Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 244 of 1039

‘Regret’ after 300-year-old oak tree felled in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Council has said it is “regrettable” that a 300 year old oak tree in Harrogate was felled yesterday due to its decaying condition.

The authority has also claimed it is possible that work carried out by Northern Powergrid in April near to the oak on Woodfield Road in Bilton “would have accelerated the death of the tree”.

The council carried out an assessment of the tree at the junction with Bilton Lane in June.

It concluded that due to decaying roots the “risk to the public” was considered too great for it to remain in place and it was destroyed yesterday.

Cllr Paul Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on the council, said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of the tree.

Northern Powergrid, which manages the electricity network, carried out emergency work to repair a cable fault in the area in April this year.

The work included excavation of the roots of the tree to dig a trench.

Council officials said although the work did not contribute to the tree’s decay, it is possible that it would have accelerated its death, which led to the authority’s decision to remove it “earlier than we would have otherwise”.

Jonathan Clubb, North Yorkshire Council’s head of parks and grounds, said a “thorough examination” would now be carried out into the tree.

He said:

“It is always regrettable when we have to remove a tree and we do not do so lightly. However, after a detailed assessment of the risks posed, a decision was taken to remove this specimen due to its condition.

“Oak trees can live for centuries and this particular tree was around 300 years old.

“However, the extent of the root decay meant the stability of the tree may have been affected. Because of its location on a main road, the risk to the public was considered too great to allow it to continue to stand.”

Mr Clubb added:

“We were aware of the decay as the tree has been regularly assessed over the years as part of our active tree surveys.

“While the work undertaken by Northern Powergrid did not contribute to this decay, it is possible that it would have accelerated the death of the tree, leading to our decision to remove it earlier than we would have otherwise.

“Now the tree has been removed it will be subject to a thorough examination and if experts confirm this view then we will look to take the matter further.”

The Stray Ferret approached Northern Powergrid to ask for a response to the claim that the work carried out contributed to the council’s decision to remove the tree.

A spokesperson said:

“Our engineering team attended Woodfield Road in Harrogate in April 2023 to repair a low voltage cable fault.

“Northern Powergrid’s remit was to repair the low voltage fault, which our teams did safely, to keep our customers connected.”

Councillors agree to create new school for autistic children in Harrogate

The former Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton will become a new special school for children with autism, councillors confirmed today.

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-run executive unanimously approved the creation of the school, which will cater for up to 80 students and is set to open in September next year.

The results of a six-week consultation over summer revealed considerable support, with 86% of 105 responses in favour.

The council has pledged a £3.5m investment into creating the school.

The meeting was held this morning at the Civic Centre in Harrogate — the first time a North Yorkshire Council executive meeting has taken place outside of Northallerton.

Michael Harrison, the Conservative councillor for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, said the council was doing a “wonderful thing” by opening the school, which he said would help meet demand for special educational needs places locally.

Cllr Harrison said:

“Our commitment to education in the area and at that site specifically, and for children with autism, is evidenced in that we are proposing to reopen a school on that site so soon after Woodfield closed.”

Since 2016, the number of children in North Yorkshire with identified special educational needs and disability and a legally-binding education, health and care plan has increased by more than 110%, leading to a shortage of special school places and numerous children being taught by independent providers.

Independent day sector placements typically cost the public purse up to £70,000 annually and the average cost of a special school placement is about £23,000.

Paul Haslam, the Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, said he “very much welcomed” the proposals and has already heard from parents interested in sending their children to the new school.

The Woodfield site also includes large playing fields and Cllr Haslam called on the council to allow them to be used by the local community in Bilton.

He said:

“I wondered whether we can consider making the playing fields dual access with separate changing rooms so the community can also have access when it’s not in use by school.

“It’s more benefit for my area which has a lot of outdoor space but no playing fields. It could also create additional revenue for the school.”

Lib Dems call on Keane Duncan to resign over Harrogate Station Gateway

Liberal Democrats councillors have called on North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative transport leader Keane Duncan to resign after the council pressed pause on the £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway project.

Last week, the council said it had “rescinded the decision to proceed” with the controversial active travel proposals, which have been years in the works, due to a legal challenge.

In a statement, the council said it would not be proceeding at the moment to avoid “further costs and delays” after a judicial review was launched by Hornbeam Park Developments over the way the council consulted residents and businesses about the scheme.

The company, owned by businessman Chris Bentley, is a major commercial landlord in Harrogate and owns properties on James Street, which would be part-pedestrianised under the proposals.

The future of the Station Gateway is now in doubt with Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Andrew Jones describing it as a “timed-out dead scheme”.

The traffic order for James Street to be part-pedestrianised.

In an email to Cllr Duncan that has been shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Lib Dems said he should now resign from the council’s Tory-run executive after “failing to deliver” for Harrogate.

Cllr Duncan has been selected by the Conservatives as its candidate for the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election next year.

The letter says:

“At an executive meeting in July, you reaffirmed the commitment of yourself and your colleagues to the gateway project. You confirmed your ‘focus was delivering this landmark £11million investment into Harrogate.’

“You have failed to do so. Harrogate deserves better from the lead member for highways and transportation. You had the opportunity to develop and deliver a bold and innovative comprehensive integrated transport plan for Harrogate but you have failed.

“There is a very real concern that as a result of your mismanagement the potential investment will be lost.

“Harrogate needs meaningful improvements that will boost travel opportunities for local residents, business and visitors. This cannot happen without well managed and significant investment. It seems you are not capable of delivering this.”

The Lib Dems initially backed the scheme at a meeting in May, before withdrawing their support just a month later.

‘Petty point scoring’

In response to their email, Cllr Duncan accused the party of playing political games.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:

“I have been consistent throughout that I would take the gateway project forward only if a majority of local councillors supported it.

“The Liberal Democrats’ decision to vote in support the gateway then withdraw their backing just weeks later can represent nothing other than blatant political game playing.

“Their failure to stick by their own decision undermines not only this much-needed £11m investment but future investment too. Such weak and inconsistent leadership lets down the people of Harrogate.

“As the Liberal Democrats play games with the gateway, I remain focussed on working towards solutions and securing investment for Harrogate. If the Liberal Democrats wish to join me in that then I will welcome them, but the evidence so far shows that they are more interested in petty point scoring.”

Safety audit rules out traffic lights at notorious Killinghall junction

A safety audit at a notorious Killinghall junction has ruled out introducing traffic lights.

North Yorkshire Council, which conducted the audit after a pedestrian was badly injured in February, has also rejected installing a mini-roundabout.

Instead it has recommended repainting the yellow box junction and investigating other measures, such as shortening the length of the Ripon Road bus shelter to create more space for cars going in and out of the Tesco car park.

Councillor Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, updated residents in a recent email.

Cllr Harrison instigated the safety audit after February’s accident heightened longstanding concerns about the Ripon Road and Otley Road junction.

The new Tesco has added another dimension to the issues facing motorists and pedestrians in the centre of the village.

His latest email said the council discovered about 4,600 vehicles exited the B6161 Otley Road junction every 24 hours. of these, 90% turn left to Ripley. A third of the right-turning traffic then go to Tesco.

Cllr Harrison’s email concluded that “we know this junction is not ideal, but working out what to do about it remains a challenge”.

Villager Tom Beardsell remains in favour of traffic lights. He said:

“I feel a fully smart signalised junction is the most sensible and safe before there is a fatality at this junction.

“There is far too much going on around that junction especially now the Tesco connivence store is in full swing.

“Re-painting the road markings and yellow box area will help initially, but it doesn’t distract from the fact there is limited visibility from the Tesco carpark in both directions especially when a bus is at the stop.”

The Ripon Road entrance to the Tesco car park.

Mr Beardsell added he didn’t see any benefit in widening the Tesco entrance and would prefer to see the bus stop moved elsewhere.

He said:

“I first reported the issues at this junction in late January this year, eight months later we are here and there continues to be incidents. How long will it take to make the solution clear and be implemented?”

Asked by the Stray Ferret what he would like to see done, Cllr Harrison said:

“I would like to see a bypass for Killinghall – that is the only solution to remove all of the issues.”

Barn destroyed after bonfire spreads at Blubberhouses

A large barn containing farm vehicles and machinery near Harrogate was destroyed by fire last night.

Nearby trees were also damaged by fire after a bonfire got out of control and spread.

Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Skipton and Tadcaster were summoned to Meagill Lane at Blubberhouses at 9.09pm.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said the crews responded to reports of a bonfire which had spread to a barn and surrounding woodland.

“The barn, which measured 60 metres by 40 metres, and it’s contents – various farm machinery and vehicles, were 100% destroyed by fire.

“Crews used two hose reel jets, main jet, ground monitor, thermal imaging camera, lighting, hydraulic cutters and small tools to deal with the incident.”

Council estimates £105m use of reserves to cover three years of deficits

North Yorkshire Council could be forced to use £105 million of reserves to cover deficits over the next three years.

The council is currently forecasting a shortfall of £25 million at the end of 2023/24.

The authority put the figure down to inflation, rising cost of utilities and taking on structural deficits from other district councils.

Officials had initially forecast a deficit of £30 million, but this has since fallen to £25 million due to savings on changing energy providers and falling fuel bills.

In February, the council agreed a “one-off use” of £30 million of its reserves to cover this year’s deficit.

However, despite the lower deficit, the council still faces being forced to dip into its reserves to cover rising deficits up until 2025/26.

Cllr Gareth Dadd, executive councillor for finance at the council, said:

“We can already see the benefits of creating one single council for North Yorkshire with the chance to make millions of pounds of savings in the first year alone.

“While this is good news for taxpayers in North Yorkshire, we do still need to be realistic as the situation can change with the major financial challenges and uncertainty that are continuing to affect the global economy.”

The authority has estimated another £30 million shortfall next year, followed by a £45 million deficit in 2025/26.

According to a report due before councillors next week, the council estimates that it would need to use a total of £105 million to cover its shortfalls over the next three years.

Council bosses are expected to draw up plans to make savings in the coming years in order to offset any use of reserves.

A financial report before the council in February showed the authority had £285 million in “earmarked reserves”, which is used to “manage financial risk, commitments and support improvement and investment within service directorates”.

Gary Fielding, corporate director for strategic resources at the council, told the Stray Ferret previously that, despite the use of reserves, the council would still be in a good position to withstand another national event, such as a pandemic.

A report on how the council plans to make savings in the next financial year will be brought before senior councillors in February 2024.

Harrogate aesthetics clinic announces closure

A Harrogate aesthetics clinic has announced it will close.

Renee Grace Aesthetics, which is based on King’s Road, said covid and the current economic climate made it a particularly stressful time to run a business.

The clinic offers surgical treatments, such as laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections and lip enhancement.

In a post on its social media, the firm said:

“I have had to make a very difficult decision and I know many of you will be disappointed.

“Renee Grace Aesthetics in Harrogate is closing. Laser treatments have already stopped and I have my few last injectable clients this week.”

The post adds that a clinic will run at an “alternative venue” once or twice a month.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town agrees new scoreboard sponsor

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm.

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

Harrogate Town FC has announced a new matchday sponsor.

Concrete 4 U will sponsor the club’s LED scoreboard, which displays the score and match information during games at the Enivrovent Stadium.

The company, which is based at Portgate Quarry in Ripon, becomes the latest local business to sponsor the football club after Harrogate-based Kitching Plant hire and GH Brooks agreed sponsorship deals.

Neil Harper, group commercial director at Concrete 4 U says

“At Concrete 4 U, we believe in building strong foundations, not only in construction but also in community partnerships.

“Sponsoring Harrogate Town AFC’s LED scoreboard is a natural fit for us, we’re proud to be a part of the captivating moments that the scoreboard will showcase and look forward to leaving a lasting positive impact on matchday.”

Harrogate digital marketing agency shortlisted for four awards

A Harrogate digital marketing agency has been shortlisted for an award at a national ceremony.

Extreme, which is based at Windsor House, has been included in the shortlist for four categories at the UK Social Media Awards 2023.

Extreme’s social team.

The nominations include the company’s work with clients such as Numatic International and cocktail bar Alcotraz.

Extreme’s social media work has been shortlisted for Best Use of Paid Social for Numatic, Best Integrated Campaign, as well as Best Use of TikTok and Best Use of Paid Social for Alcotraz.

Donna Herron, head of social at Extreme said:

“To be recognised in any category or award ceremony is an honour, so to have four submissions shortlisted in a prestigious national scheme is so exciting for our team.

“Even being shortlisted is a great boost, and we’re excited to celebrate with other nominees at the event in September.”

‘Miracle’ cat Charlie returns to Harrogate home after four-week search

An overjoyed Harrogate family is today celebrating the return of a cat who went missing for four agonising weeks.

Erika Hartness spent hours a day searching for seven-year-old Charlie after the Tonkinese disappeared on July 22.

She plastered the area with posters, flooded social media with appeals and put up a £500 reward.

But when Charlie, who had never been away for more than two nights, did not return after a few days she began to fear the worst.

Nevertheless, she and 17-year-old son Jack continued to search under hedges and explore every possible lead and then last night the family received the best surprise ever.

Erika recalls:

“Me and my husband Paul were in separate rooms at home when we heard this almighty miaow. We both thought ‘that’s Charlie’ and ran to the back door.”

It was indeed a bedraggled, emaciated but very much alive Charlie. He had lost half his weight, but otherwise seemed fine.

This image taken today shows how emaciated Charlie is.

A trip to the vet today confirmed Charlie requires nothing but food and tender loving care.

The family is still unsure what happened but Erika believes the wandering moggy got trapped, perhaps in a shed, and was eventually let out — possibly by someone who had just returned from holiday. She said:

“We don’t know how he survived for four weeks without food or how he got water. It’s an absolute miracle he’s alive.

“Even the vet said he should be dead.”

Charlie is now recovering at home, miaowing profusely for food and cuddles. He hasn’t ventured outdoors.

One of the posters.

He used to sleep alongside Raffles, the family Labrador, who died five weeks before Charlie’s disappearance.

Erika wonders whether Charlie went looking for Raffles on the day he went missing.

The family, which even enlisted the support of a company that helps to find missing pets, was overwhelmed by support. Erika said:

“We want to say a really big thank you to everybody. The help we’ve had has been amazing.”

She remains curious about Charlie’s missing month and said if anyone had any information to get in touch.

“There’s probably an entirely innocent person out there who saw a cat shoot out of a shed and didn’t think much of it.”

If you have any information, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will pass on the message to Erika.

Harrogate Town life president George Dunnington dies

Harrogate Town life president George Dunnington has died.

The club announced today that Mr Dunnington, 86, who had been involved with the club for seven decades, died yesterday.

He was first involved with the club as a player in the 1950s.

When his playing days ended in the 1980s he helped the club build a new stand, floodlights, terracing, turnstiles, changing rooms and much more with a team of workers.

Mr Dunnington was elected chairman in October 1986, a position he held until 1998.

He was then elected club president In 2012/13, before being one of the inaugural inductees in the club’s Hall of Fame in 2023.

The club said in a statement:

“George was an inspiration to everyone at the club, his positivity, friendly nature and determination leaving a lasting legacy at the club he dedicated such a big part of his life to.

“Our thoughts are with George’s family and loved ones at this time.”

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‘Petty point scoring’

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Harrogate digital marketing agency shortlisted for four awards

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