Harrogate Council to borrow £26 million to fund leisure overhaul projects

Harrogate Borough Council is expected to borrow money to fund two projects worth an estimated £26 million as part of its overhaul of leisure services in the district.

The council has linked the investment plan and the part privatisation of the service saying to two come “hand in hand” in order to save money.  However, the reality is that the two don’t necessarily have to be connected and the investment in leisure could happen without the partial privatisation if councillors chose to do this.

Two projects are lined up as part of the proposal, including refurbishing the Harrogate Hydro at a cost of £13.5 million and building a new leisure centre at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough to replace the current site which is estimated to be £13 million.

The schemes would see an investment in current and new leisure facilities which the council said will help to reduce maintenance costs of the Hydro.

Read more:

According to a council report due before cabinet, the authority said borrowing for the projects would help to free up funds for its coronavirus financial recovery plan.

It said: “Given the unfunded nature of the capital strategy, beyond the existing five year programme (2020 to 2025), it would be prudent to fund the two schemes by external borrowing (given the council’s heavily under-borrowed position), though there may be potential to finance the design development from internal borrowing.”

When asked whether the council could invest in its facilities without a company, Councillor Stan Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport at the authority, said the two go “hand in hand”.

He said: “The two decisions are separate but they go hand in hand.

“We need to invest in our stock to give us the best chance to save on the service. We looked at every option, compared them with each other and decided that this was the best option not just for the council but for the public.

“In order to free up our ability to provide a service, it has to be a commercial service.”

It comes as the authority’s cabinet will vote on handing over services to an arms-length company called Brimham’s Active on Wednesday in order to save money.

If given the go-ahead, it would mean facilities such as Harrogate Hydro, the Turkish Baths and Ripon Leisure Centre would be run by the new company.

The Turkish Baths, Harrogate, is among the facilities earmarked to be handed over to the council-owned company

The council’s services are currently running at a loss of £3.5 million and some centres and swimming pools in the district have increased in cost year on year.

But the leisure plan has been met with opposition from the community in Starbeck over the future of the 150-year-old swimming pool in the area and union’s raised concern over the authority’s consultation process.

Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats group, said the authority needed to arrive at the right decision over the plan.

She said: “We have not been properly briefed on the proposal, so we have questions about it.

“Whatever decision the council makes it has to be right, because this is not a statutory service and the council does not have to run it.”

The Stray Ferret asked Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, for a comment on the proposal but has not received a response at the time of publication.

Harrogate care homes deaths rise to 83 as hospital reports more deaths

Harrogate’s care homes have now reported 83 coronavirus deaths after recording another five fatalities in a week. It comes as Harrogate District Hospital adds another two deaths to its total.

The care home data is from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and only accounts for deaths up until June 5.

As well as care homes, the data also revealed that seven Harrogate people have also died in their homes, at a hospice, or in other communal establishments.

Read more:

Up to June 16, the hospital has reported 78 deaths. So, even with the lag in data of ten days, care homes have reported more deaths.

The two new hospital deaths happened yesterday and the day before. They were recorded with a total of 79 deaths across England’s hospitals today.

As of last Thursday, Harrogate District Hospital has also discharged 125 patients after treating them for coronavirus.

Unemployment rises in Harrogate district by 186%

There were 3,990 people in the Harrogate district claiming out-of-work benefits in May, up 186% on the previous month.

The figures were published today by the Office for National Statistics and are accurate as of May 14. They reveal that 4.5% of the district’s population is now claiming out-of-work benefits, which rose from 1.5% before the lockdown.

The figures show how the coronavirus lockdown has hit the workforce in the district, in spite of the furlough scheme, which was brought in by the government to protect employees from redundancy.

2,290 of the claimants were men and 1700 were women.

Harrogate is below the UK figure of 6.4% for people claiming the benefits, which includes Job Seekers Allowance and Universal Credit.

Read more:

The ONS said that changes to Universal Credit as part of the UK government’s response to coronavirus meant more people became eligible for unemployment-related benefit support, even if they were still employed.

Sandra Doherty, Chief Executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, told the Stray Ferret that she fears there will be further job losses when the furlough scheme winds down.

She said:

“Given the devasting effect of COVID-19 on the economy, the rise in unemployment, whilst always regrettable, was only expected.

“For the time being the Government’s furlough scheme, taken up by a significant number of businesses, has enabled many people to retain their jobs, However, when this cash-lifeline is withdrawn, I fear the figure will rise again.

“There is also the chance that many young people, working part-time on zero-hour contracts within the town’s yet to open hospitality sector, could well be missing from the statistics.”

Ms Doherty also said the Harrogate Convention Centre should return to running events as soon as possible to protect further job losses.

She added:

“Although the conversion into a Nightingale Hospital was something we were incredibly proud of, it’s vital this facility is handed back to the town, sooner rather than later. Any delay will only add to an already high level of uncertainty, and could lead to businesses closing and more job losses, something we want to avoid at all costs.”

The Harrogate Jobcentre was closed on March 19 when the government suspended all in-person Jobcentre appointments for three months.

The ONS told the Stray Ferret that out-of-work claims have been centralised, meaning that a small number of claims processed at Harrogate’s Jobcentre were from people living outside of the district.

Brothers complete virtual marathon for Harrogate hospital

Luke and Aaron Grant, from Harrogate, have successfully completed a virtual marathon to raise funds for Harrogate District Hospital.

The pair of brothers are both patients at the hospital, but didn’t want to give any further details. They signed up for the 26.2 mile challenge and completed the distance over a number of days.

Several fundraising opportunities have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, but the virtual marathon is one initiative that can go ahead.

The boys used their at home treadmill or walked along pavements to complete the 26 miles. The boys said:

“Running makes us feel happy, and it was good to do it together”.

Staff from the boys’ school encouraged their efforts to support the NHS.

Read more:

Luke and Aaron are both pupils at Ashville College, in years seven and five, the acting Deputy Head of Enrichment said:

“We congratulate Luke and Aaron for completing the virtual marathon, which has not only benefitted Harrogate Hospital and community charity, but the boys, too.”

Harrogate student runs 465 miles for charity

Morgan Glazier, 18, is aiming to run an incredible 465 miles over 30 days this month.

The student from Rossett School, in Harrogate, is running in aid of the mental health charity MIND, after suffering with OCD for a number of years. He is hoping to improve his mental health during lockdown, through running, whilst raising money for a charity close to his heart.

To meet his 465 mile target, he will add an extra mile to the distance to correspond with the date. For example, on June 1 he ran one mile and then on June 2 he ran two miles, this will continue until June 30 when he will run 30 miles in a day.

His efforts will see him run the equivalent of a marathon or longer on each of the final days. Morgan hopes his run will highlight the positive effects that running can have on mental health. He said:

“Lockdown has been a bit tough and I haven’t been feeling great. I’ve always enjoyed long-distance running and I often use it to get away from everything. It’s a way for me to disconnect myself from negative thoughts and improve my mental wellbeing.”

The mental health charity, MIND, is close to Morgan’s heart. He hopes his running will bring awareness to positive mental wellbeing.

Read more: 

The mental health charity means a lot to Morgan and his family, who said:

“I am doing it in memory of my uncle, who died as a result of his mental health problems, and for everyone who suffers or has suffered with a mental illness.”

To sponsor Morgan, click here.

Harrogate Town’s football league dream inches closer

Harrogate Town’s dream of playing in the English Football League could move closer this week.

The National League is expected to end the current campaign via points-per-game with Town entering the play-offs for the chance to win promotion.

The club was in second position when the 2019/20 season was curtailed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 24 clubs in the National League voted over the weekend on how to conclude the season which is widely expected to send Barrow AFC up as champions with the second to seventh-placed teams competing for the final promotion place in a play-off in July. Confirmation of the vote is expected later this week.

It’s estimated that promotion to the EFL could be worth between £1million to £1.5million to Town, who have played in the lower leagues since they were formed in 1919.

Harrogate Town Supporters Club spokesperson Jordan Ford told the Stray Ferret that it’s been a “frustrating” few months but he is pleased a decision will soon be made on how the season will end.

“I’ve been following the club avidly for seven or eight years. I never thought we’d be in this position but it would be absolutely brilliant for the local area to have a club achieving league football. It would be excellent.”

The playoffs will be broadcast live on BT Sport which will give the club a much-needed cash windfall following the abandonment of the season in March. It is believed the broadcaster pays clubs between £5,000 and £10,000 for each National League game they show live on TV.

Read more:

Harrogate Town was eligible to apply for a share of a £125m coronavirus support fund launched by the Premier League for clubs in the lower divisions struggling financially with the football shutdown.

A new 880-seater stand is currently being built at Wetherby Road to meet EFL regulations should they be promoted. The club would also need to replace their artificial 3G pitch with grass.

Harrogate Town will play the first play-off semi-final at Wetherby Road on at an unconfirmed date in July with the winner moving on to the final which will be played at a neutral venue before July 31.

Warning over rise in doorstep scams after lockdown

A warning has been issued over cold callers targeting households as lockdown restrictions ease.

North Yorkshire Trading Standards and North Yorkshire Police have united to remind residents to be wary of people offering property repairs and gardening work.

It is the latest in a series of warnings issued over scams being carried out during the Covid-19 lockdown. Previously, Trading Standards have warned about scams involving supplies of PPE and hand sanitiser, and false testing and cures for the virus.

However, the authority said reports of crime had been “starkly absent” as people’s movements were restricted from March onwards. Cllr Andrew Lee, executive member for trading standards, said:

“We know these offenders are always on the lookout opportunities to defraud the elderly and vulnerable, but their ability to do so has been curtailed in recent weeks due to the lockdown provisions.

“We are very concerned that they will soon be back out and about cold calling vulnerable residents and trying to persuade them to have roofing, driveway, pressure washing, gardening and other work undertaken.

“Our message is very clear. Residents should not deal with doorstep callers.”

Police and trading standards officers said doorstep scams often include extreme overcharging for work, claiming work is required when it is not, poor quality work or damage to properties, and not providing any contact details for the person carrying out the work. In some cases, elderly and vulnerable residents are driven to the bank by the offender, to withdraw cash to pay for the work.

Police have warned residents to be wary of doorstep scams

Officers have advised residents considering having work done to get three quotations from local traders – ideally recommended by friends or family – and to take their time before making a decision. Anyone having work done has a statutory right to cancel the contract within 14 days.

Where that is not possible, they should approach traders for quotations through a trusted website, such as the County Council’s North Yorkshire Buy Local.

Read more:

DI Jon Hodgeon of North Yorkshire Police said:

“We’ve seen a number of scammers taking advantage of coronavirus and lockdown to target individuals but there are ways everyone can protect themselves.

We advise never to open the door to anyone you don’t know and certainly never invite a stranger into your home without verifying their identity first. An individual claiming to be a representative of an organisation should be more than happy to show you their ID card and even for you to ring their company to double check.

“High-pressure techniques or requests for money should raise immediate alarm bells. Remember, you do not have to open the door to cold callers and you have every right to ask them to leave.”

Doorstep traders can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, or to the Police on 101, or 999 in emergency situations.

Harrogate District leisure services cost taxpayers £3.5 million a year

Swimming pools, leisure and community centres in the Harrogate District are operating at a loss of more than £3.5 million a year.

According to a Freedom of Information request by The Stray Ferret, services run by Harrogate Borough Council are expected to cost the taxpayer £3,585,980 in 2019/20 and some facilities have increased in cost year on year.

Most facilities which are set to be handed over to a new council-owned company as part of proposals by the borough council are expected to make a loss.

The figures show that the Harrogate Hydro is the most expensive facility and is expected to cost £1,014,960 for the last year.

The total expenditure for the Hydro is estimated to be £2,168,140 in 2019/20 with an income of £1,153,180. The majority of the cost comes from staffing and additional expenses which accounts for £817,660 and £1.25 million of the bill.

Among the facilities and their cost were:

Read more:

Meanwhile, attendances at both facilities fell over the course of 12 months. The Hydro saw its attendances drop from 341,886 in 2018/19 to 322,889 last year.

The expenditure for the Harrogate Hydro as set out by Harrogate Borough Council.

It comes as the authority’s cabinet will vote on handing over services to an arms-length company called Brimham’s Active on Wednesday in order to save money.

If given the go-ahead, it would mean facilities such as Harrogate Hydro, the Turkish Baths and Ripon Leisure Centre would be run by the new company.

But the plan has been met with opposition by the community in Starbeck and was criticised by unions last week over its consultation response.

How will Brimham’s Active save money?

The total cost of running leisure services will beg the question as to whether or not the new company can make a dent in its overall loss every year.

According to a council report due before senior councillors, the company would save money through VAT benefits, business rates relief and investment in new and existing pools.

The council estimates that the company, which has a target set up date of August 2021, will save the authority around £284,000 a year which would potentially rise to £585,000 after investment in facilities.

The authority said around £222,000 a year would be saved in rate relief and £76,000 in VAT benefits as a result of handing services over to the company.

Meanwhile, the new company would have project start up costs of £300,000 which would be funded from the council’s investment reserves.

Lowest coronavirus deaths since lockdown as Harrogate hospital reports one more

England’s hospitals have reported the lowest number of coronavirus deaths since before lockdown as Harrogate District Hospital records one more.

The Harrogate patient died yesterday and was among 28 coronavirus deaths in today’s NHS figures, the lowest since March.

It means that Harrogate District Hospital has now reported 76 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Read more on this story:

Hospitals across the North East and Yorkshire recorded five deaths today. The East of England did not report any coronavirus deaths.

The patients were aged between 59 and 100 years old. All patients had known underlying health conditions.

WATCH: Shoppers feel like “we’ve been let out of prison”

Today, non-essential shops pulled up their shutters for the first time since lockdown began.

By mid-day, Harrogate town centre was filled with shoppers, many saying they were grateful to see the return of ‘some sort of normality.’

Queuing lanes have been erected outside stores to ensure customers are kept several metres apart, and customers are being asked to use the hand sanitisers provided when entering and leaving each shop.

Read more:

One shopper told the Stray Ferret:

I feel like I have been let out of prison, although I have never been in prison, it’s just absolutely lovely to be back. I have been shopping online but nothing compares to being able to see what your buying.

But not everyone feels the need to return to the shops just yet, one woman said:

 I feel no desire to go into the shops just yet, I possibly think it’s too soon, another couple of weeks then maybe.

It will be a welcome relief to those whose jobs and livelihoods rely on the retail sector as they look to start rebuilding their businesses once again.