A repair café is to open in Harrogate.

The initiative, which is part of an international movement, promotes repairing items as an alternative to throwing things away.

People are encouraged to come along with broken items and get them fixed on the spot with the help of volunteer repairers.

There are over 2,500 repair cafés worldwide, with the closest ones currently in Leeds and Thirsk. The initiative was created by Dutch woman Martine Postma and the first repair café event took place in Amsterdam in 2009.

The Harrogate café is looking for residents with different skills to act as repair experts during the monthly meetings.

Organisers are seeking people who can repair clothing, textiles, electrical appliances, electronics, jewellery, and furniture, wooden objects.

Volunteers are also needed to act as hosts at the meetings; to serve as a contact point for visitors and repairers, as well as serving refreshments.

William Sanders, organiser of Harrogate Repair Café, said:

“Following the success of similar projects in Leeds, We’re excited to put Harrogate on the map of a huge and growing network of repair cafés.

“We’d love to stop things going to landfill, by helping the community to get things fixed, as well as giving volunteers the rewarding opportunity to meet like-minded people and share their skills.”

The Harrogate Repair Café group on Facebook was created last week and already has already amassed over 200 members. Mr Sanders said he was “very pleased” by the response.

Mr Sanders is an events organiser from Harrogate who began volunteering at the Leeds Repair Café.

He specialises in fixing electrical items and said the café often se people bring items such as clothes, coffee machines, hair straighteners and air fryers.

He added:

“I thought it would be something good for Harrogate. The town needs some more community based things and Harrogate has the right demographic. At the Leeds Repair Café we see a lot of older people or people with mobility issues with lots of things that need repairing.”

“At the moment my main focus is on looking for handy people to become volunteers. It is a great opportunity and gives people a chance to use their skills in a positive way. It is really fun and is such as rewarding process.”

An open meeting is being held for anyone interested in getting involved at the Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade in Harrogate at 3pm on Saturday, May 18, Mr Sanders said he hoped 20 to 30 people would attend.

The Harrogate Repair Café is also seeking sponsors to help donate towards expenses such as PAT tests and insurance.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the repair café at harrogaterepaircafe@gmail.com.

Read more:

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• Council gives Kex Gill update 

A man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill on a Harrogate road last night (May 1).

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today firearms officers were called to Woodfield Drive at about 7.40pm after receiving a concern for safety report.

In a statement, the force told the Stray Ferret the man, 40, was arrested on suspicion of “making threats to kill and possession an offensive weapon”.

Officers from the firearms support unit were alerted to the scene and “safely carried out the arrest”.

The statement added:

“The man was taken into custody for questioning.

“Reassurance patrols are taking place in the neighbourhood as the investigation continues.

“Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.”

Quote reference 12240076217 when passing on information.

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• Six people on roof attempt to burgle Harrogate house
• Council gives Kex Gill update

This story is sponsored by Cundall Manor School. 

Ensuring your child thrives in an environment that fosters and uplifts them throughout their educational journey should be the standard when seeking a school.

Cundall Manor School prides itself on excelling in providing an environment that fosters a love of learning and enables each of its pupils to be the best version of themselves.

Prospective students and parents can experience what the Cundall community have deemed ‘the Cundall magic’ themselves, at an open morning on Friday May 10, 2024, from 9.30am onwards.

About Cundall

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

Cundall is a co-educational, independent school for boys and girls, between the ages of 2 and 16 years old. Situated in 28 acres of picturesque landscape between Ripon and Thirsk, it has been providing an education to children in the region and beyond for over half a century.

Cundall has established its reputation as an aspirational place that aims to create well-rounded individuals ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

A happy, safe, and stimulating environment 

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

The idyllic nursery environment and school offers a tailored, bespoke approach to education for each child, for them to flourish in the areas they love, and be supported in those they need additional help in. Small class sizes allow for individual attention.

While academic excellence is one of the cornerstones of Cundall, there’s also a great emphasis placed upon creating a ‘character curriculum’ – where academia and enrichment programmes are intertwined concepts, held in equal regard.

Pupils are presented with a vibrant school calendar of activities that broaden their horizons and enrich their experiences throughout their school life.

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

Alongside dynamic classroom teaching, pupils embark on thrilling day trips and excursions regularly, both locally and abroad such as the challenge of completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ben Nevis, international exchange programmes with European schools and volunteering in Morocco for their end of year trip to mention just a few.

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is also compulsory for students to undertake, as Cundall believes it directly complements its ethos of CODE – challenge, ownership, dialogue, and engagement. Many students are inspired to then go on and complete their Silver Awards before embarking on their GCSEs.

Sport is also a huge part of school life; with access to expansive grass sports pitches, Astro Turf , a swimming pool and tennis courts, Cundall has many teams that children can get involved with, at all levels of abilities. Teamwork is a key ethos of the school – children play, learn, develop and mature within a strong year group unit.

The open morning

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

To find out more about the holistic educational experience that Cundall offers its pupils from nursery through to senior school, parents are invited to attend the next open day, on Friday, May 10, from 9.30am.

A parent of a Cundall pupil commented:

“Cundall encourages children’s strengths to flourish, so that they thrive and excel in those areas'”

Find out more:

The next open day at Cundall Manor is Friday, May 10, 2024 from 9.30am onwards.

To find out more, visit the website, call 01423 360 200, or register your interest in attending the morning here. 

Northern Gas Networks has apologised after residents complained about ongoing roadworks in Pannal.

The company started utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road two weeks ago.

The work includes temporary traffic lights in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.

Residents and the local councillor, John Mann, said the work had led to long queues on Leeds Road in both directions, congestion and rat running, particularly during rush hour times.

The Stray Ferret took the concerns over the disruption to the company.

In response, Mark Mawhood, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: 

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Pannal.”

Mr Mawhood added that the company expects the work to be completed by Sunday, May 12.

The move comes after Cllr Mann described the work as leaving residents feeling “hemmed in” and “isolated”.

He also pointed to ongoing work by Yorkshire Water on Spring Lane, which he said had caused a “near perfect storm” of roadworks.

Read more:

• Pannal residents ‘isolated’ by ongoing roadworks, says councillor
• Drivers face delays as four-week Pannal gasworks start

North Yorkshire Council has given an update on work to repair the A59 at Kex Gill.

The road, which is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton, closed suddenly on February 2 when a crack appeared on the verge.

Repair work costing £750,000 began on April 15.

Karl Battersby (pictured above), the council’s corporate director of environment, said in a 57-second video yesterday it was still hoped the road would re-open by the end of June.

He said:

“We know this has caused significant disruption and we acknowledge that in a different environment that we’d have got on site quicker to do these repairs.

“But we’ve had to do a number of survey works to make sure what we do doesn’t cause us a problem in terms of the current road but also doesn’t cause a problem in terms of the new road being constructed.”

Machinery on site

Mr Battersby said a piling rig was putting large metal poles into the side of the road to stabilise it. The road will then be resurfaced.

He added:

“We will be doing weekend working and extended day working to try to keep within that deadline.”

Irish construction firm Sisk, which is carrying out the nearby £68.8 million three-mile realignment, was appointed to oversee the repair work, with Ivor King carrying out the piling.

The crack was caused by a landslip which the council attributed to wet weather but some residents have claimed it is due to the impact of the realignment on the landscape.

Read more:

• Coffee shop on A59 calls for Kex Gill business support
• Three arrested in fraud investigation at well-known Harrogate firm

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to create seven new flats on Harrogate’s Parliament Street.

The scheme will see the former Sofa Workshop unit, which is next to the now closed Bijouled store, converted to living accommodation.

The upper floor of the former Moko nightclub and office space will also be adapted to become flats.

The former Bijouled unit will be retained under the plans.

In documents submitted to the council, the developer, JC Robinson Ltd, said the application would cause no harm to the grade two listed building.

It added:

“Subject to further detailing of internal and external works including the design of new window and door openings to the exterior of the building, it is considered that the development can be undertaken without giving rise to harm to the significance of the listed building.”

Moko closed in 2019 and Bijouled ceased trading in February last year.

The former Sofa Workshop shut in April 2022 after the company entered administration.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens set to become private road
• Harrogate named as one of UK’s best shopping destinations

Polling stations across Harrogate and Craven open at 7am today for residents to choose the first-ever mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Here is everything you need to know about the election.

What will the mayor do?

The mayor will lead a new public body called the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority which will receive £750 million in funding from central government over 30 years.

It means the new mayor will have £18 million a year to spend and will take charge of the combined authority, which will include two councillors each from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

There will be new powers to improve public transport although services will still be delivered by the local authorities.

More money will also be available to support the building of new homes on brownfield land.

The mayor will also be key in developing skills across the region and attracting investment from businesses.

The mayor will be paid £81,300 a year.

Who is standing?

Conservatives: Keane Duncan – A former journalist who is a Malton councillor and is in charge of transport on the council’s decision-making executive.

Labour: David Skaith – A Harrogate-born shopkeeper who is chair of the York High Street Forum.

Liberal Democrats: Felicity Cunliffe-Lister – A Masham councillor and owner of the Swinton Park Hotel.

Green Party: Kevin Foster – A Richmond councillor and former soldier who worked as a civil servant for 30 years.

Independent: Keith Tordoff – A former police officer in West Yorkshire and former owner of The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge.

Independent: Paul Haslam – A Harrogate councillor and business consultant who quit the Conservatives to stand as an independent.

Where can I vote?

If you’re on the electoral register you should have received a polling card in the post that says which polling station you should attend.

For a full list of polling stations in the Harrogate/Craven area visit here.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

You do not need to bring your polling card to vote but you do need ID. The following forms of ID will be accepted:

• UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional) or driving licence issued by European Economic Area (EEA) country, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
• UK passport or passport issued by EEA or Commonwealth country
• Blue badge
• Older person’s bus pass
• Disabled person’s bus pass
• Oyster 60+ Card
• Freedom Pass
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Biometric residence permit
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Voter Authority Certificate

When will the winner be announced?

Unlike general elections, the count will not take place overnight, so it means you’ll have to wait until Friday before the winner is announced.

This will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre with counting underway from 9am. A winner could be announced by 12pm.

Read more:

• How will North Yorkshire’s mayor help the economy?
• Who are North Yorkshire’s mayoral candidates?

Candidates in tomorrow’s York and North Yorkshire mayoral election have been out and about making their final attempts to woo voters.

Polling stations will open at 7am tomorrow (May 2) and close at 10pm.

Counting won’t start until Friday so whoever is elected to the £81,300 role is unlikely to be known until Friday afternoon.

The six contenders have been using a variety of methods to win votes as the campaign draws to a close — from TikTok videos to meeting people in the street.

Conservative candidate Keane Duncan posted on social media that his 100-day-campervan trip across the county was coming to an end. He published more photos of him meeting residents and pledged ‘bold, ambitious action for York and North Yorkshire’, adding:

“I’ve campaigned everywhere. Not just in the major settlements, but in the remotest outposts too.”

Keane Duncan

Labour’s David Skaith posted a photo of himself on the campaign trail with West Yorkshire’s Labour mayor Tracy Brabin. He said:

“We’ve been knocking on thousands of doors right across York and North Yorkshire and it’s very clear that people are desperate for change.”

David Skaith and supporters

Liberal Democrat Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who has been in Knaresborough today, said on social media:

“Lots to talk about and lots of hope and optimism that this election will bring about the change that we need – voters choosing me for my skills and business experience, a hard working candidate with common sense who will get the very best for all of us.”

Pateley Bridge-based Independent Keith Tordoff has taken to TikTok as part of his campaign.

A few days ago he posted a video of him hitting the heavy bag in boxing gloves to Rocky music, before pausing to say:

“It’s time we knocked the Tories, Labour, the main parties, out of York and North Yorkshire.”

Bilton’s Paul Haslam stood in Harrogate town centre with recyclable home-made banners talking to people.

He told the Stray Ferret he had loved the chance to get out and meet people and, as an independent with strong business background, felt he was well placed to push forward ideas such as an integrated transport policy.

Paul Haslam

Green candidate Kevin Foster posted a video of himself by a river, saying:

“As your mayor I will fight for North Yorkshire to get our fair share from the government. People tell me they want change from the same old parties letting them down.”

The Stray Ferret will bring live election coverage of Friday’s count followed by reaction and analysis over the weekend.

Read more:

• Three arrested in fraud investigation at well-known Harrogate firm
• Naked walk returns to Ripon
• Still no re-opening date for new Knaresborough playground

Police have arrested three people on suspicion of fraud and money laundering at a well known Harrogate firm.

Steve Mann Caravans, which is based on Claro Road, was founded in 1991. The family-owned firm sells caravans and motorhomes and runs a repair business.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today it arrested two men and a woman yesterday as part of an investigation involving about 50 victims.

It described the investigation as “complex” and said enquiries could take a long time.

The statement said:

“Three people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering in connection with a caravan business in North Yorkshire.

“The arrests are part of a complex investigation by North Yorkshire Police into the company. Officers are investigating fraud offences involving around 50 victims.

“A 38-year-old man, a 62-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering on Tuesday, April 30 2024. They have since been released and remain under investigation.”

The statement added:

“As is usual with complex investigations of this nature, it is anticipated that enquiries will take a long time to complete.

“If anyone believes they may be affected by the investigation, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for reference number 12240018133.

“If you do not wish to speak to the police, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online via their website.”

Read more:

• Forestry England to create 35-hectare woodland near Harrogate
• Harrogate woman given suspended jail sentence for benefit fraud