Advertise your Coronation event on the Stray Ferret for free

Events or street parties being held over the bank holiday weekend can be advertised on our What’s On page for free, using the code King. 

Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey, in London. He will be crowned alongside the Queen Consort.

In February 2023, North Yorkshire County Council confirmed fees for street parties held in the Harrogate district to celebrate the coronation will be waived.

The standard street closure fee of £300 is being waived from Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May for residential streets.

Various events will be held around the Harrogate district to celebrate the royally momentous occasion.

Submissions to the Stray Ferret What’s On can be made until Friday 5 May using the discount code.

The code can only be used on Standard Listings and only for events in aid of the coronation.

Submissions will be approved before posting.

Harrogate council’s Tory leaders take parting swipe at Gary Lineker and BBC

Harrogate Borough Council‘s Conservative leaders took a parting swipe at the BBC, Gary Lineker and local media at the final cabinet meeting last night.

The council will be abolished in just over a week’s time to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.

The cabinet met to accept a £2.5 million grant from central government to help buy 21 homes for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, as reported last week.

Graham Swift, deputy leader of the council, said:

“One of the frustrating things about being a councillor in Harrogate is the amazing good things that are done by the Conservative government.

“This is another example, £100 million putting into the aid of people who really need it most and yet is ignored by the Gary Linekers of the world, the BBC of the world and media organisations in Harrogate who aspire to operate under the same principles of the BBC.”

Cllr Swift, who lost to Liberal Democrat Peter Lacey in his bid to represent Coppice Valley and Duchy division on North Yorkshire Council, added:

“I think it’s just fantastic that these sort of things are carried out. “

Council leader Richard Cooper, who did not stand for election to the new council, nodded in support of Cllr Swift’s comments and replied by saying what the government does “dun’t fit with the narrative sometime”.

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Cllr Mike Chambers, the cabinet member for housing and safer communities, added:

“It’s well known that Harrogate Borough Council over the years has always stood by those people who are in greater need than many of us.”

The money will come from the government’s Local Authority Housing Fund, which is a £500 million grant fund launched enabling English councils to provide housing for those unable to find accommodation.

In the Harrogate district, just over £2 million will go towards buying 19 homes for Ukrainians and just under £500,000 will help buy two larger four-bedroom homes for Afghan families currently in temporary accommodation.

200-home Pannal Ash scheme ‘fails to address infrastructure’, say residents

A plan for 200 homes at Harrogate’s former police training centre “fails to address” increased pressure on infrastructure in the area, say residents.

The plans from Homes England and Countryside Properties include the conversion of several former training centre buildings into 16 homes and building 184 new properties.

Homes England, which is the government’s housing agency, already had permission to build 161 homes on the site but wanted to increase this by 23% to 200 homes by building on three planned football pitches and one cricket field.

Harrogate Borough Council granted outline permission for the scheme to go ahead in December 2021.

But Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association has criticised the plan.

In a letter to the council, the group raised concern over the “over-intensification” of affordable housing, the impact on carbon emissions and disruption caused by construction traffic.

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Hapara added the proposal did not address how the increased pressure on infrastructure will be addressed.

It said:

“Disappointingly, this application, like many others, fails to specifically address the increased pressure that will be placed on infrastructure. Where do children go to be educated when schools in the vicinity are already at capacity? 

“Where will people receive primary medical care when there are no doctors’ surgeries in the area?

“Will people really catch a bus into town rather than take their cars when the nearest stop is 1km away?”

Homes England appointed Countryside Properties in a £63 million contract to build the homes and a reserved matters application has now been submitted for the scheme. 

This includes details such as landscaping, how the homes will look, and the site layout.

The developers said in a planning statement that the scheme will be of “high quality”.

It said:

“Careful consideration has been given to the detailed design of the proposal to ensure that it creates a high-quality and distinctive development that establishes a strong sense of place and provides an attractive and comfortable place to live.”

New town centre venture for Harrogate coffee shop owner

A Harrogate coffee shop owner is set to open a new business in the centre of town.

Simon Somerville-Frost, who opened Brew Bar on St Winifred’s Avenue in May 2018, has just picked up the keys for 3 Royal Parade.

He plans to turn it into a coffee, brunch and evening venue, under the name &… Harrogate.

Brew Bar has been teasing the new development on its social media accounts over the last week before finally revealing more details last night. In a post on its Instagram account, it said:

“We’ve got keys! Introducing @ampersand_harrogate, our new coffee, brunch and evening venue situated at 3 Royal Parade, Harrogate.

“We’re looking forward to sharing our progress prior to our launch.”

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The business is recruiting kitchen and front-of-house staff, as well as managers and supervisors, ready for the new venue’s launch. The date has yet to be confirmed.

The premises was previously home to Gron, a small chain of Leeds-based cafes serving vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian dishes. It closed its doors in Harrogate late last year, having first arrived in the town in December 2020.

Brew Bar was opened by Simon opposite his own home, when he realised he didn’t know any of his neighbours and wanted to build more of a sense of community.

Last year, it set up a ‘community table’ where people could sit if they wanted someone to chat to. It also enabled customers to gift a coffee to others who couldn’t afford to buy one.

Fully Charged LIVE, making its debut up North at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate

This story is sponsored by Fully Charged Live

The world’s number 1 home energy & electric vehicle show, Fully Charged LIVE, will be making its debut up North at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate over the weekend of the 19th – 21st May 2023 following the success of events around the world in Farnborough, Sydney, Vancouver, San Diego and Netherlands. 

Fully Charged LIVE North in Harrogate is expected to bring in 10,000 visitors over the weekend of the 19th – 21st May. After the success we have received at the South event over the past few years, coming to the North was a natural progression.

We want to spread our message: #STOPBURNINGSTUFF and make more people aware of the greener choices that we can all be making and help others gain a better understanding of how they can help to make an impact against climate change and save our planet. 

This Festival of Electrification will showcase a host of quality exhibits and attractions including:  

 

Fully Charged LIVE, will be making its debut up North at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate over the weekend of the 19th – 21st May 2023.

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Call for review into ‘grossly unfair’ fuel price disparities in North Yorkshire

A councillor has called on the government to intervene on fuel prices because some motorists in North Yorkshire are paying 10p per litre more on petrol or diesel than others.

The Competition and Markets Authority found last summer there were “significant differences in price” between forecourts across the UK.

The issue was raised during a recent meeting of North Yorkshire County Council’s Skipton and Ripon area constituency committee.

Nick Brown, the Conservative councillor for Wathvale and Bishop Monkton, said he was surprised to recently pay £1.359p for a litre of fuel at Bishop Auckland in County Durham whereas in Boroughbridge the price was 10p more expensive.

Cllr Brown asked Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, if he could lobby the government to launch a review into the issue. 

He said:

“There is effectively a rip-off for customers of petrol and diesel. Could you press for an urgent review by government into fuel prices?

“I can’t believe that a 10p difference is justifiable for 40 minutes down the road. The RAC have been banging on about this for quite a while but nothing has been done. There needs to be a proper review.”

Mr Smith said:

“I do agree there’s huge inconsistencies in rural areas. We can lose out. I’m happy to write to the business department about that.”

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The main factor for petrol prices is whether there is much competition nearby, including from supermarkets who offer cheaper fuel.

Companies that run petrol stations in remote locations also argue they sell less fuel so have to charge higher prices to cover their overheads.

Fuel prices have remained high since the Russian invasion of Ukraine although they have fallen since last year when petrol and diesel could be bought for over £2 a litre for the first time ever.

Asda petrol station on Dragon Road during the fuel supply crisis in September 2021.

Asda petrol station on Dragon Road during the fuel supply crisis in September 2021.

In last week’s budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended a 5p cut in fuel duty for another 12 months.

Andrew Williams, independent councillor for Ripon Minister and Moorside, said “there’s no competition” for fuel in Ripon, which has meant motorists at the pump have suffered. 

He said:

“The fuel price in Ripon is usually 3p higher than in Boroughbridge and there’s a difference of 8p between Ripon and York. It seems grossly unfair.”

Harrogate Grammar crowned national under-18s rugby champions

Harrogate Grammar School‘s boys’ first team has been crowned under-18s national rugby union champions.

The team beat St Peter’s High School, Gloucestershire 31-20 to win the Continental Tyres Schools Bowl at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium in London. A total of 125 schools entered.

It was the first time in the school’s recent history that the under-18s reached a national final.

Coached by former Scotland International Tom Ryder, director of sport at the school and Stuart Vincent, former captain of Ilkley RFC, six of the team the team have represented Yorkshire Academy this season.

Mr Ryder said:

“This was a fantastic performance from the boys, they’ve worked very hard all year so I’m really pleased for them that it was such a great game.

Harrogate Grammar School rugby

Try time for HGS

Captained by Matthew Leatham, who plays for Yorkshire Academy under-18 team and vice-captained by Sam Parsons-Bastiman, who was selected for the North of England under-18 squad, the team scored five tries in the final, which was live-streamed on England Rugby’s YouTube channel.

Matthew said:

“The squad would like to thank Mr Ryder and Mr Vincent for their coaching, mentoring and encouragement throughout the season; not forgetting Michelle Farnhill, our strength and conditioning coach, who helped us keep the intensity throughout the game.

“The players would also like to thank all the travelling supporters, it certainly made a difference hearing the singing, drumming and trumpet playing.”

Harrogate Grammar School rugby

Kicking for glory

Harrogate Grammar’s sixth form sports academy is only in its second year, with 30 boys currently in the rugby programme.

This, along with twice-weekly gym sessions and weekly fixtures, has cultivated a more professional approach to school sport.

Harrogate Grammar School rugby

Evading a tackle

Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“This is an outstanding achievement to be very proud of and a reflection of their dedication, commitment and unity as a team. We are delighted to be crowned national champions.

“The academy is a unique asset to our school, championing success in netball and rugby, and we want to continue attracting students from across the county to our sixth form.”

Photographs by Leo Wilkinson Photography

Planning issues lead complaints against Harrogate council

Sixteen complaints were made against Harrogate Borough Council in 2022/23.

The figure was included in a report that will go before councillors next week regarding alleged misdemeanours of council departments.

Another report includes details of four complaints made against councillors.

Issues ranged from allegations of a council bin lorry causing damage to a property and an accusation the council refused to chop down a problematic overhanging tree.

Most of the complaints were resolved by the local government ombudsman without action being taken against the council.

One of the complaints is still under investigation and another is still waiting to be investigated.

Several complaints directed towards the council were regarding planning matters.

These included an accusation about how the council had enforced planning permission over a number of years.

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Another planning complaint questioned how the council handled an application that it claimed would impact negatively on a Harrogate district village.

However, in both cases, the ombudsman decided to close the investigation as it was unlikely to find fault by the council.

Another resident complained to the ombudsman after it accused the council’s building control department of not carrying out proper checks on their home after it discovered it had no insulation.

But the ombudsman said it did not find fault with the council and expects anyone buying a home to have had a full survey done before completing the purchase.

There were four complaints made against councillors. The report does not name them but says three were against councillors on Harrogate Borough Council and one was a parish councillor.

The council consults its ‘Independent Person’ before making a decision about a standards allegation against a councillor.

Two of these complaints related to their conduct on social media. 

However, no investigation was brought forward due to a lack of evidence and the complainant choosing not to take the issue further.

There was one allegation that a councillor made disrespectful comments during a public meeting but the investigation found the comments fell within the definition of ’emotive’ behaviour and in a political context they did not “cross the line” into unacceptable conduct.

‘Comprehensive’ road safety improvements announced for Harrogate schools

Traffic restrictions, new crossing points and vehicle activated signs are to be introduced to make schools safer in the Harrogate district.

A meeting was held at St Aidan’s Church of England High School yesterday in response to growing concerns about traffic outside schools.

School leaders, councillors, road safety leads from the emergency services and campaigners Hazel Peacock, Dr Vicki Evans and Dr Jenny Marks were among those attending.

Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire County Council’s Conservative executive member for highways and transport, said afterwards a series of measures would be introduced to “make travelling to school safer, healthier and happier”.

Full details are yet to be revealed but the measures will include Harrogate’s first School Streets pilot at Oatlands Junior School, which will see traffic banned except for residents and emergency vehicles on roads outside the school at busy times during school terms.

Cllr Duncan said:

“Today’s meeting represents a crucial step towards improving road safety and promoting more sustainable journeys for children and families.

“We are working closely with all Pannal Ash and Oatlands area schools, local councillors and residents to make improvements in these busy areas.

“The council has agreed to a comprehensive package of highway improvements to be delivered in the immediate term, including new crossing points, vehicle activated signs and Harrogate’s first School Streets pilot at Oatlands Junior School.

“We are continuing to work on further measures to be delivered in the longer term, including consideration of requests for new 20mph zones.”

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Concern about pupil safety was heightened when two 15-year-old boys from Rossett School were seriously injured outside Ashville College on February 2.

The 20’s Plenty for Us campaign, which wants 20mph to be the default option on residential streets and in town and village centres, has also been calling for change.

Representatives from the following schools attended the meeting: Harrogate Grammar School, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Rossett School, Western Primary, Rossett Acre Primary, Oatlands Junior School, Oatlands Infant School, St John Fisher’s Catholic High School, Ashville College, Harrogate College and Willow Tree Primary.

 

Police use stinger after 140mph pursuit from Harrogate

Police used a stinger to end a 140mph pursuit that started in Harrogate yesterday.

The incident began when the man attempted to drive home immediately after he was convicted in court for drug driving and lost his licence.

Paul Cording, a roads policing sergeant at North Yorkshire Police, tweeted last night:

“Unbelievably he left the courtroom and got straight behind the wheel of a car to drive home.”

Sgt Cording said the motorist defied police requests to stop and began speeding along the A59 and A1(M). He added:

“Weaving dangerously in and out of traffic and using all the lanes including the hard shoulder, the vehicle reached speeds of over 140mph

“The vehicle then headed towards Leeming where a stinger was deployed by our armed response vehicle colleagues before being safely stopped and the driver arrested.”

Sgt Cording said the man had shown “a complete disregard for road safety and the judicial system”.

He added he was subsequently charged and remanded to appear in court this morning.

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