Harrogate couple’s dramatic escape from earthquake-hit Turkish city

A Harrogate couple have spoken of their shock and devastation after being caught up in the earthquakes in Turkey.

Sharon Cain and her partner Steve were in Iskenderun on the Turkish coast when the first earthquake struck in the early hours of Monday morning.

The pair had been travelling in their motorhome since September, tracking their adventures on their Instagram account, and decided to stay for a few nights in a rented flat.

It was there that they were woken by the earthquake around 3.30am, with the “shaking, swaying and rumbling” lasting more than a minute.

Sharon said:

“You could hear people screaming outside. There was mass panic.

“You could hear doors banging with people fleeing the building. They were all huddled together because it was only three degrees and pouring with rain.”

Sharon, who previously ran Harrogate agency Quest PR, said they had quickly gone to find their motorhome, which was parked just a few minutes’ walk away. On the way, they saw collapsed buildings, and watched more locals sheltering under damaged buildings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sharon, Steve, Bracken: travel writer/photography (@leaveworktotravel)


 

Fortunately, the vehicle had not been damaged, and the couple and their dog, Bracken, left the town amid the chaos.

Sharon added:

“People were panicking and driving the wrong way, trying to get out. The emergency services were trying to get through towards the centre.”

Now safe, the couple said their thoughts are still with the people trapped and injured by the earthquake, and those trying to get help to them.

More than 5,000 people are now known to have died, with a second earthquake having struck close to the first later that day.

Sharon and Steve said they hoped support centres had been set up by communities to give residents proper places to shelter. They said they could not imagine how long it will take for the country to recover.

They travelled 100 miles west to safety and plan to go further towards the western end of Turkey over the coming days to visit friends. The risk of earthquakes is much lower close to its coast and the Greek islands.

However, their thoughts – and those of everyone they meet along the way – are still with the people caught up in the tragedy. Sharon said:

“The Turkish people are just beyond themselves for their own people. They’re just heartbroken and devastated by the battering the country has had.”

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Steve added:

“We’re just relieved to be alive, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that. The building was rocking by six to nine inches. It was bad.

“It was the aftershocks too – they just kept coming. Then you’re thinking, ‘is that going to bring down the building that’s now been damaged?’.”

Sharon and Steve have been using their Instagram feed to share information about rescue efforts, including the humanitarian response by the Red Cross.

Steve added:

“We heard Britain has sent 75 specialists out to help.

“That’s great, but 75 won’t do one small district in one town that has been hit.

“It’s the biggest ever earthquake in Turkey. It’s not just the cities, it’s the rural areas too.

“It’s going to need all the help available.”

Safety audit to be carried out at Killinghall junction

A formal safety audit is to be conducted at a Killinghall junction after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle last week.

The news was revealed at a packed meeting last night of Killinghall Parish Council, at which residents vented frustration about safety at the notorious Ripon Road and Otley Road junction.

Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate on North Yorkshire County Council, told the meeting:

“I have a commitment from the county council to do a formal safety audit. It will be proper highways modelling to see what options they will come up with.”

Cllr Harrison added the county council, which is the highways authority, had said it would come up with proposals in three months.

He said he shared residents’ concerns about the junction but admitted he didn’t know the solution, adding.

“If it was obvious there’s no doubt we would have done it.

“I don’t think anyone in this room knows the solution, unless it was a bypass, and I have to say there isn’t support for that.”

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Parish council chairman Anne Holdsworth said plans were approved for a Killinghall bypass in 1937 and the village had been campaigning unsuccessfully for one ever since.

One resident told the meeting the person injured on the crossing outside the Greyhounds Inn last week had suffered a broken ankle and was on crutches.

Most people at the meeting agreed speed was a problem at the junction and in the wider village but there was little consensus over what to do.

Opinions included a 20mph limit, a mini roundabout and traffic lights. There were also concerns about the location of the pedestrian crossing and the bus stop as well as the new Tesco Express entrance.

Commissioner ‘confident’ over North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue improvement

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has said the county’s fire brigade has undergone “significant improvements and progress” after being heavily criticised by inspectors.

Conservative commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has issued an upbeat and optimistic response to the criticism by the watchdog that monitors her performance, saying she was confident that, together with the force’s “inspirational” new senior leadership team, about guiding the service into “a strong and sustainable future”.

Her comments to the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel come three weeks after His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services released a mixed report, which concluded the brigade required “urgent improvements”.

Inspectors praised its prevention work, but said it required improvement at effectively keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.

They also rated it ‘inadequate’ at efficiently keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks and ‘inadequate’ at looking after its people.

Despite increasing collaboration, such as sharing buildings, between the county’s fire and police services being trumpeted by successive commissioners as being of significant benefit, inspectors said there was “little evidence to show its benefits to the service”.

City of York Council leader Cllr Keith Aspden told a meeting of the panel at County Hall in Northallerton that the inspection report did not make happy reading when compared to those for other brigades around the country.

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He said many of the issues facing the service had been known for several years and asked for an explanation as to how the brigade had been allowed to deteriorate.

Reform ‘has not been fast enough’

Jonathan Dyson, chief fire officer, said reform of the service had not been fast or deep enough in North Yorkshire, where in other forces numerous fire stations had been closed, freeing up resources for efficiencies.

He said the situation the brigade was in was a reflection of the organisation’s leadership and the service had stood still over how it applied resources to risks.

Panel member Cllr Tim Grogan said while the issues had developed at the brigade before the commissioner or chief fire officer were in post, the service appeared to be on “a downward spiral”.

Referring to the report’s ratings the Conservative said: 

“Three years ago we got a B and two Cs and now we’ve got a C and two Ds.”

Mr Dyson responded saying government inspectors themselves had recently advised that fire services should not look at the grades they were given, but “the narrative behind” instead and that the inspections had become tougher over time.

He said: 

“But of course press and everybody else only see when you open your newspaper that one word. You don’t take the two hours to read through as the public would in that context. And that can be misleading because the context, ultimately is the grade.”

Mr Dyson said the service was under no illusion that there was significant work to do to bring it up to standard.

Mrs Metcalfe said every penny of the public’s money was being spent wisely, and that she would continue to “make the case for fairer funding” to the government.

She said: 

“I can assure the panel that the communities of North Yorkshire and York can be confident and that should they require their fire and rescue service in an emergency that the right people and support will come.”

Cyclist seriously injured in collision with van near Weeton

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision near Weeton in which a cyclist was seriously injured.

It occurred on the A658 Harrogate Road between Weeton railway station and Pool Bridge on Monday, January 30, between 5.50pm and 6.15pm.

A North Yorkshire Police statement today said:

“It involved a van and a bicycle, which collided near to Riffa Business Park, resulting in serious injury to the cyclist.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident, or may have relevant dashcam of the collision or the van or bike involved, is asked to contact TC174 David Minto of North Yorkshire Police Road Policing Group.

“Please either dial 101, or email david.minto@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number NYP-30012023-0380.”

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Graveleys fish and chip shop to reopen in Harrogate tomorrow

One of Harrogate most famous names, Graveleys, is to make a comeback tomorrow.

The fish and chip restaurant and takeaway was a feature of Cheltenham Parade for decades until it was sold in 2019.

New owners Catch Seafood spent £250,000 refurbishing the property and introduced a champagne and oyster bar as well as cocktails.

But all five Catch restaurants ceased trading last year when the company went into administration, paving the way for Simon Pilkington, the son of former Graveleys owner Robert, to buy back the building.

Graveley's takeaway

The takeaway will reopen tomorrow at 11am.

The takeaway will open at 11am tomorrow and the restaurant is due to open in the next few weeks. A final date has not been confirmed.

Sarah Knox, manager of Graveleys, said the venue would be going “back to basics”, adding:

“The focus will be on fish and chips. We just want to get back to basics and serve quality products.

“We will listen to what customers tell us and adjust our menu accordingly. Come in and see us!”

Ms Knox, who has worked all her life in hospitality and was previously employed by Catch, said the new venture had come about quickly and she had spent the last week preparing for the reopening. New staff are wanted.

The takeaway will be open from 11am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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Person airlifted to hospital after serious crash near Harrogate

A person has been airlifted to hospital after a serious crash on the A59 Skipton Road near Harrogate this morning.

Police and firefighters have been at the scene along with paramedics following a two-vehicle collision between The Nelson Inn and the farm shop crossroads.

The incident caused long tailbacks to New Park roundabout in Harrogate, with police diverting traffic onto Otley Road towards Penny Pot Lane and Beckwithshaw.

Harrogate Fire Station posted on social media:

“This morning, Harrogate crew attended a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A59. One transported to Leeds hospital via air ambulance.”

North Yorkshire Police tweeted about the incident at 9.24am.

https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1622888981460357120

 

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Police find missing woman from Harrogate

Police in Harrogate have located a woman missing from home since last night.

Issuing an appeal early this morning, North Yorkshire Police said she was believed to be driving around the Harrogate area.

The force has since confirmed the missing woman has been found and thanks those who shared the appeal.

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Council appoints contractor to design £49m Harrogate Convention Centre revamp

Harrogate Borough Council has appointed a contractor to draw up designs and “cost certainty” for its £49 million Harrogate Convention Centre revamp.

The authority has commissioned Hertfordshire company BAM Construction Limited to provide it with technical designs for the project at a cost of £3.3 million.

The convention centre is currently owned by Harrogate Borough Council, which will hand over ownership of the venue on April 1 to North Yorkshire Council.

Senior borough council officials have previously warned the venue could lose up to £250 million over the next 40 years unless the redevelopment is carried out.

However, there is no guarantee the upgrade will go ahead.

Following the appointment of a contractor, a spokesperson for the council said:

“Under the YORbuild3 Major Works framework, we have appointed BAM – a leading construction, facilities management and property developer with offices in Leeds – to provide the design and delivery for the refurbishment and redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre (Phase 1) to RIBA Stage 4.

“The value of this early contractor involvement contract is £3.3million and will provide us with the technical design information and cost certainty required to take us to the next stage of the proposed multi-million investment project.”

Amid the transition to the new council on April 1, the borough council required consent from North Yorkshire County Council to appoint BAM Construction.

The county council told the Stray Ferret it had consented to the award of the contract for technical designs, but any approval for construction would be made at a later date.

Gary Fielding, director for strategic resources at the council, said:

“We have given consent for the first stage of the contract to carry out extensive improvements to the Harrogate Convention Centre.

“This initial stage of the contract is intended to lead to detailed designs for the project.

“However, a further decision will need to be taken as to whether the scheme progresses to the other stages of the contract.”

Funding struggles

The move comes shortly after the borough council was dealt a blow in its efforts to fund the project.

Last month, the government rejected the authority’s bid of £20 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ flagship levelling up fund.

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Cllr Richard Cooper, leader of the council, said he was “disappointed” and “slightly surprised” at the decision.

Meanwhile, Richard Flinton, who will be chief executive of North Yorkshire Council, has refused to commit to the £49 million redevelopment. 

Speaking at a Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting in January, he said the conference and events venue needed to be vibrant and relevant in the face of competition from a new venue in Leeds rather than “an enormous drain on public finances”.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm raises £12,000 for social mobility charities

The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until February 9. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker. 

A Harrogate business has raised more than £12,000 for charity as part of a youth initiative.

Mare Nostrum Group, which is based on East Parade, raised the money for two charities, Speakers Trust and Career Ready.

The fundraising came as part of its Youth Upskill Initiative, which helps disadvantaged young people in the UK gain the confidence and skills to assist their progress in education, work, and life.

The initiative, launched in 2022, saw the company walking over 20 million steps to raise funds for the charities – taking part in the Leeds 10k and Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

In total, Mare Nostrum raised £12,230 for the causes.

The company said on its website:

“Both charities do invaluable work to empower young people and give them the foundations they need to pursue fruitful careers—something which is very important to Mare Nostrum Group.”

Harrogate chamber meeting to focus on health and wellbeing

A Harrogate business group is set to focus on health and wellbeing at its next meeting.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event at The Old Swan Hotel on Monday, February 13, from 5.30pm.

Speakers will include representatives from Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, White Rose Beauty College, the Vicar of St Peter’s Church, and the founder of financial wellbeing company, AurumGold.

During the informal networking session, which takes place between 5.30pm and 6.15pm, members and visitors will be able to experience a relaxing massage at the hands of students from White Rose Beauty College.

David Simister, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: 

“Mental Health and Wellbeing is such an important focus for businesses in terms of productivity and staff morale, that we are dedicating our February meeting to educating, support and guidance on this crucial subject.

“Our impressive mix of speakers come from a range of different organisations, and each will explain what they are doing to help support staff, clients and customers; from  addressing money anxiety among employees, providing mental health first aid training, to giving vital services to those with mental health problems brought about by drug and alcohol abuse.

“Representatives from mental health charity, MIND, will also give a short talk on their work in the Harrogate District.”

Members and visitors are asked to register their attendance in advance via the Chamber’s new website here.

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Tesco supermarket in Harrogate set to be approved next week

Harrogate looks set to get a Tesco supermarket after a long-running saga dating back more than a decade.

The store will be built on the site of the former gasworks, off Skipton Road, and include a petrol station and 209 car parking spaces. It is expected to create about 100 jobs.

Harrogate Borough Council ‘s planning committee has been recommended to approve the plans next week, despite “significant concerns” about the impact on the nearby Co-op in Jennyfields and neighbouring shops.

In her report recommending approval, case officer Kate Broadbank says there is “real potential for the proposed Tesco store to have a significant adverse impact upon the Co-op store and the wider performance of the Jennyfield local centre”.

The report adds the cumulative impact of a new Tesco on the Co-op could be as high as -22.4% and the Co-op “acts as a key anchor to the local centre, including its wider post office offer”.

The local centre in Jennyfields

Tesco will therefore be asked to sign an agreement to use “reasonable endeavours” to open a Tesco Express at Jennyfields local centre if the Co-op closes within five years of Tesco opening and will operate this for at least five years.

Ms Broadbank’s report adds:

“A post office and pharmacy would also be required. An additional clause has also been added that requires an independent expert to determine matters should dispute arise between Tesco and the council, as to whether the replacement store can be provided.”

New footpath and cycle lane

The report says no environmental impact assessment will be necessary for the brownfield site project even though trees will be felled on the north side of Skipton Road to accommodate the creation of a new roundabout at the site entrance, where the A61 Ripon Road and A59 Skipton Road meet at New Park.

 

Tesco site

The site of the former gasworks

North Yorkshire County Council plans to widen Oak Beck Bridge in a scheme that could see six months of roadworks in the area.

The report adds:

“A continuous footpath will be provided along the northern edge of the roundabout with additional uncontrolled pedestrian refuge island crossings on the site access and the eastern arm of Skipton Road.

“A new segregated cycle lane will be provided along the south of Skipton Road from the access to the bridleway further along Skipton Road. These works will be secured by condition and a Section 106 agreement.”

The 209 parking spaces will include four click and collect spaces, six electric vehicle charging spaces, 12 blue badge spaces and nine parent and child spaces. Two motorcycle spaces and 24 cycle spaces are also provided.

£50,000 for bus services

North Yorkshire County Council has requested a contribution from Tesco for improvements to bus stops on Skipton Road and Ripon Road. Ms Broadbank’s report adds:

“North Yorkshire County Council wish to provide a new bus service in the Killinghall area as part of the bus service contribution from the housing development on Penny Pot Lane and these additional improvements would add value to the new service and help encourage sustainable travel by bus to reach the new store.

“A contribution of £50,000 (£10,000 per bus stop) is requested to help fund this service and will help provide new extended shelters with information boards, seating and where necessary raised kerbs to each carriageway.”

The report also says discussions have taken place between the applicant and Northern Gas Networks about “potential interaction” between the proposed petrol station and an existing Northern Gas Networks high pressure gas transmission pipeline located beneath the site.

It says the risk of interaction is “acceptably low”.

Tesco

The site is highlighted on a planning document.

Majority opposed to scheme

The council received 82 representations about the scheme. Just 24 were supportive and 57 objected, mainly on the grounds of amenity, traffic, environmental and drainage impacts.

Ms Broadbank has recommended the project be approved subject to conditions being met. The Conservative-controlled planning committee will decide whether to accept her recommendation when it meets on Tuesday next week. The meeting will be broadcast live on the council’s YouTube page.

It will be the penultimate meeting of the planning committee before Harrogate Borough Council is abolished at the end of next month.

Ms Broadbank’s report concludes:

“In summary, the development is acceptable in principle and meets the requirements of the sequential and retail impact tests with appropriate mitigation.

“The scheme uses previously developed land and is in a sustainable location within the development limits of Harrogate.

“The design and landscaping of the buildings are appropriate for this site and impacts with regards to the residential amenity, environmental impact and highways are acceptable.

“The development will create jobs and provide social, environmental and economic benefits to the local area.

“The scheme is in accordance with the development plan policies as a whole and represents sustainable development as required by the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Tesco first secured planning permission on the site in 2012 but revived its plans in December 2021.

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