Vicky Carr, Author at The Stray Ferret

Warning to parents after police seize ‘drug-laced sweets’ in Ripon

Four teenagers have been arrested after “drugs disguised as sweets” were seized in Ripon yesterday afternoon.

Police stopped a vehicle in the city around 4pm and arrested the four on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, money laundering and weapons offences.

Among the items seized during the arrests were what appeared to be sweets – but officers strongly believe they are laced with controlled drugs.

Three of the arrested teenagers have been released under investigation and the fourth has been bailed while enquiries continue.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Police are extremely concerned that anyone consuming these items could be at risk of serious harm, and are asking parents to be particularly vigilant, and ensure their children understand the risks.

“These so-called ‘edibles’ pose a risk to young people across York and North Yorkshire. Anyone who has any information about the supply of illegal drugs in any form is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your call could literally save someone’s life.”

Police issue warning after rise in ‘romance fraud’

Police are warning residents in North Yorkshire to be on their guard against ‘romance fraud’, which saw victims in the county lose almost half a million pounds in the last year.

North Yorkshire Police said it received almost 70 reports of romance fraud in the year to August 2020, with victims losing more than £426,000 in total.

It is part of a national rise in the crime, with Action Fraud saying there had been a 26% increase in reports of romance fraud in the last 12 months.

North Yorkshire Police financial abuse safeguarding officer Andy Fox said:

“Romance fraud is where someone creates a fake online profile and after gaining the trust of an individual, uses their relationship to request sums of money. Fake profiles will often feature photos taken from other people online and may pose as a US army officer or businessman based overseas.

“Monetary sums will be requested to pay for urgent medical care or even plane tickets to visit the UK, usually alongside a story designed to elicit sympathy and on the promise of it being repaid.”

Although cases often begin on dating websites, there have also been instances where fraudsters have used gambling sites to make contact with people who could become victims.

Andy said:

“The individuals who undertake romance fraud are highly skilled in both earning trust and cultivating what feels like a loving relationship so the impact on victims can be huge – financially and emotionally. We’re urging anyone using online dating to be vigilant to the signs and also to look out for friends and family, helping safeguard them from becoming victims.

“There can be a perception that the people who fall victim to romance fraudsters are of a certain age or gender but the reports we receive show that literally anyone can be taken in by these calculating criminals. We’ve seen both men and women targeted with some as young as teenagers right up to those in their eighties.”

Police warned anyone who meets someone online to be careful before trusting them. In particular, they said fraudsters might:

use photos taken from the internet for their profiles, and refuse to meet in person or have a video call
refuse to speak on the phone
ask for money, often beginning with a small amount and increasing over time.

Anyone who thinks they may have become a victim to romance fraud should immediately stop all contact with the person and report them to North Yorkshire Police or Action Fraud. Andy added:

“We know that romance fraud is underreported for a number of reasons but one can be that victims feel embarrassed they have been taken in by these fraudsters. There is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed and the police are here to support you.

“Not only can we give you advice and guidance to ensure you don’t become a victim again. All of these reports help us to build a profile of how romance fraud is undertaken so we can try to stop it happening to others in future.”

Huge demand for Christmas attractions as booking opens

Attractions across the Harrogate district have reported record levels of interest in their Christmas activities this year.

From visits to Santa’s Grotto to illuminated woodland walks, some of the most popular annual events are still scheduled to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.

However, with some significant events cancelled – including Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Christmas markets – and places at those going ahead reduced to allow for social distancing, tickets have been in high demand.

At RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, booking opened last week for the annual Glow installation. Held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas, as well as three days before new year, the event sold 25% of its tickets within the first week.

Organisers said they have reduced capacity and introduced a full pre-booking system for the first time in order to control visitor numbers, and they will be implementing the same enhanced cleaning measures currently being used for daytime visits.

However, the annual Stories with Santa sessions have had to be called off because they cannot be held safely under covid restrictions. A spokesman said they were hoping to reinstate the event in 2021. She added:

“As with all visitor attractions, it’s hard to compare numbers for this year and previous years due to the impact of covid. However, taking the last full month of September as an example, September 2020 is the second best September on record for Harlow Carr, even with a booking system in place, which is very encouraging.”

Alice in Winterland illuminations at Lightwater Valley

The Alice in Winterland illuminations will open at Lightwater Valley in November.

At Lightwater Valley near Ripon, extra availability has had to be added to the Festive Family Fun days running from late November. New family tickets have been released for Friday nights to enable more people to visit.

The park will be lit with giant lanterns and illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme, there will be a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.

Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes said:

“We’re delighted with the enthusiastic response we have had from people wanting to attend our festive event.

“Understandably Christmas spirit is in high demand this year, so we’ve decided to add these additional dates to ensure even more families can enjoy our Festive Family Fun event in a safe, socially-distanced way.”

At Harewood House, the Santa experience has already sold out, but the house, grounds and gardens will be transformed with the Upon a Christmas Wish theme from mid-November until January 3.

The venue has more than 20 events taking place in the run-up to Christmas, from shopping experiences to wreath-making workshops as well as festive afternoon teas. Pre-booking is essential and some events are already fully booked.

Other attractions

At Stockeld Park, Christmas Adventure tickets go on sale next week, and are expected to sell out quickly based on the popularity of the venue’s Halloween events.

Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm has just put its Christmas Experience tickets on sale, with limited numbers compared to previous years.

Stump Cross Caverns has opportunities to meet Santa and receive a gift, with advance booking recommended. ‘Rocking’ Santa will meet families of up to six people in the cinema room and organisers said places are already proving popular.

Fountains Abbey is holding Carols by Candlelight on Sundays, December 6 and 13, rather than its usual single date. Full details of its storytime with Father Christmas events will be released nearer the time.

Birchfield Farm has said it will not hold its usual Christmas activities this year.

Zen garden completed at new Harrogate spa

A new £2 million spa and well-being centre in Harrogate has been completed after a six-month delay because of the coronavirus crisis.

The zen garden and sun terrace at The Harrogate Spa have now been finished, at a cost of £20,000.

They are the final pieces of the development, which officially opened in July without the planned outside area. Situated adjacent to the Doubletree by Hilton Majestic Hotel on Ripon Road, the spa offers an indoor pool and treatment rooms as well as a gym, studio and cafe.

Andy Barnsdale, The Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa General Manager with one of the new water features.

Lynn Roach, The Harrogate Spa director, said:

“We were just a week away from our official opening when the government announced the closure of our industry, which put the brakes on us finishing our two outside areas.

“I’m delighted to say we have now completed our work and they are a superb addition to The Harrogate Spa.

“The zen garden will become a place of tranquillity for those enjoying our facilities and experiencing one of our fantastic holistic treatments.

“We are the only spa facility in Harrogate town centre, and have now written our own chapter in the town’s ongoing spa heritage story.”

Harrogate care worker says visiting restrictions essential to protect residents

A care worker has said she backs measures to restrict visitors to care homes in the Harrogate district as they put the health of residents first.

Cheryl Allan, a care supervisor at a care home in Harrogate, said while she understands the concerns of relatives, limiting the spread of covid 19 among vulnerable people was vital.

North Yorkshire County Council introduced a seven-day restriction on visitors in September, before announcing it would be extended for the whole of October.

Mrs Allan said:

“It’s sad for the residents and their families. We were allowing residents to see their families – socially distanced – but there is new legislation and we have to follow that.

“The residents do understand, and their health and well-being is our main priority.”

Mrs Allan said the residents were good at supporting each other, along with the staff ensuring they stayed positive and did not feel lonely.

“They enjoy chatting and socialising with each other and with staff. We have a group who sit out every evening and chat and have a drink together.

“The doctors have been in touch and we’ve got plans in place for people who do suffer with mental health. We’re trying to keep their routines as similar to before lockdown as possible.”

Like many care homes, Mrs Allan said the residential home where she works – which she asked us not to name – has been using technology to enable residents to video call their families while they could not meet in person.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has said care homes should be allowed visitors who can see relatives through a pane of glass. While one daughter of a patient with dementia told the Stray Ferret this can cause extra distress, Mrs Allen said it was a positive experience for some of the people she worked with.

One resident was able to speak to her daughter on the phone while waving through the windows, which she said benefitted both. For residents who are less confident with technology, Mrs Allan said this offered a good alternative.

However, she said suggestions of nominating one relative for each resident, offering them a weekly test and enabling them to visit would be impractical.

“I don’t think it would work. Staff are testing weekly and residents monthly. In between visitors being tested, you could pick it up and we wouldn’t know. It would work in some ways, but there’s a chance you could bring it in without realising.

“The residents’ health is the most important thing and we have to protect that.”

New directors sought for Harrogate BID board

New directors are being sought to lead Harrogate Business Improvement District in the coming year.

The BID is preparing to hold its annual elections and is inviting BID members to put themselves forward.

Requirements include attending a BID board meeting each month as well as giving at least two hours each week to BID activities.

The board is currently planning Christmas lights displays for the town centre, new planters and hanging baskets for outside shops, and schemes to support businesses facing a tough retail climate in the run-up to Christmas.

Harrogate BID acting chair Sara Ferguson said:

“I’m incredibly passionate about Harrogate town centre, and last year, I put my name forward to join the BID board. I stood for election because I wanted to be a loud voice for the town’s independent businesses.

“I will be standing again as there is still plenty to do. The job is not finished yet. The last 10 months have not been without their challenges, However, in that time, we have achieved a number of objectives with plenty more in the pipeline.

“The qualities we are looking for in a board member include having the time to devote to the BID activities, totally committed to the aims of the BID, willing to make bold decisions and, above all, wanting to see Harrogate town centre thrive.”

Ms Ferguson became acting chair earlier this year when then-chair Bob Kennedy stepped down, along with three other board members. They cited undue council influence and a lack of progress on important projects in their joint resignation letter.

Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper also left the board in June and was replaced by the authority’s director of economy and culture, Trevor Watson.

Though nominations are limited to BID members, organisations can join the BID by filling in the application form on the BID website by Thursday, October 15. Applications will be presented to the BID board on October 19.

BID members will then be invited to express an interest in becoming a director of the BID. There can be up to 15 directors, with nine currently in post.

If more than 15 people put themselves forward, a ballot of members will be held.

Cash reward after Triumph motorbikes stolen in Harrogate

A “substantial” cash reward is being offered by the owner of two motorbikes stolen from a home in Harrogate last month.

The two Triumph motorbikes were taken from Firs Drive between 10pm and midnight on August 19.

Police believe the bikes were ridden away towards the Leeds area. They had the number plates AV52 KWS and WX56 EKY, but these are likely to have been changed since the theft.

The 52-plate bike had damage to its front right fairing and a messy fibreglass weld running through it, as well as a crack to the rear left seat fairing.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, we are appealing for information about a Ford Focus seen in the area around the time and any sightings or adverts of the bikes for sale.

“The owner of the bikes is offering a substantial cash reward for information given to the police which results in the safe return of both bikes.”

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for James Skaith. You can also email James.Skaith@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200144624.

Free digital business events begin in Harrogate district today

A week of free digital events for businesses across the Harrogate district gets under way today.

Harrogate Digital will cover digital connectivity, sustainability of data and how to grow a start-up during lockdown. It concludes with a round-table discussion about ways to grow the tech community in the Harrogate district.

The events form part of the wider Leeds Digital Festival, which began last week.

Harrogate Digital has previously run face-to-face events, but decided to move online to enable more people to attend and avoid coronavirus restrictions. All events are free and can be booked via the Harrogate Digital website.

The events have been organised by Harrogate Borough Council’s SME growth manager Alistair Forbes, along with Martin Whincup from Berwins, and tech entrepreneur and mentor Sanjay Parekh.

The week will also see the launch of Co-Lab, a new incubator hub being run by Harrogate Borough Council from Springfield House. While use of the offices has been delayed by covid, support is being offered to new and growing businesses in the tech and digital sector.

Mr Forbes said there is already evidence that new businesses are being formed during lockdown and people are using their time creatively.

“We have had all sorts of different enquiries and ideas come forward from existing businesses I was already working with for new businesses or divisions.

“There are also people who have been made redundant from previous roles and want to start up a new tech-related business. That appears to be as strong as ever.

“Harrogate has been well-known as a place to start a business even if it’s based from home, but there has been a resurgence over the summer in terms of people with new ideas and starting businesses.”

Harrogate BID aims to bring town centre businesses together

Uniting Harrogate’s town centre businesses with a common voice is one of the biggest challenges facing Harrogate BID as it approaches its second anniversary.

With numerous groups and organisations representing different elements of the town, the BID hopes it can find common ground and bring different factions together to make progress for the benefit of all.

However, even within its own membership, there is no consensus on what the town centre needs. BID ambassador Jo Caswell said it is surprising how wide the range of opinions is on matters like pedestrianisation.

“It’s very mixed. A lot of it is to do with the demographics of the outlet and their customer base and what suits them as a business.

“We’re here to get feedback and put all that information together and put some kind of strategy together as a consequence of it. We’ve been very proactive – I’ve got a good feeling about what Harrogate BID will deliver if we know it’s the right thing that the retailers and general public want.”

Having been in post for five weeks, with the official title of Harrogate Host, Jo has spent a lot of time going from business to business, finding out what they need to make their lives easier in such difficult times.

A Harrogate resident for more than 20 years, she feels a sense of loyalty to the town and is enjoying being able to “put something back” by supporting the town centre. But she has been surprised by the lack of a sense of community across the town centre.

“There’s not as much of a community hub as I thought there would be. Why that is, I’m not sure.

“In a way, that excites me, because I think the initiatives that we’re putting forward are addressing that directly: networking with the councils, meetings with the homeless project. Our responsibility is to bring all those people together, give a bit of cohesion to it and represent those views.”

Harrogate BID project manager Dawn Gennery

Harrogate BID’s new project manager, Dawn Gennery

Jo will be joined by a second Harrogate Host next week, as well as project administrator Dawn Gennery, who is supporting acting BID manager Simon Kent in his work.

Alongside liaising between organisations and business owners, the BID is aiming to provide a practical boost for local businesses over the coming months. A £100,000 investment is being made in Christmas lights – compared to around £30,000 raised in previous years through donations – to drive visitors into the town centre.

With retail and hospitality facing the most challenging times in most businesses’ histories, the BID is also working on more schemes to increase footfall and improve the environment of the town centre over the coming months. Measures including additional street cleaning and new planters to brighten up shop frontages through the winter months.

Since it was launched in early 2019, Harrogate BID has faced its own challenges. Board members have come and gone – including the resignation of its first manager after less than four months last year, and the departure of four board members including the chairman in April, citing undue influence from local authorities and an inability to make progress on important projects.

Jo recognises the challenges still facing the organisation, but said the reception so far for her proactive approach has been reassuring.

“Generally, I’m finding it very positive. Because Harrogate BID has been quite invisible so far, there’s a bit of scepticism sometimes, but when you talk things through and talk about initiatives, I’ve had very little negative comeback.”

Nidderdale High School wins national award for pastoral project

Nidderdale High School has been recognised with a national award for its pastoral care.

In the first ever online awards run by the National Association of Pastoral Care in Education, the school was announced as the winner of the Pastoral Development of the Year category.

The recognition is for the school’s Harmony Project, which saw a group of year 10 students working on a project with pastoral leader Anneliese Walker. They made lanterns at Number 6 Studio Gallery in Pateley Bridge and went trekking with Nidderdale Llamas.

Judges praised the unique and innovative way the project supported young people, enabling them to experience the enjoyment of working confidently and collaboratively with others. They were encouraged to show and receive kindness and understanding, to make future plans together and not to be influenced by difficulties they had faced in the past.

Headteacher Kath Jordan said:

“I am so proud of the work that all of the pastoral team do in school, led by Ms Walker. This project was inspired by the students themselves and was devised by Ms Walker to take them beyond their usual experience to find common ground together.

“We were delighted just to be selected as finalists for this national award. To be announced as the winners is fantastic news and well deserved recognition of the incredible work that the pastoral team do to support all of our young people.”

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