A majority of residents in the Harrogate district have said they are “appalled” and “furious” at the behaviour of the Prime Minister’s chief adviser who made a 500 mile round trip to County Durham during lockdown to isolate.

Across social media and e-mails to The Stray Ferret, people have been reacting to the news. Though most objected to the adviser’s behaviour, some have defended Dominic Cummings’ actions and said those who want him to resign are doing so for political reasons.

Mr Cummings found himself in the middle of a political storm over the Bank Holiday Weekend over his decision, but he said he believed he acted reasonably and did not regret it.

Harrogate MP, Andrew Jones, has reportedly joined other backbenchers and called for Mr Cummings to resign, but there is still no word on whether Ripon MP, Julian Smith, has joined the call.

Neither MP has responded to The Stray Ferret’s request for a comment.

Harrogate MP, Andrew Jones, has reportedly called for Mr Cummings to step down. But Julian Smith, MP for Ripon, has yet to comment.

On social media, the majority of comments from the district’s residents revealed they were unimpressed with Mr Cummings and some have e-mailed their local MP to voice their concerns.

Racheal Bowen said on Facebook: “I am furious and emailed Andrew Jones yesterday to voice my opinion. Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives. Unless you are Dominic Cummings and then just do what you want and the NHS will pick up the pieces. Disgraceful behaviour from Cummings and all those in government who are supporting him.”

Susan Halliday said: “I am appalled at his arrogance. I have not seen my seven grandchildren for eight weeks and have followed the rules to the letter but now I’m not sure if I’ll pop and see them all and not feel guilty. I’m thinking the rest of the country may feel the same.”

No doubt Cummings should go. Don’t care if he resigns or is sacked, just as long as he goes.

— Marc Smith (@marcxsmith) May 25, 2020

But some have criticised the response to the story and said those who want Mr Cummings to step down are politically motivated.

Sue Stott said on Facebook: “I find it hard to comprehend the levels of hate that so-called respectable people are showing for this man & his family. What is this country turning into when all we can do is criticise and harass others.”

Cheryl Allan said: “I couldn’t care less. There are loads of people who have been out meeting other people and no one gives a damn. But if you’re in the public eye everyone goes mad about it.”

Most people wanting Cummings to be sacked are doing it for political reasons. #Gameplay

— Harrogate Stuff (@harrogate_stuff) May 25, 2020

The Liberal Democrats have written to the Chief Executive of Harrogate Borough Council,  Wallace Sampson, calling on the council to set up what it called  ‘Coronavirus Response Teams’ to help the district’s economy recover from the pandemic.

The Lib Dems said the teams should be made up of a cross-section of representatives from each of the borough’s communities, including business leaders, community groups, and politicians, irrespective of their party colours.

In the letter councillor Pat Marsh, Leader of the Opposition on Harrogate Council, said:

“It will be important that we bring together businesses, community groups, and elected representatives at every level across the district, irrespective of political colours so that coordinated efforts can help to bring about a swift recovery.”

The call comes after the operator of the St George Hotel collapsed on Friday blaming the pandemic- the first sign of how deeply the coronavirus crisis has hit the hospitality industry in the town.

Councillor Pat Marsh continued:

“If we are to prevent yet more businesses collapsing and residents suffering we will need to work together and work to bring together coordinated plans specific to each community in our district. This needs to be done quickly so that we are prepared as we come out of lockdown.”

Yesterday the government announced that all “non-essential” retail could open from June 15th. Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from Monday.

As some primary schools across the district prepare to reopen next week, parents discuss whether they are sending their children back to school.

The government says schools should look to re-open for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from June 1.

Figures today released by the NHS show one more patient who tested positive for coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital has died. The death was recorded yesterday and brings the total number of hospital deaths in the district to 62.

A further 59 people, who tested positive for the covid-19 have died, according to the NHS. It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 25,750.

However, the NHS warned that the Covid Patient Notification System did not operate between 0455 and 1500 yesterday due to “a connectivity issue experienced by an external supplier” which would affect the figures.

Patients were aged between 44 and 98 years old.  4 of the patients had no known underlying health condition.

Harrogate District Hospital has discharged a total of 104 patients after treatment for coronavirus since the start of the crisis. Outside the hospital, there have been 51 deaths from coronavirus in care homes in the district.

*

Did you contact your MP demanding Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s top aide, to be sacked?

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has reportedly called for Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked saying he broke the guidelines- the Stray Ferret cannot remember a time when Mr Jones went against the government whip like this. Was he reacting to the demands of his constituents and his inbox bombarded?

There has been no word from Ripon and Skipton MP, Julian Smith. He was appointed Chief Whip in Theresa May’s government from 2017 to July 2019.

Mr Cummings is the centre of a political storm after it was revealed that he travelled from London to Durham with his wife and four year old child during lockdown, when his wife had covid symptoms. One report alleges a witness saw Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle, more than 25 miles from Durham on 12 April.

The prime minister said yesterday at the 5pm coronavirus briefing that he held “extensive” discussions on Sunday with Mr Cummings, who he said “followed the instincts of every father and every parent – and I do not mark him down for that”.

But despite Boris Johnson’s briefing and senior cabinet members publicly supporting Mr Cummings – a number of backbench MPs have started to call for him to resign. A reflection perhaps of the public mood in their constituencies.

Over the last four days we have looked at issues surrounding cycling in Harrogate. We put the questions raised from those reports to North Yorkshire’s highways chief, Don Mackenzie. 

As North Yorkshire County Council struggles to make a dent in its Otley Road project, campaigners have accused the council of having a lack of ambition on cycling. 

When asked whether the authority had a lack of ambition, Councillor Mackenzie said:

“We do have aspirations, but we need funding and we also need to take everyone with us.” 

He added that he was hopeful of starting the first phase of Otley Road next month and that funding was still in place for the project.

Councillor Mackenzie said the council had to speak to a range of people about its highways schemes and could not focus solely on one group. 

“People need to remember that North Yorkshire is a very big county and there are many demands on it. 

“Harrogate cyclists want to get things done, but we have to take everyone with us. We have to work with many other groups, not just cyclists.” 

His answer will be seen as less than emphatic for people who will feel there is no better time to get started while the roads are clear.

Will recent events make a difference?

Earlier this month the Department of Transport announced millions of pounds of extra cash to develop the region’s permanent cycling infrastructure. On Saturday it announced the Yorkshire and Humber region would be allocated a £24.5m emergency active travel grant for new cycling and walking lanes.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said laws had been amended to “reduce red tape and halve the time” it takes for councils to get schemes up and running  – “helping local authorities accommodate for the step-change in behaviour as more people turn to cycling and walking”

Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:

“We’re living in a time where many people are cycling and walking more than they did before, and we must build on this opportunity to bring about longer-term change – where active travel is viewed as the default for shorter journeys, long after this crisis has finished.

“This funding for Yorkshire and the Humber will help councils provide more space for walking and cycling and make it easier for people to get out and about and reduce the pressure on public transport.”

Where the extra money will be spent will now be decided. Will the amended laws make a difference? Councillor Mackenzie, who faces the challenge of delivering such projects, will no doubt be hoping so.  

“I’ve had enough” Ali Farr told the Stray Ferret after her wedding plans have been left in ruins.

Ali, a community nurse in Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, and her partner, Ben Cross, a paramedic, had planned to hold their wedding reception at the St George Hotel on May 1st.  More than a hundred guests were due to arrive from as far away as Singapore and Australia. Then lockdown struck and the date was cancelled.

So Ali and Ben re-arranged the whole thing -on the anniversary of day they got together 12 years ago, New Years Eve.  It meant moving everything, it was more expensive and they had to sacrifice the wedding ceremony at St John’s Church. Then a few days ago, Ali  heard the St George had gone into administration:

“I’ve had no correspondence from anybody. We’ve already paid £5,000 – most on credit cards but I think the £800 deposit will be lost because we booked it on a debit card two years ago.

“My dress is at the seamstress, I’ve got the bridesmaid’s dresses, the boy’s suits, I’ve paid a lot of money for the entertainment, the photographer, the videographer and a car.

“I’ve had enough. You don’t know what’s going to happen do you? It’s just tough.”

Throughout the crisis Ali and Ben have been working on the front line of healthcare.

“I am a nurse, Ben’s a paramedic, we’ve got a little girl. We’ve worked throughout the crisis as key workers.

My would-be guests have been lovely – on May 1st they made a video for us. On the day we had a cake to cut, we gave each other a present on the morning and my little girl threw some petals around – she was supposed to be our flower girl. “

Ali and Ben’s guests held a zoom celebration for them to cheer them up

”

NHS figures released today report one further death of a patient who tested positive for coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital. It brings the total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic to 61.

A further 147 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus, have died- 27 were in Yorkshire and North East.  It means the number of reported deaths in hospitals in England to 25,691.

Patients were aged between 43 and 98 years old.  Five of the patients had no known underlying health condition.

Harrogate District Hospital has discharged a total of 104 patients after treatment for coronavirus since the start of the crisis. Outside the hospital, there have been 51 deaths from coronavirus in care homes in the district.

Harrogate’s White Watch delivered war veteran Jack Rushton a surprise roast lunch and birthday cake today to celebrate his 96th birthday. John Rushton, known as Jack, survived the D Day landings and has lived in Beech Road in Harrogate since the 1970’s.

Last Sunday, White Watch made 50 roast lunches for people in need .,  much of the food then was supplied by Bruce Reid, the watch manager.

Today Bruce and his team made 89 meals and, this time, a whole of host of organisations donated food. Community group, Covid- Cooperation Harrogate, helped with deliveries.  Jack though was an exception, Bruce said:

“We haven’t done any deliveries- but we thought we’d bring Jack his lunch as it would be a nice gesture”.

Bruce Reid, watch manager delivering Jack his lunch

Neighbours clapped and Happy Birthday played through a tannoy as Jack received his birthday surprise. Jack said he didn’t what his neighbours had plotted for him but he had a suspicion  “it had something to do with lunch”. He told The Stray Ferret..

“I can’t believe they’ve done this for me- I’ve not done anything special”

But his grandson, Ben Rushton, begged to differ and said he was proud of him.

“What people don’t realise is that as well as being being a war veteran, my grandfather worked in public service all his life – in the finance department at Harrogate College. He’s contributed to the youth of Harrogate – it’s nice for him to get something back”

Asked what felt about being 96 years old Jack said  “Well, I’ve had a reasonable carry on….”

Paul Baverstock is an advisor to leaders in business, politics and the third sector . His roles have included Director of Communication for the Conservative Party, Director of Engagement and Communication for the British Medical Association and Director of Communication for Paperless 2020, the government’s digital transformation plan for Health and Care. He is a graduate of Harvard University and the Yale University School of Management.

The Stray Ferret is delighted Paul has agreed to write a political column for us every week -we’re calling it Strayside Sunday.

Let me set out my stall:  I am a conservative.  A sometime member and sometime not.  I worked for the party as Director of Communication for Iain Duncan Smith, a job that, when I accepted it, my father described as a triumph of ambition over reason.  I strongly support the measures taken by Boris Johnson’s government in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  A response that, to date, has diminished our peacetime liberties as never before, an interventionist response so spendthrift, that you, I, and everyone, will be paying for it far into the future. In short, a most un-conservative approach.

Our leaders have been visible front and centre, their actions have been transparent and, when the inevitable post-pandemic investigations and reckonings come, they will be made accountable for their decisions in office.  Would that were true of our local Conservative leaders here in Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

On the 24^th March I wrote to the Stray Ferret calling on Andrew Jones MP to demonstrate visible leadership during this crisis.  This week the Stray Ferret reported that in the last month Mr. Jones’ public voice – one news story, three tweets and one public statement – has done little to fill the leadership void.  Hardly “roll your sleeves up” stuff is it?

As and when we are able to move on from lockdown, Harrogate, in common with places everywhere across the United Kingdom, faces a generational challenge to recover its economy, build business and improve the lot of its people.  The question is whether our leadership and the local institutions they run are up to it?  Evidence suggests not.

The town’s business community despairs over the machinations of the Harrogate Business Improvement District, four of whose members, including the Chair, resigned in protest at what they see as the Council’s impeding of the BIDs’ plans.  Council Leader Richard Cooper dismissed their actions as nothing more than a “distraction from what really matters.”  Hmmm. Is that really good enough?  At a time when leadership and conciliation is what we most need, isn’t this response complacent and graceless at best?

From the dilapidated eyesore of our pedestrian precincts to the vacancies on James Street, the town centre is dying on its feet.  With experts predicting that as little as 10% of the restaurant trade will make it through the current crisis and recession to follow, this trend toward “hollowing out” is only likely to get worse.

This week has also seen “Bollardgate.”  Brand spanking new bollards deployed in the district’s towns to general bemusement; the socially distanced pavements clear for those wanting to window shop our largely shuttered retail outlets.  Well intentioned no doubt, but barmy none the less.  Paving the way, to coin a phrase, for the pedestrianisation debate.

The existing town masterplan envisages more pedestrianisation, more walking and more cycling, while the local business community believe that there still needs to be space and parking for people to pop into town, park up and shop.  Post-covid we will likely see a tussle between the pro-car, pro-parking traders represented by Independent Harrogate, desperate to rebuild their business in the face of economic difficulty, with pro-walking and cycling environmental and sustainability activists like Zero Carbon and Sustainably Harrogate.  Both have a point and need a way to engage with each other, to talk it out in collaborative spirit.

As the town’s MP, Andrew Jones holds a unique convening power to bring together these countervailing interests, to reach across the divides of politics and activism, lead debate and build bridges.  To do that he has to represent all his constituents, not only those who, like me, voted for him at the last election.  For the next few years, as we dig ourselves out of the economic Mariana Trench to come, none of us, I argue, has the luxury of our existing ideology. We have to get deeply consensual, practical, and we have to do it fast.

Innovative planning, incentives to attract independent (local) place-based business, helping developers bring residents back to the town centre, park and ride, cycling-first, and wellbeing strategy, all these and more will help Harrogate thrive but not, if the interests that represent them, are set squarely against each other.

Surely we have to talk out these issues publicly if we are to negotiate a vision we can all get behind?

In this column I hope I can stimulate debate so that together we can emerge from the covid crisis in good health, in good spirits and in good economic order.  So, I’d like to hear your ideas; how can we work together to bring about the radical structural and institutional changes we need to make Harrogate a better place to live in, to shop, and to work?  How can we press our leaders to do more on our behalf and do it better in these testing times?  I want to hear from you.  You deserve nothing less.

That’s it for this week’s Strayside Sunday.

Contact me with your views on paul@thestrayferret.co.uk