The politician in charge of highways at North Yorkshire Council has welcomed the decision by councillors to back the £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway proposals.

The perceived rights and wrongs of one of Harrogate’s most controversial transport schemes in decades were discussed at a special three-hour meeting of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee on Friday.

Three Liberal Democrat councillors issued strong objections to the project, including Knaresborough West councillor, Matt Walker, who called it an “£11-million-pound vanity project”.

Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone councillor, Pat Marsh, said it was the “wrong scheme” for Harrogate.

However, Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam, said the scheme will benefit businesses and encourage active travel and Conservative councillor for Oatlands and Pannal, John Mann, said the changes will rejuvenate the “run-down and dated” area around the train station.

Ultimately, 10 councillors — five Liberal Democrats and five Conservatives — agreed to support the scheme with conditions. Three voted against.

‘Transformative impact’

Cllr Keane Duncan, who has had responsibility for transport on the Conservative council’s executive since Don Mackenzie retired last year, said he was pleased that councillors from opposition parties came together to back the project.

Cllr Duncan said:

“I welcome the positive, cross-party support expressed for the gateway project. The majority of councillors recognised the importance of securing this £11m investment and the transformative impact the project could have for Harrogate.

“Their support gives the executive the ability to proceed to the next stage. Input and oversight provided by local councillors will be incredibly valuable, now and into the future.”

Friday’s successful motion to support the Station Gateway was put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor for Coppice Valley and Duchy, Peter Lacey, and it came with three conditions.

Read more:

• £11.2m Station Gateway set to go ahead after crucial Harrogate area vote
• Publican says cycle path crackdown in Harrogate is ‘unreasonable’

These were that the “genuine concerns” of residents and groups are listened to, local councillors have a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme and that a “rigorous monitoring system” to examine its potential impact on traffic, environment and business is put in place.

The motion will be presented to the council’s executive at a meeting on May 30 when senior councillors will decide whether to submit a full business case for the project.

If approved, construction could begin by the end of this year.

Last Friday’s area constituency committee meeting was unusual in that it focused on just one topic.

And despite being an advisory body, there were more eyes on it than normal meetings because the council promised to abide by whatever decision councillors took.

North Yorkshire Council has pledged to give area constituency committees more of a say in decision-making going forward. It could mean more meetings take place place around hot-button issues in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Reflecting on Friday’s meeting, Cllr Duncan added:

“With localism at the heart of the new North Yorkshire Council, it was right for the executive to seek the views of local councillors, elected by and accountable to the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

The organisers behind the Yorkshire Warrior obstacle course have announced the event will not take place this year.

The annual obstacle challenge, which includes 20km, 15km, 10km and a 3km event for juniors, was due to be held at Ripley Castle.

In a post on its website and social media, organisers said rising costs of materials and services had led to the decision.

It said:

“We are truly gutted to announce that there will be no Yorkshire Warrior events taking place this year. 

“This is due to a number of reasons but mainly the rising costs of materials, services and health and safety. 

“We really do hope to come back in 2024 with some new and exciting events, but for now we are taking a break.”

The extreme obstacle challenge was founded in 2013 by Ian and Danielle Bush.

Read more

• Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week

A pay-as-you-feel cafe will open its third branch in the Harrogate district this week – and is hoping to offer a menu fit for its surroundings.

Resurrected Bites will run every Thursday in Killinghall Methodist Church, which has just undergone a £248,000 renovation.

The community interest company has been serving up food waste meals at West Park United Reformed Church in Harrogate and Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough for the last two years.

But Chris Lidgett, who has joined as operations manager, said he hopes the new cafe will offer something a little different both on its menu and to the community. He told the Stray Ferret:

“We’re trying to promote to a different audience. It’s a refreshed church in an affluent village, so it’s not necessarily about food poverty, but about isolation.

“We want people to come out, use the new facility, and meet people. If it goes well, we might look at rolling it out to more places.”

What the Killinghall cafe will have in common with the others is that its menu will be entirely made up of food that would otherwise go to waste.

Donated by supermarkets and other commercial operations, the food is still perfectly edible and just as tasty as the day it arrived on the shelves, but does not meet the exacting requirements of some retailers.

That means the menu for each week is only confirmed the day before the cafe opens, depending on what has come into the organisation’s warehouse on Hornbeam Park. Mr Lidgett said:

“You never know what you’re going to get through the door. It’s Ready, Steady Cook every day! It’s definitely a challenge, but a good one.”

Chris Lidgett and volunteer Katie White

With a background in catering, Mr Lidgett is more than used to coming up with new dishes.

Until earlier this year, he worked at Crimple on Leeds Road. Prior to that, he lived in the south of England, where he and his wife ran award-winning pubs in areas including the Cotswolds.

His CV is varied, however: he joined the Army when he was younger and served in the Household Cavalry – which brought with it slightly unusual responsibilities. After “stupidly” putting his hand up when asked if anyone could play a musical instrument, he became the Queen’s trumpeter.

He performed at events including Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament. On one memorable occasion, he travelled to Paris with Her Majesty for the Bastille Day celebrations in 2005.

He described the Queen as “a lovely woman” who would always take the time to speak to those taking part in events and ceremonies. However, Chris is quite clear he has no plans to return to that life, even after seeing the pageantry of the coronation over the weekend.

“It’s like a throwback. People say, ‘it looks amazing’. I just look and yes, it is amazing, but you don’t realise how much work goes into that and the sacrifices that are made.

“Three weeks beforehand, you’d be getting up at 1am and doing the whole parade at 2am.”

Read more:

• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal smashes £20,000 target for Resurrected Bites
• Refurbished church aims to meet needs of growing Killinghall community

His new role is a world away from Royal pomp and protocols. It has been funded by donations made as part of the Stray Ferret’s Christmas appeal which, with match-funding from local firm Techbuyer, raised more than £30,000 in just four weeks.

Since joining Resurrected Bites in early April, Chris has spent time getting to know the small team of staff and the 200 volunteers who help to keep it running.

He has visited the community groceries in New Park and Gracious Street, where people struggling to afford food can become members, entitling them to a weekly shop for a fraction of the price it would be in a supermarket.

Chris said:

“I do quite like being on site so you can see some of the service users and just realise what we actually do for people. They say, ‘we wouldn’t have survived without you’ and ‘you might not think you’re doing much, but what you are doing is incredible’.

“We want to be able to get the word out there a bit more and reach more people because there must be so many people struggling.”

Although run on a pay-as-you-feel basis, to enable everyone to afford a meal out, Resurrected Bites’ cafes rely heavily on those who can afford to donate giving generously to cover running costs across the organisation.

A few ‘dry runs’ have already been held, when some of Resurrected Bites’ 200 volunteers have been treated to a meal by the team in Killinghall as they get to grips with the practicalities of cooking, serving and clearing away. They’re now ready to open the doors this week.

Cafe manager Sam O’Brien said:

“We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who have signed up so far. They are such a lovely bunch and so keen to make a success of the cafe.

“We still need more volunteers though, particularly people who can help with the cooking, so if you can help on a Thursday, please apply to volunteer via the website or pop in to speak to me.”

Resurrected Bites’ Killinghall cafe will be open from 11.30am to 2pm every Thursday at Killinghall Methodist Church.

Fashion retailer Joules is to close its Harrogate shop.

The company has put a notice in the window of its store on James Street announcing its closure on Saturday, May 20.

The large Harrogate shop, which is believed to employ about 10 staff, is currently selling many items at half price.

The notice does not give a reason for the decision but says:

“We’d like to thank you lovely lot for supporting us over the years.”

It adds the nearest Joules store will be in Ilkley.

The notice in the window

Joules’ closure is the second blow for James Street in just over a month. Cards, gifts and stationery company Paperchase closed its shop at the end of March.

Joules was founded in 1989 when Tom Joule began selling clothing on a stall at a country show in Leicestershire. It now sells menswear, womenswear, kidswear and accessories across UK and Ireland.

In 2016, Joules was floated on the stock market for £140m. But in November last year it fell into administration until Next rescued it by paying £34 million for the business, plus £7 million for the head office site.

The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Joules for further information about the Harrogate shop.

Read more:

• Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
• Harrogate town centre shop to close due to low footfall

This story is sponsored by Vodafone Pro Broadband.

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Police have issued a warning today over a recent spate of moped and motorcycle thefts in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police said the area had seen a “spike” in thefts, particularly of mopeds.

The force added mopeds had often been taken without keys, with secure locks being cut off.

In a statement, police said:

“Our area has seen a recent spike in the theft of motorcycles, predominantly mopeds.

“Often these are being taken without keys, with secure locks cut off before being driven around then discarded.

“Please take extra care when securing motorcycles, and preferably keep them out of sight. If you have any information about the thefts, please call us on 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Read more:

• Leeds United star fined for speeding by Harrogate magistrates
• Harrogate man jailed for ‘sexualised’ online chats with young girls
• North Yorkshire Police ‘still needs to improve’ on child safeguarding, say inspectors

North Yorkshire Police also issued an appeal today over a spate of bike thefts in Harrogate.

The force continues to investigate the thefts, which happened on Saturday, April 8.

Police released a 50-year-old man on conditional bail in connection with the incident.

A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.

Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.

Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.

Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography

The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.

Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.

Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral

Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.

Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.

Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.

In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.

Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens

Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering

Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.

Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.

Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.

The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.

One of the Masham floats

Masham Market Square on Sunday

Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard

Read more:

• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation

Staff and pupils at a primary school judged ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted 18 months ago are celebrating after it was given a glowing report following its latest inspection. 

Ofsted inspectors visited Ripley Endowed Church of England School in March and their report, published today, rates the village school ‘good’ in all areas. 

The new assessment marks a sea-change in the school’s fortunes and is the result of radical measures to bring it up to the required standard. 

Victoria Kirkman, who was appointed interim co-executive headteacher last year, said she was “proud” of the new rating. She added:

“Since my commencement at the federation, the sole focus has been rapid school transformation. The implementation of robust systems, processes and a curriculum that meets the needs of all children whilst focusing on high levels of pastoral care has ensured success.

“Children have only one chance at an education, and I am delighted that now, the children of Ripley Endowed Church of England School will succeed and have far greater life chances.”

Having been consistently rated ‘good’, the school received three consecutive ‘requires improvement’ assessments in 2015, 2017 and 2019. 

At its last full inspection in November 2021, it was rated ‘inadequate’ – the lowest of all ratings – in a report that was highly critical of its quality of education, leadership and early years provision. 

The rating meant the school, which has space for 90 pupils but currently only has 33, was placed in special measures.

As a result, North Yorkshire County Council drafted in an interim executive board (IEB) and new staff were hired, including Miss Kirkman, who is also executive headteacher at Admiral Long CE Primary School in Burnt Yates and Birstwith CE Primary School, which were both inspected and rated ‘good’ by Ofsted last year, and at Beckwithshaw Primary School which was rated ‘inadequate’ last spring.

Ripley Primary School’s progress was noted at a monitoring inspection in November 2022, but today’s report is seen as concrete acknowledgement that the school has been turned around. The report rates the school ‘good’ across the board, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. It states: 

“Leaders are relentless in their drive to support pupils to achieve their best and have designed a curriculum which broadens pupils’ horizons.

“Pupils enjoy their lessons. They pay close attention to adults. There is little or no disruption, which means pupils are able to concentrate well.”

It also quotes a parent, who said the new leadership’s “unbelievable enthusiasm has spread amongst teachers, pupils and parents”. 

Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the changes that staff and governors had brought about over the last 12 months.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:

“I am thrilled that Ripley Primary School is now an educational establishment where children can flourish. We, as the local authority, are committed to continue developing the best possible provision for the pupils and will work tirelessly to build on these successes.”

Robert Ling, who was drafted in as the chair of the IEB, said:

“Since the IEB came into force in February 2022, it’s been a real team effort and I would like to thank members of the IEB for their commitment in turning things around.

“We are immensely grateful and proud of everything we have achieved in such a short period of time and I hope the school’s journey of improvement continues. Ripley Endowed Church of England School is part of a federation of three schools – Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary and Beckwithshaw Community Primary School.

“However, I would also like to express my gratitude to Killinghall Primary School, Admiral Long School and Birstwith C of E Primary School, for their continued support in the remarkable journey that this federation has taken.

“Finally, a huge thank you to the parents and carers for your continued support of the school, especially during the past 18 months, which have been challenging for everyone.”

Rebecca Foy, the school’s interim co-executive headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator, was also delighted by Ripley’s transformation. She said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with our result. It reflects the hard work, high expectations and dedication of the staff team to our children and families.

“We would like to thank parents and carers whose unwavering support to school life at Ripley, along with the wider community, has been a key factor in making us a positive and ambitious school and, of course, our wonderful children who we are immensely proud of.”

Maxie Schiffmann and Ellie Allen, co-chairs of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), told The Stray Ferret:

“We are absolutely delighted with this report. All staff, governors, parents and pupils have worked incredibly hard to improve this fantastic village school and we have created a very tight community during this journey. We look forward to welcoming many more pupils to this wonderful school.”

Read more:

• Ripley school praised for ‘swift and effective action’ to address inadequate rating
• Ripley primary school seeks to join academy after ‘inadequate’ rating
• Ofsted rates Ripley primary school as ‘inadequate’

A Harrogate woman has been found safe after going missing for four days.

North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal for the 56-year-old female on Friday last week. It said she had not been seen since the previous day and officers were “extremely concerned for her welfare”.

This morning the police said the woman had been found safe yesterday.

We have consequently updated our coverage to remove the woman’s personal details.

Read more:

• Police sack Harrogate officer convicted of sexual assault
• Crime commissioner Zoe Metcalfe under pressure following critical report

Rail services in Harrogate and Knaresborough are set to be affected by a fresh wave of strikes this week.

Train drivers’ union ASLEF will walk out on Friday, May 12, prompting train operator Northern to cancel all services.

RMT members will strike on Saturday, May 13, leading Northern to operate only hourly services on a small number of key routes between 7am and 7pm.

Further information is available here.

Although there is no strike action on Sunday, May 14, services are expected to start later in the morning than normal due to what Northern has described as “fleet displacement”.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“It is disappointing to see the return of industrial action to the rail network.

“Whilst all strikes disrupt someone, these particular dates will have a significant impact on people travelling on our network to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.

“Given the context in which the UK is hosting this international event – on behalf of the people of Ukraine – this is particularly unfortunate.”

Northern’s guide to upcoming services

A statement on ASLEF’s website blamed the action on “failure of management to offer a fair deal on pay”. It added:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Further ASLEF action, known as ‘action short of strike’ will take place for five consecutive days from May 15 to 20.

Northern is urging people to check train times before they travel’ as early morning and late night services may be affected.

ASLEF members are also due to walk out on May 31 and June 1 on which there will be no Northern services.

New timetable

This month’s strike action comes ahead of Northern introducing its new summer timetable on Sunday, May 21.

Customers who make regular journeys on the same train times are advised to check before they travel as some services may have been re-timed.

More information is available here.

Read more:

• Almost 500 appointments cancelled at Harrogate hospital due to junior doctors’ strike
• Lib Dem leader describes £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway as ‘vanity project’