Two people are being treated in hospital after an incident involving armed police on Woodfield Road in the Bilton area of Harrogate today.

Officers were called to Woodfield Road after being alerted to a disturbance in a council flat close to Woodfield Community Primary School before 7am.

Police put a cordon in place and a long stretch of the road was closed until a man was led away at about 10.10am.

North Yorkshire Police has now said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of affray.

Read more:

• Bilton shocked after four-hour armed police incident
• Man arrested after four-hour police incident in Bilton

It tweeted this afternoon:

“A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of affray and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

“A woman was also taken to hospital with an injury to her hand.

“The cordon has now been lifted and the road has reopened.”

People in Bilton have spoken of their shock after the suburb became the scene of a four-hour armed police incident this morning.

Officers were called to Woodfield Road after being alerted to a disturbance in a council flat close to Woodfield Community Primary School.

A large stretch of the road was closed amid reports of a man behaving erratically in a first-floor window.

Crowds gathered to watch about half a dozen armed police officers, protected by a shield, stand in a garden outside the flat. An ambulance was also on hand.

Police were seen talking to the man, who was leaning out of the window.

A nearby resident on Woodfield Road, who asked not to be named, said they became aware of the commotion at about 6.30am and police arrived after it got louder. She said:

“There were loads of police. It was a worrying incident.”

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A workman in the area told the Stray Ferret he arrived in the area at 7.30am and was shocked to see about eight police vehicles and an ambulance.

“There was a guy throwing stuff from a window and shouting, and a lot of police cars moving about. It was shocking.”

A police cordon was erected as more and more people began to gather on the street to watch the drama unfold.

North Yorkshire Police issued a short statement saying a police negotiator was at the scene and the public were not thought to be at risk.

Eventually, at about 10.10am, a man was escorted by police into a van and the road reopened, bringing a tense and dramatic morning to a conclusion.

A man is led away by police on Woodfield Road.

Armed police outside the flat.

Police officer stands next to the cordon at Woodfield Road this morning.

Woodfield Road was closed by police.

A man has been arrested on Woodfield Road in Bilton after reports of knives being thrown out of a window.

North Yorkshire Police, including armed officers, were been to the scene at around 6am this morning.

A cordon was put in place to allow emergency services and a negotiator to speak to the man.

Seven police vehicles were called to the street this morning and officers had to divert residents and traffic down Elm Road. The road remains closed between Elm Road and Skipton Road.

Local residents told the Stray Ferret they are “shocked” by the incident.

North Yorkshire Police has released a statement, earlier this morning, saying:

“We’re currently at the scene of an ongoing incident on Woodfield Road in Bilton. A cordon is in place to allow emergency services, including a police negotiator, to respond.

“Please avoid area until further notice, the wider public are not believed to be at risk. We will provide an update when the cordon has been lifted.”

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• A young girl has been sexually assaulted on King’s Road, the second in a month in the area

The operations manager at a local charity has said cement is the new toilet paper as he struggles with a building materials shortage.

With low supply due to problems importing goods into the UK and high demand due to lots of interest in home improvement projects, materials have jumped up in price.

Local suppliers have warned that if someone has priced up a job a few months ago then they should “rip it up.”

As building materials seem to be so difficult to find, it has made it more difficult for those who are in the middle of projects.

Local charity Horticap has just finished work on its Hopkins@Horticap cafe and is currently refurbishing an adjacent garden.

Phil Airey, operations manager at Horticap, told the Stray Ferret:

“For us it is like cement has taken over toilet paper as the hot ticket item of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have got the posts here ready to go into the ground but no cement to keep it in place.

“The cafe building is now complete but there’s still plenty of work to do at the garden, which we are trying to make more accessible.”

Andy Broadwith, sales director at GH Brooks.

Andy Broadwith, sales director at GH Brooks, also told the Stray Ferret that his company is currently 50% down on building materials into the yard:

“As the UK relies on building materials from abroad, when there is a problem with shipping we will see a shortage.

“With low supply and high demand, it has been horrific for cost.

“Let’s say a couple wants to do a two-storey extension, the average price of all of those building materials has gone up by 32%.

“I do not think it will last though. When people reassess how much the job will cost and see such an increase some will have to cancel.”

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Timber is one of those essential materials that has more than doubled in cost over the last year.

David Gibbs, a manager at Harrogate Timber Ltd, said:

“It really is unprecedented. We have never seen such a rise in price like this before.

“We really just cannot get the stuff in we need right now, it has been really hard work. Everyone seems to be wanting to do work on their homes right now.

“Costs are rising but people are still spending. They still want to do the work they planned.”

There are warnings social care in Harrogate is facing a “ticking time bomb” as costs for families soar above £1,000 a week and industry leaders call for swifter government action to bring about major reforms.

After years of promises to fix the system, the government is coming under renewed pressure for failing to establish a firm plan to tackle the sector’s funding crisis which experts believe is a major reason for the UK suffering Europe’s worst covid death toll.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will bring forward a 10-year plan later this year but, in the meantime, families across the country are feeling the financial and emotional fallout from a sector under strain.

In North Yorkshire, the Harrogate district is the most expensive area to get care for loved ones with the average weekly cost of residential care this year reaching £1,055 and the same figure for nursing climbing to £1,061.

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Over a one-year period, these costs equate to more than £55,000.

While there are no legal limits on costs, North Yorkshire County Council does set an approved rate of £599 and £592 for residential and nursing respectively – and 90% of care providers in the Harrogate district currently exceed this.

These climbing costs driven by an inflated market are why Ross Kneller, director of St Margaret’s Home Care, believes social care is facing a “ticking time bomb” with worrying consequences for elderly and vulnerable residents who rely on the system.

He said his company – which provides 24/7 care services in Harrogate, York and Selby – is up against a wave of big businesses looking to cash in on these high prices by using less qualified and less skilled staff.

Mr Kneller said:

“There is a real feeling in the industry that we are at the cusp of a devastating wave that is about to crush the lives of thousands of vulnerable people.

“The domiciliary homecare market is an ever-growing giant of an industry. The nation is living longer, and they all want to stay at home for as long as possible.

“This booming industry is naturally attracting a host of new domiciliary care agencies all looking to take a share of the market.

“The private market is the preferred target for profit seekers. The private market pays the highest rates and is therefore the preferred choice for any venture looking to reap maximum profits from the industry.

“What about the majority of elderly, and vulnerable, across the country who rely on social services to provide them with quality care? They are being forgotten and will very soon suffer for the lack of care on offer to them.

“Thankfully there are many providers who still see the industry as a vocation led business, as well as a means to making profit.

“Unless the government helps agencies there will come a time when only the wealthy will receive the care they need as they grow older or become ill.”

After years of government cuts, local authorities including North Yorkshire County Council are under massive financial pressure, and in turn, care homes who they fund have been cash-strapped too.

Meanwhile, and in the midst of the pandemic, government plans to address an imbalance in the system have been blown out of the water.

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A cap on the costs of social care, a specific tax to help find the extra billions needed in funding and directing more cash straight to care homes are all ideas which have previously been brought to table.

But until the government eventually brings forward its exact proposals to reform the system, many struggling families will have to wait longer and dig deeper into their pockets.

How is social care funded?

Under current rules, those needing social care must fund it themselves down to their last £23,250, and only then will the local authority step in.

In the Harrogate district, it is North Yorkshire County Council which carries out assessments to determine how much support people should get.

Richard Webb, the council’s director of health and adult services, said around 70% of people using care services in the district fund it themselves.

He also said the authority had taken action on the climbing costs by carrying out a Covid-delayed actual cost of care exercise, as well as purchasing a £1.8m plot of land at Harrogate’s Cardale Park to build an extra care facility.

Mr Webb added there was also the potential for the council to buy other sites for more care facilities across the county as it looks to intervene in the market.

He said: 

“The rising costs make the purchase of care more expensive for the Council and individuals who are contributing to the cost of their care.

“The council is considering a range of options in the care market with a view to supporting providers and ensuring sustainable costs can be achieved in the medium to long term.

“The consequence of an inflated care market is ultimately that people will pay more and their resources will be used more on the costs of care. When those resources deplete then the cost burden shifts to taxpayers via council funded care provision.”

What is the picture across the UK? 

Unlike health care, social care is not generally provided for free in England.

In Scotland, free personal care is already available, while home care is free for the over 75s in Northern Ireland, and some care costs are capped in Wales too.

A personal cap on care costs in England was reportedly being considered by ministers prior to the coronavirus outbreak and is an idea which was first raised during talks with Sir Andrew Dilnot, the former UK statistics chief, whose proposals were previously abandoned in 2017.

The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate have confirmed the event will go ahead next month after all.

The event appeared in doubt after the government announced on Monday that existing social distancing restrictions will continue until July 19.

The extended period included the show, which is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 16.

This led to two days of uncertainty before this afternoon’s statement from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the event. It said:

“We are delighted to announce that the Great Yorkshire Show will take place as planned despite the delay to ending coronavirus restrictions.

“The Great Yorkshire Show was planned under social distancing measures and we are continuing to work closely with North Yorkshire County Council public health to deliver a covid-safe show.

“We are discussing some of the details which may require additional measures to be put in place.

“We have already adapted the show so that most of it is held outdoors this year and it’s been extended to run over four days for the first time in its history.”

Read more:

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• First ever four-day Great Yorkshire Show confirmed

A local resident has called for an investigation into a Harrogate car wash after a court found the owner guilty of modern slavery offences.

Harrogate Hand Carwash and Valeting’s sole director is Defrim Paci, who was found guilty this week of committing modern slavery crimes against workers at a car wash in Carlisle.

The court heard how several staff worked long hours for little pay and were denied breaks when it was busy.

Workers also reported rat and insect infestation sightings in their “very dirty” multi-occupancy accommodation after paying for transport from their native Romania.

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The Harrogate car wash on Sykes Grove was not implicated in the hearing but a resident who lives near it, and requested anonymity, called for an investigation in light of the court verdict. They said:

“I really never suspected anything like this.

“They really have to do some sort of investigation now. If Paci has done this at one of his businesses then they all need to be looked into.”

We passed on the resident’s concerns to North Yorkshire Police and asked if officers would carry out an investigation. The force did not reply.

The Stray Ferret also spoke to one of the workers at Harrogate Hand Carwash & Valeting, who wanted to remain anonymous. They said:

“I have not been working here long but I think all the workers here are fine and have no complaints.

“Friends of mine brought me here. I have not heard anything about that court case.

“I think it is a good place to work, it pays well. Paci is here sometimes and gives us food and drink.”

Police are investigating a second sexual assault of a teenage girl on Harrogate’s King’s Road in less than a month.

North Yorkshire Police said today a 17-year-old was approached from behind by the man, who touched her bum and chest on the corner of King’s Road and Coppice Drive.

The incident happened at about 3.50pm on Monday.

The 17-year-old victim told police the man then walked back in the direction he had come from, towards the A61 junction.

Read more:

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Police described the suspect as white, aged in his 20s, of thin build and with a long, clean shaven face. They also said he has long, light brown and slightly curly hair that was tied back.

Police believe he was wearing a red and grey backpack.

The victim and her family are being supported by police while enquiries continue.

Second attack in a month

An 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on the corner of Chatsworth Grove and King’s Road on May 25.

The young girl was walking home from school at around 3.15pm when the attack happened.

Harrogate High School and Willow Tree Community Primary School subsequently revealed they had alerted police to men harassing pupils.

Witnesses or anyone with information that could assist the latest investigation are urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Quote reference number 12210139452 when providing details.

These dramatic pictures show six crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue battling a blaze near Follifoot yesterday.

Firefighters were called to the former property of a well-known fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Ken Horner, on Haggs Road at 2.15pm.

When the crews arrived they found a skip and a large outbuilding on fire.

Firefighters from stations in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Ripon, Tadcaster and Acomb attended.

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Russell Jenkinson, crew manager at Knaresborough Fire Station, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are still carrying out investigations but we believe it started with some controlled burning in some old oil drums.

“It was confined and safe but obviously something happened to cause the fire to spread, that it was we are still trying to determine.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said yesterday:

“Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough Ripon, Acomb, Wetherby, Moortown and the water bowser from Tadcaster responded to a report of an outbuilding on fire, which had spread to a rubbish pile and a garden shed.

“Fire involving an out building and a large pile of rubbish is now extinguished. Will be revisited this evening by Harrogate crews.”

Harrogate behemoth Luke Richardson’s bid to become the youngest ever World’s Strongest Man has been ended by injury.

Luke, who weighs 330 lbs and will be 24 years old on Sunday, tore his biceps on the first day of heats yesterday in Sacramento, America.

He finished ninth last year and had high hopes of improving after good preparation.

But he was injured in the first event, a loading medley, which involved lifting and loading numerous heavy items.

He told his 71,000 Instagram followers:

“Unfortunately my World’s Strongest Man appearance this year was pretty much over before it even started with what seems to be a distal bicep tendon rupture.

“Obviously gutted as I felt in a really good position to improve on last year’s performance but it was not to be this time.

“Just a bump in what is going to be a long road but excited to test myself against a new challenge and grow closer to the athlete and person I am destined to be.

“Thank you all for your show of support and especially my loved ones and the guys here at WSM, you’re proper gents.”

Luke, a former lifeguard at Starbeck Baths, was crowned Europe’s Strongest Man last year and he will be hoping to defend his title in Leeds on September 4.

He has also been invited to compete at the first strongman event at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 120 years on July 24.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Luke Richardson flies to America for World’s Strongest Man
• Harrogate man finishes 9th at World’s Strongest Man

 

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