Harrogate climate change scientist warns of more extreme heatwaves

Harrogate climate scientist Professor Piers Forster has warned extreme heatwaves could be common in just 10 years due to climate change.

Prof Forster, who has lived in the town since 2005, was one of the main authors of last year’s “code red for humanity” climate change report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on behalf of the United Nations.

The report was discussed around the globe and warned of climate catastrophe unless action is taken now.

Prof Forster has spent his career analysing the effects of climate change and is a director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate and professor of physical climate change at the University of Leeds.

The weather in Harrogate is set to peak at 38 degrees tomorrow, breaking all-time records. Prof Forster told the Stray Ferret why we are currently experiencing this extreme weather:

“The heatwave comes from a combination of a blast of hot air from Europe blowing over very dry soil. Global warming plays a big part in both these factors. Wild fires are raging across southern Europe with temperatures approaching 50 degrees centigrade in parts of Portugal.

“Climate change is warming the land and ocean, and has brought extended drought conditions to much of Europe. This means that heatwaves are over two degree more intense than they would otherwise be and are occurring much more often.  We have some of the longest records in the UK, we can use these to estimate how likely such as heatwave is.”

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Many climate change skeptics have pointed to the UK heatwave of 1976, when temperatures peaked at 35.9 degrees during one day in Cheltenham. But this was five degrees lower than what is forecast for parts of England tomorrow.

Prof Forster said the weather this week is particularly unusual but will become more common unless countries around the world take action to reach net zero.

He added:

“One hundred years ago a heatwave such as this would have occurred once every 300 years, now it’s every 15 years. In a decade or so this will be a typical summer. The science is clear that these heatwaves will worsen until the UK and every other country In the world has reached net zero emissions: all sectors of every economy will need to decarbonise. 

“Given the current crises in the world this seems like a tall ask but there is no other way. Wheat dies if it experiences temperatures of 34C or more at the time of flowering  – this is not a world we want our children growing up in.”

Grim future ‘not a given’

Today, trains from Harrogate to London have been cancelled, Knaresborough Town FC has called off a match and schools, care homes and businesses are putting measures in place to protect vulnerable people from the extreme heat.

Prof Forster said we will have to learn to adapt to more heatwaves but a “grim future” is not guaranteed if policymakers work to urgently cut emissions.

He added:

“I don’t think people realise how much the UK’s climate will change over the next two decades: we are going to have to adapt our behaviour, homes, work places, hospitals, schools, roads and trains to such hot days. Expect wild fires and spending days in doors to avoid bad air quality. 

“Our research at the University of Leeds shows that this grim future is not a given: cutting emissions urgently and strongly now can slow the rate of warming, giving societies time to adapt. We need to take this heatwave seriously: adjust your day accordingly, stay safe and hydrated.”

Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for record temperatures in Harrogate district

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical conditions.

 

Ice creams for hospital patients

Measures are being put in place to help patients and staff keep cool at Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital.

On the wards and in outpatient areas, temperatures will be monitored and air conditioning units are available if needed. High risk patients will be watched closely and ice creams and lollies will be available to help people cool down.

A spokesperson for Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust said staff have been given advice on ways to keep cool while working during the heatwave, including wearing light-weight scrubs.

Some appointments where physical exertion is needed, such as physio appointments, may be postponed until the weather is cooler.

The spokesperson said:

“Our emergency department is always busy and under pressure during severe weather due to an increased number of people visiting our hospital – some with heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Waiting times to be seen during these times can be longer than usual due to demand.”

Anyone considering going to the emergency department is asked to call NHS 111 first or visit the 111 service online, unless it is a severe or life-threatening situation.

The service can offer advice and even book people in to be seen quickly on arrival if a hospital visit is needed.

Anyone arriving without an appointment will still be seen, with the most urgent cases being dealt with first.

 

Council bin collections to start earlier

A new recycling wheelie bin to be trialled in Knaresborough

Harrogate Borough Council has made some adjustments to its services in order to keep staff safe.

A spokesperson said:

“Waste and recycling collection rounds will be starting earlier in the morning to enable rounds to be completed earlier and limit work time in the hottest part of the day.

“In relation to our Brimhams Active health and wellbeing services, all staff cover heat exhaustion as part of their staff training, they will be reminded of what to look for and how to treat any incidences.

“At our community wellbeing hubs we have plans in place to increase breaks and water at all sessions.

“We are using the government guidance for vulnerable adults and will err on the side of caution and cancel when/if appropriate.”

Risk assessments have been completed for extreme heat and adjustments made, including for staff working outdoors. The spokesperson said there may be some changes to services if required to protect staff and vulnerable residents.

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Extra checks on vulnerable residents

As the public health authority for the Harrogate district, North Yorkshire County Council has issued advice about keeping homes cool, including:

The council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace, said:

“Those in our communities who may be more vulnerable will be receiving increased checks on them throughout hot spells.

“However, we would appeal to those who are able to take the time to check whether friends, relatives and neighbours need help and to call for assistance if necessary.

“Public buildings operated by the county council will also be kept as cool as possible while temperatures remain high, but we would advise people to avoid making unnecessary journeys while the weather remains hot.

 

Care homes focus on hydration

Jill Young, operations director at Vida Healthcare, said its homes have plans in place ready to be activated in the event of a heatwave and some measures began to be introduced last week.

She said hydration was a particular focus, as well as adapted menus with cold foods to reduce use of ovens in the kitchen, adding:

“During hot weather, we also introduce extra fluid measures. Our chefs make jelly sweets that contain 20ml of water per sweet – our residents love them and it can be a straightforward way of giving them a little extra fluid.

“Our freezers are kept stocked with ice creams and ice lollies for both staff and residents which are available at all times, and our residents also have access to jugs of juice and water in their rooms and the communal areas.

“We’re very lucky that all three of our homes have access to secure outdoor spaces with shaded areas that our residents can enjoy.

“If a resident is keen to go outside, our staff will make sure they’re wearing a hat and suncream, and will encourage them to sit in the shade to keep safe from the sun.”

At Emmaus House, opposite Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, manager Chrissie Steel said extra jugs of cold squash will be placed around the home.

“For people with dementia, they may not be able to recognise they are thirsty, or to tell us they need a drink, but they can often point to a jug if they see one.

“We’re very fortunate to be close to the Valley Gardens to get outside when it’s cool enough – and many of our residents who have spent time in Africa earlier in life absolutely love this heat!”

 

Schools relax uniform policy

Some schools have relaxed uniform policies for Monday and Tuesday, allowing students to attend in light-weight clothing.

Many have said they will keep children indoors during the hottest part of the day and will be ensuring they drink more water than usual.

NYCC public health director Louise Wallace said:

“Staff in schools are aware of the potential risks created by a heatwave and school children should aim to have sun cream applied before attending school next week, and ensure they have a refillable water bottle with them.”

 

Warning over power supplies

Northern Powergrid has warned the high temperatures could cause disruption to power supplies.

It has asked people to report power cuts via its website or by calling 105.

Anyone who could need more assistance in a power cut, such as people with medical conditions or disabilities, or families with very young children, can sign up for priority services membership and will be kept updated during any disruption.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said:

“Our customer support vehicles are also prepped and ready to go out into local communities, where possible.

“We have also taken action to remind our people of the importance of staying hydrated and protected so they can continue to work safely during the hot weather.”

 

Displays aim to help Harrogate regain floral fame

A trail of colourful floral displays has been created in Harrogate in the hope the town will do well in the regional heat of this year’s ‘In Bloom’ competition.

The trail is part of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID)’s ‘Floral Summer Celebration’ and tells the story of the town centre.

Each of the seven displays has a link to Harrogate’s history, including its retail offering, spa heritage and fabled tea rooms.

They are:

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To boost the floral theme the BID has also created an indoor exhibition which features the first Harrogate Flower Shower, held in the Sun Pavilion.

In addition, town centre businesses are involved in a shop window competition – designed to catch the eye of the In Bloom judges as they tour the town over the coming weeks.

Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said:

“Harrogate is renowned as a horticultural haven, and for the next month we are helping the town centre flex its floral muscles.

“Our Floral Summer of Celebration is all about shouting about our fame for hosting nationally-acclaimed flower shows, the fantastic Valley Gardens, and wonderful flower displays.

“In previous years, Harrogate has achieved national and international floral fame in the In Bloom competitions, and we are determined to reclaim our rightful place as the floral capital of not only the north, but the whole country.

“For the last three years, we have funded just short of 200 brightly-coloured barrier baskets and large planters outside town centre shops and businesses, whilst over the last two years, we have worked with Harrogate in Bloom and Harrogate Borough Council in facilitating hanging baskets outside town centre shops and businesses.”

Jo Caswell, Harrogate BID Project Lead, said:

“We are really excited to officially unveil our Floral Summer of Celebration. The trail will take followers to different parts of the town, helping visitors get a real flavour of what Harrogate has to offer.

“And once they have completed the trail, they can then visit the exhibition and watch the fantastic film loaned from the Yorkshire Film Archive, which will also really appeal to residents.”

Meanwhile, Harrogate in Bloom wants the public to nominate their favourite floral exteriors in the town. These can be restaurants, cafes, bars, shops or offices and should be sent to harrogateinbloom@mann.so.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 5 August 2022

Winners will be awarded with a trophy and certificate at the Harrogate in Bloom Awards in September.

Spofforth housing developer requests £23,000 in council appeal costs

A developer has asked Harrogate Borough Council to pay £23,000 in costs after it won a planning appeal against the authority.

Yorkshire Housing Ltd took the council to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after it refused a proposal for 72 homes on Massey Fold in Spofforth.

The developer already had outline permission to build on the site, but councillors turned down an application that finalised the appearance and landscaping details in November 2020.

At the time, councillors said the plan would have a “detrimental urbanising impact upon the character and setting of Spofforth”.

A planning inspector sided in favour with Yorkshire Housing and gave the go-ahead for the scheme in October 2021.

Now the council has confirmed that the developer has submitted a request for costs totalling £23,278 for the appeal.

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The developer sought costs from the council after it said the authority had “unreasonably delayed” the housing development.

Council officials asked the inspector dismiss the request. But the government awarded costs against the authority.

Local concern

The decision to approve the scheme followed concerns from local residents over the design and that the housing would not be in keeping with the village.

More than 300 local people and organisations, including Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, raised concerns about the development.

Shirley Fawcett, chairman of Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council, wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson appealing for help in challenging the development.

However, Siobhan Watson, the government planning inspector, said she found the council’s reasons for refusal “vague and illogical”.

She said:

“Given the site’s planning history, I find the council’s refusal of the application and subsequent defence of the case to be both vague and illogical. 

“I consider that the development should have been clearly permitted and that the council produced vague and generalised assertions about the proposal’s impact which are unsupported by objective analysis.”

Stray Views: Noisy cars in Harrogate should be monitored at weekends

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Noisy cars should be monitored at weekends

Totally agree there should be a clampdown on noisy cars – especially needs to be monitored in Harrogate during weekends. 

This is not the first time action has been promised but monitoring not kept up. Police would find a hefty contribution towards funds if they were fined.

Gillian Long, Harrogate

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Noisy cars ‘constant’ on Harrogate Road

I live next to Harrogate Road. Cars are constantly coming over High Bridge accelerating to hit the double carriage section.

The noise is at times deafening with the back firing, which seems to be the fashion.The speed  which they travel up the road is way past the speed limit and you hear them throttle back when reaching the bollards opposite the Care Building on the right.

Why they do it beats me, because you usually catch them up at the lights on Bogs Lane. The police, you never see them.

Malcom Wood, Harrogate

Boris Johnson better than the alternative

In response to Paul Baverstock’s latest Strayside Sunday column, although Boris Johnson was not a perfect Prime Minster at least he is not Jeremy Corbyn or Keir Starmer.

Paul Smith, Knaresborough

Waiting on Gateway consultation

We’ve read more than once that there will be a third consultation regarding this ghastly scheme.

Could you please publish the details of this consultation in your pages as we would all like to know exactly what form it’s taking and who exactly is being consulted as we don’t know of anyone who was on the first and second ones.

It’s a dreadful scheme and we’d like a chance to give our opinions.

Brian and Tricia Preston, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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

A legal threat against Harrogate’s £11.2 million Gateway project has raised new questions over whether the controversial scheme can meet its completion deadline.

There is an agreement between the Department for Transport and West Yorkshire Combined Authority that the project to revamp key parts of the town centre should be completed by March 2024.

But revelations that one of Harrogate’s leading property companies has submitted a proposed claim for a judicial review has cast uncertainty over the already-delayed project which is being led by North Yorkshire County Council.

Letters obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request reveal claims from Hornbeam Park Developments that a council-run consultation on the proposals was “unlawful”.

The council – which recently announced plans for another consultation this summer – responded in a letter to say it “does not accept” the claims.

A Department for Transport spokesman said it expects all projects funded through its Transforming Cities Fund to be delivered on time and that where there are delays, deadlines will be “reassessed by a panel on a case-by-case basis”.

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But when asked what a possible judicial review could mean for the Harrogate Gateway project, the spokesman added “we can’t comment on the specific funding arrangement” of the scheme “as this information is commercially sensitive”.

Separately, the council also said in response to the FOI that it “does not hold this information”.

Hornbeam Park Developments made the legal threat in February when it challenged the council’s decision to submit a final business case for the project despite survey results showing more respondents felt ‘negative’ (56%) about the scheme than those that felt ‘positive’ (39%).

The council then announced plans for another consultation and said it hoped construction works would start this winter, with completion in winter 2023/24.

The works will involve cycling and walking upgrades for Station Square and the One Arch underpass, as well the Odeon cinema roundabout and several other streets in the area.

But the most controversial plans include a reduction of Station Parade to one-lane traffic and a part-time pedestrianisation of James Street.

There are similar Gateway projects for Selby and Skipton, yet Karl Battersby, director of business and environmental services at the council, said the Harrogate scheme “has generated the most interest by far”.

He said: 

“It is positive that local residents and businesses feel so strongly about changes to their town and it is important to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share their views on designs for the ambitious scheme.

“The project has developed since the previous consultation, and we know that the impact of the changes on traffic levels and flows were key issues raised in the previous consultation and we will provide further information on those aspects.

“We will also be consulting on the draft Traffic Regulation Orders, which would be required to implement the scheme.

“We will continue to work to the current timescales as set by the Department for Transport and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.”

Mr Battersby also said details of the next consultation will be announced “shortly”.

In pictures: Great Yorkshire Show 2022 highlights

The 163rd Great Yorkshire Show returned to Harrogate this week for a sold out event.

All 140,000 tickets were snapped up in advance for the annual event, which started on Tuesday and finished on Friday.

Visitors flocked to the show, which featured a host of celebrities, including former Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker and shepherdess and presenter Amanda Owen.

An array of attractions were also on display, including sheepdog trials, horse showing classes and a pigeon show.

Meanwhile, some of the best farms across the north of England competed for the Tye Trophy, which recognises the contribution of farmers to conservation and environmental improvement.

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Princess Anne attended on the opening day to mark another royal visit.

Charles Mills, show director, said: 

“It was a real honour to welcome the Princess Royal to the Great Yorkshire Show again this year.”

The Princess Royal visited the food hall, cheese show and farming charities as well as the bicentenary celebrations of the Shorthorn cattle breed. 

Here are some pictures from this year’s event.

Social care pilot scheme in Harrogate district ‘could bankrupt council’ without more funding

A national overhaul of the adult social care system will be trialled across North Yorkshire next year – but could leave authorities with a budget deficit stretching into the millions.

North Yorkshire County Council is one of five authorities signed up to be part of the pilot scheme from January, before it is rolled out across the country in October 2023.

It will see a cap of £86,000 placed on each individual’s spending on their care in their lifetime, after which the local authority will fund it for as long as needed.

The reforms will also allow people to retain up to £100,000 of their own assets and still qualify for funding for their care. The current limit is £23,250.

While the result will be a benefit to individuals who get to keep more of their own money and pass it on to their relatives, there is an obvious challenge facing local authorities.

NYCC believes the new system could cost it £45m per year more than it currently pays for adult social care, and it has yet to be told how much money it will be given for the pilot scheme, known as ‘trailblazers’.

Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult care, told the Stray Ferret:

“It will benefit residents because no-one is going to pay more [for their care during their lifetime]. Most people are going to pay less, depending on how long they’re in the care system.

“It’s entirely positive for residents from a financial perspective. The rub is, who’s going to fund it?”

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At the same time as the changes to funding are introduced, reforms in care fees are being planned.

They will do away with the current two-tier system, which sees local authorities pay a lower rate than a private individual has to pay for the same care.

Cllr Harrison said it is not yet clear what the new fees would be, but it was inevitable that local authorities would end up paying more so care homes did not see a drop in funding.

“If you reduce their income, the viability of the market is threatened.

“Whatever we’re paying, when it comes down to what the individuals working in social care earn, most of them are either on minimum wage or not far off.”

Cllr Michael Harrison

While those two reforms to funding and charging are being planned, a third financial implication for local authorities will come in the form of overseeing an inevitable rise in the number of people accessing local authority funding towards their care.

“The sheer workload of assessment and brokerage and IT – there’s a huge weight of bureaucracy surrounding that because there’s just going to be more people in the system.

“We don’t know how many people are out there self-funding who will come to us – why would we?

“It’s new costs in a market that’s already under stress. How much, we don’t know.

“A piece of work has been done by the County Council Network and we think this could all cost NYCC up to £45m a year – additional [to what it already spends on care].”

Implementation of the new equal care fees system has recently been delayed by the government. The new funding structure being introduced next year will also only apply to people entering the care system, not those already in it.

While this takes the immediate pressure off NYCC’s budget by phasing in some of the changes, Cllr Harrison and his department’s officers know the full impact will be felt in the future.

Care home

The changes are set to be funded by the new health and social care levy, brought into effect in April, which has seen a 1.25% increase in National Insurance. The money raised is to be shared between the NHS – which will take most of it – and adult social care.

However, the current Conservative leadership race has seen almost all of the contenders to be Prime Minister declare they would scrap the levy – yet none has said what they would do about funding the scheme without it.

Meanwhile, Cllr Harrison said it has not yet been confirmed what NYCC’s share of the money will be to fund the new system coming into force in less than six months.

“If we apply the normal ratios, we can usually be pretty confident what our share of funding would be. If we’re right, we’ve got up to a £23m hole in our budget in a council already producing a structural deficit of £50m. It would bankrupt us.”

So why did NYCC agree to be part of the trailblazers project, bringing the problems of the new system forward by nine months?

Cllr Harrison said he believes North Yorkshire County Council has a reputation for being competent and working constructively with central government.

At the same time, North Yorkshire has certain characteristics that can be tested through the pilot scheme: an older than average population, a large, rural landscape, with 500 care providers spread across it, and a relatively high proportion of self-funders accessing services.

The rural nature of the county, along with a higher than average elderly population, make it a useful case study for the government to test how its new system will work.

He also hopes it will be an opportunity to make careers in care better funded and more respected, in line with the council’s Make Care Matter campaign.

“Part of being involved in the trailblazers is to try and shape government policy to understand the challenges and find solutions to those challenges and pilot the changes up front.

“The risk to us is if it’s going to hurt us financially before the rest of the country.”

However, he said, there are clauses in the agreement which will allow NYCC to pull out if the scheme is not working and to revert to the current arrangements until all councils move to the new system after the pilot concludes.

The aim, however, is to go through the trailblazers project with the ear of the government, proving that more money is needed before it can be rolled out further. But will the funding come through?

“I’m hopeful. If it doesn’t, it will bankrupt a number of councils round the country and potentially impact the viability of the whole care sector.”

Harrogate barbershop group encouraging new singers with fun course

Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus is encouraging men to take up barbershop singing through a fun five-week course.

The course, which will take place at St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Road, is aimed at both newcomers and those who already enjoy singing.

There are no auditions or a need to read music and no experience is necessary. Men of all ages are welcome.

The course culminates with a concert to entertain family and friends in the final week.

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The course begins on Wednesday July 27 at 7.30pm.

It costs £10 for the five weeks, which includes all course materials and tuition.

Greg Tunesi, a member of Harrogate Harmony, said:

“Being part of an ensemble, creating a harmony in music and in friendship is good fun, relaxed and informal. When you sing well amongst 16 to 18 other men, it’s an amazing feeling and produces a beautiful sound.

“Those attending will have singing in four-part harmony explained and demonstrated to them. They will then be guided as to which voice part, tenor, lead, baritone or bass best suits their voice”

For more information visit www.harrogateharmony.org.uk or contact Harold Blackburn at haroldblackburn2@outlook.com or on 07949 267344 to book a place.

Pop-up veg stall proves a hit on Starbeck High Street

A greengrocer who set up a pop-up stall in Starbeck says it has proved a hit with locals – and boosted other nearby shops too.

George Churchill has been running George’s Greens outside the Prince of Wales pub every Friday for the last month.

Enthusiasm from local residents has been huge, he said, and is giving his business a new direction.

“It’s really busy. Because we’re only there once a week, I quite like the excitement of the one day. People know if they don’t get to us then, we’re not back for a week.”

Not only do customers appreciate being able to get fruit and vegetables fresh from the market that morning, but they are also spending more time shopping nearby, he said.

Other local businesses have reportedly had busier days on Fridays than before, he said, helping to boost their fortunes too.

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The idea for the stall came from George’s supplier, Jak Lister, who told him there was a gap in the market for a fruit and veg retailer in Starbeck.

“Jak grew up around there. He said it was busy and there’s a lot of takeaways but they don’t open until later so it’s quiet during the day.

“It was down to the people in Starbeck who said I should speak to Alison who runs the pub. It’s down to her that I’m there.”

George, 26, entered the trade as a shop assistant in York when he was just 14. Just before he turned 21, the opportunity came up to buy the shop and he grabbed it with both hands – while his friends were spending their wages buying their first cars.

Since then, he has established stalls in some villages near York, but said he was nervous about travelling to Starbeck, with the cost of fuel impacting on any money he might earn and a 2am start needed to get to the market.

However, the success of the last few weeks has been beyond his expectations, with customer numbers rising week on week.

Now, George hopes the business will expand as he builds on the new model of pop-up stalls at new locations around the area.

“For us, it proves the model works, so we can push it to more pubs in different areas.

“I feel like it’s a way forward. You aren’t committed to a long-term rent on a shop – if you try somewhere and it doesn’t work, you move on.”

George’s Greens is outside the Prince of Wales pub on Starbeck High Street every Friday from 9am to 4pm.