Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens is set to be re-landscaped and re-named The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden.

Harrogate Borough Council wants to spend £21,000 redesigning the space so it can hold more events.

Three yew trees and rose and shrub beds would be relocated as part of the scheme. Commemorative plaques within the rose beds would also be moved to new beds on the site.

A report by Kirsty Stewart, the council’s parks and grounds maintenance manager, said work “will need to be undertaken to return the grounds to their current state” after Crescent Gardens hosted an ice rink and funfair in December and January.

The report adds:

“We would like to take the opportunity to upgrade the area to enable better accommodation of future events with less disruption to the planting in this area.”

It added a three-year licence for the Christmas ice rink and funfair on the site “will generate a minimum income of £37,500 per year… with some of this being available to be reinvested in the space to make necessary changes and improvements”.

The area will be re-landscaped so it can host more events.

The council, which will be abolished at the end of next month, announced yesterday it had renamed its leisure centres in Pateley Bridge, Harrogate and Knaresborough. Now it intends to rename the land outside its former municipal offices.

It plans to create a new central rose bed across the whole of the sloped area and install a metal arch/tunnel adorned with climbing roses across the main footpath leading to the central structure.

Read more:

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The report, which will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday next week, puts the cost of the work at £21,000 but added “pricing is subject to change depending on the increase in steel/materials costs over the next few months”.

Engagement with plaque owners will be undertaken “where possible before works commence”, it adds.

Crescent Gardens was last redesigned following the 1990 Gateshead Garden Festival, when the central glass structure erected.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, it has hosted the Spiegeltent, organised by Harrogate International Festivals, the mayor’s carol concert, church events, and more recently artisan markets and the ice rink and fun fair.

Councillors will also discuss plans to refurbish Bebra Gardens in Knaresborough and the paddling pools in Ripon at the same meeting next week.

However, a report outlining the details of these schemes has been classified as exempt from the public.

The Best Independent Retailer award is sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub aims to provide businesses of all sizes and sectors effective and impartial business support.

As a local organisation, the service provided is tailored to the needs of individuals of the region.

The Best Independent Retailer Award recognises the work of independent retailers across the Harrogate district that have survived the pandemic, support customers and make the high street vibrant.

Finalists

Watermark Gallery

Watermark Gallery is a Harrogate art gallery selling original, contemporary and modern British art.

During the pandemic, the gallery regularly changed its window displays to brighten people’s daily walks.

It also offered customers the opportunity watch live artist exhibitions through the gallery window and on social media during lockdown.  Such improvisation during covid was appreciated and a loyal customer base grew.

In 2020, the gallery also adapted its space into becoming a workshop space to teach and learn.

Liz Hawkes, Director of Watermark, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Independent Retailer of the Year Award. It is great to be recognised for championing the visual arts in an area which has such a strong heritage of arts and culture.

“Opening just before the pandemic was a tough start for our business but with awards like this, and the support of our customers, we are very positive for the future. Thank you.”

Fodder

Based at the Yorkshire Show Ground, Fodder is a Harrogate farm shop and café that champions local produce.

During the pandemic, Fodder expanded its online store, developed an online click and collect system, and utilised the café space as an order packing area whilst hospitality remained closed.

Fodder frequently hosts events to showcase its supplies. The business even hosts a Dragons Den-style event, where new suppliers can ‘sell in’ their produce to the farm shop.

Vanessa Pitt, Manager at Fodder, said:

“We are super proud of the team who work so hard to keep Fodder at the top of its game. Being shortlisted for this award is testament to their resilience and commitment.

“It’s given us a real spring in the step, and we thank all our customers, producers and suppliers for their continued support.”

TravelGate

TravelGate is an independent travel agency in Harrogate, offering clients bespoke expertise and advice on holiday destinations.

During the pandemic, TravelGate was inundated with policies to follow and holidays to amend as covid caused chaos in the travel industry.  The agency never closed -offering advice and support to clients locally and abroad.

In 2021 TravelGate partnered with a national testing laboratory and began offering Covid PCR travel tests. The company supplied to major cruise ships and offered pre departure and return tests.

Phil O’Boyle, Co-Founder of TravelGate, said:

“Being shortlisted as a finalist is a fantastic achievement for us. There are so many great independent retailers in Harrogate, and we are so proud that TravelGate has been recognised in this way.

“The last few years have been extremely hard for the travel industry. We have lots of amazing, loyal clients and we would like to thank them, and to all our new clients for supporting us”.

Cocoa Joe’s

Cocoa Joe’s is an independent business specialising in premium chocolate drinks.

The shop uses a variety of high quality, solid chocolate from around the world to make bespoke drinks.

The Pateley Bridge business has made multiple television appearances since launching in 2019, including Ainsley Harriott’s Good Mood Food and used as a filming location for Channel 5’s Cadbury at Christmas.

Cocoa Joe’s success meant it was able to open a York branch during the pandemic.

The company has also unveiled an online store, selling indulgent chocolate products.

Joe Andrew, Founder of Cocoa Joe’s, said:

“Everyone around the shop was thrilled to hear we had made the shortlist! Our team members have been doing an amazing job during the busy colder months and I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off the hot chocolate season.

“We’re crossing our fingers for winning the award, but we’re up against some fantastic businesses, so we’re just delighted to have made it this far.”

Whittams Hire

Whittams Hire offers luxury motorhome hire to the people of North Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching in 2018, the company now boasts nine motorhomes and has bookings from international clients.

The business also opened a coffee shop just outside of Harrogate, The Outside Inn. The premises is divided into sections, one is the coffee shop and the other is an office space for motorhome customers to drop in.

Whittams Hire has won multiple awards since launching, including Best Motorhome Hire Company ‘Prestige Award’ 2022 and 2023.

Mark Trickett, Founder of Whittams Hire, said:

“Whittams is so chuffed to be shortlisted, never did we think we’d be a finalist. We entered just hoping to be listed with other proud local businesses in order to be seen and show support for our local community.

“To be judged and be amongst such fine company is truly humbling”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Firefighters were called to investigate a foul smell on a Harrogate street last night.

Crews from Harrogate were called to Robert Street at 9.50pm last night following reports of a chemical smell in a property.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log said:

“This was found to be possibly paint thinner that had been poured into the drains.

“The smell was affecting more than one property on the street.

“Crews gave advice and the Environment Agency was informed.”

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Councillors will decide today whether to allow a new Tesco supermarket and two major housing schemes be built on the outskirts of Harrogate.

Tesco has applied to build a supermarket, petrol station and 209 car parking spaces on the site of the former gasworks off Skipton Road.

Persimmon Homes has submitted plans to erect 162 homes off Kingsley Drive and another developer, Jomast, wants to build 53 homes off Knox Lane in Bilton.

Harrogate Borough Council officers have recommended all three scheme be approved. But the Conservative-controlled planning committee will vote whether to approve or reject each recommendation. They could also defer a decision to request further information.

The meeting, which begins at 2pm, can be watched live on the council’s YouTube page here. People can also watch the meeting at the council offices at Knapping Mount.

The Stray Ferret will also cover the meeting.

Concerns about committee chair

Kingsley Ward Action Group, which campaigns to protect green spaces in the Kingsley area, where several hundred homes are in the process of being built, has written to members of the planning committee expressing concerns about the role of Cllr Rebecca Burnett, who chairs the planning committee.

The action group claims Cllr Burnett, a Conservative who represents Harrogate St Georges, has a “disclosable interest” in Kingsley planning matters, according to the council’s own planning code of good practice, which states members living “close to an application site” should — subject to an exception — declare it and leave the room while the application is discussed. The code says:

“A member who lives close to an application site, will usually have a disclosable interest to declare under the Code of Conduct. This means that, subject to the exception referred to in paragraph 1.5 (ix), they cannot take part in the decision and must declare the interest and leave the meeting room. A member in these circumstances may not stay to listen to such an application even if they are not a member of the committee making the decision. This may also be the case if a relation or friend of the member lives close to the application site or where the relative or friend has submitted the application.”

Cllr Burnett’s address listed on the council website is within about half a mile of the proposed Persimmon site.

The action group is desperate to prevent further development in Kingsley. The Stray Ferret has contacted the council and Cllr Burnett repeatedly to get a response to its claims but has not received a reply on the issue.

As chair, Cllr Bennett had the casting vote in favour of the 30-home Kingsley Farm scheme when the planning committee met last month and was tied 6-6 on whether to approve the scheme.

Read more:

• New Tesco supermarket would threaten future of Jennyfields Co-op, warns report
• Kingsley anger reaches ‘boiling point’ as another 162 homes set for approval

A Harrogate care home has tabled plans to expand and increase the number of bedrooms on its site by 20.

Apley Grange, which is based on Oatlands Drive, has submitted the plans to Harrogate Borough Council.

The move would see the number of bedrooms increased from 40 to 60.

As part of the plan, alterations would be made to three of the buildings on the site. A garage would also be demolished as part of the extension.

The Society of the Holy Child Jesus, which runs the home, said in documents submitted to the council that the move would also create 20 full-time jobs and bring the total number of staff at the facility up to 80.

The society added that the proposals would help to “ensure the viability over the next generation” for the home.

It said:

“The stated catalysts present great opportunity to address the issues in a considered and coordinated fashion to deliver a more integrated and responsive care home to meet current expectations and to maximise the potential afforded by available space.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. 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. You can purchase tickets here.

Masham-based brewery, T&R Theakston, has announced a trio of new hires.

Helen Barrett has joined as a national account executive, whilst Ben Parkinson and Hayley Dodds-Baddon have taken up the roles of sales development manager and Visitor Centre manager respectively.

Helen has previously worked for whisky-brand, Douglas Laing and Co. Her experience equips her to lead on projects in the spirits industry. Theakston’s has recently entered the market with its ‘Theakston Spirit of Old Peculiar’.

In the sales development manager role, Ben Parkinson will be responsible for expanding Theakston’s presence in North Yorkshire and Teeside.

Hayley Dodds-Baddon will work at the Theakston’s Visitor Centre, where she will draw on her skills as a qualified teacher, as well as her career in marketing.

Managing director Simon Theakston, said:

“In 2022 we sought to drive the business forward under difficult trading circumstances and as we move forward in 2023 with further growth plans, I’m delighted to welcome Helen, Ben and Hayley to our team.”

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 Strive Group boosts employee wellbeing

To promote employee welfare, Strive Group has partnered with Champion Health, a health and wellbeing solution provider.

The Harrogate-based experience and brand agency hopes to benefit from Champion Health’s data-driven approach to employee wellbeing. Its platform works by measuring things like stress-levels and possible low-moods, and offers personalised, targeted solutions.

Director of Strive Group, Alistair Grant, said:

“Partnering the Champion Health is one of our core initiatives to make Strive Group a place to work…

“By championing employee wellbeing, we will be able to retain and attract talent, which will not only benefit every individual but also the company”.

Harrogate Town forward Jack Muldoon has a signed a contract extension until June 2025.

Muldoon, who signed for Town in 2018, has made 224 appearances for the club, scoring 63 goals and 41 assists.

During his time at Harrogate, the 33-year-old helped the them achieve promotion to the English Football League, lift the FA Trophy and scored the club’s first ever goal in League Two.

The former Fylde forward is among Town’s longest serving players, with only Warren Burrell, George Thomson and Josh Falkingham having been at the club longer.

Now, alongside captain Falkingham, Muldoon has committed his future to Town.

He said:

“I’m delighted to get it over the line and to be able to keep concentrating on keeping the club where it should be in the Football League.

“I’ve been here a long time now through thick and thin, when I first signed I wanted to get the club as high as possible and that aim hasn’t changed.

“We got where we are through attitude and work ethic and we need to all come together now to keep striving forward.

“The club means so much the lads and it’s important that we instill that personality and attitude onto the young lads, I take big pride in that part of my role making sure standards are as high as they have ever been.”

Read more:

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• Harrogate Town captain Josh Falkingham signs two-year contract extension

Saint John Fisher Catholic Academy in Harrogate has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in a report published today.

Government inspectors visited the secondary school in December last year as part of its first inspection since it was converted to an academy in 2021.

The 1,405-pupil school on Hookstone Drive is now part of Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust.

Ofsted graded the school as ‘good’ in all areas and praised the “rich set of extra-curricular opportunities”.

It found that pupils who attend St John Fisher left “well equipped for their next step in education, employment or training”.

Inspectors added that pupils behave “considerately and maturely” and “wear their uniforms with pride”.

The report said:

“Their achievements are celebrated in rewards assemblies. However, a minority of pupils think that leaders do not celebrate positive behaviour as much as they could.”

Inspectors said the school had put “careful thought” into its curriculum.

They added that recent staff training had also increased teachers understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The report said:

“There is an effective programme to deliver reading support to those pupils who need it. Pupils with reading difficulties are identified swiftly. Well-delivered reading sessions build pupils’ reading competence and confidence over time.”

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Rossett School still ‘requires improvement’, says Ofsted
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However, while inspectors praised the school’s new leaders for bringing “stability” and “expectations” to pupils and staff, they said it needed to do more to involve the community.

Inspectors said:

“A small but significant minority of parents do not feel that communication between school and home is effective. Previous instability in leadership has not helped. Sometimes leaders are slow to respond to parents who raise concerns.

“Over time, some parents of pupils with SEND have not been involved sufficiently in their children’s education. Some parents recognise recent improvements in communication. However, more is needed to include the whole community fully in the school’s improvement journey.”

A new chocolate and coffee cafe is to open in Harrogate town centre next month.

The Chocolate Works, which already has cafes in Clitheroe and Skipton, will open on Station Parade.

It will be situated in the vacant unit that was intended to house the ill-fated vegan restaurant Vertigo, which went out of business a year ago before its Harrogate eatery opened.

Signs advertising the new venture on Station Parade have gone up.

Owner Guy Middleton, who opened the Clitheroe store in 2017 followed by Skipton three years later, said the Harrogate cafe will employ about 10 staff and open on March 25.

Mr Middleton, who entered the chocolate business about a decade ago after a career in marketing and communications that included a spell in California, promised the cafe would be “delicious, fresh and fun” in a “space to come and enjoy yourself”.

The Chocolate Works cafes serve predominantly Belgian chocolate dishes, including hot chocolate, as well as loose chocolate that can be taken away.

They also stock a wide range of coffees and speciality teas plus waffles, ice cream and milkshakes.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s new vegan restaurant venture collapses
• Graveleys fish and chip shop serves first customers after 1,000 days away

Harrogate Borough Council has refused plans to erect a 20-metre tall 5G mobile phone mast overlooking the Stray.

5G is the quickest mobile internet connection available and offers up to 20 times faster speeds than 4G. However, the town is currently poorly served by 5G signal, particularly on its southern side.

Reading-based telecoms firm Cignal Infrastructure Ltd hoped to erect a mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the section of the Stray by Skipton Road. It said there is an acute need for coverage in the area.

The company reviewed other nearby locations including County Square, Devonshire Place, Sanders Walk and Westmoreland Street but discounted them due to their pavements being too narrow to accommodate the equipment.

It decided the Granby Park location was the best compromise to extend 5G in the area’s “coverage hole”.

But Harrogate Borough Council case officer Emma Howson wrote in her refusal that she had concerns about its visual impact on Harrogate’s much-cherished parkland.

Read more:

• New 5G masts proposed for Harlow Hill water tower
• Plans for two masts to meet ‘acute need’ for 5G in Harrogate

Ms Howson said the mast would be “highly visible” from the Stray, as well as on Skipton Road and Claro Road.

The plans received 20 objections, including one from from Harrogate Civic Society. There were no letters of support

Henry Pankhurst, from the civic society, wrote that the plans should be refused due to “a negative visual effect on the conservation area and on the Stray.”

Ms Howson agreed and concluded:

“The public benefits of 5G coverage and capacity have been noted however the harm arising from the impact on the conservation area would substantially outweigh this.”

Meanwhile, plans from Cignal to erect a 15-metre mast outside the Co-op on Otley Road have been approved.

The rollout of 5G has led to fears the frequencies emitted from the masts could be dangerous to humans. But during tests in 2020, regulator Ofcom found “no identifiable risks”.