Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 273 of 1039

Stray Views: Unelected council officers should not be making planning decisions

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Your piece today (councillors raise concerns about the role of planning committees) highlighted that fact that planning officers are now making most of the decisions on applications.

This is just one example of many of the way in which our elected councillors are being side-lined and it is so wrong. As officers are unelected they are barely accountable for the decisions they make and in fact they are unreachable and almost immune from the views of us, the residents and tax payers.

We vote for our representatives, we hold them to account at the ballot box, and it is they who should be making these decisions.

Tom Paul, Pannal

A more flexible approach to 20mph limit

I agree all schools should have a 20mph speed limit but only in the hours where danger may be present. In Scotland there are flashing road signs for the relevant periods during the day and school term times. For the rest of the day and school holidays it reverts to 30mph.

In addition children should be taught more road sense. In Ripon we have a situation where at the end of the school day staff have to stand outside the school gates and supervise 11+ pupils leaving school!

Sandra Theobald, Ripon

EV car spaces should be for EV cars only

I agree that 10 chargers is a bit much for Chapel Street at the moment but it’s wrong to suggest its OK for non-evs to park there if they are empty.

You could say the same for disabled parking bays but that’s obviously wrong. It would be better to have chargers at the long stay carpark off York Road.

Ralph Armsby, Knaresborough

Big thank you for 10k Race for Life

Please thank everyone on duty at the Harrogate Stray 9/7/2023.
Unfortunately I signed up for the 10k walking but my asthma got the better of me and wasn’t able to finish. The medics were called to me at the 7k mark to whom I thank.
To hold an event like this successfully and safe depends on volunteers
Many thanks to the Marshal who walked with me as I was the last of 10k walkers.

Margaret Beckingham, Harrogate

Harrogate Theatre announces full cast for this year’s Christmas panto

Harrogate Theatre has announced the full cast of this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Beloved actor, Tim Stedman will join the Christmas panto once again to play the role of Idle Jack.

This will be Mr Stedman’s 23rd pantomime with Harrogate Theatre since his first appearance in its 2000 production of Sleeping Beauty.

However, one familiar name that won’t be appearing this year is Howard Chadwick, who has often played the dame.

The show is set to start on November 22 and will run until January 14 2024. Tickets are already up for sale and, as usual, are selling fast.

Alongside Mr Stedman, this year’s cast will include Naail Ishaq as Dick Whittington, Faye Weerasinghe as Alice Fitzwarren and Michael Lambourne as the evil King Rat.

In addition, the pantomime will be welcoming newcomers, Shannon Rewcroft as Fairy Bow-Bells, Anna Campkin as Tammy the Cat, and Harry Wyatt as Sarah the Cook.

Ms Rewcroft commented:

“I’m very much looking forward to a Yorkshire Christmas in beautiful Harrogate and getting to work!”

A chorus of twelve dancers aged 13-17 will also accompany the main cast of Dick Whittington. Auditions for the roles will be held tomorrow and will see aspiring young dancers from across the district attend.

The annual panto is Harrogate Theatre’s most popular show and draws thousands of visitors to the town each year.

A spokesperson said this year’s production would be “packed with sparkle, silliness, and side-splitting jokes” – as it is every year…

North Yorkshire Council awarded £830,000 to support Ukrainian refugee housing

North Yorkshire Council has been awarded £830,715 by the government to support Ukrainian refugees living in the county move into their own homes.

Ukrainian families fleeing war have found places to live through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme with UK sponsors agreeing to house refugees for a minimum of six months.

However, there have been concerns that if it doesn’t work out between refugees and host families some may fall into homelessness, so the government is offering all local authorities money through its Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG).

The council’s Conservative executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, welcomed the grant in a statement to councillors ahead of a meeting next week.

Cllr Myers said:

“We welcome the additional funding which recognises the commitment of sponsors and the work we have already been doing during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.”

According to NYC, there have been 1,336 arrivals to North Yorkshire since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

This includes 49 refugees who arrived between April and the end June this year.

The number of people still living with a sponsor is 616 and there has been 720 who initially arrived in North Yorkshire but have moved on from their sponsors’ accommodation.

A total of 371 of these have moved onto private rented accommodation and 172 have moved back to Ukraine.

The council said 47 have moved on to another sponsor family outside of North Yorkshire.

Over the winter, the council increased the ‘thank you’ payments for sponsors from £350 to £500 a month and this will be extended until October 2023 when it will again be reviewed.

To help new arrivals settle in, the council also has two dedicated employment advisors who work with Ukrainian residents to help them find training and apply for jobs.

Nationally, more than 117,000 Ukrainians have moved to the UK through the resettlement scheme.

32,000 chickens killed in fire in Harrogate district

More than 32,000 chickens have been killed in a fire on the edge of the Harrogate district.

Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon were called to commercial premises near Upper Dunsforth yesterday afternoon.

The water bowser from Boroughbridge was also summoned.

Station manager Tony Walker tweeted:

“No injuries reported but sadly over 32,000 chickens have perished in the blaze.

“Significant damage to the building. Fire Investigation underway.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said the fire occurred to a shed measuring about 250ft x 50m and help was requested at 3.37pm.

Station manager Tony Walker tweeted several photos of the incident, including these below.

Holiday clubs ‘lifesaver’ amid cost of living crisis, says Harrogate mum

A Harrogate mum has said a summer holiday programme will be a “lifesaver” amid the cost of living crisis.

The FEAST programme, which takes place from Monday, July 24, until Friday, September 1, gives children and young people across the county with a chance to socialise, learn new skills and stay active.

Open to all children and young people in North Yorkshire, those who receive benefits-related free school meals can attend for free and also receive a hot meal or packed lunch.

Single mother-of-two Jade Wrightson, from Harrogate, is among those who will benefit the scheme during the summer.

Ms Wrightson, whose children Freddie, aged nine, and eight-year-old Emmie, have taken part in the programme before, said it is a lifesaver at a time when money remains tight.

She said:

“Without FEAST I wouldn’t be able to work.

“I’m a teaching assistant and I clean too. I would have to save up to afford these activities or search for free things to do. Thanks to FEAST, the children enjoy a full day out playing and trying activities they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do.”

North Yorkshire Council has been allocated funding by the Department of Education for this year’s provision of summer activities.

The programme received bids from 120 activity providers this year of which 101 were successful – an increase compared to the 69 that offered the sessions last year.

Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive councillor for education, learning and skills, said:

“It’s heartening that we have the opportunity to build on the momentum of our previous success with the FEAST programme, which enables us to reach even more families this year.

“The FEAST programme offers a vitally important service to families, helping to ease the pressures that many households usually face during the school holiday period, such as added childcare and food costs.”

Eligible families across North Yorkshire will receive information about FEAST and a voucher to book their free place via their school.

For more information on the scheme, visit the North Yorkshire Together website here.

Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 4

This article is the fourth of a series of six.

Voters across parts of the district will be heading to the polls on Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by the resignation last month of MP Nigel Adams.

Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end does encompass Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston.

There’s a broad field to choose from – there are 13 candidates – but who are they, and what do they believe?

In the lead-up to the by-election, we’re spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words.

So far, we’ve featured Andrew Gray (independent), Claire Holmes (Conservative), Mike Jordan (Yorkshire Party), Dave Kent (Reform UK), Keir Mather (Labour), Nick Palmer (independent), and Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party).

Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today’s candidates are Sir Archibald Stanton of the Monster Raving Loony Party, and Matt Walker of the Liberal Democrats.

Tomorrow: Arnold Warneken (Green Party), and John Waterston (Social Democratic Party).

Sir Archibald Stanton, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party

Urging the electorate to “vote for insanity”, the party’s policy proposals include preventing identity theft by calling everyone Chris, and introducing a Board of Bribery which would set standardised rates on the principle of “sleaze for the many, not just the few”.

“Good people of Selby and Ainsty, Sir Archibald Stanton is the Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate for your constituency on July 20, 2023.

“We are a party that’s on everyone’s side, no matter what your political persuasion may be. Yes, just like you, we have seen it all before, heard it all before and still don’t believe it.

“Let’s shake them up, between us we can show them that we do care about our country.

“Here’s a brief selection from our Manicfesto:-

Free dental treatment for ALL pensioners

No income tax payable on your State Pension

Be able to challenge politicians to prove that they have done what they said they were going to do in their manifesto

Be able to vote for your Prime Minister

Create a Ministry of Nostalgia to remind people of how things used to be.

….etc

“Together we can make your constituency very proud, the wonderful district that changed the face of modern-day politics.

“The Monster Raving Loony Party are the only OFFICIAL Party – all the rest are unofficial.

“Don’t let apathy win this election.

“Please remember the only wasted vote is one that’s not used, so if you don’t usually vote then vote unusually.

“Look out for the top hat symbol on your polling card and put a large X in the box for Loony, in the certain knowledge that you have carried out your democratic duty. You’ve got nothing to lose.

“Look out for Archie and his right-hand man Gilly on the campaign trail.

“And don’t forget – a vote for Sir Archibald is a vote for the future.

“Vote Sir Archibald Stanton on July 20, 2023 – you know it makes sense.”

Matt Walker, Liberal Democrats

Matt Walker currently represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire County Council. The Liberal Democrats have usually come third in Selby and Ainsty, so will need to benefit from a considerable shift in the electoral landscape if they are to win this time.

“I’m delighted to have been selected as the local Liberal Democrat candidate for Selby and Ainsty. As a candidate I will be a passionate campaigner for the area, listening to residents’ views and championing their issues.

“Residents across Selby and Ainsty have been let down, our NHS is on its knees. In my professional life I am a manager in the NHS, and in one of my previous roles I spent time managing the GP out-of-hours and minor injuries unit at Selby Memorial Hospital. I’ve seen first hand just how amazing our NHS is and just how much damage the Conservatives have done to it.

“The Liberal Democrats will be fighting for every vote at this election. Whether it’s the crisis in our NHS or the cost of living, the government has taken North Yorkshire for granted for too long and it’s time for a change.”

Sell-out Great Yorkshire Show proves resilient in cost of living crisis

This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID

Despite the cost of living crisis, the 2023 Great Yorkshire Show was a sell-out with the rain appearing to have a bigger effect on sales than the economic climate.

The UK’s largest agricultural show saw 140,000 people pass through its gates over four days this week.

The four-day event sold out two weeks in advance even though ticket prices increased, setting you back £32 for an adult or £80 for a family. By comparison, they cost £29 and £75 last year.

Alistair Nixon, chief executive of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the farming charity that organises the show, said:

“It is a difficult time – cost of living means prices are going up all the time and we do have to reflect that in our prices.

“However, we support our farmers as much as we can through the show, and I’ve seen the same level of loyalty this year as with any other year.”

Mr Nixon explained the charity “has hit its target and done what we needed to do” when asked if the economic state had caused a dip in sales.

Show director Charles Mills added:

“Everywhere I’ve been it’s been very busy.

“I’ve seen a lot of people with food and drinks, or walking out with bags, so that must be a good sign.”

Clothing trader Joules noted sales to be “around the same as last year”, but said its demographic “tend to come to the show and only shop here during the show”.

The Pavilions of Harrogate‘s outdoor bar saw record sales on the Thursday, but Friday’s rain slowed down final sales.

Fraser Holmes, event manager of Pavilions, told the Stray Ferret:

“In terms of what we’ve taken this year, I believe it to be around the same as last year.

“Thursday was our record day ever for sales – the sunshine really helped with that – and Friday’s rain then brought things back down a bit.

“People are still spending money I think.”

The show also saw a record number of sheep class entries that surpassed 3,000, as well as over 1,000 cattle and equine entries too.

Find more information on Yorkshire Agricultural Society here.

Conservation trust seeks public’s views on district’s rivers

A river conservation trust has launched a survey asking for the public’s views on problems facing their local rivers.

The Dales to Vale River Network (DVRN) survey is made up of seven different questionnaires, each on a different river in North Yorkshire.

The aim is to discover what the public thinks are the main challenges facing rivers across the county.

The DVRN is a partnership of interest groups, farmers, and charities that all want to improve the biodiversity and water quality of local rivers, including those running through the Harrogate District such as the Nidd and the Ure.

Charlotte Simons, senior catchment partnerships manager for the DVRN explained why the survey was created:

“We’re keen to hear how people see the rivers, what issues they are concerned about and what improvements they would like to see within the seven catchment areas.”

“We want to have a strategic approach to projects that deliver benefits to the public, the rivers, and the ecosystems that depend on these watercourses.”

The trust created a similar survey for the same purpose in 2017. This is the first time that it will be held online where it hopes to reach more people and collect at least 100 responses per river catchment.

Ms Simons told the Stray Ferret that communities in catchments along the River Nidd and Ure have voiced numerous concerns about the health of the river.

Communities near the middle and lower Nidd are particularly worried about water quality and release of raw sewage. Many have also supported the removal of man-made barriers blocking the movement of fish along the river.

Along the River Ure, environmental organisations and locals want the trust to prioritise the issue of habitat removal and rising water temperatures.

Ms Simons is hopeful that this year’s survey results will help the DVRN decide its next steps to protect local rivers

She added:

“By working together with local communities and organisations rather than independently we can achieve so much more.”

The survey is open and will close on September 8. To find out more or take part in the survey click here.

Harrogate woman with brain tumour starts fundraiser to “save others”

A terminally ill woman from Harrogate has launched a fundraiser for the Brain Tumour Charity.

Sheena Blake was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma in June. It’s an incurable brain tumour which cannot be operated on.

Sheena, who is 38 years old, works as a teaching assistant and is the mother of two young girls.

In a video posted to her Facebook page, she said that the diagnosis had been heart-breaking for her family but that she would not go down without a fight.

Sheena has started to fundraise for The Brain Tumour Charity, a UK-based organisation that funds global research into brain tumours and offers support for those affected by the disease.

She said:

“Unfortunately, I am one of many people fighting this horrible disease and I have to do everything in my power to turn it into something good and positive.

“My Mission is to make my girls proud and raise some money to help others going through similar circumstances.

“I am determined to do some good, it might not be able to save me but it absolutely could help save someone else”

Sheena intends to start radiotherapy and chemotherapy to slow her tumour’s growth and explained how fundraising would motivate help her to keep going during this difficult time .

Since its launch a week ago, the charity fundraiser has received over £7,000 in donations, exceeding its initial £5,000 target.

Sheena commented:

“I can’t believe how generous and kind people have been.

“I’ve gone over my target so I’m running with it. This is going to be my focus, this is going to give me the push that I need to keep fighting.”

If you wish to donate or find out more click the link to Sheena’s fundraiser here.

Bookshop to be centre of murder mystery as crime festival arrives in Harrogate

As fictional crime is celebrated in Harrogate next weekend, one local business is getting in on the fun by staging its own murder mystery.

Imagined Things, the independent bookshop on Montpellier Hill, is inviting people to try to solve the murder of one of its bookseller.

After the crime is discovered in the basement, visitors will be asked to find clues around the shop and at other nearby shops to discover who committed the murder – and win a prize.

It’s all part of the fun brought to town by the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which runs from Thursday, July 20 to Sunday, July 23.

While Imagined Things isn’t an official part of proceedings, owner Georgia Eckert said there is always an extra buzz around the shop during the festival:

“It’s a lovely atmosphere – you never know who you might meet. We even had Nicola Sturgeon just wander in randomly!”

As well as the murder mystery, Imagined Things is hosting five book signings during the festival, alongside a panel event at Harrogate Library with authors Michelle Frances, Ellery Lloyd and Ruth Kelly on Thursday evening.

The shop has also secured four books to sell before the official publication date in August.

Georgia said there are usually dozens of unexpected visitors through the doors too, with a total of 42 authors calling in to sign books during the festival in 2022.

Imagined Things is among the local businesses benefitting from the thousands of visitors arriving in town for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which this year marks its 20th anniversary.

It begins, as always, with the opening ceremony and announcement of the winner of the crime novel of the year and the outstanding contribution to crime fiction awards.

Over the following three days, workshops, panels and interviews will bring together some of the most established writers in the genre with up-and-coming names in one of the biggest events of its kind.

Its enthusiasts are not the only ones contributing to the success of the independent bookshop, which moved from its first home in the Westminster Arcade last June.

Georgia said:

“Every year, we’ve got a lovely lady who visits from France and orders a big box of books from us, which is amazing.

“Some people don’t have an independent local bookshop in their town, so they come to support us.

“There’s not as many of us now – although the numbers have been growing since 2017, when we opened. There was an overall increase in the number by one that year, after a 20-year decline, and it has gone up every year since.”

A more flexible approach to 20mph limit

EV car spaces should be for EV cars only

Big thank you for 10k Race for Life

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