Harrogate council to offer £800,000 for three empty homes

Harrogate Borough Council is set to offer £811,000 for three empty homes in the district.

The homes, which are on Greenfields Drive and Electic Avenue in Harrogate, and Beech Lane in Spofforth, would not be used for social housing but instead would be sold on by HBC on the open market should the offers be accepted by the owners.

Any profits made would go back into buying more empty homes so they can be brought back into use.

There are currently 811 properties across the district that have been empty for six months or longer. Of these, 215 have been empty and unfurnished for over two years. 31 have been empty for over ten years.

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The report says:

“Empty homes represent a wasted housing resource; they also pose other problems for local authorities, owners, neighbours, emergency services and the environment. They are often a blemish on an area and can be subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”

A report will go before HBC’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, Conservative Cllr Mike Chambers, next week that asks him to rubber stamp the move.

If the council’s offers on the three homes are not accepted the report says HBC will consider enforcement action, such as compulsory purchase.

“I couldn’t do it for life” – the jobs crisis in Harrogate’s hospitality venues

This week we are focusing on a recruitment crisis in the Harrogate hospitality industry as venues across the district report a serious shortage of staff. 

17 year old Josh Suddaby is currently with the Stray Ferret on work experience from Harrogate Grammar School.  With friends currently working in bars, restaurants and hotels we asked Josh to report on what they feel about a career in hospitality. This is his report:

Three of my 17 year old friends are working in Harrogate hotels, bars and restaurants to earn some money over the summer holidays.  I have learned that their wages are between £6.00 and £8.20 an hour. All of them are men.

None of my friends wanted to be identified as they felt they could be more open if they stayed anonymous.

I wanted to know if they’d consider making a career out of their current work.

Behind the Bar– £8.20 per hour 

My one friend is working 5-11pm shifts behind the bar in a large hotel.

 He told me “the responsibility I’m given makes me feel valuable” and that staff made him feel like he’s worth something in his workplace.

 I asked him what he enjoyed about working in a hotel his response was that the flexible hours are good and there was enough variation in tasks to make every shift different.

 He liked the social side of the job as he gets to meet a lot of people including colleagues and customers. 

So would he consider staying on there? He replied he would not as he felt it was “not something to stay in forever”, as he would rather go on to further education or an apprenticeship. 

Working in Housekeeping — £7.50 per hour

Another friend has worked in housekeeping for a large hotel for over a year and a half. He works evening shifts from 5-9pm.

I asked why he chose a hospitality venue he responded saying that they offered the hours of his choice and he can work after school. 

He told me he enjoyed it socially, he liked talking to the people who worked around him and getting to know them. But said that it can be stressful in a fast paced environment. 

Like my friend behind the bar though he also said that he would not consider the venue a future career, I followed up by asking why to which he replied “don’t think I could do it for life”.

He also has another job in the building trade, I questioned him on which job he would choose if he had to do one and he said he would rather work in the building trade it better suits him in life. 

Bar Work and Room Service – £6.00 per hour

Another one of my friends who works behind the bar and does room service in a large hotel in Harrogate for 20 hours a week.

He told me that’s he has “no ambition” to continue in that area of work as it doesn’t feel right for him.  

His reason for getting the job in the hotel bar was to gain money and life skills such as communication and experience in a fast paced workplace. 

After talking to my friends in detail,  I feel hospitality venues are not putting enough effort into showing my friends how a career in a hotel or bar could be right for them.

Offering higher pay, showing young people a career path and including good benefits will make more want pursue a career in hotels and restaurants –and not see hospitality as just a summer job.

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Are you looking for a job or have a job vacancy you need to promote to as many people as possible? Take a look at the Stray Ferret jobs page to see the latest jobs or to submit a new one.  Every job is placed on our homepage and posted on our social media channels. 

Tomorrow we’ll be asking whether the high housing costs in Harrogate make it difficult for people to make a living in hospitality.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you on this Monday morning, it’s is nearly the weekend! The roads have been a little quieter in the last few weeks but make sure to let me know if anything slows you down.

This blog, brought to you by the HACS Group, brings you live travel updates until 9am.

Were you stuck in a jam? Are there some new roadworks on your route? Let’s help everyone have a smoother journey by letting me know so I can add it to the blog.

Please give me a call on 01423 276197 or join our Facebook group ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ to give any updates.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me this morning, Suzannah will be back with you tomorrow morning with regular updates from 6.30. Have a lovely day.

Roads

The roads are looking busier this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking busier this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking busier this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning. Make sure to keep checking in as the morning goes on.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Victoria Road one-way scheme will stop ‘rat run’, says cycle group

Changes to make Victoria Road one-way will stop a “rat run” and improve safety for cyclists using the Otley Road Cycle Route, according to Harrogate District Cycle Action.

North Yorkshire County Council will next month begin an 18-month trial to boost active travel on the road by stopping cars from using it to enter Otley Road. It will place a barrier at the junction and one-way only and no entry signs will be installed.

Some local residents who will be affected by the scheme criticised it  last week.

Kevin Douglas, chairman of HDCA, told the Stray Ferret the nearby Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood has displaced traffic onto Victoria Road creating a ‘rat run’ which is why the move is needed.

He said it will also ensure a safer route for cyclists using Otley Road.

“The idea of these things is they settle down and there is less traffic, it’s to stop rat-running.”

Mr Douglas said he is looking forward to the various active schemes such as Victoria Avenue and Station Gateway being completed as it will eventually create a safe link for cyclists into the town from Harlow Hill. However, he said he was “frustrated” at the speed NYCC is taking to implement them.

He said:

“It looks like they are doing it bit by bit and it’s piecemeal.

“When we get the other schemes youll have access from Cardale Park to town. That’s what people want. But it’s taking a long time and it’s a frustration for us.”

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A petition signed by over 600 people was presented to NYCC this week against the Beech Grove LTR.

Mr Douglas said the public needs to get behind active travel schemes in order to reduce carbon emissions.

He added:

“The aim of these schemes is to get people to use alternatives [to cars]. If every time people say they want it somewhere else, where are you going to do them? 

“I dont know where people think we will get a reduction in carbon usage if we don’t do schemes like this.”

Stray Views: Don’t make Harrogate Christmas Market like the others

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. See below for details on how to contribute.

Don’t make the Christmas Market like everywhere else

I cannot believe that HBC have sold out to a national company that apparently provides a box standard Christmas market of sugary junk from repetitive stalls rather than using all of the local independent retailers. 

Clearly they will make more money from this venture, especially giving them ten days worth of sales. Why do they insist on changing Harrogate to make it the same as everywhere else, when it’s charm is that it is different and that is what draws visitors here?

Stephen Readman, Harrogate

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Thank you to Knaresborough vaccine site staff

Our youngest daughter, who has an apprenticeship and is potentially exposed to the virus now, was really keen to get the vaccine.

Richard, who heads up the vaccine site, has been without doubt absolutely fantastic. He kept in constant communication with me, as the BBC actually announced the vaccine was available to all 16 and 17 years before the NHS had agreed to this. He contacted me to advise of available dates and times. 

His staff were fabulous with my daughter who has a phobia of needles, the nurse who dealt with her, calmly explained about the jab, that it wouldn’t hurt and he would stay with her until she was ok – which he did. He was absolutely great with her.

I cannot thank Richard and his staff enough – they were all brilliant.

I’d like to add that the management of the site is unprecedented – they rarely have any vaccine left over at the end of the day – down to the skill, logistics and organisation of the team there. 

I know they have been criticised in the past but this was completely unfounded. They are all great and doing a fabulous job. They are dedicated and should be applauded for what they are doing!

A really big heartfelt thanks from me!

Charlotte Riley, 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.

 

Original Harrogate Christmas Market will not return next year

The original Harrogate Christmas Market will not return next year after Harrogate Borough Council entered into formal talks with an organiser from Manchester.

Brian Dunsby, who established the Christmas market in 2012 and built it up to a success, has admitted defeat in his battle to hold the event on Montpellier Hill.

Harrogate Borough Council refused the licence at the end of July and has now revealed that Market Place Europe is now planning to hold a smaller event in December.

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After three weeks of wrangling with the council Brian Dunsby told the Stray Ferret:

“It is a shame for traders we have and for the sake of the town centre businesses which all need the Harrogate Christmas Market.

“Some of the traders may go bust. I think that very few will get into the event being organised by Market Place Europe.

“We created a marvellous event, it was a great success. It is also a distressing situation for the local charities we raise money for.

“Over the years we donated £90,000 from the profits we made.”

Mr Dunsby does not plan to hold the Harrogate Christmas Market this year of next but thinks there may be an opportunity for it to return in 2023. He added:

“By 2023 North Yorkshire County Council will be in charge. So whether we have another go then, I don’t know. It’s too early to say.

“I will not try next year because I do not think there is any point when Harrogate Borough Council is still in charge.”

The orginial Harrogate Christmas Market had around 170 traders booked in, 55 coaches and it expected to attract around 90,000 visitors for the four-day event.

Harrogate Borough Council refused a licence for Brian Dunsby’s event at the end of July.

It said that the event management plan did not fully take into account overcrowding, counter-terrorism and the ongoing risk of coronavirus.

However, Market Place Europe is planning to host 45 stalls with a mixture of European and local traders over 10 days at a yet undisclosed location in the town centre.

Green Shoots: Why Harrogate should be at the vanguard of tackling climate change

Did you know that Harrogate played a key role in the major IPCC “code red for humanity” climate change report that was published last week? The document was discussed around the globe and warned of climate catastrophe unless we act now.

Renowned climate scientist Piers Forster has lived in Harrogate since 2005 and was one of the main authors of the report. He’s a director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate and Professor of Physical Climate Change at the University of Leeds.

The report was a global effort and each line had to be painstakingly signed off by all 195 countries that are part of the IPCC.

Much of this was done by Prof Forster from his kitchen in Harrogate.

He said:

“That bit was quite tiring. There were 3am calls to talk to places like China and Brazil. It was bizarre.”

Extreme weather events

As we go about our everyday lives in the Harrogate district it might feel like we are insulated from the most frightening consequences of climate change like wildfires in Australia or landslides in China.

But Prof Forster warns that extreme weather events, such as the January floods in Boroughbridge, will become much more common unless we take immediate action.

Flooding in Boroughbridge. January 2021.

He said:

“This country gets off gets off quite lightly from the effects of climate change but we are absolutely beginning to see changes. We’re warmed by the gulf stream here a lot, but it might collapse. That will have a very big effect on our weather.”

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Consumption lifestyle

Harrogate is one of the most affluent towns in the UK and Harrogatonians have a stereotype for enjoying an expensive way of life.

So is our consumption-based capitalist lifestyle part of the problem?

A web tool created by researchers at the University of Leeds suggests it is.

It looks at things like transport use, energy consumption and flights taken and estimates the average carbon footprint of a person living in a particular postcode, grading it from A+ to F-.

Harrogate fares badly with Duchy getting the lowest score of F-, meaning its residents are in the 1% of people across the UK with the biggest carbon footprint.

Credit – the University of Leeds

Prof Forster says:

“On a lot of categories we do a lot worse in our town, particularly in the Duchy. It’s very nice of course, but we’re one of the worst in the country for getting on aeroplanes.

“We also drive a car that’s too big, have a home that’s too big and we heat by gas. It’s up to us to begin to make the changes”.

Planning paradox

Prof Forster describes both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council‘s green credentials as “certainly not terrible” but thinks they are hamstrung by a planning system that does not work in the best interests of the environment.

He points to the paradox of NYCC and HBC promoting active travel schemes in the town centre, whilst vast housing developments are approved on the outskirts of town where residents have no choice but to use a car.

He said:

“They absolutely do want to get to net zero. We all have to get there, but I do think the biggest issue is they dont have authority, investment or power to really make the big changes they want to make.

“The biggest issue is with planning. The way the system works and you do not necessarily get the best outcome for the environment.”

Harrogate Spring Water

One planning application that captured the imagination of the town was Harrogate Spring Water’s controversial advance on Rotary Wood to expand its bottling plant.

In the days leading up the planning committee, Prof Forster intervened to produce his own research paper that said the water company vastly underestimated the number of replacement trees needed to achieve carbon parity with the current woodland.

He believes the refusal was the kind of local victory that needs to be replicated across the country if we are to turn a corner on climate change.

“If you don’t like something, it’s your opportunity to get involved like i did with the spring water application. It was an impressive decision by the council’s planning committee because they went against the norms. There needs to be more and the council needs to be empowered to make these decisions”.

Changes in our community

A key message of the report is catastrophe can be averted if the world acts fast. Prof Forster hopes discussions around the climate in Harrogate can be less divisive, as seen with the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood debate.

He said:

“It’s sad as often the first reaction is eurgh!

“We need to learn by doing. We can’t just have endless consultation and reports. We have to try and get on and make changes. 

“This big international report has to be translated into changes we want to see in our community.

“We have to try and get on and make changes that works to improve our town, job prospects whilst saving the world.”

Andrew Jones MP branded ‘hypocrite’ and ‘out of touch’ over foodbank picture

Harrogate & Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones has been branded a “hypocrite” and “out of touch” by the local Green party after he posed for a picture to promote Harrogate District Foodbank earlier this week.

Mr Jones posted an article on his website Community News alongside two of his caseworkers, Stephen Culpin and the Harrogate Borough Council councillor Matt Scott, that said the pair would be attending sessions of Harrogate Foodbank to offer “advice and support”.

In the article, Mr Jones is quoted as saying:

“It’s important that we tackle the long-term underlying problems which cause people to visit Foodbanks in the first place.”

However, Harrogate & District Green Party member Arnold Warneken, who is a former HBC councillor and stood to become a Bilton county councillor earlier this year, told the Stray Ferret that he believes Mr Jones has contributed to the need for foodbanks through his voting record since he became an MP in 2010.

On 53 occasions Mr Jones has voted to cut spending on welfare benefits. He has also consistently voted against paying higher benefits for those unable to work due to illness or disability. He voted in favour of the so-called “bedroom tax” 16 times.

Mr Warneken said:

“If you look at his voting record on benefits it’s disgraceful.

The Conservatives should put policies in place to protect people, but they don’t. There is hypocrisy there.

“I think Andrew Jones is out of touch, hypocritical and has the power to make change but he’s ineffective.”

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Mr Warneken set up Ainsty Community Larder from his farm where he distributes food and medicine to those in need.

He accused the MP of “electioneering and getting brownie points” by posing for the “staged” picture.

“If he was quietly doing it in the background I’d give him a pat on the back.

“But he’s smiling, whats he smiling for? He is saying, ‘Arent we wonderful, a problem we created we are getting credit for solving.

“Humility is something people should adopt.”

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Jones to respond to Mr Warneken’s comments but we did not receive a response.

On Community News, he said:

“Over the years my casework team have helped hundreds steer the maze which is the benefits system to get cash which is available to them.”

Harrogate electronics firm receives £600,000 Northern Powerhouse loan

A Harrogate firm that refurbishes computer equipment has received a government-backed loan worth £600,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Intelligent Servers Ltd, which is based at Hornbeam Park and employs 50 people, says the loan will help the company increase its stock, expand its warehouse and employ 23 more staff members.

Since the company was founded in 2011 it has delivered refurbished products to over 3,000 customers including Manchester United FC.

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The loan was provided through FW Capital Debt Finance.

Its assistant investment executive Alex Brown said:

“We are delighted to back Intelligent Servers, a business with a great track record of growth and a proven management team.

“Our investment will assist Intelligent Servers in achieving their growth strategy through maintaining higher stock levels and improving purchasing power. Best of all, this growth strategy will support significant job creation.”

Harrogate Town to return to action after covid outbreak

Harrogate Town are set to return to action today after a covid outbreak set back the start of the club’s League Two campaign.

Town will face Barrow at the EnviroVent Stadium, two weeks since the club last played against Rochdale in their opening game.

The outbreak forced the club to postpone two EFL fixtures and forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale.

Five players tested positive and others had to self-isolate as a result of the outbreak.

Manager Simon Weaver said on Thursday that the postponed fixtures were frustrating, but added that the players were now through the worst of it.

“Initially it was a feeling of frustrating and deflation really. We’d come off the back of a really good opening day win and the circumstances of a last minute winner from Warren as well. It was a blow but it’s not insurmountable.

“Covid is part of our everyday life now so people getting it wasn’t a total surprise and I think we’ve reacted strongly to it. The players have rested up and come through the worse of it now and we’re looking forward to a couple days training and a big game.”

Not using covid as an excuse

Town returned to training on Thursday morning following the enforced break, which saw games against Crawley and Leyton Orient rearranged.

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Weaver said the players would have two sessions ahead of Barrow, but would not use covid as an excuse for the short preparation.

He said:

“I think we don’t use covid as an excuse, no matter what.

“We’re firmly focused on the game and we’ve got that excitement in our stomach like how it was on the opening day.

“The crowd were exhilarating on that day and really lifted us all so we’re really looking forward to getting back home and that’s the lucky thing about it, the first game back is at home – a place we’ve got very good recent memories of.”

Simon Weaver after the win against Rochdale on the opening game of the season. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.

Simon Weaver after the win against Rochdale on the opening game of the season. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.

Weaver expects a physical game

Both Barrow and Harrogate Town were promoted from the National League in 2019/20, but Town got the upper hand over the Cumbrian side last season.

Jack Muldoon scored both goals in two 1-0 wins over Barrow in both clubs inaugural season in the EFL.

Barrow will be without striker Dimitri Sea, Jamie Devitt, midfielder Mike Jones and Tom Beadling for today’s clash.

Sea will remain on the sidelines as Barrow follow concussion protocols and Devitt has a thigh injury.

Jones is short of fitness and Beadling faces a long period out due to a partial tear to his crucial ligament.

Town manager Weaver said he expects Barrow to be more physical this season.

He said:

“They’re up for it and I think a bit more physical this season, and under Mark Cooper they have a lot of experience.

“But, we also think we have a lot in our ranks which can allow us to have a real good go at them and play our way. It’ll be great to have the fans behind us like against Rochdale and to win would be great, especially in the circumstances.”