Around three cyclists an hour using Harrogate’s new low traffic neighbourhood

Around three cyclists an hour are using Harrogate’s new low traffic neighbourhood initiative on Beech Grove, figures obtained by the Stray Ferret reveal.

North Yorkshire County Council closed Beech Grove to through traffic in February, initially on a six-month trial. It later extended the trial to 18 months.

The council said the move would encourage cycling and walking on the road, which runs alongside the Stray but the move angered some residents and motorists.

Following a freedom of information request, North Yorkshire County Council has released the results of five surveys that counted the number of cyclists using the low traffic neighbourhood over a 24-hour period across two weeks.

Surveys took place in August 2020, April 2021, May/June 2021, June 2021 and July 2021. The surveys divided Beech Grove into three sections — north, mid and south.

The busiest month was in April 2021, when an average of three to four cyclists an hour were recorded using the road. In August 2020, before the road closed to through traffic, between one and two cyclists an hour were recorded.

The most recent survey was undertaken in July, when two cyclists an hour were counted.

The council said in a statement it expected the number of cyclists to increase once the Otley Road cycle scheme was finished and the initial data should not be used to judge whether the low traffic neighbourhood has been a success. Work on the Otley Road cycle route is due to start on September 20 and take up to 10 weeks.

The statement said:

“It should be stressed however, that given the Otley Road cycle scheme is not yet under construction, the usage is also not as it would be expected to be once the Otley Road scheme (and the town centre Victoria Avenue/ Station Parade schemes) is constructed offering further improved cycling and walking facilities and therefore an even greater incentive for residents/ motorists to leave their motor vehicles at home for shorter journeys.

“Therefore, these figures are not being used as sole data to consider whether the experimental order is a success. Impact upon neighbouring road network, local resident support and more are all being used to consider whether the scheme be retained.”

The data

Beech Grove North

August 2020 – 50 cyclists/day

April 2021 – 89 cyclists/day

May/June – 57 cyclists/day

June – 62 cyclists/day 

July 50 cyclists/day 

Beech Grove Mid

August 2020 – 36 cyclists/day 

April 2021 – 84 cyclists/day 

May/ June – 79 cyclists/day 

June – 76 cyclists/day 

July – 49 cyclists/ day 

Beech Grove South

August 2020 – 32 cyclists/ day 

April 2021 – 83 cyclists/ day

May/ June – 44 cyclists/ day

June – 50 cyclists/day

July – 60 cyclists/ day

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The response

Kevin Douglas, chair of Harrogate District Cycle Action told the Stray Ferret the figures were “pretty good” and that numbers would increase when the Otley Road cycle route was in use.

He said:

“Those people who say no cyclists are using Beech Grove are wrong.

“The fact that the Otley Road cycle route isn’t in place and the Victoria Road scheme isn’t in place means that this key link is working in isolation so I think the numbers relate to those confident of cycling on busy roads.

“The real test should be when those two key pieces of the network are in place.

“However, the LTN must remain in place until the work on the two schemes are completed.”

Anna McIntee, co-founder of Harrogate Residents Association, which has launched a petition against the closure, which received over 600 signatures. She told the Stray Ferret the figures show that the low traffic neighbourhood has not increased cycling.

“The numbers of cyclists have not risen substantially or exponentially the longer the scheme has been in place.

“If a day is counted as 24 hours then it seems the maximum number of cyclists recorded gives less than four per hour.

“Plus, do the figures include the same cyclists’ return trips? In which case the figures could probably be halved.

“All the disruption this low traffic neighbourhood has caused to residents doesn’t seem worthy of the small increase in cyclists.”

 

Police say wanted sex offender who is ‘danger to women’ could be in Harrogate

Police are searching for a man with links to Harrogate after he failed to appear in court.

Stephen Thrower was due in court for failing to comply with with the requirements of his sex offenders registration.

A warrant was issued for his arrest after he didn’t turn up.

West Yorkshire Police said in a tweet today the 53-year-old was as a danger to women and should not be approached.

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He has a number of tattoos, including a swallow, eagle, tiger and dagger on his right arm.

Thrower has links to Harrogate, York and Bradford and police believe he could be employed as a fairground worker.

Police urge anyone who sees him to call 999.

Ripon Arts Hub re-opens with first performances

Ripon Arts Hub has opened its doors to the public after 18 months of fundraising by volunteers behind the scenes,

The premises on Allhallowgate, owned by Ripon Amateur Operatic Society  were refurbished during lockdown.

The upgrade was partly funded by a £54,339 grant from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which helps cultural organisations and heritage sites recover from covid.

It has enabled the society’s Operatic Hall to be transformed into a modern, fully ventilated theatre for live performances and events.

As well as being the setting for the society’s own productions and rehearsals, the re-vamped venue provides Ripon’s first community arts space.

It is also available for private hire.

The first in a series of live performances was held yesterday evening, with the Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, hosted by Lou Conran and featuring Steve Shanyaski and Stephen Bailey.

Hilarity Bites returns on 5 October with another evening of stand-up comedy, this time featuring Danny Deegan, Paul F. Taylor and Martin Mor.

Photo from Mrs Beeton Play

Tomorrow (Thursday) the hub stages the drama Mrs Beeton, My Sister

The one-woman show by award-winning playwright Alison Neil (pictured above) focuses on the extraordinary life of Britain’s first domestic goddess.

The play focuses on Bessie Mayson’s view of her older sister Isabella, who married publisher Sam Beeton – a union that culminated in her writing the world-famous Beeton’s Book of Household Management.

The society will take centre stage from 7 to 16 October, with performances of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  Tickets for the 10-day run of shows are now on sale.

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The score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice includes numbers such as I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Superstar.

Other upcoming events this autumn include the Same Same but Different family dance show and Cilla and the Swinging 60s, in which West End singer Sandy Smith celebrates the life of the late pop icon.

 

Otley Road cycle route work confirmed to start in 12 days

North Yorkshire County Council today published details of the forthcoming roadworks on Otley Road due to the construction of a cycle route.

The scheme, which has been beset by delays, will start on September 20, with work taking place between 7am and 5.30pm every weekday.

Temporary traffic lights will also be used and there will be overnight road closures for resurfacing,

The council said it was liaising with Harrogate Grammar School to ensure pupils and vehicles travel safely to the school. Pedestrian access to homes and businesses will remain in place throughout the works.

Officials at the county council said they expected the work to be completed within 10 weeks, dependent on weather conditions.

The Stray Ferret reported this month that Hull-based PBS Constructed Ltd has been commissioned to construct the first phase of the route as part of a £827,100 contract.

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Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said:

“These improvements are being delivered as part of the government’s £4.6 million award to the council from the National Productivity Investment Fund for sustainable transport in the west of Harrogate.

“The measures will help to improve safety and alleviate the congestion experienced along the Otley Road corridor. 

“They are essential to accommodating existing traffic and supporting future growth, as set out in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan. The improvements will significantly benefit the community and help to create a better-connected and safer network for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Widening Otley Road

Cllr Mackenzie also apologised for any disruption caused as part of construction of the scheme. He said:

“The work has been timed to start after the busy summer holiday period, but we realise there will be some disruption, so we apologise for that and thank people in anticipation for their patience.

“Most of the work will be carried out during the day, to minimise noise for residents at night, though some work, such as resurfacing, can be carried out only at night under a full road closure.”

Work will include widening Otley Road on the approach to Harlow Moor Road as well as the creation of a designated left turn lane on the western approach to Harlow Moor Road and designated right turn lane on the eastern approach.

An off-road cycle route will also be created between Harlow Moor Road and Cold Bath Road as part of the first phase.

 

Free Heritage Open Days events to explore district’s hidden history

Places that are usually closed to the public are preparing to open their doors for free as part of Heritage Open Days, which starts on Friday and ends on September 19.

About 30 venues in the Harrogate district are among the hundreds taking part in the event, which is coordinated nationally by the National Trust.

In Harrogate, a number of events are being organised by Harrogate Civic Society. Some events require advanced booking, and some are already fully booked.Bookworms can learn about the history of, and resources held, at Harrogate Library in tours on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 September.

The private chapel at Rudding Park will be open to visitors. Image: Rudding Park

On both Sunday September 12 and 19, the newly restored old magnesia well pump room in Valley Gardens will be open to visitors. Elsewhere, the private chapel at Rudding Park will be open for people to admire its spectacular architecture and masonry, on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 September.

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There is an emphasis on outdoor activities, with several local walking tours in the line-up all week – including around Crescent Gardens, Valley Drive, New Park, and central Harrogate.

At Stonefall Cemetery, tours of the 1,000 Commonwealth war graves are taking place throughout the week.

Stonefall Cemetery tours will take place on Saturday 11th, Wednesday 15th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September.

Elsewhere in the district, on Friday 10 September, there’s the chance to explore the once luxury royal residence of Knaresborough Castle Keep, including the king’s chamber and dungeon.

Free entry will also be available for visitors to the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site on Saturday 18 September.

In Ripon, options to explore include St Wilfrid’s church, the Chapel of St Mary Magdalen, and the Ripon & District Light Railway.

Sarah Holloway, programme manager for Heritage Open Days, said:

“We’re all interested in where we live but we don’t necessarily know the stories behind the buildings and spaces we walk past each day. Our event organisers keep finding creative ways to tell these tales and keep them alive.”

‘Deep shame and regret’ at former Harrogate vicar’s child sex offences

The Diocese of Leeds has spoken of its “deep shame and regret” after a former Harrogate vicar was jailed for child sex offences.

Gordon Newton, who was a team vicar at St Wilfrid’s Church on Duchy Road until 2016 when he moved to his recent position in Batley, pleaded guilty to 12 charges at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

Six of the charges were for sexual assault of a child aged under 13, three were for engaging in sexual activity with a child aged under 13 and three were for making indecent photos of a child.

He was sentenced to nine years and seven months in prison.

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The Diocese of Leeds oversees five episcopal areas, one of which is Ripon, which includes churches in Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret asked the diocese whether any investigation was being undertaken regarding Newton’s time in Harrogate, but it said it would not be offering any comment on St Wilfrid’s, which is an Anglican parish church.

However, the Stray Ferret understands there is no previous or ongoing North Yorkshire Police investigation into Newton.

In response to the sentencing, a spokesperson for the diocese said:

“It is a matter of deep shame and regret that Gordon Newton has been sentenced for offences of child sexual abuse.

“Child sexual abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has life-long effects.

“This is deeply shocking and of course, the victims of any such crimes must be foremost in our thoughts and prayers.

“The Anglican Diocese of Leeds safeguarding team has worked closely with all concerned since it was made aware of these allegations and has offered pastoral care and support.

“The Diocese of Leeds is committed to making the church a safer place for all and has clear safeguarding procedures in place, but we are aware we can never be complacent.”

The Stray Ferret has approached St Wilfrid’s Church for comment but has not received a response.

According to an annual report published by the church, which is on Duchy Road, Newton joined as assistant curate in May 2012 before being licensed as team vicar in April 2013.

He was also member of the management team at the Jennyfield Styan Community Centre and a chaplain with the Harrogate and District Sea Cadets.

Harrogate’s Ashville College reports battery thefts after travellers depart

Harrogate’s Ashville College has reported the theft of batteries from lighting towers to police after travellers left the school’s playing fields.

Caravans departed the fields on Yew Tree Lane yesterday after an altercation, believed to be between two travellers, on Saturday night.

It was the second time in a fortnight caravans had pitched up at Ashville, sparking safeguarding concerns about pupils returning to the fee-paying school this term.

A spokesman for Ashville College said today:

“The travellers who arrived on Saturday and set up an illegal camp on our sports pitches have finally left.

“However, since their departure, we have discovered that a number of batteries from two lighting towers have been stolen. In addition to cutting wires, the culprits have also damaged the lifting mechanisms, and we have reported this to the police.

“We would like to thank the local policing team for their support and their continued on-site presence was a great comfort to members of staff and returning boarding pupils.”

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North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this afternoon the travellers had moved on “following intervention by Harrogate’s neighbourhood policing team”.

The statement added officers have been “working with land owners including the council to ensure security is maintained at other potential sites around the district”.

Travellers also descended on Hay-a-Park rugby field in Knaresborough last month.

Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne said:

“Communication is key in resolving community matters such as this, which can cause tensions on all sides if they are not managed properly.

“By working closely with all concerned as well as the wider local community, we’ve been able to help deliver a relatively swift resolution and prevent any further disruption.”

‘Just use a bin’: volunteers appeal over increasing litter in the Pinewoods

The amount of litter in the Pinewoods is increasing, according to a local conservation group.

Over the weekend, volunteers from Pinewoods Conservation Group photographed piles of bottles, cans and plastic left in the 96-acre Harrogate woodland.

Neil Hind, chair of the group, called on people visiting the area to take their rubbish with them:

“Unfortunately litter picking has now become the norm for our group to help conserve the Pinewoods.

“We have amazing volunteers supported by local schools, youth groups and companies who ensure that the increasing amount of litter is collected and disposed of.

“However, these efforts would be unnecessary if people just used a bin or took their litter home with them.”

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Mr Hind said litter has always been a problem in the Pinewoods but it became worse during lockdowns — and improvements haven’t been seen since restrictions eased.

Although volunteers are often out collecting litter, he said their efforts should “be unnecessary” because the mess damages wildlife and looks unpleasant.

Retired headmaster died in A59 crash near Moor Monkton

North Yorkshire Police has named the man who died in a crash near Moor Monkton a fortnight ago.

Michael Rowbottom, 89, was involved in a collision on the A59 on Wednesday, August 25.

Mr Rowbottom, who was from York, was driving a red Audi A3 from Green Hammerton towards York when he was involved in a crash with two other vehicles — a black Audi Q5 and a silver Mini — both of which were travelling in the opposite direction.

The accident happened at 5.10pm.

Mr Rowbottom was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

The driver of the Mini sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Audi Q5 was not hurt.

Before retiring in the early 1990s, Mr Rowbottom was headmaster at English Martyrs’ school in York. He had three children.

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North Yorkshire Police is still appealing for witness or anyone with dash-cam footage that may help with enquiries.

If you have information you can contact Traffic Sergeant Mark Patterson on mark.patterson@northyorkshire.police.uk with reference number 12210188817.

Or call 101, select option 2 and ask for Mark Patterson or Matthew Harvey.

Findings of UCI review to be published before end of the year

The findings of a council-run review into Harrogate’s hosting of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships could be revealed before the end of this year.

Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny commission are running the review into the cycling event, which was hailed as a success by organisers but criticised by many businesses and residents who had complaints over road closures and diversions.

The nine-day event will also be remembered for leaving West Park Stray severely damaged after it was used as a spectator area during heavy rainfall, with repairs works and upgrades later costing £130,000.

Cllr Nick Brown, who is one of several councillors leading the cross-party review, told a meeting on Monday that the commission had asked residents to give their views on the event as part of a consultation which will now be opened up to businesses.

He said: 

“The public consultation has been undertaken – we have got about 700 responses which for a consultation is quite a lot.

“Those have been analysed and we are going to do some further consultation with the business community and a number of other organisations.

“This has taken rather longer than I would have liked, but obviously we have had covid so it has not been a very easy time.

“We will hopefully have a report to the commission in December.”

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If the findings are published in December, it will mark more than two years since the event was held in September 2019 when hundreds of international cyclists competed in races starting in different towns and cities across Yorkshire but with each finishing in Harrogate.

The review of the event was launched last year with the aim of “building on its successes and identifying any areas for improvement to inform the organisation of future events,” the council previously said.

It is also separate to an economic impact study of the event which was carried out by accountancy firm Ernst and Young at a cost of £19,000 to the council.

The study concluded the championships was watched by a global television audience of 329 million and resulted in an economic boost to the local economy of £17.8 million.

However, it did not take into account losses by businesses affected by road closures and a reported drop in town centre footfall – something the new review is aiming to cover.