Force ‘took its eye off the ball’ on Ripon policingJulia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, faced a barrage of questions from Ripon city councillors last night.
In a virtual meeting that was not open to the public, Ms Mulligan said there are a number of issues impacting on policing in the city.
Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“The commissioner accepted that there had been a time when the force had taken its eye off the ball on policing in Ripon.”
He added:
“I appreciate her frankness and also the way she listened to what we had to say.
“She didn’t duck councillors’ questions and provided both answers and potential solutions.”
The 90-minute online meeting was attended by the majority of city councillors.
Also attending virtually, were North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Andrew Colbourne and Inspector Alex Langley.
Insp Langley, has recently been appointed as the officer with responsibility for neighbourhood policing in Ripon.
Read more:
Last week, following a three-hour crime spree in the Bondgate area of the city, he asked local residents to report anything they had seen by calling 101.
However, the response time to people calling 101, was brought into question last night and has been at previous city council meetings.
Commissioner Mulligan agreed the need to improve on response time and said that North Yorkshire would shortly be rolling out an online 101 service, offering a more rapid response.
Police in Ripon have to share space with the fire brigade and there is no room for interview on the site
She also reported that police numbers had ‘significantly increased’ and further officers would be added to tackle the city’s ongoing issues of violent and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Williams pointed out:
“There can be no doubt that the commissioner and senior officers are taking our concerns seriously and acting upon them.
“We stated last year and do so again, that we will do all that we can to work with the police to address the city’s crime problems.”
One issue that will be more difficult to resolve, is the fact that police have to share space at Ripon fire station, where there is no interview room.
People who are arrested have to be taken to Harrogate Police Station for interview, resulting in a consequential temporary loss of officers on the city patch.
Man attacked by thugs in Ripon thought they would kill himThe intervention of a Ripon retailer may have saved the life of a man who was set upon by two vicious thugs in broad daylight.
The attack took place last Tuesday afternoon and is the latest in an escalating series of violent incidents involving gangs who are terrorising the city streets.
With early morning snowfall covering pavements and Ripon Market Square the youths – most of them wearing hoodies and track-suit bottoms, had the ‘ammunition’ they needed to pelt cars as they turned into Market Place West.
The retailer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret:
“They were packing the snow into ice missiles and throwing them at passing cars.
“Then they hit a pedestrian on the back of the head and when he turned to remonstrate with them, two of the thugs set about him.
“As I came out of the shop, the man was on the ground and one of the youths was kicking him in the head, while another was stamping on his face
“I thought that they were going to kill him – I shouted at them and they ran off.”
He added:
“The youths, who were 16 or 17, towered over this poor man and overpowered him, taking him to the ground.
“It was shocking to see this happening in broad daylight on a Tuesday afternoon.”
Having scared off the attackers, the retailer tended to the man, taking him to safety in his shop.
He pointed out:
“He was clearly shaken – I asked if he wanted me to ring for an ambulance and call the police to report the incident – but he asked me not to.
“He said he just wanted to get home.
“The following day the victim – a nice, quiet gentleman in his 50s, returned to the shop with visible bruises on his face and he thanked me for coming to his aid – he said ‘when they started kicking me in the head and stamping on me, I thought I was a goner’ – sadly this is what things are coming to in Ripon.”
Read more:
Last week the Stray Ferret reported on a series of violent crimes that occurred in a short space of time during the previous weekend in the Bondgate area of the city.
Police put out an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Ripon councillors unite to fight sale of city’s Spa Baths
Councillors of all political parties in Ripon last night voted to fight Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to sell the city’s Spa Baths
News that the city’s grade II Listed Spa Baths, are already on the market, brought an angry reaction from elected members.
At a full council meeting, Councillor Stuart Martin, the conservative Mayor of the Harrogate district, and Councillor Mike Chambers, cabinet member for homes and safer communities, confirmed that the building is up for sale.
Both men, along with fellow Conservatives and the controlling independent group on Ripon City Council, voted unanimously to support an urgent motion proposed by Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams.
Delayed opening – Ripon’s new swimming pool and refurbished leisure centre is costing in excess of £10.2 million
The motion aims to protect the Spa – in Harrogate Borough Council’s ownership since 1974 – from being sold to a private developer for residential or other redevelopment.
Councillor Williams told the meeting:
“I am utterly shocked and surprised to discover only this evening that this community asset, which is part of Ripon’s heritage, has been put on the market, with absolutely no prior consultation with ourselves.”
Councillor Pauline McHardy added:
“The spa was built for the people of Ripon and visitors and belongs to this city.
“I had previously suggested that it be used by the NHS as an expansion of the adjacent hospital and services that it offers, so people do not need to travel to Harrogate for treatment.
“We must fight to stop it being sold to a private developer.”
Read more:
The History of Ripon Spa Baths:
The original complex, located next to the Spa Gardens, has the distinction of being the last spa to open in England.
In October 1905, it also became the only spa granted a royal opening, when Princess Henry of Battenberg carried out the ceremony.
A reconfiguration of the building in 1936, saw the complex converted into the city’s first public swimming pool.
Ornate stained glass windows and other architectural features remain to this day.
At the full council meeting, Councillor Stephen Craggs pointed out:
“The building has fallen into disrepair and is in need of some serious maintenance.
“To lose it to yet another residential development would be a disaster – it must be kept as a community facility.”
Cllr Williams agreed, saying:
“At a time when our city is growing there is even greater need for us to have buildings that can be used by the public.”
Possible future uses could be a museum or a library. The Spa Baths has remained closed since the first Covid lockdown last March, while a new swimming pool is under construction at Camp Hill.
‘Nobody need go hungry’ in lockdown, say Nidderdale churchesA helping hand is being extended to people struggling to make ends meet in Nidderdale.
The cumulative financial impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns is taking its toll on families and individuals.
The Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, the Rev Darryl Hall, is involved with the informal foodbank service based in Pateley Bridge.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“We are currently very well-placed to assist anybody who is in need of help.
“We receive incredible support from the local community – churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike.
“The shops in Pateley Bridge have been brilliant in supporting a food voucher scheme we introduced. Morrisons Supermarket in Ripon regularly gives us food and other essential items – such as cleaning products.”
He added:
“Our aim is to ensure that people do not go without food. Nobody in Nidderdale need go hungry.”
Foodbank supporter Sarah Jones collecting items donated by Morrisons in Ripon (Photograph: Morrisons Supermarkets)
Rev Hall has charge of six parishes in a 100-square mile area stretching from Low Laithe to Middlesmoor.
He pointed out:
“The need is clearly there, as families and individuals find themselves having to make difficult financial decisions.
“We are here and able to help, thanks to the tremendous assistance from Bewerley Park outdoor learning centre and its staff.
“They have provided a much-valued storage facility that enables us to have plenty of food items available.”
The service is confidential, discreet and available to anybody – believers and non-believers alike.
The foodbank service has been extended to the neighbouring parish of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite.
Read more:
Alastair Ferneley, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks, told his parishioners:
“As the pandemic continues, we are aware that some people will not getting an income and may need some short-term support.
“Please do use this service to avoid getting into debt, or to lessen debt problems.”
Anybody requiring assistance can call Rev Hall on 01423 711414, Rev Ferneley on 01423 780262, or Nidderdale Plus on 01423 714953.
‘Stop dumping waste in recycling bins’, says Pateley Bridge mayorPateley Bridge Town Council is urging people to stop dumping domestic rubbish in recycling bins.
Town Mayor, Councillor Mike Holt, told the Stray Ferret that Pateley’s recycling site was being used for fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence.
He said:
“I am asking everyone to help us in trying to stop this abuse so that we can retain and enjoy this facility, for which we all pay for through our rates.”
At a virtual meeting on Tuesday, the council discussed correspondence from a parishioner about the untidy state of the recycling area on Southlands, at the bottom of High Street.
It’s a complaint received by the council several times and from many different sources.
The recycling bins in Southlands are provided by Harrogate Borough Council for domestic use only (Photograph: Councillor Stanley Lumley)
Read more:
Cllr Holt said:
“Pateley Bridge retains this facility because we have some residents who do not receive the benefit of a street-side recycling collection service. The recycling facility is expensive, and Harrogate Borough Council have closed many similar centres throughout the district.
“We do not want to lose this benefit to our town, but it will happen if it continues to be abused.
“Residents can report fly tipping by calling 01423 500600, or by email to customerservices@harrogate.gov.uk. More information is available on the HBC website and I urge everyone to try and help reduce the abuse of this area in our town.”
Investigation into contaminated soil dumping in SharowThe Environment Agency (EA) is investigating contractors who dumped contaminated material on an ancient lane in Sharow near Ripon.
Approximately 100 cubic metres of soil and debris soaked with domestic heating oil, remains in Back Lane at its junction with New Road.
David and Lynda Lees, who are in their seventies, were the victims of botched clearance work after a 25-year-old plastic storage tank developed a leak that saturated their back garden.
David Lees
Mr Lees, who worked for many years in the construction industry before his retirement, told the Stray Ferret:
“The contractors were appointed by our insurance company, after we put in a claim.
“Following the work in our back garden I realised what had been done with the soil and other material that had been cleared.
“I did everything I could to get the mess sorted out, making phone calls and sending numerous emails, but felt I was getting nowhere.”
Mr and Mrs Lees have received powerful support from fellow villagers, including James Thornborough, an international expert in oil spills on land and water and Simon Warwick, director of the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, who has advised some of the world’s leading oil companies.
Between them, the two men with their specialist knowledge, contacted all relevant bodies, from the EA to Sharow Parish Council and their intervention brought action.
Mr Thornborough said:
“Because of its pervasive nature, all oil spillages need to be taken seriously and handled carefully, particularly in a situation like this, when a large quantity of heating oil has seeped over time into soil.
“The subsequent dumping of this contaminated material on a public thoroughfare that has been in use since medieval times, is unforgiveable.”
“Back Lane is open to the public who, by simply walking along it, can unwittingly spread the contamination to other parts of the village, their own homes and anywhere else they go.”
Mr Warwick, who received an MBE for his outstanding work as a conservationist, added:
“The consequences of this dumping and piling up against a heritage hedgerow are serious for birds, mammals and other land-based creatures, as well as aquatic animals.
“I have seen that oil has been washed into water courses via the rainwater drains and this will ultimately affect aquatic animals and the food chain.”
Read more:
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said it had responded swiftly:
“The soils should not have been left in the lane and we are investigating to determine if any environmental offences have been committed.
“We are also seeking assurances from the company responsible that the soils will be removed as soon as possible and any subsequent remediation work that may be required is carried out quickly.”
Covid vaccines begin at Ripon racecourseA steady stream of cars and taxis made their way through the gates of the newly-opened covid vaccination centre at Ripon racecourse this afternoon.
Early morning snow delayed the planned 8.30am opening but by 1.30pm, with a thaw set in and roads cleared, the first vaccination had taken place.
A team of doctors, support staff and marshals — some of them volunteers — were on hand to guide, reassure and assist those who came for their jab.
The centre is located in the Wakeman Bar, where punters normally celebrate winners or commiserate over losses.
Outside Ripon racecourse, where covid vaccinations started today.
It has been temporarily transformed into a smoothly-operating medical centre that can cater for up to 600 people a day.
The number was reduced today because of the lost hours this morning, but the weather forecast for tomorrow bodes well for a full day of vaccinations starting at 8.30am.
Read more
Attendance is by appointment only.
The opening of a dedicated covid vaccination centre in Ripon comes just days after Ripon City Council offered the NHS facilities at the Hugh Ripley Hall in Skellbank for use in vaccinating local people.
Ripon is among a number of racecourses around the UK to make its facilities available so that the vaccination programme can be stepped up.
Ripon gets sneak peek of ‘magic roundabouts’ idea
People in Ripon are being given an early taste of how illuminated trees could help to attract more visitors to the city.
Ripon City Council announced plans last week to create five lit-up ‘magic roundabouts’ on the bypass.
The lights could turn red on Valentine’s Day, green on St Patrick’s Day and red, white and blue for national celebrations, such as the Queen’s birthday.
Roundabouts on the stretch of bypass from the McDonald’s restaurant on Harrogate Road to the junction with Dishforth Road have been targeted for the scheme.
With this in mind, the council has kept festive lights from Christmas in place at two locations on Bedern Bank.
Trees on one of the roundabouts, which is a key gateway to Ripon Cathedral, are lit with white lights.
Nearby, a tree outside Ripon Community Hospital has golden lights in it.
The seasonal lighting is similar to that which illuminates trees along sections of Harrogate’s Stray.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“This is a way of making Ripon more attractive for residents at this rather gloomy time.
“As the vaccination programme continues and the covid lockdown eventually lifts, we hope that lighting, both in the city and along the bypass, will help to attract the visitor and tourist trade that is essential to Ripon’s economy.”
The city council voted unanimously to support plans which, if approved by highways authority North Yorkshire County Council, will see lighting that can change colour according to the occasion, installed on trees on bypass roundabouts.
One of the Ripon bypass roundabouts that could be lit up.
The council, which has an underspend available from its 2020-2021 budget, agreed to allocate £10,000 towards the bypass scheme.
Read more:
Ripon City Council spent an additional £65,000 on the city’s Christmas lights – diverting money from its events budget to pay for the scheme.
That funding became available because the money could not be spent on a series of community and civic events — such as celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day — due to covid.
Why it’s hard to tell the time of day in RiponDo people who live in Ripon know the time of day? Not if they have to rely on two civic timepieces that have been serving the city for decades.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams reported that the four-faced Victoria jubilee clock at the junction of Palace Road, North Street and Princess Road can be seen up to 22 minutes slow and also running fast from time to time.
He was not attempting a wind up and has asked for the workings of the clock to be looked into.
The Grade II Listed Building was built by the then Municipal Borough of the West Riding of Yorkshire in 1897, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
The building passed into the ownership of Harrogate Borough Council with the reorganisation of local government in 1974.
Closer to home for city councillors, the Ripon Town Hall clock also appears in need of some timely maintenance.
By way of research, the Stray Ferret found the Town Hall Clock a good three minutes fast.
The Town Hall timepiece
Meanwhile at the city’s monumental timepiece, Queen Victoria would not have been amused with her clock a full three minutes slow.
Read More:
While the city’s civic clocks perform in erratic fashion, the one at Ripon Cathedral ticks all the boxes, with its quarterly and hourly chimes.
With the hands on the Town Hall and Victoria Clock’s four faces continuing to move in mysterious ways, Ripon’s residents need only look at the tower on the western frontage of the cathedral for the accuracy they seek if they want to arrive on time at work, school and appointments.
Here they will see that the clerical clock is a match for any hand-held digital device.
Ripon food poverty pioneer receives rare national awardRipon PE teacher Helen Mackenzie has received the British Citizen Award for outstanding work tackling food poverty and encouraging sport.
Ms Mackenzie, who works at Ripon Grammar School, overcame breast cancer after being diagnosed 11 years ago.
She is among a select group of 27 adults across the UK to be honoured with the award this year.
The British Citizen Awards are held twice a year to recognise individuals doing extraordinary work in their local community.
In November 2019, Ms Mackenzie and her friend Sarita McDermott, who owns the Realitea Cafe in North Street, Ripon set up the food charity Back to Basics.
Ms Mackenzie told the Stray Ferret:
“The idea is that we provide families who are struggling — usually those with kids on free school meals — with the ingredients for a delicious nutritious meal.”
A typical weekly Back to Basics food donation, which is given to families along with a recipe card.
She added:
“We are not a soup kitchen so we don’t provide the meal for them — we expect them to get ‘back to basics’ and cook with their family.”
Netball for all
Ms Mackenzie and Ms McDermott fundraise for the charity and have secured financial support from local businesses, as well as donations of goods from individuals.
This enables them to provide families with everything they need, from food ingredients to recipe cards, designed to help parents and children to work together in creating the meals.
In addition to her Back to Basics charity, Ms Mackenzie is also well-known in Ripon for encouraging sport.
She vowed to make competitive sport, which is normally the preserve of the ultra-fit and young, accessible to all after overcoming an aggressive form of stage three breast cancer.
In 2015 she started Ripon City Netball Club, which attracts not only girls but also seniors and people with varying levels of mobility, ability and sporting prowess.
Many mums — including Ms Mackenzie — play alongside their daughters. Nearly 100 people now take part.
‘Remarkable and inspirational’
Alec Lutton, who set up the first Ripon food bank, nominated Ms Mackenzie for the British Citizen Award.
He said:
“She is a remarkable and inspirational person with a can-do attitude and a determination to do help others in need of assistance or encouragement.”
Read more:
The nomination was supported by Ripon councillor and three-time former city mayor Pauline McHardy, who has known Ms Mackenzie for many years,
She said:
“Helen is the salt of the earth and her contribution to the community in Ripon is absolutely immense.”
Today her bespoke BCA medal with the inscription ‘For the Good of the Country’ was delivered by special courier to her Ripon home.
Ms Mackenzie and her husband, John, have two grown-up daughters, Laura and Amy, and from now on, she can call herself Helen Mackenzie BCA.