Petition launched calling for Harrogate to honour Rachel Daly

A petition has been launched today calling for the council to honour Harrogate’s England Lioness, Rachel Daly.

Daly is part of the England team that will be taking on Spain in tomorrow’s Women’s World Cup final.

She has already won the European Championships and this season’s Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League leading scorer — yet her achievements have been completely overlooked by the council.

Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club yesterday called for that to change and has today launched a petition. It can be signed here.

The petition calls on North Yorkshire Council to recognise Daly’s achievements, preferably by renaming Harrogate Hydro, which is due to re-open next month, the Rachel Daly Leisure and Wellness Centre — and the Stray Ferret is backing the club’s call.

Daly has liked a post on the club’s Instagram account about the story. So has comedian Maisie Adam, who also hails from Harrogate.

Daly with Killinghall Nomads players when she visited in May.

North Yorkshire Council is keen to promote community fitness at its leisure centres and the Hydro is close to the Killinghall Nomads grounds where Daly started her career and hundreds of boys and girls get active each week.

Mary Beggs-Reid, the club’s media manager, said:

“We urge everyone to sign this petition as it’s high time the council recognised Rachel.”

If the petition attracts 500 signatures it will be discussed by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee.

Cllr Carl Les, the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire Council, said it sent best wishes to Daly and the other Lionesses, adding:

“Regarding any local honour for Rachel, as a new council we will consider a policy for how we might recognise the achievements of local people.”

To sign the petition, click here.

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Nidd Art Trail in full swing as local artists begin to open their doors

Local artists, craftspeople and photographers are opening their doors to the public this weekend to showcase work as part of NiddArt Trail.

The trail, run by community organisation Nidderdale Art Trail, aims to highlight both the artistic talent on offer throughout the district, as well as keep community spirit alive.

It originated as Nidd Art Fest, which ran from 1997 to 2008, and has been known as NiddArt Trail since 2009.

Venues in upper and lower Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, Bewerley, Knaresborough and surrounding villages will house the works of both professional artists, such as Claire Baxter Gallery and JOT’s Gallery, as well as amateur groups such as Pateley Bridge Art Club, which will hold its summer exhibition in St Cuthbert’s School, and Lofthouse Art Group.

A number of community venues will also host featured works, including Summerbridge Methodist Church and Sawley Village Hall.

St Paul’s Art Group will have a variety of mediums on display, including photography and crafts, with some on sale to the public. The work will be held in St Paul’s United Reformed Church, Harrogate, on 26 and 27 August. Refreshments will also be available.

Poetry readings will also take place at Darley Methodist Church as part of the trail. Reverend Alastair Ferneley of Dacre and Alan Jordan, Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, will be reciting their own poetry on Saturday, August 19, and Saturday, August 26.

Paintings, pottery and photographs curated by local artists will all be housed in St Andrew’s Church, in Blubberhouses, on 19 and 20 August, as well as 26 – 28 August too.

Treasurer Charles Mellor said:

“It’s very much a community event and is made from a mix of talent and community effort.

“There is quite a spectrum of activity this year.”

Some pieces will be available to buy from both the professional and amateur artists, however many choose to simply be involved in the trail.

“I think people just really enjoy being a part of it.

“Many of the groups and venues involved become very enthusiastic about the trail.”

The participating venues are free to attend and will be open at various times from Friday, August 18 to Monday, August 28.

The trail has been available to view online from August 1.

Find a full breakdown of the participating artists and venues, as well as their opening times, here.

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From Jane Austen to beer festivals: what’s on in the Harrogate district this weekend

Summer may be drawing to a close but weekend activities across the district are certainly not.

Whether you’re looking for an evening with Oscar Wilde, a win for the Lionesses, or just a family picnic in the sun, we’ve collated a list of all that’s on offer this weekend in the Harrogate district.

FEVA FESTIVAL – Knaresborough

This weekend sees the final few days of Knaresborough’s FEVA.

The arts festival includes exhibitions, live music and theatre.

An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will be held at Knaresborough Castle this evening from 7pm – tickets start at £20.

Knaresborough Library will also host An Evening with Wes Martin – a Knaresborough-based bestselling crime author – and Aubrey Parsons, a vocal performer who has worked for Disney, the BBC and Audible.

Mr Martin will be on hand to answer all questions crime-related, as well as signing books, while Ms Parsons will be reading some of her favourite extracts from The Yorkshire Murders. The event is £5 to attend.

The free Picnic in the Park will take place outside Knaresborough House tomorrow from midday to 5pm.

Simply bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live music.

Knaresborough Lions’ Beer Festival will also be held at Knaresborough House this weekend and will showcase 25 special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager.

The beer festival is free to attend and begins this evening at 5pm. It will also run from midday to 11pm on Saturday, August 18, and midday to 5pm on Sunday, August 19.

For a full breakdown of this weekend’s events, click here.

Women’s World Cup Final: England vs Spain

 Sunday sees the nail-biting final between the Lionesses and La Roja.

Harrogate’s own Rachel Daly has helped the team reach their first ever World Cup final and will be supported by many local fans.

Several venues across the district will have live screenings of the match, which kicks off at 11am GMT.

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – Ripon Spa Gardens

An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow evening.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company, based in in Lincoln, will be putting on the show as part of its Open Theatre Air Tour.

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic beneath the stars by bringing food, blankets and chairs.

Gates open at 6pm and the show will begin at 7pm – tickets start at £20.90 for adults.

Knaresborough’s Calcutt Gala celebrates 20th year

 Calcutt Gala will be returning for its 20th anniversary on Sunday.

The event, which will be held at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, will include a martial arts demonstration, live music, a BBQ and bar, as well as an ice cream van and tombola.

The Cricketers will also be streaming the World Cup final before the gala.

The gala begins at midday and entry is £2 for ages 12 upwards.

All funds raised will be donated to the cricket club.

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Harrogate man who pulled off pigeon’s wing fails to turn up in court

A man who admitted pulling off the wing of a pigeon in Harrogate town centre failed to turn up in court yesterday for sentencing.

Martin Gilham, 53, of Bewerley Road in Jennyfields pleaded guilty to the offence on Oxford Street at Harrogate Magistrates Court last month.

He also admitted a separate charge of being drunk and disorderly on Oxford Street on the same date.

Both incidents took place on May 20 this year.

Gilham was due to be sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday but did not turn up.

Judge Simon Hickey issued a warrant for his arrest.

However, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said today the warrant was withdrawn later in the day and Gilham was no longer wanted.

He is likely to return to court for sentencing soon.

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Stray Ferret backs Killinghall Nomads campaign for Harrogate to honour Rachel Daly

Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club has called for the council to honour former player Rachel Daly.

Harrogate-born Rachel is a key part of the England team that has reached Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final against Spain.

She was also part of the Lionesses side that won the European Championships last summer, and won the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer this year.

Her achievements were completely overlooked by Harrogate Borough Council, which was abolished at the end of March.

The Killinghall club has now called for the new North Yorkshire Council to put that right, preferably by renaming Harrogate Hydro, which is due to reopen next month, as the Rachel Daly Leisure and Wellness Centre.

Mary Beggs-Reid, the club’s media manager, said:

“After all Rachel has achieved, surely the council can name something after her.

“She’s inspired a nation – surely as a town we should honour her?

“The club and town are special to her. We need to show her how special she is to us.”

Rachel Daly Killinghall Nomads

A huge crowd greeted Daly when she returned to open the club cafe in May.

The Hydro is due to reopen as the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre. But Harrogate Borough Council set a precedent by renaming Ripon Leisure Centre the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in honour of the Ripon diver’s achievements, including an Olympic gold medal.

Killinghall Nomads want the new council to do similar by renaming the Hydro — which is close to the club’s grounds — after the local superstar.

Daly returned to Killinghall Nomads in May to officially open the Nomads Daly Brew Cafe , which was named after her.

But the club feels it’s time for the council to step-up — and the Stray Ferret agrees.

We are therefore backing the campaign and have asked North Yorkshire Council whether it will support the call to honour Daly — preferably by naming the Hydro after her.

John Plummer, editor of the Stray Ferret, said:

“It’s great that the council honoured Jack Laugher — there is now an overwhelming case to do the same with Rachel Daly.

“What better way to do this than by renaming the leisure centre, which is close to Killinghall Nomads’ grounds, after a local star who has inspired millions of people to get active?”

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Harewood Bridge near Harrogate has reopened to traffic

Harewood Bridge reopened to traffic this morning.

The grade-II listed structure, which is used by 17,000 vehicles a day, closed on July 26.

This led to 15-mile diversions and added 30 minutes to journey times.

Leeds City Council announced yesterday the bridge would reopen to vehicles “from around lunchtime” today — six days ahead of schedule.

Work being completed on the bridge.

But reader Alex Van Zeller, who as a cyclist has still been able to use the bridge, sent us photos showing the bridge fully open at 6.45am this morning.

The bridge over the River Wharfe on the A61 is a main route between Harrogate and Leeds.

Leeds City Council closed it for waterproofing, resurfacing and footpath repair work. The footway across the bridge remained open to pedestrians and cyclists.

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Crimple applies to serve alcohol and play music until 2am

Crimple has applied to extend the hours in which it can serve alcohol and play music from 11.30pm until 2am.

Owner Graham Watson has said the move would enable the venue near Harrogate to cater for weddings and other celebrations better.

But the application to extend the premises licence has prompted concerns about late night noise.

North Yorkshire Council’s statutory sub-licensing committee will decide whether to accept the application at a meeting on Thursday next week.

Documents submitted to the council by Mr Watson and designated premises supervisor Tori Watson said:

“We would like to apply to extend our existing premises licence until 2am.

“Whilst this will not be used in full at each event or frequently, we are now catering for weddings and other parties/celebrations and have started to be asked if we can extend our licence.

“It would give us some confidence to be able to tell our clients at the point of booking that we are able to offer a later bar service and the ability to play music/have a band later than 11.30pm.”

Noise concerns

The application has attracted several objections on the council website.

Peter Wrigley, from All Saints Court Residents Association, which represents seven nearby houses, said “there is little to buffer the noise”, adding:

“We have noted an annoying level of sound coming from Crimple Hall in the late evening under its present licence.”

He adds a silent disco rule, using bluetooth headphones, after 10pm “might be a helpful condition”.

Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents Oatlands, and Pannal on North Yorkshire Council and Howard West, chairman of Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council, have also objected on the grounds of the sound causing public nuisance.

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Gemma Demaline, an environmental health officer at the council, said:

“I have concerns regarding the proposals up to the times applied for as there are noise sensitive premises in proximity that could be disturbed by live and/or recorded music being played outside.”

Ms Demaline recommends various conditions, including not letting customers use the external rear terrace of the premises for eating or drinking between 10pm and 10am.

Lib Dem candidate accuses Tories of overseeing Harrogate Station Gateway ‘fiasco’

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat’s parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has attacked the ruling local Conservatives for the £11.2 million Station Gateway “fiasco”.

The scheme looks dead in the water after a legal challenge this week prompted North Yorkshire Council to say it had revoked its decision to approve the scheme and seek legal advice.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones said it meant  the deadline to spend the cash “is certain to expire” and the gateway was now a “dead scheme”.

Mr Jones accused the Lib Dems, who control the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee that advises North Yorkshire Council, of “weak local leadership”.

But Mr Gordon laid the blame squarely at the door of the Conservatives.

He said:

“The Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council dreamt up the scheme, the Conservative-run council spend £2 million on consultants for this scheme, the Conservative-run council ignored residents, businesses, and the Lib Dem councillors concerns and as a result they have jeopardised this investment in our area. We deserve so much better.

“The facts are that three times the residents of Harrogate have rejected the current gateway scheme, we know that 74% of local businesses were opposed to it, and that countless community groups including the civic society were opposed too.

“We need a bold and innovative comprehensive integrated transport plan for Harrogate, not the scraps of piece-meal funding pots that don’t join up. We deserve proper investment and an MP who will be vocal in fighting for it.”

Both the Lib Dems and the Tories are now calling for the gateway funding, which was awarded through the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, to be spent on other projects in Harrogate.

However, the council has previously indicated the funding must be spent on this scheme or risk being lost.

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£11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway halted after legal challenge

North Yorkshire Council has revoked its decision to proceed with the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme in the face of a legal challenge.

Hornbeam Park Developments instructed lawyers to launch a judicial review against the council’s decision this week.

The council responded today with a statement that has plunged the controversial scheme into fresh doubt.

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, said:

“We have received a legal challenge to the executive’s decision to progress the Transforming Cities Fund scheme in Harrogate.

“Having taken external advice on the grounds of the challenge and having fully considered the matter, we have rescinded the decision to proceed with the scheme at this stage in order to avoid further costs and time delays.

“A further report will be considered by the executive soon, which will set out next steps and timescales for the project in line with legal advice. We will be taking further advice before deciding how best to proceed.”

The scheme is one of three worth £42 million being funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund to improve station gateways to town centres in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.

Latest Station Gateway visuals which show Harrogate's James Street pedestrianised.

An impression of how James Street would look.

It would see James Street partly pedestrianised and a 300-metre section of Station Parade reduced to single lane to make way for new cycle routes.

The legal challenge focuses on the council’s alleged failure to disclose key carbon and climate impact information during consultation.

A climate change appraisal said drivers would be forced to take longer alternative routes as a result of the road changes and overall “user emissions are anticipated to increase as a result of the scheme, as the emissions from changing traffic flows are predicted to outweigh the avoided emissions from modal-shift”.

The appraisal also predicts the scheme would result in an increase of 1,356 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime.

All Conservatives and most Liberal Democrats approved the decision to proceed in May — however, the Liberal Democrats subsequently withdrew their support.

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Police reveal reason behind Harrogate pub closure

North Yorkshire Police has revealed why a Harrogate pub was forced to close.

The Stone Beck at Jennyfields stopped serving customers on August 4.

A police spokesperson said:

“The pub has closed because it does not currently have a designated premises supervisor appointed, which is a legal pre-requisite for alcohol to be sold lawfully at a licensed premises.

“Without a designated premises supervisor, a pub cannot legally sell alcohol.”

A designated premises supervisor has day-to-day responsibility for running business that sell or supply alcohol.

Last week landlord Phill Kirby told the Stray Ferret the pub had closed due to a “licensing issue” and would open in “due course”.

North Yorkshire Council, the licensing authority, said it had “no current actions on this premises”.

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