Harrogate council leader: ‘Christmas Market organisers refused other locations’

Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper today insisted that for “several years” HBC tried to persuade the Christmas Market organisers to change its location from Montpellier Hill to elsewhere in the town.

This is despite a 2016 council-commissioned report that categorically concluded the site was the best location for the market in Harrogate.

The Conservative council leader issued a statement this afternoon that explained why the authority decided not to issue an events licence for Montpellier Hill to organiser Brian Dunsby of Yorkshire Business Market, citing concerns over visitor safety.

Cllr Cooper said:

“If we allowed the event organisers to ignore those concerns, licenced them to press ahead and, God forbid, there was an incident of some kind I know exactly what would happen.

“For several years, including this year, we have suggested other locations to the event organiser but these have been refused.”

Alternative sites

In 2016, HBC commissioned Malcolm Veigas Consultancy to review the Christmas Market and its impact on the district since it began in 2012, which included looking at six alternative sites it could move to.

The other sites were Valley Gardens, the Great Yorkshire Showground, Victoria Road, Cambridge Road/Oxford Street, the top of Montpellier and Dragon Road Car Park.

However, the report said the current site was the only location to receive a tick for all six requirements which included access, quiet enjoyment and “good atmospheric opportunities”.

The safety of visitors was not one of the considerations of the report’s authors when comparing the six sites with its current location.

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The report says:

“It is clear that YBM have a good understanding of how to manage and deliver an outdoor event and that they have chosen the best location in Harrogate Town Centre.”

It concluded:

“The review confirms that the Stray is the best location for events in the town and as such should continue to be used as the location for the Christmas event.”

The report was presented to HBC cabinet members in September 2016 and its recommendation to reject the alternative sites was voted by all senior HBC cabinet members, including Cllr Cooper.

“Breakdown in communications”

In his statement today, Cllr Cooper also accused organisers of trying to “galvanise public opinion” in an attempt to get the council to change its mind.

He added:

“A number of people have asked; ‘why haven’t we worked with the event organiser to allow it to continue?’ I can assure you, we have. We have had ongoing conversations to encourage them to address the concerns over a number of years, and we recognise that progress has been made.

“However, significant concerns remain and as the event organiser isn’t willing to address these, then we simply cannot grant a licence for this location.”

The 2016 report suggests ill-feeling has lingered between HBC and organisers for some time.

It refers to a “breakdown in communications” during the early years of the market which led to “mistrust on both sides”.

It appears history has repeated itself as Mr Dunsby was first made aware that HBC would not be issuing a licence when he was told by a Stray Ferret journalist yesterday evening.

Mr Dunsby said Montpellier Hill was the only suitable location for the market and told the Stray Ferret that he was “disgusted” by the council’s decision. He said he plans to appeal it.

The future of the market

It’s unclear what the future of the Christmas Market is at this stage.

Tonight Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said the organisation is “open and willing” to work with all parties to ensure it happens “for the good of the town”.

Mr Chapman said:

“This news will be bitterly disappointing to the organisers who have done a fantastic job over the last nine years, firmly putting Harrogate Christmas Market on the festive shopping map.

“The pressing matter now is to ensure a Christmas Market can still proceed, particularly as 170 stallholders and scores coach companies are already signed up to it. However, safety must always come first, and I hope a new location, within the town centre, can be found quickly.

“The last thing we, and town centre retailers, want is to miss out on the opportunity of welcoming tens-of-thousands of visitors to the town for a day’s shopping, and the economic benefit this event ultimately brings.

“We, as an organisation, are open and willing to work in collaboration with all parties to ensure this event happens for the good of the town, and for the many businesses who are relying on a bumper four days of trade to help offset some of their losses brought about by three national covid lockdowns.”

Police say be vigilant as scammers flag down motorists on A59 for money

North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning after receiving a rising number of reports of scammers attempting to flag down motorists asking for money to fix their car.

The police said it received at least seven reports in the past two days in the Harrogate, Scarborough and Ryedale areas.

The force said suspect’s descriptions range from Asian, Portuguese and Eastern European men driving a silver Volkswagen or a dark-coloured Fiat.

In one incident on the A59 near Harrogate yesterday two men in separate lay-bys were seen trying to flag down motorists. One was described as a smartly dressed Asian man with a silver Passat and the other as European with a dark-coloured Fiat.

Soon after, another man managed to flag down a car on the A61 near Ripley. He was descried as Romanian and was then joined by two other men asking for money after breaking down.

Throughout the evening and into this morning similar reports were received in the Scarborough and Kirbymoorside area.

In one of those incidents the suspect wanted to take motorists to a cash machine to withdraw money and in others children were in the suspect vehicles.

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The police said most motorists realised it was a scam and drove away without giving any money.

The police has urged the public not to give money to anyone on the side of the road and be vigilant against anyone trying to flag down cars.

To report any information, call 101.

Crime commissioner pledges extra police for Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has pledged to push for increased policing in the Mayfield Grove area of Harrogate.

Philip Allott visited the area yesterday to hear concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour on Mayfield Grove and nearby streets, such as Mayfield Terrace and Nydd Vale Terrace.

He was invited by Paul Ivison, who has set up a residents group for people worried about drug dealing, car crime, speeding and anti-social behaviour, particularly in some houses in multiple occupation let by landlords, .

Mr Allott said:

“I will ask the police to step up neighbourhood policing in this area. I will ask them to target the drug dealers and make it hard for the supply chain to operate.”

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He also urged Harrogate Borough Council to take a tougher line against landlords that didn’t do enough to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on their premises.

“The council possibly needs to be a little more active and realise this is a serious issue. I don’t think the district council has quite latched on to that.

“I will be asking Harrogate Borough Council to be more proactive and serve further closure notices against landlords where relevant.”

North Yorkshire Police and Harrogate Borough Council issued a three-month closure order on 38 Mayfield Grove in March. The two organisations can apply to a court for a closure order if they have concerns about antisocial behaviour and criminal behaviour on premises.

‘Abused by beggars’

Mr Ivison told the commissioner many town centre street beggars stayed in bedsits in the area and said the police should issue more Public Spaces Protection Orders to prevent begging in town, as many of those doing it weren’t genuine rough sleepers, were taking advantage of people and making a mess.

Mr Allott agreed the “town centre was being abused by beggars” who took advantage of “kindly, well disposed people who think they are helping”, adding:

“It’s patently clear a lot of these characters in the town centre are not what they present themselves to be.

“But I do recognise that there are a minority of people who through no fault of their own find themselves in a destitute position.”

Mr Allott said he supported the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders “where it is proportionate and necessary but not as a blanket measure”.

Owner of Harrogate Hand Carwash jailed for modern slavery offences

The owner of a Harrogate car wash has been jailed for the mistreatment and exploitation of workers who travelled to the UK from their native Romania in search of better lives.

Defrim Paci is sole director of Harrogate Hand Carwash on Sykes Grove, but his crimes were committed against workers at a Carlisle car wash.

Paci and Sitar Ali were jailed for modern slavery crimes by a judge who heard of the harrowing impact their offending had on four men who helped bring the pair to justice after a painstaking multi-agency investigation.

Paci the ringleader

Carlisle Crown Court was told Paci, who has four children, led a criminal plot to exploit employees who were left exhausted having been forced to work long hours in poor conditions for less than the minimum wage at Shiny on Warwick Road in Carlisle. They were also housed in filthy city accommodation.

Some victims were left with only £20 left in weekly pay packet despite working 11 hours a day, six days a week as their freedom, according to the prosecution, was “effectively over-ridden”. Wage slips overstated pay and understated the working hours of workers left with sore feet, cracked hands and exhausted.

Documents found in Paci’s possession and phone evidence revealed Paci’s ongoing interest in the car wash despite his denials.

Meanwhile Ali ‪managed the Shiny site, denying the men proper breaks and days off. Some spoke of the skin on their being “burned” by “toxic” cleaning chemicals, and of receiving no protective clothing. One worker recalled buying cheap gloves from Tesco to protect his hands.

Despite their firm denials, Paci, of Windmill Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Ali, of Adelaide Street, Carlisle, were each convicted of two modern slavery crimes committed over a 15-month period during 2016 and 2017. Ali was also found guilty of possessing criminal property after £16,000 was found in his car after police began making arrests during their criminal investigation.

The four Romanian victims, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, were aged 49, 34, 32 and 21. 

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Victims humiliated and exploited

One victim said in an impact statement as he described being “humiliated”:

“The experience I went through while working at the car wash in Carlisle caused me to lose all trust in humans.

“I was treated like a piece of garbage by those running the place and this caused me extreme stress there and long-term anxiety afterwards.”

Another said the ordeal was “the most horrible experience I have been through in my entire life”.

He said:

“It is a terrible injustice for a human being to take advantage of another human by exploiting them.

“It fills me with anger when I think back to what I went through.”

A third added:

“The inhumane manner in which Sitar and Defrim treated those that worked for them will forever stay with me and has caused me to lose trust in people.”

The court heard Paci was a committed family man but Judge Nicholas Barker told him of the crimes: “I am satisfied you did benefit significantly from this operation.”

Paci was jailed for 45 months and Ali for 39 months by Judge Barker, who stressed it was necessary for “deterrent ambits” within the sentence to show such offending “will not be tolerated by the courts”.

Judge Barker told Ali:

“I am satisfied upon the evidence you worked in partnership with Defrim Paci. Although you each performed different roles, you did so at equal levels within her organisation.

“You realised that by reducing the cost of labour it would significantly increase your profits.”

He told both men:

“It was the circumstances in which workers found themselves, designed by you, which rendered them vulnerable and helpless.”

Harrogate social distancing planters find a happy home in Starbeck

Six of Harrogate’s social distancing planters now have pride of place on Starbeck High Street.

Andrew Hart, who owns the local post office and recently set up Starbeck Community Group, made a bid to Harrogate Borough Council to take them to Starbeck which was accepted.

After receiving a pavement licence from North Yorkshire County Council, the wooden boxes were delivered to Starbeck yesterday.

They now sit in front of the abandoned former McColl’s building, which was burnt out in a fire three years ago. Planters have also been placed in front of St Andrew’s Church.

Mr Hart paid £40 per planter for HBC to put fresh plants in them.

The planters were removed from James Street and Albert Street last week. They were both loved and loathed and came to symbolise the debate that surrounded not just covid but the high street economy, parking and pedestrianisation.

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The council bought them after receiving £144,411 from the European Regional Development Fund to boost high streets during the covid pandemic.

A condition of taking the planters is they have to retain ERDF branding, and Mr Hart said the council will be sending over the logos soon. They must be returned to HBC in March 2022.

Mr Hart said:

“I would like to thank North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council for their magnificent support in this project.”

 

Blues Bar owner: Christmas Market cancellation will have ‘long term repercussions’ for Harrogate

A Harrogate bar owner has warned that the cancellation of Harrogate Christmas Market will have “long-term repercussions” on local businesses.

Simon Colgan, owner of the Blues Bar in Harrogate, criticised Harrogate Borough Council for cancelling the Christmas Market and says it will affect local trade.

The event was due to take place from November 18 to 21. A total of 170 traders and 53 coaches had booked to attend the event.

The council issued a statement yesterday evening saying “the event management plan did not fully take into account the risk of overcrowding and necessary evacuation procedures, counter-terrorism measures and the ongoing risk of covid”.

Mr Colgan told the Stray Ferret that he did not agree with the reasons put forward by HBC. He suggested if there were genuine concerns about covid, limited tickets could have been sold as happened at the recent Great Yorkshire Show and the Theakston’s Crime Writing Festival.

He said the council should be doing more to support local businesses after a difficult 18 months:

“Other towns bend over backwards [to support local businesses] and our council are doing nothing.

“This will have long term repercussions for Harrogate”

Mr Colgan said the Christmas Market is usually one of the best few days of trade in the year for the bar and music venue on Montpellier Parade.

He added:

“The Christmas Market is wonderful, it’s four of our best days of the year. It’s lovely.”

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Brian Dunsby, organiser of the Christmas Market, said this morning that he has still not spoken to anyone from the council after he first heard about the news through the Stray Ferret yesterday.

He said he does not have any contingency plans in place for alternative venues, such as the Great Yorkshire Showground. He said the showground “doesn’t serve the purpose” of supporting traders and businesses in Harrogate town centre.

He said he plans to appeal the decision by HBC.

The Stray Ferret asked Conservative Harrogate & Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones if he agreed with the council’s decision but we did not receive a response.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, and happy Friday! It’s Leah with you for the last time this week. As usual, I’ll be bringing you all the latest traffic news.

The aim of these blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, is to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible.

I’ll include all the latest roadworks, traffic hotspots and any delays to public transport.

If you spot anything or get stuck in a jam, give me a call on 01423 276197.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me on this rainy Friday morning, I will be back with you on Monday morning from 6:30 with updates every 15 minutes. Have a lovely weekend.

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

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8.30am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Traffic is building here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads 

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. 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, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. 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, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Knaresborough Thai boxer returns to the ring with a win

A Muay Thai boxer from Knaresborough made a successful return to the ring in London on Saturday in his first fight for two years.

Nathaniel Kalogiannidis trains at Kao Loi Gym on Skipton Road in Harrogate under head coach Pierre Mahon. Fists, elbows, knees and shins can all be used during Muay Thai bouts.

The 23-year-old fighter competed in front of almost 2,000 fans at Fairfield Halls in Croydon against local fighter Luke Thompson in the Combat Fight Series promotion. Covid had halted his appearances in the ring.

Speaking after the fight, Mr Kalogiannidis said:

“I was really pleased but I’m my biggest critic so coming away from it I know there’s lots I need to work on.

“We’ve spent a lot of time on skills-based training and working on my mindset over the pandemic. It’s important for me to stay switched on. I’m excited to get back out there again.”

The Harrogate fighter was ahead by the third round and upped his pace in rounds four and five to achieve a points victory.

Kalogiannidis (right) in action during Saturday’s fight against Luke Thompson. Photo: Dean John Films

Kalogiannidis fell in love with Muay Thai when he was at King James’s School in Knaresborough. He said he knew from the beginning he’d found his passion.

He trains six days a week, twice a day in the Harrogate gym under the watchful eye of his coach.

He started at Kao Loi aged 13 but then trained full-time in Greece, where his dad lives, for two years before returning to Kao Loi in 2018.

He added:

“I want to mix with the top guys in the world. It’s not about the big titles for me. I just want to keep working hard. It’s what I love to do and I want to keep going.”

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Kalogiannidis is already back in the gym training for his next fight in October.

Pierre Mahon, head coach at Kao Loi, said:

“I am very pleased with this performance after such a long time out of the ring. We have been working on lots of new things in the gym and he has implemented them all in a terrific fight against a tough and more experienced opponent.

“We have another three bouts this year and I can only see him going from strength to strength.”

Harrogate Christmas market cancelled

Harrogate Christmas market has been cancelled for the second year running.

Harrogate Borough Council issued a statement this evening saying “the event management plan did not fully take into account the risk of overcrowding and necessary evacuation procedures, counter-terrorism measures and the ongoing risk of covid”.

Brian Dunsby, the event organiser, was unaware of the news until the Stray Ferret contacted him tonight.

Mr Dunsby said he was “absolutely disgusted” by the decision and would fight it.

He said 170 traders and 53 coaches had booked to attend the event on Montpellier Hill, which was due to take place from November 18 to 21.

“This is an outdoor event and there is no reason to cancel. It’s quite unjustifiable.

“The Christmas market is part of the social programme for the town and for traders. We can’t tolerate this and will fight back.”

Mr Dunsby said he was unaware of concerns by the council.

The council’s statement said it was “working hard to ensure alternative Christmas festivities take place”.

Its full statement is included in the tweet below.

After careful consideration, Harrogate Christmas Market will not be taking place on the Stray at Montpellier Hill this year.

More follows in the statement below…⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7kHhDyiklz

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 29, 2021

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Former Coach and Horses landlord John Nelson admits breaching driving ban

The former landlord of the Coach and Horses pub in Harrogate has admitted breaching a driving ban issued for driving while under the influence of drugs.

John Nelson, who held the licence at the Coach and Horses for 33 years until last summer, appeared at Harrogate Justice Centre today.

He pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on Burn Bridge Lane in Burn Bridge on July 13.

The court adjourned the case for another hearing on August 27.

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Nelson was banned from driving for 18 months on May 7 after police pulled him over with cocaine in his system and Class A drugs in his jacket.

He had 30 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood in his system. The legal limit is 10 micrograms. Officers also found three bottles of methadone in his car.

Nelson lost his pub licence after North Yorkshire Police found customers drinking outside the Coach and Horses and not observing social distancing during the weekend of May 30, 2020.

Customers of the pub launched a petition to grant the licence to his daughter Samantha Nelson, which Harrogate Borough Council did in October last year.

Ms Nelson said she would refurbish and reopen the pub but it remains closed.