Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 566 of 1043

Consultation announced for two new cycle routes

Consultation is to begin this summer on two new cycle routes in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire County Council received £1,011,750 last year from the Department for Transport’s active travel fund to improve cycling and walking infrastructure.

The funding is due to be spent on two schemes in the Harrogate district and one in Whitby.

The Harrogate district schemes are on the A59 Harrogate Road, Knaresborough, between Badger Mount and Maple Close and on Victoria Avenue, between the A61 (West Park) and Station Parade.

The Victoria Avenue cycle path could link with the Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood.

A third Harrogate scheme for Oatlands Drive was scrapped after a negative response, but new proposals to cut congestion in the area are due to be revealed in autumn.

The funding was secured more than a year ago and little discernible progress has been made since then.

The Stray Ferret asked the county council for an update.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager at the county council, said:

“The two proposed schemes in Harrogate — along the A59 and on Victoria Avenue — are currently in the detailed design stage to understand the cost and funding requirements.

“We are carrying out road safety audits on the routes this month before taking the final designs to a public consultation in the late summer.”

But it seems the Knaresborough scheme will not proceed any time soon.

Although North Yorkshire County Council is leading on the project, the issue was raised last week at a Harrogate Borough Council meeting.

Stray land

Harrogate Borough Council has ringfenced £500,000 towards the Knaresborough scheme from its investment reserve.

When asked about progress on the initiative, Councillor Phil Ireland, the cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, told the meeting “there has been an acceptance that this will not happen prior to local government reorganisation” in April next year.

Cllr Ireland said:

“We definitely want a cycleway between Harrogate and Knaresborough. However, it won’t happen quickly as further funding will need to be identified, plus there’s always the perennial issue of Stray land on the verges of Knaresborough Road.”

He added that the borough council, which will be abolished in April, was considering allocating the funding to other “shovel-ready schemes” from North Yorkshire County Council, such as the Victoria Avenue initiative.

Cllr Ireland said the borough council was “waiting for some more information’ from the county council before making a decision.

The Victoria Avenue scheme could link with the Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood, if the decision to close the road to through traffic is continued.

Residents unconvinced about Harrogate Spring Water’s expansion

Harrogate residents remain unconvinced about Harrogate Spring Water‘s plans to fell trees in Rotary Wood to expand its bottling plant.

The company, which is now owned by the French firm Danone, held a three-hour consultation event yesterday at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel.

It was a chance for people to make suggestions on the design and landscaping of the proposed extension. The company said the responses would influence its final design.

Since 2017, it has had outline planning permission to expand its production facilities on its site on Harlow Moor Road that would involve felling trees.

It is now putting together a ‘reserved matters’ application which will detail how the new building will look, how the surrounding area will be landscaped and crucially, where new trees will be be replanted.

The Stray Ferret went along to speak to attendees and representatives of Danone, including Harrogate Spring Water’s managing director Richard Hall.

Passionate views

Throughout the evening there was a slow trickle of curious people looking at display boards that offered background on the plans and reasons why the company feels it needs to expand. The boards are available to view online here.

Some saw the event as a chance to passionately tell Mr Hall what they feel are the wrongs of the company, including the merits of plastic bottles.

Sarah Gibbs has been a long-term campaigner against the expansion and often dons her trademark tree costume. She said:

“My stance is we are in a climate emergency. We need to start acting like it. Why do we need bottled water?”.

Rotary Wood

Rebecca Maunder campaigns for the environment in the Harlow Hill area.

She believes it’s not a certainty that the trees will be lost if a case can be made that any replacement tree planting proposals are insufficient.

She suggested the company should instead look to expand its premises in different ways.

“They should build it on their car park.”

Ms Maunder said Rotary Wood “belongs to all of us” and is worried the business will look to further encroach into the woodland in the future.

She added:

“In three years they might want more space.”

How the site currently looks from above.

Complex issues

When Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee considered the company’s last bid to expand in January 2021, it was for some, a simple battle between the profits of a private business and the environment.

Richard Hall said to frame the debate in these terms is unfair and is “more complex” than what is sometimes presented.

When asked if he is personally concerned about the effects of climate change. He said:

“I think that everyone is thinking about the climate. I’d like to behave in a way that takes into account the future”.

Mr Hall confirmed the company still wants to plant trees in a private field behind RHS Harlow Carr, as it proposed last time, but this is “not enough” and it wants to plant more.

Mr Hall said they have been in talks with some landowners but are yet to come to any agreements.

Last time many objectors, including local climate scientist Professor Piers Forster, were unhappy that the felled trees would be replaced elsewhere with saplings, which are much less effective at soaking up CO2 emissions.

Mr Hall said the company is looking into how the new trees can ensure a “biodiversity net gain”.

On Rebecca Maunder’s car park suggestion, Mr Hall said it was not possible due to a sustainable drainage system underneath.

Sadness

Terry Knowles is a member of Rotary Club of Harrogate and chaired the group’s environmental committee from 2000 until 2015.

Mr Knowles is a key reason the trees were planted there in the first place, which began in 2005 and took around four years.

Terry Knowles inspecting the boards

Speaking in a personal capacity, he said he felt sadness that some trees that he planted with local schoolchildren, who are now adults, could be lost.

He said:

“Bottled water is not an environmental product. The last permission was in 2017 and a lot has changed since then.”

St Aidan’s in Harrogate appoints interim head

St Aidan’s Church of England High School has appointed an interim headteacher who will start in September.

David Thornton, an experienced head who has led five schools, will join the school on a temporary basis until a permanent appointment is made. He will be the school’s third headteacher in the last 12 months.

Mr Thornton will replace Chris Ives, who has been acting head since Chris Burt left in December 2021 due to health reasons.

Mr Ives has been offered a post as head of an international school in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Mr Thornton will spend some time at St Aidan’s before the summer holidays start. A school spokesperson said he does not want to be considered for the role permanently and it will be recruiting for another headteacher.

Yesterday, St Aidan’s announced it had received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted after being rated ‘inadequate’ in January.

The previous report was critical of the school’s leadership and management but the latest report said leaders “have acted swiftly to address the concerns raised at the previous inspection”.

St Aidan’s has shared with the Stray Ferret a letter its governors sent to parents about the change in leadership. It says:

“Mr Thornton is a very experienced head and teacher of history who has led five schools in his career. From establishing a new school in County Durham to supporting the development of new school leaders while in interim roles, his expertise and experience shone throughout the process. We have every confidence that he will be an excellent addition to our school community.

“Alongside his impressive track record, most recently at a school in the south east, Mr Thornton also demonstrated the values that are so important to St Aidan’s. One line from his application really stood out to us, and he evidenced throughout our discussions that he wants to be, ‘Of service to young people and their community and deliver an outstanding inspirational educational experience for all.’

“We remain enormously grateful to Mr Ives for all that he continues to do as acting headteacher. During this extraordinary year he has led the school in a calm and purposeful manner which has undoubtedly been of significant benefit to staff and students alike. While we know Mr Ives will be hugely missed by us all, we are also excited to be welcoming Mr Thornton to St Aidan’s.”

Positive covid patients at Harrogate hospital doubles in three weeks

The number of patients at Harrogate District Hospital who tested positive for covid has more than doubled in three weeks.

Latest figures supplied by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust show 35 covid-positive patients are currently in hospital — a rise from 14 on June 25.

Of that number, six are primarily receiving treatment for covid.

The figure peaked at 42 positive patients on July 5, but has since declined.

Harrogate hospital officials have put the rise in cases down to the spread of the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Health officials have warned that hospitals are under extreme pressure due to a rise in cases.

West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts, which includes Harrogate hospital, said that the increase in cases has meant the availability of beds has been impacted.

This combined with covid-related staff sickness means patients are also facing delays for planned treatment, officials said.

Dr Phil Wood, chief medical officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

“The significant upsurge in covid-19 cases in West Yorkshire and Harrogate means that our hospitals are facing extreme pressures. Our teams are doing everything they can to make sure that services are safe and, in some cases, planned treatment may need to be postponed.

“We are aware that some people have been waiting for planned operations for a very long time and, wherever possible, we will ensure these go ahead as planned.

“Thankfully, the number of very seriously ill people needing treatment in intensive care for covid-19 is very small and accounts for less than two per cent of total inpatient cases.

“The covid-19 vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease in those who have been immunised and I’d encourage anyone who has not yet had their vaccine to book an appointment through the NHS.uk website.”

Takeaway plan for former launderette on Starbeck High Street

A new takeaway could open on Starbeck High Street if planning permission is granted to convert a former launderette.

The premises at 47 High Street had been a launderette since the 1980s before being used as an off licence and a clothes shop in recent years.

A new application by owner Mark Leicester could see it changed to a takeaway.

Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council said:

“The applicant, Mr M Leicester is the owner of numbers 41 to 47 High Street, Starbeck. These properties are retail units with residential accommodation above.

“The only changes to the property resulting from the proposal are internal and in themselves do not require planning permission. It is simply the changing of the use of the floorspace that is proposed.”

The application has had a mixed reception from Starbeck Residents’ Association. The group said local residents do not want empty premises, but they are also keen to have a more diverse range of shops.

A spokesperson said:

“In particular, it would be great to see a greengrocer selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

“We recognise however, that we cannot change the planning system, nor force particular businesses to move to our area. That’s why we consistently promote the fact that Starbeck is a wonderful area and a great place to do business.

“The Starbeck Residents’ Association is also working to see what else we can do to encourage a wider range of businesses to our area.”

In early 2018, the shop began to be used as an off licence. Four members of the public objected to a retrospective application for the change of use as well as the retention of roller shutters and shop frontage.

The council’s planning officer found the roller shutters were out of keeping with the conservation area and were visually intrusive, and the application was declined.

A request to retain two illuminated signs outside the premises was also refused.

Harrogate business backs trio’s 15,000-mile trek to India

A Harrogate business is backing three men who are embarking on a 15,000 mile trek in aid of Ukraine.

Daniel Patton, 22, Joe Fisher, 23 and Callum Kitson, 22, who are from New Zealand but have Harrogate connections, are driving from Orkney Isles in Scotland to India in a small hatchback car.

The journey forms part of the Mongol Rally, which challenges drivers to take a 1.3 litre vehicle on a trek in aid of charity.

The trio, who call themselves The Kiwis Don’t Fly Rally Team, are raising money for the DEC Ukraine appeal.

They stopped at the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate on Tuesday as part of the first phase of their journey.

Ethical Team, a PR company based at the Grosvenor Buildings on Crescent Road, has backed the effort.

Iain Patton, director of Ethical Team, said:

“It’s incredible how the plight of Ukraine has garnered support from young people all around the world.

“It’s inspiring how ‘Kiwis Don’t Fly’ want to do everything in their power to make a difference and show solidarity with Ukrainians in such difficult times.”

The men said they were embarking on the mammoth trek to raise money amid the Ukraine war.

They said:

“We have dedicated over two years of research to this adventure, and when the opportunity came up to participate in an expedition organised by The Adventurists along the way we couldn’t say no.

“We happen to think our charity of choice is a pretty special too.”

The first leg of their journey will see the trio head from John o’ Groats to Georgia.

After this, they will navigate south on their own from Georgia through Azerbaijan, Iran, and Pakistan to reach their destination in the south of India.

You can donate to the trio at their JustGiving page here.

£60m Kex Gill contract to be awarded

A construction contract for the £60 million rerouting of a landslide-hit road between Harrogate and Skipton is set to be approved.

North Yorkshire County Council says it has found a preferred bidder to carry out the delayed project, which will see a new carriageway built for the A59 at Kex Gill.

The road is a key east-west link for the county and has been hit by 12 landslides in as many years, leading to diversions for motorists and costs for the council.

In one instance, a landslide in January 2016 shut the road for eight weeks.

The council had hoped works would start last autumn, however, the project has been hit by several delays including objections to compulsory purchase orders that the council made to acquire land for the new route.

Minerals company Sibelco also attempted to call in the project for a public inquiry, but this was rejected by the government.

There is now an aim for construction to begin next January, with completion in early 2025.

Funding for the project is coming from the Department for Transport, which has agreed to provide £56 million, while the council will make up the rest of the costs.

The council’s executive will be asked to agree to the awarding of the contract to the preferred bidder at a meeting next Tuesday.

But before the contract can be signed off, a final business case for the project will be submitted to the Department for Transport.

A report to Tuesday’s meeting said the road was still causing repair costs for the council which has planned drainage works this month and wants to see a permanent solution in place.

The report said:

“There remains a high risk that there will be further landslips in the future, which could potentially result in long term closures of the route, severely impacting connectivity between Skipton and Harrogate.

“Conversely there is a risk to public safety and economic disruption.

“Whilst short to medium term management measures are continually being undertaken, the county council recognised that in the longer term there was a need to develop proposals for a permanent solution.”

Traffic and Travel Alert: Great Yorkshire Show traffic update

As the Great Yorkshire Show continues into its third day, traffic is expected to build up heading into Harrogate.

We have details on traffic arrangements are in place and where drivers can expect delays.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic roundup.

Roads

Great Yorkshire Show traffic is expected to continue today, with a one-way system in place on Wetherby Road coming from Kestrel roundabout.

Yesterday, the Stray Ferret reported delays of up to 40 minutes with traffic backing up from Spofforth to the roundabout at 9am.

Motorists approaching the show from Knaresborough and Wetherby should also expect delays.

Meanwhile, drivers heading out of Harrogate are reminded that there is no through access on Wetherby Road to Kestrel roundabout.

All traffic has to turn left onto Forest Lane.

More details on the traffic management arrangements in place can be found here.

Trains and buses

Train services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting no cancellations on its services.

A free shuttle bus is running to the Great Yorkshire Show from Harrogate Bus Station.

Business workshop to take place in Harrogate

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

Business workshop to take place in Harrogate

ActionCOACH Harrogate is hosting a free business workshop at Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen next week.

It’s been designed for business owners who want “a more manageable, more profitable business that can work without them.”

Andrew Joy will talk business people through the ActionCOACH “6 Steps” model that’s used by many successful companies around the world.

The free morning of business coaching will include marketing concepts, sales promotion and profit-building systems that can be put into practice straight away.

To register visit here.

Read more:

Nidderdale to host events on how farmers can improve their businesses

Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is hosting a series of events throughout August to help local farmers respond to current challenges.

This includes farmers who have taken on regenerative farming practices, or who have diversified into new enterprises, including artisan cheese production and the development of a Yorkshire barn wedding venue.

Speakers include a regenerative farming consultant, a Nuffield scholar veterinarian, and representatives from the Pasture Fed Livestock Association.

The events are hosted in locations across Nidderdale, including Middlesmoor, Grewelthorpe and Blubberhouses. For more information visit here.

Matthew Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:

“We want to help farmers respond to current challenges. It is likely that ‘business as usual’ won’t work for many of the AONB’s farmers in the future, especially as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is withdrawn.”

Local firm averts traffic danger at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show

Quick-thinking traffic management staff averted a highly dangerous situation on a main road outside Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show this morning.

Staff at SEP Events, which is based in Boroughbridge, discovered 450 cones and 25 signs were missing when they arrived for work shortly before 6am this morning.

The items, worth thousands of pounds, are believed to have been stolen either by another firm or by thieves looking to sell them on. Several sources have confirmed the details to the Stray Ferret.

The cones and signs were taken at the Kestrel roundabout, which has been the busiest point for traffic during the show, and at the nearby junction of Wetherby Road and Rudding Lane.

An SEP van at the Kestrel roundabout.

The stretch of Wetherby Road between the two locations usually accommodates two-way traffic but a one-way system has been operating from 6am until 8pm each day of the show to improve traffic flow.

The cones and signs have played a key part in enforcing this.

But with the items missing, and 6.30am approaching, there could have been chaos with traffic heading towards the show from the Kestrel roundabout in both lanes meeting head-on vehicles travelling in the other direction that should have been diverted off Wetherby Road.

SEP Events at Great Yorkshire Show

SEP employees had to stand in the road in high visibility jackets and use their vehicles to direct traffic while colleagues went back to Boroughbridge to get replacement cones and signs.

Shortly after 7am traffic measures were back in place and no accidents had occurred.

Traffic cones cost several pounds each and weigh about 6kg so whoever was responsible is believed to have had a trailer with a high load-bearing capacity.

North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal for information. It said in a statement:

“The cones and signage were installed as part of traffic management for the Great Yorkshire Show and the theft led to significant disruption for motorists and showgoers.

“It is believed the items were taken between 9pm on Tuesday 12 July and 4am on Wednesday 13 July so police are appealing for anyone who might have seen anything which could help the investigation.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted SEP Events about the incident.