Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 1006 of 1152

More snow warnings for Harrogate district

The Harrogate district is bracing itself for yet more travel disruption after the Met Office today issued another weather warning for snow.

Snow has just melted around the district but could make a comeback as early as Wednesday as today’s milder weather, which reached eight degrees centigrade, makes way for much colder temperatures of around freezing.

A Met Office yellow warning for ice is in place tonight and another yellow warning for snow has been issued from 5am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.

The Met Office said:

“There is a chance of a period of heavy snow across this region; should it occur it is likely to cause significant travel disruption.

“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

“There is a slight chance that some rural communities, mainly those at higher elevations, could become cut off.

“There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.”

Heavy snow caused significant disruption and chaos on the roads and for schools on Friday and Saturday.

Snow started falling at about 8am on Friday and did not stop in some places until after sunset.

North Yorkshire County Council’s gritting teams will be out in the Harrogate district tonight and tomorrow.

Bettys to close shops and takeaways ‘until further notice’

Bettys is to close all six of its branches at 5pm tonight because of concerns about the rising number of covid infections.

The closure will also affect its order and collect service as well as takeaways and will be in force until further notice.

Bettys online shop will remain open.

The cafe’s tea rooms were forced to close at the beginning of the third lockdown but management today announced the new measures.

Simon Eyles, Bettys managing director, said:

“Given the severity of the coronavirus pandemic that we are currently witnessing, Bettys has decided to close its Yorkshire branches completely. This means our café tea rooms and now our shops too will be shut until further notice.

“For us all at Bettys, our colleagues, customers and communities are our main priority. We will continue to do what we feel is right to keep people safe and to shoulder our social responsibility as a business.”

Impasse between Harrogate Spring Water and local groups continues

The relationship between Harrogate Spring Water and local groups is under increasing strain after what the latter described as an “unconstructive” meeting last week over plans to expand a bottling plant into the Pinewoods.

Trees in the area of Pinewoods known as Rotary Wood, which were planted by families in 2015, would be felled as part of plans by Harrogate Spring Water’s parent company Danone to expand its bottling plant.

A coalition of groups is opposed to the proposal because it fears Danone’s plans to compensate for the loss of trees are inadequate.

Members of the coalition met with representatives from Harrogate Spring Water on Wednesday last week, following earlier meetings in December, but they are yet to reach an agreement on where to plant trees to replace ones that would be lost.

The groups include Harrogate Civic Society, Harrogate and District Green Party, Pinewoods Conservation Group, Zero Carbon Harrogate, the Rotary Club of Harrogate and Duchy Residents’ Association.

Danone’s current proposals are to re-plant trees close to the site, but the local groups says this is not satisfactory as the area is not currently open to the public, unlike the woodland which will be lost.

According to members of the Pinewoods Conservation Group and Harrogate District Green Party, who were both at the meeting, the two opposing parties are no closer to reaching an agreement on where the trees should be planted, with relations now becoming increasingly strained.

A spokesperson from Pinewoods Conservation Group said:

“Meetings over the last few weeks with the planning consultants had been a useful forum to understand and influence plans.

“However, after the recent meeting including HSWL management, it seems there is no real intent to consult or amend these plans. Our ideas on alternative sites have not been investigated and the submitted proposal is not acceptable to any of the group who have been involved.”

Rebecca Maunder from Harrogate and District Green Party called on Harrogate Spring Water to propose a better alternative for the felled trees.

She said:

“Currently, the value Harrogate Spring Water and Danone are placing on the current woodland ecology is unacceptable.”

Harrogate Spring Water declined to comment on the situation.

Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee is expected to consider the proposals early this year.

‘We won’t abandon children’ on exams, says Harrogate headteacher

Harrogate Grammar School headteacher Neil Renton says the secondary school “won’t abandon children” as uncertainty on what will happen with GCSE and A-level grades continues.

Yesterday in Parliament, education secretary Gavin Williamson said that a form of teacher-assessed grades will be used in place of exams — but Mr Renton said schools are still awaiting clarity on how this will work in practice.

He said Year 11s and Year 13s in Harrogate are increasingly anxious about how they will be assessed,

“We need information very quickly as last year was a fiasco. Because this lockdown has come earlier than last year, we’ve got to do something to keep Year 11 and Year 13 children engaged in learning.

“We can’t just suddenly stop now and abandon them and just give them grades. We need to collect more information and teach them and finish GCSE and A-Level courses.

“The government needs to come out and give us real clarity on what evidence we will need to give them for their final grades.

“I really, really hope they base this on the information we’ve had from over two years of the course. Children have had so much disruption so we need more time to fully assess the level they’ve achieved.”

‘Chuffed to bits’

Mr Renton said the school is embracing online learning, with every pupil having access to the technology they need and the school maintaining the timetable, including live contact with teachers in each period. He said:

“This means that we’ve been able to protect their provision. We’ve been chuffed to bits with the feedback we’ve been receiving. Parents say it’s given the children structure and they’ve had that interaction with their teacher, which was harder to achieve in the first lockdown.

“Some people say it must be tiring for children to do six hours of Teams or Zoom lessons. We’re mindful of that so they are breaking off to do activities, speak to each other and talk to the teacher. It feels very similar to what they experience in school.”

Children at Harrrogate Grammar School playing in the snow on Friday.

After a heavily disrupted half term up to Christmas, with whole year groups having to self-isolate, a degree of certainty with lockdown has been welcomed. But staff and parents have been left to deal with last-minute announcements by the government, he said.

“The vast majority of the profession are really struggling because of the lateness of information and the number of U-turns by the government but I’ve been proud of our staff and community and how they’ve responded.”

On Friday, the school carried out its first lateral flow covid test, as they are rolled out across the country in an effort to identify asymptomatic cases and reduce transmission of the virus. Staff will begin being tested this week, after which students who are in school because their parents are key workers will be tested every week.

Testing for children began at Harrogate Grammar School today

While national reports suggest there have been many more students in school this time compared to the first lockdown, Mr Renton said the grammar school’s numbers were broadly the same, at around 50 to 60 students. However, he expects the number to rise as any students who are struggling at home are brought back in, and says staff are ready to support them.

Looking to the future, Mr Renton said the current challenges may result in better long-term teaching and learning, such as embracing more use of technology. He added:

“There has been a great kind of bonding. The behaviour in school was so good in September and children were so appreciative to back at school.

“We want there to be a long shadow from this experience and for it to have a positive impact in the future.”

Harrogate district coronavirus rate nearly 500 per 100,000 people

The level of coronavirus in the Harrogate district has continued to set new records, as the country’s chief medical officer warned of “avoidable deaths”.

A further 83 infections were confirmed in the district today by Public Health England, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 5,429.

It means the district’s seven-day rate is now 494 cases per 100,000 people.

Although high, the rate is below the England average of 610 cases per 100,000.

The growth rate hit 3.5 for the first time today, which means there have been 3.5 times more infections in the last 14 days than were recorded in the previous 14 days.

Harrogate District Hospital has not recorded any coronavirus deaths today. However, the hospital did see another two patients who tested positive die yesterday.

Professor Chris Whitty, the country’s chief medical officer, warned this morning the “country is perhaps facing the most serious [battle] yet”.

Urging people to follow restrictions, he said:

“Hospitals are always busy in the winter but the NHS in some parts of the country is currently facing the most dangerous situation anyone can remember.

“If the virus continues on its current trajectory many hospitals will be in real difficulties, and very soon.

“This means that the time people wait for care will continue to increase to potentially unsafe levels.

“Hospitals won’t have room to take redirected emergency cases in regional networks, staff to patient ratios which are already stretched will become unacceptable even in places likes intensive care.

“There will be avoidable deaths.”

Harrogate disability charity celebrates Yorkshire countryside

A Harrogate outdoor charity has thanked a national walking and cycling charity for its work to improve disabled access across North Yorkshire with an award.

Open Country is a Harrogate based charity that offers activities and outings to people with a disability so they can enjoy the countryside. It is vital for the charity to find routes suitable for all which it says the work of national charity, Sustrans, makes easier.

In 2020, Sustrans helped to upgrade paths on the Yorkshire Showground and improve its own National Cycle Network in Yorkshire meaning Open Country’s five tandem clubs could enjoy the routes safely.

To recognise the charity’s work, Open Country awarded it the Good Access Award during a virtual ceremony. The Harrogate charity has been running this scheme since 2015 to recognise the best countryside ‘access for all’ project in the county.

David Shaftoe, Chief Officer of Open Country, said:

“Sustrans’ efforts stood out for going the extra mile to ensure its network of paths can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their ability.

“Our five Tandem Clubs enjoy many of Sustrans’ National Cycle Network routes around Yorkshire. Riding on some of the excellent cycle routes managed and maintained by Sustrans makes it a more pleasurable and safe experience.”

Open Country said it hoped by recognising the works of Sustrans it will encourage other outdoor organisations to find ways to improve access for all visitors.

One of Sustran’s main aims is to remove 16,000 barriers from its cycling routes across England. It says it is passionate about removing barriers and stiles to ensure everyone, including young families and people who are older or disabled, can get to their local green spaces.

Rosslyn Colderley, Director for England North Sustrans, said:

“It was a real pleasure to receive this award from some of the people who use and enjoy our cycle network.

We are very proud of what has been achieved already and are determined to continue our work because we can see the difference it is making to the lives of people with a disability.

Two coronavirus deaths as infections stay high in Harrogate district

Harrogate District Hospital has recorded a further two coronavirus deaths as cases stay high in the district.

The two deaths happened yesterday and take the hospital up to 113 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Harrogate district recorded a further 110 daily coronavirus cases today.

The number takes the total number of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic to 5,346, according to Public Health England figures.

Cases have been consistently high across the country since the Christmas break. The Harrogate district has seen rapid growth and the seven-day rate is now 474 people per 100,000.

It does, however, remain below the England average of 603 cases per 100,000.

Harrogate District Hospital is currently treating 24 patients who tested positive for coronavirus.

The number is an increase on the 16 which the trust reported last week.

Lottery funding helps Harrogate’s older adults stay active at home

A Harrogate organisation that encourages older adults to become more active has received £100,000 in funding to go towards its at home exercise classes.

North Yorkshire Sport is based in Harrogate but offers support to those over 65 across the county. Its main aim is to encourage local people to become active and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

The funding comes from The National Lottery Community Fund and will be used to offer local adults tailored exercise sessions at their homes.

The organisation discovered that many older adults don’t have access to online resources so were missing out on exercise classes due to the pandemic.

Its new home exercise programme will allow participants to receive two face to face visits each week, for four weeks, from a qualified therapeutic exercise instructor.

This new funding means the sessions, sgarting this month, can be offered to 230 people locally.

David Watson, Chief Executive at North Yorkshire Sport says:

“We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

“This is important because it helps these adults to have a connection, in person, with other people whilst simultaneously supporting them to become more physically active and supporting their mental wellbeing.”

Man jailed for breaking police officer’s leg and threatening ex-partner

A Harrogate man has been jailed for breaking a police officer’s leg and terrorising his ex-partner.

Shane Povey, 38, started berating officers when he turned up at an incident in Boroughbridge.

As officers were breaking up a fight between two men, Povey – who knew one of the warring parties – turned up in a friend’s car, got out and started shouting and swearing at police, York Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Stephen Littlewood said:

“Mr Povey was remonstrating with police, asking who had reported the incident.”

Police told him to leave the scene, whereupon Povey, who was drunk, walked back to the vehicle, hurling a volley of abuse as he did so.

When police tried to arrest him, Povey grabbed two of the officers by the arm and shoved them away. One of the officers lost his balance, fell to the ground and felt his ankle crack.

Povey was restrained by other officers using pepper spray. The injured officer, who was lying “in agony” on the ground, suffered a broken ankle, fractures to his shin bone and ligament damage.

He needed two operations for his broken leg and was left with severe mobility problems and relying on crutches.

The incident had left deep psychological scars and the officer suffered lost earnings due to absence from work and restricted duties thereafter. He had been receiving ongoing orthopaedic treatment and was still unable to run.

Making threats

Povey, of Dene Park, Harrogate, was released on bail following the incident on August 1, 2019, but on January 17 last year he decided to seek out his ex-partner.

The victim, a mother-of-one who was named in court, had ended the relationship a few weeks before, but Povey bombarded her “throughout the day” with unanswered phone calls and a flurry of text messages “demanding money from her”.

In the evening, he turned up at her home in Boroughbridge and started banging at her door and windows, shouting dire threats and threatening to “do her car in”.

The victim – who had ended the relationship with Povey “because of concerns over his behaviour and the way he was treating her” – was in the living room “shaking” and refused to answer the door. She called police but then heard a “smash” and the car alarm going off.

Povey eventually left, but when she went outside, she found that all four tyres on her three-day-old Audi A1, a special mobility vehicle, had been slashed and were completely flat. Her front door had also been damaged.

The victim found a kitchen knife on the ground near her vehicle. Subsequent police analysis showed that the knife bore Povey’s DNA.

He was charged with criminal damage, putting his partner in fear of violence, causing serious injury to the officer, albeit without intent, and possessing a knife.

Previous convictions

After his initial denials, Povey ultimately admitted three counts including the attack on the officer and possessing a knife. One other charge was allowed to lie on file.

The court heard that Povey had six previous convictions, mainly for drug offences including production of a Class B drug.

Ian Cook, for Povey, said his client had only taken the knife to the scene to slash the tyres and not to use against the victim. He said his life had been marred by drug and alcohol abuse which had exacerbated mental health issues.

Povey had been “greatly distressed” following the break-up of his relationship with the victim, but he had never been violent to her nor any other women previously, added Mr Cook.

Judge Simon Hickey said although he recognised that Povey wasn’t habitually violent and was remorseful for his actions, he had no option but to send him straight to prison due to the seriousness of the offences against his ex-partner and the attack on the police officer which had had an “extreme” effect upon him.

The judge also noted the “significant damage” caused to the woman’s Audi and the fact she was “terrified” during the incident.

Povey was given a two-and-a-half year jail sentence but will only serve a tiny fraction of that because of the time he had already spent on remand in Hull Prison. He was also slapped with a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex-partner or entering the road where she lives.

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Police arrest suspected cocaine dealers after chase in Harrogate

Police have arrested two suspected cocaine dealers after a chase in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police said officers on patrol followed a car on Leeds Road travelling towards Harrogate last night.

When the vehicle stopped the passenger ran off, discarding a large amount of suspected cocaine and a mobile phone.

Following a short chase on foot he was found to be in possession of £700.

The pair from Leeds, aged 28 and 44 were both arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The driver was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a roadside drugs test showed a positive result.

Both men have since been released while under investigation to allow for further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Marcus Dawson, of Harrogate police’s Operation Expedite team, which deals with county lines drug dealers, said:

“We are sending a clear message to the drug peddling fraternity that despite lockdown, it’s business as usual when it comes to disrupting drug dealing and the misery it causes.

“We urge members of the public to keep on reporting suspicious activity to us, we are still here and still need you to report information to us.

“If you prefer not to talk to us, remember you can report information to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The police urged people to report signs of drug dealing, including ‘cuckooing’ – where drug dealers take over a vulnerable person’s house.

The signs to look out for include an increase callers at a property, an increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time, different accents at a property and windows covered or curtains closed for long periods.

Anyone with information can call North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, you call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.