Axolotl one of first animals cremated at Harrogate pet crematorium

With its “smiling” face, pointy gills and the ability to regenerate lost limbs — the axolotl is undoubtedly the most unusual animal to pass through North Yorkshire Council’s new pet crematorium.

It opened at Stonefall Cemetery on Wetherby Road in February with a promise of providing a dignified cremation for the region’s beloved pets.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the council through an FOI request for a list of all the animals that have been cremated there so far.

It’s been a modest start for the service, with 10 dogs, eight cats, two rabbits, one rat, one guinea pig, one hamster and one axolotl being cremated over the last five months.

Depending on the animal, the council charges a fee of between £76 and £125 per cremation.

Owners can then collect their pets’ ashes along with a memorial certificate.

What is an axolotl?

Axolotls are a species of salamander found in cool waters in Mexico but they’ve become more popular as a pet in the UK thanks to fame on the video game Minecraft and on TikTok.

But the recent trend has led the RSCPA to raise concerns about some owners not being able to look after them properly.

Axolotls require a large aquarium, live for up to 15 years and can grow as long as 120cm.

They are carnivores and their diet consists of live invertebrates such as earthworms, blood worm, black worm and shrimp.

Critically endangered in the wild, axolotls can also regrow lost limbs, making them popular with scientists who want to understand regeneration.

Jordan Mangham, owner of pet shop Peculiar Pets in Heckmondwike, told the LDRS why the creatures are becoming more popular as a pet in Yorkshire.

He said:

“Axolotls have become popular due to their simple care routine, long life expectancy and constantly ‘smiling’ faces. They found a little extra fame through Tik Tok and also the game Minecraft.

“Luckily the responsible selling of axolotls led to them becoming popular and not a disposable pet. There’s a huge amount of information available on Google, YouTube and through specialist pet shops like myself.

“They cannot be handled and are essentially treated like a pet fish, but they learn quickly who feeds them and most will greet their owners and accept food from tongs or fingers quite happily and become quite interactive little pets.”

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Yorkshire vs Lancashire cricket match at Harrogate next week

Yorkshire will play Lancashire in a 50-over men’s cricket match at Harrogate on Wednesday next week.

The match, which will be staged at Harrogate Cricket Club‘s St George’s Road ground, is a warm-up for the forthcoming Metro Bank One-Day Cup 50-over competition.

Although it is a friendly fixture, Roses cricket matches are always fiercely contested and the fast-paced action will feature some outstanding cricketers.

Spectators are welcome to watch what will be the local highlight of the cricketing summer. Play is due to start at 11am.

Steve Clark, co-chair of the club, said:

“Whilst this won’t be the full Yorkshire first team — they have a county championship game at Scarborough on the same day — we have been told that a number of the Yorkshire’s white ball specialists will be playing.

“It should be a fantastic day and some quality cricket will be on display. The bar will be open throughout the day and will be serving a range of refreshments and hot and cold food.”

Harrogate Cricket Club

Mr Clark added:

“Admission to the ground will be free of charge but any donations to the club will be gratefully received. The club will also be running a raffle, tuck shop and an ice cream van throughout the day.

“We also planning that some local junior cricket will be played on the main outfield during the interval.”

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New plan to create eight flats above Cambridge Street shops in Harrogate

A fresh plan has been tabled to create eight flats above shops on Cambridge Street in Harrogate.

York-based GHT Developments has submitted the proposal to North Yorkshire Council for the upper floors of 6-14 Cambridge Street.

The ground floor of the properties is currently occupied by the Card Factory, Phone Patch and an empty unit which was formerly the Phone Doctor. For many years the site was home to Carphone Warehouse.

The site

previously had approval for three one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

However, the developer has lodged fresh plans for eight flats because, it says in planning documents, the scheme had “evolved” after it had “been established that the roof is in need of replacement”.

It added that the increased build costs of the previous scheme had left it “unviable”.

In documents submitted to the council, GHT Developments said:

“The proposed development will reduce void spaces in the footprint and has improved the internal and external design.

“The need to replace the roof has also increased build costs, meaning the previous scheme of five apartments is no longer viable. 

“The proposed development will therefore ensure that development is viable and the site can be used effectively.”

As part of the new scheme, four sets of flats would be created on the first and second floors.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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The move comes as work is ongoing at the former River Island unit on Cambridge Street to convert the building into apartments.

The store closed on February 4 after the landlord announced plans to change use of the building.

Plans were approved in summer 2020 to refurbish the ground floor of the building and convert the first floor, as well as adding a roof extension, to create 14 apartments

Business Breakfast: Harrogate therapy centre plans expansion

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.

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

A Harrogate therapy and coaching centre has celebrated its one-year anniversary this month.

The Harlow, which is based at Cardale Park, launched in July last year to support children, teens, parents, families and couples.

The company has gone onto to employ 25 qualified and accredited practitioners.

Now the firm is aiming to expand by launching a new employee assistance programme, which aims to offer mental health support to professionals and businesses.

Andrea Bethell, founding partner of The Harlow, said:

“At The Harlow, our esteemed professionals include psychotherapeutic counsellors, psychotherapists, forensic psychologists, trauma therapists, drama therapists, and hypnotherapists.

“Each member of our team has undergone rigorous training and possesses extensive experience in their respective fields.”

Harrogate businessman wins green tech award

A Harrogate businessman has been named green entrepreneur of the year at a national award ceremony.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology, was recognised at the Enterprise Awards 2023.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

He picked up the Green Tech Entrepreneur award at the ceremony, which was held at Drapers’ Hall in London.

Mr Woodhall said:

“I’m delighted to have been nominated and won this award but what it truly reflects is the drive and commitment of the team of people at Chameleon Technology.”

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New Starbeck chicken restaurant opens

A new chicken restaurant and takeaway has opened in Starbeck.

Chilli Chick’s, which is based on High Street, officially opened its doors today to become the fourth outlet of the restaurant chain.

The takeaway offers a range of food including chicken, burritos and rice boxes.

Farhan Murtaza, manager of the Starbeck outlet, launched the restaurant with his partner Khayyam Ifhaq.

Mr Murtaza said:

“We saw good scope for a chicken restaurant in Harrogate. Everyone seemed friendly.

“There is barely any chicken places around here.”

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The restaurant includes seating for 15 people, but also has the option for takeaway.

It will be open from midday until 11pm every day.

Chilli Chick’s also has outlets in Bradford, Dewsbury and Birmingham.

Council to pay additional £1m in North Yorkshire combined authority set-up cost

North Yorkshire Council looks set to pay an additional £1 million to set up a combined authority for the county and York.

The combined authority, which will be headed by an elected mayor, is scheduled to be launched in November this year.

It will include councillors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council and make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

So far, North Yorkshire Council has footed £582,000 worth of costs for consultation and staff redeployment to help set up the combined authority.

In a report due before a joint devolution committee next week, the council will be recommended to fund a further £1 million in costs ahead of its implementation in four months time.

The money would cover areas such as IT infrastructure, project management, human resources and contingency plans.

However, the council has said that it expects the cash to be paid back once government funding for the combined authority is released.

It said:

“North Yorkshire Council will continue to cash flow the implementation and set up costs of the combined authority on the understanding that these costs will be repaid once funding is released on creation of the combined authority in November.”

Councillors will discuss the funding at a meeting on July 24.

What is a combined authority?

A combined authority is a body set up for two or more councils to make joint decisions.

In this case, North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council would come together to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

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It will be a separate body to North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

The closest example of this is West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which recently has led on the £11.9 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, as well as similar schemes in Skipton and Selby.

The combined authority would be headed by a mayor who is directly elected by the public.

An election for the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is set to be held in May 2024.

The Conservatives selected Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire Council, at a meeting on Friday.

Harrogate district stately home to be converted into hotel

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to convert the Harrogate district stately home Denton Hall into a 28-bedroom hotel.

The Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1778, is on the border of the district, between Blubberhouses and Ilkley.

It was designed by Georgian architect John Carr, who also designed Harewood House.

Since the 1970s, it has been used by engineering firm NG Bailey Group as a company training centre as well as for corporate events and weddings.

But current owner Denton Park Holdings Ltd, which includes members of the Bailey family, warned at a public consultation event in Denton village last year that without the ability to raise more income, the buildings would risk falling into disrepair.

Flats and a care home were considered before the owner decided to move forward with plans for the hotel, which were approved by council officers last week.

It means the main Denton Hall building will be converted into 28 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a games room and gym.

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A former stables and coach house will be converted into four suites.

Planning documents attached to the application said a key part of the new owner’s intention for Denton Hall is to open it up to the public for the first time.

It said:

“Also of particular public benefit is that changing the use to a hotel will allow the public access into Denton Hall for the first time so that everyone has the opportunity to appreciate the significance of the heritage assets.”

The buildings are part of a vast 2,500 acre estate that includes working farms, mature woodlands, lakes, moorlands, a deer park and grouse enclosures.

Review: Upstage Academy’s Grease is electrifying

Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town.  You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com 

Grease was the word on Saturday night at Harrogate Theatre, as members of Ripon’s Upstage Academy threw on their Pink Ladies jackets, greased their hair, and jived hips and hands for a high-energy performance of this most nostalgic of musicals.

Upstage Academy School of Performance has been instructing children and young people in the performing-arts arena for 14 years. Based out of their studio in Ripon, the school provides youngsters with the chance to train, perform and prepare for competitions and examinations. Over the weekend, Upstage presented the culmination of months of hard work with their electrifying production of Grease.

Noticeably and delightfully age-inclusive, all members of the cast, from the very youngest to the 18-year-olds about to fly the nest, had an opportunity to shine. The more junior members sparkled with a couple of sharp dance numbers (complete with flips and splits), while the older performers, bubbling over with talent and commitment, impressed me with just how comfortable they were on stage, allowing them to truly showcase all of which they are capable – a great deal.

Alfie Davies was a dazzling Danny, oozing with the prerequisite posturing, charisma and cool of his character, and pulling off John Travolta’s trademark laugh to a T. He was a pleasure to watch: bound for the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alumni include Olivia Colman and Sir Patrick Stewart, we should be keeping an eye out for Alfie on future screens and stages.

This was the final performance for Upstage’s eldest performers, before they spread their wings to head off to universities, drama schools and the rest of their lives. As the crowd laughed, whooped and cheered, I could sense how this performance, and the school, sat close to many a heart in the audience. I could imagine how hard these young people have worked over the years; how many lines have been practised over the dinner table; how much energy and anticipation must precede any performance. Youth theatre par excellence, these kids are proving themselves the professionals of the future.

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Cornish Bakery to open on Harrogate’s James Street

A Cornish Bakery is set to open on Harrogate’s prestigious James Street.

The eat-in or take-out bakery will be based in the former Paperchase unit that closed at the end of May.

Cornish Bakery , which has more than 50 shops in the UK, sells pasties, breakfast pastries, cakes and coffees. It also provides a mail order service.

It is one of six new bakeries planned this year by the firm, which in February announced pre-tax profits of £3.1 million in the financial year ending May 2022. Its nearest store is currently in York.

Agents acting on behalf of Cornish Bakery founder Stephen Grocutt have submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to display new signs outside the building.

Paperchase closed in May.

Recruitment adverts for positions within the company in Harrogate have also appeared online.

The planning documents do not say when the store will open. However,

The shop will be close to the Cornish Pasty Bakery in the Victoria Shopping Centre as well as two town centre Greggs, which also sells pasties.

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Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 5

This article is the fifth 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 dramatic 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), Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party), Sir Archibald Stanton (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), and Matt Walker (Liberal Democrats).

Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today’s candidates are Arnold Warneken of the Green Party, and John Waterston of the Social Democratic Party.

Tomorrow: Luke Wellock (Climate Party), and Tyler Callum Wilson-Kerr (independent).

Arnold Warneken, Green Party 

A progressive, left-wing environmentalist party that has been campaigning for environmental approach to legislation since it was founded in 1990. 

“I’ve lived and worked in the Ainsty area for nearly 40 years. Back in the 1990s I was branded ‘Harrogate council’s conscience’ by the then chief executive. I still have a reputation for getting things done, and I work hard for residents all year round, not just at election time. 

“I currently sit on Selby planning committee, Ainsty drainage board, and North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, so I have considerable experience of decision-making in local government. 

“I am already campaigning on 20’s Plenty to cut speed limits, and on river quality at North Yorkshire Council. 

“I am free to speak up in Westminster for this constituency, because I’m not told how to vote by Green Party bosses. 

“But being a candidate for a small party does not mean that I am a lone force. I lead a skilled team with wide expertise, and I could not be an effective MP without this team. 

“If you are usually a Labour vote, by voting Green you are telling Labour to put proportional representation in their manifesto, re-instate their green funding, and cancel new oil. 

“If you are usually a Conservative voter, by voting Green you are telling the Tories to allow onshore wind, fund the NHS, and stop dumping sewage. 

“The Green Party already has a well-respected MP, two members of the House of Lords, over 750 elected councillors, and four local parish/town councillors. 

“Greens have solutions which marry environmental and social justice, enabling lower energy bills AND saving the planet, by investment in renewables and home insulation. We believe in universal basic income, renationalising public utilities, a minimum wage of £15/hour, and ending NHS privatisation. 

“Drax must move from ‘burning stuff’ to become a genuinely renewable energy supplier, with long-term employment prospects. Drax’s current subsidy of £1.7m/day could power a resilient carbon-neutral future. 

“Farming payments need switching to nature-friendly systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encourage wildlife, and end factory farming. 

“Voting Labour or Conservative won’t change this government yet, but another Green MP will make a huge difference in Parliament, so please give me that opportunity.”

John Waterston, Social Democratic Party 

A Eurosceptic, socially conservative party that espouses centre-left economic policy and supports a social market economy. 

“I have lived here for 31 years and raised two children alongside my wife, Ruth, and we have both worked in the area all of that time.

“I believe the role of a constituency MP is exactly that – a representative for constituents and an influencer on their behalf. 

“Crime and Justice: I want to help address the inefficiencies in local policing who deal with public nuisance and anti-social behaviour. I live in the centre of Selby and witness how it strangles the activity and economic success of the town.

“Youth: There is very little to interest, stimulate or engage them. I grew up in a community that had similar challenges and have a range of ideas that could meet this challenge, which directly links with the public nuisance concerns.

“Transport: The bus services post-lockdown have essentially collapsed, from a position that was already inadequate.

“Communities are left with one or two routes per week, restricting movement to daytime hours. It restricts the economy, and crucially, employment opportunities are lost, because without a car, it is impossible to get to work for most shifts. I want to address this urgently.

“Failure to support our economy: There has been no effort and no imagination in how to stimulate a new economy for the 21st century. Tourism could be a key asset. Making connections in Asia and elsewhere, if coordinated with more quality hotel accommodation, would pay great dividends. 

“We are a hub for the boating community and that needs to be supported and encouraged. We are geographically blessed by way of transport links to Manchester, Edinburgh and London, all within two hours. The A1(M) is 10 minutes away, providing access to the M62 and the M18. We are the gateway to the North Yorkshire coast. It is a tremendous place to set up a business or set up a home, as I discovered 31 years ago, and the people here deserve better support than they are getting.

“This is why the people of Selby and Ainsty should vote for me.”

 

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