Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 371 of 1103

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers sponsors Henshaws BedFest

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 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 Specsavers has been announced as main sponsor for this year’s Henshaws BedFest.

The festival, which takes place on June 10 at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, is set to feature live music from local artists, a variety of street food vendors, a licensed bar and an ideal spot to watch the Bed Race.

The event will also raise money for Henshaws’ work supporting people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities.

Andy Bryer, retail director for Specsavers Harrogate, said:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Bed Fest, it’s such a fun-filled event tied to an iconic Knaresborough tradition and the proceeds go towards an incredible cause.

‘The work that Henshaws does is quite literally life changing and we’re really proud to be working with the team on ongoing fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.”

Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced Belzona Polymetrics as a new sponsor for next season.

The company, which is based on Claro Road, will feature on the club’s match day celebration announcements on its scoreboard.

Staff at Belzona in Harrogate.

Belzona, which was founded in 1952, is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials.

Joanna Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:

“Their support means that we can continue to enhance the match day experience for our fans, creating an engaging sentiment at every game.

“We are proud to be partnering with such a reputable and community- minded company, and we look forward to a successful collaboration both on and off the pitch.”

A spokesperson for Belzona said:

“Historically, Belzona has always fostered strong links with the local community and is delighted to have the opportunity to uphold this relationship by supporting Harrogate Town AFC, a football club that lies at the heart of the town, providing entertainment and many jobs for the local community.”

Wanted: Field with boggy corner for new wildlife pond in Harrogate district

An environmental organisation is looking for land around the Harrogate district to create a wildlife pond.

Wildscapes community interest company is hoping a landowner with at least 150sq m – equivalent to around 10m by 15m – will come forward to host the project.

The creation of the pond would be funded by Natural England, which works with Wildscapes to improve biodiversity through habitat creation and conservation.

Jordan Porter, pond programme manager for Wildscapes, told the Stray Ferret:

“If someone comes forward with a site, we come and assess the site and meet the landowner.

“We look at the surrounding land usage and test the subsoil. They are natural ponds, not lined ponds, so we have to have quite a good clay content or very high water table in the area.

“If you have a field corner or a patch that’s always wet, that’s a good sign a pond would fill in that area. If it’s farmland, those are often the areas that are the least productive anyway.”

Wildscapes has already created around 250 wildlife ponds across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, and has begun working in North Yorkshire in the last two years.

The primary aim of the ponds is to encourage great crested newts, a protected species, to colonise.

Mr Porter said once the newts had moved into a pond, it was a good indication other species were thriving in the area.

After a pond was created, Mr Porter said Wildscapes would maintain it for the next 25 years – though landowners are not obliged to have the pond for the full 25 years.

Fences can be installed, all funded through the scheme, to ensure nearby livestock could not access the area.

Funding for the ponds often comes from housing and other developments, through compensatory requirements when planning permission is granted.

Mr Porter said:

“Whoever is doing the development, the mitigation isn’t their main priority.

“The idea is this is given to us, as an arm of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, and the money comes to us to use in target areas where those compensation payments came from.

“It goes back into local landowners through the creation of habitats, and we do offer one-off landowner incentives for signing up.

“If they stay in the scheme, there’s a 25-year monitoring and maintenance programme which we deliver.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the scheme can find out if their land is in the target area by using the government’s Magic Map.

Select ‘Land Based Schemes’, then ‘Other Schemes’, then ‘Great Crested Newts Strategic Opportunity Areas’ to see which parts of the Harrogate district are being considered for wildlife ponds.

Alternatively, call Wildscapes on 0114 303 5123 or email info@wildscapes.co.uk.

Controversial Knox Lane 53-homes plan deferred for third time

A controversial plan to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate has been deferred for a third time.

Councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency planning committee made the decision over land contamination concerns.

The committee requested that a further report into land contamination be produced, as was previously requested by Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.

The proposal, which has been proposed by North-east property developer Jomast, was initially recommended for approval subject to conditions by council officers.

Among the conditions is that Jomast would be required to pay £64,000 for healthcare, £140,000 for education and £60,000 for open spaces in the form of a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of development on local infrastructure.

However, councillors decided to defer the pan for a third time.

The meeting, which was held at Harrogate Civic Centre yesterday, was due to be streamed onto the authority’s YouTube channel — but was not broadcast.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said a “problem with the connection” in the council chamber meant it was not possible to livestream the proceedings.

The application has proved controversial with residents in the Bilton area.

Campaign group Keep Knox Natural has previously called on the council to remove the parcel of land from the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

Meanwhile, Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the council’s planning committee, previously vowed not to vote for the scheme until he felt the “land is safe”.

New Pride train to pass through Harrogate

London North Eastern Railway has revealed a new named and full liveried train as Pride celebrations get underway.

The Azuma train will call at more than 50 stations, including Harrogate.

Featuring eight LGBTQ+ flags, the train was revealed today to coincide with the start of Pride month.

Named ‘Together’, it celebrates LNER’s support of Pride activities as well as the company’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

An LNER press release said the name “champions the unification of all communities which LNER is proud to support”.

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said:

“It’s a momentous occasion for everyone at LNER to be unveiling the first full liveried Azuma in celebration of Pride ahead of our summer of supporting Pride events on our route.”

LNER will be supporting Pride events in York, Edinburgh and London this month on the east coast route.

The flags included on the train are the intersex-inclusive progress pride flag, the transgender pride flag, the bisexual flag, the trans-inclusive gay men’s flag, the lesbian pride flag, the pansexual pride flag, the nonbinary pride flag and the asexual pride flag.

Hiring: “No two days are the same”, says Harrogate stone specialists

This story is sponsored by Lapicida.

A Harrogate company is seeking staff for several vacancies at its successful showroom.

Lapicida is a Harrogate-based company, specialising in luxury surfaces for both floors and walls. It sources and supplies an extensive range of new and reclaimed natural stone and marble, as well as new generation porcelains and ceramics.

The business evolved from the owners’ travels around Asia, from which they discovered a gap in the market for feature stones. The idea sparked a passion for the industry and led them to undertake extensive geological research in South Africa.

Jason Cherrington, director, said:

“The trip was incredibly rewarding, and we came back some very unique natural stone products which, until then, were unseen in the UK.”

Since then, the company has seen exponential growth and now procures products from across the globe – including Italy, Israel, Portugal, and Germany.

The three-acre Harrogate showroom is the largest in Europe, with a manufacturing facility and stone warehouse. Alongside the luxury surfaces, the artisans work with advanced technology to create bespoke furniture and ornaments. The company has recently launched a new in-house brand called ORNAMENTI that sources high-end garden ornaments that would not be found in a regular garden centre.

With so many avenues to the business, employees can expect to work on a variety of projects: large, small, interior, exterior, UK-based, or even international.

Lapicida covers many parts of the industry but has set itself apart as a company with the reclaimed division. It has built up an unrivalled network of suppliers to offer the highest quality antique stone and terracotta floor tiles. The company’s combination of traditional stonemasonry techniques and high-tech machinery means employees can transform antique flooring materials into stylish products for contemporary living. All reclaimed products are expertly recalibrated into a more regular thickness to ensure easy installation, before being carefully colour matched to meet clients’ specific requirements.

Lapicida takes great pride in being a Yorkshire-based company and encourages those locally that may be interested in the trade to join the company.

Mr Cherrington said:

“Being a Yorkshire business is a key part of our identity.

“Although we have a global outreach, we work on many local interior projects and have been recognised as a trusted local brand for many years.”

Lapicida supplied the tiles for Grantley Hall’s floor

The company also loves to be involved within the community and aims to join fundraising efforts or sponsor local charities where possible.

As with any job role, there can be highs and lows. The company said the challenging bespoke commissions it has tackled have “pushed us forward and encourages us to find unique design solutions”. Those that work for Lapicida can expect to work with some of the most beautiful materials in the world, alongside some very talented craftspeople.

“Operating at this level is sometimes challenging, as it is important we maintain a very high standard, but it also extremely rewarding.”

Lapicida has worked on multiple prestigious commercial projects, including the beautiful bespoke mosaic floor in the entrance to Bettys, on Parliament Street. The company also supplied a wide range of opulent marbles and limestones, as well as porcelain and ceramic tiles, to the sumptuous Grantley Hall.

Bespoke mosaic floor in the entrance to Bettys

“Working with private clients and professionals means no two days are the same.

“We have such a great team at Lapicida and are currently looking to add key personnel as the company continues to expand.”

Lapicida is currently hiring for both Warehouse and Fabrication Operatives, as well as Sales Executive roles in the fabulous Harrogate showroom. If these roles are of interest to you, contact carolyn.bjelan@lapicida.com to apply.

Find out more:

To find out more about Lapicida’s current vacancies, as well as its extensive range of tiles and stone, visit https://www.lapicida.com/ or call 01423 400100 or apply for the Sales Executive role by tapping or clicking here.

Harewood Bridge to be closed for repairs for four weeks

Harewood Bridge near Harrogate will close for four weeks this summer.

The bridge will close from July 26 until August 24 for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

The grade-II listed structure carries the A61 Harrogate Road over the River Wharfe and is a busy route between Harrogate and Leeds.

Leeds City Council is closing the bridge to carry out waterproofing, resurfacing and footpath repair works.

Cllr Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:

“Harewood Bridge is a strategic vehicle crossing used by thousands of people each day and therefore to close it requires careful planning. By carrying out the repair works during the school summer holidays we can hopefully limit the disruption with expected lower traffic levels.

“We apologise in advance for the potential disruption and ask road users for their patience. The works are essential for the long-term maintenance of this vital crossing between Harrogate and Leeds.

“We would please like to urge motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow the signed diversion and allow a bit of extra time for their travel.”

The footway across the bridge will remain open throughout the work.

A diversion route will be in place during the work from Otley Road, Arthington Lane, Main Street, Pool Bridge, Harrogate Road, Swindon Lane and onto Harrogate Road.

The same route will be in place in the opposite direction.

Council rejects Harrogate office block conversion over natural light concern

A plan to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats has been refused over natural light concerns.

Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive into 12 flats.

Documents submitted to the council outlined plans to create 12 two-bedroom apartments.

It would see the ground, first and second floors converted.

But, council officials have rejected the plan over concerns that those who would live in the flats would not have enough natural light.

In a decision notice, the authority said:

“The existing building abuts mature trees and hedges to the south on an embankment within the conservation area.

“The cumulative effect of the trees, hedges and site topography would provide large amounts of shade to the east, south and west elevation windows of six proposed dwellings during most parts of the day.

“These windows serve habitable rooms including living/dining rooms and bedrooms.

“The trees cannot be managed under this prior notification application, and there are no mitigating factors that would compensate for this significant loss of natural light.”

The move comes after two previous proposals to change the use of the office block to residential were refused in 2022.

Meanwhile, another application by Artium Group was withdrawn in July 2022 amid concern from Harrogate Borough Council officers over the impact on neighbouring trees.

In the latest proposal, developers said the building is already surrounded by residential properties.

It said:

“The ground and first floors of the building have been vacant for several years and the second floor of the building has recently become vacant.

“The building is surrounded by existing residential properties which are previously converted office buildings surrounded by mature trees.”

MPs Watch: River Nidd and King Charles coronation

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In May, the saga over designating bathing water status to the River Nidd rumbled on. Meanwhile, at the start of the month, the country celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.

We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but we did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

On May 2, Mr Jones met with Harrogate Town FC’s community foundation.
Mr Jones met with leadership of North Yorkshire Council, local NHS and the Chief Constable on May 15.
The Conservative MP gave his first interview to the Stray Ferret on May 16 where he discussed his candidacy for the next General Election, sewage in the River Nidd and the Station Gateway scheme.
On May 17, Mr Jones urged a developer to give residents clarity over a planned solar farm in Scotton.
On both May 20 and May 27, Mr Jones joined volunteers at Knaresborough Lido to count visitors for the Bathing Water Quality Status application.
He held a constituency surgery on May 30 at the Harrogate Civic Centre.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for May.

Among those included meeting with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the National Air Traffic Specialists (NATS) to discuss upcoming changes to national airspace.

He also met with the met with the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce with other North Yorkshire MPs to discuss challenges in the hospitality sector. Mr Jones also visited Yorkshire Cancer Research at Grove Park Court in Harrogate to discuss their latest projects and collaborations with universities.

Mr Jones’ office pointed out that his engagements and activities could also be found on his Community News website and his Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith made no spoken contributions or submitted any written questions in the House of Commons in May.
On May 7, Mr Smith attended a coronation service at Ripon Cathedral.
The Ripon MP visited the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in Dublin on May 11.
On May 24, he received a piece of artwork called “A Path to Peace” from Pateley Bridge artist James Owen Thomas.
Mr Smith visited the Ripon Walled Garden on May 26.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, he is what we found on Mr Adams:

Mr Adams asked Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, on May 2 about what the government was doing to plan for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
He asked two questions of Secretary of State for the Home Department, Robert Jenrick, two questions on the recruitment of Border Force staff since April 2022.
Mr Adams posted no updates on his website throughout May.
Normally a frequent social media user, Mr Adams posted just three times on his Twitter during May. None related to constituency issues in rural Harrogate.

Business Breakfast: Staff welfare is focus of Stray Ferret networking event

The next Stray Ferret Business Club will focus on staff wellbeing and work culture.

The lunch at Manahatta on June 29 will hear a talk from Rebecca Gosling, HR Lead for LCF Law in Harrogate. The firm was recently named by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to work.

The aim of the monthly Stray Ferret Business Club events is to network, share knowledge and business ideas.

Rebecca said:

“Creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace is not just a luxury, it underpins our HR strategy.

“We are delighted with our achievement in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work accolade. This is a reflection of our focus on our people and culture.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to share LCF’s wellbeing focus with like – minded professionals.”

Tickets for the lunch are available here.

Cycling store focuses on women riders

Specialized Concept cycling store in Harrogate is to become the first store outside London to stock MAAP clothing.

Specialized said it was keen to support the growing number of women riders – 40% of the MAAP range in store will be women’s cycling apparel.

Assistant manager Felix Geldart said

“We see MAAP as a premium brand and I think it will represent a lot of the riders that we have coming into the shop.

“We’re having more of a focus on women than we have done previously – over the past few years we’ve seen more groups and avenues for women to get involved in cycling.”

Specialized is supporting the inaugural 2023 Women Race North Road Race league, across the North East, North West and Yorkshire.

The store is hosting a series of activities this weekend to celebrate MAAP’s arrival.

Harrogate dance store to close its doors and sell online only

The Adage dance store in Harrogate is to close its shop and only on selling online.

The specialist shop which sells clothing and footwear for different types of dance opened on Cheltenham Parade eight years ago.

The owners said in a post on their Facebook page that they had recently had to review how the store operated due to the rising cost of utilities, stock and a change in customer shopping habits.

They also said the arrival later this year of a new baby for one of the team played a part in the decision.

The statement said that “after careful consideration” they had taken the decision to move to becoming an online retailer only and would miss their in-person relationship with customers.

The store which fits pointe shoes for ballet dancing said their fitter would offer a new service visiting dance schools to fit on-site from January next year.

Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor

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Cycling store focuses on women riders

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