Cold Bath Road police chase leads to three drug arrests

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs after police chased a car through the streets of Harrogate.

The arrests took place on Wednesday afternoon after a vehicle failed to stop for the police on Skipton Road, officers chased the vehicle before it crashed on Cold Bath Road with the driver making a getaway.

Passers-by directed police officers towards him and the 23-year-old man was stopped and was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, acquiring criminal property, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

The police searched a nearby address and found more drugs and cash. They also arrested two more male suspects, 18 and 15, who were arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

They have been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

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Harrogate Army Foundation College instructor demoted for punching teenage soldiers

A British Army instructor who told junior recruits at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College “you’re mine now, bitches” has been demoted after being convicted of punching teenage soldiers.

Corporal Kimberley Hey worked as part of the directing staff at the college on Penny Pot Lane, where junior soldiers undergo training for six months, split into three terms of around six weeks.

Following a court martial, Corporal Hey was found to have hit one 16-year-old in the stomach on his first day of training and delivered a similar blow to another recruit because he had ‘smirked’ at her.

Reducing the 34-year-old in rank to Lance Corporal, Judge Advocate Alistair McGrigor told her that although the punches were at a ‘low level’ she had ‘abused’ her relationship with the recruits and her acts had the potential to ‘erode public trust’ in the armed forces’ training.

Cpl Kimberley Hey. Photo: Solent News and Photo Agency

Cpl Kimberley Hey. Photo: Solent News and Photo Agency

“You were a very experienced instructor in charge of junior soldiers.

“You had the interests of the junior soldiers at heart but this was an abuse of your relationship.

“It’s an extremely bad example to give young, impressionable soldiers at the start of their army life. Such behaviour had the potential to erode public confidence in training young soldiers.

“You have forfeited your rank by such behaviour.”

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Cpl Hey, who has served in the armed forces for 18 years, had denied the charges, insisting her actions only amounted to ‘mutual flicking’ that was part of ‘bonding’ with the soldiers.

But she was found guilty during a three-day trial at Bulford Military Court, Wilts, of two counts of battery relating to junior recruits Craftsman Joseph Wiggin and Craftsman Jonathan Bryan.

Jonathan Bryan. Photo: Solent News and Photo Agency

She was acquitted of six other charges of battery relating to three other soldiers including allegations that she had punched recruits for failing in tests.

‘You’re mine now, bitches’

One trainee told the court martial Cpl Hey, of 3rd Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, told new recruits, ‘You’re mine now, bitches’ shortly after they first arrived.

Signaller Hannah Harwood, who gave evidence via video link from the Falkland Islands, spoke of multiple incidents on ‘the company line’ — a line running down a corridor at the base along which recruits would line up. She said:

“Cpl Hey addressed the platoon at the beginning of the first term, when we first arrived.

“She said something along the lines of, ‘You’re mine now, bitches’.

“At the start of the second term Cpl Hey addressed the platoon again. She asked us, ‘Who thinks they’re hardest?’.

“Three people put their hands up and Cpl Hey punched them all in the stomach.”

Craftsman Wiggin told the court Cpl Hey had punched ‘everyone in the platoon’ on their first day in training, when he was just 16 years old.

Cfn Wiggin said:

“The platoon was called onto the line on the first day of training.

“Our section was on the line and we were all punched. There was no malice behind it – it was more of a sort of bonding thing.

“My arms were behind my back as we were all at ease. She didn’t say anything or give any reason, and I didn’t know she was going to punch me.

“I would have been 16 at the time.”

The Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

The Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

‘Strict but fair’

Craftsman Bryan told the court:

“Cpl Hey gave me a jab in the stomach on one occasion.

“The whole platoon were on the line. I was smirking at the time and she jabbed me in the stomach.

“I slightly anticipated it because she would do it as a joke with a few from her section.

“Cpl Hey was a good DS; she was strict but fair. She treated us more like friends and joked around with us.”

Handing down the sentence, Judge Advocate McGrigor said:

“You punched Private [Joseph] Wiggin on his first day as he stood in line with his whole platoon.

“Later you punched Private [Jonathan] Bryan because he smirked at you. The court rejected that this was ‘mutual flicking’ as you said.

“We do, however, accept that these punches were at the very low level.”

Harrogate cafe closes due to temporary staff shortages

A cafe in Harrogate has been forced to close its doors temporarily due a shortage of staff.

Staff at Caffé Nero, on the corner of Cambridge Street and Station Parade, posted a notice in the door this morning to explain why it would not be opening.

This closure highlights the ongoing recruitment crisis in the hospitality sector, which has forced many restaurants and cafes to reduce services.

The Stray Ferret asked the head office of Caffé Nero when the site would reopen. A spokesperson said it would be open “as soon as possible.”

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Meanwhile the notice in the door points customers to the second Caffé Nero site in town, which is a short walk away on Cambridge Crescent.

A spokesperson for Caffé Nero said:

“The store you’re referring to is only temporarily closed due to staff availability and will reopen as soon as possible.

“The larger store two minutes away at Cambridge Crescent is open as usual and trading normally.”

‘Station Gateway consultation a whitewash’, claim Harrogate petitioners

Harrogate residents described the Station Gateway consultation as a “whitewash” when they delivered a petition today.

Consultation on the revised plans for the £10.9 million scheme, which would see Station Parade reduced to single lane traffic and James Street partly pedestrianised, closes today.

Five members of Granvillle Road Area Residents Association took the petition to Harrogate Borough Council‘s Knapping Mount office at lunchtime today.

They are concerned that re-routing traffic off Cheltenham Parade and Cheltenham Mount through the nearby residential streets where they live will increase traffic and pollution and make it more difficult to park.

Dan Harper, executive officer economy and transport at Harrogate Borough Council, received the petition, which had about 140 signatures. He declined to be photographed by the Stray Ferret.

The residents expressed frustration over the consultation process, claiming it was difficult to get hold of information or people to address their concerns.

Catherine Ward-Brown, who lives on Cheltenham Mount, where traffic will be diverted if Cheltenham Mount is made one-way, said:

“They are trying to force commercial traffic on to residential streets and ignoring valid points made. They are hellbent on sticking to their views. It hasn’t been a consultation — it’s been a whitewash.”

Andrew Jones ‘not willing to engage’

Antonia Lowe questioned why Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, had not meaningfully replied to residents’ questions about the scheme.

“He was willing to engage with the process to relocate the post office but isn’t willing to engage with us.”

Rachael Inchboard said:

“He is passing the buck and refusing to engage. He has a duty to the Harrogate residents who voted him in to engage with this at the earliest opportunity. We would like to see him come to Granville Road.”

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The petitioners are considering paying to monitor air quality in their local streets as well as launching an online fundraising appeal to pay for an environmental impact assessment, which Harrogate Borough Council did not deem necessary.

The Stray Ferret has approached Mr Jones for comment.

What is the Harrogate Station Gateway?

The Harrogate scheme is one of three projects worth a combined £42m in Harrogate, Skipton and Selby funded by the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which encourages cycling and walking.

They are being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Craven District Council and Selby District Council.

A consultation on the revised designs ends today. It is anticipated that work in Harrogate will begin by the middle of next year.

To take part in the online consultation, click here.

 

Two arrested after late night Harrogate drugs swoop

Two people have been arrested after police pulled over a car last night and found suspected class A drugs.

Officers from Operation Expedite, the county lines drugs team at North Yorkshire Police, stopped the vehicle.

Harrogate traffic police officer Sgt Paul Cording, who along with Harrogate traffic constable David Minto assisted the other officers, tweeted shortly after 5am:

“A search of the occupants revealed a number of clear bags containing believed class A drugs. Driver and passenger arrested and enquiries ongoing.”

This vehicle stopped by myself & @TC174_NYP along with our colleagues from #OpExpedite in #Harrogate A search of the occupants reveals a number of clear bags containing believed Class A drugs. Driver & passenger arrested & enquiries ongoing #NotInOurCounty #RoadsPolicing pic.twitter.com/BWx1zv9Al3

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) November 12, 2021

 

New Christmas express train from London to Harrogate

A Christmas express train is to operate from London to Harrogate this year to attract people to the town’s new festive market.

Tourism organisation Visit Harrogate has partnered with rail company LNER to set up the service for the new Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 10.

The first class service will depart King’s Cross at 9.33am and arrive in Harrogate just under three hours later. Tickets cost £140 and include a goodie bag of Harrogate treats. It will cost £100 from Stevenage and £80 from Grantham.

Passengers can spend one or two days in Harrogate.

A giant inflatable snow globe is being installed at King’s Cross station today and tomorrow, offering people the chance to have selfies taken inside a winter wonderland scene, while learning more about the special event.

Visit Harrogate is planning the biggest Christmas campaign in its history after covid ruined last year’s festivities.

Gemma Rio, head of destination management at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“We are delighted to be working with LNER to bring more visitors to Harrogate for a festive break. Overnight visitors spend money in our hotels, restaurants, shops and visitors attractions – which is exactly what our local businesses need after a difficult year.

“The direct service from London is a real asset to our visitor economy, so we’re committed to working closely with LNER in the lead up to Christmas and beyond to ensure potential visitors from the south east know just how easy it is to reach us.”

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Harrogate Borough Council and Visit Harrogate are planning to work with LNER on a regular basis to attract visitors from London throughout the year.

Kate McFerran, director of communications at LNER said:

“We are excited to announce that Harrogate will be the destination for our very first Christmas market event. It’s such a stunning location for a weekend visit, offering something for all the family and it promises to be especially magical this Christmas.”

Harrogate’s Christmas offering

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which is being jointly staged by the council and Market Place Europe, will take place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent from December 3 to 12.

It will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

About 50 traders will take part in the fayre.

In addition, Little Bird Made is set to hold a festive artisan market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, with times to be confirmed.

The artisan market will feature approximately 60 local and regional traders and producers who will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Harrogate residents deliver petition opposing Station Gateway

Harrogate residents will hand in a petition today opposing the Station Gateway on the final day of consultation on the £10.9 million scheme.

Members of Granvillle Road Area Residents Association organised the signatures in response to fears that re-routing the A61 will increase traffic in nearby residential streets, such as Granville Road, Back Granville Road, Mount Parade, Back Cheltenham Mount and Strawberry Dale Avenue.

Rachael Inchboard, a member of the association, said about 200 of the 250 homes affected by the changes had signed the petition, which will be presented to Harrogate Borough Council.

After the consultation ends, councils supporting the initiative, led by North Yorkshire County Council, are expected to produce a final report summarising consultation outcomes and outlining the next steps.

Businesses in the town are considering applying for a judicial review to halt the scheme.

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North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, the executive member for access, reiterated his support for the scheme. He said:

“I do not believe that the gateway scheme for Harrogate should now be dropped because of opposition from certain businesses.

“Whilst their views, and indeed the local town centre economy, are very important to us, there are also the views of many other sectors and persons to consider. The findings of the latest round of consultation will be important to us too, as are the many thousands of views expressed in the Harrogate congestion study public engagement.

“I have nothing further to say about legal action. If an individual wishes to begin such a process, we shall be ready to respond.”

What is the Harrogate Station Gateway?

The Harrogate scheme is one of three projects worth a combined £42m in Harrogate, Skipton and Selby funded by the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which encourages cycling and walking.

They are being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Craven District Council and Selby District Council.

A consultation on the revised designs ends today. It is anticipated that work in Harrogate will begin by the middle of next year.

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Leah back on the traffic and travel desk early this morning hoping to help you avoid disruption on the roads and rail lines.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, aim to keep the district running smoothly.

If you get stuck in traffic or spot something, and it is safe, then drop me a DM.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me this morning. Suzannah will be back with you next week from 6:30 on Monday. Have a lovely weekend.

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Traffic is building here:

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8.30am – Full Update 

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Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

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8am – Full Update 

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Traffic is building here:

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7.30am – Full Update 

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Traffic is starting to build in the Harrogate district, with no hotspots just yet.

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7am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

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6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

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Harrogate panto director promises comedy and magic

Joyce Branagh, the woman at the helm of this year’s production of Cinderella at Harrogate Theatre, hopes her passion for pantomime will shine through this year’s performance.

Ms Branagh, the sister of Kenneth Branagh, began directing the panto at the end of the October after the sudden death of former director Phil Lowe. She said since then it’s been “lots of late nights” to get the panto to a place she is happy with.

Ms Branagh is no stranger to Harrogate Theatre. She directed a play in the town years ago and sat on the board in recent years. She said she could’t say no when David Bown, the theatre chief executive, asked her to take on the director role.

Ms Branagh is working alongside a large theatre crew to put on the most popular show of the theatre’s calendar.

With well-known faces such as Tim Stedman returning, it sounds like visitors can expect the kind of panto Harrogate residents have come to love.

Ms Branagh said:

“It’s going to be very silly and it’s got some lovely music and singers in it. I really hope people can come and forget about all the nonsense that has been happening over the past few years and have a proper laugh, a sing-song and the kids can really shout too!”

Silliness for everyone

After 18 months away from directing, due to the pandemic, she said she felt a bit “rusty” at first. The rest of the cast also felt a little worn down at first, she said, but the silliness of the panto quickly woke them up.

She said finding a job where you pick whether to hit someone over the head with a squeaky hammer of a frying pan is her kind of 9-5!

She said:

“We’re putting something together that works for someone who is 4 and 94.

“For me, my love for panto comes from the feeling in the auditorium, especially when young kids walk in for the first time and see the set and the props it’s amazing to see their eyes light up.”

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Famous brother

Ms Branagh watched her brother Kenneth Branagh’s acting career take off from a young age, he’s known for his roles in several Shakespeare film adaptations as well as directing Thor and Disney’s adaptation of Cinderella.

She said it was watching him on stage and in films that led her to discover her love of theatre and spurred her into acting and directing.

“We weren’t a theatre family at all. When we watched Ken’s shows my parents would say he was an exception and very lucky. They said it wasn’t a great profession to go into but I loved it.”

Get ready to boo, hiss, shout and sing this November as the pantomime gets underway from November 26.

If you want to get in the mood ahead of the panto, check out our Panto Stories performed by Tim Stedman.

Granby residents demand action on ‘banging and crashing’ from noisy pile driver

Residents near a housebuilding site in Harrogate have complained that a loud pile driver is ruining their day.

Developer Redrow Homes was given the green light to build 95 homes on Granby Farm by Harrogate Borough Council in April. The homes are currently being built in a field near Harrogate High School.

Pile drivers are machines that drive steel into the earth during the early stages of construction to create foundations.

One resident, Gary Walker, said the machine began on Monday and has been “constant” throughout this week. The field is surrounded by houses and he called on the council to take action.

Mr Walker said:

“I’ve never heard anything like it.

“I’ve closed all the windows as I couldn’t concentrate. It’s like living next to Big Ben. It’s constant and you can feel the vibrations shaking.

“This is a serious issue and the lack of consideration is very concerning.”

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Bill Shaw, who also lives nearby, worries that the noise and vibrations could scare dogs and cats and potentially affect people’s health.

He said:

“The noise is ridiculous. It’s a constant banging and crashing.”

The residents questioned whey there did not appear to be any measures in place to reduce the noise, such as sound barriers. They would like to see the pile driver stopped until the noise is addressed.

Tom Roberts, Redrow Homes said:

“Initial piling for our 95 new homes is due to be completed in the next few days, although there will be further piling required in the future which is an essential part of building our homes.  We appreciate that this type of work can be disruptive for neighbours and thank them for their patience. We can assure them that we will always do our best to complete it as quickly as possible.

“The development will be known as Granby Meadows and we are looking forward to bringing the first properties to market in February next year. The development will include 40% affordable housing, high quality green space, a new footpath and cycle greenway connecting to Harrogate town centre and The Stray, plus local education contributions in excess of £500,000.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate Borough Council for a response but we did not receive one by the time of publication.