Future of Harrogate shop revealedAccessorize in Harrogate is to reopen next week — but its sister shop Monsoon has permanently closed.
The two shops shared a unit at 20-22 James Street, where customers visited Monsoon, via the James Street entrance and Accessorize via a door at the back.
Both closed last month and although signs in the window said ‘sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever’ and ‘be right back’, the unit was described as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.
This prompted speculation neither business would return but as reported by the Stray Ferret, the site will reopen after the refit.
Gifts and homeware specialist Accessorize will welcome customers back on Friday, May 17 — but Monsoon will not return.
Accessorize storefront Harrogate
An Accessorize spokesperson told the Stray Ferret today:
“The Monsoon shop has now closed, and this is now only an Accessorize store with a homeware focus.”
Accessorize told the Stray Ferret the refurbished store will offer “a more diverse selection of gifting categories such as bridal, home and summer”, as well as self-care and men’s gifting products.
Paul Thomas, retail director at Accessorize said:
“We are excited to introduce our customers to our exciting new store concept of gifting and homeware.
“The new design store and gifting collection is just some of the many exciting features we have in store for our customers, and we can’t wait for them to experience everything the store has to offer.”
Accessorize will officially reopen May 17 at 9.30am. The closest Monsoon store will now be York.
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Police say wanted man could be in HarrogateA man wanted by police is believed to have been seen in Harrogate, police have said.
Lincolnshire Police said the last possible sighting of James Joseph Smyth was in Harrogate on May 1. He also has connections with Leeds.
Smyth, aged 57, absconded from the open prison North Sea Camp in Freiston, Boston, on Tuesday, April 30, following an agreed temporary release.
He is serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm and robbery.
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement:
“We are continuing enquiries in the Yorkshire area following this sighting and due to Smyth’s links with West Yorkshire.”
Officers described Smyth as white, 6ft,1ins tall, and of slim build. The statement added:
“He has long grey-brown hair (occasionally worn in a top knot), a long grey beard and moustache, and green eyes. He has a scar on his nose and left eye lid.
“He also has a distinctive tattoo on his left wrist with the words ‘Daniel’ and ‘Tracey’, as well as a tattoo of a devil on his right shoulder.”
Members of the public are advised not to approach him but if you see him to call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk quoting ‘incident 387 of 30 April’ in the subject line.
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Residents react to revised Maltkiln plansResidents have been urged to give their views on revised plans for a new town the size of Thirsk seven miles from Knaresborough.
Yorkshire developers Caddick Group, which applied for outline planning permission in 2019, plans to build up to 4,000 homes near Kirk Hammerton, Cattal and Green Hammerton.
Caddick held a public consultation at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall on Tuesday (May 7) to share its updated plans for the settlement known as Maltkiln.
The town will include affordable and eco-friendly houses, as well as two primary schools, a mixed-use local centre, a sports hub and green spaces.
The changes announced included moving the site boundary to the north east and east to provide access into the first phase of development from the A59.
The two roundabouts proposed to access the site have also been moved, with one on the east and one on the west of the site along the A59.
The amended locations of the two roundabouts. Pic: Maltkiln Consultation
There is also set to be an additional new road bridge over the railway line on the eastern edge of the site.
The firm added plans for the mixed-use local centre had extended east of Station Road and north of the railway station. In addition, the proposed location of the northern primary school has been amended.
Caddick also said delivery of the development will now start with a first phase in the north east and continue in a clockwise direction.
The revised plans and key. Pic: Stantec / Maltkiln Consultation
The scheme has faced backlash from some nearby residents since its inception and progress remains uncertain since the council threatened to compulsory purchase land for the new town.
Rural feel
The Stray Ferret attended the consultation event to speak to residents and Caddick representatives.
Kirk Hammerton resident James Browne (pictured above) told us people needed to have a “balanced approached” to the proposal.
He said:
“I share others’ concerns. I hope the amount of tension around the development means that things will be done in the right manner and not disrupt the rural feel around here.”
Mr Brown told the Stray Ferret he hopes, if the development goes ahead, there would be “benefits to amenities, cyclists, roads, shops and education” in what is a relatively “isolated area”.
He added:
“I’m hoping if it does go ahead, it would be delivered sympathetically, but once plans are approved, would it just become a case of delivering sheer volume?”
People at the consultation event.
Sue Husband, another nearby resident, questioned whether the potential number of houses was “really necessary”.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“We do need some housing – I get that. My preference is that it’s ecological housing that supports climate change, rather than just luxury homes. We also need a wider community. But do we actually need this number of houses?
“If the plans were to create a small village and there was the potential to expand it gradually, I think people would be able to accept it more. But because it’s this big, sudden expansion people can’t necessarily adjust to it.”
Ms Husband also said she would “consider moving house” if the plans were approved. She added:
“I moved here because it’s so peaceful and quiet.”
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Infrastructure fears
The Stray Ferret also contacted Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, Arnold Warneken, about the new plans.
He said the “biggest concerns from residents in his inbox” included the infrastructure of the existing roads and drainage systems.
Cllr Warneken said:
“People feel there could, in reality, be thousands of additional cars around the settlement and they are concerned about the existing road networks.
“They’re also worried about existing sewage systems. Residents have contacted me to say they don’t feel the sewage system can cope as it is, let alone with new houses being built.”
Cllr Warneken said residents also expressed concerns about a GP practice not being included in phase one of the development process, particularly as Springbank Surgery in Green Hammerton is “already oversubscribed”.
Developer wants community to ‘shape masterplan’
The consultation comes after North Yorkshire Council submitted the Maltkiln development plan document to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination.
People now have the opportunity to give feedback on Caddick’s revised plans.
Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said in a statement:
“We’re particularly keen for communities in the area to shape key areas of the masterplan, including the design of the local centre, as well as the upcoming residential design code.
“All the information for the consultation is available on the Maltkiln website and we would really like people to get involved and give us their views. All feedback will be analysed and considered as part of our application for the first stage of the project, which we are anticipating submitting later this year.”
You can give your view on the refreshed plans and leave feedback here until Friday, May 27.
Proposed Harrogate children’s home faces public backlashPlans to convert a Harrogate house into a children’s home have faced backlash from the public.
The application, which was tabled to North Yorkshire Council in March, outlines plans to turn Oak Back on Ashgarth Court – near Ashville College – into C2 classified housing, which refers to residential accommodation for people in need of care.
The Stray Ferret reported on the plans at the time of submission, which generated concern among social media followers.
Now nearly two months later, all 27 public comments made on the planning portal are objections.
Eddie Dale, who has submitted an objection comment to the council, said the house would be a “thoughtless site for a children’s residential home”.
He adds:
“There are no nearby facilities. The lack of youth clubs, cafés, play areas, surgeries and shops mean that it is an unsuitable location for this type of home.”
Mr Dale said he regarded Ashgarth Court as a “friendly, cohesive and safe environment”, but added the possibility of losing this made him “very uncomfortable and worried”.
Another objector, Richard Dennis, felt the application would be “detrimental” not only to the local community, but also for “any persons placed in care at the property” if approved.
He echoed concerns about a lack of facilities for young people in the area, adding it was “totally unsuitable” for potential residents:
“A Google search of a C2 property says that potentially alcohol/recovering drug addicts could be housed here. A quiet family cul-de-sac where children regularly play outside on the green is a totally unsuitable location for people who have these issues.”
Louise Dennis was one of many to highlight parking issues.
The application claims the house has a “large off-street driveway” meaning “no cars will take up additional road space”. However, Ms Dennis “strongly disputes” this.
She said:
“In reality the driveway would house two cars comfortably. The application suggests that there would be nine full-time staff, so likely at least a minimum of three vehicles there at any one time, excluding healthcare workers, social workers, visitors, cars of residents if over 17 etc.
“Therefore, the driveway would not accommodate all these vehicles on a day-to-day basis and there will be an increase in cars parked on the road, which is against what the applicant has claimed.”
Ms Dennis also expressed concern about the increase in traffic and congestion that could arise should the plans be approved.
Ms Dennis also suggested the local community would “undoubtedly be impacted” if the plans went ahead, adding more cars in the area would release more emissions and the potential risks of noise and anti-social behaviour would increase.
‘Widespread misconception of care homes’
In an email uploaded to the planning portal, applicant Jolyon McKay addressed some of the objections made.
He said it was “understandable” that some people “harbour reservations about residential placement homes”. He added, however, “sensationalised portrayals” had led to a “widespread misconception of care homes”.
He said:
“The objection raises doubts about the accommodation’s suitability for nine staff members and potential visitors, suggesting that the proposal deviates from a family home environment.
“Contrary to this assertion, while the residential placement home will have the capacity to employ up to nine staff members, it is important to clarify that it is highly unlikely that more than three staff members will be present on-site at any given time.
“It’s important to clarify that our property does indeed feature ample parking space, including a garage, to accommodate multiple vehicles. We have taken proactive measures to ensure that parking arrangements are sufficient to meet the needs of both staff and visitors without causing disruption to the neighbourhood.”
He added “thorough assessments” had been undertaken to “ensure the site will not adversely affect local amenities or community cohesion”, and said his team “remain dedicated to fostering a positive relationship with the local community and addressing any concerns in a proactive and transparent manner”.
The application states several healthcare workers would be hired at the children’s home and would be an Ofsted registered site.
It also said the home would have four bedrooms, with “never more than a maximum of three children living at the home”.
North Yorkshire Council will adjudicate on the application at a later date.
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Exclusive: Hackers demand ransom after breaching North Yorkshire Council computer systemInternational hackers have breached the trading standards computer system at North Yorkshire Council and demanded a ransom.
The Stray Ferret was tipped off by an anonymous source at the council who said the hackers had encrypted large amounts of data and were “demanding a ransom to decrypt it”.
The source added:
“Backups have also been encrypted so this is a big problem. This systems holds a lot of data and this breach could impact on a large number of crime investigations within the area.”
The Stray Ferret asked the council for further details about the breach, which is believed to have happened in March.
We asked how much data had been compromised and how it was able to happen, as well as what action the council was taking to resolve the situation, and the likely cost and timeframe.
The council issued a statement that included quotes from Mike Andrews, the National Trading Standards eCrime team’s national co-ordinator, and Madeline Hoskin, the council’s assistant director for technology.
The National Trading Standards eCrime team investigates fraud on behalf of local authorities.
The statement confirmed there had been “an incident”, which it said had been “contained” but did not clarify the extent of the breach.
Mr Andrews said in the statement:
“We are working with national agencies and other partners to investigate this incident.
“Fortunately, we became aware of the incident at a very early stage and swift action was taken.
“Protecting personal data remains our top priority and steps were taken to contain the potential impact.
“As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage to avoid jeopardising any future legal proceedings.”
Ms Hoskin said in the statement:
“We take considerable precautions to prevent and detect cybercrime and take our responsibilities extremely seriously.
“We worked with an independent team of digital forensic specialists which helped ensure a swift recovery from the incident.
“No information related to the council’s customers outside of the data held by the National Trading Standards E-Crime Team has been affected.”
The council declined to comment further.
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Harrogate History: VE day 1945 – a day of rejoicing after the dark years of war
Malcolm Neesam (1946 – 2022) was a writer, archivist and historian, specialising in Harrogate and North Yorkshire history. He was born in Harrogate and studied at the University of Leeds as a professional archivist and librarian. He subsequently worked in Hereford, Leeds, London and York where, for twenty-five years, he was North Yorkshire County Music and Audiovisual Librarian. In 1996 Harrogate Borough Council awarded Malcolm the Freedom of the Borough for his services as the town’s historian, preserving much of the town’s heritage.
This article was first published October 2, 2020 as part of Malcom’s Harrogate History series for the Stray Ferret.
On Tuesday 8th May 1945, a full-sized likeness of Adolph Hitler gazed across West Park Stray surrounded by a replica of his Mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden.
It had been placed there as the crowning display of a huge bonfire and assembled by the Harrogate Home Guard, who, at dusk, stormed the display, and to frantic cheering from the assembled townspeople, captured the effigies of Hitler and his cronies, before the Mayor lit the bonfire that burned ‘Berchtesgaden’ to the ground.
Beyond this scene of rejoicing, Harrogate was a sea of bunting and the flags of allied nations, which filled not only the town centre, but nearly every suburban street as well. In the main shopping streets at the town’s centre were displayed large portraits of the King and Queen, Prime Minister Churchill and allied leaders, Field Marshall Montgomery and other military luminaries.
Joyous crowds surged through the town centre that day, whose drab and neglected appearance, the result of five years, eight months and five days of wartime austerity, was temporarily brightened by brightly coloured displays, although the need to conserve energy precluded the use of gas or electric power, exceptions being made at the Royal Baths, and Municipal Offices where Mayor G. Spenceley had greeting the crowds gathered in Crescent Gardens.
A street party in 1945
People continued to surge through the centre of the town throughout the day, despite heavy rain showers, although the streets cleared in time for both the Prime Minister’s broadcast, and the King’s speech.
The borough court continued to function on VE Day, the main business being concerned with granting licences for dancing and extensions for liquor and music, all essential aspects of the coming celebrations on the following Sunday, which at the request of the King, would be a day of national thanksgiving and prayer.
A service was planned at St. Peter’s Church attended by the Mayor and full Corporation, followed by a brief ceremony at the War Memorial in remembrance of the fallen.
In the afternoon, a grand parade was to occur on West Park, when participants would include American military personnel, units of the Home Guard and Civil Defence, representatives from the British Legion, St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Scouts and the Guides. Flag bearing youth groups present included the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps, Girls Training Corps, Boys Brigade, and the Civil Defence Messengers.
Neighbours and friends celebrating
After a short open air service, the parade marched via West Park and Parliament Street to the Municipal Officers in Crescent Gardens, where the Mayor took the salute from a specially constructed platform.
The Mayor’s rousing speech reminded the townspeople of the ordeal they had undergone, and that until Japan had been overcome, the resolve of the people must be continued. He ended his speech with the sincere thanks of the entire Corporation for what the townspeople had achieved through their great sacrifice.
Memorable though the Peace Parade had been, for some of Harrogate’s residents, their most exuberant celebrations were reserved for the town’s many street parties, which involved whole communities.
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North Yorkshire combined authority advertises for £125,000 chief executiveYork and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is advertising for its first chief executive, who will be paid a salary of £124,656.
The organisation, which was launched in February and commands public funding of £540 million over 30 years, is currently led by James Farrar, interim head of paid service.
A notice on the authority’s website advertising the role closes on May 12, with interviews due to take place on June 3.
The role requires the candidate to have “strong commercial skills, business acumen and experience of operating in a business development role”.
The chief executive will also be required to work closely with the newly elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and council leaders from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.
Meanwhile, the combined authority is also advertising for a director of resources, who would be paid a salary of up to £105,000.
David Skaith signing the declaration of acceptance of office with James Farrar, director of economy and interim head of paid service, and Rachel Antonelli, head of legal and interim deputy monitoring officer at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The move comes as David Skaith was sworn in as the new mayor yesterday.
Mr Skaith also signed the declaration of acceptance of office, which formally recognises the mayor’s responsibilities for the police and crime commissioner role.
He said:
“I’m honoured to take on the role of mayor for York and North Yorkshire. I’m looking to bring together York and North Yorkshire as one.
“This new role of mayor, and the combined authority, presents a great deal of opportunities to the region. We can attract new investment, and tackle keys areas such as affordable housing and transport. This is just the start, and I’m looking forward to working with partners, businesses, and communities.”
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Did you know that Neuhaus, now in Harrogate, has an Insiders club?
This story is sponsored by Neuhaus.
An overview of Neuhaus
Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus opened its first shop outside of London on James Street, Harrogate, a few months ago.
The luxury chocolatier that was founded in 1857 is known for inventing Belgian praline and offers a high-end chocolate experience.
Customers can learn about the history of each product in store – find out more about the stories behind Neuhaus here, while you can discover how you can get involved in the Insiders club where you can receive up to 10 free chocolate gifts per year below…
What is Neuhaus Insiders?
As a Neuhaus Insider, customers are the first to sample the latest innovations, limited edition collections and new ranges each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of birthday chocolates.
Neuhaus Insiders are also the first to be invited to exclusive preview events and find out more about its special promotions too.
How do I become a Neuhaus Insider?
All you need to do is sign up in store or online here and you can redeem your gift online or by visiting your local Neuhaus boutique.
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Neuhaus is located at 5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS. To find out more visit the website.
Meet the man behind the Candlelit Beatles concert happening in Harrogate this FridayThe Stray Ferret details everything you need to know about this candlelit event taking place in Harrogate on Friday that has been trending on social media.
It’s set to be an evening of The Beatles’ greatest hits, accompanied by a string quartet, and later joined by the captivating vocals of Alistair Griffin who is the founder of Ignite Concerts. We speak to him ahead of the show…
When did you first know you wanted to become a singer songwriter?
I was always keen on writing and knew I could sing, but it took quite a while for it to become a possible career. The turning point was when I was at university in York when I started busking, playing open mic nights, and performing with other artists.
You’ve performed other candlelit concerts in the past, can you tell me more about these and why this time you decided to perform The Beatles hits?
I created Ignite Concerts just under a year ago. As a performer I’ve seen the music world change a lot, so I started to create and produce my own shows, starting small and growing bigger, culminating in some big shows across Yorkshire and beyond.
Now I’ve got a team and we’ve added the candlelit element. We go to beautiful venues and light them up with 1,000 candles. Of course, great music is always the heart of what we do but we want to create an atmosphere and an experience people remember. So that when they walk in, they feel they’re part of something really special.
We aim to play iconic music in a slightly different way using string players. What’s more iconic than The Beatles? That’s how I learned to play the guitar, strumming Lennon and McCartney classics.
Alistair Griffin, founder of Ignite Concerts
How do you feel performing another artist’s music?
It’s always different than performing my own songs. My own songs have a personal angle. I’ve never had a problem covering other people’s songs and I hope I do them justice.
You can never better the original, but you can give it a new take. Singing The Long and Winding Road with a string quartet behind you is pretty amazing.
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Which Beatles song holds the most significance for you?
There are so many special songs but I think Let It Be was the first Beatles song that really moved me. It has a hymnal uplifting quality that I often look for in a song.
Many moons ago I was on a BBC talent show called Fame Academy and got to sing this song in the final. Remarkably, it was introduced by Paul McCartney himself. A surreal moment.
How many candles do you have in the church and how do they add to the atmosphere?
We have 1,000 candles. Now, you might be thinking how does it pass health and safety rules, but they are all LED candles. But don’t let this put you off, when the light goes down people often don’t realise the difference. It is a remarkable sight and creates an amazing effect and a unique atmosphere.
How does the orchestra add to the songs?
The string quartet really takes the songs to a different place. They can be so dynamic taking you from an intimate sound to a much bigger anthemic sound. And just hearing some of the songs played instrumentally without the words allows the audience to fill in the rest for themselves. You can sing if you want to or just take it in and listen.
You live in York, do you come over to Harrogate often?
I have friends in Harrogate so get over quite a bit. I like to go for a pint in The Old Bell.
If you weren’t a singer-songwriter, which career avenue would you go down?
Well, I’ve always said the best job I ever had was being the milkman in the village of Staithes. But as far as another career I would have loved to have worked in sport.
From £25, doors open at 7pm, concert is 7.30pm-9.30pm, May 10, Christ Church, High Harrogate, HG1 4SW.
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Business Q&A: Tim Brown, Brown TroutThis week, we spoke to Tim Brown, owner of Brown Trout on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.
We’re a fly-fishing emporium and country clothing outdoor specialist shop. We also do quite a lot of destination fly-fishing trips. I’ve just come back from a month on the River Spey in Scotland.
What does it take to be successful in business?
In my business you’ve got to have a complete passion for what you do. Hopefully, that comes through the instant you walk in the door.
So long as you’re honest and sell well and you’re competitive, you should be fine.
Brown Trout is one of the longest-established and most recognisable shops on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
It’s a passion. This is definitely not work!
What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?
I think the increase in mortgage rates has put a little bit of a damper on people’s spending. On the other hand, all the wet weather we’ve been having has meant I’ve sold lot of wellies! You’ll never have the perfect trading year.
Which other local firms do you most admire, and why?
Jeremy [Beaumont] at Rhodes Wood at the bottom of Parliament Street has had a wonderful business for many years – centred on himself, of course. When people come out of the convention centre and see all the takeaways, it’s one business that really represents Harrogate.
Ben at Ogdens, the jewellers on James Street, has done very well too. To keep a family business going for that long is remarkable.
Who are the most inspiring local leaders?
Anybody who volunteers their spare time to get kids into sport.
Tim Brown also runs fly-fishing trips to some of the best salmon rivers in Scotland.
What could be done locally to boost business?
Get the traffic and parking sorted out in Harrogate. We need somebody who knows what they’re doing to get to grips with it. Bring back disc parking!
Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?
The hospitality businesses in Harrogate do a very good job of making sure that we get an awful lot of visitors here. It amazes me how far people come – I’ve just served a gentleman from the United States. This is a conference town, and a lot of people explore beyond their hotel and find me here – I do very well out of it.
The worst thing is that the traffic is pretty grim, but I do appreciate that it’s pretty bad in most towns.
What are your business plans for the future?
To keep going. As you get older, you realise how fragile life is. Health and happiness are the most important things, so you’ve got to make sure you do something you enjoy.
What do you like to do in your time off?
Fly-fishing. Close to home, on the Nidd, Wharfe or Ure, which are both good for trout, or further afield, the Wear for sea trout and salmon.
Best place to eat and drink locally?
William & Victoria’s – it’s an institution. David [Straker, the owner] does a great job.
This is the latest in a regular series of weekly Business Q&A features. If you’d like to suggest someone in business in the Harrogate district for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
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