The chairman of Harrogate BID and three of its directors have sent a stinging letter of resignation to the board.

Citing undue council influence, a lack of openness and a business plan that does not reflect the reality of the state of the town centre, the four – more than a quarter of the board’s 15 members – have stepped down with immediate effect.

The letter highlights the desperate situation which chairman Bob Kennedy and directors Chris Bentley, Robert Ogden and Rob Spencer believe Harrogate is now facing. It refers to an accumulation of negative impacts from the UCI Road World Championships and the Covid-19 lockdown, as well as a more general crisis for retail.

It says:

“Without a consensus view on the board of the dire state of the town’s economy, particularly its retail heart, and its causes, addressing the key issues cannot be achieved.

“The strong influence of Borough and County Council on the board of an organisation that according to government guidance is supposed to be a ‘business-led’ partnership means that any initiative that addresses the councils’ input is endlessly debated, and sensible options resisted. It has not even been possible to garner cross-board agreement that the current aesthetic state of Harrogate town centre is not adequate, something that is self-evident to business leaders and residents alike but is constantly denied or excused by councils.”

Chairman Bob Kennedy is among four directors to have resigned from Harrogate BID

The letter then says the original business plan created by the BID will waste money on some areas and fail to fund others adequately. The plan should have been re-written and the budgets re-allocated to reflect the changing challenges of the last 18 months, according to the four signatories.

They also cite a lack of openness in the way the BID is being run:

“From the start, Harrogate BID was set up not to operate in the open or transparent way it should, with addended confidentiality provisions for directors that other BIDs, for instance York’s, do not have and which we are informed are incompatible with it performing a public function. Recent events reinforce this view, and BID is currently pursuing an approach that appears to be more about suppressing criticism and spinning positive messaging than acknowledging the hard realities of the situation.”

Strong council influence

Finally, the directors say they have lost confidence that the board is going to spend its money in ways which will benefit businesses, not least because of the influence of the two local authorities. Funded by a compulsory levy on rate-payers in the town centre, it has an annual income of around £500,000. They say:

“Such transformative commercial imperatives as free parking would be unlikely ever to be championed by Harrogate BID, as they have been by other BIDs across the country, while there is such a strong council influence on its board, and the business plan forces spending on areas that do not address the key issues.”

The resignations come just 10 days after the announcement of a new manager for the BID, Simon Kent. The four directors recognise his appointment and wish the remaining board members well, but say:

“Much as it pains us to state this, Harrogate was struggling before COVID-19. Now, the reality of the situation is becoming very serious indeed.”

More:

Read the resignation letter in full

Where does Harrogate BID go from here?

Harrogate BID was established in the course of 2018 with the aim of giving businesses a greater say in the way their town developed.

It was always supposed to be business-led – a fundamental rule of all BIDs is that they cannot be used to replace the work of local authorities. The blurring of the lines between the BID, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, however, lies at the heart of today’s resignations.

Harrogate BID is a limited company and is funded through a levy that is paid by all the business rate payers within a designated BID area, in addition to the business rates bill.  The levy in Harrogate’s case earns the BID more than £500,000 a year.

Because its properties fall within the BID area, Harrogate Borough Council is a significant contributor to that income, and its leader, Coun Richard Cooper, sits on the BID board alongside NYCC’s corporate director for business and environmental services, David Bowe. With Sgt Alex Sellars of North Yorkshire Police, they fill the three public sector positions on the board of 15.

Local authority representation is recommended in the government’s best practice advice to BIDs. It says:

“It is essential that you establish a positive relationship with your Local Authority. It is important you identify a key contact at the authority and keep them informed of progress at every stage.

“An authority will have its own plans for the area and will need to appreciate the benefits to businesses and the community of having a BID. It will want to be assured that the BID arrangements complement and preferably enhance the local authority’s proposals.

“Ideally the local authority will have a seat on the BID Board. The authority and BID will need to agree the additional services the BID intends to deliver.”

According to the four who resigned today, however, that relationship has hampered Harrogate BID’s ability to progress its plans for the benefit of its levy payers. After today’s resignations, all three of the board’s positions for independent businesses are vacant.

Changes to the board

In the spring of 2019 in the BID’s first newsletter, the then chairman, John Fox, talked of “exciting projects” to help attract more footfall to Harrogate.

However, in the months that passed, the BID struggled to find a way of working: only three of the current 15 board members have been in place since this time last year. John Fox stepped down at the end of 2019 and a manager appointed last July left the post within four months.

Today’s letter of resignation by its new chairman – only appointed in March – and three other board members, all from the private sector, shows how frustrated and disempowered they felt at not being able to get things done – how BID proposals were either resisted or subject to “endless debate” about the local authorities’ work. There were arguments too over what was the council’s responsibility and what was the BID’s.

The Harrogate BID website says the aim of the BID is to “empower local businesses to tackle local issues…” Today’s letter makes clear that the Chairman and directors who resigned have no faith in the ability of the BID to tackle Harrogate’s issues – which, they say, run much deeper than its board is willing to admit.

Interim BID manager, Simon Kent

Earlier this week, the new interim BID manager, Simon Kent, told The Stray Ferret he wanted “to turn conversations and plans into real actions” and outlined its priorities. Mr Kent’s job to achieve those goals got a whole load more difficult today.

There are questions now for the two local authorities about how they have worked with the BID and how they can answer the criticism levied at them in the resignation letter.

Concluding their letter with a warning that Harrogate was struggling before the current lockdown, the chairman and directors say “the reality of the situation is becoming very serious indeed” for Harrogate town centre. There is huge pressure now on remaining board members to make levy payers feel their contribution was worth it and for the BID, despite the current circumstances, to deliver some meaningful results.

Works to improve the A1 (M) Junction 47 have been given the green light despite already being 50% over budget.

The junction will be upgraded to include traffic signals and to widen the slip roads.

Additionally, an extra traffic lane will be installed on the eastbound A59 between the Flaxby roundabout and the A1(M) junction.

Traffic signals will also be installed at the A59/A168 junction just to the east of the A1(M) junction.

North Yorkshire County Council has approved the scheme and is working with Highways England to deliver the project by March 2021.

The original estimated costs were £5.03 million but that has now been revised up to £7.766 million – which is 54% over budget.

However, the work will still go-ahead with surplus money from the Harrogate to York rail improvements being moved to fill the A1 (M) Junction 47 shortfall.

Council documents reveal that the work will take the Nightingale Hospital into account when phasing the carriageway works and that the costs could increase further by another £200,000.

The documents also highlight how coronavirus social distancing measures are “likely” to have an impact on start dates and the project costs.

The fundraising army veteran who walked 100 laps of his garden to raise millions of pounds for NHS charities has been honoured by Harrogate’s Army Foundation College to mark his 100th birthday.

Captain Tom Moore has been made Honorary Colonel of the college, recognising his Yorkshire links through his hometown of Keighley.

Today, as Colonel Tom marks his 100th birthday, his fundraising has passed the £30m mark for NHS Charities Together.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall MBE YORKS, Commanding Officer of AFC Harrogate, said:

“Colonel Tom Moore has uniquely captured the imagination of the nation during this difficult time. Our staff and Junior Soldiers stand in awe at his achievements and we see his values of his sacrifice and service to one’s country reflected in the College’s ethos.

“Colonel Tom’s benevolence, his steadiness on parade and his determination to give something back are all truly inspirational. To have such a role model for the Army Foundation College, and to count him as one of our own, is a privilege and an honour.”

Inspiration to young soldiers

Harrogate AFC prepares 16- and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. As the first Honorary Colonel of the college, Captain Tom will be invited to speak to junior soldiers there and show the continuation of the values he learned as a young recruit.

Junior Soldier Ash Greenwood, aged 16, currently attends the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and will go on to join 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (2 YORKS). He said:

“Captain Tom Moore states that the NHS are today’s ‘front line’ and he knows what it’s like to be on the front line, serving in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War and fighting in battles such as the Battle of Ramree Island.

“Captain Tom has not only inspired me but an entire nation to reach their personal goals no matter how big or small. It’s an honour to have you as our Honorary Colonel, and the college is extremely proud of you and your achievements both within your military career and your fundraising for the NHS. Having you affiliated with the Army Foundation College is brilliant.

“In the army you never walk alone.”

Captain Tom has been presented with his Second World War Defence Medal, which he sadly lost, ready in time for next week’s VE Day celebrations. The Yorkshire Regiment also presented Captain Tom with their prestigious annual Regimental Medal, given to the individual in the Yorkshire Regiment family who is considered to have made the greatest contribution in the last year.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller, CO 1 YORKS, said:

“As The Yorkshire Regiment, we are exceptionally proud of Captain Tom and his achievements.  He has captured the hearts and imagination of the nation, inspiring many in these testing times.

“From a serving soldier’s perspective, he is all we aspire to be – he epitomises courage, determination, humbleness and good old Yorkshire grit. He is one of many who have made such a positive difference, and we are proud that he is part of our Regimental Family.

“On behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, it has been an honour to be able to present the Regimental Medal for The Yorkshire Regiment, to Captain Tom Moore on his 100th birthday. The medal is awarded annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our military effectiveness and military reputation.

“I could not think of a more worthy recipient. He personifies the Values and Standards of the British Army and is an inspiration to our serving soldiers, young and old.”

Captain Moore was invited to open the Harrogate Nightingale Hospital

Captain Tom Moore was born in Keighley, and served with the 8th Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which is now part of the Yorkshire Regiment. Last week, he was guest of honour at the official opening of the Nightingale hospital at Harrogate Convention Centre, appearing via video link from his Bedfordshire home.

New figures on coronavirus deaths, which now includes statistics outside of hospitals, paint the clearest picture yet of the outbreak in the Harrogate district.

The government has released three different sets of data, which will be released on either a weekly or a daily basis.

The first set of data, released daily, is the number of deaths in hospitals and, with two more deaths reported today, Harrogate District Hospital has now reported 46 deaths.

The second set of data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has revealed that up to April 17, there have been 22 Harrogate coronavirus deaths outside the hospital.

19 of those deaths outside hospital were recorded in care homes, one death was recorded at home and another two deaths happened in “other communal establishments.”

The final set of figures is the number of care homes that have reported a coronavirus outbreak, which is the first time this data has been released.

Of Harrogate’s 71 care homes, 26 have so far reported outbreaks. That works out at 36.6% of the district’s care homes.

Coronarivus testing for care home residents and staff has been patchy across the Harrogate district, as the government promises to make 25,000 home testing kits available every day.

Some care homes are reporting they have received the kits they had requested, while others are still waiting for a delivery so they can confirm whether residents have the virus.

For key workers, drive-through testing sites have been opened, but can only be accessed by arranging an appointment. In one case, a care home worker was told there would be a three-week wait, despite NHS advice being to test within five days.

Guidance on the NHS website shows tests should be carried out within five days

The member of staff from Emmaus House on Harrogate’s Valley Drive had shown symptoms of coronavirus, but after trying to get a test at Temple Green, just off the M1 to the east of Leeds, was told the next appointment was in mid-May. Another member of staff who doesn’t drive has been unable to access testing so far – but a third member of staff who showed symptoms earlier had been able to arrange a test.

Without confirmation of whether they have coronvarivus, those two staff members now have to self-isolate. Meanwhile, testing kits for residents have not yet arrived at the home. A team leader at Emmaus House, who asked us not to use her name, said:

“It’s quite frustrating. We’re losing staff for longer than necessary. They should make sure everything is in place before they talk about it on the news.”

A new testing site has been set up at Poppleton park and ride

The government this week promised to roll out testing across much more of the population, making 25,000 testing kits available every day and allowing key workers with symptoms to book appointments at drive-through test centres, including one created for the Harrogate district at Poppleton park and ride.

Statistics released today show that 26 care homes in the Harrogate district have reported suspected coronavirus cases and there had been 19 deaths in care homes thought to be related to the virus.

Testing kits arrive

Although some homes, including Emmaus House, have struggled to get deliveries of testing kits, others have received them this week. At Vida Grange in Pannal, staff have been able to access testing facilities, while tests have been received by the home in order to test residents with symptoms. James Rycroft, Managing Director of Vida Healthcare, said: 

“So far, five residents and numerous staff members have been tested. Of these, two residents and four members of staff have shown positive results for the virus. As we hear more on test results we will update the families of our residents in our newsletter.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and it’s encouraging to hear the Government’s plans for a massive expansion in testing. The testing of residents and staff without symptoms could prove crucial in tackling the spread of the virus in care homes.”

At Belmont House in Harrogate, the tests are now beginning to arrive for residents and all staff will be screened. Similarly, Ripon’s Skell Lodge has received testing kits and has had negative results back for two of its residents, leading to cheering among them and the staff when the results arrived.

The Mayoress of Harrogate, April Martin came down with symptoms of coronavirus 5 weeks ago.

She isolated at home for 14 days after she started to get symptoms, but on the 16th day, she took a turn for the worse. She was admitted to Harrogate hospital where she tested positive for the virus.

April was taken to intensive care where she received treatment before she was moved to a ward where she stayed for 2 weeks. She told the Stray Ferret:

“I was otherwise fit and healthy, then on the 16th day I just couldn’t go on any longer… it was very scary but the staff at Harrogate hospital were amazing. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now.”

The Mayor of Harrogate was not tested, however, he told the Stray Ferret that he did have mild symptoms of Covid-19 whilst they were isolating at home. He said:

“When they put April in the ambulance and asked if I wanted to come and say bye, I thought to myself this could be the last time I see my wife, it was a very dark moment.”

Ripon City Council has responded to the coronavirus crisis by buying £1,200 worth of material and sewing equipment for use in the production of scrubs and  other items for frontline healthcare workers.

The council is currently in isolation and town clerk Paula Benson, contacted all 12 councillors – who unanimously agreed to the purchase of the material. It’s now been supplied to an army of volunteers across the Harrogate district involved in making the items that include masks, sets of scrubs and scrubs bags.

The material and sewing equipment was purchased respectively from local suppliers Reynard Fabrics of Scotton and White Rose Sewing and Craft Centre, Harrogate.

The Mayor of Ripon and chair of the council, Councillor Eamon Parkin (above) , told The Stray Ferret:

“The city council is delighted to support healthcare workers in this way and we pay tribute to the many volunteers, working in their homes, who have collaborated to make items that are vital in our collective fight  against coronavirus.”

He added:

“The council is in harmony with the community in Ripon and I am proud by the response that residents have made through numerous acts of kindness – from active involvement in the production and delivery of PPE, to shopping and the collection of medicines for people who are in self-isolation in their homes. Whenever there is a need, you can count on the people of Ripon to rise to the occasion. This has been the toughest challenge we have ever faced, but we will win, if everybody in every community, continues to pull together.”

Cllr Parkin, whose own business – The Magdalens Pub – is currently closed, has turned the premises into a community hub, delivering shopping and vital items to residents in isolation in the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Almshouses and to local care homes.

Earlier this month, in a Stray Ferret article, Ripon City and Harrogate district councillor Pauline McHardy, who worked as a nurse in the NHS for 41 years, expressed concern about the shortage of PPE for healthcare workers.

She said:

“With fellow councillors, I am absolutely delighted to support funding for these essential items.”

A further 552 people in England, who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 19,301.  87 of the latest deaths were in the Yorkshire and North East regions.

Harrogate hospital has so far reported that 44 of its patients who tested positive for coronavirus have died. This latest death was reported on Sunday 26th April.

The reported deaths today were aged between 31 and 99 years old. 38 had no known underlying health condition.

The NHS England figures released today do not account for those who have died of suspected coronavirus but were not tested, such as those in care homes.

Yorkshire 2019, the organisers of the UCI Road World Championships, has agreed to pay £35,500 to help restore the Stray, with the council leader promising that it will be back “better than ever” in September.

Harrogate Borough Council has appointed contractor Glendale Services to start this week. They will start by breaking up and aerating the affected soil as well as treating the grass with a spray that will turn it blue temporarily.

The council said grass will be left for two weeks for the treatment to take effect before the contractors return to undertake rolling, sub-soiling, and further harrowing in preparation for seeding over a week. Seeding will take place at the end of May.

To avoid further disruption, workers will fence off badly affected areas, including the footpaths.

They will also fix uneven flagstones and address the historical drainage issues at the corner of West Park and Otley Road.

Overall, the council believes that the works will cost £129,971, broken down into:

• £38,105 for repairs to grassed areas of West Park Stray
• £65,385 for pavement, footpaths, Heras fencing, bedding and verge repairs, reinstatement of bins and benches plus any additional council work
• £20,156 to fix longstanding drainage issues
• £6,325 project management and delivery costs

That figure is based on estimates provided by the contractors with the council saying the costs for footpaths is covered by the “existing programmes of works that were held off until after the event.”

Harrogate Borough Council released these details a day after an exclusive report from the Stray Ferret which revealed that the council has set aside £150,000 for Stray repair work this year on top of the £51,000 already spent

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“It is great to see work start on West Park Stray this week. We hope, by the autumn, it will be returned to its former glory before it was affected by one of the wettest autumns since the 1970s. We have decided to use opportunity to address the historic drainage issues at the corner of Otley Road and West Park. This has been an issue and frustration to local residents for a number of years and I’m pleased to announce this is also being addressed.”