18-month Harrogate road closure to end

A Harrogate road that has been closed to traffic for 18 months will reopen in less than two weeks.

Vehicles have been blocked from crossing the bridge where Kingsley Road meets Bogs Lane since November 2022.

By law, temporary road closures can only last for a maximum of 18 months, which means the route, off the busy A59 Knaresborough Road, will reopen on May 6.

North Yorkshire Council considered permanently closing the road — a move welcomed at the time by the local councillor who said it would end the “Kingsley rat run”.

But this option is no longer being pursued.

Barrie Mason, the council’s assistant director for highways and transport, said:

“The temporary closure of Kingsley Road and Bogs Lane will come to an end on Monday, May 6, once the resurfacing is completed and traffic signals go live.

“We will not be progressing the permanent road closure as part of the developer-funded works.”

The decision to reopen the road means it will once again be an alternative for emergency vehicles when the level crossing barriers are down at Starbeck on the A59.

A 12-month temporary prohibition of traffic order was issued from November 7, 2022, to enable developer Redrow to carry out work at its 133-home Kingsley Manor development.

North Yorkshire Council extended the order by six months in November last year to enable Barratt Homes, which built the nearby Kingsley Meadows development, to construct a footway along Bogs Lane to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Mr Mason said:

“The construction of a footway on Bogs Lane will conclude current developer obligations. This is due to be completed for the road reopening, subject to weather conditions.”

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Head to Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Harrogate Spring Flower Show is back and is taking place this week from Thursday to Sunday. It is one of the most popular events in the area, attracting up to 90,000 visitors each year.

Get garden inspiration aplenty thanks to plant and floral nursery displays, gardens designs, talks and demonstrations. There will also be stalls selling everything you could possibly need to make your garden the sanctuary you’d like it to be – the perfect inspiration as we (hopefully and eventually) head into warmer climes.

From £25, 9.30am-5pm, April 25-28, Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ.

Listen to live music at Three’s A Crowd

Elena May

Listen to the laid-back music of Elena May as you drink or dine at Three’s A Crowd this Friday. Or on Sunday enjoy a roast until 7pm all to the background of self-accompanied piano vocalist Beth Ibbotson, who will be playing a range of feel-good favourites.

Elena May, 8pm until late, April 26; Beth Ibbotson, 6pm-9pm, April 28. 11 West Park, HG1 1BL.

Beth Ibbotson

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Go to a personal styling event

Are you unsure of what to wear or what suits you and looking for new clothes? Then head to local personal stylist Anna Mewes, who is hosting an evening of styling and shopping and will be taking clients through the hottest trends for spring and summer.

This will be followed by a chance to shop the Mint Velvet collection in store with a glass of bubbles in hand.

£20, 6.30-8.30pm, April 25, Mint Velvet, 29-31 James Street, HG1 1QY.

Attend a local wine fair

Local independent wine merchants Ake & Humphris is putting on its annual spring wine fair this Sunday.

Simply pick up a tasting glass on arrival and work your way round the table where you can sample more than 50 styles that include floral whites, new champagnes, decadent reds, fruity rosés and natural wines, as well as spirits.

These include wines from new origins including Slovenia and Bulgaria, new grape varieties such as Zelen and Zibibbo, plus some prestigious bottlings by wineries including Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs and Elderton Estate from Barrossa, Australia, not forgetting spirits from local distillers, Noble Spring.

£25, 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm, April 28, Balcony Sports Bar, Harrogate Cricket Ground, Saint George’s Road, HG2 9BP. Places are limited so visit the website to reserve your space. For over 18s only.

Go to a duo of choral concerts

Voces Seraphorum choir

Formed in 2015, chamber choir Voces Seraphorum performs regular concerts at cathedrals and churches. Singing in a variety of styles, this Saturday they will perform well-known choral masterpieces alongside some lesser-known songs all to the background of brass band Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band at St James Church Birstwith on Saturday.

They will also be performing at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw on Sunday but without the brass band.

From £12, 7pm, April 27, St James Church Birstwith, Lackon Bank, HG3 2NG. £10 per adult (children are free), 4pm, April 28, at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw, 4 Otley Road, Beckwithshaw, HG3 1QW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Business Q&A: Jack Schofield, Atlas Helicopters

This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly.

This week we spoke to Jack Schofield, managing director of Atlas Helicopters in Harrogate.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does. 

Atlas Helicopters provides private helicopter charter in the UK and near continent. We buy and sell aircraft and offer private management services for helicopter owners, so we can guide you through the buying process and then take care of your helicopter for you. We can also put your helicopter on our charter fleet to help you offset the running costs.

What does it require to be successful in business? 

You need determination and a great team of people around you to make sure everything runs well – that’s crucial.

Our business is definitely not nine-to-five, so we put a lot of time and effort into being available 24/7.

Having said all that, I’ve never really thought of myself as a businessman. I was a pilot and ended up running the business and spending more time in the office than in the air.

What drives you to do what you do every day? 

I enjoy getting involved with all aspects of the business. As a pilot, I like making sure customers get everything they need, and I also work with the operations team and spend time training pilots.

It can be hectic – we often have lots of people all wanting to fly on the same day, so it can be a logistical nightmare, but we work well together and that gives me a strong sense of satisfaction.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months? 

All aircraft have to be fully serviced every 50 hours of flying time, and parts get replaced all the time. But recently, getting hold of spare parts for aircraft has been very tricky.

We’ve just had to spend a lot of time tracking down a spare part for a helicopter that would have grounded it, had we not been able to find one. The helicopter company, Leonardo in Italy, had said it would take a year to get the part to us – it’s hard to understand why – so we had to source one by other means, otherwise it would have caused chaos in the fleet.

Getting spare parts has definitely been a lot worse this year, possibly as a knock-on effect of the global microchip shortage.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why? 

We work closely with a company in Harrogate called MEC Chauffeurs. It’s a similar company to ours, but with cars rather then helicopters. If our customers need cars to get them to their final destination, we use them. It’s only been around for a year, but it’s a top service.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders? 

Sorry – I’ve got nothing on that one!

What could be done locally to boost business? 

It’s a good question, but I don’t have an answer to that either. There’s a lot of demand for helicopter charter, so business is good for us.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate? 

We’ve got helicopters all around the country, so we could be based anywhere. We’re based in Harrogate because it’s where I live. I’ve lived here all my life and it’s a lovely place to live and work.

The worst thing is probably the cost of living here.

What are your business plans for the future? 

We started last year with three aircraft and now have seven, so we’re growing.

Demand is slowly increasing to be driven around in larger aircraft, so we’re looking to get one. At the moment, we tend to fly small, light two-seaters, but we’re now looking to add a bigger aircraft to the fleet that can seat nine or 10 people.

We’re always looking to get new aircraft on the books and grow our charter business.

What do you like to do in your time off? 

I don’t have a huge amount of spare days, but when I have the time I like to go to the gym. I try to go every day.

I come from a family of six siblings and we all live in Harrogate. We’re quite close, so when I have a day off I like to meet up with them for walks (we all have dogs), or maybe to watch the rugby at the weekends.

Best place to eat and drink locally? 

My favourite pub is Three’s A Crowd on West Park. It’s got a nice atmosphere and on sunny days it’s nice to sit in the big windows, or outside on the pavement when it’s really warm.

My favourite restaurant is Pranzo on Cold Bath Road. I love the pasta there – it’s so good!

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Police seek man after Harrogate supermarket fraud

North Yorkshire Police has issued a CCTV image of a man it wants to speak to about fraud at a Harrogate supermarket.

The force said today the incident related to a fraudulent exchange of cash.

It happened at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Harrogate in February this year. No further details have been revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“We believe he will have information that could assist our investigation. If you can help to identify the man in the image, please contact us via email at IET@northyorkshire.police.uk.”

To pass on information quote reference 12240045890 and call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

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Harrogate primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Harrogate has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

The school was inspected in March and the newly released report said St Peter’s is “a welcoming and friendly school” where children are taught “an ambitious curriculum” and “‘enjoy their learning and achieve well”.

Inspectors noted the adaptation of lessons to provide effective support for all children including those with additional needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

They added children “talk with maturity about a range of issues”, “show empathy and care for each other” and that there is, “a range of opportunities for children to develop their talents and interests”.

Paul Griffiths, headteacher at St Peter’s CE Primary School, said;

“It is privilege to lead a wonderful team of dedicated and hardworking professionals who work tirelessly to provide the very best for children and their families.

“I am immensely grateful to the whole staff team for all they do. As a school we are very fortunate to have a hugely supportive parent body and wonderful children who help to make St Peter’s a very special place. We look forward to building on the many positives from the recent inspection to continue to improve our facilities and provision for the benefit of all.”

Paul Griffiths St Peter’s head teacher

The school is part of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, founded in 2015 the company covers nine schools in Harrogate and Craven.

Jane Goodwin, CEO at Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, said:

“This Ofsted outcome is welcomed by the School and the Trust as a representation of the fantastic School that St Peter’s is. As a happy and caring environment where everyone works hard together, all children enjoy and benefit from the quality of learning and wider experiences that staff create for them.

“St Peter’s is a shining example of a Yorkshire Causeway school, and I am hugely proud of their achievements.”

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Harrogate BID to provide grants to upgrade storefronts

Harrogate Business Improvement District has announced it will provide grants to support businesses in making improvements to shop fronts and accessibility.

Each year, the BID provides the match funding to levy paying businesses for support with improvement work.

The organisation will provide match funding up to £750 towards these improvement works. All members within the Harrogate BID area are eligible to apply for the grant which is available on a first come first served basis.

The aim is to offer investment into repairs and redecorations of business entrances and streets as well as the refurbishment or replacement of graphics and signage to improve the appearance of the town.

The funding will also go towards making Harrogate businesses more accessible. The grants will provide improvements including the installation of ramps, handrails, and automatic doors.

The BID said the funding “helps to create a great first impression for any visitors to the town and allows residents and business owners in Harrogate to take pride in their town”.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“Harrogate is always championed as the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown, and we know that first impressions really do count. This is why we are proud to once again launch the Shop Front Match Funding Grant to support our members and this worthy representation.”

Businesses wishing to submit a request for a grant should email info@harrogatebid.co.uk with a short description of the proposed work, any equipment needed, the expected completion date and any quotations or proposals.

Further details on the terms and conditions of the grants can be found on the Harrogate BID website.

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Harrogate clothes shop closes for refurbishment

A prominent James Street store has closed to undergo refurbishment.

The unit at 20-22 James Street houses two shops, Monsoon, with the James Street entrance and sister shop, Accessorize with the Marketplace store front.

Monsoon & Accessorize is currently closed, but the Stray Ferret understands the store is due to reopen after a refit.

The store is listed as permanently closed on Google, which raised confusion around the shop returning.

The Stray Ferret contacted the company for confirmation but Monsoon Accessorize declined to comment, stating that commenting on shop openings and closures is against company policy.

The women’s fashion retailer currently has notices displayed in both windows, which say “sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever” and “be right back”.

It comes as the company submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council for new signage this year.

London based Adena Services Ltd applied for a ‘halo lit fascia signage to existing retail unit’. The new signage is proposed to be coral, gold and illuminated.

Proposed shop front

The unit is the second shop on James Street to have closed for refit and later appear on Commercial Rightmove in recent weeks.

The Rightmove listing describes the site as:

“Available on a new full repairing and insuring lease for a term of years to be agreed in multiples of 5 with 5 yearly upward only rent reviews.”

The closed sign currently displayed in Monsoon’s window

The company behind Monsoon Accessorize was founded in the 1970s but went into administration in 2020 due to trading issues during the pandemic and closed multiple stores across the country.

The Harrogate store survived the closures after company founder Peter Simon brought Monsoon Accessorize out of administration.

Accessorize storefront Harrogate

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Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale

Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale. The renowned event in Harrogate that this year has up to 80 per cent off its clothing, including its popular leggings and workout gear, is so popular that it has had to be ticketed.

Taking place next week at Pavilions of Harrogate from Tuesday April 30 to Thursday May 2, stock will be replenished throughout the three days.

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Shoppers will have a one-hour time slot to select their garments on and try them on in the communal changing rooms before taking them to the checkout.

Tickets cost £5 to get in, with all the proceeds from them being donated to the Sweaty Betty Foundation.

Times are 10am-7pm Tuesday April 30, 10am-6pm Wednesday 1 May and 10am-3pm on Thursday May 2. To find out more and to book, click here.

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Cold Bath Road restaurant asks for outdoor seating until 11pm

La Feria in Harrogate has asked North Yorkshire Council for permission to allow outdoor seating until 11pm between April and September.

The restaurant offers Spanish cuisine from the Andalusia region and opened on Cold Bath Road in 2016 after moving from a smaller premises on Royal Parade.

La Feria, which is the trading name of Whaddya Know? Ltd, had a temporary licence for outdoor seating until 11pm last summer which owner Jeremy Verity would now like to make permanent.

Currently, customers are allowed to sit outside until 9pm.

The building was previously a pub for many years and was known as the Old Tradition, the Honest Lawyer and the Iron Duke.

Councillors on the licensing sub-committee will meet on Friday in Harrogate to consider the application.

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The application has received three objections from residents living near the restaurant who all say it should be refused due to noise.

One person said:

 “We have a young family and it is important that we are able to live in a peaceful residential environment. If the restaurant was operating as they intended with their new application, we would not have purchased this house. It will significantly impact our peace and quiet and the ability of our young child to sleep.”

Mr Verity wrote in the application: 

“We are currently permitted to use the terraced area in front of the restaurant until 21.00 because of an environmental protection condition on our license which prohibits us from using the terrace between 21.00 – 11.00. We would like to remove this condition to be able to use the terrace until 23.00 from Monday to Saturday.

“Realistically, this will only be during the summer months, from April to September, during the lighter evenings. We have successfully operated the terrace area in previous summers until 23.00 through the use of Temporary Event Notices (TENS) and would now like to formalise this activity if possible.”

The meeting will take place at 2pm on Friday at Harrogate’s Civic Centre. It will be streamed live on YouTube.

New pilates studio to open in Harrogate next week

The latest addition to Harrogate’s fitness and wellbeing scene will open next week.

Harrogate Pilates Studio, based on Claro Court Business Centre, will offer a range of pilates classes, including reformer, matt, stretch bar and yoga.

Owner Emma Ryder, 26, has spent her life dancing. She began aged three and went on to become a professional dancer.

Despite finding work on cruise ships and on TV, she told the Stray Ferret it was lockdown that pushed her to find her true passion: pilates.

She said:

“I spent lockdown doing my matt pilates qualification and have been teaching it since 2021. It was then that I had a moment of ‘wow, this is what I really love’.

“I love it because I can apply a lot of my dance knowledge into my work.”

The reformer machines.

The former Harrogate Grammar School pupil then completed her reformer pilates training in 2022 and has since taught in local gyms and to private clients.

She said it is thanks to growing up in Harrogate that she has managed to build a client base here, adding several clients would “always suggest” opening her own studio.

Ms Ryder told the Stray Ferret she wants to deliver a smaller, more personal service in Harrogate and create a “community”, rather than a “come to the studio and leave environment”.

She added:

“In places like London, there can be just inches between the matts or reformer machines. It’s much more personal here.

“I wanted to create a space in which I can interact with all the people in the room – it’s a high-end service and the space and session should reflect that.

“I’d love it to be the kind of place where you end up knowing the person on the reformer machine next to you!”

Harrogate Pilates Studio boasts six reformer pilates machines, each costing £3,000, as well as eight matt spaces.

Ms Ryder will teach classes along with three other freelance teachers.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“In my opinion, everyone should do pilates. It’s so good for posture, for strength and endurance – everything!

“This studio is also a great place to start if you’re new to it because it’s such small groups and you won’t feel like you’re getting lost. It’s an inclusive space, which is exactly what I hoped for because I know reformer can look scary at first.”

Ms Ryder added she is feeling “nervous but excited and optimistic” about the opening.

All equipment is available to use at the studio, Ms Ryder said, adding people do not have to bring their own matts but can if they would like.

Drop-in reformer sessions cost £20, while drop-in matt sessions cost £10.

A matt membership, which offers unlimited matt classes, will set people back £65 per month, and a monthly reformer membership costs between £65 and £110 dependent on the number of sessions.

Harrogate Pilates Studio will open its door on Wednesday, May 1. Classes will be held throughout the day from Monday to Thursday and Saturdays.

It is based in Unit 5 on the business park, next to Doors Direct. Bookings are now open.

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