Harrogate hospital ‘crumbly concrete’ to cost £20m to eradicate

Health officials have estimated it will cost £20 million to eradicate “crumbly concrete” from Harrogate District Hospital.

RAAC, which stands for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is a lightweight material that is less durable than traditional concrete and has a life expectancy of just 30 years before it runs the risk of collapse.

The first section of Harrogate District Hospital was built in 1975 during a period when RAAC was used in the construction of public buildings.

A report about the material at the Lancaster Park Road hospital was discussed at a meeting of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s board yesterday at the Crown Plaza hotel.

The report said a full survey of the estate by engineers WSP found 2,500 RAAC panels. It added that remedial works have been completed on 12 “high-risk” panels with some theatres and corridors in the hospital made safe with props.

The report said there will be an annual survey of all RAAC panels and a roof with the concrete will be replaced.  

It said there may also be further propping of panels that are in danger of collapsing.

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To eradicate RAAC from the site, the trust has bid for £20m of funding to NHS England, which includes relocating demolishing and rebuilding a therapy services building.

Whilst there is RAAC present at Harrogate hospital, it is not as prevalent as in other hospitals in Yorkshire such as Airedale in the Bradford district. In May, the government announced it will be completely rebuilt due to RAAC.

Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s, addressed RAAC in a statement.

He said: 

“There has been a flurry of activity in respect of the management of estate where there is RAAC present. This followed the concerns raised at the end of last month across the education system.

“To be fair, the NHS has been very aware of this issue and risks are being managed, but there is now greater concern and the threshold for risk is being challenged.

“As the board will be aware, we do have some RAAC across the HDH site that we survey regularly, manage, and have a plan for gradual replacement. As part of our capital plans, including our new theatre build, we are reviewing and assessing the potential to tackle this issue more quickly.”

Harrogate Restaurant Week returns to offer discount dining

Restaurants across the Harrogate district will be offering discount deals next month, when Visit Harrogate Restaurant Week returns. 

The week-long event runs from Monday, October 9, to Sunday, October 15, and will see at least 15 participating restaurants and food outlets offer set-price dining deals for £10, £15, £20 and £30. Big names taking part include Bettys, The Ivy, Hotel du Vin and the Clocktower Brasserie at Rudding Park.

This October’s Restaurant Week runs for longer than last year’s inaugural event, and incorporates Sunday, October 15, to capture the weekend visitor footfall and coincide with the Harrogate Music Weekender organised by Harrogate BID. 

The weekend of October 13-15 will see live performances, street entertainers and special offers driving further footfall to Harrogate’s town centre hospitality venues. 

Harrogate BID is supporting the week-long event by providing free parking in the Jubilee Car Park in Harrogate from 4pm daily until it closes. 

The purpose of Restaurant Week, which is organised by Destination Harrogate, is twofold. Pre-fixed prices help diners to plan what to spend in advance, encouraging them to discover new places to eat.

It also offers businesses in the food and hospitality industry an opportunity to raise their profile. Following the first Restaurant Week in February, many participating businesses reported an increase in bookings and in footfall for the week – while also showing interest for a follow-up event later in the year. 

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Helen Suckling, partnership and commercial manager for Destination Harrogate, said:  

“The feedback we received from February’s event was very positive and, in extending the time that diners are given to enjoy Restaurant Week, we’re also extending the opportunity to boost business for our food and hospitality trade at a traditionally quieter time of the year.” 

Customers can take advantage of the lower priced menus and food deals by visiting participating restaurants, cafés and food outlets and quoting the offer. 

Gemma Rio, head of Destination Harrogate, said:  

“Excellent food and drink is one of the Harrogate area’s tourism strengths and, through Restaurant Week, we’re showcasing the diversity of our dining offer. 

“Restaurant Week also supports our commitment to sustainable tourism. In finding new ways to attract visitors and spread footfall across the whole year, we’re offering new opportunities to our local businesses, along with great deals to our visitors and residents alike.”  

Businesses can sign up to the initiative via the Destination Harrogate website.  

For information on menu offers and the dates on which they are available, see the Visit Harrogate website. 

Visit Harrogate is the official tourism website for the Harrogate area of North Yorkshire. It is operated by Destination Harrogate, which is part of North Yorkshire Council.  

Two arrested after police pursuit near Harrogate

Two people have been arrested after a police pursuit near Harrogate.

Officers said they received a call at 2.15am this morning to reports of a quad bike which was travelling at close proximity with a car. The quad had two people on, who were riding without helmets.

North Yorkshire Police deployed a stinger unit to Harewood bridge, which deflated the tyres of the quad and vehicle.

The car was stopped in Harewood and the two occupants, a 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of burglary offences.

The quad continued traveling along the A61 towards Leeds and a West Yorkshire Police unit was also successful at stinging the quad’s tyres. A short time later the quad, which is suspected stolen, was found abandoned by officers and recovered.

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The two people who were arrested remain in custody. Police said enquires are continuing to identify the outstanding suspects and the owner of the quad.

Chief Inspector Alex Langley from North Yorkshire Police said:

“I would like to thank the eagle-eyed member of the public for reporting this information to us.

“If something looks not quite right, then it probably isn’t, especially in the early hours of the morning.

“We take all reports of rural crime extremely seriously and will endeavour to deploy police recourses to the area immediately.”

Section of A59 Kex Gill to be closed for resurfacing in October

A section of the A59 at Kex Gill is set to be closed for five weeks in October as a £500,000 resurfacing scheme is carried out.

North Yorkshire Council will carry out the work on the road to the west of Harrogate between Church Hill and Pace Gate.

The road will be closed from Monday, October 9, for the resurfacing to be carried out. Advance warning signs and a signed diversion will be in place.

Work will take place on a section of the A59 which is next to the council’s £68.8 million Kex Gill re-route project.

Council officers will also be carrying out essential stabilising works to the slope of the existing road as well as drainage repairs, gully-clearing, refreshing lining, replacing cat’s eyes and maintenance of the ground monitoring equipment.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways and transport at the council, said:

“Keeping our roads in the best condition for the money that we have available is one of the biggest challenges that we face, so the additional government investment is making a huge difference to this year’s highways budget.

“It is allowing us to complete even more works than expected, including this key section of the A59.

“Kex Gill has a history of landslips, and the route has had to be closed a total of 12 times in the past 22 years. We must stabilise the slope near the existing road to avoid any lengthy closures over the next two years whilst the new road is constructed.

“Although there is never a good time to carry out such works, they need to be completed before the inclement winter weather hits.

“We have also timed the other essential works during the five-week period to avoid further closures and have been liaising with neighbouring authorities to ensure an appropriate diversion route has been set up and agreed.”

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The move comes as the council is constructing a new road off the A59 at Kex Gill after a series of landslips.

The Department for Transport is providing grant funding of £56.1 million for the £68.8 million Kex Gill re-alignment project, with the remaining £12.7 million allocated from North Yorkshire Council’s capital reserves.

A new four-kilometre stretch of road will be created, replacing an existing part of the A59 which has been affected by the landslips. 

The re-aligned route will leave the A59 at North Moor Road and re-join the existing road at Blubberhouses. It is due to be completed by autumn 2025.

Hiring: Harrogate’s most luxurious salon wants you!

This story is sponsored by Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing.

The opening of Harrogate’s most luxurious and innovative hair salon is just around the corner, and it’s hiring three hair stylists to join the adventure.

Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is bringing the town centre the ultimate salon experience and places customer satisfaction at the top of its priority list. From complimentary hand massages and handbag holders to barista-style coffees and iced lemon water, it’s the finishing touches that will make this salon stand-out from the crowd.

The salon will offer all traditional hair services, including cuts and colours, hair-up services, and fashion hair too. Whether it’s a Tik Tok-trending money piece, a butterfly cut or a glamorous bridal up-do, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing guarantees a sprinkle of luxury with every appointment.

However, it’s bouncy blow-dries that will put founder Charlie Woolley on the map. If you’re dressing to impress for date night, want to look one-million-dollars for a birthday dinner, or just fancy some self-care, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing will leave you with Hollywood hair and a smile on your face.

If this is the type of salon you’d like to work for, it’s your lucky day! Charlie is recruiting three hair stylists to join her team and takeover the Harrogate hairdressing scene.

To be considered, applicants must have at least two-years salon experience and be at least Level 2 or Level 3-qualified. An established client base is also preferred.

Charlie Woolley told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m so excited about this new business venture – it’s been a long-time coming!

“I think there’s a gap in the market for luxury hairdressing here in Harrogate and Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is going to be the most luxurious salon in the town.

“Now, I’m just looking for the right team to share this journey with.”

Renovations are well underway at the salon!

Charlie not only wants to deliver the highest-quality service to her clients, but also the best working environment for her staff.

She added:

“I want both my clients and my employees to feel exceptionally special.”

With 20 years of hairdressing experience under her belt, Charlie is looking for driven, bubbly, and creative individuals that are willing to learn and share her strive for success.

Employees will also have plenty of opportunities to further develop their careers and will be given the chance to attend industry courses. These will include specialised Wella courses, as well as advanced cutting and colour courses.

The three lucky applicants will be employed as full-time staff. Staff will, however, be given the chance to work flexible hours around the core days of Tuesday – Saturday.

Charlie is determined to make the salon a “fun and fair” place to work. She added:

“At the end of the day, I’ve got a business to run.

“However, I always treat people how I want to be treated. I’m a very fair person and I want my staff to feel happy in their jobs.”

Staff nights out and networking events will also be a regular occurrence for successful applicants.

Charlie is offering a competitive base salary of £25,000 – £35,000 per annum plus commission.

Those interested can apply for the role on The Stray Ferret jobs page.

The salon will open early November and interviews will be held after application.

Good luck!

To find out more about Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing, visit charlottewoolleyhairdressing.co.uk or follow the salon on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Government rejects plan for 20-metre 5G mast overlooking the Stray

A government inspector has rejected a bid to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast overlooking the Stray in Harrogate.

The inspector acknowledged the mast would boost poor 5G coverage in Harrogate but ruled it would also be “a conspicuous and intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, wanted to build the mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the Stray by Skipton Road.

The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan because of concerns about its visual impact not only on the Stray but also on Skipton Road and Claro Road in February.

CK Hutchison Networks took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which adjudicates on disputes.

It argued the mast would not have a detrimental impact on the street scene and the 20 metre height was the “absolute minimum height which can be deployed to bring the benefits of 5G”.

But in a judgement published yesterday, inspector F Harrison said the mast would be “starkly incongruous” and “an intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.

The inspector added:

“I am not satisfied that alternative sites have been properly explored.”

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Harrogate Town to host football development sessions at Rossett Sports Centre

Harrogate Town is set to host player development sessions at Rossett Sports Centre.

The club has announced the centre has become official partner of Town’s player development centre.

It means pupils will have the opportunity to be coached by PDC coaches including first team captain Josh Falkingham, former Bradford City defender and now the club’s professional development phase coach Rory McArdle and academy manager Josh Law.

The player development scheme aims to enhance the talents of young footballers in the local community. 

As part of the partnership, regular football sessions will now be held at the school.

Tim Milburn, Rossett headteacher, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Rossett School to work alongside Harrogate Town, a professional sports team, to develop young players while we also work hard to develop our young people as well within the school. 

“This partnership also gives our children to work with some fantastic role models from the club while our staff also play a key role in the development of the young people who pass through.”

Sarah Barry, Harrogate Town chief executive, said:

“We are really excited to be partnering with Rossett Sports Centre and Rossett School moving forward. As institutions both parties are known for their dedication to educational and sporting excellence as well as their fantastic community engagement.

“This partnership will help us provide a platform for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy playing football with a team of highly qualified and experienced coaches, including professional athletes.”

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Developers reveal details of new 25-home Kingsley Farm scheme

Developers held a drop-in session yesterday to discuss their latest plans for a 25-home scheme in the Kingsley area of Harrogate.

Quarters Kingsley received planning permission to build up to 30 homes on the site of the former chicken farm at Kingsley Farm in January.

The company, based in Felliscliffe, is now preparing to submit a reserved matters planning application to North Yorkshire Council, which seeks to finalise details such as the layout, design and appearance.

Development director David Williams and architect Nigel Jacques displayed a proposed site design and answered questions at Starbeck Community Library between 4pm and 8pm at yesterday’s event.

Starbeck Community Library

It revealed Quarters Kingsley plans to build a new road off Kingsley Road, which would provide access to 20 of the properties. The other five would be served by a road off Hawthorn Place.

The main access road would be supplemented by short private roads leading to clusters of houses, which unlike many developments will not be built in straight lines. Each cluster will include a range of two- to five-bed properties.

The proposed design would retain an ancient woodland and also include an orchard and five-metre “ecological edge” at the site boundary to encourage wildlife such as badgers. However, three trees would be felled.

Mr Jacques said the amenities and “blended” nature of the design would make it a desirable place to live and open up private land for local access. He added:

“We want to provide a true community site that cuts across age and financial stature.”

Mr Williams said the fact Quarters Kingsley planned to build 25 homes rather than the permitted 30 highlighted it was willing to listen to concerns.

He added:

“We are a local developer with a genuine and sincere desire to deliver something unique.”

Some 600 new houses have been approved in the Kingsley area in recent years and residents have expressed frustration about the long-term impact of so much development.

Mr Jacques and Mr Williams declined to discuss concerns about the level of development in Kingsley but said they were keen to engage with local people before submitting the reserved matters application.

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Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year

The organisers of the Harrogate bonfire have confirmed it will return to the Stray this year.

Harrogate and District Round Table said a traditional bonfire and fireworks display will be on offer at the event on November 4.

Visitors can look forward to live performances on the pop-up stage throughout the night — with Three Strikes Band already confirmed — and more to be announced.

There will also be a range food options, including traditional burgers and hotdogs, as well as a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks.

Organisers will be raising money for Harrogate Homeless Project for a second year running.

Matthew Firth, one of the Harrogate Round Table team, said they chose to fundraise for the homelessness charity again this year “because it is a great charity” and praised it for its efforts to end rough sleeping in the town.

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Last year, the organisers decided against holding a bonfire at the event due to costs and logistics but reversed the decision just weeks before Bonfire Night.

It reportedly costs over £13,000 to put on, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone.

The schedule

The Harrogate Bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 4.

It will open at 4.30pm and entertainment will begin at 5pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks will follow at around 7.15pm.

Organisers expect the event to end at 8.30pm.

The event is free to attend and will be held on the Stray, near St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

Similarities seen in Yorkshire to how Lucy Letby whistleblowers were treated

Similarities to how whistleblowers were treated when raising concerns about convicted child killer Lucy Letby have been seen across Yorkshire hospitals, it has been claimed.

At a York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust board of directors meeting on Wednesday, September 27, concerns were raised about how comfortable staff are at raising issues of colleagues’ clinical practice.

NHS staff can raise issues through ‘speak-up guardians’ like York hospital’s Stefanie Greenwood, who presented a report to the board and told directors there are lessons to be learned from how complaints about Letby were treated prior to her arrest in July 2018.

Ms Greenwood said:

“Although it’s a very extreme case, there are some lessons we can learn.”

She added that cases like Letby’s show “the price that we pay if we don’t listen to our staff” and that “silence ultimately kills patients.”

Ms Greenwood said: 

“Our staff currently do not feel safe to raise concerns.

“They fear reprisal and this can lead to unsafe patient care.”

She added: 

“I have seen similarities in how the Letby case was handled and staff being shut down and told they need factual evidence.”

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Letby was jailed in August for a whole life term for murdering seven babies and trying to kill another six at Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

Dawn Parkes, interim chief nurse at York and Scarborough’s hospital trust, said “any hint” of something wrong regarding patient care should be “explored,” even if there is no hard evidence of wrongdoing.

Jenny McAleese, a non-executive director at the trust, said: 

“There’s not many concerns raised about safety and quality and I just wonder whether we just need to have a bit of a conversation about that and make sure people know that the freedom to speak guardian is there.”

She added: 

“People are happy to raise concerns about people working while sick but there’s a bit of a reluctance to raise concerns about people’s clinical practice.”

Letby, 33, is only the third woman to receive a whole life order and is Britain’s most prolific child killer.

Many of her surviving victims have been left with life-altering conditions.

Dr Stephen Brearey told BBC Radio 4 in August that when he raised links between Letby’s constant presence during a spike in infant deaths at Chester hospital he was “put into mediation by senior managers.”

He said:

“I was put into mediation twice, once on fairly minor grounds and secondly with Lucy Letby herself and it seems to be a way of delaying action and investigating those concerns.”

Dr Brearey added that it is “a way of turning the things back to the clinician and suggesting that they’ve done something wrong.”

He added:

“It’s almost like weaponising that process.”

There has been an increase in concerns being raised across York and Scarborough hospitals in the last three years but these were mostly about ‘behaviours and relationships’ or ‘bullying and harassment.’

Simon Morritt, chief executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“How easy it is to raise concerns is really important to us.”