Vicky Carr, Author at The Stray Ferret

Consultation launched to set priorities for new North Yorkshire council

A major consultation will ask people across North Yorkshire to give their views on public services this month.

North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out the project, titled Let’s Talk, to provide the foundations for decision-making and policy when the new unitary authority comes into effect in April next year.

It will see the existing NYCC and seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, abolished in favour of the single authority for the whole of North Yorkshire, excluding York.

NYCC’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said the results will deliver a vision for the new council, showing people’s priorities for spending on everything from social care and education to waste collection, recycling and highways maintenance.

He said:

“Having one new council will save millions of pounds by streamlining services and preventing duplication, creating the most efficient and cost-effective way of delivering them that we can.

“This money will help support services to ensure they are stronger and fit for the future and will fund decision-making on the most local level possible.

“It is vital we engage with the public to help shape exactly how the new council will operate, and this biggest ever conversation in North Yorkshire will be the way in which we can glean people’s views.

“I would urge everyone who lives and works in North Yorkshire to take time to put forward their opinions, and we will listen carefully to those views.”

The Let’s Talk campaign begins on Monday, September 19, running until Friday, December 23.

The first topic in the consultation will be on local communities, looking at education, job opportunities, parks and open spaces, and more.

Future discussions will include public transport, roads and pavements, and access to libraries and museums. Housing provision, climate change and mobile phone and broadband coverage will also form part of the project.

The responses will help to shape policy for North Yorkshire Council over the first three years of its existence.

NYCC has pledged to ensure all communities have the opportunity to engage with the consultations through local events, which are yet to be announced, and online.

Cllr Les added:

“The new council will be the largest geographically in the country as it will cover England’s largest county, but it is being built with local at the heart of everything it will do.

“There will be local staff providing local services, based on local priorities and decision-making taking into account the views of the public.”

To take part in the consultation from September 19, click here. Details of events will also be posted on the same website.

Suspended sentence for Masham woman who harassed neighbours

A 50-year-old woman has been given a suspended sentence for harassing her neighbours in Masham over a period of almost a year.

Summer Sugar was sentenced at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday after being found guilty in July of harassment by anti-social behaviour between September 15, 2019, and August 25, 2020.

Magistrates heard her neighbours were left unable to go about their lives because of the constant fear of what she would do.

She was found to have caused consistent noise nuisance, with intense loud banging on walls for prolonged periods and playing loud music. She had taken photographs of her neighbours in their garden, including their young children, and had made a malicious complaint to Yorkshire Water about them blocking her drain, which turned out to be false.

Asking magistrates not to impose a custodial sentence, defence solicitor Callum Terry said Sugar had three children, one of whom had “significant learning and behavioural difficulties” and another who was only 11 and was home schooled.

He said her anti-social behaviour towards her neighbours had stopped two years previously and asked magistrates to take this into account when sentencing.

Sugar was currently facing her own health problems, he said, with investigations ongoing into pain and discomfort she was experiencing. He added:

“She moved to the North Yorkshire area having fled domestic violence. She was in a very abusive relationship and she fled that with support from various agencies.”

However, the prosecution said the impact of Sugar’s actions should not be underestimated. A victim impact statement written by the mother was read to the court.

In it, she said:

“[This situation] has eaten into my confidence, wellbeing and health. It has taken precious time away from the important, good things in my life, to try and get her to stop and now to get justice for my family.

“I have wasted so much of my time having to liaise with various people and organisations about her. All this unnecessary, negative work has taken me away from my husband and my children.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered Sugar to pay a £128 surcharge and £300 costs.

They also imposed a two-year restraining order preventing Sugar from contacting the victims directly or indirectly.

Business Breakfast: New partner for Knaresborough accountancy firm

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

A new partner has been appointed at Knaresborough-based HPH Chartered Accountants.

Alice Di Domenico joins Adrian Rodaway and Sarah Wearing at the helm of the firm, which has offices at Conyngham Hall as well as in York.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Alice is the latest to join a succession of partners who have provided accountancy services since the firm’s founding in 1898 and her appointment ensures our ability to look after clients going forward.

“Alice joined HPH in 2016, bringing to the firm a wealth of practical and technical experience, while strengthening our relationship with the next generation of clients; her colleagues within the team value her sunny disposition.”

The company said Alice was bringing a fresh look at its services and a desire to drive it “forward into the 21st century”.

Harrogate firms vie for digital awards

Two Harrogate firms have been shortlisted in the Leeds Digital Festival Awards.

Co-Lab Harrogate, based at Harrogate Convention Centre, is nominated in the facilitator of the year category, against NorthInvest, Propel@YH and Sarah Tulip.

And FinancialForce EMEA, on Cardale Park, is competing for the international award against Scaled Insights, Glean, Abstract Tech and COVVI Hand.

The awards will be handed out on Thursday, September 29 at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds.

Harrogate district businesses urge new PM to offer urgent support

Businesses across the Harrogate district have called for urgent action to support them in the face of growing pressures.

As new Prime Minister Liz Truss takes up her post, business organisations have told the Stray Ferret she must move swiftly as the cost of living and energy price crises begin to bite.

Peter Lacey, of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade‘s executive, said:

“We’re waiting for the new government to be announced later this week, but needless to say the chamber of trade are extremely concerned about the lack of any ceiling on business costs for energy, on top of previously identified cost pressures from the general rise in inflation.

“There is the real risk that without significant intervention businesses will find it impossible to afford the cost of energy and will be forced to close.

“Following so close on the heels of covid, many businesses have not had the chance to build up their reserves and are therefore particularly vulnerable.”

Mr Lacey said the rising fuel prices and the wider cost of living crisis would form part of discussions at this week’s chamber of trade meeting in Knaresborough.

His views were echoed by Lilla Bathurst of Ripon BID, who said:

“Ripon is a city of great, independent businesses who have survived the last few years of covid-induced pressure and uncertainty.

“We urge the new Prime Minister and her government to offer immediate support for businesses as they face both an energy and cost of living criss.

“We would recommend that this help package is delivered swiftly and is both realistic and fair in that it has a real impact in helping businesses of all sizes as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times.”

Sue Kramer, president of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, added:

“Ms Truss must address the enormous challenges businesses are facing to survive from the energy crisis, staffing issues and rising costs due to inflation.

“Businesses are in an incredibly precarious position, with many on the brink. We need her to introduce an emergency package of measures that will save businesses from closure.”

Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said he hoped Ms Truss’s upbringing in Leeds would deliver some “good old Yorkshire common sense”.

He said local businesses wanted to see policies which delivered cuts to fuel bills and energy costs, as well as a commitment that cash would not be slowly removed from circulation.

Above all, he said she should show “strong, effective, honourable leadership, delivering change swiftly”, adding:

“I hope Liz Truss turns out to be the Prime Minister who is remembered as the leader who put a stop to the worry and suffering that so many in small and medium sized businesses are going through at the moment.

“In Truss we have no option but to place our trust.”

Harrogate district MPs welcome new PM as rumours spread over cabinet appointments

MPs in the Harrogate district have given their thoughts on the announcement of Liz Truss as the leader of the Conservative party.

As her confirmation as Prime Minister is set to take place today, Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones has welcomed her and offered his support.

He said:

“Being Prime Minister is a great responsibility and I offer Ms Truss my full support in her new role. I backed Rishi Sunak and he fought a very credible campaign.

“I am though, first and foremost, a democrat and when your choice doesn’t win you need to accept that and row in behind the winner. We are fortunate to have a breadth of talent in the government which provided us with an excellent field of candidates from which to choose any of whom would have been up to the job.

“Congratulations to Ms Truss on her success.”

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, posted his congratulations on Twitter.

Both he and Mr Jones highlighted the energy crisis and pressure on businesses as among the issues requiring the most urgent attention from the new Prime Minister and her cabinet, expected to be announced soon after her official confirmation in the role from the Queen at Balmoral this afternoon.

It is not yet known whether any of the district’s MPs will be selected by Ms Truss for roles in government.

There has been some support for Mr Smith to be returned to his previous position as Northern Ireland Secretary: a mural in Belfast called for his reinstatement yesterday.

However, Mr Smith’s light-hearted response on Twitter suggests he is not expecting a call any time soon.

Big thanks to Larry for the shout out, but tbh it's not feline likely… https://t.co/ow1s2wEDr1

— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) September 5, 2022

Meanwhile, Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, has announced his resignation as minister without portfolio, a position he held under Boris Johnson as one of the outgoing PM’s closes allies.

Posting on Twitter in response to Mr Adams’ resignation letter, Mr Smith said:

“Typically punchy letter from [Nigel Adams] who is a case study in backing a political horse early, sticking with it through thick and thin & showing total loyalty and support. Every PM needs a Nigel.”

Fell rescuers assist in search for missing Harrogate woman

Police called in Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) yesterday to help search for missing Judith Holliday from Harrogate.

Judith, who is 73, was last seen on Saturday, August 27, when she left her care home in Harrogate and walked to the bus station and Library Gardens.

After a further sighting the same day in North Rigton was confirmed by North Yorkshire Police on Friday, UWFRA was called yesterday to assist.

Posting on social media, UWFRA said:

“The team was tasked to search boundaries and features as much as possible within a 2km radius of her last known position and to aid NYP in search some of their predefined areas.

“All defined areas were completed as best as possible by 6.30pm, sadly without success, and the team stood down.”

There have been no further confirmed sightings of Judith since the Saturday she went missing, though her family told the Stray Ferret there had been suspected sightings reported throughout the week.

They urged the public to be vigilant for any sign of her this weekend when out and about.

Her niece Lucinda said Judith loved picnics in the countryside, with favourite spots including Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs and Almscliffe Crag.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Judith is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12220153505.

Any immediate sightings should be reported via 999.

New choir to offer therapy to people with Parkinson’s in Harrogate district

A new choir will offer a fun yet effective form of speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s in the Harrogate district.

It will be led by musician Rhiannon Gayle, supported by staff from speech therapy at Harrogate District Hospital.

Each session will offer gentle exercises and fun songs, as well as time to socialise, at the Green Hut on Harlow Avenue, Harrogate, each Monday afternoon.

Research has shown singing helps to improve breathing and voice control in people with Parkinson’s, and group singing is also known to improve mental health and wellbeing.

John Sheepy, chairman of the Harrogate and district branch of Parkinson’s UK, said he is keen to hear from more people with Parkinson’s who could benefit from the choir and the other activities on offer.

“We have 160 members in the branch, but the hospital have 750 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s on their records.

“We’re always trying to find the other mossing 600 – not from our own point of view, but from theirs, because Parkinson’s is a horrible thing to face without support.”

As well as its monthly meetings, the Harrogate group offers numerous opportunities for members to stay active, from table tennis to crown green bowls, and even boxing.

It also organises talks from experts in fields relevant to Parkinson’s patients. On September 27, three leading speakers will look at advances in research, treatments and technology in a research projects discussion forum held by the branch.

The event takes place at the Masonic Lodge from 7pm, with a meal also available from 6pm at £10 per person.

For more information about the choir or other upcoming events, visit the Harrogate and district Parkinson’s website.

‘Help us get Judith home’ – plea from family of missing Harrogate woman

A week on from the last confirmed sighting of missing Harrogate woman Judith Holliday, her family says they hope this weekend will bring the right result in their quest to get her home.

Judith, 73, was last seen on Saturday, August 27, when police believe she got a bus from Harrogate before flagging down a lift to North Rigton.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, her niece Lucinda Edwards said she wanted people to understand Judith as a person and to help ensure she was brought back to her family.

Judith grew up in Harrogate, attending the former Belmont Birklands school. Lucinda said she loves visiting Bettys, as well as going out into the countryside, to places like Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, for picnics and birdwatching.

She said:

“Judith has a condition which presents like vascular dementia.

“She has fluctuating capacity – she can get a bit confused, but often, she will come across as being as sharp as a tack.

“She can point out family homes from years ago in the villages around here, but her short-term memory is much more of a problem.

“When she gets tired, she gets more confused.”

Judith left the care home where she lives around 10.30am on Saturday, saying she was going to visit Lucinda, who lives nearby. However, she never arrived.

She was seen on CCTV heading from Harcourt Road towards the town centre, as well as at the bus station and in Library Gardens.

The latest sighting on the way to North Rigton was confirmed by police yesterday, after another report was received by someone who thought they saw in Wetherby last weekend.

Lucinda said:

“We’ve had potential sightings at Crimple, in the Saints area, Wetherby, North Rigton, other villages towards West Yorkshire – all on separate days.

“She can’t be everywhere, so we have to verify all of these to be sure they were her. That’s why CCTV is so important.

“We don’t want people to stop looking and reporting possible sightings, but we need evidence. We need to work smartly.”

Community response

The response from the community to Judith’s disappearance has been encouraging to her family. Many people have shared social media posts about her, while local businesses have put up posters to raise awareness.

Posters are also available to take from Jarfull, Porters and Sligsby’s coffee shop in central Harrogate, as the family hope they can cover a wider area with help from the public. Lucinda said:

“We’ve had amazing help. Harrogate is full of really good people and really nice business owners.

“I’m blessed with really good family and friends who know we’re going through a really hard time and are rallying.”

With Judith having been missing a week now, her family is asking people to be vigilant for her when out and about this weekend, and to check CCTV, doorbell cameras and dash cams from across the whole area since the time Judith was last seen.

Judith did not have bank cards or a bus pass with her, or access to a car, but could have been carrying a limited amount of cash.

Lucinda emphasised that Judith could be moving from place to place, even back towards Harrogate. She asked the community to keep looking wherever they were, even if it was not near previous sightings.

She added:

“If you see someone that looks out of place, or asks for help, to use a toilet or for food and drink or shelter, or even transport, perhaps a lift, please report it.

“For all we do a lot to help as a family, Judith has lived a life and travelled, and I don’t know how resourceful she might be in this situation.”

North Yorkshire Police said anyone with any information that could assist with the search should call 101 and quote reference number 12220153505.

Any immediate sightings should be reported via 999.

Artisan market set to expand to Knaresborough Castle this weekend

A popular monthly market will move into a new location in Knaresborough this weekend.

Little Bird Artisan Market will hold its first even in the castle grounds on Saturday, after growing in popularity over recent months.

Jackie Crozier, managing director of organisers Little Bird Made, said:

“We are always looking at ways to improve the markets and we had outgrown our previous location in the Market Place.

“We are grateful to be working with both [Knaresborough Town and Harrogate Borough] councils to find an alternative venue in the castle grounds, which will allow us the opportunity to continue to grow and develop.

“Both staff are traders are really looking forward to the first market and we promise all our customers a great day out when they come to visit us.”

The event will also be in Harrogate this weekend, with its monthly market at the Valley Gardens on Sunday.

Both markets, running from 10am to 3pm, will feature independent bakers, crafters, designers, artists and photographers from around the region.

Visitors to the Valley Gardens will also have the opportunity to hear Harrogate choir The Stray Notes, fresh from their appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing in the bandstand from 2-4pm.

Pictures show progress of £28m Harrogate Hydro and Knaresborough Leisure Centre works

Works are well underway on two major projects to renovate Harrogate Hydro and build a new leisure centre in Knaresborough.

The projects will cost around £28 million in total and are being run by Harrogate Borough Council with construction works carried out by Bristol-based firm Alliance Leisure.

Harrogate Hydro shut to the public in April and has now been stripped out and partly demolished as part of a £11.8 million investment.

The works include the construction of a two-storey extension, as well as a new entrance, cafe, reception area, diving board structure, fitness suite and refurbished changing rooms.

David Hawcroft, project manager at Harrogate Borough Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the strip out of the building had revealed the need for some extra works, although this was “to be expected” for a project of this size.

Work on Harrogate’s Hydro.

The extra works required include the replacement of corroded steelwork and improvements to the fire protection of the steel frame.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed by next April, with reopening the following month.

Once complete, the Hydro will no longer use gas and will run completely on electricity with the use of air source heat pumps and 420 solar panels.

Meanwhile, foundations have been set at Fysche Field in Knaresborough in preparation for the steel structure of the new £17 million leisure centre which will have a six-lane swimming pool, health spa and fitness studios.

It is being built behind the existing Knaresborough Pool which will be demolished.

The council previously said it aims to complete the new leisure centre next July, before demolishing the old pool by the following October.

Solar panels on the Harrogate Hydro.

The project was approved earlier this year despite concerns over the environmental impact of demolishing a large building to replace it with another.

Jonathan Dunk, chief development officer at the council, previously described the 30-year-old Knaresborough Pool as “at the end of its working life” and argued more swimming and exercise space was needed for the town’s growing population.

In Ripon, the city’s new swimming pool at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre has been open for six months and resulted in a big uplift in membership numbers.

Work being carried out on Knaresborough pool.

Work being carried out on Knaresborough leisure centre.

However, the ongoing refurbishment of the older half of the venue has been plagued with issues caused by underground voids found at the site.

The council’s cabinet recently approved remedial groundworks which will cost £3.5 million and push the total costs of the entire project above £18 million.

The original contract awarded to construction company Willmott Dixon was worth £10.2 million for the project which was originally due for completion in May 2021.

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Harrogate firms vie for digital awards

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Community response

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