Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Your recent article [Council spends £478,000 on halving number of litter bins] highlights the scandalous and wasteful irresponsibility of the new council. Blaming the defunct Harrogate Borough Council for making the decision is lazy – North Yorkshire Council didn’t have to action it.

Key points/questions that need exploring/asking:

1. How many of the ‘old’ bins actually needed replacing?

2. £478,000 will take 14 years to recover from the alleged savings. Will the new bins even last that long?

3. What are the respective capacities of the bins? The new ones would have to be significantly bigger (at least double) to make meaningful travel savings. In any event, there will be more travel required to clear up fly tipping which itself is an environmental hazard! – which will also reduce the actual savings achieved by the council.

4. The previous bins were presumably sited with the experience of public activities. Re-siting them merely for the convenience of the council was asking for trouble.

5. If the council had consulted the public beforehand they might have learnt valuable information from everyday users of the bins, to inform eventual decisions and facilitate community ownership of the final decisions who’d have a vested interest in the practical outcomes. It would also have been a valuable opportunity to explore the idea of dog walkers taking their dogs’ waste home to save money. And show how those savings could be invested in the local community.

6. What does Ms Wallis mean by saying “The main aim of the project was to reduce the number of duplicate journeys between different services.” ? What services were making the same journey to the same bins and why were they doing that?? If this was the main aim, what are the expected savings? If this statement is true, it’s everything to do with management of staff and nothing to do with numbers and sizes of bins.

7. Ms Wallis also refers to improving the street scene with this initiative. How is this improved with less bins or no bins at all? – leading to more overflowing waste in high footfall areas that previous bins couldn’t cope with and fly-tipped waste where bins have been removed altogether?

Alice Woolley

Let’s have empathy for the homeless

I have been reading with some sadness the conversations on here about homelessness in Harrogate, especially the rough sleepers around the Crescent Gardens, and how people find this disturbing.

What I find more disturbing is how nobody has mentioned the plight of those homeless people and why they are rough sleeping in the first place. It’s not like it’s a life choice. These conversations remind me of “tidying up“ the streets of Windsor before the last royal wedding.

How awful that poor people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems make the place untidy and have nowhere to live. The wealth of Harrogate sits amidst absurd house prices, unaffordable rent, and the gig economy. But the visible consequences make us uncomfortable.

Life for the poor is getting worse, we need to help them, not demonise them.

Penny Robinson, Harrogate

20mph is correct 

I can’t support Mark Fuller’s view [Stray Views: Why no 20mph limit outside my children’s primary school?] that we need the the evidence of a child death before a 20mph speed limit is applied outside Willow Tree School on Wetherby Road.

The sheer weight of traffic should be reason enough.

Two titans of the British classical music scene will perform in Harrogate as part of the new season of concerts at the Wesley Centre.

Pianists Sir Stephen Hough and Angela Hewitt headline the 29th season of events organised by Andrew Hitchen.

It will be Sir Stephen’s 10th appearance in Harrogate and Ms Hewitt’s third.

There will also be a sixth recital at the Wesley Centre by acclaimed French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. He is due to appear on February 12 — two days after Sir Stephen. Bach specialist Ms Hewitt will perform on April 13.

Besides pianists, the season also includes lieder, jazz and chamber music.

Last year’s average attendance was 15% up on the previous year, as people returned to live events after covid.

The schedule includes 10 lunchtime concerts, usually on the first Monday of the month, and two evening concerts.

The season begins tomorrow (Monday, October 2) when Elisabeth Brauß performs Schubert and Schumann.

Read more:

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The rest of this season’s programme includes: 

November 6 — Leeds Lieder recital

December 4 — Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux and Joseph Havlet (violin and piano)

January 8 — Mithras Trio

February 5 — Beethoven and Brahms trio

February 10 — Sir Stephen Hough (piano)

February 12 — Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano)

March 4 — Jean-Paul Gasparian (piano)

April 13 — Angela Hewitt (piano)

May — to be confirmed

June 3 — Nicholas Daniel and Huw Watkins (oboe and piano)

July 1 — Richard Wetherall Trio (jazz)

A fire in Harrogate District Hospital’s cafe caused the reception and waiting area of A&E to be temporarily evacuated this morning.

The fire began in the cafe’s kitchen at around 8am filling the reception area with smoke. The alarm was raised and three fire engines and crew were in attendance.

A Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:

“On Sunday morning, a small fire occurred in the kitchen of the café at the entrance to our hospital in Harrogate, which was quickly brought under control by our staff.

“We would like to thank North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue for their prompt response to the incident.

“As a consequence of the fire, the waiting area of the Emergency Department was temporarily evacuated, but has now re-opened. All services are now operating as per usual.”

Brian Cairns, the district manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue told the Stray Ferret that hospital staff had already taken action when they arrived.:

“The staff were fantastic and had dealt with the fire with a fire blanket in the kitchen area.

“We are now working with the hospital to initiate their business continuity arrangements and we will work with them to allow them to return to business as usual in that area.”

The cafe remains closed with the area sealed off.

Read More: 

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Senior figures at Harrogate District Hospital have said they want to learn lessons from the Lucy Letby murders to prevent similar crimes from happening in Harrogate.

Letby is a former neonatal nurse who murdered seven infants and attempted to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She was sentenced to a whole life order last month.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s board met on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza in Harrogate where the Letby case was top of the agenda.

Emma Nunez, director of nursing and Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director, gave a presentation that outlined what procedures the hospital has in place to spot patterns of behaviour and how it listens to concerns from staff.

Ms Nunez said:

“It’s difficult to stand here and say we are completely assured that it couldn’t happen here, there’s not an organisation in the country that could say that. However, through our good governance and staff engagement we are in a very good place.”

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She added that the trust has spent time looking at its quality governance, which has included establishing an end-of-life mortality committee to review deaths and prioritising its safeguarding committee. 

Ms Nunez said: 

“Mortality review is something nationally we’ve been asked to look at and how we monitor unexpected deaths.”

Ms Andrews reassured the board that the hospital has the resources to identify anomalies in mortality data which could lead them to investigate potential crimes.

She said: 

“We get a lot of mortality data, we have easily accessible data and we get a monthly alert on any mortality that’s an outlier. We do a deep dive into every one of them.”

Several doctors in Chester who worked alongside Letby said they tried to raise the alarm with hospital managers but were ignored.

Ms Nunez said the trust holds weekly talking sessions with staff where they can speak to managers.

She said she believes the trust fosters a culture where staff are able to voice concerns but she admitted there were still members of staff that were difficult to reach.

She said:

“We have quite a flat structure where it’s not unusual to see staff openly have concerns with executive team. At back of mind, what about the ones who are more difficult to reach? 

“That’s the question we need to ask ourselves, how do we reach those people?”

Councillors have recommended that two public bridleways near Crimple Viaduct are connected following a dispute.

In 2013, the owner of Rudding Park proposed a new path along a section of a disused railway on the estate in Crimple Valley, near Follifoot.

The intention was to connect the new bridleway to the existing public bridleway 61.

However, it was later found there was a gap of five metres between the two bridleways, which is on land not owned by Rudding Park.

North Yorkshire Council has proposed a Public Path Creation Order to join the two paths but the farmer who owns the small parcel of land, Craig Eastwood, opposes it and said the former county council did not follow the proper procedure.

This week, Mr Eastwood told the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee he had concerns about access to the bridleway on Fulwith Mill Lane, including an increase in footfall damaging his land as well as dogs off leads scaring livestock.

The proposal has received support from over 100 members of the public as well as groups including the British Horse Society, Cycling UK and The Ramblers.

Mr Eastwood said:

“Walkers tend to stray off the prescribed PROW (public right of way), especially with dogs and almost treat the land as a park. This costs us time and money to make good and also negatively affects our livestock with sheep in particular being worried by dogs roaming around.”

Read more:

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However, Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents Pannal and Oatlands told Mr Eastwood rambling is a “very civilised activity” with dog walkers “almost always” on a lead.

He said:

“I ramble on a regular basis and the people I come across generally do stick to the paths that are designated. I don’t think people take liberties with landowners.”

Cllr Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley, asked if there could be improved signage to satisfy both the landowner and the council, calling it a “win-win” for both parties.

He added:

“The more people we get out into the countryside the better”.

Councillors voted unanimously to recommend that the new path is created.

The recommendation will now go to the Secretary of State to make a final decision.

A Ripon woman who is fighting in a charity boxing match has promised to tattoo on her leg the logo of the business that donates the most money.

Charlotte Haynes-Vickery will take part in her first fight to raise money for Active Against Cancer in November.

The Harrogate organisation provides free support and care to those living with cancer in the area – including Ms Haynes-Vickery’s close friend, Anthony.

She told the Stray Ferret the charity has “been a key part in keeping Anthony alive” following his intense chemotherapy treatment.

Ms Haynes-Vickery will undergo eight weeks of training to prepare for the match – working out every Tuesday and Thursday alongside 30 other amateur boxers.

She said:

“I chose boxing over a more traditional fundraiser because Anthony has been fighting a battle for the past 12 months, so I want to fight for him.”

The three-round fight is organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing – a charity boxing company that invites beginners to take part in fundraiser fights.

Ms Haynes-Vickery hopes to raise £1,500 for Active Against Cancer and will tattoo the highest commercial pledger’s logo on her right thigh.

“When I told Anthony about it I don’t think he was even surprised – he watched me race a camel at Beverley Racecourse so he’s used to me doing silly things!

“The tattoo will sit amongst some others I’ve got there, anyway.”

She added she is currently very excited for the match, but expects the nerves to grow nearer the time.

The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa on Sunday, November 26, at 2.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now.

Read more:

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• Health chief pledges to help patients at Harrogate NHS dentist

A young fitness trainer from Harrogate is hoping her tilt at the Miss Yorkshire title this weekend will encourage others battling mental health problems through fitness. 

Chloe McEwen, 21, will be competing in the regional round of Miss England in Doncaster on Sunday, but her immaculate appearance will leave judges none the wiser about her past struggles.

At the age of 16, Chloe was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she endured an arduous eight-month hospital stay, and her weight soared by almost four stone.

But by embracing a healthier lifestyle and a dedicated fitness regime, bolstered by an unwavering support network, she not only regained control of her life but also embarked on a mission to empower others.

Before and after photos of Miss Yorkshire contestant Chloe McEwen.

Former Rossett School pupil Chloe now wants to provide support and motivation to those in need. As a Level 3 fitness trainer with clients in a small private gym and classes at a Harrogate health club, she understands the challenges of self-motivation, but believes that simply maintaining discipline, even in small steps, is the key to turning things around. She said:

“The rewards of persevering are immeasurable.”

The problems Chloe had to overcome to achieve her transformation are all too common – 56% of the UK population are now registered with some form of mental health issue, and young people are disproportionately affected.

The Miss Yorkshire contest will take place at on Sunday at the Earl of Doncaster Hotel.

Read more:

• Harrogate boy cuts off hair to fundraise for children’s mental health service
• New beauty salon opens in Knaresborough
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Three Wetherspoons pubs in the Harrogate district are set to host a real ale festival in October.

The Winter Gardens in Harrogate, Unicorn Hotel in Ripon and The Crown Inn in Knaresborough will all take part in the 12-day festival which will feature 20 different beers from the UK and around the world.

It will be held from Wednesday, October 11, until Sunday, October 22.

Among the brewers on display include Steel and Oak Brewing, Canada, Yazoo Brewing from USA and South Africa’s Zubland Brewery.

The Crown Inn at Knaresborough and The Unicorn Hotel in Ripon.

Others on display will be Robinsons Brewery, Purity Brewery and Joe’s Garage Brewery in Czech Republic.

Beers on offer will be £2.45 a pint.

Will Thorton, manager at the Winter Gardens in Harrogate, said:

“The festival is a great celebration of real ale.

“It will allow us to showcase a selection of superb beers over a 12-day period, at great value for money prices.

“It will also give our customers the opportunity to enjoy a number of beers which have not previously been served in the pub, including those from overseas.”

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• Refugees set up Harrogate district’s first Afghan pop-up restaurant
• New bar and restaurant to open in Knaresborough

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef  competition. Every Saturday Yemi will be writing on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food  and sharing cooking tips– please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

If you’re looking for a friendly and welcoming coffee shop, Folk Coffee House in Harrogate is the place for you.

As the name implies, it is designed to be the heart of the community. Whether you prefer outside seating for (rare) sunny days or a cosy interior, it is a perfect hang out space for friends, colleagues, or families.

When my boys were growing up, one of the things I looked forward to each day was meeting up with other mums for coffee. This coffee shop took me right back to that time; I could see myself unwinding there with friends and sharing ideas.

Folk Coffee House serves great coffee, homemade cakes, and light bites.

I ordered the carrot cake – as it was apparently the best cake a customer had ever had — and with such endorsement, I had to give it a go. The cake was packed full of nuts with a comforting toasty-ness and lovely plump raisins. The topping, which was made from a mixture of cream cheese, whipped cream, and icing sugar, was delightfully light.

It’s safe to say I was not disappointed!

There is also wide range of delicious gluten free options available, including a Bakewell blondie, double chocolate brownies and sugar free breakfast muffins.

Owner Sally proudly told me she focusses on balancing the cost and the quality of the in-house baked goods. She added she is passionate about zero waste and uses a daily ordering system to support this.

Folk Coffee House is proudly Yorkshire; it patronises local businesses for their produce and serves award-winning teas and coffees.

When it comes to tea, nothing but Canton Tea will do! The tea is served at many high-end venues including The Savoy, The Ritz, and The Mandarin Oriental. Now, it’s available to you right here in Harrogate! I had the berry and hibiscus tea with notes of rose hip which was delightful.

Local artists also display their work on the walls, and a new artist is featured every month. It creates a gallery-like space and no doubt contributes to the community feel.

Customers were also keen to recommend their favourites on the menu, so I will be heading back to check them out.

Folk Coffee House embraces the local community and wants people to feel welcome with a coffee in hand.

The tag line – ‘a place for all folk to meet, eat, drink, and create’ — says it all.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: a lesson on plot-to-table cooking and food waste at Harlow Carr
• Yemi’s Food Stories: the Yorkshire distillery that makes vodka from apples

Harrogate firefighters rescued a man who got trapped after falling headfirst through a loft hatch today.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said the alert was raised at 12.22pm. The location is described only as being in Harrogate.

The report said:

“Crew from Harrogate assisted a man who had fallen headfirst out of a loft hatch and become trapped by the ladders leaving him dangling head first.

“Crew used small tools to free the man and bring him back down to the landing safely.”

No further details, including the extent of any injuries, was revealed.

Read more:

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• Firefighters rescue baby locked in car in Ripon