Stray Views: Beech Grove LTN ‘a brilliant update’ to Harrogate

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.

Beech Grove a ‘brilliant update’ to the area

The low traffic area on Beech Grove has been a brilliant update to the area. I can walk and cycle down the road safely with my children aged 3,5,8 without having to resort to riding on the pavement. 

Walking into town is more pleasant, the air is cleaner and sound pollution is less on that route. It is basically the only concession to active travel in the Harrogate central area – but at least it gives a vision of what a difference changes can make.

Imran Shaikh, Harrogate

Visions to improve Harrogate

I read the article the other day by Malcolm Neesam about the numerous planning travesties, and with money being no object approach to how things could be improved in mainly the town centre, and something occurred to me.

Though we largely have less and less power over planning travesties any more, and council tax being a finite resource that every council tax payer has something to say about. There is a realm whereas I think it would be possible to make his dream, as well as numerous others a reality. The example that I would like to give is with the Copthall Tower. 

Indeed, let’s demolish it, along with the railway station, and give the town back a portal to be proud of. Of course, in reality, or at least in our lifetime, this wouldn’t happen, both because it’s just too good an idea, and it cost a shedload of money. 

But in the augmented reality computer generated world, this would be able to be made possible. Now this is just one example, and the possibilities are near enough endless, you could even have a comedic augmented town centre, whereas most of the shops are boarded up save for the odd fried chicken takeaway and massage parlour. 

So this is the idea, to set up a computer generated forum of augmented reality, whereas the travesties of local planning are replaced by its members wildest, most beautiful money no object creations, or not for that matter.

Miles Dixon, Harrogate

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Beech Grove and other traffic schemes ‘never have desired effect’

Councillor Don Mackenzie’s support for highways department in this [Beech Grove], and in fact it seems everything they propose, never seems to bring the desired effect.

The M&S traffic scheme is perhaps the worst example of incompetence by his department and to say they are working to reduce traffic congestion needs to be demonstrated by results of which there are none.

They have been advised on how to improve matters but don’t react. Driving round town shows anyone what needs doing but Zilch’.

Jon Holder, Harrogate

My own Beech Grove survey

The Stray Ferret has reported that I counted how many people cycled on Beech Grove in an hour when I conducted my survey in September, and that my figures were (several times) higher than the averages quoted by the County Council.

In case any readers wonder whether I exaggerated the numbers I want to make it clear that I was accompanied throughout by your reporter, Thomas Barrett, who interviewed me and also made a mark in his notebook each time someone cycled by. We both counted 21 cyclists over the course of the hour. Nor, by the way, did I include my own bike.

Malcolm Margolis BEM, 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.

Charity Corner: being a friend to the elderly and lonely in Harrogate and Knaresborough

During the pandemic, one Harrogate and Knaresborough charity has seen a huge increase in pleas for help after some of the most vulnerable in our communities found themselves feeling lonely.

Supporting Older People helps more than 300 members combat isolation and loneliness by providing activities, trips and a befriending service.

The charity works with people over 60 and say many come to them because they often only see one person a week and need more opportunities to socialise.

Director Kate Rogata said:

“During covid the thing people loved the most was just standing at the door for a chat. It was clear when we restarted sessions last June how vital they were, the demand was enormous.

“People were depserate to see others again.”

Members visited Harrogate Bowling Club in September. The club has raised more than £1,500 for the charity.

Ms Rogata said a lot of the people the charity helps are over 75 and may live alone due to bereavement or moved to Harrogate and Knaresborough to be closer to family but don’t have a network of friends.

The charity is there to help. It holds monthly lunches, tea and talk events and weekly exercise classes. All of these are always in demand.

Ms Rogata began working for the charity in 2013 when there were just 75 members and 45 volunteers. She said the demand just keeps growing, since the pandemic they’ve seen a 60% increase in people coming to the charity for help.

“We need to make sure we keep doing all we can and stick around because the demand won’t go away.”

Ms Rogata said they are always in need of new volunteers. Currently, the charity has 150 trained befrienders but with 30 older people on the waiting list they are pleading for more people to come forward.

She added:

“There’s been some wonderful friendships formed over the years. We take our time pairing people up, they have to have similar interests for it to work. Our befrienders can make a real difference to the older person’s life, and vice versa.”

Care home resident Richard was able to go for a spin in a classic car this year thanks to his volunteer befriender Peter.

Set up in 1982, the charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and hopes to encourage more people to volunteer as befrienders and give an hour a week to visit an older person.

During the pandemic the charity has been unable to do as much fundraising as it likes. It costs around £70,000 a year to pay its three part-time staff, train volunteers and put on events.

It gets a £11,000 from North Yorkshire County Council but the rest has to come from fundraising and grants.

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It plans to host events all year to celebrate its anniversary. Ms Rogata said:

“Any fundraising is so helpful. It cost £60 to train each befriender and we need 30 new ones.

“We feel like a bit of a well kept secret and we want more people to know about us and get involved however they can.”

Caffeine boost: The rise of the independent coffee shops in Harrogate

One thing Harrogate isn’t short of is independent coffee shops.

Once associated as a trendy hangout for hipsters, now the majority of the population are queuing up to get their caffeine fix – and it better be a decent flat white.

New venues on the scene include Swedish coffee house Fi:k, in the Montpellier Quarter, which has also recently opened a branch in Knaresborough, Cortado, on Leeds Road and Heal, also in the Montpellier. There is also Bamber & Brown, a barista bar at Birk Crag, where you can enjoy an artisan coffee in a tipi, and Constellation Coffee, which opened on East Parade last month. Another Swedish coffee shop, Nord, is also set to open on Otley Road.

But what is it about these coffee shops that everyone is going nuts for? And can the town handle the increasing number?

Opening its doors on Leeds Road in August last year, Cortado is one of the new kids on the block.

Meeting spot

Manager Erin Seelig said:

“We felt like the Leeds Road area was missing the market as most of them are directed towards town and this area really needed something.

“Coffee shops are now slowly starting to expand out into the neighbourhoods, which is great.

“It’s a hub and a meeting spot for a lot of people, especially in Harrogate.”

Erin said she believed each coffee shop in Harrogate had it’s own community and offered something slightly different, with Cortado focusing on takeaways to cater for an increase in the number of people who grab one and go for a stroll.

Find your niche

She said this was a habit that had been formed on the back of the lockdown daily walks.

“We see the same people – and their dogs – every day and for us it’s lovely to serve the community.

“For us we are trying to create our own identity. You have got to find your niche.

“If you look at the coffee shops in Harrogate, some focus on the cakes, some do brunch and they all attract different types of people.”

Manager Erin Seelig at Cortado on Leeds Road.

Erin said customers cared more about the different blends of coffee than ever before and often liked to know where the beans were roasted.

Affordable luxury

She said:

“It’s an affordable luxury and it’s a part of the day a lot of people look forward to as there is also the social element.

“I think there is plenty of room for new coffee shops as Harrogate has a big population of residents, as well as tourists. It’s always nice to have choice, and if one of them is full, you can pick another.

“All the independent coffee shops support each other as well. We get massive support from Bean and Bud, Hoxton North and No.35. They have been in here lots and we go to them. We can share ideas, which is really nice.”

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Matthew Edmonds and Oliver Highland Edmonds launched HealMedical and Wellness Spa around seven years ago and last month they added artisan coffee and gift shop to their business, which is based in the Montpellier Quarter.

Coffee and chat

Matthew said:

“The vision for the coffee shop is to enhance the wellness spa with a relaxing, calm space in which having a coffee and a chat becomes an integral part of your experience.

“The retail gifting area aims to highlight independent businesses who strive to give back, whether it be working with the learning difficulties community or supporting environmental causes. This sums up the ethos of Heal.”

Matthew Edmonds, owner of Heal.

Unique experience

Matthew agreed that all new coffee shops in Harrogate should bring the community a unique experience.

He added:

“This is what we are aiming to do at Heal by also stocking quirky gifts and cards that you don’t see everywhere.”

Heal’s coffee and gift shop in the Montpellier Quarter.

Simon Weaver on ‘terrific challenge’ of debut FA Cup third round tie

Harrogate Town travel to Luton Town on Sunday to play in their first-ever FA Cup third round tie.

While the draw did not reward Town with a glamour tie against a Premier League club, manager Simon Weaver said the squad is still looking forward to the challenge of facing Luton who are still a dangerous Championship outfit.

Weaver, who this week took charge of his 600th game in charge of the Sulphurites, said the occasion is a “great experience” for the players to look forward to.

He said:

“We know Sunday is going to be a terrific challenge for us. We had never played and beaten League One opposition before the last round. We managed to do that and we’ve never played against Championship opposition, so it’s a great experience to look forward to.

“It’s what we want to keep doing, breaking new ground and enjoying big moments. We go to Luton who have been on an amazing trajectory over the last few years and it’s testament to their manager and group of players.”

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200 Harrogate fans will make the trip to Luton for the game, which kicks off at 12.30pm.

Weaver said the trip will be “brilliant” for the supporters after three games were postponed due to covid over the festive period.

He added:

“I saw Chief Brody’s video of the jubilant scenes after the game (Portsmouth) and you can’t kid it, can you? It’s a natural act of joy and it was just brilliant. That’s what the FA Cup does as a domestic competition and we’re glad to still be in it and hopefully, we can enjoy Sunday.”

Harrogate district railway stations parking could be expanded

Parking at railway stations across the Harrogate district could be expanded in a bid to encourage more train travel.

The proposal will be discussed by North Yorkshire County Council‘s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in March.

A report ahead of the meeting highlights the railway stations in Pannal, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, Starbeck, Knaresborough, Weeton and Cattal for potential investment.

Councillors are set to identify which of the stations need extra car parking spaces and discuss how it could be funded.

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The problem of car parking at railway stations is most often felt away from towns and cities, according to the North Yorkshire Rural Commission.

A spokesperson for the commission highlighted the issue in a report published last year:

“The commission was told that often rural travellers do not go to their nearest railway station because they are not assured of a parking space.

“They travel further to the next station where they are guaranteed a parking space.

“Availability and cost of car-parking spaces at railway stations can be a major challenge for commuters.

“Expanding car parks on rural land is a challenge for transport providers. Accessibility for particular service users is still a major issue at many rural rail stations.”

Harrogate district covid rate remains high as vaccine centre moves

The Harrogate district’s covid rate continues to climb after another 325 infections were reported today.

Latest figures show that the district’s seven-day covid average stands at 1,543 per 100,000 people.

But it remains below both the county average, which stands at 1,680, and the England rate of 1,853.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.

According to government figures, 103,687 booster or third jabs have been given in the Harrogate district, as of today.

A total of 135,761 have had first jabs and 126,742 have had second jabs.

Latest available hospital figures show a total of 23 patients who tested positive for covid are currently being treated at Harrogate District Hospital.

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North Yorkshire County Council this week stepped up emergency planning to mitigate for what it calls a “significant reduction” in staff across critical care services and the wider care sector amid rising covid rates.

Meanwhile, Harrogate’s main vaccination centre has moved out of the Yorkshire Event Centre and into the goat shed on the opposite side of the showground.

Those due for a booster or anyone who wants to get their first or second dose should enter the Great Yorkshire Showground site by the Sainsburys entrance off Wetherby Road.

Continue past Fodder and the Harrogate Caravan Park. Signs and volunteers lead to the vaccine centre, which is on the right hand side through the gates. Park under shelter of the sheep shed.

Police appeal after serious robbery at Harrogate park

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for information and witnesses after a serious robbery at a park in Harrogate.

The robbery happened in Panhandle Park close to the Hookstone Chase entrance at around 6.20pm on Thursday, January 6.

A woman in her 50s reported to the police that she was walking through the park when a person approached her and attempted to steal her rucksack.

The suspect reportedly ran off towards the Dalby estate before the woman checked her bag. She noticed that money and medication was missing.

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The police have made no arrests and have offered up no description of the suspect.

However, officers investigating are keen to trace a man in his early 30s who was walking a dog in the park at the time and offered assistance to the woman after the incident.

North Yorkshire Police has asked for anyone with information on the break-in to get in touch by calling 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Quote reference number 12220003059 when providing details.

Harrogate vaccine centre moves to smaller showground site

Harrogate’s main vaccination centre has moved out of the Yorkshire Event Centre and into the goat shed on the opposite side of the showground.

Those due for a booster or anyone who wants to get their first or second dose should enter the Great Yorkshire Showground site by the Sainsburys entrance off Wetherby Road.

Continue past Fodder and the Harrogate Caravan Park. Signs and volunteers lead to the vaccine centre, which is on the right hand side through the gates. Park under shelter of the sheep shed.

Follow the directions of signs and volunteers.

Appointments are available but people are free to go without one as a walk-in.

The centre will be open on weekends from 8.30am until 5pm and until late on one day only during the week.

Since September the Yorkshire Health Network‘s vaccine centres in Ripon and Harrogate have given out 42,000 booster vaccines.

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There was a national effort to give out as many boosters before Christmas. At its peak, the Harrogate vaccine centre team gave out 1,800 jabs in one day.

According to government figures, more than 80% have had a second dose and 67% have had a third dose in the Harrogate district.

The new vaccine centre is smaller.

With much of the work already done and three other vaccine centres in the district, the Harrogate team is confident it can cope with two vaccinators.

Cath Dixon, the GP clinical lead for Yorkshire Health Network, told the Stray Ferret:

“Over the last couple of days we have been dismantling the equipment we had up at the Yorkshire Event Centre to set up again here on the other side of the showground.

“This is the first day we are open here. Now the Yorkshire Event Centre can use the hall we were in for events and we will be able to stay here until March.

“The current JCVI advice is to only offer three doses of the vaccine. But who knows? Things change all the time and we will be here to help get the Harrogate district vaccinated.”

Harrogate jeweller Fattorini bids farewell after 190 years

A well-known Harrogate jewellers which has been in the same family for 190 years is set to close it doors for the final time today.

The Stray Ferret revealed in November that A.Fattorini The Jewellers, on Parliament Street, was due to close when the current manager Anthony Tindall retires.

Today, after a busy few months at the shop with the combination of a closing down sale and Christmas, Mr Tindall will bid a fond farewell to his customers and staff.

While most of the stock has found new homes, the few remaining pieces will go to an auction house.

Anthony and his great-great grandfather Antonio Fattorini.

It was not an easy decision for Mr Tindall, whose great, great grandfather Antonio Fattorini founded the business in 1831, but his children were not keen to take it on.

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He told the Stray Ferret today:

“I am very proud of the legacy and the whole family are proud of it. Of course it is sad that it will not continue in my family.

“These are sad decisions but you need to do it. I need to retire otherwise I will still be doing this well into my 80s and the world isn’t ready for that.

“Customers like the bargains but they do say they are sorry to see us go. People will remember us for the happy and important things in life, engagements and weddings.

“It has touched many lives, I know lots of the customers but plenty come in and say you won’t know me but buying jewellery from Fattorini is part of their family tradition.”

It is unclear what will happen to the iconic building where Fattorini has been based since 1884 when it closes.

However, Mr Tindall hopes that a new family will take on the business.

Pannal garages to be demolished for housing despite parking complaints

A block of garages in Pannal are set to be demolished and replaced with council housing, despite concerns it will only worsen parking problems in the area.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved its own plans to build two new homes at Pannal Green where it says eight garages are underused and new parking spaces will be provided nearby.

But many locals say the site is well used for parking and that if removed more cars will be forced onto the already busy surrounding streets.

A total of 45 residents have lodged objections including Louisa Humpage who lives next to the site and has raised a separate complaint of losing access to a side gate at her home.

She said she had begun legal talks over the issue, but the council has argued there is no right of access over its land.

Speaking at a council meeting on Thursday, Mrs Humpage said: 

“The behaviour of the council does not feel representative of its constituents, but actually working against us in their own interests.”

There are around 1,800 households currently waiting for social housing in the Harrogate district – around 75% of which have requested to live in suburbs such as Pannal.

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Using garage sites to bring forward new housing has been a tactic used by the council to make some progress on the problem, with similar plans recently approved in Ripon.

Yet several residents living on Pannal Green believe it is not the right area for new housing and that the parking problems need addressing as a priority.

Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council said in a letter of objection that the additional six parking spaces proposed “does not even pay lip service” in recognition of the problem.

Conservative Cllr John Mann, who represents the Pannal ward on Harrogate Borough Council, also said it is already “extremely difficult to park in or around Pannal Green without the addition of new houses”.

He told Thursday’s meeting: 

“If there are fewer parking spaces, the number of residents looking for parking spaces is going to increase significantly.”