Boroughbridge news from the Boroughbridge district - Page 136 of 224

Harrogate district councils object to Allerton Park asphalt plant plan

Parish councils near a waste incinerator near Knaresborough have questioned whether a decision over setting up an asphalt manufacturing facility on the site should be taken out of a council’s hands.

The parish councils represent numerous villages surrounding the Allerton Waste Recovery Park off the A1(M).

They claim North Yorkshire County Council lied to them about the impact of the incinerator, and that its councillors had pledged the rural area would not see further industrial-type developments.

The comments follow numerous communities across the county accusing the Conservative-run authority of putting big business interests above those of residents.

They have been lodged in response to Tynedale Roadstone’s application to the county council to create an asphalt manufacturing plant across a 2.1-hectare grass and scrubland site at the waste recovery park.

The site, which is an existing and partially complete and restored landfill, features other uses such as a concrete batching plant and the processing of 320,000 tonnes of waste a year from York and North Yorkshire councils.

The firm said the site had been chosen because plastic from the waste recovery plant would be used in the production of the final asphalt road surfaces product, cutting transportation, while its proximity to the A1(M) meant vehicles could enter and exit the site without having to pass through villages.

Planning documents submitted by the firm said the site is “extremely well screened from view” and locating the plant there would “protect” other employment sites in the area.

It said:

“The application proposes a land use that is wholly in-keeping with the nature of this site and complements those existing land uses currently operating on the park.”

However, some residents have said they are as concerned about the impact of the proposed asphalt plant, particularly due to the potential of dust unintentionally spilling from the site, while mixing of hot bitumen could allow the release of a pungent, acrid smell.

‘A one-off isolated proposal’

In objections to the scheme, parish councils said when the incinerator had been approved in 2014 they had been assured by the county council that it was “a one-off isolated industrial proposal” in what was acknowledged as a rural location.

In its response, Arkendale Coneythorpe and Clareton Parish Council has highlighted how councillors went on record to say the incinerator would not be the stimulus for further industrial ribbon development along the A1(M) corridor.

A parish spokesman said:

“If this development is allowed to proceed what the county council promised these local communities will have been proven to be false and we would be right to feel let down by the democratic process.”

In its objection, Goldsborough and Flaxby Parish Council said as the county council had past and present interests in the site, an independent consultant with no specific interest in the plant should be commissioned to assess its impacts.

The parish council’s objection said it questioned “the legitimacy of this planning application being reviewed and considered by North Yorkshire County Council planning authority”.

The parish council said:

“North Yorkshire County Council officers made a big thing about how little the nearby incinerator would impact visually, with it being located in a quarry.

“Plainly that was a lie or at the very least a highly optimistic assessment. The incinerator can be seen from miles away including the east side of Harrogate and up the Yorkshire Dales.”

In response, Cllr Derek Bastiman, whose executive portfolio includes waste disposal, said:

“The application for the Allerton Waste Recovery Park was thoroughly debated at the time and the planning process was rigorously followed. Full consideration was given to any environmental impact on nearby residents and the surrounding landscape.

“The application now submitted by Tynedale Roadstone is entirely separate and relates to an area of land separate to the AWRP lease area. Like any planning application, it will be considered in accordance with planning policy.”

Pet crematorium opens today in Harrogate

A pet crematorium opened in Harrogate today.

The crematorium, run by Harrogate Borough Council, gives pet owners the chance to say farewell to their cats, dogs and small animals.

Prices start at £72 for small animals and from £85 for cats and from £115 for dogs.

The ashes will be placed in a scatter tube, which owners can collect, along with a memorial certificate.

The crematorium is located at Stonefall Cemetery and Crematorium on Wetherby Road.

The crematorium is at Stonefall on Wetherby Road.

Councillor Sam Gibbs, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“Pets are like part of the family and they deserve an ending with dignity and respect, just like humans.

“The new pet crematorium will provide the most sympathetic setting for people to say goodbye to their pets.

“This service will also provide people, as well as veterinary surgeries, a local, trusted and reliable pet cremation service – operated by experts in bereavements.”

The Stray Ferret revealed last year the council was set to award a £40,000 contract to create a pet crematorium at Stonefall.

Further information on the facility is available here.

Inside the crematorium

Harrogate bus operators confirm £2 fare cap extension

Bus companies in the Harrogate district have confirmed they will take part in an extension to the £2 fare cap.

The move comes in line with a government announcement that it had extended the cap until on single tickets until June this year.

The scheme was introduced at the start of January and was due to finish at the end of March.

But the Department for Transport announced last Friday that it was providing £75 million to extend the initiative.

Paul Turner, commercial director at Transdev, said Harrogate Bus Company would take part in the extension.

He said:

“We’re delighted to see to see that the Department for Transport has announced that the £2 fare cap will be extended until the end of June.

“So far during the fare cap, we have seen 11% extra customers on some of our routes, compared to customer numbers in November, and we’ve also seen the busiest day in the history of our company.

“The three month extension to the cap is bound to be good news for our existing customers, and we hope it will continue to encourage new customers out of the car and onto the bus.”

Meanwhile, Craig Temple, managing director at Connexions Buses, said the operator would also continue with a £2 cap on fares.

The £2 cap has reduced the cost of a 29-mile journey from Ripon to Leeds on the 36 bus by 73 per cent from £7.50 to £2, while the cost of a ticket from Harrogate to Bradford on the Flyer A2 has fallen by 63 per cent from £5.40 to £2.

Ministers hope the initiative will reinvigorate bus services amid fears many routes will be cut when funding runs out.

Ambulance workers in Harrogate district on strike again today

Ambulance workers in the Harrogate district are staging another one-day strike today.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff who are members of the GMB union have set-up another picket line outside the ambulance station on Lancaster Park Road in Harrogate, close to the hospital.

Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff are among those taking part in the industrial action, although ambulance workers will continue to respond to the most serious incidents.

Further ambulance strikes are planned on March 6 and 20 and Harrogate District Hospital will be hit by a two-day nurses’ strike beginning on March 1.

GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison urged the government to “talk pay now” and claimed ministers were unwilling to solve the dispute.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the strikes “only cause further disruption for patients” and he remained “keen to keep talking to unions about what is fair and affordable”.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Business Growth Finalists

The Business Growth Award is sponsored by Raworths.

Raworths delivers legal excellence to the people of Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

The firms offers specialist services covering business, dispute, property, individual and family law.

The Business Growth Award recognises businesses that have seen significant growth over the last three years, measured across financial turnover, employee expansion and market share increase.

The Finalists

Evolve Psychology Services

Evolve Psychology Services is an independent psychology and neuro-developmental clinic offering forensic and clinical services.

The clinic now has 30 clinicians, a services manager and 5 business centre staff to provide premium services.

In 2022, the clinic was awarded two NHS contracts for neuro-developmental assessments.

Evolve’s team is now able to offer 70 community assessments per month, which has seen the business grow more than 100% yearly since its foundation.

Dr Laura Powling, consultant clinical psychologist and director, said:

“We are extremely honoured to be shortlisted for the Business Growth Award. The business growth allows us to increase our capacity to provide much needed assessments and services to all the clients that are referred to us, which in turn allows them to access the appropriate support moving forward.

“We are extremely proud of the growth achievements we have made, and being shortlisted for the award is fantastic recognition and validation of the importance of the development of essential services”.

Harlow Consulting

Harlow Consulting provides detailed research to develop the client’s outputs, efficiency and effectiveness.

Harlow Consulting has seen swift revenue growth, with financial turnover going from strength to strength each year.

The team has expanded from the original two founders to seven highly-qualified staff members.

The business has also significantly expanded its office space at Cardale Park, Harrogate.

Jennifer Brennan, Director, said:

“Harlow Consulting feel very grateful to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Business Growth Award.

“It is great to be recognised alongside the other amazing nominees. We are very proud of our team, who have worked hard and given their all, resulting in the rapid growth we have experienced.”

Bamber & Brown

Bamber & Brown began in 2021 selling speciality coffee from a converted horse box at the entrance to Birk Crag.

Since then the company has seen exceptional financial growth and has become a hotspot for takeaway coffee.

In 2022, a horse shelter at the site was developed to serve fresh pizzas to the public.

The company has recently also acquired a premises license, which will be used to create a Prosecco Bar.

Philippa Brown, Founder, said:

“To say we’re over the moon about being finalists is an understatement! It was very unexpected and a marvellous recognition for my team’s dedication.

“I have wanted to bring back the historical old tea rooms at Birk Crag in some way for 25 years and decided it was now or never. A huge thank you to my lovely loyal and supportive customers who have made it happen!”

TMR Foods

TMR Foods, founded in 2019, supplies premium quality fish and seafood across Yorkshire.

During covid, the new business began doing private deliveries, which resulted in a loyal customer base.

TMR has since added two more vans onto the roads and established a base in Ripon to work from.

TMR Foods is now developing pre-packed ranges to supply to retailers.

Tony Rushton, Co-Founder of TMR Foods, said:

“We are thrilled to have been recognised for our hard work and dedication to providing the finest seafood from the east coast.

“As a family-run business, being shortlisted for the award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team, and we are grateful for the support of our customers who have made this achievement possible.”

IDR Law

IDR Law is the only legal firm in the UK that deals exclusively with contentious probate work.

IDR Law began in Harrogate, but has since opened offices in Manchester and Bristol.

The team has grown from just two employees to 18 staff members in 2023.

The firm also launched ‘IDRU’ – a university-style training programme – that offers staff 24/7 learning resources curated by top barristers and legal experts.

Founder and Director, Martin Holdsworth, said:

“Despite being very well known in our sector, I’ve always thought we were not well known locally – Harrogate’s best kept legal secret! There is much to celebrate after a stellar year of growth – taking us to 15 specialist lawyers and offices in Manchester & Bristol – but it remains deeply satisfying to have been recognised in our own Harrogate backyard!

“Despite several national award nominations this year, getting a finalist listing for a local award feels very special.”

The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing Store provides professional soundproofing solutions on a national scale.

The company has recently began working with commercial clients in the construction sector, as well as domestic customers, which has resulted in significant growth in revenue and network.

The Soundproofing Store recently created the only soundproofing floor mat without the need for an over boarding layer. Sales of the mat amassed to over 11,000.

Tamzin Jefferson, Marketing Manager, said:

“The Soundproofing Store has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and is now the largest online only retailer of soundproofing materials in the UK.

“It has been a challenging few years for many businesses, but we’ve continued to invest in our website, the service we offer and the soundproofing solutions we supply – whilst ensuring we have a clearly defined point of difference within the market”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Digital Innovation Finalists

The Digital Innovation Award is sponsored by ASE Computer Services Ltd.

ASE Computers Ltd is an IT Sales and Services company offering both corporate clients and individuals IT solutions.

ASE Computers Ltd has recently become a Sophos Partner.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that have embraced digital and grown the business as a result.

Finalists

Re-Macs

Re-Macs is an online business specialising in refurbished Apple devices.

The company has introduced digitally automated systems that enable staff to calculate the profit made on each product.

Re-Macs also launched a sister site, mac-recycle.com, where customers can trade-in their used Apple Macs and get an instant quote.

Tom James, Director of Re-Macs, said:

“It is fantastic to see all our hard work considered for a nomination for the Stray Ferret awards. We are obsessed with improving all aspects of what we do all the time.

“We’re on our way now to becoming the largest seller of refurbished Apple computers in the UK!”

Strive Group

Strive Group is a connected experience agency in Harrogate.

Strive Group was tasked by Volvo to create a virtual specification configurator, using the power of its ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) ahead of the Volvo C40 Electric Recharge launch.

‘ICE’ permitted potential customers to explore the car with immersive features such as the opening and closing car doors, testing the media system and even fitting an external tow bar.

Alistair Grant, Director and Owner of Strive Group, said:

“As a Harrogate business, we are very proud to receive recognition within the business community for the work we deliver for global clients. Our ‘I.C.E.’ platform has been developed to create a fully immersive experience for brands.

“With Volvo, we have further developed this concept, allowing customers freedom to explore the car as they would in a real life showroom, build the car to their specification and complete the ownership experience through subscribing or purchase the vehicle”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP says sewage criticism ‘ridiculous’

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has described criticism of his record on sewage as “ridiculous”.

Mr Jones was one of 265 Conservative MPs who voted to stop Amendment 45 to the Environment Bill in October 2021, which would have forced water companies to reduce the amount of sewage they discharged and pay for its environmental damage.

He subsequently supported a government amendment to make water companies provide “costed plans” on how to reduce the amount of sewage.

This has led to claims, especially from the Liberal Democrats, that he and his party are allowing too much sewage to pollute rivers.

Mr Jones said on his Community News website that “the recent spate of US attack-style campaigning over sewage in water… stands the truth on its head” and needed challenging.

He said untreated sewage had been discharged into waterways when sewers were overloaded since Victorian times.

He added overflows were happening more frequently due to severe weather and more items like wet wipes being flushed down drains and the focus should be on changing this. He said:

“If we shut the overflows today sewage would have nowhere to go when sewers are overloaded and would back up into our homes. To suggest that we should do so and I should have voted for that is ridiculous.

“Do you want your sewage and that of your neighbours backing up the pipes into your home? Of course not.”

Mr Jones said removing the overflows would cost up to £593 billion — the equivalent of closing the NHS for over three years. He added:

“These are the reasons why reducing the use of storm overflows must be part of a costed plan. The proposition that storm overflows can be closed today is just false.

“Portraying my support for this costed plan as voting to continue dumping sewage in our rivers is nonsense. It is the stuff of political game-playing and that isn’t something that interests me.”

Mr Jones with the owner of Knaresborough Lido on the River Nidd.

Mr Jones also highlighted his campaign to have the River Nidd in Knaresborough designated as bathing water as evidence of his willingness to tackle water quality.

The Stray Ferret asked the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats if it wished to comment but has not had a response.

Stray Ferret Awards: Best Employee Development

The Award for Best Employee Development is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

Jones Myers deal exclusively with the family sector, including civil partnerships, divorce and child protection.

The legal firm consistently ranked top in Yorkshire by the influential Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

Finalists

Continued Care

Continued Care provides people with complex health issues the support needed to move back into their homes.

All training for new employees begins in the on-site classroom. New carers will only begin working with people once their training is entirely complete and they feel confident in their role.

Continued Care offers funding towards qualifications. There is no limit on training and staff earn a bonus when they achieve qualifications, including NVQs.

Samantha Harrison, Director and Nominated Individual of Continued Care, said:

“We feel very honoured to be recognised within the category. We believe working sector it is important that everyone can develop their career and attain qualifications.

“Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge is hugely important to us as a company”.

Howard Conrad

Howard Conrad is Yorkshire’s leading independent Apple repair service.

Howard Conrad developed a bespoke training website for all its new starters.

The company also supports employees in undertaking external training courses that teach staff skills that can be used in-house.

Howard Conrad also encourages employees to trial any new ideas to develop new skills and services.

Tom James, Technician at Howard Conrad, said:

“Employee development is very important to use. For us to grow as a company and achieve our goals, the team needs to grow with us.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award. It shows that the hard work from every single member of the team is now paying.”

Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel and wellness retreat near Ripon.

Team members of Grantley Hall are trained at its on-site training facility, Grantley Academy.

Grantley Hall offers staff live-in accommodation, free meals, wellbeing support and a complimentary gym.

Staff can also access training from senior staff members and even Michelin-Starred Chef, Shaun Rankin.

Grantley Hall has a bespoke training website, developing skills that are used within a job role and to advance employees’ careers.

Andrew McPherson, General Manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Employee Development award at The Stray Ferret Business Awards. Here at Grantley Hall, we are passionate about employee development in order to strengthen our team in their careers.

“Our Grantley Academy is a core pillar of our business, which ensures that our team of more than 350 is trained and equipped to provide the five-star service that our guests know and love.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

In pictures: The day Storm Otto battered the Harrogate district

Storm Otto caused widespread disruption across the Harrogate district this morning.

By the time strong winds forecast by the Met Office had eased off by midday, at least 20 trees had fallen across the district.

The A1 was closed after three vehicles overturned; homes suffered power cuts and a Porsche driver discovered a tree had smashed into the rook of his vehicle.

Here are some pictures from this morning’s storm.

Firefighters deal with a perilous sign in Knaresborough.

A fallen tree blocks almost all of Leeds Road near M&S.

An overturned vehicle on the A1 during the strong winds

A fallen tree on Montpellier in Harrogate crashed onto the picture frame.

North Yorkshire County Council's highways teams arrived to deal with the tree this morning.

North Yorkshire County Council’s highways teams arrive to deal with a tree that crashed onto a Porsche in Harrogate.

Tree down outside Harrogate police station.

Government extends £2 bus fare cap for three months

The government has announced that a cap on single ticket bus fares will be extended for three months.

The move means single bus fares will be capped at £2 until the end of June 2023.

It could be good news for passengers of the Harrogate Bus Company and Connexions Buses, which are among more than 130 transport firms taking part in the current £2 fare cap supported by government funding.

It was introduced at the start of January and was due to finish at the end of March. But the Department for Transport announced today it was providing £75 million to extend the scheme until the end of June.

It added that details of the bus operators which are continuing the £2 fare cap scheme would be confirmed in “due course”.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Harrogate Bus Company and Connexions to confirm whether it will be continuing the scheme.

Ministers hope the initiative will reinvigorate bus services amid fears many routes will be cut when funding runs out.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“I want to make bus travel affordable for all, that’s why we’re continuing to cap fares at £2 and protecting local routes, ensuring we have a modern and efficient network that’s accessible for everyone.

“Getting more people onto reliable and affordable buses will strengthen communities and help grow the economy – connecting people to jobs, driving pensioners to see friends and family, and helping people attend medical appointments or access education.”

Meanwhile, the government also announced a further £80 million in bus recovery grants.

The grants are designed to help to support commercial bus operators in England due to the ongoing impacts of coronavirus and drop in passenger numbers.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

“Travelling by bus remains the most popular option for commuters and families across the country, but the sector is still trying to recover after the end of the pandemic.

“We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes – helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.”

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‘A one-off isolated proposal’

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The Finalists

Evolve Psychology Services

Harlow Consulting

Bamber & Brown

TMR Foods

IDR Law

The Soundproofing Store

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Finalists

Re-Macs

Strive Group

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Finalists

Continued Care

Howard Conrad

Grantley Hall

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