Harrogate hospitality group accuses Stray Ferret of ‘misleading’ information

Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Association Ltd has accused the Stray Ferret of publishing “misleading press reports” in an article about a £3,720 payment for the purchase of the domain name Destination Harrogate.

Yesterday The Stray Ferret published an article about Harrogate Borough Council spending taxpayers’ money to buy the domain name from Destination Harrogate as part of our remit to scrutinise the use of public money.

The association said in a subsequent statement that Harrogate hoteliers Simon Cotton and David Ritson, who are directors of Destination Harrogate Ltd, did not own the domain name and “it was not theirs to sell” because the decision was taken jointly by members.

Mr Cotton is managing director of the HRH Group, which owns the Fat Badger, the Yorkshire Hotel and the White Hart hotel. Mr Ritson is general manager of the Old Swan hotel.

It adds:

“In 2019, HBC approached HHTA and investigated the opportunity to purchase the rites to the brand name and website. All members met and took a formal vote on the matter and agreed to sell the rites to HBC for a nominal sum. At no point did either Mr Ritson nor Mr Cotton have any greater involvement in this matter more than any other association member. It was agreed that Destination Harrogate as a company would be wound up and a newly formed company under the name ‘Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Association Ltd’ was registered. All assets were transferred to the new company”

The statement continues:

“In setting up the new company HHTA, Mr Cotton stood down as a director and therefore has no direct involvement in this company other than being a member of the association.

“HHTA would like to clarify that they were happy to work with HBC to transfer the domain name and that the transaction was between the HHTA and HBC only, and not anyone personally.”

The Stray Ferret has sought clarification on the statement.

Public records from the council show payment for the domain was made to Destination Harrogate Ltd, not HHTA Ltd.

Companies House records show Destination Harrogate Ltd is still an active company. A notice for voluntary strike-off was issued on January 4 this year. Mr Cotton and Mr Ritson have been listed as sole directors since late November 2019.

Companies House records for HHTA Ltd show the company has been dormant since 2020 with no activity.

In the light of this we asked for evidence of the assets, including the payment for the domain name, being transferred from Destination Harrogate Ltd to HHTA Ltd, as we have been unable to find any record.

We also sought clarification on how the domain name was not Mr Cotton or Mr Ritson’s to sell as they are listed as company directors, and requested further details about the links between Destination Harrogate Ltd, HHTA and HHTA Ltd.

The association, which lists the Crown Hotel in Harrogate as its address, replied to say it “will be making no further comment or response”.

The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Cotton prior to publishing yesterday’s article asking him if he wished to comment on the payment. We have not received a response.

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Waitrose objects to plans for new Tesco in Harrogate

Waitrose has submitted an objection to Tesco‘s bid to build a new supermarket on Skipton Road in Harrogate.

The objection, which was submitted last week by planning consultants First Plan on behalf of the retailer, says the new store would have a “significant adverse impact” on both Waitrose on Station Parade and Asda on Bower Road.

It also claims other retailers could be affected and questions shopping data provided by Tesco to support its application.

Tesco submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council to build the new store in December.

It would be 38,795 square feet and include a petrol filling station, 200 car parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points and 24 cycle spaces. A new mini-roundabout would also be built on Skipton Road.

Tesco says 100 jobs would be created.

Assessment ‘lacks detail’

Waitrose’s objection says a retail assessment by Tesco in December to support its application “lacks detail”.

It says the assessment does not provide enough evidence to support the claim that a new Tesco supermarket would not harm retailers in the town centre.

Tesco has argued that the Bilton, Jennyfields and New Park areas of Harrogate are poorly served by major supermarkets.

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Its assessment, written by town planning consultants Martin Robeson Planning Practice, said Tesco will “add to local consumer choice” but will not cause “any significant adverse impact on existing shopping centres”.

The document adds:

“The northern part of Harrogate, particularly the extensive Bilton community, has very limited provision for food shopping.”

Change in shopping habits

However, Waitrose says the data around shopping habits in Harrogate used to underpin Tesco’s conclusions does not give an up-to-date picture.

Tesco’s retail assessment makes several references to the 2014 Harrogate Retail Study, which was undertaken by Harrogate Borough Council to identify trends in shopping habits.

It also says an increase in online shopping, which has been accelerated by the pandemic, has reduced the amount of spending in ‘bricks and mortar’ stores.

The six-page objection letter concludes:

“The cumulative impact of the proposed Tesco store and other recent permissions on town centre foodstores unquestionably represents a ‘significant adverse’ level of impact on the anchor Waitrose and Asda foodstores, with associated implications for the wider vitality and viability of Harrogate town centre, which has already been impacted by a number of high-profile closures in recent years and this should, in our view, constitute a reason for refusal of the application.”

A Tesco spokesperson said:

“We will consider all feedback received on our application and will have further discussions with Harrogate Council about the issues raised.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date.

More than 100 stand in solidarity with Ukraine during 24-hour Harrogate vigil

A 24-hour vigil at Harrogate’s war memorial was attended by more than 100 people wanting to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Since 10am yesterday, people stood strong against the rain and through a cold night to show their support for Ukrainians.

Organisers Lindis Percy and Shan Oakes, stood for the full 24 hours with around five people joining them each hour.

Overnight, people made a bed up on the steps of the memorial and each took a turn to get inside for warmth. They also relied on the generosity of local businesses including The Yorkshire Hotel and Bettys for hot drinks and toilet facilities.

The organisers said they were very pleased with the turnout and thanked the people of Harrogate for supporting the cause.

Each felt “helpless” sat at home and wanted to do something to show their support. They said people from Ukraine and other neighbouring countries, such as Lithuania, came to join the vigil and told stories of their families still stuck in the war torn country.

Shan Oakes, local green party member, said:

“We had a lot of people coming and going and a lot of interesting conversations. It was really horrific to hear from people who have family in Ukraine. the whole world needs to be worried.

“We wanted to stand in solidarity, it’s the least we can do to stand outside for 24 hours. We have our homes to go back to, it was just a gesture of solidarity really. The turnout just shows there is real support in Harrogate for the Ukrainian people, everyone wants to help.”

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The pair are now calling on local residents to contact Harrogate Borough Council to ask for Ukrainian flags to be flown on the flag poles at the front of the war memorial.

A Ukrainian flag is set to be flown at the council’s buildings, but Ms Oakes and Ms Percy said there needs to be a show of support in the town centre too.

Traffic and Travel Alert: Diesel spill reported near Menwith Hill

Drivers are urged to take care after police have reported a diesel spill near Menwith Hill following a crash.

Roads affected include Meagill Lane, A59 towards Harrogate and Hardisty Hill.

North Yorkshire County Council highways is on its way to treat the surface. Police say no injuries have been reported.

*Traffic Alert* Reports of a diesel spill near #MenwithHill Roads affected include Meagill Lane, #A59 towards Harrogate and Hardisty Hill. @northyorkscc are on their way to treat the surface but please take care in the area. Thankfully no injuries form this RTC pic.twitter.com/jXrpnbAN9K

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) March 2, 2022

The Stray Ferret has changed the way it offers Traffic and Travel alerts.

We will now notify you instantly through app notifications and flash tweets when there is an urgent alert. This could include heavy traffic, dangerous weather and long delays or cancellations of public transport.

The alerts are sponsored by The HACS Group.

Harrogate bar bans Russian vodka in support of Ukraine

Montey’s on The Ginnel in Harrogate has stopped stocking Russian vodka to show support for Ukraine.

The bar, which is celebrating its 25th year, had Stolichnaya vodka on the shelves to pour for customers.

Other bars across the UK have made similar stands and stopped serving vodka produced by Russian companies.

Montey’s owner Jay Smith said the bar has got rid of its remaining bottles of Stolichnaya and will soon stock Ukrainian vodka instead.

He said:

“It’s easy to think that you are unable to help.

“What can a small business do to make an impact on a world event? We figured that if we did what we could, and others did the same, then in the end our actions could be really effective.

“So we removed all Russian vodka from our shelves. We won’t be buying any more and we are sourcing Ukrainian vodka to take its place.”

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Success of Harrogate pop-up shop continues

More small independent businesses will be given a chance to run their own town centre shop due to the continued success of the Harrogate Pop-Up.

As pop-ups continue to surge in popularity, spaces for the rest of the year are already filling fast at the store on Cambridge Street.

And a number are set to move in this spring, including a flower shop, a screen printing business and a fashion a beauty boutique.

Kiera McLaughlin, who is involved with organising the pop-up shop, said she was delighted to see so many businesses return to the space.

She said:

“It’s great to see so many local businesses take a chance on our pop-up and see success so great that they want to return.

“Our spring calendar has been immensely popular and we cannot wait to see these businesses open the doors once again. We
hope to welcome even more new faces throughout 2022.”

Freddie’s Flowers are the first to run their pop-up, from now until March 6.

Forme Prints will take over the space from March 14 – 20. Owner Nathan Dalla Riva will be offering a range of his own designed printed t-shirts, jumpers and bags.

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For one week from March 21 to 27, Tag Queen Cosmetics and House of Zana will take over the space. There will be a range of make-up and ladies clothing on offer.

Returning host Martha and Bea, which sells a range of ladies clothing and accessories, will be back in the pop-up shop from March 28 until April 3. Owner Jane has become a familiar face to those visiting the shop.

Speaking about her last pop-up, she said:

“I had a wonderful week and had some really lovely feedback from customers.”

The Dogs Bakery will then follow with a two-week stint, offering a range of dog treats in store.

And finally women’s clothing and accessories business Patricia Eve Ltd will host its first pop-up for two weeks from April 18 until May 1.

Barker Proudlove and Victoria Shopping Centre came up with the idea to rent out the outlet opposite Cafe Nero back in August.

Businesses can rent the space for between one and six weeks and the £400 weekly cost includes rent, business rates, water, electricity and furniture.

The Harrogate Pop Up will soon be launching its calendar for summer reservations. To find out more, visit the website.

Harrogate council leader cancels Russian State Ballet and Opera performance

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has cancelled a Russian State Ballet and Opera performance in the town following the invasion of Ukraine.

Conservative councillor Richard Cooper announced at a cabinet meeting tonight that the event due to be held at the council-owned Harrogate Convention Centre in October will not go ahead as a result of the “terrible” war.

He said:

“Although the company is registered and addressed in England, until we can verify that the ownership is not Russian, that ban remains in place.”

Performers from Russian State Opera appeared at the Royal Hall in Harrogate last week just before Russia invaded Ukraine and the onset of arts boycotts and economic sanctions that followed.

Several theatres across the UK have banned similar Russian performances, including at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton, and New Theatre Peterborough.

At tonight’s cabinet meeting, Cllr Cooper described the war in Ukraine as “terrible” and said the Harrogate district stood ready to welcome refugees fleeing the country.

He said he was contacted by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones and asked to look at what housing could be offered if the district is called upon to do its part.

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Councillor Cooper said:

“Mr Jones has written to the Prime Minister and held discussions with him about increasing the United Kingdom’s offer to Ukrainian refugees.

“He has asked that we look at our housing stock and those of housing associations with whom we partner to ensure we are able to play our part in accommodating Ukrainian refugees if and when we are asked to do so.

“As we did with Syrian and Afghan refugees, we stand ready to do whatever is asked of us – and more – to welcome Ukrainians fleeing this terrible war.”

Councillor Cooper also sought to offer reassurances that the council does not have any direct involvement or investments with any Russian companies. He added:

“I can reassure members that Harrogate Borough Council has no cash on loan to Russian banks, our property funds are only invested in the United Kingdom and we have no share capital invested in Russian companies.

“We also do not purchase any services directly from Russian companies.”

LIVE: 24-hour vigil continues as Harrogate district responds to Ukraine crisis

The Harrogate district is continuing its response to the war in Ukraine with a 24 hour vigil being held this morning.

If you know of an initiative to provide help or support run by a person, charity, church, community group or business, let us know by calling the newsroom on 01423276197 or by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.30pm – Donation collectors say “no more” after filling unit 

Joanna Papros, Kinga Goldsmith and Adam Goldsmith are behind the donation collection park at Claro Court Business Centre. The group have said they have been overwhelmed with donations in the past few days.

The unit is now full, with items ready to be packed up tomorrow to send to Ukraine on Thursday.

Local people have donated clothes, bedding, sanitary products and long-life food to try and help those forced to flee their homes in Ukraine.

In a Facebook post they said:

“We cannot physically take any more donations. Our storage unit is full. We are really sorry to anyone planning to still come down but unfortunately (in a good way) we will have to turn you away.

“The donations we have received so far is nothing short of amazing. we cannot thank you all enough.”

12pm – Harrogate charity shop accepts monetary donations for aid in Ukraine 

The British Red Cross charity shop on Beulah Street in Harrogate has set up a fund for customers to donate to which is sent directly to its aid workers on the ground in Ukraine.

Charity shop manager, Caroline Knowles, told the Stray Ferret the fund was only set up last week and has already had several hundreds of pounds donated to it.

Ms Knowles said:

“There are workers from the Red Cross on the ground in Ukraine now helping people who need it. Each country has it’s own society which then relays what it needs to other Red Cross societies.

“We’ve had lots of people come in and simply donate and others add more to their bill after buying in the shop, it’s amazing to see how many people want to help.”

She added people can simply come into the shop to donate to the fund with no obligation to buy items.

11.30am – Vigil starts at Harrogate War Memorial

A 24 hour vigil for people in Ukraine has started outside Harrogate’s war memorial.

Around 10 people were outside the memorial, which is expected to last until 10am tomorrow morning.

Lindis Percy, organiser of the vigil, told the Stray Ferret:

“We just felt helpless and I just thought we need to do something. It’s horrific what is happening but we can stand here in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.” – thoughts of making the vigils weekly.”

Meanwhile, Kirsty Hallett, one of those who attended the vigil, said:

“I just feel what is happening against people in Ukraine is completely devastating, people are dying and their human rights are being stripped away.

“There’s so many heartbreaking stories coming out from the country and I wanted to show solidarity with these people. There’s nothing practical we can do other than support charities so I thought it was better to come out and stand here for a bit rather thank sitting at home thinking about what is happening.”

9.50am – Former Ripon student flees Ukraine

Lewis Edwards (pictured left) who has fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

Lewis Edwards (pictured left) who has fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

As the Russian bombardment of Ukraine continues, former Ripon Grammar School student Lewis Edwards and his partner Tanya Bogdanovska are safe in Slovakia, but constantly thinking about family and friends facing the horror of war.

Lewis, whose family live in Ripon, has been providing regular updates, spoke the Stray Ferret this morning about his experience.

Read more on his story here.

8.40am – Profits from flower delivery to be sent to Ukraine

A Knaresborough florist is to send profits from its flower delivery to help those in Ukraine.

4 Seasons Florists on Boroughbridge Road will donate its profits to Choose Love Ukraine, which is raising money to support projects for those fleeing the war.

8.30am – 24 hour vigil to be held in Harrogate

A 24-hour vigil will begin at the war memorial in Harrogate this morning to show support with Ukraine in its war with Russia.

The vigil, which has been organised by Christopher and Lindis Percy, will start at 10am and finish at 10am the following day.

Anyone is welcome to stay for as long as they want. Warm clothing is advised.

Ms Percy, who has been a well-known peace campaigner in the district for many years, said:

“The news is very dire and we thought we must do something. It is a very dangerous situation in Ukraine. We hope people will join us.”

Developer submits 181-home Kingsley Drive plan

A developer has lodged revised plans for 181 homes on Kingsley Drive after previous a previous proposal was rejected.

Persimmon Homes has lodged the fresh plan after Harrogate Borough Council rejected a development for 217 homes on the site back in August.

It is the third time that the developer has submitted a proposal at the location, which used to form part of Kingsley Farm.

The Kingsley ward area will eventually see more than 600 homes built, including developments at Granby Farm and 149 homes on Kingsley Road.

The new application would see a mixture of one, two, three and four bedroom properties built.

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Persimmon have also allocated 72 homes on the site for affordable housing.

The developer said in its documents submitted to the council that the scheme would help to “create a sustainable and mixed community”.

Residents will ‘fight tooth and nail’ to stop development

Last month, 100 residents packed into St Andrew’s Church in Starbeck for a meeting on the proposed scheme.

Three Persimmon employees attended, as did two highways consultants and a planning consultant, Paul Butler, who spoke on behalf of the developer.

(Left to right) Paul Butler (PB Planning), Graham Whiteford (Persimmon), Josh Popely (Persimmon), Cllr Philip Broadbank, Catherine Maguire (KWAG) and Chris Watt (Starbeck Residents’ Association)

Mr Butler told residents that the site is allocated for development in the Harrogate district Local Plan, a council document that outlines where new housing schemes can be built until 2034.

However, John Hansard, from Kingsley Ward Action Group, said residents “will fight tooth and nail” to stop it from happening.

He said:

“People lived here for decades and have had this beautiful view, how do you think they will feel [when it’s gone]?”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

The new anonymous voting tool to find Harrogate’s consensus on key issues

A new polling platform has been launched with the aim of cutting through online hate and trolling to find Harrogate’s shared views on key issues facing the district.

Harrogate District Consensus invites residents into an anonymous online space to vote on and debate issues including housing, schools and transport, with the data released to everyone whether they take part or not.

It is hoped the tool will be used not to measure division, but construct consensus that local politicians listen to and take into account.

The platform has been set up by Harrogate lawyer Andrew Gray and uses Polis – an artificial intelligence-driven software designed to find communities’ complex views.

Mr Gray said his idea to use the software was driven by a dislike of the tone of social media debates, as well as changing behaviours due to covid.

He explained:

“When covid came along I saw that everybody was moving online and I thought there must be better technological ways of doing democracy.

“Things can get quite hostile online and what we have seen with cancel culture is that some people are scared to speak out about a subject because they think they will get shouted down.

“The best conversations that we can have are when people express their views, but also listen to others and learn something new.

“That is what happens with Polis as every conversation has a life of its own and will find the consensus.”

Other issues which are already up for debate on the Harrogate District Consensus website include how to better use the Stray and whether Harrogate should host more cycling events after the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire and 2019 UCI Road World Championships.

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Local democracy is another topic and Mr Gray said he believes the platform could not have been launched at a better time with the upcoming North Yorkshire Council elections.

He said:

“If enough people use the platform then all of the local political parties and independents can use the data to their liking.

“And if this happens, I don’t think there will ever in the history of our country be more polling data for a single town than there will be for Harrogate ahead of this May’s elections.”We are going to know where Harrogate is at with things like bins or the hospital – and all of these key points will be known like never before.”

Consensus

Polis has been used all over the world by governments, academics and citizens. Born out of Seattle in the USA, it allows participants to share their feelings and to agree or disagree with others, like any other social media platform.

However, what makes it different is that the platform does not highlight the most divisive statements, but gives more visibility to the most consensual ones. These are comments which find support not only in one cluster of people, but across other groups too.

The first survey in Harrogate was about the town’s £10.9 million Station Gateway project which attracted around 24,000 votes from 460 participants in a single week.

The survey found most people were against the now-approved project, but it also produced very granular data and new ideas which the survey organisers say “could and should be explored”.

The software is also being used in Knaresborough under a separate project to create conversation and gather data about where the town should be heading.