Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 367 of 1041

North Yorkshire Police urged to start recording ‘high priority’ wildlife crime

North Yorkshire Police has been urged to start recording acts which breach legislation governing the protection of wild animals and plants.

Wildlife crimes, including badger baiting and hare coursing, emerged as among the five leading concerns of North Yorkshire residents following a public consultation over the statutory police and crime plan to 2025.

A meeting of North Yorkshire and York’s police, fire and crime panel heard despite repeated requests by the watchdog for figures to illustrate how wildlife offenders were being tackled, such details had not been made available.

In response to the public identifying wildlife crime as a priority, the panel announced last July that it would be examining progress on tackling such offences in the county, and during several subsequent meetings called for evidence to show police action.

North Yorkshire has repeatedly been identified by national organisations as having among the worst records for bird of prey persecution.

Nature charity RSPB says much of the persecution is linked directly to driven grouse shooting and has called for the industry to be regulated and in 2020 found North Yorkshire had topped the UK raptor persecution table for the seventh year in a row.

The panel meeting at County Hall in Northallerton heard raptor persecution had been linked to rogue shooting estates and gamekeepers.

Concerns have previously been expressed by the panel that due to the difficulty of investigating and successfully prosecuting wildlife crimes “very few” offenders were being brought to justice.

The panel’s deputy chairman, Cllr Peter Wilkinson said:

“We are still getting bad publicity nationally, where we might not be the worst geographical area, but we’re pretty high up there.”

When asked if she was happy with progress made over tackling wildlife crime and the number of people being taken to court, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe stopped short of either criticising or praising police action.

She said:

“I would like to see more progress, but I think we have made significant progress going forward, but obviously we would want those prosecutions to increase.”

Ms Metcalfe did not indicate what she had based her assessment of police performance on, but the meeting heard as there were “no specific wildlife crime offences”, police would face an onerous task of analysing crime reports to find “indicators” of offences against wild animals or plants.

The commissioner told the panel she would keep “a watching brief” over wildlife crime.

Cllr Tim Grogan, a former police officer, said while he did not expect the force to use vast amounts of resources trawling back through its records to identify wildlife offences, it should be simple for officers to start recording wildlife crimes from April 1.

He said:

“I don’t think it’s beyond the wit of man to record wildlife crime. If that’s too difficult I’m sad because it’s what my residents asked for.”

Law firm to represent about 100 staff at failed Harrogate firm

Almost 100 staff at failed Harrogate telemarketing company Amvoc are to take legal action over the way redundancies were managed.

The Stray Ferret revealed yesterday up to 450 people received an email at about 10pm on Tuesday night from chief executive Damian Brockway informing them the firm had ceased with immediate effect.

Mr Brockway said the company had entered administration and blamed “covid debts”.

Based at Cardale Park in Harrogate, Amvoc also has offices in Leeds and Manchester.

Within hours of the news breaking, employment law firm Aticus Law said it had been contacted by 91 people affected.

The firm said it was now in the early stages of investigating the circumstances of the company’s collapse and concerns around how the redundancy process was managed.

It was also looking into whether ex-employees were eligible to claim for a protective award claim against the company.

Aticus said if its clients were able to successfully pursue a claim, those involved would receive up to eight weeks’ worth of pay in compensation, with a cap of £571 per week.

The Manchester-based firm is currently representing over 130 ex-employees to bring a protective award claim against Made.com which entered into administration last year, around a dozen former employees of FlyBe, and more than 50 staff who lost their jobs when BritishVolt collapsed earlier this year.

Edward Judge, a founding partner at Aticus Law said:

“We have now been contacted by 91 individuals who say that they have been affected by job losses following the recent collapse of Amvoc.

“We are in the early stages of investigating those claims, and advising our clients on their options.”

“As is always the case with protective award claims, the individuals who have reached out to us for advice regarding their rights are understandably very anxious and concerned about what the future has in store for them.”

A protective award is compensation awarded by an employment tribunal if an employer fails in its duties.

Mr Judge added:

“The protective award is a vital safety net for so many families in fast-paced redundancy situations that often leave them with no source of income and absolutely no notice.

“However, many people don’t realise that you can only get a protective award payment if you are included as part of the claim and are listed as part of the Schedule of Claimants attached to the tribunal judgment.”

Mr Brockway’s email to staff, seen by the Stray Ferret, said:

“We have appointed administrators with immediate effect who will now be responsible for paying wages this week and all outstanding bonuses.

“I am gutted. Words fail me.

“Unfortunately our covid debts were too high and repayments not high enough. We have been issued with immediate request to pay all outstanding within seven days which is impossible.

“I cannot tell you how upset this makes me.”

Harewood Bridge set to close for repairs from July

Drivers on a main route in and out of Harrogate will face disruption this summer when Harewood Bridge closes in July.

Leeds City Council is planning to carry out resurfacing and maintenance work to the grade-II listed structure.

The bridge carries the A61 Harrogate Road over the River Wharfe and is a busy route between Harrogate and Leeds.

The move is expected to see the structure closed during the school holidays. However, a specific date and timeframe has yet to be confirmed.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:

“The latest position is that we intend to carry out these important repairs during the school holiday period starting at the end of July, to minimise any disruption.

“We are currently reviewing all options and will be consulting widely including with North Yorkshire County Council, parish councils and other key stakeholders on our proposals and the diversionary routes required.

“Once a timetable is confirmed we will be updating the local communities with as much notice as possible so residents and businesses can plan ahead.”

Council’s Brierley Group set to return to profit

North Yorkshire County Council is estimating that its Brierley Group of companies will return to profit by the end of the financial year.

According to a performance report for the group, the businesses are forecast a £2.69 million profit before tax by the end of 2022/23.

The figure is against a budgeted profit of £2.61 million.

It comes as the companies had previously posted losses of £327,000 for the previous financial year due to the covid pandemic.

The county council puts the performance down to a “positive outlook” for sales in Brierley Homes sites and other companies performing above budget.

A report due before the council’s shareholder committee said that while revenue was ahead of budget, the group still faced cost increases, inflation and high energy and labour costs.

It said:

“Revenue remains significantly ahead of budget, however all market segments continue to experience material cost increases, with inflationary pressures in the UK acting to drive up general costs of sale.”

Brierley Homes saw completion of two of its housing sites last year, which is expected to see sales “fully realises this financial year”, the report added.

The sites include Woodfield Square in Bilton and Millwright Park in Pateley Bridge.

The company expects further sales for its Yew Tree Farm site in Marton-Cum-Grafton.

Meanwhile, Align Property Partners is expected to publish a profitable position with “new external client contracts being acquired” and the firm having a “significant outperformance” against budget.

The company is expected to operate on a commercial basis under North Yorkshire Council as the authority sets up a new council-owned estates firm.

However, North Yorkshire Education Services is expected to post a loss for the financial year.

The council has put this down to “ongoing issues in the education market” due to covid, including rise in food costs in school catering and low pupil attendances levels.

The report said:

“Meal uptake in schools has not recovered in many areas to pre-covid levels which has led to dis-economies of scale.”

Rail workers and teachers to strike in Harrogate district today

Rail workers and teachers will be on strike in the Harrogate district today as part of the latest wave of industrial action.

More than 400,000 workers in various sectors took part in strikes yesterday in the biggest day of industrial action since unrest began last year.

They included the first of two planned teachers’ strikes by members of the National Education Union. Picket lines are expected to form outside schools in the district again today.

Today also sees RMT members at 14 train operators, including Northern, stage the first of four planned 24-hour strikes. The next one is due on Saturday.

Northern, whose services include those passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough, will run an amended strike timetable on the affected days, with a 12-hour operation on selected routes from 7am to 7pm.

Northern’s guide to services in the days ahead.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, urged customers to check before they travel.

Ms Williams said:

“We’re expecting the skeleton services we can run to be very busy – so customers should plan ahead and check before they travel.

“Given the reduced timetable only runs until 7pm, I’m very keen to stress that people should check their ‘last train home’ on those dates – so that customers don’t find themselves stranded at the wrong end of the line as a result of this action by the RMT.”

Junior doctors staged a picket line on Wetherby Road near Harrogate District Hospital on Monday as part of a 72-hour strike that finished yesterday.

Business Breakfast: Graveleys fish and chip restaurant opens in Harrogate

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

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

Harrogate fish and chip shop Graveleys has re-opened its restaurant as its comeback gathers pace.

The local institution, which chat show host Michael Parkinson described as his favourite restaurant, appeared to have served its last customer when it closed in November 2019.

But last year’s demise of the ill-fated Catch Seafood venture that took its place paved the way for owner Simon Pilkington to bring Graveleys back to life.

The takeaway reopened last month and this week the restaurant followed suit.

It is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday, but will also open on selected Sundays — including Mother’s Day this weekend.

Graveleys

The restaurant on Cheltenham Parade has an alcohol licence and will focus on good value, no frills fish and chips.

Mr Pilkington said Mother’s Day and Easter were among Graveleys’ busiest times of the year and he was excited to see the business fully operational again.

Harrogate company buys land for student accommodation in York

A Harrogate property company has bought land in York to build new purpose built student accommodation.

Gregory Properties, which is based at Cardale Park, has purchased a strategic site on Foss Islands Road in the city.

A street view of the plan for the accommodation by Gregory Properties.

The land was previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and sits between both the University of York and York St John University.

The firm has drawn up plans to build a 138-room student accommodation with seven communal rooms, as well as car and cycle parking.

John McGhee, director and head of residential at Gregory Properties, said:

“Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use. This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know that York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK. Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both Universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

Harrogate Turkish Baths bans nude bathers

Swimwear has been made compulsory for all sessions at Turkish Baths Harrogate following a complaint to the police.

Until this week, clothing was optional at two single sex sessions for men and women each week. It is compulsory at mixed sessions.

But a spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the Victorian venue, said:

“Following a complaint at Turkish Baths Harrogate, an operational decision has been made that swimwear is now compulsory at all bathing sessions.

“The complaint related to an incident which due to its serious nature has been reported to the police and is currently being investigated.

“We have a duty of care to our customers and staff members, and in order for all single sex sessions to operate in a safe environment, it has been decided that swimwear must be worn until further notice.”

The Moorish design

The council issued the statement after a bather, who regularly attends men-only sessions unclothed, alerted local media to the change.

The person, who asked to remain anonymous, said recent attendees of single sex sessions received emails yesterday informing them of the change with immediate effect, with no consultation.

He also pointed out the ‘bathing etiquette’ section on the Turkish baths’ website had been amended to say ‘swimwear is compulsory at all sessions (including single-sex sessions)’.

The person said the majority of people at male-only sessions preferred not to wear clothes because they found them uncomfortable.

He added he would monitor the situation in light of the complaint to see whether the unclothed option was reintroduced.

The baths, which has Islamic arches and screens as part of its Moorish design, opened in 1897 and have been fully restored with a plunge pool, steam room and sauna as well as rooms of various temperatures to relax in.

Council transport boss criticises ‘hardline cycle lobby’ in Harrogate

The councillor in charge of transport at North Yorkshire County Council has criticised a “hardline cycle lobby” in Harrogate as he reflected on the decision to scrap two high-profile active travel schemes.

Cllr Keane Duncan gave a wide-ranging presentation to members of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Monday night.

In January, it was confirmed the second phase of the Otley Road cycle path in Harrogate will be shelved due to negative feedback received in a public consultation.

It would have followed the first phase from Harlow Moor Road to Arthur’s Avenue that was completed last year but received widespread criticism due to a design that asks cyclists to weave on-and-off the pavement.

This has led to some cyclists choosing to ignore the route and use the road instead with critics in the consultation likening it to a crazy golf course.

Cllr Keane Duncan addressed the Station Gateway and active travel schemes at the event.

Cllr Duncan said the proposals for phase 2 received negative feedback from not only motorists but from pedestrians and cyclists too.

He said:

“For me that was strong and compelling evidence why we should not proceed.”

The executive member for highways said when moving forward with new active travel proposals in the town he will be “listening to everybody and not just those who shout the loudest”.

He added:

“It has become clear there is a hardline cycle lobby who, in my view, do not speak for everyday cyclists in Harrogate.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked a spokesperson for campaign group Harrogate District Cycle Action if it would like to respond to Cllr Duncan’s comments but they declined.

Cllr Duncan also spoke about why the council decided to end the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial in August 2022 after 18 months.

He said the scheme “became a symbol of anti-active travel sentiment” so the planters were removed to allow the council to take stock and consider what to do next in the area.

He added:

“Everybody said no matter what the feedback was we’d continue no matter what. I came into post and the modal filters were removed giving us a chance to look again.”

What’s next for active travel in Harrogate?

Despite the council not moving forward with plans at Beech Grove and Otley Road, it announced in February it will be submitting another bid through the government’s Active Travel Fund.

It will seek £1.08m of initial funding to create segregated cycleways on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.

The council will also be asking for a further £1.65m to add segregated cycle lanes on the existing cycle route between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future

Leon has confirmed its Harrogate restaurant will close in just over two weeks’ time — as speculation mounts over the site’s future.

The Stray Ferret revealed this week the Wetherby Road fast food venue would cease trading, with the loss of about 20 jobs, on April 2.

Staff were informed of the decision on Monday.

A Leon spokesperson said today:

“We’re confirming we have decided to close the doors of Leon Harrogate on Wetherby Road. Our last trading day will be April 2.

“Guests will still be able to get their Leon fix at the drive-thru in Gildersome, and at the Leon Leeds Station restaurant.”

Retailer EG Group operates sites with franchise partners including Starbucks, Greggs and KFC in the UK.

It considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Our Facebook post about Leon’s closure generated about 400 replies, with people eager to know what will follow.

Some local residents had objected to the site being used as a fast food restaurant because of its proximity to homes and the busy junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive.

Vehicles will stop using the site after April 2 — but it could only be a temporary pause until a new business moves in.

Harrogate council wins £2.5m from government to house Afghan and Ukrainian refugees

Harrogate Borough Council is set to receive a £2.5 million from central government to help buy 21 homes for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

A report will go before the council’s Conservative-run cabinet next week that asks councillors to accept the grant and continue Harrogate’s “long and proud history” of welcoming refugees that dates back to the First World War.

Many Ukrainian families have found homes in the Harrogate district since Russia’s invasion through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Afghan families have also arrived through resettlement schemes but there is still a “pressing need” to provide homes for those fleeing war zones, according to the report.

The money will come from the Local Authority Housing Fund, which is a £500 million grant fund launched by the government so English councils can provide housing for those unable to find accommodation.

In the Harrogate district, just over £2 million will go towards buying 19 homes for Ukrainians and just under £500,000 will help buy two larger four-bedroom homes for Afghan families currently in temporary accommodation.

Funding from the LAHF equates to 40% of the cost of a single property. A total of £20,000 per property is also available to cover administrative and repair costs.

The government asks that local authorities secure match-funding to raise the remaining money needed to buy a property and the report says Harrogate Borough Council has come to an agreement with Broadacres Housing Association, which is based in Northallerton.

The LAHF grant will be managed by Broadacres, which will identify and buy the homes with the council’s approval.

They will then be refurbished by the housing association so they can meet the decent homes standards.

The government says all homes should be bought and ready to be moved into by November this year.

The report says:

“Harrogate has a long and proud history of welcoming those fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries. In the past, this has included Belgium victims of the First World War and Jewish people escaping the Nazis.

“More recently the area has welcomed Syrians, vulnerable children, Afghans and Ukrainians.

“The acceptance of these funds will help the UK’s humanitarian duties to assist those fleeing war and ultimately provide a lasting legacy by increasing the supply of accommodation available to local authorities to address homelessness pressures.”

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Harrogate company buys land for student accommodation in York

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What’s next for active travel in Harrogate?

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