Business Breakfast: HMRC unlilkey to receive money from Masham brewery administration

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Unsecured creditors and HMRC are still expected to receive no money from the administration of Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery.

Both the brewery and its retail arm, BSB Retail, entered administration last year.

At the time, Teneo Financial Advisory, which was appointed to oversee the process in May, said it did not expect to have funds available to pay HMRC and unsecured creditors.

In an administrators update published on December 31, it said it still anticipates no money will be available.

The report details that the companies owed £1.3 million to HMRC and £1.5 million to unsecured creditors.

However, it added:

“On present information, it is unlikely that sufficient funds will be realised to enable a distribution to be made to unsecured creditors.”

Black Sheep was sold to London Investment firm Breal Capital for £5 million on May 26.

The deal was a part of a pre-packaged sale and the appointment of administrators, which the company said was “essentially to give protection to the companies and prevent any person taking action against it”.

Yorkshire Water sites win biosecurity accreditation

Yorkshire Water has won a bronze accreditation for its biosecurity.

The company has been recognised for three of its sites for combating the spread of invasive non-native species.

Tophill Low Nature Reserve, Swinsty Reservoir and Fewston Reservoir were each awarded AQUA accreditation in December.

The AQUA biosecurity accreditation scheme, run by the Bristol Zoological Society, work with waterway users to help them combat the threat of invasive non-native species such as fish, invertebrate and plant species

Steph Bradbeer, senior ecologist for Yorkshire Water, said: 

“We are delighted to have received Bronze AQUA accreditation, reflecting all the great work done on these sites by Yorkshire Water staff and volunteers. It’s a fantastic achievement but the work doesn’t stop here, we’ll be working to achieve silver and hopefully gold.

“Yorkshire Water is committed to preventing the spread of invasive non-native species and protecting the environment. As we celebrate the achievement of these Bronze AQUA awards, we look forward to working towards further sites being accredited and educating the public on understanding their role in preventing the spread of invasive non-native species.”

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Harrogate Ice Rink organiser responds to complaints

The company operating Harrogate Ice Rink has responded to complaints about the condition of the ice and slow refunds.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council tourism body Destination Harrogate.

It opened in Crescent Gardens on December 1 but adverse weather has led to its closure eight times since then – including today (January 2).

The rink’s Facebook page has received numerous critical comments from people who have struggled to get refunds. Others have complained about the wet surface.

One unhappy customer, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the conditions were unsuitable for skating on December 20.

In a letter to the organisers seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:

“The ice and surface were extremely dangerous, wet, rippled and extremely slippery and not maintained and far from the standard of an ice rink.

“For example, no one was able to let go of the side rails and people left the ice…raising a significant health and safety issue.”

He said he asked to speak to a manager at about 6.40pm to voice his concerns about the state of the ice only to be told the manager had “left the site and was unavailable to speak to”, adding:

“Others were also raising the same concerns – staff were unable to assist and had no authority to provide refunds or offer solutions.”

In the same letter, he also said he later approached a staff member wearing “management” uniform (pictured below) who “denied being management and would not make comment”, while “watching football on his iPhone”.

The customer said the man pictured “denied being management”.

The man also claimed the quality of footwear was “extremely poor” and that “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

The man pictured his “rusty” skates.

He today told the Stray Ferret he has “heard nothing at all” since sending the letter on December 21.

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Others have also voiced concerns. Local resident Emma Alderson’s booking was cancelled on Christmas Eve following a yellow weather warning.

Events by Cynosure said the “safety of our skaters is priority” and “all tickets will remain valid until the 7th January should you wish to visit us after Christmas”. However, Ms Alderson has struggled to get a refund since. In a response to the company seen by the Stray Ferret, she wrote:

“Thank you so much for blocking me on the Facebook page. Why keep posting and not reply to people who are trying to rebook?

“Such a bad, poor and disgusting service you offer!”

Despite asking for a refund, Ms Alderson today said she has “had no update from them at all”.

Rink is ‘suitable to skate’

John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret it was “aware of complaints in regard to the ice rink”. Mr Lowery added:

“In regards to the ice rink being wet we have suffered like all outdoor ice rinks in the country from some of the warmest temperatures and heaviest rain with two named storms alone.

“At no time have we operated the rink when not suitable to skate. We have offered customers the opportunity to come back on another date if they attended when wet.

“Our technical team have worked through the nights etc to make it as good as possible.

“As for refunds these take up to 10 days from when requested and are being processed for any sessions that we have cancelled that the customer cannot change the date until.

“Due to holidays our office was closed over Christmas Day, Boxing Day but we can assure people will be refunded where entitled.”

Harrogate Ice Rink, which debuted in 2022, is part of a three-year deal between Events By Cynosure and Destination Harrogate.

It is set to run until Sunday, January 7, but with just two dry days forecast until then, the weather may continue to have an impact.

The Stray Ferret’s daily newsletter gets a fresh new look

As the Stray Ferret enters its fourth year of providing the best media coverage of the Harrogate district, we have given our daily newsletter a makeover.

The newsletter provides a round-up of what our journalists have been up to. The new look makes it easier than ever to get a snapshot of what is happening, with links to all the articles.

It includes a nightly introduction from Stray Ferret editor John Plummer as well as a round up of our daily news content, plus Photo of the Week, lifestyle features and in-depth topics.

Mr Plummer said:

“We hope the fresh new look appeals to readers. We are very grateful to everyone who reads the Stray Ferret and hope you continue to support independent local journalism in 2024.”

You can sign up here to the newsletter to keep up to date and get the latest news straight to your inbox.

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The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is coming to an end – but we still need your help

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

During the Christmas period, the Stray Ferret has been raising money to buy Dementia Forward a new minibus, which provides a lifeline to those struggling with dementia.

Our Christmas Appeal is coming to an end this Friday (January 5) but we still need YOUR help.

We’re still a long way off our target and, without the charity’s vital minibus service, many people living with dementia in the Harrogate district run the risk of becoming isolated and alone.

It’s a saviour for so many families and for the carers that deserve a much-needed break from caring for their loved one.

The bus service takes those living with dementia on trips out.

We know times are tough – and January only adds to that strain – but please dig deep this week and donate whatever you can to our appeal. Every penny will go towards funding a new vehicle and helping to better the lives of those living with this awful condition.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs replacing. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Click here to donate – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Section of Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate to close temporarily

A section of Harrogate‘s Penny Pot Lane will close for at least four days from next week.

The part of the road, which runs between Ingleborough Drive and Young’s Drive, will be blocked as Yorkshire Water carries out work in the area.

A spokesperson for the company said it was making improvements to its water network:

“Our teams will be working to make improvements to our water network which will require the temporary closure of Penny Pot Lane.

“We are expecting the road to be closed from 8-12 January to allow the work to be conducted safely.

“We will work as quickly as possible to complete the improvements and apologise for any inconvenience the closure will cause.”

The spokesperson also said the road will then re-open under two-way traffic lights to enable the final work to be carried out.

Pic: North Yorkshire Council.

However, according to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map, the closure could be in place until January 21.

The spokesperson told the Stray Ferret a diversion will be in place on what is a busy route in and out of Harrogate.

Access will be maintained for residents, they added.

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£300,000 upgrade of The Woodlands in Harrogate to begin next week

Building work on a £300,000 upgrade of The Woodlands pub in Harrogate is due to begin next week.

Work will start on Monday (January 8) and the pub on Wetherby Road is due to re-open at the end of February with a new food and drinks offer.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars said in a statement today it planned to “transform it into the best family-friendly community and sports pub in the area”.

It added:

“Funds are being spent on a top-to-toe redecoration of the interior of The Woodlands to include new hard flooring, carpets and furniture to give the pub a brighter, smarter more contemporary look and feel.

“A new sports area will be created with a pool table, traditional darts board and TV showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports.  A kitchen upgrade is also taking place to enable the pub to extend its traditional pub favourites and cater for the increased numbers the operators expect to attract.

“The pub’s exterior is to be given a complete makeover, repainted in a smart grey-blue and white with new signage, lighting and in warmer months, hanging baskets. To the front there will be a beer garden with new tables and chairs and behind a sheltered beer garden, that’s a real sun trap.”

The Woodlands on Wetherby Road

An artist’s impression of how it will look.

Star Pubs and Bars first unveiled plans to give the pub a facelift in December 2020. At the time it also announced plans to give the pub a controversial new name, West Riding Harrogate, but this was dropped when it didn’t go down well with some local residents.

The company today said the refurbishment has taken time to begin because it initially planned to recruit a licensee who would have also invested in the pub, but it had now decided to run The Woodlands as one of its managed operator pubs and is doing the whole investment itself.

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It announced Paul Caunt and Matthew Carr would take on the management of the venue. Both previously worked for Mr Carr’s father who had the lease of the pub for many years.

Mr Caunt said:

“Matthew’s father decided to retire last year when his lease came to an end.  We had thought we would have to leave the pub but were delighted when we found out that it was going to benefit from a major investment and that there was an opportunity to manage it.  We were both ready to run our own pub so it’s a dream come true.  We make a great team as Matthew is responsible for the kitchen, and I’m front of house.

“We were both brought up in Harrogate and both live nearby so know what locals want and the area needs.  We get on well with the regulars and there’s a fantastic community spirit.”

The partners plans for The Woodland include continuing to host twice weekly pub quizzes and show live sports on TV and if there’s interest they will look to host live music. They are also looking for pool and darts teams.

Paul Caunt(left) and Matthew Carr toast the pub’s success.

The drinks will include a selection of wines, spirits, and beers as well as cocktails, cask and craft ales and Heineken 0.0.  Beers will include Birra Moretti and Beavertown as well as Theakstons and Timothy Taylor’s.

Andy Moore, Star Pubs & Bars investment manager, said:

“The Woodlands is in a prominent position on a busy crossroads near to the Yorkshire show showground and near the newly promoted Harrogate Town Football Club.  It’s tired looking at the moment, a bit of an eyesore, but with this major investment it will be somewhere that locals can be proud of.

“The immediate area has plenty of top-quality food pubs, but no real top quality community local offering sport.  With Matthew and Paul at the helm, a new look and feel and new food and drinks menus, I’m confident it will deliver what is needed locally.  People will have the type of pub on their doorstep that previously they had to travel to enjoy.”

The vast majority of Star Pubs & Bars’ 2,400 pubs are leased to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

 

Harrogate trains cancelled as flood threat remains

Rail replacement buses are operating between Harrogate and Leeds this morning due to flooding.

Rail operator Northern said this morning some lines were blocked due to the wet conditions.

It added rail replacement were in place for the 6.30 Leeds to Harrogate 7.30 Leeds to Harrogate 8.30 Leeds to Harrogate, 9.30 Leeds to Harrogate, 7.00 Harrogate to Leeds, 8.00 Harrogate to Leeds. 9.00 Harrogate to Leeds and 10.00 Harrogate to Leeds.

A Met Office weather warning for rain remains in place for the Harrogate district until 9pm until tonight.

Environment Agency flood alerts are active for the upper and lower River Nidd catchments areas and for the Lower River Ure.

More severe flood warnings — which indicate flooding is expected — have been installed for Swinney Beck at Masham and the River Nidd at Hunsingore.

The Swinney Beck warning at 1.54am this morning said:

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations and properties near the Swinney Beck, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Masham including properties situated off the A6108, Fearby Road, Westholme Road, Leyburn Road, The Avenue, Avenue Bank, Quaker Terrance, Silver Street and College Lane.”

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Pharmacy closure prompts concerns about future of Jennyfields retail

Jennyfields residents have expressed concerns about the forthcoming closure of the Boots pharmacy in the Co-op.

The Stray Ferret reported last month Boots planned to close 300 UK stores, with those in close proximity to other sites run by the company most at risk.

But the loss of the facility has upset locals — and heightened fears about the future of retail in Jennyfields, where many shops are shut.

The nearest Boots pharmacies will be in Harrogate town centre, Knaresborough Market Place, St James’s Retail Park and Market Place West in Ripon when the one in Jennyfields closes.

Freda Roach, a nearby resident, described the loss of the pharmacy as a “great blow to the local community” and a “retrograde step”, adding:

“[The pharmacy] is used by a great number of Jennyfields people who do not have a car and use the bus or walk.

“I for one will be very upset when the branch is closed as the nearest pharmacy is not in walking distance, and relying on buses will make it half a day’s job having to travel into Harrogate.”

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Another Jennyfields resident, David Smith, said the move was “ridiculous”.

He said:

“I have been going there for prescriptions for at least 30 years. It is always busy and recently you usually have to queue.

“In addition, I understand that the next nearest surgery at Killinghall is closing.

“We are going backwards rather than forwards.”

 ‘A popular and busy pharmacy’

Councillor Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate on North Yorkshire Council, was also “disappointed” by the news.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I was very disappointed to hear that Boots intend to close the pharmacy located in the Jennyfields Co-op – and I have asked the public health team at the council to consider what representations we need to make to NHS England, who are responsible for ensuring pharmacy provision is adequate.

“This is a very popular and busy pharmacy.”

Three out of four units are closed at the Jennyfield Drive site.

One Stray Ferret social media follower commented to say the centre used to be a “thriving little area”. But three out of four units on the Jennyfield Drive site, as well as the Stone Beck pub, are closed.

The prospect of a new Tesco supermarket a mile away has also fuelled concerns about the future of retail in Jennyfields.

But Cllr Harrison said:

“Jennyfields is a vibrant housing estate, and is more than capable of supporting quality businesses in this location – I am keen to understand what the landlords’ plans are to ensure the future attractiveness and viability of the units.”

A spokesperson for the Co-op said the use of the space occupied by the pharmacy is “being reviewed” and “no decisions have been taken at this stage”.

Twenty UK Boots stores have already closed in line with the new plan – four of which are in Yorkshire.

Boots declined to comment on the Jennyfields closure when approached by the Stray Ferret. But staff at the pharmacy told the Stray Ferret they have been “given options” about employment going forward.

Nine Harrogate homes included in £9.2 million housing scheme

Nine new homes are set to be built in Harrogate and Boroughbridge as part of a £9.2 million housing fund.

The move comes as part of a York and North Yorkshire brownfield housing fund, which was approved this month.

The money will see 700 new homes built across the county, including 252 affordable homes.

A total of nine projects have been agreed, which will see developments built in Catterick, York, Easingwold, Harrogate and Boroughbridge.

Funding was agreed, subject to further due diligence, at a meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Joint Devolution Committee.

If progressed, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will administer the fund. Investment has been secured from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: 

“North Yorkshire is one of the most desirable places to live in the country, but with that comes a massive demand for housing, especially for more affordable homes.

“We want people to be able to continue to live in the communities where they grew up, while also allowing others to move to the county to help to bring in the skills and experience which are needed to boost the economy.

“This is a significant moment for both York and North Yorkshire to see more than £9 million being used to fund hundreds of new properties, especially with more than a third of them being affordable homes.”

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MPs Watch: New leisure centres, New Year’s Honours and spiking

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 December, Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre became the latest leisure facility to open its doors in the Harrogate district.

Meanwhile, the New Year’s Honours list was revealed and the government unveiled plans to tackle spiking across the UK.

We asked Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP, if he 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:

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

They included attending Vida Court care home to turn on their Christmas lights, meeting with with senior leadership at North Yorkshire Council to discuss SEND funding and welcoming students from Ashville College to Parliament. 

Others included visiting Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School to present the winner of his Christmas card winner with their framed entry and certificate and participating in an episode of BBC Politics North in Leeds. 

Mr Jones also attended a Christmas candlelight vigil at Stonefall cemetery in Harrogate and met with Cancer Research UK to discuss the Government’s smokefree generations pledge.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

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

When we contacted Mr Smith for comment, his office sent a roundup of his engagements for December.

Among them included attending the Skipton and Ripon Area Constiuency Committee, visiting Fisher Medical Centre and Skipton Job Centre to learn more about how they were supporting the community.

Mr Smith also met Simon Theakston, managing director of Theakston Brewery in Masham, to discuss the chancellor’s autumn statement and visited Moorside Primary School to speak to pupils from years 5 and 6 about his role as an MP.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

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

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