Councillors met today to decide whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee decided to back the £11.2 million project – but with conditions.

Here’s what happened.

1.15pm – Meeting ends

The area constituency committee meeting has ended.

Thanks for following our coverage throughout the morning.

1.06pm – Committee votes to welcome Station Gateway investment with conditions

Cllr Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat, has tabled a motion to welcome the investment in the scheme with conditions, including that concerns of residents are listened to as the project is developed and that the committee has a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme.

The committee will also ask for a full report on the progress in the Autumn.

The committee votes to approve the motion by eight to three.

12.45pm – ‘It’s the wrong scheme’, says committee chair

Cllr Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat and committee chair, says she is against the scheme.

She describes the project as “the wrong scheme” for the town.

Cllr Marsh says she is not against cycling and is looking for the best project for the town. She describes the project as “piecemeal”.

12.42pm – Otely Road scheme ‘taken away public confidence’

Cllr Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat, tells officers that the Otley Road cycle route has “taken away the public confidence” in the council delivering infrastructure schemes.

The council decided not to proceed with the scheme after building the first section of the route.

Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Liberal Democrat, says she has felt “conflicted” over the scheme.

However, she says the scheme should be used as a “starting block” for active travel.

12.30pm – ‘The easiest thing to do would be to do nothing’

Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative, says as a councillor the “easiest thing to do would be to do nothing”.

He agrees with Cllr Warneken’s comments and adds that making a decision to do anything in Harrogate “is difficult”.

Cllr Paul Haslam, Conservative, proposes that the committee endorses the scheme.

The public gallery is steadily emptying, after more than two hours of the meeting. Fewer than half of the seats are now occupied.

Those remaining are still listening intently, and are vocally opposing anyone who speaks in favour of the scheme. However, they are far fewer in number than earlier in the morning.

12.25pm – ‘If we don’t do something, when are we going to do something?’

Cllr Arnold Warneken, Green Party, asks the committee if it does nothing on the gateway today, “when are we going to do something?”

He takes a swipe at Cllr Walker “for politicising this”.

He adds:

“We all have an opportunity to have our say. I can see the huge benefits of this.

“It’s a catalyst for making change.”

12.20pm – ‘It’s a £11m vanity project’

Heading into debate, Cllr Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat, starts by describing the scheme as a £11m vanity project.

He says the council’s strategic review as “flimsy” and delivering “nothing of benefit”.

However, Cllr John Mann, Conservative, says “on balance” there is more advantages than disadvantages.

“What a surprise” shout members of the public as Cllr Mann declares his support.

12.10pm – ‘No queuing to Ripley’

Cllr Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat, asks whether any of the traffic will back up to Ripley as a result of the work.

Mr Binks says there will be no queuing to the area.

In response, someone in the public gallery shouts “It already does”.

12.05pm – Impact on business

Cllr Michael Schofield asks why no consultation was done “properly” with business and why no business impact assessment was done.

Mr Roberts says a business impact assessment is “not normally carried out” on this type of scheme.

“So they don’t care, then,” say people in the gallery.

11.57am – First investment in Harrogate in 30 years

Mr Binks says the gateway scheme is “definitely an economic driver”.

He adds its an opportunity for Harrogate to have its first significant investment in 30 years.

Mr Binks ends his presentation and takes questions from councillors.

11.55am – ‘There’s a lot of parking opportunity in Harrogate’

Mr Binks says Harrogate already has “a lot of parking opportunity” as he outlines the loss of 40 spaces as a result of the scheme.

He adds that Harrogate has some 7,000 parking spaces, if Asda and Waitrose are included. As a result, he says the spaces lost would amount to 0.6% of the overall figure.

11.45am – Council data ‘is accurate and validated’

Mr Binks says the council’s plan for Station Parade is justified as the authority commissioned a study into the road using computer modelling over traffic.

He says:

“We have got that raw data to suggest what we are doing is accurate and validated.”

He adds that the drive from Kings Road to Station Parade has eight set of traffic lights which cause a delay in journey times.

Mr Binks says the flow of traffic is affected by the number of traffic signals – not the reduction from two lanes to one.

11.40am – Council acknowledges opinion is split

Council officers acknowledge that opinions on the scheme are “split down the middle”.

They also acknowledge that concern has been raised about the “impact on business”.

11.32am – Town centres ‘are changing’

Mr Roberts says town centres “are changing” and that the status quo “is not sustainable”.

In his presentation, Mr Roberts says 77% of people responded to a consultation to say that walking and cycling infrastructure needed to improve.

It’s pointed out that the £11.2m must be spent on physical infrastructure. It cannot be spent on areas such as improving bus services.

“Get the pavements sorted then!” shouts one woman from the public gallery.

11.25am – ‘We want to make Harrogate better’

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, opens his statement by saying he has 35 years experience in delivering regeneration schemes.

He adds:

“We genuinely want to make Harrogate better. It is the jewel in the crown of North Yorkshire.”

He hands over to his colleague, Matt Roberts, who says the council is “seeking a balanced approach” for people to get around town.

He adds:

“This is not about stopping cars.”

11.20am – ‘Not seeking your blind support’

Cllr Duncan tells the committee that he is “not seeking your unconditional, blind support”.

He says the executive will consider all views from the committee before the executive meeting in 25 days time.

11.17am – Gateway ‘not a perfect solution’

The meeting resumes and opens with Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, says the gateway scheme is “not a total and perfect solution”.

However, he adds that it is an “opportunity to change the town centre”.

He points out that there are 25 days left until the council’s executive makes a decision. He adds that he wants to use those days to “ensure we have the strongest case” for the project, including consulting with the committee.

A handful of people have left the public gallery during the break. Some of the most vocal opponents remain, however, and have already been shouting their views in opposition to Cllr Duncan’s statements.

11am – Committee breaks

Councillors have taken a break at the end of public questions for 10 minutes.

Mr Binks, head of major projects, is set to give a presentation when the meeting resumes.

10.55am – Harrogate Chamber of Commerce does not support gateway

Martin Mann, acting chief executive of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, tells the committee that the chamber does not support the scheme.

Mr Mann points out that construction of the scheme could go on for “two to three years” due to other works planned by utility companies.

10.47am – Gateway scheme ‘not the way forward’

Frances Holroyd, who owns property in Princes Square in Harrogate, describes the scheme as “not the way forward”.

She goes on to add that the scheme should be “rejected in its entirety” and calls on the council to work with local businesses.

More applause from some in the public gallery.

10.42am – Investing in gateway for visitors and reducing carbon

Jemima Parker, of Zero Carbon Harrogate, starts her statement by pointing out local authorities who have made investment in gateway schemes and have also “made a public climate emergency”.

“What has that got to do with Harrogate?” people call as she refers to other towns with what she deems better infrastructure around their public transport.

Ms Parker points at the gateway scheme offers “modest carbon reductions”.

10.36am – Lack of vision ‘alarming’

Veronica Adams, another resident, reads from some of Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam’s views.

She says that Mr Neesam found that council’s often had a “clear vision” which they shared with the public. But goes onto add that he found the current authority’s lack of vision “alarming”.

10.30am – ‘This is not Holland, it’s Harrogate’

Judy D’Arcy-Thompson, a resident and part of the Stray Defence Association, says that the scheme would take away the “freedom and flexibility” of residents while also discriminating against the elderly.

She adds:

“This is not Holland, it’s hilly and often very chilly Harrogate.”

Meanwhile, Barry Adams, of the Harrogate Residents’ Association, adds that Harrogate is “not against change”, but describes the gateway scheme as “meaningless”.

Mr Adams goes on to add that the scheme “will not solve congestion in Harrogate”.

10.23am – ‘Wrong scheme at the wrong time’

More concern from business owners at William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, says the project is the “wrong scheme at the wrong time”.

Mr Woods asks why no public meeting was called to discuss the project. The public gallery applauds again.

Mr Woods’ question over whether the decision was democratic let to calls of “well done, well said” from the public gallery.

He adds:

“If you really care about Harrogate, you must reject this scheme.”

10.20am – Changes could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future

Andrew Brown, of Harrogate Civic Society, says the move to change Station Parade could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future.

He said the society is concerned over potential tailbacks, the pedestrianisation of James Street and public realm changes to Station Square.

Members of the public say “yeah!” and applaud when the civic society raises concerns about the impact on traffic.

10.15am – Concern over deliveries to Station Parade businesses

Sue Savill, of Party Fever on Station Parade, says that the cost to local businesses would “be devastating”.

She raises concern over deliveries to businesses on Station Parade.

Her speech is met with applause from half of the public gallery.

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, said he “empathised” with Ms Savill over her concerns. He added that he was happy to take the concern on board to adjust the project.

10.10am – Harrogate should ‘welcome investment’

Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, starts the statements.

He says Harrogate should “welcome the investment”. He adds that the scheme will help to “improve the town centre”.

Mr Douglas adds:

“This will not prevent people from driving in the town centre, if they want to.”

He calls on councillors to support the gateway scheme.

10am – Meeting starts

The meeting is underway and will start with questions and statements from the public.

Both Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, and Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, are in attendance to observe proceedings.

The public gallery is packed and more chairs are being brought in as members of the public continue to arrive.

9.27am – Pedestrian projects elsewhere

The report also suggests towns and cities that have been made more pedestrian-friendly have seen an increase in visitor numbers, and a boost to local businesses.

It says:

“For example, investment to make the Piccadilly area of Stoke-on-Trent more pedestrian-friendly led to a 30% increase in footfall there, whereas footfall increased by up to 35% on streets where the pedestrian experience had been improved in Scotland.

“The introduction of a pedestrianisation scheme in Coventry also led to a 25% rise in footfall on Saturdays and the trial closure of some roads in Cheltenham in 2018 similarly had a positive effect on the number of visitors to the local high street.”

9.24am – Recommended for approval

Unsurprisingly, the officer’s report to the committee about the scheme recommends that it is approved.

It argues the town centre is “at risk of decline” if nothing is done to make it more appealing and fit for modern needs. It says:

“The number of retail units in Harrogate has reduced by 12% in seven years with more at risk of becoming residential properties via new powers for permitted development changes in use class.

“Of the 92 retail units directly abutting the highways within the Station Gateway site, 15 were vacant in September 2021 (16%). This can be compared with a vacancy rate of 6% across the wider town centre. 

“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term. Consumer behaviours and expectations are evolving, and towns must diversify and advance to maintain healthy and vibrant visitor economies. The scheme is seeking to do just this. “

9.20am – Background to the scheme

The gateway scheme is financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and looks set to cost £11.2 million.

It would see a bus lane and two-way cycle space introduced on Station Parade, with traffic reduced to one lane.

Cheltenham Mount would become a one-way street, while James Street would be partially pedestrianised from Princes Street eastwards.

Improvements would be made to junctions and crossings on Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, and to the roundabout near the Odeon cinema on East Parade. There would also be work to the One Arch underpass, Station Square and the length of Station Parade to create a more welcoming environment.

Read more:

• Stray Views: Time for councillors to back Harrogate Station Gateway
• Dutch-style roundabout ditched from £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

Leeds Bradford Airport has completed its inaugural TUI flight to Dubrovnik in Croatia.

The first flight of the the new summer route departed yesterday at 1.55pm and will be followed by weekly flights operated by the airline.

In addition to Dubrovnik, TUI will increase the number of flights from Leeds Bradford to Turkish destinations Antalya and Dalaman. From May 24, twice weekly flights will depart to both destinations.

Leeds Bradford has 80 destinations on its 2023/24 schedule.

Nicola McMullen, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“We’re thrilled to launch Dubrovnik and offer more holiday destinations than ever before at LBA.

“These routes are proven to be popular amongst customers for good reason and we’re pleased that we’re able to meet demand from across the region with increased capacity.”

Read more:

• Leeds Bradford Airport begins flights to Porto and Perpignan
• Leeds Bradford Airport reveals new destinations for 2023

Starbeck Baths announced today it expects to re-open on May 15.

The Victorian swimming pool closed on April 6, just before the Easter weekend, due to an “unforeseen mechanical failure”.

Its closure was keenly felt by local swimmers because of the long-term closure of The Hydro in nearby Harrogate for a delayed £11.8 million upgrade.

But the baths posted on social media today:

“We are excited to let you know that we took a big step towards reopening today. The brand new filter has been installed and switched on for the first time. Stage one done.

“The second stage, our bit is underway, known as heat and treat which will take a week to 10 days, which is about the same time it will take for our water test results to arrive.

“If everything goes to plan, fingers and toes crossed we will be able to welcome you back to the pool from Monday 15th May.”

The pool is run by the North Yorkshire Council-controlled Brimhams Active, which manages leisure facilities in the Harrogate district.

The new filter system

Read more:

• ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for ‘happy and welcoming’ Starbeck nursery
• Renewed call to move Harrogate ‘little temple’ to Starbeck

Harrogate hair and beauty salon Dangerfield and Keane is to close after 15 years.

Owner Gerri Dangerfield announced the news on social media today, saying he “needed to address my work-life balance and spend more time with my husband, Andrew”.

The salon has been a fixture on Cold Bath Road most of this century. Mr Dangerfield, who has been a hairdresser for 49 years, previously managed Saks Hair and Beauty on Parliament Street in Harrogate.

He told the Stray Ferret he was “going out on a high” and intended to stay in the hairdressing profession, adding:

“Everything changes and it’s the right time to move on. We’ve had a great time and this is a positive decision. I’ve been flooded with emails today.”

The salon will continue to operate as normal until October 14.

Read more:

• Harrogate town centre shop to close due to low footfall
• Historic Harrogate house to be auctioned next month

Mr Dangerfield added style director Marcus Hanson planned to open his own salon in Harrogate, and was in talks with each stylist at Dangerfield and Keane about roles, adding:

“I will almost certainly have a chair with Marcus wherever that may be.”

Explaining his decision to close the business on social media, Mr Dangerfield said:

“As you can imagine the demands of running a business the size of Dangerfield and Keane has not been easy and I now feel the time is right to take advantage of the five-year break clause in our business lease.

“I have served notice to our landlord that Dangerfield and Keane will not continue as a business once we close the current premises on Cold Bath Road on Saturday October 14.

“Although I am 62, I still have a list of things I want to achieve in my life before I retire fully from hairdressing. Retiring from running a large salon is simply the first step.

“I can only express my gratitude to all our loyal clients who have supported us over so many years. I hope I have served you well and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

He added beauty therapist Katy Smith had opened her own treatment room on Westmorland St trading under the name KS Beauty Harrogate.

A crucial vote will be held today over whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee will meet at 10am to decide whether to back the £11.2 million project.

While the final decision will be made by North Yorkshire Council’s leaders later this year, executive member for transport Cllr Keane Duncan has said he will abide by the vote given by local representatives.

The project, financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, would see a bus lane and two-way cycle space introduced on Station Parade, with traffic reduced to one lane.

Cheltenham Mount would become a one-way street, while James Street would be partially pedestrianised from Princes Street eastwards

Improvements would be made to junctions and crossings on Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, and to the roundabout near the Odeon cinema on East Parade. There would also be work to the One Arch underpass, Station Square and the length of Station Parade to create a more welcoming environment.

A report due before the committee today said:

“The scheme seeks to balance the needs of all modal users in ensuring continued access to businesses for loading and the ability to drive into and park within the town centre area, albeit with a predicted modest increase in average car journey times.

“The proposals aim to introduce a significant high-quality uplift to the public realm in the heart of the towns eastern side aimed at increasing retail footfall and quality of experience for residents and visitors.

“The project will also provide safe cycling infrastructure and improved footways which is key in promoting healthier and more sustainable travel choices originating from the rail station hub.”

A part-pedestrianised James Street

The meeting will hear from the council’s head of major projects and infrastructure Richard Binks and its economic and regeneration project manager Matt Roberts, as well as Tania Weston, Transforming Cities Fund programme manager.

Half an hour is allocated to public questions and statements, though these had to be submitted in advance of the deadline earlier this week.

The committee, meeting at the civic centre in St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate, is made up of 13 councillors who represent divisions in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Of them, eight are Liberal Democrats and five are Conservatives.

Only two have so far declared their voting intentions: Michael Schofield, who represents the Harlow and St Georges division for the Lib Dems has said he will not support the plans.

Cllr Schofield argued the plans could damage local businesses, and said North Yorkshire Council has a poor track record in delivering active travel projects, citing the much-criticised Otley Road cycleway.

However, Conservative Paul Haslam, of the Bilton and Nidd Gorge division, said he is planning to vote in favour.

He said the changes would be a step forward in encouraging active travel, and would also make for a better first impression for people arriving in Harrogate by bus or train.

Read more:

• Stray Views: Time for councillors to back Harrogate Station Gateway
• Dutch-style roundabout ditched from £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

Businesses have raised concerns about the potential impact of the changes on town centre trade, arguing fewer people would shop there if they could not park nearby.

A total of 40 parking spaces would be lost through the changes: 20 on Station Parade and 20 on James Street.

Four taxi spaces and three disabled bays would be lost on James Street, but one extra taxi space and three disabled bays would be added on Station Parade.

After a third consultation on the plans was held at the end of last year, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce said:

“It is going to have a massive impact on town centre business, many of whom are vehemently opposed to the scheme as they believe it will have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods.

“We recognise the impact of climate change and the need to encourage active travel, but it’s clear this project is not the correct way forward because the majority do not support it.”

However, the plans have found support among other groups and individuals.

In a letter to the Stray Ferret last month, former town centre business owner and cycling campaigner Malcolm Margolis said:

“It’s true that many local businesses are noisily opposing it. It was the same in the 1980s when Cambridge, Oxford and Beulah streets were pedestrianised. A chorus of local business owners said it would be a disaster. It wasn’t.

“As the owner of a sports shop in Beulah Street I supported the changes. I thought they would be good for my business and they were. Our business increased appreciably because footfall increased.

“It also created a considerably more pleasant environment for our staff to work in – quieter and cleaner.”

Today’s meeting begins at 10am. The Stray Ferret will be covering the debate and vote live – keep an eye on our website for the latest updates.

Pannal Cricket Club has launched a £20,000 campaign to replace its ageing nets and enable its members to improve their game.

Under the title ‘Netfix’, the club is offering rewards to supporters ranging from branded caps and popular pies to a hospitality day when Headingley hosts the Ashes this year.

With almost 300 members across its junior and senior teams, committee member Andy Herridge said the club is keen to ensure it offers the best facilities.

“We’ve really needed some new nets for the last couple of years. They’ve got holes in and have just been used and abused. The storm damage we had over winter just finished them off this year.

“We can only use one of the sides for the juniors and the seniors can’t practice in it now – it can’t take the force of a senior’s ball.”

Mr Herridge said the club has already received a £10,000 grant for the nets from the England and Wales Cricket Board and had saved some funds in recent years to put towards the project.

The £20,000 crowdfunder will ensure there is enough in the put to complete the replacement, and almost a quarter of the money has already been raised.

The club has even put together a promotional video to explain the benefits of the new nets.

Mr Herridge said the rewards on offer had also proved popular:

“They’ve been really well received and we’re asking anybody else who can put in a reward for a pledge to contact us, even if it’s local restaurants or bars for 10% or even 5% off a bill, that we can offer for small amounts – £10, £15, £20.

“We’re all volunteers and we all work full time, so it’s really hard to spend the time going round getting everything done.

“We’re doing some events on evenings to add to the fundraising. One of our players, Mo, is a Methodist minister and he’s going to cook curries for a curry night that we can sell tickets for.

“We’re keen to try and make the events as relaxed as possible so everyone has fun.”

Pannal CC was established in the late 19th century and has been based between Pannal and Burn Bridge, on Burn Bridge Lane, since 1918.

It has been part of the Nidderdale League since 1972, and is also part of the York Senior League and Harrogate Evening League.

Mr Herridge said it costs around £25,000 a year to run the club, which has almost 300 members from age five upwards. They include girls’ teams, who often play against boys and mixed teams because there are so few other girls’ teams in the local league.

As well as membership fees, the club’s covers its costs through sponsorships from local businesses.

To donate to the Netfix crowdfunder, click here.

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate marketing agency has been appointed to oversee communications for a London real estate firm.

Boultbee Brooks has hired The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, to handle its marketing activity, including social media management, strategic communications and public relations.

The London firm manages both commercial and residential properties across the UK.

James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks, said: 

“We were impressed by the work accomplished for one of our properties and with Big Bamboo’s expertise in the property and energy industry, they are the ideal partner for us.”

Nicola Stamford, founding director at Big Bamboo, said: 

“We look forward to continuing working with James and the team, as our relationship with Boultbee grows.

“As Boultbee Brooks is already an established leader in its field, we have the fantastic role of amplifying the brand even further.”

Harrogate estate agents agrees cricket club sponsorship

Harrogate estate agent Verity Frearson has agreed to sponsor Harrogate Cricket Club’s junior boys’ side.

The firm, which is based on Albert Street, has reached a three-year deal with the club.

(Left) Verity Frearson’s Matthew Stamford with Austin Smirthwaite and Henry Yallup and HCC co-chair Steve Clark.

As part of the agreement, the Verity Frearson logo will feature across the boys shirts and advertising banners will be in place at the St Georges Road Cricket Ground.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

“As a business we’ve always been keen to support grass roots sports within our town, so when we heard that the junior boys section at Harrogate Cricket Club were looking for sponsorship we were happy to get involved. 

“The whole ethos at Harrogate Cricket Club fits in really well with the Verity Frearson brand. Their inclusive attitude and family-friendly following is right up our street.”

Steve Clark, co-chair at Harrogate Cricket Club, said: 

“We are really grateful for the support of Verity Frearson enabling the club to continue to support and grow a thriving junior boys section.

“Verity Frearson’s commitment to the junior boys section means we can now purchase additional cricket equipment and further invest in the boys’ training.”

Read more: 

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesses invited to free ‘growth networking’ sessions
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate property specialists move to new office
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate mobile company partners with United States firm

Former England footballer Micah Richards has been fined for speeding in Knaresborough.

Richards, 34, of Nidd, near Harrogate, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the offence.

He pleaded guilty to speeding in excess of 30 mph on the B6165 at an address listed as Howe Hill in Knaresborough on August 3 last year.

A separate charge of failing to identify the driver of a vehicle in relation to another traffic offence on December 27, 2022, was withdrawn.

The 34-year-old, who was driving a Rolls Royce at the time, was fined £666 and his licence was endorsed with three penalty points.

The magistrates also ordered Richards to pay a victim surcharge of £266 and court costs of £90.

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

Richards was previously banned from driving for six months in 2013 after he failed to respond to two speeding notices sent to his home address.

The former footballer made 203 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and Manchester City, where he won the league in 2012 and FA Cup in 2011, before retiring in 2019.

He also won 13 caps for England between 2006 and 2012.

Richards now works as a pundit for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.

Bunting, flags and even a giant crown have been appearing across the Harrogate district as preparations get under way for the coronation weekend.

Shops, cafes, hotels and community centres have all been adorned with union flags and royal symbols ready for the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.

Among the most eye-catching displays is a huge crown added to the Market Cross in Knaresborough today. It has been created by members of Knaresborough Flower Club, with a £300 grant from Knaresborough Town Council.

The crown was put together in the conservatory at club chairman Lesley Dalton’s home. She said:

“One of the girls worked out we had spent 100 hours on it – and that’s without the time spent travelling to buy supplies and so on.

“We’ve had flowers round the Market Cross every time there has been a big occasion like the Queen’s funeral and the jubilee last year. We try to put Knaresborough Market on the map!”

Club members Margaret Darley, Maureen Robinson, Dorothy Gerrard, Julie Ward, Trish Hesford and Cath Oldfield were instrumental in its design and manufacture, as well as adding the flowers to the sculpture.

They spent almost six hours today putting it all together and will be out watering it regularly until it is taken down on Sunday, May 14.

Meanwhile, shops around the town have also got into the spirit, with plenty of bunting on show in their windows.

Harrogate has also got into the coronation spirit.

Supplies shop Party Fever, on Lower Station Parade, has been inundated with customers this week.

Owner Sue Saville and her team have been answering requests for themed plates, napkins, balloons, flags, hats and more, with demand growing over the last few days.

The shop will be open all day tomorrow and on Saturday morning from 9am to 11am for last-minute shoppers.

The Stray Ferret will be out and about across the Harrogate district this weekend, reporting on how our communities are marking the historic event.

Send us details and photos of your event by email and keep an eye on our live blog for the latest pictures and news from around the area.

Still looking for things to do this weekend? Check out our list of local events.

Read more:

• Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district
• Fireworks finale will end Ripon’s coronation day celebrations

A petition calling for improvements to roads around schools in Harrogate will be delivered to the highways authority next week.

Set up by a group of parents concerned about safety for youngsters travelling to and from school, the petition has attracted almost 900 signatures.

It calls for a 20mph limit on roads across Oatlands, Pannal Ash, Rossett and the Saints area of Harrogate. The parents said thousands of pupils travel to four primary schools, five secondary schools, Harrogate College and several nurseries and pre-schools in the area each day.

In their petition, the parents said:

“Change is urgently needed. Without it the safety, health and well-being of the children, young people and the wider community remains at stake and road safety will continue as a barrier to walking and cycling in the area and across Harrogate.

“Maximum speed limits of 20mph have been delivered in other rural and urban areas of Yorkshire and the UK including Calderdale, Cornwall, Oxford, Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, London and in Wales. We want these improvements for south and west and other communities within Harrogate.”

The petition references two serious collisions earlier this year – one on Beechwood Grove and one on Yew Tree Lane – which left three children hurt and requiring hospital treatment.

The incident on Yew Tree Lane left two 15-year-old Rossett School boys with serious, potentially life-changing, injuries.

Read more:

• ‘Comprehensive’ road safety improvements announced for Harrogate schools
• Children raise awareness of road safety issues affecting Ripon schools

After the collision, there were renewed calls for better safety measures around schools in the area. However, the campaign for changes dated much further back, with local parents having presented their requests to North Yorkshire County Council last year.

This year, meetings have been held between all headteachers in the area with representatives of North Yorkshire Council’s highways department. All the affected schools have put their names to the campaign for reduced speed limits.

Hazel Peacock, one of the parents who set up the petition, said:

“A big thank you to all of you who have signed the petition for a maximum speed of 20mph on roads in south and west Harrogate to improve road safety. There are a a total of 870 signatures to date!

“We will be submitting the petition to North Yorkshire County Council [next week]. If you have yet to sign it or would like to share with friends or family living or working in the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency area, who may also be interested in supporting the campaign, please sign and share the petition by May 8, 2023.”

To see or sign the petition, click here.