North Yorkshire Council has pledged to take “extensive action” against young people using woods in Harrogate as a bike track.

The council flattened the track in Oak Beck Park in May following complaints about vandalism.

But another makeshift route has appeared in the woods, which are near Oak Beck Retail Park, during the school holidays.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said the area had been “transformed again” and some areas had become no-go zones to her.

She said there were “massive ramps and holes” and volunteers regularly tidied litter.

“The area where the pine trees grow has been used by generations of children riding their bikes. Never in the 20 or so years I have walked here, have I seen this level of wanton vandalism, or disregard for other users, flora and fauna.

“A shrug of shoulders and the comment ‘it’s school holidays’ does not wash with me or many others trying to enjoy this green space.”

She said no cycling signs on gates at the entrance of Oak Beck Park this summer “stayed there for less than 48 hours”.

The track approaching one of the jumps.

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment, said:

“We are taking extensive action in response to complaints from regular users about littering and anti-social behaviour, including liaising with police about further patrols.

“Actions have included working with youth agencies and visiting the local youth club to talk to bike users about why ramps cannot be erected over paths and how the site is for everyone, not only cyclists. We have also spoken to bike riders on site. We have erected signs and posters, but these have been removed.

“Owners of land adjoining the site have repaired the perimeter fence to prevent unofficial access routes.”

Mr Battersby said the council was assessing damage to trees and footpaths. He added:

“We continue to visit the site regularly to ensure pathways are maintained safely, and volunteers hold regular litter-picks at the site.”

One of the holes.

Councillor Monika Slater, a Liberal Democrat whose Bilton Grange and New Park division includes the woods, said she understood there was potential funding to create an allocated site for bikers in the woods.

Cllr Slater said this would be a good outcome, adding:

“I walk my dogs there and have never seen anything although that’s not to say it doesn’t happen.

“Ultimately young people need activities to do and places to go and there’s not an awful lot of choice.”

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• Council flattens bike track in woods near Harrogate

A judge lifted reporting restrictions today to allow the media to name a Harrogate boy murderer in the hope it will serve as a warning to other young people about the dangers of knives.

Dylan Cranfield, 17, was found guilty of murdering Seb Mitchell, 17, at Leeds Crown Court by a verdict of 10 to 2 after the jury deliberated for almost 15 hours.

There were gasps in the public gallery when the verdict was announced.

Afterwards, Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, allowed Cranfield to be named.

He said:

“It’s important getting young people to understand that knives kill. Not just knives that are carried around with them for so-called protection.

“Young people must know that all knives are lethal weapons and can in dreadful circumstances lead to death.”

Cranfield, who was 16 at the time of the incident in February, was not named in reports from the trial until today.

He is due to be sentenced on October 4.

Seb Mitchell. Picture: Sam Mitchell.

Courts have discretionary powers to prevent the media from naming children to protect their welfare. Such orders remain in place until the child reaches 18.

Judge Kearl said the welfare of children had to be balanced against the open justice principle that says the media should be able to report cases “fully and contemporaneously”.

He said the public interest of highlighting the dangers of knife crime meant it was therefore “in the interests of justice to lift reporting restrictions”.

Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife after a row over a broken mirror at a property on Claro Road in Harrogate.

A police officer outside the home on Claro Road after the incident.

Cranfield pleaded not guilty – he accepted he stabbed Seb, but said he did not intend to kill him.

A teenage girl who witnessed the incident told police Cranfield pointed the knife at Seb and said “I’m going to wet you up”, which the court heard was “London slang” for a stabbing.

Judge Kearl told the court:

“This is not a case in which he took the knife to the scene, but nevertheless a case in which it was picked up and then used, not with a great deal of force.

“But as we know in these courts, you don’t have to use a great deal of force in order to inflict a great deal of injury.”

Seb was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He died two days after the incident.

Read more:

• Seb Mitchell trial: Murder accused stabbed victim after row
• Man jailed for dealing cocaine and ecstasy in Harrogate

Harrogate Town have already sold more than 2,200 tickets for next week’s cup match against Blackburn Rovers.

Tickets went on general sale today for the match which will see Simon Weaver’s side take on Championship side Blackburn Rovers in what is arguably the club’s most illustrious match ever.

The Carabao Cup round two fixture will be the first time Harrogate has hosted a Championship club, with League One Blackpool and Portsmouth the previous highest ranked to visit.

A place in round three of the competition awaits the winners, with more Premier League clubs added to the draw, including the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

A Town spokesman said this afternoon:

“In total we have sold 2,200-plus tickets so far, which includes Blackburn’s full allocation of 450, which is the most we could give them due to the ongoing groundworks at the stadium.”

Rovers narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season, finishing seventh in the Championship and missing the chance to return to the Premier League, which they won in 1994/95.

Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson made over 100 international appearances for Denmark and has an honours list that includes a Serie A title, Eridivisie win as well as UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League successes.

Having once lined up alongside the likes of Paulo Maldini, Andrea Pirlo, Rivaldo and Andriy Shevchenko, Tomasson is set to face off against Simon Weaver at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

Town supporters can buy one ticket per person in their name and assign three others. Tickets are on sale here, or in-person from the club’s Commercial Street Store.

Season tickets are not valid for this fixture.

Read more:

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• Harrogate and Knaresborough trains face bank holiday strikes

A boy has been found guilty of the murder of Harrogate schoolboy Seb Mitchell.

Seb, 17, was stabbed to death after a row over a broken mirror, a trial at Leeds Crown Court heard.

The jury today returned a majority verdict of 10 to 2 of murder after deliberating for almost 15 hours.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 16 at the time of committing the crime.

He stabbed Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb in the chest with a kitchen knife which led to a fatal loss of blood and cardiac arrest.

The teenager pleaded not guilty – he accepted he knifed Seb but said he did not intend to kill him.

The defendant will not be sentenced today. However, the court will reconvene this afternoon in order to decide whether he can be named publicly.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said his age would be taken into consideration, as would the severity of the crime. He told the court:

“This is not a case in which he took the knife to the scene, but nevertheless a case in which it was picked up and then used, not with a great deal of force. But as we know in these courts, you don’t have to use a great deal of force in order to inflict a great deal of injury.”

Seb was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He died two days after the incident.

Read more:

• Seb Mitchell trial: Murder accused stabbed victim after row
• ‘We will carry him in our hearts forever’ — family’s tribute to Harrogate teen Seb Mitchell

The story is sponsored by Inter Ceramica.

A Harrogate bathroom and tile business that started out in a tiny shop 30 years ago, has begun work on extending its premises, to a super four-floor showroom at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate.

Today Inter Ceramica is an international stockist offering the best and latest in continental bathrooms and tiles from its 6,000sq ft display area.

Rob Challis, Inter Ceramica’s founder, said: 

“Italy has long been known as a global leader in tile manufacturing.

“Their products are supreme, and we’re delighted to have exclusive relationships with top manufacturers. It’s taken 30 years to build, but it’s worth it to guarantee the quality, reliability and continuity of supply for our customers.”

It’s a measure of their popularity that more than 1,000 tons of bespoke tiles arrive at Inter Ceramica’s Hornbeam Park warehouse each year, along with daily deliveries of premium bathroom equipment from top manufacturers including Laufen, VitrA, Roca and Hans Grohe – all beautifully displayed in the stunning showroom. 

A popular and free design service

For customers it’s all about style, inspiration and affordability, says Rob, who’s backed by a highly talented design team. He added:

“Our design service is key to bringing all these elements together, to help customers achieve their perfect bathroom, ensuite or wet room.

“Some are surprised to learn our design service is free. True, there’s a lot of work involved in bringing people’s dreams to reality. But our tiles and bathroom equipment are of the highest quality, so we’ve got to match that with the quality of our design.”

It’s a tribute to the team and quality products that Inter Ceramica can boast thousands of return customers. One of many benefits in being in business for over 30 years is those satisfied customers who offer honest and valuable feedback.

Inter Ceramica has a large selection of tiles, shower heads and much more.

Inter Ceramica works with recommended installers, believing that it’s better and more cost-effective for the customer to deal directly with the installers, safe in the knowledge that Inter Ceramica is working alongside them at all times. 

Inevitably, a prime consideration for the customer is cost and with such a turbulent world economy you’d expect prices to have rocketed but Inter Ceramica has managed to maintain and even reduce prices.

To make customer’s dream even easier to reach, Inter Ceramica has developed a range of finance options including ‘buy now, pay later’ and an interest-bearing finance option for up to 10 years. 

Inter Ceramica is the sister company of Revo Kitchens, which is a German Kitchen superstore also based at Hornbeam Park.  

Find out more: 

You can check out Inter Ceramica’s range of fabulous bathrooms and tiles on their website. Alternatively, you can drop into Inter Ceramica’s showroom at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate. 

Passengers in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area are set to face further train strikes this bank holiday weekend.

Members of the ASLEF and RMT unions will be carrying out industrial action tomorrow (August 26) in a dispute over pay.

It means no trains will run through Harrogate and Knaresborough tomorrow.

This will affect people travelling to York Races for the Ebor meeting, which includes the prestigious Ebor Handicap.

Knaresborough station

Northern has also urged passengers to check before they travel on Sunday (August 27) as train services will start later.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: 

“We know these RMT strikes will cause disruption to the general public.

“Whilst this is only a one-day strike, it falls right in the middle of the busy August bank holiday weekend and will impact people trying to get to major events taking place across region, including Manchester United and Everton football fixtures, York Races, Leeds Festival, Creamfields and Manchester Pride.

“The RMT is still refusing to put the latest pay offer negotiated on behalf of train operators to a vote by their members and it is unfortunate that these strikes continue for their second summer.”

Meanwhile, further union strike action will be taken on September 1 and September 2.

Mick Lynch, general secretary at the RMT Union, said:

“The mood among our members remains solid and determined in our national dispute over pay, job security and working conditions.”

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• Safety audit to be carried out at Killinghall junction
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Firefighters were called to help the driver of an electric vehicle that crashed near Knaresborough yesterday.

The single vehicle collision occurred on the B6164 at Little Ribston at about 5.30pm yesterday, according to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report.

Fire crews from Harrogate and Wetherby responded to the incident.

The report said:

“Crews released the male from the vehicle who was mechanically trapped.

“He was then transported to hospital via road ambulance. Crews then made the vehicle safe.”

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Sports pitches in Harrogate will be named after former pupil and England star Rachel Daly, Rossett School has confirmed.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said the decision was a “no brainer” after Daly was part of the Lionesses team which reached the World Cup Final last weekend.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve only been here a relatively short time, apart from when I was a pupil, but the association with her has been quite close.

“As everything has ramped up, with winning the Euros and now getting to the World Cup final, to talk about your former pupil like that is incredible.

“The messaging we can give to young people about whatever you dream, you can go on to do, has been phenomenal.”

Mr Milburn said the Football Association had promised to invest in pitches in honour of each Lioness after the team won the European Championships last summer.

However, that had “failed to materialise”, he said, so the school will rename its 3G pitches at Rossett Sports Centre in her honour.

While the school is investigating the potential for funding to be given by the FA or the Department for Culture, Media and Sport towards the renaming, Mr Milburn said the school would proceed regardless.

“it’s a quite straightforward, simple thing for us to do, given that she spent many hours in that area of school, honing her skills.

“It’s a really great visual reminder for our students that you can dream big and go on to achieve it.”

Mr Milburn said he had hoped to get Rachel back to join Rossett School’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the end of September, but she will be playing for her club, Aston Villa, at that time.

However, the school is planning to organise another date when an official opening of the newly-named pitches can be done with Rachel as guest of honour.

Early promise

Among those on the guest list at both events will be Mike Sweetman, the former football coach at Rossett School who first spotted Rachel as a promising young player.

Now retired, has spent the last week being interviewed by news organisations around the country, all keen to hear more about England’s number nine.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I was head of recruitment at the school in year 7, so I used to go round the primaries to get them to come to Rossett.

“Really, it was just an excuse to secure the best footballers.

“Someone said, ‘there’s this kid, Rachel Daly, she plays for Killinghall Nomads’. I went down there and I stood on the sidelines and I saw this blonde-haired kid up front who was great, but I couldn’t see any girls, so I thought, ‘I’ve missed the game’.

“Someone came up to me afterwards and said, ‘you haven’t missed her, you watched the match’. I said, ‘don’t tell me it was the blonde-haired kid up front!’.”

After starting at Rossett aged 11, Rachel was soon selected for the under 16s – the only girls’ team at the school at the time.

But over the following years, Rossett gained an impressive reputation for its girls’ football, so much so that promising young players chose to go there so they could be part of it.

Mike Sweetman with Rachel Daly

Mr Sweetman was so sure he had a future star on his hands, he rang the FA to bring her to their scouts’ attention while she was still at school.

A representative came to a game where Rossett won 5-0, with Rachel scoring two of the goals. A few weeks later, she was invited to an England training camp.

Yet even he lists her achievements with a sense of wonder.

Rachel has been shortlisted as PFA players’ player of the year, as well as winning the golden boot in the WSL last season, before playing in the World Cup Final.

Mr Sweetman added:

“I felt proud when she was playing in my school team, never mind playing for Villa or England.”

Backing the campaign

While they’re keen to honour Rachel at school by naming the pitches after her, both Mr Milburn and Mr Sweetman believe more should be done for the wider town to recognise her achievements.

The Stray Ferret and Killinghall Nomads have been pressing North Yorkshire Council to do so, such as by naming the newly-opening Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre after the town’s Lioness.

A petition in support of the campaign has attracted more than 600 signatures.

Mr Milburn added:

“The town is clamouring for something to have in her honour. The Hydro probably fits that bill – a place that inspires people to get fit and active.”

Read more:

• Council ‘urgently’ considers policy on recognising local people
• Petition launched calling for Harrogate to honour Rachel Daly
• World Cup hero Rachel Daly in line for player of year award

A woman has been given a suspended sentence for intentional strangulation and criminal damage in Harrogate.

Angela Freebury, 44, appeared before York Crown Court for sentencing yesterday (August 24).

She admitted strangling the named victim on Harewood Road in Harrogate on September 23 last year.

Ryan Donoghue, prosecuting, told the court that Freebury, who was intoxicated, had asked the victim for a cigarette but was refused.

The 44-year-old, whose address was given as Blossomgate, Ripon, then went back to her room and proceeded to be verbally aggressive from her window.

The victim began recording on her mobile phone, Mr Donoghue said.

He added:

“Twenty minutes later, the defendant returned downstairs.

“The complainant was recording. The defendant took it from her hand and threw it on the ground.”

Read more:

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Mr Donoghue said Freebury then took the victim by the throat with her left hand and compressed, which an eye witness said lasted for between five and 10 seconds.

The victim had to push Freebury in the chest to get her to let go, the prosecution added.

She was arrested, but offered no comment when questioned by police.

Mr Donoghue told the court that the attack was “sustained and repeated”.

The defence said Freebury had a “number of problems” that she is “quite clearly unable to deal with”.

Judge Sean Morris sentenced her to a 10 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Freebury was also ordered to undertake 30 rehabilitation days.

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.

A Harrogate-based IT company has reported improved revenues in its full-year report.

Redcentric, which is based on Otley Road, generated total revenue of of £141.7m for the year ended 31 March 2023 — up from £93.3m the previous year.

The company made three acquisitions over the last financial year, which included deals for 4D Data Centres, Sungard Consultancy and Sungard Data Centre.

A further two deals were struck for Piksel and 7 Elements in the previous year.

As a result of the acquisitions, Redcentric has added more than 600 customers to its data base.

Peter Brotherton, chief executive at the company, said:

“The integration of the five acquisitions undertaken in the last two financial years is now largely complete, with the savings pertaining to the remaining energy conservation measures and closure of the Harrogate Data Centre to be realised before the end of the current financial year.

“The acquisitions have resulted in a significant increase in revenues and much improved organic growth. Improvements in profitability will follow in FY25 once the synergy and energy efficiency programmes have been completed and the much reduced electricity commodity prices take effect.”

Growth Hub to host business peer support groups

York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub is set to launch a peer support group for businesses next month.

The organisation will host three sessions in September, which aim to partner business leaders with each other to offer structured and collaborative support.

The initiative will include a peer-to-peer support programme hosted by Pro-Development on September 22 and RTC North will host a forum on September 27 in Harrogate.

Meanwhile, a women peer-to-peer group hosted by Yorkshire in Business will also be held on September 27.

Jenn Crowther, chief executive of Yorkshire in Business, said: 

“Think of it as having your own professionally facilitated informal board. 

“Women Connect is designed for businesswomen invested in developing their business and helping others to do the same.”

For more information on the events, visit the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website here.

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