North Yorkshire’s police commissioner has criticised the force after new figures today revealed more than a third of 101 calls were abandoned.

Statistics for April showed 16,939 non-emergency calls were made to North Yorkshire Police.

Of that number, the average answer time was five minutes and 27 seconds.

The force has a target to answer 90% of calls within 120 seconds. Last month, 60% were picked up in time and 34% were abandoned.

At a North Yorkshire Police online public meeting today, Zoe Metcalfe, the Conservative police, fire and crime commissioner, said:

“It’s just not good enough for the public at all that we are having a 34% drop-off rate here in 101.

“I really would like to know when are we going to see an improvement.”

The meeting can be viewed here.

The criticism comes after the commissioner awarded the force control room £1.8 million a year to improve response times.

Figures for 101 calls in April. Data: NYP.

The money was earmarked to fund the appointment of 36 additional communications officers, 12 additional dispatchers, six established trainers and two additional police inspectors.

Elliot Foskett, assistant chief constable at the force, said he was optimistic the performance would start to improve.

“We would agree, we think 34% is high. You will start to see an improvement, commissioner, with those resources landing in the control room.

“I can’t stress highly enough that we monitor this every single day. Not only within the chief officer team, but at the force daily management meeting and in the local meetings in the force control room.

“I am optimistic that by the summer time as we start to get more people in and towards the end of the summer, we will should see that come down. I absolutely understand the frustration when people are hanging on the phone and trying to get through to us as well.”

Read more:

• Fewer than half of 999 calls in North Yorkshire being answered on time
• Police warning amid increase in reports of empty laughing gas canisters

Meanwhile, Mr Foskett pointed to “massive improvements” in the force’s 999 response times.

The force control room answered 76% of calls over the last three months on time.

The figure is in stark contrast to November 2022, when just 44% of 999 calls were answered within that time frame.

However, it is still short of the police national target to answer 90% of calls in under 10 seconds.

A popular event that has been held in Harrogate for more than 50 years will not return this summer.

The Trans-Pennine Run, first staged in 1969, sees dozens of historic vehicles driven from Greater Manchester to Harrogate.

Residents and visitors would flock to the Stray along Oatlands Drive to look around the vans, lorries, buses and other vehicles after their arrival.

However, in 2019 the Stray was left unusable by heavy rain, leading the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, which organises the event, to seek an alternative site.

It found a home at the Yorkshire Event Centre, on the Great Yorkshire Showground, and returned there in 2022 after a two-year break during the covid pandemic.

But this year, event chairman Chris Sant told supporters:

“The management of the Yorkshire Events Centre have informed us that the large area of hard standing that we have in past years used for the finish will not be available this year.

“I contacted them in early January to request the use of the site, and after confirming receipt of my request it [took] over two months to inform us that the area will be unavailable, leaving us too little time to find an alternative.”

Mr Sant said he was hopeful it would be possible to hold the Trans-Pennine Run again in 2024 and was working to find another location for the vehicles to convene at the end of the route.

A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Event Centre said no agreement had been made to use the venue this year, adding:

“We stepped in to help organisers two days before the Trans-Pennine Run in 2019 when their original site at the Stray was waterlogged. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to covid and an agreement was made for it to be held again at the showground in 2022.

“Unfortunately, no agreement was put in place for 2023 and the area is now under offer for another event.”

Read more:

• New LGBTQIA+ event planned as Harrogate Pride cancelled again
• New visitor centre and events space planned in Harrogate

A Harrogate Army Foundation College instructor has set up a charity scheme in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Corporal Robert Chamberlain set up the Project Give Moore scheme this year.

The aim of the initiative is for junior soldiers to set up their own fundraising events for any given charity with the chance of winning the Project Give Moore award.

Each junior soldier company will be tasked to compete to fundraise the most each year.

Mr Chamberlain, who first joined the British Army in 2012, set up the scheme after winning the college’s Captain Sir Tom Moore Award for Charitable Endeavour in 2021.

He said the idea behind Project Give Moore was to create an initiative that raises more money for more good causes.

Mr Chamberlain said:

“I wanted to create an annual event that would bring the whole college together in support of different charities.

“But it wasn’t just about raising funds or donating money, I wanted to show the junior soldiers, those who were just starting their military careers, the incredible impact of charity work and selfless commitment.”

Read more:

• Regal floral art wows visitors at Harrogate Flower Show
• Harrogate school pupil’s flower bed design for Queen’s Jubilee wins trophy

The scheme is in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised funds for NHS charities by walking lengths of his garden in Bedfordshire during the covid pandemic.

He died aged 100 in February 2021.

Captain Sir Tom was made honorary colonel at the Army Foundation College in 2020 and a memorial walkway opened at the college in July 2021.

Corporal Robert Chamberlain receives the Sir Tom Moore Award in 2021.

So far, Project Give Moore has Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and The Armed Forces Charity as its chosen causes.

All the charitable events will take place at the Army Foundation College on Harrogate’s Penny Pot Lane.

However, Mr Chamberlain said he would be open to hosting events elsewhere should there be enough public interest.

For more information on how to donate or get involved with the scheme, visit the Project Give Moore website here.

North Yorkshire Council has revealed £6 million has been spent so far on the transition from eight councils into one.

Local government reorganisation has seen the biggest change in local government in the county since 1974.

District councils in Harrogate, Craven, Hambleton, Scarborough, Rydedale, Richmondshire and Selby, as well as North Yorkshire County Council, were abolished on March 31.

The next day, a new unitary council called North Yorkshire Council based in Northallerton was created to provide all of the services previously delivered by the former councils.

To pay for the transition, £38m was allocated into a one-off fund, with the money coming from reserves held by the former North Yorkshire County Council.

The council allocated £16.9m to be spent between 2021/22 until 2024/25 and North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for resources, Gary Fielding, said £6m of this has been spent so far.

Mr Fielding added a “significant proportion” has been spent on technology and digital systems, with nearly £2.3m allocated during the last financial year and a further £1.5m earmarked in the current financial year.

Read more:

• Harrogate councillor appointed county’s climate champion
• Harrogate Station Gateway: new report reveals financial risks
• Council set to loan £500,000 to Harrogate housing company

Other areas of spending include £4.9m on delivering local government reorganisation over the previous and current financial years.

A further £3.4m has been allocated for finance and £1.8m for human resources with most of these costs due to upgrading IT systems.

The council is facing a £30m shortfall in its first year and is targeting savings of up to £252m in its first five years.

Earlier this month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the council will save £3.8m a year by cutting the roles of 24 senior managers.

Another one of the new unitary council’s early cost-cutting programmes will be to sell off some of the former district, borough and county council properties, which comes to more than 3,500 properties excluding schools.

Mr Fielding said:

“We remain committed to ensuring that the move to North Yorkshire Council presents the best value for money for taxpayers.

“The new authority is set to bring about annual savings of between £30m and £70m through the streamlining of services and bringing together eight councils into one organisation.”

Early plans have been revealed to create a visitor centre and events space in Harrogate.

The venue would be created by transforming West Park United Reformed Church, which overlooks the Stray on West Park.

Harrogate District Improvement Trust is holding a meeting at Hotel du Vin on June 13 to discuss the proposal.

West Park United Reformed Church

The trust, which was set up to promote improvements in Harrogate, said in an email announcing the meeting it was “an opportunity to create a major attraction  for Harrogate”, adding:

“The West Park United Reformed Church building is too large for its current congregation but has potential to house a visitor centre showcasing Harrogate’s spa history, as well as a large events space.

“Plans are at a very early stage but include the creation of a community arts and heritage centre.

“We would really appreciate the chance to present our vision to you and gather your feedback. “

The email urged those unable to attend to get in touch so look around the building and meet with trustees to find out more.

Read more:

• New school for autistic children planned in Harrogate
• Exhibition to honour Harrogate’s 1,163 war dead

A sheep’s throat was badly injured when it was attacked by a dog near Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police last night issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident, which is the latest occurrence of sheep worrying in the district.

It happened at Stainburn between midday on Saturday May 13 and 9am on Sunday May 14.

Police said in a statement:

“A sheep was chased which resulted in a nasty injury to its throat.

“Officers from our rural task force are now requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information from anyone that might have been in the area at the time and witnessed the incident.”

Read more:

• Police issue ‘keep dogs on lead’ plea after sheep killed near Harrogate
• Harrogate florist strikes gold at Chelsea Flower Show

Anyone with information can email david.mackay@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for David Mackay.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12230086282.

Rail services across the Harrogate district look set to be hit by cancellations over the half-term holiday as trade union members go on strike over pay and conditions.

The strikes are set to effect services to Harrogate and Knaresborough between Leeds and York.

Industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions will hit the region’s train services on three days next week. ASLEF, which largely represents train drivers, will stage its action on Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3. Customers are advised to avoid travel on those days.

The RMT union, whose 20,000 members work as caterers, train managers and station staff, has announced its own action on Friday, June 2. On that day, customers are advised to check revised timetables before they travel as only a limited service will be in operation.

Train operator Northern said that early-morning and late-night services on Thursday, June 1 would also likely be affected, due to the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement.

In a press release about the national industrial action, ASLEF said:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and, with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Travellers are advised to check revised timetables before leaving home.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider. Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.”

Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect at the weekend. While most services will run as normal, the train operator is urging people who make regular trips on the same trains to use the Check My Timetable feature on its website to see details specific to their local station.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASELF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

“This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people’s opportunity to explore the region during the half-term holidays. It’s understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week
• Thousands of teachers descend on Harrogate as new strikes called
• No trains in Harrogate district today amid further rail strikes

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.

Two Harrogate companies have announced sponsorship contracts with Harrogate International Festivals.

Harrogate Family Law, which is based at Victoria Avenue, has signed up as premier partners for the festivals alongside Rudding Park, Nicholls Tyreman and Theakston.

Meanwhile, IT company Croft Communications has agreed to be communications partner for the event.

Andrew Meehan, managing director at Harrogate Family Law, said: 

“We are delighted to be renewing as a premier partner and supporting the festivals for another year. Harrogate International Festivals is renowned for putting on a selection of world class entertainment with some of the best industry talent.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate Festivals chief executive, pictured with Mark Bramley, CEO at Croft Communications.

Mark Bramley, Croft Communications chief executive, said: 

“As a new sponsor, our business is proud to be playing a part in the line-up of exciting events Harrogate International Festivals is due to be hosting.

“We look forward to seeing the amazing cultural experiences brought to life in Harrogate this year.”

Company sponsors Boroughbridge Junior football team

A Boroughbridge company has agreed a sponsorship deal with a local junior football team.

The Martin Bell Partnership, which provides strategic and practical support for healthcare, has sponsored Boroughbridge Juniors Under-16s boy’s football team.

It will see the squad wear the company logo on their kits next season.

Borougbridge Juniors Under-16s.

Martin Bell, owner of the company, said: 

“I am delighted to be able to support the team with sponsorship. They have had a solid year and can look forward to the new season with a strong squad of local lads who love their football. 

“The new kits will provide a boost to the players and give them confidence as they compete in the Harrogate and District Junior League and regional cup competitions.”

Chris Fahy, Boroughbridge Juniors FC chair added: 

“Without the support of the community and sponsorship from organisations like The Martin Bell Partnership we would not have such a thriving club, so we thank them for their support.

“That support allows us to provide football experiences for more than 150 children at the club aged six to 18 years.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Masham brewery agrees beer listing deal with Asda
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesses recognised as ‘best places to work’

North Yorkshire Council has revealed plans to open a school for autistic children on the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School.

The school in Bilton closed at the end of last year and has been empty since.

A council report prepared for a meeting next week recommends consulting on plans to re-open the school in September next year.

The school would cater for up to 80 students with autism aged 11 to 19. A total of £3.5 million would be spent on upgrading the site.

The report says there is “no short to medium-term need to re-establish additional mainstream places in Woodfield” but the number of young people with identified SEND and an EHCP has increased by over 110% in North Yorkshire since 2016.  It adds:

“The site at Woodfield offers the opportunity to create this provision and give this group of children access to suitable peer groups and academic challenge in order to reach their aspirations.

“This would provide children and families with a more local offer of provision than is currently unavailable without significant travel.

“The planning assumption is that the new provision would ultimately operate with a capacity of around 80 pupils and would serve an age range of 11 to 19.”

The report adds there will be “no changes” to the community library and children’s centre on the same site.

Councillors will vote next week on whether to accept the recommendation and begin consulting on the plans.

Read more:

• Still no decision on future of Woodfield school site
• Councillor outlines plans for new train station in Harrogate

Whether you’re a parent worrying about keeping your children entertained this half-term or just looking for a bit of early-summer fun, the Harrogate district and beyond has lots on offer to keep a smile on the whole family’s face.

From a day at the races to castle tours, we have collated a list of activities taking place over and around the May half-term period.

Fun for all the family: Doncaster Races

Derby Day Rocks feat. Magic Queen

If you’re looking for something to keep both parents and children happy, Derby Day Rocks at Doncaster Racecourse could be the perfect way to spend the half-term weekend!

With 8 races to be enjoyed, as well as a live streaming of Epsom Derby to watch, and even a Queen Tribute act, it’s no doubt your day will rock.

Derby Day Rocks will take place on Saturday, June 3 – gates open at 11.30am.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted County tickets! Watch all the races from the second floor of the main stand – the perfect place to see your winning horse cross the finish line.

To buy your discounted tickets, click here – be quick!

Superhero Family Fun Day Raceday

If you’re thinking of merging some belated half-term fun with Father’s Day celebrations, then Doncaster Racecourse has another event which will be sure to make the whole family smile!

While parents can enjoy 7 horse races, children can meet their favourite superheroes, dance at the disco, and even go on the fairground rides! What more could you ask for?

Superhero Family Day will take place on Sunday, June 18 – the first race begins at 2.15pm.

The Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted tickets Grandstand admission! This gives you access to public bars, eateries, betting outlets and views on the racing action including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.

Get your discounted adult tickets here — be quick! The tickets will sell out fast.

For a little bit of history…

Ripley Castle

If you’re interested in embracing both the history our local area has to offer, as well as some beautiful gardens in bloom, then Ripley Castle will be the perfect solution!

Enjoy six of the Castle’s rooms on your guided tour and bring a taste of history to life this half-term.

Take a stroll around the Castle’s Walled Gardens to discover the beauty nature has on offer, including an extensive collection of hyacinths, a variety of tree specimens and an abundance of spring flowers. The range of hot houses contain an impressive range of tropical plants, ferns and cacti, whilst ancient wisteria and clematis trail across the south-facing walls.

The Walled kitchen garden contains an extraordinary herb bed and many rare vegetables.

Get lost in the deer park in the grounds of the Castle and meet plenty of wildlife along your way — including fallow deer and herons.

To add to all the excitement, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Ripley Castle to bring our readers 2-for-1 admission over the half term period — meaning two adults and two children can enjoy a guided castle tour, as well as the gardens and grounds for just £15! Now that will be a happy half-term…

Click here to buy tickets.

One for the parents in need…

Whittaker’s Gin

If you’re a parent looking to let off some steam this half-term — or simply just love gin — then Whittaker’s Gin will be exactly what you’re looking for!

Whittaker’s Gin Distillery, the home of all things gin (and now whisky), is located in Dacre Banks, just outside Harrogate.

Enjoy a complimentary G&T on arrival followed by a tour with the Whittaker’s distillers around the distillery, where they will go through the gin and whisky production process, and then into the whisky barrel warehouse.

When you get back into the bar area, there will be a  sit down tasting of 9 different gins with delicious nibbles of Weatherheads Butcher’s pork pies.

To round off, there is another complimentary G&T of your choice or alternatively you can take a 5cl bottle home to have your G&T later.

With our exclusive offer, Stray Ferret readers can enjoy two tickets for the price of one! The voucher offer grants you and a guest access to the guided distillery tour, as well as the extras mentioned above.

Click here to buy your ticket — hurry…these are selling fast!

For some summer air… 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden:

May half-term Trail

For those that enjoy that great outdoors, Fountains Abbey’s May half-term trail may be a good option.

Visitors can explore the ‘sanctuary for nature’ in the Deer Park. Learn about the variety of wildlife that resides in the grounds by exploring grassland, freshwater, woodland and much more!

No booking is needed, and the trail is free to enjoy.

The trail will take place within the Deer Park from May, 27, to June, 4, between 10am and 4.30pm.

Find more information here.

Create your own mini bug house!

Fountains Abbey is also hosting a drop-in workshop in which visitors can design and create their very own bug house.

Once complete, attendees can explore the estate to gather some wriggly residents for their bug house! The perfect recipe to combine fresh air and crafts…

The workshop is free to attend but normal admission charges for the venue apply – a family ticket is £27.

The workshop will take place in Swanley Grange – located near the Visitor Centre – from May 27 to June 4, between 11am and 3pm.

Click here for more information.

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park:

Flower Power Nature Weaving

To continue the mixture of fresh air and creativity, Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, is inviting families to take part in its Flower Power Nature Weaving.

Visitors can pick up a collectors bag from the ticket office and venture through the park to see what nature provides to weave into the Earth Loom.

The event will take place daily from May 27 to June 4, from 10am.

For more information, click here.

To shelter from the (potential) rain…

Harrogate Theatre: The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins

For those of you looking for a potential rainy-day activity, Harrogate Theatre’s production of The ‘Not So” Grimm Twins could be a good option for you.

Storytellers, Jake and Will Grimm, will guide you through some re-worked versions of your favourite fairy tales and will need the audiences help along the way!

The play will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets start at £12 – click here for more information.