£1.3m to be spent resurfacing pothole-ridden roads in Harrogate district

Anyone who has driven around the Harrogate district recently will have noted the poor state of the roads, with a prolonged spell of wet weather making the pothole problem worse.

But there are now hopes the situation could finally improve for road users after the government announced that £1.3m previously allocated for the rail scheme HS2 will be spent resurfacing roads in the area including in Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Ripon.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped the northern leg of HS2 last year and pledged to use money intended for the scheme on improving transport in the north.

Today the Department for Transport has revealed which local authorities across Yorkshire will benefit from the latest tranche of funding for road resurfacing, which it says will result in £991 million in reallocated HS2 funding for the region.

Roads in the Harrogate district that will be resurfaced are below along with how much each set of works will cost:

Councils across Yorkshire will now be required to submit quarterly reports from June, announcing work which has taken place over three months.

The government says it means residents will be able to scrutinise the progress of the works as these reports will be published online.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said:

“We’re on the side of drivers, which is why this Government is getting on with delivering our plan to invest £991 million in Yorkshire and the Humber as part of the biggest-ever funding increase for local road improvements, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding.

“Alongside this unprecedented funding, which is already being used to improve local roads, we’re making sure residents can hold their local authority to account and see for themselves how the investment will be spent to improve local roads for years to come.”

Meanwhile, it was announced last month that North Yorkshire Council will receive £3.5m from HS2 to put on extra buses across 20 different routes.

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CCTV appeal after attempted robbery at Harrogate jeweller

North Yorkshire Police issued a CCTV image appeal following an attempted robbery at a Harrogate jeweller. We have amended our coverage as the suspect has been arrested.

The force today said the incident, which happened at Ogden’s on James Street, took place at around 1.50pm.

The statement said a man entered the store and attempted to steal “two high-value watches”.

Officers asked people to come forward with information at the time.

Police added:

“A brave member of staff tackled the suspect who fled from the store, discarding the two watches as he went.

“A member of the public also found a discarded display in the street and carefully returned it to the shop. Our thanks go to them both for their quick thinking.

“Any witnesses to the incident and anyone who can help identify the man in the images, is asked to email Detective Sergeant Tom Barker at tom.barker@northyorkshire.police.uk. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”

Quote reference 12240061721 when passing on information.

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Harrogate’s Rachel Daly retires from England football

Harrogate’s very own Lioness, Rachel Daly, has announced her retirement from international football after an eight-year stint.

The Aston Villa forward, who started her career at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, revealed the news today following England’s 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland yesterday.

Daly, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ success at UEFA Euro 2022, where she started every game of the tournament, as well as in the final of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The former Rossett School pupil won a total of 84 senior caps for England and scored 16 goals.

In a statement, Daly said:

“I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.

“While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honour.

“During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.

“It has been the greatest honour to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.”

Daly began her professional career at Leeds United before climbing the international ladder at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in 2008, in New Zealand.

She later moved to Lincoln Ladies in 2010, followed by a stint in the American National Women’s Soccer League playing for Houston Dash.

After working her way back to England, Ms Daly then made her senior team debut in 2016, where she scored against Serbia.

Harrogate has also marked her successful career, with her first club naming the club café after her – Nomad’s Daly Brew – and her former school inviting her to open the new football pitches last year.

England head coach Serina Wiegman said:

“Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we’ve made together. It has been a privilege to work with her.

“I have never worked with a player so versatile, always with a smile on her face, bringing energy and trying to do her best for the team.

“Off the pitch she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course the fans.

“It is sad that she won’t be with us anymore, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team and now she becomes our No.1 fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.”

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Harrogate and Knaresborough Reform candidate included in list of ‘unsavoury rogues’

The Reform UK parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough has been included in a list of ‘unsavoury rogues’ selected by the party.

Richard Brown was one of eight candidates named in a Mail on Sunday investigation.

The article said the right wing party “has surged in the polls but the party harbours some unsavoury rogues – from a candidate who supports Tommy Robinson to a covid conspiracy theorist who likened Boris Johnson to Hitler and even another who’s a convicted animal abuser”.

Referring specifically to Mr Brown, it said he “made misogynistic remarks about Labour MP Jess Phillips, calling her a ‘bitch’ in 2022”, adding:

“Last year, Brown also shared the false claim that doctors refused to treat Boris Johnson on the basis that he didn’t have covid, and claimed the pandemic was an ‘illusion’ that had been ‘planned’ by the government ‘since 2016’.”

Reform UK polled 16% — just 4% behind the Conservatives — in a YouGov survey last week.

The party announced former chartered accountant Mr Brown as its parliamentary candidate in August last year.

He describes himself as a “passionate believer in the United Kingdom as an independent agent on the world stage, self reliance, small state, lower taxes for corporations and individuals, control of immigration and cancelling net zero” on Reform UK’s website.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Mr Brown for a response to the article but not yet had a response.

A Reform spokesman told the Mail on Sunday the article was “pathetic nit-picking”, adding:

“Reform UK’s candidates are real people living real lives. Like all parties, Reform UK has had a small number of candidates who have said or written something unacceptable.

“We are proud that, when made aware of unacceptable behaviour, we act, and if necessary immediately remove candidates that have gone beyond the pale. Again, this is not something you will often see from our political opponents.

“Richard Brown was rude about a politician. He also shared claims that at the time were reported as fact.”

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Harrogate gallery to host Beatles exhibition

An exhibition of photos taken of The Beatles in 1968 will go on display at a gallery in Harrogate next week.

The Beatles: Mad Day Out will open on April 19 at RedHouse Originals on Cheltenham Mount.

It features 23 images by Tom Murray who was invited to assist renowned photojournalist Sir Don McCullin in capturing a new publicity campaign for The Beatles.

The Fab Four were in the midst of recording the White Album at the time and Murray, armed with just two rolls of film and a Nikon F:35mm, produced some of the most famous colour images of the band.

Speaking later, he said:

“It was as perfect a day as I could wish for. Getting to hang out with one of my favourite bands and take pictures was just sensational.”

The Mad Day Out portfolio consists of 23 images from the 195-print UK edition published in 2007. All prints are available to pre-order.

Just one example of each image, signed and numbered by Mr Murray, will be on display so the images are subject to availability.

The collection will be complimented by original artworks and rare 1960s ephemera, including pieces by German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who was known for her association with The Beatles, and pop-artist Dudley Edwards.

The exhibition will run throughout spring.

All images by Tom Murray.

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Birchfield Farm to get jam, honey and cake production building

Plans to create a new building for producing jam, honey and cakes at Birchfield Farm at Summerbridge have been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The proposed single storey facility will complement the farm’s existing tea room and ice cream parlour.

Birchfield Farm is a family run working farm between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge with a range of children’s attractions, including sheep, pigs, goats, and donkeys. It also offers lamb feeding, a maze and ‘pick your own’ events including strawberries and a pumpkin festival.

Plans were submitted on behalf of the applicant by Skipton based rural property planning and development specialists David Hill.

Plans submitted to the council said:

“Over the past few years, the applicant has expanded the farming enterprise to meet demand, by increasing stock numbers and erecting new buildings, as well as improving the onsite ice cream parlour and tearoom.

“The proposal will create an area for producing jam, honey and baked goods as part of the existing farm diversification. This will support the existing business as well as helping the rural economy through the sale of the produce made on the farm.

“Jam will be made from the fruit grown on the farm and honey made from the bees kept on the farm.”

The building, which will measure 11.4 metres by 6.3 metres, will be situated in a concrete yard next to a farm building.

Case officer Edward Bainbridge’s planning report said:

“When assessing the development against the relevant policies and guidance highlighted above it is considered that the overall landscape and visual impact of the proposal, including its impact on the AONB is acceptable.”

The Stray Ferret has approached Birchfield Farm for comment.

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Harrogate Choir Festival to take place this weekend

Harrogate Choir Festival will take place this Saturday (April 13).

Eight choirs are preparing to participate in this year’s festival at the Royal Hall in Harrogate.

The event showcases choirs from Harrogate and the surrounding area. During the evening, each choir will perform songs of their choice before coming together on stage for a finale.

The choirs taking part are The Stray Notes, The Daytones, Harrogate Male Voice Choir, Knot Another Choir, Love Pop Choir, St John Fisher’s Junior School Choir, The Skipton Choir and Yorkshire Voices.

Royal Hall by Jim Counter

Royal Hall, Image: Jim Counter

The first choir festival took place last year at Harrogate Theatre. The event is moving the larger Royal Hall this year to enable more choirs to take part. There are also plans to add a matinee performance next year.

The festival is being hosted by The Stray Notes, a Harrogate-based community choir, and is the brainchild of its musical director, Elizabeth Linfoot.

Elizabeth Linfoot

Ms Linfoot said:

“We have so many amazing community choirs in and around Harrogate. My aim was to unite them under one roof to celebrate the power and joy of singing together, so it’s wonderful to see how the festival is growing each year.

“Being part of a choir has been proved to be good for people’s health. Among other benefits, it improves breathing, as well as promoting better physical and mental health, not to mention the social and emotional connection with other choir members.”

The event starts at 7pm on Saturday April 13. Tickets from £12.50 are available here.

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Harrogate gallery owner creates woodland in memory of Sycamore Gap tree

An artist with a gallery in Harrogate has created a woodland in memory of the felled Sycamore Gap tree.

Lucy Pittaway painted an image of the famous tree with a Northern Lights backdrop after being moved by its destruction in September.

In December she vowed to plant a tree for every print sold and sought the help of a landowner to use the trees to create a public woodland. Almost 2,400 paintings have been bought so far.

The newly created Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail near Masham will be publicly accessible and aims to bring new life to an area of the Swinton Estate devastated by larch tree disease.

Visitors to the trail will follow a pathway formed by chippings from the felled larch trees on a woodland walk which will also feature artistic installations, areas to relax and education boards.

Lucy Pittaway at the easel with her Sycamore Gap Tree painting.

Ms Pittaway, whose Harrogate gallery is on James Street, said:

“Like everyone else I was so saddened to hear about the felling of the tree, to now see this new woodland coming to life is wonderful and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped us come this far.”

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, owner of the Swinton Estate, answered the call for the help of a landowner and she joined Ms Pittaway in planting the first of the new saplings.

Ms Cunliffe-Lister said:

“Like many areas of the countryside we have lost so many trees from larch blight and so regenerating the area through this project is a perfect fit, I think we are appreciating more and more the importance of conservation and the positive impact that trees and the countryside have on our well-being.”

Lucy Pittaway (left) with Swinton Estate owner Felicity Cunliffe-Lister.

The first 600 saplings will be planted during April, mainly sycamore along with oak, rowan, hazel and other native trees. The estate’s forestry team will then plant hundreds more saplings over the coming months and more mature species from the autumn.

The new woodland will regenerate part of the plantation that surrounds a 200-year-old folly known as the Druid’s Temple. In recent years the area has lost many trees to the fungal disease phytophthora ramorum that has ravaged trees across Britain.

Ms Pittaway added:

“I hope this is an area that can be used for relaxation for generations to come, If it can inspire people’s interest in art and the countryside then the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree will be a positive one.”

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Harrogate Rugby Club secure promotion at first attempt

Harrogate Rugby Club won promotion to the National League 2 North at the first attempt last weekend.

The club defeated Driffield 45-27 to secure top spot in the Regional 1 North East league by two points.

A four-try haul by Kristan Dobson helped Harrogate to victory in a game which was held at Driffield due to an unplayable pitch at both Rudding Lane and Knaresborough.

The result saw Harrogate clinch the title and earn promotion back to the National League 2 North after suffering relegation last season.

It will see the club take on the likes of Sheffield Tigers, Otley and Hull next season.

Following the victory, the club said in a statement:

“Congratulations should go to all 41 players who represented the team during the season, and to the coaches, support staff and supporters who made this possible.”

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Mayoral candidates to take part in climate hustings in Harrogate

Some of the York and North Yorkshire mayoral candidates will take part in a climate change-focussed hustings next week.

The event, which is being held by climate action charity Zero Carbon Harrogate, will invite the candidates to put forward their environmental policies and discuss the actions they propose to take.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister (Liberal Democrat), Keith Tordoff (Independent) and Paul Haslam (Independent) have agreed to speak at the event, and later take questions from the audience.

Zero Carbon Harrogate told the Stray Ferret Green Party candidate Kevin Foster was unable to attend due to a “personal commitment”, but Arnold Warneken , the Green councillor for Ouseburn, would represent him.

Tory candidate Keane Duncan and Labour candidate David Skaith both have “other campaigning commitments”, the charity said, but added they have been invited to send a representative in their place.

Zero Carbon Harrogate today said in a press release:

“The hope is that the hustings will provide mayoral candidates with a constructive opportunity to engage with local residents and business people around the climate agenda.

“This is a new departure in electoral terms, placing new powers in the hands of single successful candidate.  It’s a great opportunity to hear the views of those who wish to serve the public good in this way.”

The organisation, which is part of the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition, hopes to work with elected representatives and campaign for effective climate change policies.

It works towards transitioning to a net zero economy, cleaner travel and warmer homes.

The hustings will take place on Wednesday, April 17, at 7.30pm.

It will be held at the Wesley Chapel in Harrogate and the charity said anyone is welcome.

People must register to attend and can submit any questions to candidates here.

The mayoral election will take place on Thursday May 2.

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