Long Lands Common set to open to members for the first time

Long Lands Common is preparing to welcome visitors for the first time next month shortly after the expected end to lockdown restrictions.

The group behind the community woodland project has said it will hold an official opening day and meeting on July 24, starting at 11am.

It will still be subject coronavirus regulations.

Around 3,000 people bought shares in the land. The appeal raised £375,000 to purchase 30 acres of land near Nidderdale Greenway and protect it from development.

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The committee has said that after the meeting it will ask volunteers to help with a “bio blitz” survey and bulb planting, finishing with a public picnic.

Anyone who would like to attend the opening day has been asked to register their attendance by filling out a small form here.

Secretary of Long Lands Common, Chris Kitson, told the Stray Ferret:

“It will be a great day. This will be the first opportunity for most of the members to see the land and contribute to the area.

“There are plenty of things we need to talk about at the meeting, we need to decide how much we change the land, how much access we have for dogs and more.

“Currently it is just going to be open for members. In order to open for the public we need to change the use of land through planning.”

The future of Long Lands Common, once earmarked for a relief road, finally looks secure for wildlife.

It is first and foremost a nature reserve but the goal is for the public to enjoy it too.

Live: Harrogate traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you this morning updating you every 15 minutes on how the transport links are near you.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

Let us know if you experience any delays on 01423 276197.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning, I will be back with you tomorrow from 6.30 with updates every 15 minutes. Have a lovely day.

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic in the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough centres is starting to build this morning but keep checking in.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

 

New bar could open on Harrogate’s Parliament Street

Plans have been submitted to convert the former Moss Bros menswear shop on Parliament Street in Harrogate into a new bar.

Jonathan Neil from Palagander Ltd has submitted an application to Harrogate Borough Council to convert 23 Parliament Street, which also meets the top of The Ginnel, into a nightspot.

The company already runs two venues in Leeds. A cocktail bar called Roland’s on Call Lane and live music venue The Domino Club.

The new bar would be the latest addition to Parliament Street’s nightlife scene which is home to many venues including the Harrogate Arms, Revolución de Cuba, Mojos and the Viper Rooms.

The Ginnel hosts bars Montey’s and Major Tom’s Social.

Some venues on Parliament Street have struggled to survive in recent years including Jamie’s Italian, Wagyu Bar & Grill and The Restaurant Bar and Grill, which all closed.

The Stray Ferret tried to contact Mr Neil to find out more about his plans but we had not received a response by the time of publication.

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Historic Harrogate naturist club holds first open day since covid

An historic naturist club in Harrogate is to hold its first open day since covid.

Valley Sun Club, which dates back to 1937, has a caravan site in a secluded spot on the outskirts of Harrogate.

The club, which is situated on five acres of land, is looking to reach new people in the area during its open day, which takes from 10am on Sunday, July 18.

It hopes that those who have missed the secluded naturist beaches in Europe will try out their Harrogate club as part of the staycation boom.

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To protect privacy, the precise location of the club has not been divulged, other than it is on the outskirts of Harrogate.

Those involved also requested to only use their first names.

Anne, who is in charge of membership at Valley Sun Club, told the Stray Ferret:

“Naturism is growing in popularity around the UK but it is probably not as popular as we would like it to be around Harrogate.

“We are just trying to reach out to anyone who might be interested, it might not be for everyone but I think there are lots of benefits to getting involved.”

To book your place, or for more information, contact richardatvalley@gmail.com or call 07340 177142.

As well as sunbathing, the club has boules, miniten, a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course and a bar at weekends with a pool table, darts and karaoke.

Many members have a caravan on site during the summer season, which allows them to stay as often as they wish but caravans are also available for rental.

Businesses and councils in Harrogate need to communicate better, says retail expert

Businesses and local authorities in Harrogate need to communicate better on the future of the town centre, a retail expert said today.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce invited Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, to talk at a zoom meeting about the challenges facing Harrogate high street.

Mr Goodacre, who lived in Harrogate for 15 years until 2013, said engagement with local authorities, congestion around the town centre and the need for a combined vision were the key challenges facing the town. He said:

“Independent retail is so important for town centres. I would call out to all local authorities to work with local businesses on their vision.”

Harrogate business owners William Woods and Lucy Gardiner both expressed anger at what they described as a lack of communication between businesses and the county and borough councils.

Mr Goodacre said he “shared their frustration”, adding:

“It’s about engagement: are businesses being engaged by the local authorities? Do they share a vision? I don’t understand the lack of communication because all the practices out there are very clear that it can’t be done in isolation. There has to be collaboration.

“It’s wrong, you’ve got to engage with businesses. Business just want to be involved and listened to.”

Some businesses are particularly concerned that their views haven’t been heard by local authorities promoting the Station Gateway project, which aims to improve cycling and pedestrian access to the town centre.

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Future of the high street

The need for a diverse high street was also discussed at the meeting.

Mr Goodacre said Harrogate’s range of retailers would help it stand out and encourage tourists to return after lockdown.

Looking further ahead, Mr Goodacre said trends towards online shopping, working from home and more leisure facilities on high streets mean Harrogate town centre will look very different in 10 years time.

He said:

“Harrogate has pockets of place like Cold Bath Road and Kings Road with their own identities. That diversity really works.

Eighteen chamber members attended the meeting, which was chaired by David Simister, chief executive of the chamber.

Harrogate primary school wins £260,000 to improve safeguarding

A primary school in Harrogate has won £260,000 of government funding to improve safeguarding measures.

Bilton Grange Primary School applied last year to the Condition Improvement Fund, which awards grants to schools for capital projects.

A school spokesperson said it was “brilliant news” it had been chosen and more detailed plans on how the funding will be spent would be discussed next week.

Bilton Grange is one of five North Yorkshire primary schools that belong to Yorkshire Collaborative Academy Trust, which together received £1 million. The other four schools are all outside the Harrogate district.

The CIF fund is designed to keep schools safe and in good working order. This includes health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building conditions.

Aspin Park Academy in Knaresborough got a new roof and fire safety system after it received £500,000 from the fund in December 2019.

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The Bilton and Knaresborough schools both worked with Leeds property consultants Eddisons to secure funding.

Since 2016, Eddisons has raised more than £100 million in successful CIF bids on behalf of schools and colleges.

Ian Harrington, building and project consultancy head at Eddisons, said:

“The CIF projects really are essential to creating a better learning and work environment for both students and staff at schools and colleges across the UK.”

RSPCA dashes hopes of Peter the Peacock returning to Bilton

The rumours are true — Peter the Peacock will spend the rest of his days away from Harrogate and will not be returning to Bilton.

The beloved bird had not been spotted at his usual haunts around Tennyson Avenue over the past week.

Bilton resident Claire Hamer said on Monday an RSPCA inspector told her Peter had injured his foot and the charity had taken him to an animal sanctuary to recuperate.

Responding to questions by the Stray Ferret, An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed Peter was taken in after members of the public alerted it to the bird’s injury.

After taking Peter to a vet for immediate care, the charity then took him to a “specialist boarding establishment”, believed to be across the Pennines in Lancashire.

The spokesperson added that Peter will soon be placed in a new permanent location where there are other birds, including peacocks, to keep him company.

 An RSPCA spokesperson said:

“We were called to reports from concerned members of the public about a peacock in Tennyson Avenue, Harrogate, earlier this month.

“It was reported to us that he was injured and unable to bear weight on his right foot and because of this he was also unable to roost in his usual tree.

“The RSPCA sent an animal rescuer to the area and the peacock was taken for immediate veterinary care.

“Peter lived for many years on his own but he has now been taken on by a specialist boarding establishment and he will be found a new home on an estate with many other birds, including peacocks, for company where he will be able to spend the rest of his days.”

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However, Peter may not be flying off into the sunset just yet.

Bilton residents who have cherished Peter’s presence over the past 12 years are mobilising and could launch a campaign to persuade the RSPCA to bring Peter back to where they consider to be his rightful home.

Andrew Hart, who owns the local post office, said the plight of Peter has been the talk of Bilton over the past week and he might start a petition for his return.

He said:

“He’s an attraction. He belongs to Bilton and we want him back”

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, the RSPCA spokesperson said it would be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to release back into Bilton because peacocks are classed as a non-native species.

The spokesperson did give residents’ some hope, though, by suggesting that Peter may be able to return if someone with the correct accommodation to house a peacock offered to adopt him.

Two men taken to hospital after Starbeck car crash

Two men have been taken to hospital after a crash involving two cars in Starbeck.

It happened at about midday today at the junction of High Street and The Avenue.

A police officer at the scene told the Stray Ferret the crash occurred when a car on The Avenue pulled out onto High Street.

The officer added the male driver of one of the vehicles, and his male passenger, had been taken to hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be serious.

A female driver of the other car did not require hospital, the officer said.

Traffic was heavy shortly after the incident but by 1pm it had returned to normal, with the damaged cars moved to the side of the road.

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Programme revealed for Harrogate’s crime writing festival

The full programme for the world’s largest crime writing festival, which will bring household names to Harrogate next month, has been revealed.

Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will be held at the town’s Old Swan Hotel from July 22 to 25.

The hotel is synonymous with the genre because it is where Agatha Christie disappeared to in 1926.

This year’s lineup Pointless star Richard Osman, espionage expert Mick Herron, mystery maestro Elly Griffiths and fan favourite Ann Cleeves.

The winner of the crime novel of the year award will be revealed on July 22.

Panel discussions will take place on the following days on historical crime fiction, the rise of science and tech and the genius of Agatha Christie.

The programme has been curated by festival programming chair Ian Rankin, who said:

“After nearly a year-and-a-half of successive lockdowns and restrictions, it is going to be absolutely marvellous to be able to safely gather together and celebrate the genre that we all love so dearly.”

The past 18 months have been full of ups and downs for the festival industry. Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“It has been a real journey to bring this year’s festival to life – working in festivals during covid is not for the faint-hearted! Ian Rankin has brought together a killer line-up.

“We are so grateful and proud that – after so many challenges – we are at long last able to share this programme with the public.”

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Full Festival Programme:

Thursday, July 22

8pm – THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2021 AWARD CEREMONY

The shortlist includes Chris Whitaker with We Begin at The End, Rosamund Lupton with Three Hours, Elly Griffiths with The Lantern Men, Abir Mukherjee with Death in the East, Brian McGilloway with The Last Crossing and Trevor Wood with The Man on the Street.

Friday, July 23

9am – SPECIAL GUEST MICK HERRON INTERVIEWED BY N.J. COOPER

10.30am – GUNG-HO ACTION HERO

Join A.A. Dhand, Holly Watt, Simon Kernick, Steph Broadribb and Charles Cumming as they discuss the rise and fall of the gung-ho action man hero (and heroine). What is next for this well-worn and much beloved crime character?

12pm – HISTORICAL CRIME FICTION

Abir Mukherjee, Antonia Hodgson, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, S.G. MacLean and S.J. Parris join forces to discuss the future of historical crime fiction, taking Philip Kerr’s (alternative) history novels as a starting point.

2pm – PLANNERS VERSUS PANTSERS

Readers are often incredulous when certain crime writers say they do hardly any planning, preferring to see where a story and its characters takes them. Other authors absolutely need to know every twist and turn before starting to write. There are no hard and fast rules of course and this playful panel of Erin Kelly, Helen FitzGerald, Mark Edwards, Sarah Pinborough and Luca Veste will explore the merits and pitfalls of both routes.

3.30pm – WHO KILLED THE POLICE PROCEDURAL?

A panel of Mari Hannah, Olivia Kiernan, Parker Bilal, Will Dean and James Oswald will ask can the police procedural as we’ve known and loved it survive?

5pm – SPECIAL GUEST ANN CLEEVES INTERVIEWED BY STEPH MCGOVERN

8.30pm – SPECIAL GUESTS: CL TAYLOR AND CLARE MACKINTOSH IN CONVERSATION

10pm – TOP OF THE COPS

Elly Griffiths, Ian Rankin OBE, Mark Billingham, Martyn Waites and Abir Mukherjee to debate who’s ‘Top of the Cops’. Once they decide on a shortlist – the audience will crown the winner by show of hands. Who will it be? Marple or Columbo? Morse or Tennyson?

Saturday, July 24

9.00am – SPECIAL GUEST ELLY GRIFFITHS INTERVIEWED BY JOE HADDOW

10.30am – NAPOLEONS OF CRIME

Join C.J. Tudor, Craig Robertson, Liz Nugent, Luca Veste and Barry Forshaw as they consider what makes a great villain.

12.00pm – NEW BLOOD

Val McDermid’s sought-after New Blood panel returns on Saturday 24 July, with this year’s hotly-tipped debut authors including Anna Bailey, Greg Buchanan, Patricia Marques and Lara Thompson.

2.00pm – THE WRITING LIFE SCIENTIFIC

Panellists Fiona Erskine, Lin Anderson, Sarah Vaughan, Lesley Kelly and Professor Niamh Nic Daeid together explore the science behind a good crime novel, forensics to pathology.

3.30pm – WATCHING ME, WATCHING YOU, AHH HA

Join Chris Brookmyre, Denise Mina, Louise Candlish, Matt Wesolowski and Mark Lawson as they explore the impact of new and rapidly evolving technology on the fiction we read.

5.00pm – PLEASURES AND PITFALLS OF THE SHORT STORY

We ask our panellists Cath Staincliff, Jane Casey, Stuart Neville, Susi Holliday and Ian Rankin to share their perspectives of the pleasures and pitfalls of the short story.

8.30pm – SPECIAL GUEST MARK BILLINGHAM INTERVIEWED BY IAN RANKIN

10.00pm – LATE QUIZ NIGHT: VAL MCDERMID AND MARK BILLINGHAM

Sunday, July 25

9.30am – CHRISTIE’S ENDURING ALLURE

We ask Ragnar Jonasson, Ruth Ware, Sarah Phelps, Stuart Turton and Elly Griffiths to discuss the highs and lows of the crime genre’s Grand Dame: Agatha Christie, who famously disappeared from the festival’s home, the Old Swan Hotel.

11.00am – THE POLITICS OF CRIME

Join Brian McGilloway, Doug Johnstone, George Alagiah, Sarah Vaughan and Alan Johnson as they explore the rise and rise of the political drama, asking if uncertain political landscapes increase the desire for Machiavellian novels?

12.30pm – SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD OSMAN INTERVIEWED BY MARK BILLINGHAM

Harrogate TV shop window smashed by bricks and boulders

Just a week after reopening due to a flood, a Harrogate shop has had its windows smashed by bricks and boulders.

The electrical goods store, Crampton & Moore, on Commercial Street is boarded up following the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Store manager Chris Johnson said he received a call at 2.15am on Saturday to say the glass had be smashed.

He said North Yorkshire Police called within 15 minutes about the incident.

The window pane needs replacing but thanks to metal grills behind it, nothing was stolen.

Smashed window and Crampton and Moore

The extent of the damage at the electrical shop.

Mr Johnson said:

“The whole thing was caught on CCTV. Luckily they didn’t get anything so it’s just a case of waiting for the repair this week.”

The shop had only reopened on Monday last week after the eight-week flood closure.

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The shop remains open, with the damaged section closed off to customers.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“A man in his 50s was promptly arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary following this incident. He’s been bailed while the investigation continues.”