its worsening state and the risk of collapse or falling masonry and tiles, we have concerns about use of parking spaces close to the property. The fence also prevents access to the block.”
BCL has set up a wardens group to keep an eye on the block, which was has remained empty since its evacuation more than a year ago.
Mr Pritchard pointed out:
“They will advise of any further deterioration that they witness and we will continue to liaise with all relevant authorities.”
At its full meeting earlier this month, Ripon City Council agreed to write to NYCC, calling for it to demolish the stricken block on the grounds of public safety.
At the meeting, council leader Andrew Williams, said:
“The movement of the affected block caused by sinkhole activity in the area is gaining speed and the implications for public safety are enormous.
“The block fronts onto the public highway and pavement and the potential impact of collapse and possibility of opening up of more damaging sinkholes in neighbouring areas cannot be ignored.
“If the perilous state of the building means it’s not safe to walk along Peacock’s Passage, it can’t be safe to walk or drive past it on Skelgarths. It needs to be demolished as quickly and safely as possible.”
BCL, which is still awaiting settlement of a long-standing insurance claim relating to the affected block, has provided its insurers with reports from a monitoring engineer and geologist in support of the claim.
A huge crowd filled Ripon Market Square this evening for the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights.
Thousands of people of all ages, from children in pushchairs to grandparents, got into an early festive swing, with tribute acts and Ripon’s own singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary, providing musical entertainment, alongside free fairground rides.
The cabmen’s shelter on Market Place East was transformed into a grotto, which was busy all afternoon and into the evening, with children queuing to let Santa know the presents they hope he will deliver to their houses on Christmas Eve.
For five-year-old Josephine and her three-year-old brother Noah (pictured) the gifts they wish for are Elsa’s Castle from the Disney film Frozen and a dinosaur toy.
While Santa was busy all afternoon, his reindeer also attracted a great deal of attention.
As well as the real reindeer present, Ripon now has a light-up variety, along with sleigh, as part of its festive decorations
The Christmas lights were switched on by the the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin, with Santa on stage to lend a hand.
After the switch on, the musical entertainment continued, with a tribute act (pictured below) signing the chart-topping hits of girl bands.
They were followed by a Beatles Tribute act, who provided a fab-four finale to the day’s festive fun.
Father Christmas and a reindeer will be in Ripon Market Square today.
They will be present from 1pm, as the city celebrates the start of the festive season with the switch on of its extensive Christmas lights.
The switch on takes place at 5pm and there will be free live music before and afterwards.
Freddie Cleary will be the first performer to take centre stage on Saturday afternoon
This starts at 2pm with a performance from Ripon-based singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary.
From 4.10pm a tribute act will sing Christmas songs, followed by hits made famous by girl bands.
The entertainment comes to a climax at 6pm, when a Beatles tribute act takes to the stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.
Adding to the festivities, free fairground rides for children will be operating throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
The event is being staged by the Ripon City Council and paid for out of the parish precept, with the aim of attracting more visitors to Ripon, while providing family-focused entertainment for local residents and those from further afield.
Last year £65,000 was spent by the council to upgrade and extend the city’s Christmas lights, which can be seen in the retail core of Ripon and adjoining streets.
Chris Sills and Cath Richmond, are two Ripon parents whose families have benefited from the support of Team Endeavour.
Now they hope that people will support a fundraising event for the charity that helped them at their time of need.
Team Endeavour provides assistance to the families of service personnel and veterans who are suffering through illness, poverty or hardship.
Chris and his wife Sara, were helped with funds towards the cost of a medical bed and the purchase of a specialist wheelchair, after their daughter Mabel was born prematurely with a number of complications.
Cath, whose partner Gavin had served in the Royal Corps of Signals, died three years ago.
She and her then five-year-old daughter Molly, received support through the heart-breaking time from the charity, which paid for them to take a short break at Flamingo Land.
Former Royal Engineer Chris and Cath, now hope that Team Endeavour will be able to raise more funds through a charity auction being held in partnership with Halls of Ripon.
The department store, with the support of its 20 independent retailers and other businesses in the city, is holding an online auction starting on Sunday (21 November) and running until 1 December.
Cath Richmond is pictured above with Chris Sills and Emma Crossland, Mike Cooper and Ben Butler from Halls.
People will be able to bid for a wide range of items, including a 40 point diamond white gold pendant, a unique hand-painted remembrance helmet, a voucher worth £500 to spend at Halls and a shirt autographed by the Manchester United team.
At 6pm on 2 December the ten lots that have attracted the highest bids online, will be on offer at a live auction held in the department store and conducted by the comedian and actor Freddie Davies.
Chris Sills and his eight-year-old daughter Mabel (centre) raising money for Team Endeavour at a sponsored 5k run.
The event will include live music and refreshments.
Mike Cooper of Halls of Ripon, said:
“There are many amazing lots to bid for, some of them, one-off pieces that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. All proceeds will go directly to Team Endeavour to help them continue their vital work.”
Cath, who has the designer Yorkshire Feathers stall at Halls, said:
“The charity helped me and Molly at a very difficult time and I have supported them ever since.”
Chris, who has been a volunteer fundraiser for Team Endeavour for eight years, added:
“It’s a brilliant charity that has come to the aid of people when they were feeling hopeless and with nowhere else to go.”
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Ripon alleys rejuvenated with overnight deep clean
Four of Ripon’s busiest alleys have been given a deep clean.
The overnight operation on Monday, was organised by Ripon Business Improvement District in one of its first initiatives to attract more visitors to the city and help businesses to benefit from increased footfall.
The clean-up focused on the thoroughfares between Oliver’s Pantry and Halls department store, M&Co and Costa Coffee, Boots and Specsavers and also Lavender Alley.
Last week, the BID’s interim manager Elizabeth Faulkner said:
“We know these alleyways are key to the way visitors and residents use the city so we want to make them as attractive as possible.”
The deep clean was carried out overnight.
“There has been lots of talk about what they could be used for, but first we will clean them up and then look at lighting.
“These are of course just a small part of Ripon and we have got a big destination to make an impact on so we will then start to move around the city for more deep cleaning.”
The alley between Oliver’s Pantry and Halls department store links the Marshall Way retail park and car park with North Street.
The BID, which levies businesses to fund city centre improvements, came into being after 70 of the 87 who voted this summer, supported setting up the body.
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Following the vote, more than 280 firms within the Ripon BID area are now contributing to an annual budget of £160,000 for projects to create a safer, cleaner and better promoted city centre.
The first networking events for businesses will be held on January 17 and 24.
A Harrogate BID was created in 2019 but plans for a BID in Knaresborough were rejected in October.
A Ripon Grammar School student has been selected to compete in next year’s BMX cycling world championships.
Elite Cruiser rider Jodie Musgrove, ranked number four in the UK, is now preparing to represent Team GB in Nantes, France.
The 16-year-old, who plans to study veterinary medicine at university, has been riding since she was 11 years old, having taken up the sport after watching her first race with her father James, a former BMX rider.
For the past five years, she has been competing at the highest level, travelling all over the UK to race:
She said:
“Getting into the world championships is a dream I have had since I started, and it’s fantastic to see all my hard work and training at last paying off.”
Jodie in action
Jodie now hopes she can make an impact at the 2022 contest, where the world’s top riders will be coming together to compete between July 26 and 31.
Her inspiration is gold medallist Beth Shriever, who became Britain’s first BMX racing Olympic champion in Tokyo this summer.
It was the adrenaline rush of off-road dirt racing which first got Jodie hooked on the sport:
She pointed out:
“Most sprint races last no longer than a minute, on purpose-built off-road, single-lap racetracks, made up of various jumps and rollers. So, it’s a very fast-paced, high-intensity sport.”
It can also be dangerous, with one crash in Manchester in 2018 resulting in Jodie needing stitches for a gash in her arm, knocking her out of racing for six weeks.
Jodie took on top competitors all over the UK in a challenging series of races throughout the year to qualify for the world championships on her 24-inch wheel, large-framed cruiser bike, taking the final Team GB spot in the 17 to 29-year-old female category.
Studying for A-levels in maths, chemistry, biology and psychology, she says she enjoys being a part of the BMX community, training with the North-East BMX Club in Hartlepool and travelling to Manchester’s indoor racing track at weekends in winter.
In addition to bringing back medals from Nantes, her ambition is to qualify for the World Championships again in 2023 in Glasgow and hopes she might get the chance to compete at the Olympics one day.
Christmas Gift and Food Fair returns to Ripon Cathedral
The Christmas Gift and Food Fair at Ripon Cathedral will return this month.
The popular event is usually staged annually but could covid restrictions meant it did not happen in 2020.
This year it will take place for the first time over two days, on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 November from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days.
There will be 95 stalls offering a wide selection of unusual gifts, crafts and local food.
A pop-up café will serve hot turkey sandwiches, mulled wine, hot drinks and homemade cakes.
Ripon Cathedral
Live Christmas music will be provided by local choirs over lunchtime on both days in the ornate setting of the cathedral’s quire.
The fair is popular with families and although Santa will not be attending this year, there will be craft activities for children, who will be able to decorate a Christmas bauble to take home and hang on their tree.
Harrogate solicitors Raworths and Leeds wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin are supporting the event as part of their business partnership with the cathedral.
Zoe Robinson, managing partner at Raworths said:
“As a business partner, Raworths is delighted to play a part in the preservation and development of the Cathedral and to support local community-based events organised by Ripon Cathedral’s team, such as the wonderful annual Christmas Fair.”
Entry is £5 payable on the door by card or cash or online. Entry for accompanied children is free.
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