Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.
Steven Jackson, Conservative
Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.
He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.
When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:
“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.
“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”
He added:
“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.
“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”
Andrew Rickard, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.
Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.
He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.
On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:
“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control.
“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”
He added:
“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”
Sarah Hart, Independent
Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.
A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.
Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.
Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.
She said:
“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.
“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.
“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”
She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.
John Adams, Labour
John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.
His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.
Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.
He said:
“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics.
“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”
Mr Adams added:
“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”
Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.
Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.
He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.
He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.
Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.
He said:
Programme revealed for Harrogate’s crime writing festival“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.
“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”
Harrogate International Festivals has announced the full programme for the 2022 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
The four-day event offers the chance to discover the next big names in crime fiction and hear giants of the genre discuss their work. It includes panels, workshops and talks.
The line-up has been curated by this year’s festival chair, the novelist Denise Mina.
Special guests headlining the festival include crime fiction authors Lynda La Plante, Paula Hawkins, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Connelly, Lucy Foley, Charlie Higson, John Connolly, CL Taylor and Kathy Reichs.
Other speakers set to appear include broadcaster and crime fiction debut author, Rev Richard Coles, comedian Frankie Boyle and TV chef Rosemary Shrager.
Read more:
This year’s programme will also feature two author dinners, attended by popular crime and thriller writers including: politician and debut novelist Alan Johnson, author Andrew Hunter Murray and bestselling thriller writer Syd Moore.
The festival runs from July 21-24 at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. Denise has done a wonderful job curating a line-up which demonstrates the amazing breadth of crime fiction writing and points to an exciting future for the genre.
“We can’t wait to hear all these brilliant speakers take to the stage and share their insights, stories and predictions of what lies ahead for crime fiction and thriller writing!”
For more information visit HIF’s website.
Masham’s Black Sheep secures Jet2 dealBlack Sheep Brewery in Masham has secured a major deal with Leeds-based airline Jet2.com.
Black Sheep Ale will be available in a 330ml can on all the airline’s flights from its 10 UK bases from May 1.
Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline.
Black Sheep Ale is one of the brewery’s best loved beers. It was the first beer to be bottled at Black Sheep and is nationally available in 500ml bottle.
Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of this agreement with Jet2.com to feature Black Sheep Ale on flights to and from the UK, which will introduce one of Yorkshire’s best exports to new audiences.
“This is a great collaboration between two Yorkshire companies that will also offer international visitors to Britain a taste of our wonderful county before they touch down in the UK.”
Managing director at Harrogate Spring Water steps down
After 15 years at the helm, James Cain has announced he will be stepping down as managing director of Harrogate Spring Water.
French firm Danone acquired Harrogate Spring Water two years ago and Mr Cain said “it is now the right time for me to hand over the baton”.
Mr Cain will remain a minority shareholder alongside the rest of the Cain family, he said:
“During my time with Harrogate Spring Water, I have been immensely proud of the brands that we have created as well as the people who have been a part of our journey, helping to build a business and continue a legacy in revitalising the town’s illustrious spa heritage.”
Mr Cain is to be replaced by Richard Hall, who is currently a vice president within Danone’s UK & Ireland business. He will take on the role from May 3.
Richard Hall
Mr Hall said:
‘Devastating news’ as 500 trees to be chopped down in Nidd Gorge“Harrogate Spring Water is a great brand with great heritage and is a very important part of Danone’s UK water business. It will be my privilege to lead the operation as we look to grow further and take the Harrogate Spring Water brand to more venues and consumers in 2022.”
Five hundred larch trees will be felled in Nidd Gorge due to a disease that is ripping through the woodland.
The Woodland Trust, which owns Nidd Gorge, says the infectious disease is called phytophthora ramorum and is already having a devastating impact on native trees.
Government body Forestry England has given the trust permission to fell the trees before it spreads further.
It means some of the footpaths in the popular beauty spot will close this spring and summer whilst work takes place.
Paul Bunton, community engagement officer at the trust, said:
“It is devastating news for our site team and visitors that we are having to reluctantly fell these diseased trees at Nidd Gorge to protect others. Phytophthora ramorum, while of no risk to the public, is one of the biggest threats to our native tree species at the site.
“Nidd Gorge is and will remain a really popular and cherished woodland close to Harrogate and Knaresborough and we ask the public to bear with us while we carry out the work.
“Our community events are a great opportunity for people to find out more before the work starts, especially those who visit the woodland on a regular basis.”
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Keith Wilkinson, chair of Bilton Conservation Group, described what happens to larch trees once they become infected with the disease.
“It’s not a mould or a fungus but it is between the two and it attacks the larch. The needles start dying. It takes a while to kill the tree, but once it’s got it, it’s doomed.”
The Woodland Trust is holding two drop-in sessions in Bilton where members of the public can find out more about the works and ask questions to staff.
These will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at Bilton Community Centre between 6pm and 9pm and on Nidderdale Greenway off Bilton Lane on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.
Bid to demolish gas holder on Harrogate’s Skipton RoadNorthern Gas Networks has revealed plans to demolish the gas holder and three other buildings on Skipton Road, Harrogate.
Notices have gone up near the former gasworks saying the company has contacted Harrogate Borough Council to find out whether it needs permission to carry out the demolition work.
Tesco, which bought the site from Northern Gas Networks for £2.8 million in 2003, has submitted plans to build a new supermarket on the land. A decision has yet to be made.
Mark Johnson, senior projects manager for Northern Gas Networks, which is responsible for distributing gas, said:
“The notice relates to work we are proposing to carry out on our own site, to safely dismantle and remove the existing gas holder located there.
“Because of advances in technology and the enhanced capability of the modern-day gas network, the holder is no longer used so the decision was taken to remove it using specialist teams.
“The application is part of a standard process we undertake with every local authority where we are removing a gas holder.”
Planning documents submitted to the council say “the gas holder is below ground and comprises of an outer tank wall with two inner lifts” and that “the general condition of the tank is believed to be in good order”.
Read more:
- Gas supplier objects to Tesco plans in Harrogate
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They add:
“The works will consist of the removal of wastewater, sludge, and any other debris from inside the gas holder, establish site welfare arrangements including environmental monitoring stations, time lapse cameras, erection of temporary traffic management arrangements, erect and maintain temporary Heras’s fencing, erect a scaffolding crash deck to protect the MP/LP regulators on site and agreed ground protection measures to underground pipework.”
The documents say the site “is situated near to a highly populated residential and commercial area” and “it is vitally important that the demolition method statement deploys approved monitor systems for measuring nuisance noise, dust and vibration and will have a provision in place should these levels reach unacceptable levels in accordance with current legislation”.
They add:
“Access to all neighbouring properties, footpaths and roads will be maintained at all times during the works,
unless the works activity presents significant risk that will require a closure.”
It is not known how long the work would take.
Harrogate’s Hustle & Co for sale as owners hatch new planHustle & Co in Harrogate is up for sale — but the owners have reassured customers and said there are “exciting times ahead”.
The Harrogate cafe and restaurant has been put on the market for £175,000 by Ernest Wilson Business Agents.
The cafe, which is owned by business partners Jo Bradshaw and Nici Routledge, opened in December 2020 on Prince Albert Row.
Nici Routledge and Jo Bradshaw
Hustle & Co is a sustainable and ethical café serving hot and cold drinks, breakfasts, lunches and sweet treats.
According to the advertisement, the business has a turnover of £702,000 and is being sold due to “personal circumstances”.
Ms Bradshaw told the Stray Ferret:
“There are exciting times ahead, this decision is part of a bigger picture.”
She added she couldn’t give any more information at this stage.
Read more:
The cafe currently employs more than 20 members of staff and its outdoor courtyard and inside seating has space for 90 covers. The brochure also said:
Election 2022: Oatlands and Pannal candidate preview“This is truly one of the best businesses seen for quite some time — fabulously fitted out, coupled with enviable weekly turnover of £13,000 to £14,000 in modest daytime hours.
“Truly fabulous, yet offering scope to extend the hours, introduce supper club and evenings openings.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.
Today, we look at the Oatlands and Pannal division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.
John Mann, Conservative
John Mann is the Conservative candidate for Oatlands and Pannal division.
Mr Mann is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, representing Harrogate Pannal ward.
He is also chair of the authority’s planning committee.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Mann for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.
A party spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.
“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”
Gillian Charters, Green Party
Gillian Charters is standing for the Green Party in Oatlands and Pannal division.
Ms Charters taught at a Knaresborough comprehensive school for 20 years before retraining as a probation officer.
She now works part-time for a Quaker special school in North Yorkshire.
For 30 years, she has been a member of the Green Party, which she says is the party that has “both the environment and social justice at its heart”.
Ms Charters said she was standing for North Yorkshire Council because she wants to “improve living conditions and the environment” within the area.
Margaret Smith, Labour
The Labour candidate for Oatlands and Pannal is Margaret Smith.
Ms Smith worked for several years at a further education college before setting up a business focused on the use of IT in communities and small to medium-sized enterprises.
She said the company employed up to 25 people and provided opportunities to people, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.
On why she is standing, Ms Smith said:
“Although not resident in the actual division, I live quite close and regularly walk through the Oatlands area, use its facilities and have conversations with people out and about.
“It is one of Labour’s many environmental policies which will have a major impact in the area. We intend to invest in reducing residential streets to safe environments where families can walk, cycle and play, e.g by stipulating a 20 mph speed limit in residential areas.”
She added:
“Pannal has for some years now suffered by being used as a “rat run” for drivers coming from new housing developments built in areas of the town without appropriate infrastructure – something which must be stopped.
“Residents on the streets around the Leeds Road traffic lights in Oatlands are now experiencing the same problem with motorists trying to avoid the lights on the main road. These are narrow streets with an infant school located on one of them – Cromwell Road.”
Ms Smith added that she would also support a town council for Harrogate and devolution of powers to parish councils, such as Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council.
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Justin Chan, Liberal Democrat
Justin Chan will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.
Mr Chan is a lifelong Harrogate resident and currently works in retail as a customer services assistant.
He has a degree in politics and spent a year at Catania University in Sicily as part of an Erasmus exchange.
Mr Chan said he believes North Yorkshire Council should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion.
He said:
Woods of Harrogate celebrates 127 years“It’s important to make local voices heard and to allow councillors strong decision-making powers to enable them to campaign for their local communities.
“The new local authority should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion perhaps with a park-and-ride scheme. I will work to ensure Harrogate gets its own town council.”
Woods of Harrogate, one of the town’s oldest businesses, had a celebration today to mark its 127th anniversary.
Since the company was set up in 1895, it has expanded into Woods Fine Linens and William Woods Interior Design.
The family business began with William Ernest Woods, who opened the first linen shop after watching his father, George Woods, weave linen at the local flax mill in Knaresborough.
Since then it has been managed by multiple members of the Woods family. William Woods, grandson of the founder, currently runs the venture alongside his daughter and son-in-law.
The shop has been on Prince Albert Row since 1927
The shop, which describes itself as one of the finest linen shops in Europe, has supplied the royal family since 1923.
William Woods said:
“The quality that we have and the range makes us the finest. You can have over 100 different bed linen colours made to order in in three weeks and not many shops can do that.”
Inside is a vast array of goods from around the world including a selection of showrooms arranged by interior design director Sarah Woods.
Read more:
- Interior designer selling her Harrogate home after huge transformation
- Display of 1,300 clay poppies takes over Himalayan Gardens
Some of the old traditions remain intact. For example, the building on Prince Albert Row has workshops where all furnishings and designs are produced in-house and purchases are still wrapped in brown paper and string.
The building itself hosts the oldest lift and exterior clock in Harrogate. The clock was installed on the building when Woods moved from Princes Square in 1927.
These days Woods has an online presence, allowing customers worldwide to purchase traditional and modern styles.
The company employs 16 staff and plans to keep the family’s history and reputation at its centre.
Calls to reduce ‘plethora’ of Otley Road cycle path signsThe Otley Road cycle path has seen drastic alterations to the road and pavement but the sheer number of signs erected has been called confusing and damaging to Harrogate’s visual appearance.
North Yorkshire County Council, which is behind the £2m scheme, has erected 37 new signs to let cyclists, pedestrians and motorists know where the path starts and ends.
It means blue and white signs dominate the eyeline on a stretch of road in Harrogate that is less than half a mile long.
Critics of the scheme suggest if the cycle path had a better or more streamlined design, it wouldn’t need so many signs.
‘It’s confusing’
Harrogate Civic Society was formed in 1971 with an aim to preserve the appearance of the town.
Members of the group walked the cycle path route last week and were disappointed by the volume of signs.
Its chair, Stuart Holland, said the group would like to see some of them removed.
He added:
“We think there are too many signs. We’d welcome a reduction. We think there needs to be more clarity about where cyclists go as it is confusing. As a society, we encourage less signage in the town.”
Read more:
- Next phase of Otley Road cycle path delayed and reviewed
- Cycling group to meet council to raise concerns about Otley Road cycle path
‘Street clutter’
Otley Road resident Chris Dicken has been an outspoken critic of the scheme since it was first proposed several years ago.
He said he warned North Yorkshire County Council about the number of signs but “they didn’t listen”.
He said:
“My argument is that it’s not much of a design if you need that many signs to alert people to the cycle path and then of course many cyclists either don’t understand it’s a one way system or choose to ignore it. That’s not even taking account of the impact on the environment in a town that is proud of its heritage and its green credentials.
“Most towns are looking to reduce street clutter. Here, North Yorkshire County Council are adding lots to it. This is all in a short distance too, with many more to come for the next phase.
“To me, as a main artery into the town, Otley Road should be of a high standard and make visitors welcome with a tree-lined boulevard. Instead we get grass and tree removal and a plethora of blue and white signs. It has certainly disturbed the ambience of my road.”
Mr Dicken will meet North Yorkshire County Council next month as a representative of Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association to discuss the next phase of the cycle path, which will connect Arthur’s Avenue to Beech Grove.
He is pessimistic that the number of signs will be reduced for phase 2 because the route has already been designed.
However, he is more hopeful for phase 3, which will connect the route up towards Cardale Park. Mr Dicken hopes to see a “better-designed” route and far fewer signs.
Council’s response
Melisa Burnham, North Yorkshire County Council’s highways area manager, said:
Election 2022: Bilton and Nidd Gorge candidate preview“All signs within the Otley Road cycle way scheme are as indicated in the designs presented at the public engagement event in 2019 and subsequently published on our website.
“Appropriate signage is important in mitigating the risk of conflict between cyclists and pedestrians using the space. The signs, all of which are within highway land, were identified as necessary to the improvement scheme.
“We will be inviting stakeholders, including representatives of the residents’ association and the civic society, to a workshop in May to discuss detailed designs for phase two of the scheme. The workshop will also present details of the wider Harrogate sustainable transport packages, recognising the key links to the Otley cycle route that will be made in the future.
“Mr Dicken has previously raised concerns about aspects of the scheme, including conflicts between road users, though not signage. We have corresponded about those concerns. After the engagement event in 2019, our designers met Mr Dicken on site to discuss the designs in detail.
“We have invited Mr Dicken to meet officers again after next month’s workshop, should he wish to discuss any of his concerns further.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Bilton and Nidd Gorge division which will see three candidates standing for election.
Paul Haslam, Conservative
Paul Haslam is the Conservative candidate for Bilton and Nidd Gorge division.
Mr Haslam, who lives in Bilton, is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, where he represents the area.
On his priorities for standing, Mr Haslam said:
“I am passionate about all things Bilton, having lived on Bilton Lane since 2006
“My priorities continue to be serving the people of Bilton, protecting our green environment especially our green spaces such as the Nidd Gorge and protecting our urban environment. I set up quarterly Bilton residents’ meetings at the United Reformed Church in July 2021 to bring together residents, Harrogate Borough Council safer communities team and the police to locate and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our area.
“Maintaining the best local primary education facilities possible, make sure we are well represented in the new council and that the services are maintained and improved as the new council takes on its new responsibilities.
“I will work with others such as Councillor Matt Scott and our MP Andrew Jones to get the best for Harrogate and Knaresborough as well as my division.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Deborah Havercroft, Labour
The Labour candidate for Bilton and Nidd Gorge is Deborah Havercroft.
Ms Havercroft lives in Bilton and works in the NHS. She also worked for the Ministry of Defence and in education.
She said she has made the cost of living and congestion on Skipton Road some of her priorities for standing.
Ms Havercroft said:
“I am aware of the hardships that will be caused to local families by increased living costs, especially energy and fuel and would urge NYCC to find a solution to the traffic congestion in Harrogate, particularly on Skipton Road.”
Andrew Kempston-Parkes, Liberal Democrat
Andrew Kempston-Parkes is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division.
Mr Kempston-Parkes is a former councillor and works as a chartered surveyor. During the pandemic, he volunteered at a homelessness charity and at a covid vaccination centre.
He said among his priorities would be to oppose major housing developments and work with police to “make Bilton and Woodfield safer”.
Mr Kempston-Parkes said:
“We need to protect our green fields.
“I will work with the police to continue to make Bilton and Woodfield safer places to be. I will also make sure education and services for children are a top priority.
“The establishment of a new Harrogate Town Council is vital to ensure continued strong local representation of residents views to the County Council.”