Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 207 of 1038

Picket line in Harrogate as trains and hospital hit by strikes

A picket line was in operation outside Harrogate railway station today as the district was hit by another day of strikes to key services.

Members of train drivers’ union Aslef picketed on Station Parade from 8am to noon in what was their 14th wave of industrial action since June last year.

No trains operated on the Harrogate and Knaresborough line and rail operator Northern has warned of further disruption tomorrow and Friday. Passengers are advised to check before they travel as there may be some short notice cancellations.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said there had been no further talks with the government or rail firms since the union rejected a “risible” pay offer in April.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We hope to see a resolution to this issue in the near future and an end to the disruption these strikes cause.”

A three-day strike by junior doctors and consultants at Harrogate District Hospital is due to end at 7am tomorrow.

The British Medical Association said the strike over pay had resulted in ‘Christmas Day’ cover, meaning emergency care had been staffed but only minimal cover had been provided elsewhere.

Councillors defer decision on Hampsthwaite garage expansion

Councillors have deferred making a decision on whether to allow a new MOT and servicing building at a garage near Hampsthwaite.

North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee met yesterday afternoon to consider the application by Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre, which has operated at Graystone Plain Lane off the A59 for 30 years.

But despite the scheme being recommended for refusal by a planning officer because of its impact on the open countryside, councillors agreed the expansion would help support a long-running local business and boost the rural economy.

Ripon independent councillor Andrew Williams said the Nidderdale AONB should be a place for people to live and work and “not a museum for townies to visit on a weekend”.

However, before a final decision is made councillors asked for more details to be submitted around planting, drainage and renewable energy.

The current garage is located within the Nidderdale AONB, which has strict planning laws. The proposed new building, which would house two MOT bays and five servicing bays, sits on land just outside of the AONB.

A previous plan for a larger building was refused by officers in January but Nathan Hull, committee chair and Conservative councillor for Washburn and Birstwith, said there was a local need for the garage in the area.

The plans have received 55 messages of support and just one objection.

A visual of the planned new garage.

Cllr Hull said:

“My understanding is there’s a need for this garage and they’ve outgrown the site.

“Some proposals are great, such as having a study area for apprenticeships. There’s not a moratorium on any development within the AONB. People who live in the AONB have a need for employment and access to services”.

Mr Graeme told councillors the new building would future-proof his family business and allow it to service and repair electric vehicles. He said he has an ambition to create the first “green garage” in North Yorkshire.

Mr Graeme said:

“Location is the most important part. We’ve been there 30 years and proved that the service is very-much needed in the rural area. We provide jobs for local people which helps to support the rural economy. Opportunities will increase with our expansion”.

Councillors unanimously voted to defer the application pending more details on drainage, planting, solar panels and type of materials used.

Metal fencing to remain indefinitely in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

Metal fencing looks set to remain outside a Harrogate town centre attraction indefinitely.

The fencing was erected across the entrance of the pavilion in Crescent Gardens on Friday last week to block a group of rough sleepers.

The group had occupied the pavilion for two weeks and returned twice after being dispersed.

The fencing has now been in place for five days and nearby residents, who complained of anti-social behaviour during the encampment, are keen to know what long-term measures are being taken to deal with the situation.

There are also concerns about how long the pavilion will be out of bounds from the public as well as the fencing creating an eyesore in the middle of Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council, which worked with North Yorkshire Police to disperse the encampment, how long the fencing was expected to remain in place.

A council spokesperson did not give a date but said:

“The fencing was put in place as a temporary measure in response to the issues. Any decision to remove the fencing will be made in partnership with all agencies working on this matter.”

The spokesperson said no legal powers were used to move on the rough sleepers, who had turned down offers of accommodation.

They added:

“We followed our unauthorised camper procedure, and following discussions with those in situ they voluntarily cleared the site and moved location.”

Asked what other measures it was taking, besides the fencing, to deal with the situation, the spokesperson said:

“There is a multi-agency approach to this with regular meetings – the situation is being monitored.”

MPs Watch: Climate change, NHS dentists and Harrogate Station Gateway saga

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a major shift in the government’s climate policies, including delaying the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars.

Meanwhile, in Harrogate, the saga over the Station Gateway project continued with council officials announcing the authority would explore alternative options for the scheme.

We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Keir Mather if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

On September 1, Mr Jones attended a Harrogate war memorial centenary event.
Mr Jones met with Alzheimer’s Research UK in Parliament on September 6.
On September 8, he met with North Yorkshire and Humber Integrated Care Board, alongside regional MPs, to discuss NHS dentistry.
Mr Jones then raised the issue of NHS dentistry access in Harrogate during Prime Minister’s Question Time on September 13.
On September 14, he raised a question to the Department for Business and Trade regarding support for companies exporting and asked the Leader of the House for a debate on SEND funding.
He chaired a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport across the North.
Mr Jones described the Prime Minister’s announcement of a shift in climate policy as “practical and pragmatic” on September 21.
Mr Jones visited the refurbished Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre on September 22.
On September 25, he met with constituents to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns at the former Kimberley Hotel.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on September 26 that he hoped North Yorkshire Council will use money earmarked for the £11.2m Station Gateway to create a more welcoming space in Harrogate.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for September.

They included holding constituency surgeries, supporting Nidd Action Group’s Action Day at the Lido Leisure Park in Knaresborough and holding a roundtable with Harrogate-based cyclists to discuss local cycling infrastructure.

Others included meeting with representatives of the Women’s Institute to support their Clean Rivers campaign, meeting the Jewish Leadership Council, Food and Drink Federation and Macmillan Cancer Support and visiting the site of the local mental health crisis line to learn more about how calls are handled by TEWV NHS Foundation Trust.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith spoke three times in the House of Commons in September, two contributions were on Northern Ireland and another on paediatric acute-onset neuro- psychiatric syndrome.
He visited Fountains Abbey near Ripon to be given an update on its plans to renovate the site.
Mr Smith tweeted 14 times in September, which included to posts to promote various government grants and initiatives.
He updated his website six times in September, which included one item specific to Ripon.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Mather:

Mr Mather was sworn in as the new MP for Selby and Ainsty on September 4.
He made 20 written questions to government departments in September, including topics such as access to GPs, anti-social behaviour and gender based violence.
On September 1, Mr Mather tweeted that he met the chief executive of Yorkshire Housing, Nick Atkin, to discuss “how to win the race to net zero in North Yorkshire by investing in affordable and sustainable housing for all”.
Mr Mather tweeted six times in September, which included topics such as meeting with the National Farmers’ Union and being sworn into parliament.
He updated his Facebook page 11 times in September. Posts included SEND provision in Selby and sharing concerns over RAAC in schools.
Mr Mather has yet to give his maiden speech in the House of Commons.

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 10 am.

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Knaresborough company has completed the acquisition of a local financial firm.

Prosperis, which is based at St James’ Business Park, has acquired fellow Knaresborough business RMB Financial Management Ltd.

Niall Gunn, chief executive at Prosperis, said the move will help to benefit its clients.

He said:

“We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business and, in doing so, allows us to continue to provide clients an excellent professional level of service for the foreseeable future.

“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will benefit greatly all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the north-east as we continue with our growth plans.”

Paul Meehan, chairman at Prosperis, added:

“These are exciting times for the whole Prosperis team and we remain very acquisitive.

“The purchase of the RMB business sets us up nicely as we now move to the next phase of the strategy to buy more firms. We expect to complete on another deal before the end of the year in addition to some additional senior hires.”

Former Harrogate bank building goes on the market

A former bank building in Harrogate has been placed on the market for offers over £1 million.

No7 Cambridge Crescent is a landmark listed building, which covers 6,000 square feet in the town centre.

No7 Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate.

Cambridge Crescent was built in 1867-8 by George Dawson to a design of J H Hirst of Bristol featuring enriched Flemish Renaissance frontage with the former banking premises suitable for retail, office and residential uses.

The property has been stripped out for ease of development with the ground floor former banking hall now open plan and a lower ground floor, previously the secure storage area, has had the safe removed.

Tim Waring, prime property at GSC Grays which is marketing the building, said:

“This is a unique opportunity to purchase a charming building in a fantastic central location in the famous spa town of Harrogate with potential for various development options.”

New cafe opens on Starbeck High Street

A brand new cafe has opened in Starbeck.

Susie June’s Cafe, which is based at 67F High Street, opened its doors yesterday.

The new venture was founded by local business partners Simone MacDermid and Charlotte Currie.

They acquired the site, which was the former Millers Cafe, in July.

The pair, who both worked in the hospitality industry, launched the venture with the aim to create a “community feel”. The name comes from the first names of both owners’ mothers.

Ms MacDermid told the Stray Ferret:

“We’re both local girls.

“Everyone knows that we are here to provide for everyone’s needs. We have had local people in and use local produce.”

She added that the pair had help from friends and family to get the venture off the ground.

The cafe offers traditional breakfast, hot sandwiches, soups, cakes and pastries.

It is open six days a week from 7am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Susie June’s becomes the latest hospitality venue to open in Starbeck this year.

In April, The Office Ale House bar opened on High Street.

Meanwhile, Chilli Chicks chicken restaurant and takeaway opened in July.

Yorkshire Water investment plan ‘utterly scandalous’, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough have described a plan by Yorkshire Water to increase bills to invest in infrastructure as “utterly scandalous”.

The company submitted the £7.8 billion proposal to Ofwat yesterday as part of investment plans for 2025 to 2030.

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said people would be “rightly outraged” if the plan were approved.

However, Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for the constituency, said the proposal was a step up for Yorkshire Water which would help to “strengthen” plans for a bathing water application for the River Nidd.

The company’s plan includes £3.1 billion to improve resilience in the water network, £4.3 billion to protect river and coastal water quality and investment in customer service and financial support for customers.

However, it would mean average bills would rise from £438.12 in 2024/25 (£36.51 per month) to £518.76 in 2025/26 (£43.23 per month) with increases each year thereafter.

Mr Gordon said he had joined calls for Ofwat to ensure that money is spent to fix and upgrade the water network.

He said:

“It is utterly scandalous that customers are going to be expected to cover the costs of these upgrades. Yearly water bills are going to rise by nearly 20% under these proposals. It is a slap in the face to our community that we are expected to pay for the years of underinvestment in water company infrastructure that has led to this sewage scandal.

“To add insult to injury, in recent years, Yorkshire Water executives have taken home million in bonuses. That money should have been invested in upgrading their ageing infrastructure instead.

“I am happy to join the calls of the Liberal Democrats, who today wrote to the government and Ofwat asking that they step in to ensure that this money is spent on fixing leaky pipes and stopping sewage discharges rather than lining the pocket of water company execs.

“People in Harrogate and Knaresborough will be rightly outraged if they are made to pay the price for this sewage scandal, while water company bosses continue to trouser huge bonuses.”

River Nidd bathing water status

However, Mr Jones said the move would help to strengthen plans to submit a bathing water application for the River Nidd.

The move would oblige organisations such as the Environment Agency to take action to clean the Nidd, amid concerns about high sewage levels and bathers falling ill at Knaresborough Lido.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Mr Jones added that, while bills would increase if approved, the plan also included measures to support “less well-off customers”.

He said:

“This proposal put to Ofwat looks to be a real step up from Yorkshire Water when it comes to water quality and I welcome that. Investing nearly £4.3 billion in environmental initiatives as part of a 7.8 billion plan is a significant commitment. It recognises the scale of the task and the proposals will strengthen the bathing water quality application for the Nidd in Knaresborough which is being put together right now.

“None of us like seeing bills increase which is why I was pleased to see the support package put in place for less well-off customers and the commitment from shareholders to support the plan financially.

“We need Yorkshire Water to lead the way with critical new and upgraded infrastructure to waste treatment plants, water storage facilities and storm overflows. Alongside this they need to provide better and more impactful information about how people should dispose of sanitary products, items containing microplastics and kitchen waste so that they don’t get to the sewerage system and our waterways. We should also look at how we can reduce the effect rainwater run-off from agricultural land has on our rivers.

“The approach should be to tackle the water quality issue positively from every angle and this investment should enable Yorkshire Water to do that.”

Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, said the plans were the company’s largest ever investment into the network.

She said:

“This submission marks our largest ever environmental investment and illustrates our commitment to deliver what our customers expect. The programme will protect and improve the quality of water in rivers and at coasts, leading to cleaner, safer water environments that support recreation and biodiversity across the region.”

Celebrations mark Rossett School’s 50th anniversary

Rossett School‘s first headteacher and former pupil Rachel Daly featured in celebrations to mark the Harrogate school’s 50th anniversary.

Jack Kennerley, who is now 87, sent a video message of congratulations that was played during a whole school assembly at which two other former headteachers, John Whittle and Pat Hunter, were among the special guests.

Mr Kennerley attended later in the day to plant a commemorative tree.

He recalled how Rossett had been due to launch at the start of the school year, but he had refused to open because there were no blackboards, chairs or tables. The first day eventually took place on September 24, 1973.

Mr Kennerley plants a commemorative tree.

England footballer Rachel Daly, who left Rossett in 2010, also sent a video message of congratulations. She will be visiting in person on Thursday to unveil the 3G sports pitches renamed in her honour.

The day of celebration and reminiscences, which took place on Thursday last week, also included a retro lunch of chicken in a basket and 1970s fancy dress.

About 150 former pupils attended a party for former students and staff that rounded off the celebrations.

Current headteacher Tim Milburn, himself a former Rossett student, said:

“The whole day was really special and it was wonderful to welcome so many people back to Rossett and to hear so many fantastic memories.

“There was such a fondness and appreciation for the school and its many inspirational staff and students.”

“There was a delightful atmosphere at the party, with lots of memories being shared and connections made. It was also lovely for me to see some of the teachers I remember from my time at Rossett.”

Rossett recently joined the Red Kite Learning Trust.

Missing Harrogate girl found

Police are searching for a missing Harrogate teenager have confirmed she has been found.

The 13-year-old was reported missing yesterday.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this morning that she has been found safe and well.

Inquest opens into 15-year-old girl killed in A61 crash at South Stainley

An inquest opened this morning into the death of a 15-year-old girl who was killed in a crash on the A61 between Harrogate and Ripon.

Anastasia Bartienieva died following a three-vehicle collision that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road at South Stainley on September 3.

Her step-mother, Daria Bartienieva, 35, and her younger brother, Ihor Bartienieva, 6, also died as a result of the crash.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

An inquest into the death of Anastasia was opened at a hearing in Northallerton this morning.

The court heard the teenager was a front seat passenger in a car involved in the collision. A provisional cause of death was given as multiple injuries due to blunt force trauma.

The inquest was adjourned to a full hearing at a later date.

Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, opened inquests for Daria and Ihor in Northallerton on September 25.

Mr Heath said both were killed as a result of a road traffic collision. The provisional cause of death was given as multiple injuries due to blunt force trauma.

Holy Trinity School paid tribute to former pupil Ihor after the collision.

A fundraiser set up for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the incident, raised £48,000.

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Former Harrogate bank building goes on the market

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River Nidd bathing water status

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