Environmental campaigner Malcolm Margolis has resigned from the Harrogate Climate Coalition because of a “lack of action”  around climate change.

The group was formed at the beginning of this year after Harrogate Borough Council rejected calls to declare a climate emergency in 2019.

It brings together councillors as well as green groups and local businesses — with the aim of working together in the name of sustainability and helping the environment.

Mr Margolis was a member of the Coalition’s sustainable transport subgroup that was set up to look at cycling lanes and how to get people out of cars.

Mr Margolis said he wanted to group to be “not just another talking shop”.

He said:

“The Climate Coalition was set up in recognition of environmental emergency – but it doesn’t feel there’s a sense of urgency if you don’t have meetings for months.

“The environental emergency is an infinitly more serious problem than Covid-19. It’s absolutely central that we act with urgency. The scientists are telling us we need to act now.

“Cllr Haslam said he wants the group to bring about small quick wins that can make a difference at a local level – but if nothing happens for two months then you’re not going to have any quick wins.”

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, the chair of the subgroup Cllr Paul Haslam said the Climate Coalition was a “great leap forward” for the environment in the district but conceded that action hasn’t been as fast as he would have liked.

He said:

“I agree fully with Malcolm that people haven’t seen anything yet.

Cllr Haslam said after the second meeting of the group, it became clear the members wanted to be “more than just a talking shop — they wanted it to be effective”.

Read more:

• Bilton homes would be ‘catastrophic’ for environment, residents say

• ‘Harrogate villages could come off-grid’ in green vision

Cllr Haslam said he has had meetings with senior figures in North Yorkshire County Council and has presented them with “every single idea” that the Climate Coalition has come up with.

The group will meet again next week.

He added:

“I want to get us into positions so we are effective, so we don’t just generate the ideas but they get through so we can make changes quicker.”

Turkish Baths Harrogate is considering dropping single-sex sessions from its timetable.

Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the baths, said a timetable consisting entirely of mixed sessions would reflect “equality and balance”.

A spokesperson for the council told The Stray Ferret:

“We’re considering the removal of single sex sessions from the timetable at the Turkish Baths to reflect the increased spotlight on equality and balance across the world. This change would allow complete accessibility during the timetable for all genders. We see this as a positive development allowing greater access to all our customers and would allow us to fully, and fairly, consider all genders and orientations.”

This consultation comes at a time when there are debates about how transgender people use different facilities.

Read more:

• How the council handed over control of leisure services to a new company
• When the district’s leisure facilities closed over coronavirus fears

The baths stopped male-only sessions back in 2011 in the wake of reports of “inappropriate behaviour,” only to bring them back five years later.

Now Turkish Baths Harrogate has launched an online survey to gauge the demand for single-sex sessions.

It is unclear when this new rule could come into place. The government has not yet given saunas or spa rooms the green light to reopen.

North Yorkshire councillors clashed over a proposed pledge to encourage NHS hospital trusts to keep on-site parking free for staff.

Lib Dem Cllr Geoff Webber put forward a motion today to support free parking and claimed two Conservative councillors spoiled it.

Cllr Richard Cooper, also the leader of Harrogate Borough Council, put forward an amendment that removed all references to free parking.

The amendment instead said the council “supports and encourages measures which enable their staff to travel to and from work sustainably.”

Harrogate District Hospital confirmed that parking will remain free for staff, visitor and patients. The trust said that after national reports that the government planned to scrap it.

Read more:

• Parking at Harrogate hospital will remain free for NHS workers
• Harrogate District Hospital reports no further coronavirus deaths

The Department for Health and Social Care said in response to the speculation that free parking will be in place for staff “during the pandemic.” It did not make reassurances beyond that.

Cllr Geoff Webber hit out at Cllr Richard Cooper after the meeting today. He said:

“This is a typical Richard Cooper trick designed to spoil motions from any other party and a tactic he has used frequently on Harrogate Borough Council. I am disgusted at this sort of manipulation.”

It will now go to a scrutiny committee before going back to the council for a debate and vote. The Lib Dems said the outcome is a “foregone conclusion.”

The Stray Ferret approached Cllr Richard Cooper for a comment but received no reply by the time of publication.

On Friday it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets.

So we have created a list of independent shops and individuals selling masks in Harrogate, both in-store and online.

Face coverings have been in high demand in the run-up to Friday. We hope our guide will make it easier for you to find one from a local supplier.

Just some of the designs available from nipNstitch.

Read more: 

• North Yorkshire Police Federation say they can’t enforce face masks in shops
• Local company make 7,500 face masks 

Harrogate tailors Golden Stitches told The Stray Ferret that it is currently selling over 40 coverings in store a day. Similarly, Harrogate based seamstress nipNstich received 200 orders online in less than 24 hours.

You can grab a face covering at the following places:

In-store 

Dizzy Duck Harrogate, Albert St.

Georgies, West Park

Golden Stitches, Cheltenham Parade

Morgan Clare, Montpellier Gardens

Rose Velvet, Montpellier St.

Sophie Likes, Beulah St – www.sophielikes.com/face-masks

Sowa Polish Shop, Bower Road

The Luxe Company, West Park

Online 

Aggie’s Craft Harrogate – Facebook “AggiesCraftHarrogate”

Bee and Duck – www.etsy.com/BeeandDuck

Boho Chic – https://www.bohochic.co.uk

CyclingShorts, Harrogate – www.cyclingshorts.uk.com/face-masks/ – Stray Ferret readers can use the code FERRET10 for 10% off online mask orders.

Face Masks Harrogate – Facebook “Face Masks Harrogate”, Instagram @facemasks_hgate, email facemasksharrogate@outlook.com 

Fanni Loves Fufu – Facebook “Fanni Loves Fufu”, email jaynecarle2@gmail.com

Funky face masks Harrogate – Facebook Group

Handmade by Emily Jane – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HandmadebyEmilyJane 

Harrogate Sewers for Face Masks – Facebook Group

Jaime Wilson – Message on Facebook

nipNstitch – nipnstitch.co.uk, @nipNstitch on Facebook

We got U covered – Facebook “wegotucovered”, www.wegotucovered.co.uk

If you are selling face coverings and would like to be added to our list, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

Face Masks Harrogate has 60 different patterns available to buy.

The Coach & Horses pub has had its licence to sell alcohol revoked after showing a “blatant disregard” for social distancing guidelines.

Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee met today to decide the pub’s fate after HBC officers and North Yorkshire Police reported customers drinking outside the pub and not observing social distancing over the weekend of May 30.

HBC committee members heard how landlord John Nelson and customers of the pub were “aggressive and abusive” towards HBC officials and police after being served with a prohibition order on May 31.

Mr Nelson’s lawyer Paddy Whur said his client “accepted he made a chronic error of judgement”.

He said Mr Nelson suffers from bipolar disorder but had not taken his medication for 10 days which “distinctly affected” his decision-making process during the weekend.

Mr Whur suggested that the pub’s licence be suspended until Mr Nelson steps down – which was rejected by councillors.

Read more:

• Harrogate pub could be shut down over lockdown breaches
• Harrogate pub owners said they followed government guidelines
• Why did the council serve The Coach and Horses with a prohibition notice?

Calling on the committee to revoke the licence, PC Jackie Allen from North Yorkshire Police said they received 44 complaints from the public about social distancing. She said it “seriously undermined licensing objectives and caused alarm and distress to the local community”.

PC Allen also questioned whether Mr Nelson was really suffering from mental health problems calling it a “smokescreen” and an “eleventh-hour attempt” to prevent punishment.

Resident Peter Whittington spoke to defend the pub. He said on Sunday May 31 he witnessed Coach and Horses customers observing social distancing. He said: “it’s a brilliant pub and we need places like that in Harrogate”.

Mr Whur said he met with Mr Nelson and his family last week which he described as being a “hugely emotional and sad” meeting.

He said his mental health condition was genuine and hoped that any decision would reflect his long-standing position in the community.

He said:

“He’s chronically embarrassed that this is in the public domain. He said he’s disappointed he’s wasted HBC’s licensing committee and the police’s time. He regrets it hugely.”

“He has been the licensee for 33 years at one of the oldest pubs in Harrogate – I hope this gives him some credibility that we won’t be assessed as putting up a smokescreen”.

“He’s suffering from a significant mental health problem and is on medication. I wouldn’t try and deceive the licensing committee on something as serious as this.”

Mr Nelson has 21 days to appeal the decision.

After 16 years outside English football’s top flight, Leeds United fans in Harrogate are preparing for a return to the Premier League and a first piece of silverware in 28 years.

The Whites confirmed promotion last Friday after an Emile Smith Rowe goal in the 86th minute for Huddersfield Town defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1.

Less than 24 hours later, United clinched the title without kicking a ball as third-placed Brentford lost to Stoke City.

For Lai Lam, branch member and publicity officer at Harrogate and District Leeds United Supporters group, the moment on Friday night was special.

“I got loads of messages about going down to Elland Road but I’m trying to be responsible so stayed away.

“I saw the footage of the ones who did though, then saw the team on the steps of the East Stand on Facebook. It was brilliant.”

The supporters group, which was formerly Knaresborough branch until 1996, has around 150 paid members and usually follows the club home and away.

Read more: 

• Council considers £47m redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre
• Hospital parking to remain free for NHS workers

Miss Lam, a season ticket holder for 30 years, joined the branch for the 1995/96 season and saw United relegated to the Championship at Bolton in 2004. She said:

“Most of us realised we were going down but we didn’t realise it was only the start of the rot that took us even lower.”

After a play-off final defeat to Watford in 2006, United dropped into the third tier for the first time in the club’s history the following season.

https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1284470294263083008

Promotion back to the second division in 2010 was a ray of hope in dark times. But the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as head coach in 2018 proved to be the catalyst for a return to the Premier League.

Now, Miss Lam and fellow branch members are itching to get back into the ground to see the team for the first time since March. She said:

“We play some of the best football I’ve have seen in years. I’m looking forward to seeing how Bielsa’s ways work in the Premier League. 

“The man is a genius. He’s completely transformed football in two short years.

“When we can get into the grounds it’ll be great to see the atmosphere that our fans generate.”

Before that though, there is a small matter of lifting the Championship trophy, which United will be presented with following the Charlton game tonight.

Amid the pandemic, football fans have been forced to watch their teams away from the stadiums. Instead, Miss Lam will celebrate the Whites’ first piece of silverware since 1992 at home with friends. 

“It has ruined what should have been a fantastic end to the season. This is the first year the players and the club have been so approachable and we could really have enjoyed it with them.

“But we’re promoted with the best points tally for ages.”

Rudding Park has confirmed it will reopen its spa this weekend.

The hotel welcomed back visitors for overnight stays on July 13 but the spa has remained closed.

However, from Saturday guests will finally be able to enjoy a pamper day.

The spa will be operating at reduced capacity. The steam rooms and saunas will remain closed until further notice and face treatments, including waxing and makeup will also not be allowed.

However, the hydrotherapy pool, spa bath, sunlight therapy, foot spa and indoor swimming pool will be open for use.

Read more: 

• Furloughed staff at Rudding Park pick-up 400kg of litter 
• Rudding Park’s managing director reflects on the last three months 

Peter Jones, managing director of Rudding Park, told The Stray Ferret:

“We are delighted Rudding Park spa will re-open on Saturday 25 July. We have put measures in place so guests can spa with confidence and are very much looking forward to welcoming guests back to relax and unwind on the rooftop spa.”

The spa will have reduced capacity, with 20 people allowed in the pool at once.

Guest are encouraged to arrive as prepared as possible for their spa experience to reduce time in the changing rooms. Visitors are also requested to shower at home after their visit.

Enhanced cleaning will be in place and face coverings will be available for guests on arrival. Magazines and newspapers will be removed to limit touch points.

Details will be taken from guests when booking as part of the test and trace initiative and all guests will need to book online before visiting.

This week’s launch of a second community radio station for Harrogate, and the forthcoming rebrand of Stray FM, has reshaped the local radio landscape.

HG1 Radio, which employs 17 staff, began broadcasting on Monday.

The station, which is available online, as an app or on smart speakers, is owned by YO1 Enterprises, which also runs YO1 Radio, a community radio station for York.

Chris Marsden, programmes director at Y01 Enterprises, said the growth of community radio in Harrogate reflected the national picture as more and more independent local radio stations were bought by large companies. He said:

“The big guys are swooping in and taking over independent stations.”

He said people were “incredibly sad” about the changes to Stray FM, which was bought by Bauer Media last year and will become Greatest Hits Radio in September.

Bauer Media announced in May that Stray FM would become Greatest Hits Radio.

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition set up by the local Liberal Democrats to save Stray FM. Marsden said changes to Stray FM created opportunities for community radio stations.

Marsden, who presented the Stray FM breakfast show 15 years ago, said HG1 Radio would attempt to emulate Stray FM’s traditional role by supporting community events and having high profile local presenters.

“It will be polished, commercially viable and easy to listen to,” said Marsden, who said Y01 Radio currently had “tens of thousands” of listeners.

He added the station would apply for an FM licence.

Read more:

• Thousands sign petition to save Stray FM
• MP gives cautious welcome to Stray FM assurances

The arrival of HG1 Radio provides an alternative to Harrogate Community Radio, which will celebrate its first birthday on 1 August.

Andrew Backhouse, one of three co-founders of Harrogate Community Radio, said he wished HG1 Radio “the best of luck”.

He added:

“We all cater for different audiences. We are run by volunteers and don’t have adverts. We try to be as democratic as possible. We are a not-for-profit organisation that is run by the community, for the community.”

Backhouse said the number of listeners had increased on average by 20 per cent each since the station launched. He said:

“We don’t want to make any money out of it. We just want to let people who don’t have a voice, have a voice.”

Harrogate shop owners have voiced frustration over the Leeds Road roundabout works as cars queued all the way back to Marks & Spencer today.

The roadworks will be in place until September 1 to allow for cable overlay works by Northern Powergrid.

Two of the roundabout’s six exits on Langcliffe Avenue and Park Drive have been closed and traffic lights are in place on the others.

Read more:

• Whinney Lane will be closed for seven months
• A new ‘green’ car club for Harrogate
• Six weeks of roadworks on Leeds Road

That roundabout is a key route into the town centre and is also home to a variety of shops, including butchers and hairdressers.

They told The Stray Ferret they expect to be adversely affected, adding it was particularly painful after the coronavirus lockdown.

The traffic backs up to Marks & Spencer on Leeds Road.

Michaela and Ben Stothard, the brother and sister team behind Posh Paws, said it was heartbreaking to see the roadworks.

“We are a bit stuck really because nobody wants to come near the shop. We have just come out of the hardship of coronavirus to see this. If people can’t come to us we will deliver to them.”

The owner of Ake and Humphries.

Paul Auty, the owner of beer and wine specialists Ake and Humphris, will be trying to push a delivery service as well:

“This is now the third time in two years that this road has been dug up. Each time it happens it causes a lot of traffic and great inconvenience to the people around here. The last time we had two weeks of roadworks we lost 40% of business. It would have been better to close the doors.”

Tony Colbeck, the owner of Country Butchers, said it was “unbelievable” to see the roadworks again:

“It should have been done in the coronavirus lockdown when there weren’t as many cars. We found today that because it is quiet, people stay away. I don’t know what it is about Harrogate at the moment but they seem to be ripping up every road.”

The owner of Country Butchers.

Jasmine Pinchin, the manager at Harrogate Hair Studio, described the situation as a “nightmare.”

“We are only allowed a few people in at the moment anyway. So we are at half capacity working 9am to 10pm every day for half the money. Then we have this disruption which is making our timings run back.”

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“Northern Powergrid is refurbishing and replacing the electricity network at this location. To reduce waiting times and queue lengths, a closure has been implemented at Langcliffe Avenue and Park Drive. The alternative would have been to temporarily signalise each approach to the roundabout.”

Harrogate police have warned of an increase in fraudulent door to door sellers.

The force said it had received several reports of incidents this week. Some involved offers to clean driveways and gutters for payment in advance by people who did not then carry out the work. Others claimed to be part of an ex-offenders rehabilitation scheme.

The police urged people to check whether doorstep sellers held a pedlar’s certificate, which can be inspected to prove identity and nature of business.

The police are warning residents of a rise in incidents of fraudulent door to door sellers.

Andy Fox, financial abuse safeguarding officer, said:

“Don’t open the door without verifying their identity and don’t be afraid to ask them to leave or shut the door if you don’t want to engage. Call the police if you’re at all concerned. Be wary of anyone using high pressure sales techniques too.

“We often see a rise in these type of doorstep sellers at different times but there has definitely been an increase in reports of them across North Yorkshire recently.”

Read more:

• Rural police officers warn dog walkers to take responsibility of their dogs after an increase of attacks on livestock. 
• Police call for Harrogate pub’s licence to be removed. 

The police have also suggested installing a door chair or peephole so residents can safely see outside without having to open their door.

To report suspicious doorstop sellers to the police call 101 or Trading Standards.