North Yorkshire Police has said it will refer the owner of four dogs who were left inside a baking hot car to the RSCPA.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a Land Rover Discovery window to free the dogs.

They had been trapped for over half an hour without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

The Labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner.

But that might not be the end of the matter. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed that an officer spoke to the male owner and will refer the incident to the RSPCA.

A spokesperson said:

“Members of the public witnessed the dogs being left unattended with the windows up and seemingly without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.

“One of them smashed a window on the vehicle and the dogs were taken into the care of a vet.

“Police spoke to the owner of the dogs and are due to report him to the RSPCA.”

Read more:

• Four dogs rescued from hot car in Harrogate given back to owner
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

What powers does the RSPCA have?

A care provider has pledged that none of its residents will be forced to move when it ends leases at three council-owned buildings in Harrogate.

Anchor Hanover has decided to give notice on buildings on Kings Road, York Place and Brunswick Drive which are owned by Harrogate Borough Council and used as retirement homes.

Joanne Hanson, regional head of housing at the care company, said it made the decision as the buildings require “extensive works…. to suit the needs of older residents”.

She added no one will be required to move out, while the council has confirmed it will take on the properties as affordable housing.

Ms Hanson said: 

“We have a long history of working closely with Harrogate Borough Council to provide good quality retirement housing, providing valued services to residents and the local community.

“We regularly review all of our locations looking at financial viability, the investment required and the needs of current and potential customers, both now and in the future.

“After carrying out a review of this nature here, we have identified that extensive works are required to modernise these properties to suit the needs of older residents.

“Our priority is the welfare of our residents and we will be working closely with the council to effect a smooth transition.”

Read More:

• Harrogate residents set to be asked if they want a town council
• New town with 3,000 homes could get just 20% affordable housing

The leases have been in place since the 1980s and are worth £6,000 per year for all three buildings.

The retirement homes range from nine to six bedrooms which are rented out by people over the age of 55 who receive different levels of care.

The swift action of Harrogate Business Improvement District street ranger Chris Ashby may have saved a man’s life this morning. 

Mr Ashby (pictured) found a young man hanging from a tree in Library Gardens, shortly after 6.15am.

He was working on the town’s floral displays at the time.

Mr Ashby told the Stray Ferret: 

“At first I thought that the man, who I estimate to be in his 20s, was asleep up against the tree, but then I noticed the rope around his neck and I used a large pair of scissors to cut him down.

“He was blue, but still breathing, so I put him in the recovery position and called the emergency services.”

Emergency services in Harrogate’s Library Gardens this morning.

An ambulance and police were quickly on the scene and after attention by paramedics, the young man was taken to hospital. 

Mr Ashby said he was on duty an hour earlier than usual, tending to town centre floral displays ahead of Britain in Bloom judging that takes place later today.

Anyone struggling with mental health can receive help from Samaritans by calling the freephone number 116123.

Read more:

• Harrogate firefighters battle extreme heat as five fields go up in flames
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

The extreme heat over the past two days is still effecting some Harrogate district train services this morning.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update

Roads

Drivers should expect the usual traffic on Wetherby Road and Skipton Road this morning during the rush hour.

Works are due to take place today at the junction with Leadhall Lane and Hookstone Road in Harrogate to replace junction markings, according to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map.

The work is scheduled to finish tomorrow.

Meanwhile, long term roadworks are in place on Station Road in Goldsborough. The road will be closed until September 19, 2022, as Stonebridge Homes installs a foul water and surface water pipes to connect to the sewer system.

A diversion route is in place in the village.

Trains and buses

Following the heatwave, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

Meanwhile, LNER is urging passengers not to travel to London Kings Cross due to damage to the rail line near Peterborough which was caused during the hot weather.

This has led to the direct service from Harrogate to London Kings Cross at 9.36am being cancelled as repairs are carried out.

The Harrogate Bus Company is reporting cancellations on the 1C and the 7 this morning.

You can find out more information on the disruption here.

Read more:

• £1 billion plan to dual A66 takes a step closer to construction

• Questions over deadline for £11.2m Harrogate Gateway project hit by legal threat

The areas which could pay an extra tax to fund a Harrogate Town Council have been revealed for the first time in a new map.

A consultation on whether to create the new council will be held this summer after the proposal gathered the support of politicians in Harrogate .

Harrogate and Scarborough are the only two areas in North Yorkshire not to be parished.

And although the move has been well supported by councillors, it will be residents who have the final say on whether it should go ahead.

A new map (pictured above) from North Yorkshire County Council has revealed which areas could vote in this poll and ultimately be served by the town council.

These include:

High Harrogate and Kingsley
Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate
Fairfax and Starbeck
Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone
Harlow and St Georges
Bilton Grange and New Park
Bilton and Nidd Gorge
Most of Coppice Valley and Duchy
Parts of Oatlands and Pannal
Parts of Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate

It has been argued that creating a town council will help Harrogate keep control of its prized public buildings and some services such as parks and tourism when the existing county and borough councils are abolished next April.

The existing councils will be replaced by a new North Yorkshire Council which could filter down some powers to all town and parish councils in what has been hailed as a “double devolution”.

Those were the words of councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, who also previously said more than one town or parish council could be created in Harrogate – if that’s what voters wanted.

Read More:

• Harrogate residents set to be asked if they want a town council
• New town with 3,000 homes could get just 20% affordable housing

A decision to hold the upcoming consultation was agreed at a meeting of the county council’s executive today when the next steps of the legal process known as a community governance review were set out.

Councillor David Chance, executive member for corporate services, said:

“In the first set of consultations we will consult with the relevant people in the affected areas to gain their views.
“We will then take those views and make recommendations for approval.
“If it was considered appropriate to create town councils, we would then be looking to make such recommendations within a 12-month period.
“And then new town councils could potentially be created in 2024.”

Other services which could come under the control of a Harrogate Town Council include events, markets, play areas, community centres and allotments.

These arrangements are already in place at the likes of Knaresborough Town Council and Ripon City Council which charge £25.27 and £70.77 respectively for their annual parish precepts.

The idea of a Harrogate Town Council has already won the support of members of the outgoing Harrogate Borough Council who made calls for the process to be sped up.

County council leader Carl Les also said he believed Harrogate and Scarborough would both be “well served” by a lower tier of local government.

He previously said:

“I’m a great advocate of parish and town councils.
“That said, it is for the people to decide whether they want them or not.
“I’m very keen that we start the process as soon as possible and we will go to the public in Harrogate and Scarborough at the earliest opportunity.”

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate sales director in line for national social mobility award

A senior sales director in Harrogate has been shortlisted for a national award.

Rob Manton, who works for Procter and Gamble at its Harrogate branch on Hornbeam Park, is nominated in the mentor of the year category of the UK Social Mobility Awards.

The awards recognise UK organisations working to improve social mobility in their workforces, as well as elsewhere. They are organised by societal change charity Making the Leap and have been running for six years.

Mr Manton said:

“It’s a real honour to be selected as a finalist for mentor of the year. It’s a role that I take huge pleasure in playing, helping support a more diverse and inclusive recruitment programme to enable more people from different backgrounds to have the same opportunities to reach their potential.

“Through the partnerships we have built at P&G I have had the pleasure of meeting some exceedingly talented young people who have so much to offer to businesses, some of whom we have welcomed to P&G as apprentices.

“I would like to wish all the finalists good luck; it’s wonderful to see the commitment to drive change across so many companies – it’s this momentum we need to level the playfield for everyone.”

He is nominated alongside Ian Morley, P&G’s vice-president for sales in northern Europe, who has been shortlisted in the champion of the year category.

The winners will be decided by an independent judging panel chaired by the Lord Lieutenant of London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE. The results will be announced at a gala event in October.

Read more:

• Harrogate business backs trio’s 15,000-mile trek to India
• Displays aim to help Harrogate regain floral fame

Contractor begins work at Ripon Spa Hotel

Work has begun on the refurbishment of Ripon Spa Hotel.

It was bought by The Inn Collection Group last June for an undisclosed sum.

Now, contractor STP Construction, from Gateshead, has started work to transform the 40-bedroom hotel. Its ballroom and terrace bar will also be renovated, along with the self-contained Turf Tavern Bar Bistro.

Speaking last year after The Inn Collection Group bought the hotel, managing director Sean Donkin said:

“Its picturesque location in such a popular part of the UK makes it the perfect fit for The Inn Collection Group and our offering.

“We’re excited to be furthering our expansion plans with such a great site, and are proud to be continuing to thrive during these challenging times for the hospitality sector.”

The Inn Collection Group, based in Newcastle, has more than 30 venues in its portfolio, mostly across the north-east and north-west of England.

This week, it appointed STP Construction for another of its properties, the 53-bedroom former Park Hotel in Tynemouth, North Tyneside.

Harrogate firefighters dealt with five field fires on the hottest day of the year today.

On a day when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident due to the number of call-outs, the crew at Harrogate attended three major fires.

At first they were called to a blaze near Forest Lane in Harrogate at about 1pm where an area of woodland measuring 20m x 20m had caught fire. Harrogate fire station put on Facebook:

“We believe a discarded cigarette, or strong sunlight shining through a broken glass bottle may have caused the fire.”

After extinguishing the fire, one of the Harrogate appliances was sent to a standing crop on fire in a field near Marton cum Grafton, between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

The fire station said on Facebook:

“Due to the extremely dry conditions the fire caught hold of four fields very quickly. The wind direction kept changing making the condition challenging.

“Fire crews also came to help from Knaresborough fire station, Ripon, Acom, and the water bowser from Tadcaster.

“Crews worked hard in the extreme heat (nearly 40 degrees!) to extinguish the fire using hosereel jets, main branches and beaters.

“Thanks also goes to the farmers for helping out and putting a fire break in the crop.”

While this was going on, the second Harrogate fire engine was called to a field on fire near Northallerton.

Read more:

• Drone captures scale of Ripon field fire
• Fire destroys workshop in Harrogate district

“As you can imagine, the ground is tinder-dry at the moment making it easy for fire to spread quickly.

“So please do be careful if you are out and about. Make sure you discard cigarettes carefully and avoid having barbecues.”

Four dogs rescued from a hot car in Harrogate today are fine and have been handed back to their owner after receiving treatment from a vet.

The Stray Ferret reported today that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a car window to free the dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

A spokesperson for Vets4Pets said the labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner. They added:

“Touch wood we got to them in time”.

The article provoked a furious response from Stray Ferret readers on Facebook with many incredulous that the owner would put their pets’ health at risk during today’s sweltering heat.

It is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car but owners are legally responsible for their pets’ health and welfare.

If a dog becomes ill or dies in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.

The Stray Ferret understands a North Yorkshire Police officer attended the scene. We have asked NYP for a statement on the incident but are yet to receive a reply.

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has an article on its website that advises people on what to do if you find a dog in distress inside a car.

Read more:

• LIVE: Thunderstorm warning as Harrogate district sizzles
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

Harrogate Borough Council is organising three summer events in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon for the whole family to enjoy.

The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.

Details about each event are available below:

Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday August 11 and Friday August 12 between 11am and 4pm

• 11am – Juggling/circus tricks show
• 11.45am – Magic show
• 12.30pm – Character mini disco
• 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
• 2.15pm – Magic show
• 3pm – Character mini disco

Knaresborough Castle on Friday August 26 between 11am and 4pm

• 11am – Bubble circus tricks show
• 11.45am – Magic show
• 12.30pm – Character mini disco
• 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
• 2.15pm – Magic show

• 3pm – Character mini disco

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday August 27 between 11am and 3pm

• 11am – Circus tricks workshop
• 11.45am – Magic show
• 12.30pm – Character mini disco
• 1.30pm – Circus tricks workshop
• 2.15pm – Magic show
• 3pm – Character mini disco

Conservative councillor Sam Gibbs, HBC’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“Following the success of our free events to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re back with four events across the summer for all the family to enjoy.

“We know it can be difficult, and sometimes costly, to entertain the family during the six-week holidays, that’s why we’ve decided to provide free events once again to help keep children entertained. And what better setting than Valley Gardens, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens?

“So why not bring a picnic and enjoy our parks this summer?”

Read More:

• Mixed picture for Harrogate town centre as jubilee celebrations end
• How the Harrogate district celebrated the jubilee

The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.

Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.

5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall

Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.

4.10pm – Met Office storm warning

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.

The Met Office says:

“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”

4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use

Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.

The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.

Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.

Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:

“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”

3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits

We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.

Read the full story.

1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens

Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.

Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.

Staying in the shade

Brollies up to shield from the sun.

12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day

Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.

A post on its Facebook page says:

“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”

12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate

A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.

Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:

“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”

11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2

On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,

#HG2 #RedfearnMews

⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022

11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day

The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.

In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.

10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd

The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.

Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.

10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall

Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.

Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.

9.50am – Businesses close during the heat

Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.

KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.

Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.

Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.

9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots

North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.

It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.

Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.

If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park considerately

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/rAYqnilVAs

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022

8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea

Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.

It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.

https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233

8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon

Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.

Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.

8.20am – Northern: Do not travel

Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.

Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594

8am – Amber weather warning in place

The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.

7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat

Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.

Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.

Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.

Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:

“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”

Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.

The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:

“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”

Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon  where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.

7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.

It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.

⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.

Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

7.20am – School closures amid heatwave

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

7am – LNER cancellations

No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.

LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ