A landmark restaurant on a major road near Harrogate will reopen under new ownership this autumn.

The former Millstones restaurant on the A59 near Kettlesing has been bought by Mark and Teresa Trickett, who have already begun work on the site.

As well as renovating the accommodation to create a family home, they are transforming the restaurant into a large cafe, with new kitchen, toilets and more.

It will be known as the Outside Inn, but the site will continue to be known as Millstones in recognition of its history.

Mark said:

“It’s a behemoth of a coffee shop. Most days we’ve been working until two in the morning for the last six weeks.

“What we’re doing to it reflects our personality: it’s not on trend, it’s just us – an eclectic mix that we like.

“I’m hoping when we open the doors people will say they like it and they will come back for another cup of tea.”

The couple have run a motorhome business for the last few years. However, they were looking for a new site after struggling to get the right permissions to operate the business from their home, just half a mile from Millstones.

Mark approached the former owner of Millstones, which was on the market, and the sale completed in July. The couple got straight to work with their plans for the site.

Aiming to be as sustainable as possible, they are re-using as many of the fittings as possible, such as repurposing skirting boards to create a counter in the ladies’ toilets.

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Millstones was well-known over many years for catering for large groups, from local organisations to coach trips passing by on the A59.

More recently, it had begun offering fish and chips, and had added a farm shop. However, Mark and Teresa plan to simplify what the venue offers and ensure it is good value, with Teresa drawing on her previous experience in the catering industry.

The couple said they hope to open the doors in the next few weeks. They have a clear vision of what they want the business to offer, as Mark explained:

“We’ll have a bit of retail but not a farm shop with veg and a butcher. If you’re trying to integrate into a community, you don’t want to tread on toes, and there are three or four farm shops around here already.

“The one thing Millstones did excel at was the Sunday carvery. We’re trying to reignite that for this side of Harrogate.

“We’re very nervous, because of the way things are going with the economy, but we’re excited because we feel we’ve got something where people would genuinely want to come.

“It’s my wife’s baby. She wanted somewhere that people could come and have value. If people can come here and have tea and cake for £5, £6, £7, and it’s good, they can walk out of here thinking, ‘that wasn’t half bad’.”

North Yorkshire spends nearly twice as much as other areas on Hormone Replacement Therapy for women aged between 45 and 60.

According to analysis by the BBC Shared Data Unit, North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group spent a total of £621,387.40 on the drug between April 2021 and June 2022.

The figure amounts to £12.04 per woman aged 45 to 60 in the county — more than double that of the lowest spend in Leicester at £5.56.

However, it is lower than the highest area in West Suffolk NHS, which spent £14.09.

The data comes as experts said the decision-making of local health boards had contributed to a postcode lottery and that some women were not being offered the full range of options because their local health board did not fund them.

HRT replaces hormones that are at a lower level approaching the menopause. Not every patient will need or want HRT, and clinicians advise against it in some circumstances, including for patients with a history of certain types of cancer or blood clots.

Diane Danzebrink, of the Menopause Support charity, said GPs’ “hands were tied”.

She said:

“Often we will hear from women who are being prescribed oral tablets as a first line, and they’re not being offered options.

“Sometimes that is because those options are purely not available on their local CCG formulary. So that sort of ties the hands of their doctors to be able to offer them choices. But we do definitely see that it seems to be in some parts of the country rather than others.”

An NHS England spokesperson said:

“The NHS has a Menopause Pathway Improvement Programme, which includes increased learning for clinicians in how they can best support menopausal women, and working with clinical colleges and menopause organisations to improve awareness and understanding.

“A new Menopause Optimal Pathway will also guide clinicians and help women in the workplace during peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.”

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Harrogate Christmas Fayre will be “bigger and better” than last year’s, organisers said today.

Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, today revealed further details of the fayre, which will run from December 2 to 11.

Last year’s activities marked a major departure from the town’s previous seasonal offering, with the longstanding, locally-run Harrogate Christmas Market on Montpellier Hill replaced by a town centre offering by the council in conjunction with Market Place Europe, a company that specialises in organising markets.

This year’s festivities will include:

• An outdoor ice skating rink, with an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments and a giant 32m Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
• A carousel, plus other children’s fairground rides, in Crescent Gardens, provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s parks and environmental services team.
• Town centre stalls selling Christmas gifts, decorations and food.
• The return of the Candy Cane Express, a road train transporting people around Harrogate town centre while the market is on. The train is co-funded by Harrogate BID.
• An artisan market run by Little Bird Made in Valley Gardens on the first two weekends in December.

The Candy Cane Express will return.

John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, said:

“We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.”

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Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.”

Cllr Cooper added the ice skating rink “not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment”.

Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said:

“Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre.”

A man has been charged following a stabbing in Harrogate on Friday night, police have confirmed.

North Yorkshire Police was called to Bower Street shortly after 8pm after being alerted to an argument.

A police statement last night said:

“A man suffered a stab wound in the altercation, he was taken to hospital and is recovering well.

“A 23-year-old man from Harrogate was arrested and charged with assault on a person occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and wounding with intent.”

Read more:

• Police ‘looking into’ Harrogate stabbing claims
• Body found in River Nidd at Bilton has been identified

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is hosting a series of free workshops for AONB farmers and land managers.

The workshops include practical help on farming from leading experts.

Matt Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at the AONB, said:

“These workshops provide a fantastic opportunity to receive help and advice on a range of topics, from farm accounts, soil health and pond construction to regenerative grazing practices – there really is something for everybody”.

• 19 October with farm consultant, Mel Holloway, at Darley Memorial Hall. ‘Reaping the Financial Rewards of Good Soil Health’ offers technical advice on soil, manure, carbon and nutrient management. The workshop will also provide advice for farmers on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) improved grassland soil standard.
• 2 November at Home Farm in Risplith near Ripon from 10am, Niels Corfield, an independent agricultural consultant will look at ‘Reducing Nitrogen Costs’.Synthetic Nitrogen fertiliser costs are high and are a major contribution to climate change. Niels will explain how to reduce nitrogen dependency, increase profits and maintain respectable yields.
• 9 November, there is an ‘Autumn Review of the Darley Beck Curlew Project’ from 10am at Darley Memorial Hall.
• 11 and 12 November see day-long accredited courses from 9am till 4pm in ‘Agricultural Bookkeeping & Management Accounts’, hosted at Pavilions of Harrogate.
• 16 November at the Mechanics Institute in Kirkby Malzeard, Niels Corfield delivers a full day ‘Grazing Workshop’ from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
• 24 November -online course on ‘Pond Creation’ at 12pm.

All events are all free to attend, with lunch provided at the live workshops, although registration is required in advance as spaces are limited.

For full details and to register go to: https://nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/events/  

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Kirbys Solicitors has welcomed three new members to its property and private client teams.

Based on Victoria Avenue, the firm is one of Harrogate’s oldest companies, with a history stretching back more than 250 years.

Charlotte Thomas, Katie Hindmarsh and Wendy Scarr have all joined the practice in recent months.

Associate solicitor Charlotte specialises in residential, commercial and agricultural property, and has previously worked with a range of clients from large public sector organisations to smaller owner-managed businesses.

Katie and Wendy join Kirbys’ private client team. Associate solicitor Katie specialises in wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and court of protection work. She was described in last year’s Legal 500 as being ‘brilliant with clients’ and ‘really down to earth’.

Kirbys Solicitors, based on Victoria Avenue, is one of Harrogate’s oldest companies, with a history stretching back more than 250 years.

Director David Dow said:

“We are delighted to welcome Charlotte, Katie and Wendy to our team, adding to our expertise in both the commercial and private spheres.”

Charlotte Thomas, Katie Hindmarsh and Wendy Scarr have joined Kirby Solicitors.

Police have said they are ‘looking into’ claims that a stabbing took place in Harrogate on Friday night.

The Stray Ferret received a message on Saturday morning saying a police cordon had been installed on Bower Street on Friday night.

We received subsequent messages, including one from a senior Harrogate businessman saying he was told by police at the scene that a stabbing had taken place.

We emailed North Yorkshire Police about the incident on Saturday morning but did not receive a reply. Following a subsequent email this afternoon, police said they were ‘looking into’ the matter.

The businessman, who asked not to be named, expressed concerns about the impact of persistent anti-social behaviour on residents and shops in the area. He said:

“It gets worse every single day, culminating in a stabbing last Friday.

“I walk past there everyday and know many of the residents around the area. Every day there is street drinking, drug taking, and verbal and physical abuse.

“There was a council residents’ consultation back in the summer, but nothing has been done. When the police are called, they simply say ‘report the incident’ but nothing results from that.

“What more than a stabbing will it take the council/police to do about something that everyone in the town knows is a dangerous anti-social issue?”

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Bower Street was one of the areas mentioned at a Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, where police officers gave an overview of policing in the area.

A delegate said one business had already been forced to close on the street because of persistent anti-social behaviour and asked whether the police could do anything to prevent people “milling around”.

One Arch

Chief Inspector Alex Langley admitted there was little they could do in trouble spots such as Bower Street and outside McDonald’s.

He added Bower Street was close to many agencies offering support to people, and therefore attracted issues.

The nearby One Arch tunnel into the town centre is an area earmarked for improvements under the Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.

National Rail is warning of disruption up to 7.30pm tonight on the Harrogate to Leeds line due to a fallen tree.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1582037492428963840

The three Conservative MPs whose constituencies include the Harrogate district have declined to comment on today’s emergency statement.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt reversed almost all of Prime Minister Liz Truss’s tax cuts, which were announced in the government’s mini-budget three weeks ago.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, welcomed last month’s growth plan, saying on his Community News website:

“There are a huge number of measures, many focused on our productivity and investment which are the platforms for future growth. So, plenty to be positive about here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

Today we asked Mr Jones, along with Julian Smith, who represents Skipton and Ripon, and Nigel Adams, who represents Selby and Ainsty, to comment on today’s announcement by Mr Hunt.

We also asked them whether the Prime Minister should resign, after three Conservative MPs called for her to do so.

Neither Mr Jones nor Mr Smith had replied by the time of publication.

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• Andrew Jones MP launches ‘non-political’ fact-checking service
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Mr Smith was critical of the tax cutting agenda in last month’s mini-budget. He said at the time:

“In a statement with many positive enterprise measures this huge tax cut for the very rich at a time of national crisis and real fear and anxiety amongst low income workers and citizens is wrong.”

Maire Crosse, Mr Adams’ senior parliamentary assistant, did reply but only to say:

“Nigel is away today and not contactable. Therefore, he will not be providing a comment.”

New start date for next phase of Otley Road cycle path works to be revealed

A revised start date for works on the next stage of Harrogate’s Otley Road cycle path is set to be revealed this week as parts of the existing route will also be rebuilt following safety concerns.

After securing funding five years ago, North Yorkshire County Council has come under sustained criticism for slow progress on the project which is seen as key to the town’s transport future.

Residents recently slammed the first stage of the cycle path as a “nightmare” and like “crazy golf construction” – and now more remedial works are planned for parts of the route which opened earlier this year.

The council said this will involve the resurfacing of some junctions, including one at Harlow Moor Road which will also be widened after being described as “unsafe” by campaigners.

This comes after a latest safety audit was carried out on the first stage, although a report with the full details has yet to be released by the council.

It said in a statement that proposals to address safety concerns will be revealed this week when it will also make an announcement on when stage two will begin.

However, this new start date could still be several months away as a consultation on the final designs is expected first.

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• ‘Nightmare’ and ‘flawed’: Harrogate’s Otley Road cycle path under further fire
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Previously, the council said the stage two works would start in May or June this year, and then after further setbacks it gave a more vague target of autumn.

On the stage one works, it has now said:

“A number of remedial works are already complete or programmed to be complete in the coming months.

“Therefore, we will carry out the remaining remedial work such as resurfacing at the junctions following this.

“Widening of the route at Harlow Moor Road junction will be complete as soon as necessary third land becomes available.”

A total of £1.6 million has so far been spent on design, construction and utility costs for the project.

This is made up of £1.04 million on stage one and £559,182 on stage two for which a start date will soon be revealed.

A senior Harrogate councillor has called on the government to consider connecting the district with West Yorkshire’s proposed mass transit system.

Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said in a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport that the district should be considered as part of the £2 billion plans because of its “strong linkages” with Leeds and other parts of the neighbouring county.

He also said improved connections would compliment the £11.9 million Harrogate Station Gateway project, which is centred around the town’s train station, with cash coming from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

The Conservative councillor for Harrogate Duchy said: 

“We welcome the commitment to build a mass transit system for Leeds and West Yorkshire and think there could be strong linkages to improve connectivity between West Yorkshire and Harrogate/North Yorkshire.

“Integration of the mass transit system with the transport system in Harrogate would also further build on the excellent linkages being designed as part of the Transforming Cities Fund proposals.”

The mass transit system has been in the planning stages for years, and upgrades are proposed for routes which connect Leeds, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax and Bradford, but not Harrogate which historically was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire.

It is not known exactly what type of transport will run across the route yet, with the likes of tram trains and electric buses both under consideration.

It has also been suggested that driverless vehicles could be incorporated into the project, which is due to be completed by 2040.

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Cllr Swift, who is also cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, highlighted opportunities for the York-Harrogate-Leeds rail line where he expressed disappointment over recent cuts to morning services from operator Northern Rail.

He also signalled his support for the long called for electrification of the rail line as he warned that Harrogate’s “constrained” transport network was one of the main barriers preventing the growth of higher paid jobs.

Cllr Swift added that other proposals to improve signalling between Harrogate and York were of particular importance given the huge housing plans for a new settlement of between 3,000 and 4,000 homes centred around Cattal train station.

He said the village to be named Maltkiln will provide “a fantastic opportunity for further investment on the line and a boost to patronage levels”.

Harrogate Borough Council has also described the development as a place “where people are not dependent on a car,” adding that it will have “safe and attractive walking and cycling routes which connect people, places and facilities, including nearby villages; while bus and train links enable longer journeys”.

A latest consultation on the housing plans is currently underway and residents have until 14 November to comment online here.