Harrogate Borough Council has been criticised for spraying weed-killing chemicals around trees on the Stray leaving ‘scorched earth’ rings around them.

From UCI cycling to litter and rewilding, no topic exercises Harrogatonians quite like the Stray.

The latest debate involves the council’s approach to managing weeds on the 200-acre parkland which has troubled environmentalists and led to criticism on social media.

The council recently sprayed glyphosate around the base of almost every tree, bin and bench. It’s the most widely used pesticide in history but its use is controversial.

Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to poor health and several UK councils have pledged to stop or limit its use due to its negative impact on the environment.

Shan Oakes, Harrogate & District Green Party co-ordinator, criticised HBC for using the pesticide and said “we have to stop poisoning the planet”.

“It looks horrible. It doesn’t look good, so why do you need to tidy up vegetation around trees? Greenery looks better than scorched earth.

“We need plants wherever we can put them, nature doesn’t know about so-called weeds.

“We need to stop removing every little weed and so on, we have to think about bees and all the rest of the wildlife. We depend on nature.”

Rewilding row

This year, the council’s parks team has again left grass verges close to the roadside on West Park Stray uncut until late autumn to improve biodiversity.

But at least one tree has been sprayed with glyphosate in the middle of a grass verge that has been left to ‘rewild’.

Ms Oakes said the example was “an absolute contradiction”. She added:

“It’s like the plastic grass fiasco, they have not got their head around a different approach to gardening. Rewilding means a different kind of management.”

Judy d’Arcy Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, took a more pragmatic approach to weed-killing on the Stray.

She said the council “presumably have their reasons” for spraying the chemicals but added weeds can give the Stray an unsightly appearance.

On rewilding, she said the verges have been used as a dumping ground for litter and dog waste.

“All those that love the wilding, there are those that hate it.

“Its a very difficult situation. It can look good and we must help the bee population. I’m down the middle on it. It’s an emotive subject, people get wound up about it.”

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Council’s response

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesperson explained why it has been using the weed-killer on the Stray.

“Twice a year, weeds around path edges and the bases of trees, bins and other street furniture are sprayed with glyphosate.

“When applied – through a lance which produces droplets directly onto the weeds – it is instantly absorbed and kills the weed quickly. Any brown grass should grow back in the following months.

“This is kept to a minimum and only used because our lawnmowers are unable to cut close enough. It also means we’re not constantly strimming, using hoes or pulling out weeds by hand, allowing us to spend more time maintaining our parks and opens spaces across the Harrogate district.

“Understandably, weeds are favoured by some and are an eyesore to others. So we have to strike a balance to ensure all residents can enjoy the district.

“And we are constantly reviewing, trialling and amending our work practices to ensure we are working towards a sustainable environment.

“We actively encourage many areas to grow naturally and leave several areas from being cut as regularly; the Stray in Harrogate, Jacob Smith Park in Knaresborough and Quarry Moor Nature Reserve in Ripon, to name but a few. Again, some residents favour this approach and some don’t.

“We have also planted thousands of wildflowers, with the help of volunteers. As well as leaving log piles as habitats and vegetation, and adapting our formal bedding areas across the district to include more single, open flowers that are great for pollinators.

“This is a key objective for us and we have a number of schemes to enable the flora and fauna to thrive. We also continue to work in partnership with local community groups to collectively enhance the district’s wildlife and biodiversity.”

Harrogate solicitors set to expand with office in York

A Harrogate law firm is set to open a new office in York to meet growing demand from clients in the city.

Berwins plans to expand its regional footprint by opening an office in the newly-developed Guildhall. This will be the firm’s fifth office alongside Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield and London.

Managing director, Paul Berwin, said:

“York is a natural fit for us. As a firm, we have a long track record of supporting businesses and individuals in the area and expanding our presence there will enable us to better serve their needs.”

“As well as supporting clients, committing to a physical office also enables us to fully play our part as a member of the city’s burgeoning business community. That dedication to caring for both client and community is at the heart of the way Berwins has operated since day one and will remain so as we continue to grow as a business.”

Berwins will support clients with a full range of legal advice from commercial matters to dispute resolution, family law to property.

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The North Yorkshire branch of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it’s seriously concerned over proposed cuts to the service in Harrogate and warned public safety will be put at greater risk.

The warning from the FBU comes after the proposals were made public by Zoe Metcalfe, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, last month and include halving Harrogate fire station’s overnight capacity. 

The station, on Skipton Road, currently operates two fire engines 24 hours a day. But under new plans, it would have just one appliance from 10pm to 9am when fewer incidents usually occur.

Ms Metcalfe said at the time that she was confident “the right people, right equipment and the right support would continue to be available to everyone”.

Read More:

• Five Harrogate firefighters could lose jobs in plans to reduce service
• Cuts to Harrogate fire crews would ‘put money before lives’, says ex-firefighter

A public consultation was launched last month to gather the community’s views on the proposals.

The union is urging firefighters and the public to have their say, and make their concerns heard over the impact the plans will have on emergency fire cover across the region.

North Yorkshire FBU Brigade Secretary Steve Howley said:

“Firefighters urge that the public reject these proposals and call on people to visit the PFCC’s website to strongly oppose all cuts to emergency response. The PFCC needs to fight for the correct funding from government, not simply mask underfunding by slashing services and providing the public of North Yorkshire with a second-rate emergency response service that will put lives at risk.”

“North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been promising these IRMP proposals for the past two years, and time after time we have been given delays and excuses. For a chief fire officer to table cuts of this magnitude to emergency fire response in York, Harrogate and Scarborough just weeks before retiring is quite frankly appalling.

“We need Zoe Metcalfe to stand up for her communities and reject these proposals rather than put their safety at risk.”

A new used car dealership has launched in Harrogate which aims to make buying a vehicle an “enjoyable and relaxed experience”.

Carlingo, which is based in the former Evans Halshaw showroom on Wetherby Road, has more than 120 cars in stock, ranging from a Nissan Micra to  Porsche Macan.

The company says it believes in “quality not quantity” and prides itself on finding cars that have the most desired optional extras. These include  a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, sat nav and upgraded alloys.

The second hand market grew 11.5 per cent on the back of the short supply of new vehicles, with 777,997 more sales than the previous year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

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A Carlingo spokesperson said:

“We know that buying a car is a big decision, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a difficult one. Our friendly team is on hand at our spacious and relaxing new Harrogate showroom.”

The showroom on Freeman’s Way has been refurbished and boasts stylish modern interior.

Yo Sushi in Harrogate has closed its dining area and will only be open for takeaways ‘until further notice’.

The Albert Street chain sells Japanese food on a conveyor belt, opening in 2016 along with the Everyman Cinema.

But a notice has gone up in its window that says the restaurant will be trading takeaway food for the time being.

The Stray Ferret asked a Yo Sushi team member who said the move is likely to last until the end of the month and was due to staffing problems.

Harrogate’s hospitality businesses have faced well-documented problems hiring staff over the past couple of years, with Brexit, high living costs and low pay all previously blamed for the crisis.

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• Environment campaigner revives Harrogate Spring Water protest

This article is sponsored by Yorkshire Water.

Yorkshire Water is planning to introduce car parking charges at three reservoirs in North Yorkshire – Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross – on a trial basis.

Since making the announcement this morning Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor, wanted to explain the proposed charges, why they are being implemented and what it is hoped the trial will deliver:

“Yorkshire is blessed with fantastic outdoor spaces, including reservoirs owned and operated by Yorkshire Water.

“Over the last two years, people looked for outdoor spaces to enjoy time with their family and friends when permitted. So we’ve welcomed more people to our sites than ever before.

“Unfortunately, this period also saw an increase in anti-social behaviour at our sites. Instances of fly-tipping, the lighting of disposable barbecues, littering, vandalism are on the up.

“All of these hindered the enjoyment of our sites for visitors and posed safety risks.”

As a result, Yorkshire Water decided to introduce its first ever in-house ranger team. A total of ten rangers will be recruited to patrol, manage and maintain the reservoirs.

The rangers will be able to provide information to visitors and enhance their experience. They will also be able to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Parking charges will fund new ranger team

To fund the rangers, Yorkshire Water is trialling car parking charges at Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross. Parking charges will also be introduced at Langsett in South Yorkshire.

Mr Harvey added:

“We have thought long and hard about the introduction of these charges.

“We believe we’ve catered for all types of visitors we see. Whether they are looking for a day out or to visit every day to walk their dog.

“As well as improving security and safety at our sites, the parking charges will also be used to fund a variety of conservation, community, and facility improvement projects.

“The funds will help us increase our work with charities and community groups. It will also help wildlife to thrive on our sites.

“All of this will ensure the money visitors spend on parking is invested directly into the sites they use to further improve their experience.

“Ultimately, we hope that during the trial we will see incidents of fly tipping and antisocial behaviour decrease; making these sites safer and more enjoyable for people, and more wildlife friendly too.

“Likewise, we hope that the charges will encourage people to at least consider travelling via public transport, cycle paths, and walking routes rather than by car.”

Yorkshire Water already sponsors the Dales Bus Service, which provides a specific bus route through the Washburn Valley, on Summer Sundays and Bank Holidays.

If planning is approved for the parking meters, charges will start at £1 for an hour, £2 for 2 hours, £5 for all-day parking of £30 for an annual pass.

Environmental campaigner Sarah Gibbs has revived her campaign to oppose the expansion of Harrogate Spring Water‘s bottling factory.

Ms Gibbs played a major role in the previous campaign against the company’s plans to fell trees in the Pinewoods to expand its site.

She stood outside Harrogate Borough Council during winter in a tree costume, urging the local authority to reject the scheme. The council, which received more than 400 objections, rejected the plans in January last year.

Now that the company has announced new plans, albeit on a smaller scale, Ms Gibbs has started campaigning again.

Last weekend she put up banners in the town centre and Valley Gardens for people to see during the jubilee celebrations. She is also considering protesting outside the council offices again.

She told the Stray Ferret she was “trying to do something rather than nothing” because she felt so passionately about the issue.

“I am trying to raise awareness because not everybody will be aware that this is on the agenda again.

“I would like to see our council take the climate emergency seriously.”

Pinewoods Conservation Group has said it is “encouraged” by Harrogate Spring Water’s decision to consult with people about its plans and and its commitment to “work with us and other key stakeholders to achieve a net biodiversity gain”.

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• Harrogate Spring Water to submit new plans to expand bottling plant soon

Harrogate Spring Water said last month it planned to revert to its original 2017 plan to expand its bottling plant.

The move, which would result in the loss of two acres of woodland, would create 30 jobs. A planning application is expected in autumn after a period of public consultation.

Harrogate Spring Water’s offices on Harlow Moor Road.

Richard Hall, managing director at Harrogate Spring Water, said:

“The town of Harrogate and the local community are at the heart of our business. So it is important for us to ensure that, as we look to grow, create further job opportunities and continue to support the local and regional economy, we also listen to them.

“That’s why we are now encouraging people to engage with us on this process, to give us the benefit of their views and to help shape the future of the company.

“We have a shared interest in driving prosperity for the town and creating a sustainable future for a key business that takes the Harrogate name around the UK and the world, and we hope that this process will allow us to come to a resolution which addresses people’s concerns and the town’s aspirations.”

A mass brawl broke out in Harrogate last night and spilled on to the main Skipton Road.

A large group of men started fighting outside Bilton Working Men’s Club at about  7pm.

At one point the skirmishes extended on to Skipton Road, which affected traffic.

Police turned up shortly afterwards.

Club treasurer Alan Huddart said the incident wasn’t anything to do with the club, adding:

“We had a funeral booking and I believe it related to that but nothing took place inside the club.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“We were called to the incident last night just after 7pm following reports of a group of men causing a disturbance in the street.

“On arrival the group had dispersed, no allegations were made and no arrests have been made.”

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• Bilton Working Men’s Club decides on new name
• Yorkshire Water introduces parking charges at Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross

Yorkshire Water has revealed plans to introduce parking charges at four of its reservoirs, including Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross in North Yorkshire.

The water company has said it will apply for planning permission for parking meters this month and, if approved, they will be installed for a trial period later this year.

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.

Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross are popular with walkers and dog walkers in the Harrogate district.

The company said income raised from the charges would be “reinvested across Yorkshire Water’s sites” on nature conservation projects and improvements to facilities.

Fewston Reservoir

The charges will also contribute towards the first ever in-house Yorkshire Water ranger team. The nine rangers will help visitors enjoy their stays, do maintenance jobs and tackle anti-social behaviour that poses a threat to people, wildlife and the environment.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside advisor at Yorkshire Water said:

“We know how important our sites are to local communities and visitors alike. We have thought long and hard about the way people use our sites before implementing this trial, as well as considering approaches at similar sites around the country.

“We believe a small parking fee and increased security will help to dissuade anti-social behaviour, such as fly-tipping, at our sites but also have a long-term positive impact in terms of the projects we can deliver in the future.

“We are collaborating with local authorities and local stakeholders to ensure the introduction of these tariffs causes minimal disruption and we will be working hard to ensure all our visitors are aware of the charges before they arrive at our sites.”

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Bransby Wilson Parking Solutions, based in York, have been appointed to operate the parking meters. ANPR cameras will be installed at the sites and visitors will be able to pay via card payment on site, the RingGo app and by telephone.

Those without means to pay with them can call the phone line later in the day to pay.

Swinsty reservoir

A Harrogate man has been found guilty of mistreating two pet dogs.

Robbie Nelson, 23, of Woodfield View, appeared before magistrates in York yesterday.

He was accused of failing to provide a suitable environment for a mastiff type dog called Rocco and a lurcher type dog called Smudge.

The case was brought by animal charity the RSPCA.

Nelson failed to turn up in court to respond to the charges on December 17 last year and was found guilty in his absence.

Police issued a warrant for his arrest on the same day and finally arrested him on Sunday.

At yesterday’s hearing, he was remanded on bail until June 28 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.