Election 2022: High Harrogate and Kingsley candidates preview

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 High Harrogate and Kingsley division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Tim Myatt, Conservative

Tim Myatt will be standing for the Conservatives in the division at the election on May 5.

Mr Myatt currently represents High Harrogate on Harrogate Borough Council, which he was elected to in 2018.

He is also the cabinet member for planning on the authority.

Mr Myatt said his priority ahead of standing for North Yorkshire Council is to ensure Harrogate is a great place to live with investment in the town centre.

He said:

“My priority is to ensure our area of Harrogate is a great place to live, with investment in local services and the town centre.  I live near Harrogate High School and am the only candidate to live in the ward. I care about our area because it is my area too.  

“I have been active in opposing over-intensive development in Kingsley and off Claro Road, including formally objecting to the current proposals off Kingsley Drive. I’ve also been working with residents to lower the impact of development on the wider community, such as developers working anti-social hours or leaving dirty roads.  

“I have worked to reduce graffiti, litter and potholes, and have secured investment to improve the One Arch which will begin later this year. We also have plans to tackle anti-social behaviour on this important route into town, as well as other locations across High Harrogate and Kingsley.”

Geoff Foxall, Labour

Geoff Foxall will be standing for the Labour Party on polling day.

Mr Foxall is a retired teacher and as chair of Starbeck Residents’ Association campaigned against the relief road through the Nidd Gorge.

He said his priorities ahead of standing for North Yorkshire Council were to protect the interests of working families and to safeguard the environment.

Mr Foxall said:

“As Chair of Starbeck Residents Association, I was active in opposing a relief road through the Nidd Gorge and creating a community woodland in the Green Belt between Harrogate and Knaresborough.  I have also opposed overdevelopment in the Starbeck and Kingsley Road areas of Harrogate.

“I have eight years of experience as a Labour Councillor on Harrogate District Council including four years as Group Leader.

“If elected for a new North Yorkshire County Council, I shall defend the interests of working families in Harrogate and safeguard our environment.”

Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for High Harrogate and Kingsley division is Chris Aldred.

Mr Aldred sits on Harrogate Borough Council and represents Harrogate Fairfax ward.

He is currently the chair of the authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission.

Mr Aldred said he was standing to ensure residents have a “strong alternative voice” on North Yorkshire Council.

He said:

“I have over 20 years’ experience as a council officer throughout the county – I know how to hold the Tories to account.

“I have lived in Harrogate over 20 years. I am fighting this election to ensure residents have a strong alternative voice on the new council.

“For – better schools, public transport, protecting & enhancing our local green space, improved Social Care. Against overdevelopment, wasting your money on vanity projects.”


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Business Breakfast: Plans for new Yorkshire tourism body

Businesses in Yorkshire’s tourism industry are being invited to an online event to ask them what they want from a new tourism organisation.

In March the troubled tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire went into administration as council leaders withdrew funding for it.

The Yorkshire Leaders Board, which is made up of local authority leaders, says there now needs to be a new approach to marketing the county. It plans to set up a new organisation to replace WTY and will meet in May to agree a timeline for its creation.

In a statement on the new website Yorkshire Tourism it said:

“We would like to ensure that Yorkshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and local destination managers are involved in the development of this organisation. We believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, and look forward to creating a more positive future for the Yorkshire tourism industry.”

If you want to be part of the free Zoom discussion contact Yorkshire Tourism here. 


Property firm, Artium Group, launches in Harrogate

A new Harrogate firm specialising in property development, investment, construction, and asset management is to launch.

Artium Group is headed by property developer Thomas Shotton and chartered surveyor Sam Colley, owner of Ousebank Consultancy.

The firm will have three subsidiaries; Artium Investments, Artium Construction and Artium Asset Management.

The pair have already secured projects totalling almost £30m in gross development value including two high-end residential conversion schemes, a leisure conversion with a rooftop in Harrogate and a residential new build scheme in York.

Mr Colley said:

“We are thrilled to announce the establishment of Artium Group.

“Operating initially in Yorkshire and the Humber, we are positive about the prospect of owning and operating a portfolio, focussing on occupiers and their requirements which drive quality throughout and give our investors added confidence.”

Harrogate’s Odeon cinema up for sale for £7m

Harrogate’s historic Odeon cinema building has been put up for sale for £7m.

The art-deco cinema was built in 1936 and has been home to the Odeon ever since.

The building is currently leased to Odeon on a 25-year term, with over eight years left of the current deal, which means it will be remaining as a cinema.

The 5-screen cinema has 892 seats and was refurbished in 2008. The sale is for the freehold of the building and is being marketed by property firm CBRE.

Alfie Stephenson, CBRE’s operational real estate team, said:

“This iconic building has prospered under the operation of Odeon since it opened and is a firm fixture on the Harrogate leisure scene.

“The long-income investment opportunity enables a keen investor to acquire the freehold interest on a cinema leased to the UK’s largest operator on a term that benefits from annual RPI-linked rent reviews.

“Our research shows that the cinema sector is set to have a strong 2022 with attendances anticipated to return to 100% of 2019 levels which makes this a timely opportunity.”


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Last year, Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam wrote about the history of Harrogate’s cinemas for the Stray Ferret.

On the Odeon, Ms Neesam wrote:

“On 17th June 1935, the Council approved plans from Odeon Theatres ltd for a new Cinema on East Parade which was initially publicised as having 1,800 seats. A flutter of excitement passed through the town’s many cinema enthusiasts, who realised that this was to be the first new cinema built in the town that was designed with “talking pictures” in mind, rather than an updated relic from the days of “silent” films.

“Named the “Odeon”, the new cinema had been designed by the famed architect Harry W. Weedon for Odeon Theatres Ltd whose Managing Director, Oscar Deutsch, was rumoured not to like cinema organs. Whatever the truth of this, the new Odeon had no organ, but was furnished with the latest sound reproduction equipment manufactured by the British Thomson-Houston Company.”

“Externally, the strikingly handsome art deco design was faced with cream and black tiles, highlighted with neon lighting strips in orange. Internally, perfect screen viewing was available from every one of the ground floor’s 1,000 and the balcony’s 600 seats, due to there being no pillars, and the décor was predominantly gold and silver, countered by carpets and upholstery in blue and green.”

Golf clubs stolen from vehicle in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information after a set of golf clubs was stolen from a vehicle in Harrogate.

The clubs, which were in a black Mizuno golf bag, were taken from Bilton Grove Avenue on Sunday, April 17 between 7pm and midnight.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, we are appealing for information about any CCTV footage or anybody who has sighted the Mizuno golf carry bag or golf clubs.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Chloe Kinnear. You can also email chloe.kinnear@northyorkshire.police.uk

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220065288.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Harrogate Beer Festival for women returns next month

The Harrogate beer festival that attempts to break down barriers between women and beer is back next month.

The beer and arts festival called WOTFEST SIX, organised by Women on Tap CIC, will return to Harrogate between May 4 and 8 and offer a place for women interested in beer or those wanting to learn more to come together and try it out.

The festival works with bars, breweries and industry experts to provide a space for thought-provoking communications and for women to explore more beers.

Festival highlights include an evening of conversation with women in beer from Track Brewing Co and Brew York and Mindful Drinking workshops hosted by Club Soda which aim to emphasise positive drinking habits over abstinence.

There will also be quizzes, treasure hunts and other events held at some of Harrogate’s best known bars including Major Tom’s Social, The Disappearing Chin, The Harrogate Tap and Rooster’s Taproom.


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As in previous years, a special festival beer has been brewed at Brew York. The pineapple sour will be available at venues throughout the festival.

Women on Tap founder, Rachel Auty said:

“It feels good to properly root the festival back in Harrogate where it all began while also retaining an element of online events and activity.

“We are a tiny team with an enormous goal and thanks to the incredible support we get from the UK wide beer industry, our network across Harrogate and Knaresborough, and our local friends who never fail to cheer us on from the sidelines, we continue to stride out every year – passionate, determined, and smiling!”

Women on Tap CIC was formed in 2017 in Harrogate to help influence and shape a beer industry where women have equal opportunities, feel welcome, and are safe.

Napkin in toaster causes fire in Harrogate

Firefighters were called to a home on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road last night when a napkin in a toaster caused a blaze.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said help was summoned at 7.25pm. It adds:

“Crews attended a fire in a residential building. Fire was caused by a napkin inside a toaster. Fire was out on arrival.

“Minor fire damage to toaster and napkin. Crews gave resident advice.”

In a busy night for the fire and rescue service, firefighters were later called to a single vehicle collision near Summerbridge in which a man was taken to hospital with suspected pelvic injuries.

The collision occurred at 9.25pm at Middlesmoor. The incident log says:

“One male was trapped and crews extricated him using hydraulic cutting gear. Male is believed to have pelvis injuries and was taken to hospital.”

Firefighters were also called when a children’s toy car caught fire in a rear yard off Market Place, Ripon, shortly after 6pm. The fire was out on arrival.


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Warning after cigarette causes Penny Pot Lane fire

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has warned people to discard of cigarettes properly after a fire on Penny Pot Lane.

Crews from Harrogate were called to a fire to a gorse bush in the area yesterday.

The incident is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

The fire was put out on arrival, but the service is urging people to dispose of cigarettes carefully.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

“A reminder if you’re heading out today in the countryside to please take care. Dispose of cigarettes carefully, don’t leave glass bottles lying around and don’t light bbqs or camp fires on or near dry grass/moorlands. Call 999 if you see a wildfire.

“Grass fires like these can tie up our fire crews meaning they’re not available to attend other incidents.”


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Crashes ‘common’ on bend near Harrogate village, says resident

A resident near Bedlam has said crashes on a sharp bend near the village are a “common occurrence” after a car went through a fence yesterday.

Emergency services were called on Friday evening when a Peugeot 207 crashed into the fence on the B6165 between Ripley and Bedlam.

The incident left one lane passable as North Yorkshire Police dealt with the incident.

A resident who lives near Bedlam village told the Stray Ferret that locals had been campaigning for a reduced speed limit on the bend for the last 12 months.

The car crashed into the fence on the B6165 outside Ripley.

The car crashed into the fence on the B6165 outside Ripley.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said:

“Locals of Bedlam have recently been campaigning to have the speed limit reduced because it has become a common occurrence.”

The stretch of road is just before Whipley Bank heading into the village and is a national speed limit route.

However, crashes on the road are common according to locals.


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Last July, villagers in nearby Burnt Yates wrote to North Yorkshire County Council calling for a reduction in the speed limit on the B6165.

Loraine and Sid Hines, who have lived in Burnt Yates for 30 years, were worried that speeding cars and ‘boy racers’ would cause serious injury or death.

The speed limit through Burnt Yates is 30mph, with a 20mph section near the school. However, the section of the B6165 leaving the village has a 50mph limit and Ms Hines said more vehicles were exceeding this in recent years.

At the time, North Yorkshire County Council told the Stray Ferret it did not support a reduction in the speed limit.

St George’s Day parade to return to Harrogate tomorrow

The traditional St George’s Day parade returns to Harrogate for the first time in three years this weekend.

Taking place tomorrow, it will see hundreds of Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs and more join together in uniform to mark the occasion.

After gathering on Coach Road, they will parade into Christ Church for a short service when they will renew their promises.

It is a shorter parade than usual, after the decision to go ahead was only made two months ago. Attendance is also likely to be reduced because the event falls at the end of the Easter holidays.

District commissioner Karsten Hartmann told the Stray Ferret:

“In the past, we have started on Beech Grove, but it was too short notice to get everything into place. We hope to come back stronger next year.”


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This year marks the first time the youngest Scouts have been able to take part in the parade. First Pannal Squirrels caters for boys and girls aged four and five, and was set up during the covid pandemic.

The deputy mayor of Harrogate, Cllr Christine Willoughby, and her consort Andrew Willoughby, will also be at the event.

The parade will gather from 2pm with the 45-minute service, led by Rev Matthew Scott Evans, set to begin at 2.30pm.

It will be the first major event in the district’s scouting calendar since 2019. Mr Hartmann said he hopes it will begin to raise the organisation’s profile again, and particularly help to attract volunteers to enable more people to join Scouts and other groups.

For more information about joining Scouts or becoming a volunteer, click here.

Harrogate rugby to face local rivals in final home game

A bumper crowd is expected at Harrogate Rugby Club today for the last home game of the season.

The club will welcome local rivals Wharfedale RUFC to Ruddling Lane in what is expected to see the largest crowd in more than five years at the ground.

The match will also be David “Doc” Doherty’s last home game after six years’ service. Doherty will step down after serving as director of rugby, as well as a player and coach.

Harrogate and Wharfedale faced each other just five weeks ago, when the latter ran out 23-21 winners.

As well as the first team match, the day will also see touch rugby and a mini-tournament take place ahead of the local derby.

A spokesperson for the club said:

“Besides the first XV match, there’s lots more happening on Saturday.  At 1pm it’s the tap-off of Harrogate Touch Rugby team’s first game of their season versus Catterick. Seen as an area of considerable future growth, Pitch 2 has been specially marked out for Touch Rugby matches over summer. New players of all ages are very welcome.

“At 1.30pm on Pitch 3, Harrogate’s U13 Boys kick off in a three-way round robin mini-tournament against touring side Chester and local rivals Moortown.”

Adult entrance to non-members is £10, all juniors have free entry. Kick off is 3pm.


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