22 junior soldiers in Harrogate complained of sexual assault last year

Twenty-two junior soldiers at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate said they were raped or sexually assaulted last year.

Figures released by ministers reveal 47 British army recruits under the age of 18 claimed to have been raped or sexually assaulted last year.

Dave Doogan, the Scottish National Party MP for Angus, asked armed forces minister Leo Docherty how many of those were from the Harrogate college.

Mr Docherty replied:

“Of the 47 victims in those statistics, 37 were female and of those cases one has been proven, four are ongoing, and 11 have been transferred to the civilian police.

“Twenty-two were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.”

The Harrogate college, which recruits about 1,500 recruits each year, is the only British army establishment that delivers military training to junior soldiers aged 16 and 17. Recruits undertake 23-week or 49-week basic training at the college on Penny Pot Lane.

army foundation college

The college on Penny Pot Lane.

Colonel Philip Ingram a former army commanding officer and NATO planner was quoted in The Sun saying:

“These statistics are shocking whatever way you look at them.

“They highlight the most basic of failures in command at a number of different levels and yet it takes a parliamentary question to get the information into the public domain, delivered by the very minister who continuously says the MoD is making huge progress in addressing inappropriate behaviours.

“It is clear that either he is lying or is being lied to in his briefings and the result is the lifetime of trauma imposed on the victims, some of whom are still children. Until defence gets some form of independent oversight then it will continue to cover up what can only be described as atrocious acts.”

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The Stray Ferret asked the Ministry of Defence to respond to the allegations and asked why so many abuse claims were made by recruits at Harrogate.

An MoD spokesperson said:

“There is absolutely no place for unacceptable behaviour in the army. We recognise the great courage it takes to come forward and report a sexual offence and commanding officers will always refer any allegation of rape and sexual assault, or any other offence which may have a sexual element, to the service police. All allegations are thoroughly investigated, and support provided to alleged victims.

 “At the Army Foundation College emotional, psychological and the physical safety of our young junior soldiers is taken extremely seriously and is central to the ethos at the college. Junior soldiers are empowered to call out unacceptable behaviour and should have confidence that their complaint will be investigated.”

Series of claims

This is not the first time concerns have been expressed about behaviour towards junior soldiers at the Army Foundation College.

Claims of bullying and abuse were raised in the House of Lords in November last year.

Last year also saw a female instructor at the college demoted after being convicted of punching teenage soldiers and three parents call for the college to be closed after claiming their children were abused.

But the college was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted last year. Government inspectors gave positive feedback on safeguarding at the college, saying it investigated incidents thoroughly and made necessary improvements.

Last year Carol Monaghan, the Scottish National Party’s spokesperson for the armed forces, attempted to introduce a clause in the Armed Forces Bill preventing 16 and 17-year-olds enlisting in the army. Anyone under the age of 18 in the UK is legally classified as a child.

But Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham, defended the college. He said:

“I suggest that anyone who wants to see the positive way individuals can and do improve their lives visits the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.”

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough businesses to be recognised at awards event

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A new awards ceremony is set to take place in Knaresborough this weekend to recognise the town’s businesses.

About 130 guests will attend Knaresborough Business Awards at Hopewell Farm on Saturday.

Set up by the Knaresborough Business Collective, the ceremony is designed to celebrate the different businesses in the town.

Award categories include favourite place to eat and drink, favourite retailer, favourite female and male led businesses and favourite long standing business.

Natalie Horner, of the Knaresborough Business Collective, said:

“We are so excited about the event. It will be a welcome event to Knaresborough and a great way for business owners to socialise and get to know one another too.

“Hopefully we can run it every year.”

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Harrogate rental company concludes sale process

A Harrogate-based equipment rental company has concluded a formal sale process after finding no satisfactory buyers.

Vp, which has its headquarters at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, launched a formal sale of the company earlier this year.

The decision followed the company’s controlling shareholder, Akers P Investment Company, a company which is connected to Vp chairman Jeremy Pilkington, indicating its desire to explore opportunities and dispose of its 50.26% shareholding.

However, in an announcement yesterday, Vp said its board had voted to conclude the sales process after finding that none of the proposals “would satisfactorily meet the interests of all stakeholders”.

Ackers P Investment Company added that it no longer had any intention of selling its shares and “remain committed to Vp”.

Mr Pilkington said:

“In the original FSP announcement I commented that Vp’s controlling shareholder, a company connected to me, had decided that it wished to diversify its investments.

“Following a review conducted with our advisers, we, as a board unanimously concluded that it would be in the best interests of all the company’s stakeholders to launch the FSP. The process was focused on identifying the right owner for the business and whilst we were pleased with the level of interest shown, the FSP did not lead to the identification of a suitable new owner.

“I am pleased that Vp’s controlling shareholder Ackers P Investment Company Limited, a company connected to me, has confirmed its ongoing commitment to Vp following the conclusion of this process.”

‘Serious concerns’ over Swinsty Reservoir parking charges plan

Residents have raised serious concerns over plans to introduce parking charges at Swinsty Reservoir.

Yorkshire Water has tabled proposals to Harrogate Borough Council to introduce parking machines and automatic number plate recognition cameras at the car park.

The company also plans to trial charges at Fewston and Thruscross reservoirs in the Harrogate district.

The reservoirs are popular beauty spots that attract numerous visitors and dog walkers.

There are fears the charges would encourage them to park on the roadside to avoid payment and block the route for emergency vehicles.

Similar concerns were expressed during covid lockdowns when the car parks were closed.

Cllr Graham Hebblethwaite, who sits on Washburn Parish Council, said:

“We have very serious concerns because everything is working well at the moment with the car parks.

“If they start to charge, then people may start to park on the road.”

He added:

“The area is open to all walks of life. Peacefulness plays a major part in a lot of people’s lives who are in desperate need of this within the present climate.

“The proposed car parking charges may create more stress. It would be nice if Yorkshire Water, who have made very large profits in recent years recent years, seriously considered the need to charge.”

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Some local residents have written to the council expressing similar fears.

Richard Pullen, who lives in West End, told the authority that the proposal would create “a further divide” between those who live in the area and those who visit.

He said:

“Putting parking meters in will push traffic onto roads causing blockages and damage to the already narrow roads, inconveniencing emergency services, farmers and others who need access.

“It is going to cause a further divide between people that live in the countryside and those visiting.”

Cars parked outside Swinsty reservoir in the first week of lockdown restrictions being eased.

Cars parked outside Swinsty reservoir when lockdown restrictions were eased but the car parks remained closed.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water said:

“As we said when we announced our plans to trial the parking charges at Swinsty and other reservoirs, the revenue generated from the parking charges will contribute towards the provision of Yorkshire Water’s first in-house Ranger team. Three rangers will be based in the north area, which includes Swinsty, and so this will be one of the sites they focus on. 

“They will be engaging with visitors helping to reduce the things such as fires and BBQs, swimming, littering, fly-tipping and genera anti-social behaviour. They will also support the maintenance and conservation of the site making repairs, improving wildlife habitats and litter picking. Money from the parking charges will also be reinvested across Yorkshire Water’s sites to deliver nature conservation, countryside management and improvement of facilities at reservoir sites.

“The project is a trial and impacts, if any, of dispersed parking will be monitored and we will keep in regular contact with the Parish Council throughout the trial period.

“As we aren’t responsible for the roads in the area, we are continuing to work with the local council, the Police and Highways England to look at solutions to deter/prevent unsafe and inappropriate parking.

“We are committed to working with key stakeholders to monitor the impact of the parking charges during the trial period including both negatives and positives.”

Those who use the car park will be able to pay via car payment on site, by using the RingGo app or telephone.

Emergency services and blue badge holders will be exempt from the charges.

The proposed tariffs will be one hour at £1, two hours at £2, six hours at £3, an all day pass for £5 and an annual pass for £30.

Bransby Wilson Parking Solutions, based in York, have been appointed to operate the parking meters. 

Starbeck groups call truce and promise to work ‘positively together’

Two rival community groups in Starbeck have called a truce and are promising to work together.

Starbeck Residents Association, chaired by Chris Watt, was formed in the 1990s and awards grants and campaigns to safeguard local facilities in Starbeck.

Starbeck Community Group was launched by Starbeck Post Office owner Andrew Hart in 2020 and has been involved in several local campaigns including painting a giant Ukraine flag on the former McColl’s supermarket building.

But the group’s two leaders have history — there was public acrimony when Mr Watt was appointed chair last year at the residents association’s annual general meeting.

In May this year, Mr Hart then said it was “an insult to the community” that Labour Party member Mr Watt was standing for a political party in local elections and called on him to step down from his role as chair.

There have also been unpleasant comments on social media.

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Mr Watt, alongside SRA secretary Geoff Foxhall, met Mr Hart and SCG member Lucky Hubbard over the weekend and they agreed to put their differences aside and work together.

Mr Watt and Mr Hart issued a joint statement that said “public attacks and criticism of other local groups only create division and foster a negative impression of Starbeck”.

The statement said:

“Starbeck is a wonderful area, where we are proud to live and work. The Starbeck Residents’ Association and Starbeck Community Group have been working hard, in our respective ways, to support the area. We complement the many other groups and organisations who put so much into Starbeck and we are proud to support them as well.

“For the good of our area, it is important that we work together. Public attacks and criticism of other local groups only create division and foster a negative impression of Starbeck among people who live here and are considering moving to or investing in our area. It also discourages people from contributing their time and energy into local groups and organisations.

“For the good of Starbeck, we are promising to work constructively and positively together.”

Man guilty of indecent exposure at Harrogate library

A Knaresborough man has admitted committing indecent exposure at Harrogate library.

Billy Wood, 30, of Windsor Lane, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before magistrates in York on Saturday.

The incident took place on July 15 this year.

Wood also admitted indecent exposure on Kingsley Drive in Harrogate on Thursday last week.

He pleaded guilty to a third charge of possessing cannabis at Harrogate police station, also on Thursday last week.

Wood was bailed until September 9, when he is due to appear before Harrogate magistrates after a pre-sentence report is prepared.

His bail conditions stipulated that he is electronically tagged and subject to a curfew at home between 9pm and 6am daily.

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Harrogate council could dip into reserves to cover soaring energy costs

Harrogate Borough Council could be forced to use cash reserves after forecasting a £700,000 overspend on this year’s budget due to soaring energy and fuel costs.

The authority has proposed to set aside half-a-million pounds in emergency money in case it is unable to balance the books at the end of its final year.

With sharp rises in energy prices expected in autumn, the council has forecast to spend an extra £1 million on gas, £750,000 on electricity and £366,000 on fuel to keep its buildings and services running this year.

Paul Foster, head of finance at the council, told an overview and scrutiny meeting on Monday that it would be a “worst case scenario” if cash reserves were used and that it was still “early days” in predicting how the year would pan out.

He said: 

“There is an overspend position which is not something we have experienced – even during covid we managed to out-turn on budget.

“Hopefully the position on utilities may improve.

“We haven’t had any bills yet and this will be updated as the year progresses.”

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Mr Foster added increased energy costs were expected to be partially offset by extra recycling income.

He also said money was being saved due to staff vacancies and that these savings were expected to rise further as the council is currently experiencing a high turnover of workers.

Yet the forecast is still a cause for concern for the authority, which this time last year was predicting an underspend of £32,000 for 2022/23.

Household energy bills could top £4,000

The news comes as households have been warned annual energy bills could hit £4,266 next year.

The estimate from consultancy firm Cornwall Insight means the average household would be paying £355 a month, instead of £164 a month currently.

The government has already announced all households will receive £400 off their fuel bills this autumn when eight million of the poorest will get an additional £325.

There will be a separate £300 payment to help pensioners – also expected to assist eight million households.

But Labour has called on the government to go further, with party leader Keir Starmer set to call for a freeze on the energy price cap which determines the maximum amount suppliers can charge customers.

Previously, the level of the cap was only reviewed every six months, but UK energy regulator Ofgem changed the rules this year, meaning that it is expected to rise in both October and again in January.

Police appeal after man assaulted in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about an assault in Harrogate in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident happened on Parliament Street at about 4.30am when a man, who was walking up the street towards Piccolino restaurant, was grabbed by the throat and thrown to the ground.

A police statement this afternoon said:

“The victim received minor injuries in the incident and we are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances.

“In particular, we are appealing for information about a man who was stood with a small group of other men near to Piccolinos, who is described as around 35 years old, six feet tall and with short brown hair.

“Officers believe he may hold important information which would assist the investigation.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises the description of the man is asked to email gareth.evans@northyorkshire.police.uk.

You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101. Quote reference 12220144503.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Search continues for missing man last seen on A61 near Harewood bridge

Searches are continuing for missing man Jesus Moreno who disappeared more than two weeks ago after catching a bus bound for Harrogate.

The brewer was spotted on CCTV catching a 36 bus from Leeds bus station at 6.10am on Monday, August 1.

He got off the bus at Swindon Lane near Dunkeswick, just north of Harewood bridge on the A61, at 6.39am. He was then seen on CCTV near the bridge at 8.14am.

Images released by West Yorkshire Police of missing man, Jesus Moreno.Images released by West Yorkshire Police of missing man Jesus Moreno

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police today said there have been no further sightings of him since then and officers are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have seen him.

The 41-year-old’s family, friends and colleagues at Piglove Brewing Co have continued to post on social media to try to trace him. Posters have also appeared around Harrogate asking people to check their CCTV and dashcam footage from the Harewood area on Monday, August 1.

In a video posted to the company’s social media accounts, they said:

“We need to ask you now not just to think if you’ve seen him, but we need you to look at your CCTV throughout the week from Monday, August 1 all the way up to today.

“If you live anywhere near the Harewood bridge, anywhere near the A61, Netherby, Weeton, East Keswick, these types of places, we’re calling out for people now.

“We’ve got to get our brother home safe.”

Last Monday, a week after his disappearance, police said they were concerned for Jesus’s welfare and were going to begin searching the areas near where he was last seen.

Anyone with information can call West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 13220422334.

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How Harrogate objections have halted Leeds conference venue – for now

When Leeds City Council met to approve plans for a new conference venue last week, the authority would have hoped for a straightforward decision.

But that was not the case after a flurry of objections came in at the eleventh hour from Harrogate groups who fear the proposals could drive business away from the town and its convention centre.

Those objections were spearheaded by Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, who slammed a study which suggested the impact of the Leeds venue would be minimal as “flawed, inaccurate, out of date and in some areas, totally wrong”.

The proposals for the former Yorkshire Bank HQ were submitted in March and Ms Lorimer claimed there had been an “absence of dialogue” from Leeds City Council.

She said she only found out about the plans last week – just days after they had been recommended for approval.

Yet the city council hit back by saying Ms Lorimer and Harrogate Borough Council’s chief executive Wallace Sampson had been alerted to the proposals months before they were submitted.

A city council officer said:

“This was August last year… we haven’t heard anything since.”

Ms Lorimer responded to say the proposed venue was now a third bigger than originally planned and that the study which suggested up to 6% of trade could be diverted away from Harrogate Convention Centre had been underestimated by 50%.

She told last Thursday’s meeting:

“We would have expected to be consulted in advance of this application.

“If this had taken place we may have avoided having to take the route we have done today by objecting.

“Unfortunately we were left with no choice.”

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Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism body Destination Harrogate and the town’s Crown Hotel have all come out against the plans.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District are also objecting.

In a letter to the city council, Destination Harrogate said the Leeds venue could have a “hugely detrimental impact” on Harrogate’s tourism offer which it described as the “very lifeblood of this town”.

Harrogate Convention Centre.

Harrogate Convention Centre.

The letter also said it is “essential” that a proposed £49 million development of Harrogate Convention Centre is supported, while the Leeds plans should be “re-evaluated”.

It said:

“Failure to do so exposes the Harrogate district and its hospitality sector to significant employment threats and economic damage.”

‘Just taking 1% will have an impact’

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, also said in another letter: 

“Harrogate Convention Centre plays a significant role in the Harrogate district’s economy – it attracts visitors from all over the world to events, exhibitions and shows.

“It helps support a wealth of businesses – hotels, guest houses, restaurants and in turn their suppliers and it brings jobs.

“Having worked in the hospitality sector, I know how vital Harrogate Convention Centre is to Harrogate town centre, and even taking 1% of trade will have an impact on the town and businesses.”

Bringing a conference venue to Leeds has been a long term ambition of the city council which will no doubt be determined to push ahead with the plans.

The question is how much weight it will give to the objections from Harrogate Convention Centre, business groups and the borough council which have always been considered friendly neighbours to Leeds.

The proposals will now be brought back to another meeting of the city council in September.

Harrogate district now officially in drought

The Environment Agency declared drought status in Yorkshire today due to low water levels.

This year’s prolonged spell of dry weather has led to exceptionally low river flows and reservoirs levels in the county.

Last week’s heatwave has added further pressure on the water network.

Moving to drought status means that the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water can implement stricter controls on water use.

Yorkshire Water has already announced a hosepipe ban that will come into effect from August 26.

The last drought in Yorkshire was declared in autumn 2018.

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The region joins large parts of England which moved to drought status on August 12.

Victoria Slingsby, environment planning and engagement manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:

“The high temperatures we are experiencing have exacerbated pressures on wildlife and our water environment in Yorkshire. These extreme weather conditions become more likely with climate change.

“We are experiencing some much-needed rain this week, but it will not be enough to correct weeks of dry weather, and it will take more prolonged rainfall to wet up soils and replenish rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels.

“It’s important for everyone to manage the amount of water they are using in this exceptionally dry period.”