Final plans for a major housing development in Boroughbridge have been approved at a second attempt after being refused over concerns that the homes had been “crammed in” together.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has had outline approval for the Stump Cross site since 2017 but was refused final permission for 260 homes last year when the proposals were described as looking “like a sink development from Lancashire”.
The comments were made by Conservative Cllr Nigel Simms who said the scheme was “not something that we should be having in North Yorkshire”.
He later apologised for his remarks after negative media coverage across the county’s border.
Speaking at a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee on Thursday, Cllr Simms, who represents Masham and Kirkby Malzeard, said he was now happy with the latest plans but questioned the number of homes for the site which is part of a larger 450-home development
He said:
“I’m perfectly satisfied with what we have been asked for today – I have no problem with it whatsoever.
“But the overall outline consent is for 450 dwellings and when you add the two sites together it is now at 470.
“It’s not an argument for today, but I would like that sorted before the other plans come to this committee.”
Barratt and David Wilson Homes had lodged an appeal against the council after its previous plans were refused last year, but an agent for the developers said this would now be withdrawn.
Read more:
- ‘Crammed’ housing plans for Boroughbridge rejected
- ‘Lancashire sink estate’ plans resubmitted in Boroughbridge
Liam Tate, planning manager at the company, also said several changes had been made to the latest plans including a slight reduction in the number of homes from 260 to 256 and less terraced properties in the centre of the site.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, he said:
“This application follows a previous proposal presented to this committee in June last year.
“Since then we have held meetings with officers and also taken the opportunity to meet with members of this committee.
“These meetings were extremely helpful and gave us a better understanding of the concerns expressed last time round.
“A series of changes have been made across the site, most notably in the central section of the layout where large areas of terraced properties have been replaced with more traditional detached and semi-detached properties.
“The number of dwellings has been reduced… and further highway internal improvements have also been made.”
The plans include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, with access from Chapel Hill.
Approval was granted with a unanimous vote from councillors.
Harrogate council bosses warn tax rise needed to balance booksA 1.99% tax rise has been backed by Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet after officials warned some of the authority’s key income streams won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023.
Paul Foster, head of finance at the council, told a meeting last night that the rise equates to an extra £5 per household per year and was needed as the authority is still feeling the effects of covid and decades of government funding cuts.
If the proposed increase gets final approval in February, contributions to the borough council for the average Band D property will rise to £255.92.
Mr Foster said last night:
“Given the impacts of the pandemic, we are provisionally forecasting a budgeted reduction in income of £150,000 in 2022/23.
“And income is not forecast to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2023/24 in the areas of commercial property, planning fees and Harrogate Convention Centre lettings.”
Mr Foster also said government grant allocations had been reduced by £8.2m since 2010 and that the council would have to use reserves cash to fund some major projects.
These include plans to accelerate a redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre, as well as carbon reduction works at the venue and other council-owned buildings.
Mr Foster said:
“Overall, in order to produce a balanced budget, a net transfer from the budget transition fund of £142,000 is required.
“And finally, a thorough review of reserves has identified that just short of £4.5m can be repurposed, with a recommendation that £2.8m is set aside to fund the acceleration of works at the convention centre, and just short of £1.7m is set aside to support our carbon reduction strategy.”
The tax rise has been proposed as part of the council’s final ever budget before it is abolished and replaced with a new North Yorkshire-wide authority which will take over control of all services from April 2023.
- Harrogate council proposes 1.99% council tax rise in final ever budget
- Convention centre forecasts £510,000 profit ahead of decision on major redevelopment
This will mark the biggest changes to local government in the area for almost 50 years, with elections to the new council set to take place in May 2022.
Currently, the borough council makes up just under 13% of council tax bills, while North Yorkshire County Council makes up 70% and police and fire services the remainder.
Speaking at last night’s meeting, Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development at the council, said the authority’s council tax contributions represented “incredible value” and would help keep key services and projects running.
He said:
Plan for 256 Boroughbridge homes recommended for approval“For £255 we not only empty the bins and provide local cleaning services, but also look after parks, gardens, leisure facilities, and health and homeless charity programmes.
“On top of that, we are still able to invest in meaningful activities that improve the district and lives of residents.”
A proposal to build 256 homes in Boroughbridge looks set to be given the go-ahead.
The proposal by Barratt and David Wilson Homes is due to go before a Harrogate Borough Council planning committee on January 6.
Council officers have recommended that the proposal, which was previously refused and criticised for being “crammed”, is approved.
Officials said in a report that the fresh application has been submitted after negotiations with the council over the scale of the scheme.
The houses are part of the first phase of a wider 450-home development at Stump Cross.
Read more:
- ‘Crammed’ housing plans for Boroughbridge rejected
- ‘Lancashire sink estate’ plans resubmitted in Boroughbridge
The developers’ previous application for 260 homes was thrown out by councillors in June – which it has since taken to the government’s Planning Inspectorate to appeal.
One councillor, Cllr Nigel Simms, a Conservative who represents Masham and Kirkby Malzeard, described it as “like a sink development from Lancashire, not something that we should be having in North Yorkshire”.
Cllr Simms later apologised for any offence caused by his comment.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes already have outline approval to build on the site and are seeking final permission.
In documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the developers said:
Person taken to hospital after house fire in Little Ouseburn“The development will respect Boroughbridge’s local character but also move the area towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice and mixed-use approach.”
A person was taken to hospital after a house caught fire in Little Ouseburn in the early hours of this morning.
Firefighters from Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Acomb were called to the incident at 1.15am this morning.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log says everyone was out of the house by the time the emergency services arrived.
The log adds:
“One occupier left with paramedics, treated on scene for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital via road ambulance.
“Crews extinguished the fire using hose reels. Incident will be revisited by crews for checks this morning.”
Read more:
- Man denies firearm charge at Harrogate gastro pub
- Work starts on Great Ouseburn housing development
- Quick-thinking Little Ouseburn farmer averts field fire
‘Act now’ flood warning issued in Harrogate district
People are being urged to act now in low lying areas near Boroughbridge, where flooding is expected today.
Although the Harrogate district is ending the year with unseasonably mild temperatures of 12 degrees centigrade expected at midnight, recent wet weather is having an impact.
The government’s flood warning website has flagged up land near the caravan park at Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge, as the local area in most imminent danger due to rising levels on the River Ure.
The warning says:
“River levels are rising on the River Ure due to rainfall. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Ure, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Roecliffe Caravan Park.
“Flooding is affecting Roecliffe Caravan Park from 03:30 PM on 31/12/2021. The forecast is dry for throughout the afternoon and this evening, with some showers expected tomorrow. River levels will start to fall overnight.”
Read more:
- Boroughbridge streets flooded as storms hit Harrogate district
- Boroughbridge flood defences get £50,000 government boost
- Eyecatching sculpture at Fountains Abbey highlights flood fears
It is one of only two flood warnings currently in place in England. The other is in Carlisle.
People are being advised to move vehicles to higher ground, move family and pets to safety, move important items upstairs and turn off gas, electricity and water supplies.
A less severe flood alert has been issued for the Lower River Ure, near Ripon.
It said prolonged overnight rainfall caused rising river levels this morning.
“Levels are now peaking in the upper reaches of the catchment, but levels in the lower reaches of the catchment are still rising and will continue to do so through today, Friday 31st December.
“Some further showers are expected at times today, with weather conditions remaining unsettled for the coming days.”
Harrogate hospital will be open for vaccinations on Christmas
With the government calling for everyone to “get boosted now”, we’re running this regularly-updated blog to let you know where you can get your jab in the Harrogate district.
Besides the GP-run sites at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground and Ripon Races, numerous pharmacies are also now offering boosters and covid vaccines. Some also have an option for under 18s.
If you work at one of these sites, or have recently visited for your own vaccination, please let us know about any update,s such as queues and supply issues.
Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Where to get your vaccine:
Harrogate
- Harrogate Showground – walk-ins and appointments available at the site
- Harrogate Pharmacy, Haywra Crescent, Harrogate – Currently full until New Year but staff said people can ring on the day to see if there are any available slots due to people not turning up.
- Harrogate District Hospital, St Lukes Avenue – appointments available on NHS website
- Cohens Chemist, King Edwards Drive, Harrogate – currently full until New Year
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Leeds Road, Harrogate – appointments available on the NHS website
- Well Pharmacy, Wetherby Road, Harrogate – appointments available on the NHS website
Knaresborough
- Chain Lane Community Hub, Knaresborough (run by Homecare Pharmacy) – Open for walk-ins and appointments. Check below for times.
- Chain Lane Pharmacy, Knaresborough – appointments only
- P R Naylor Chemist, Market Place, Knaresborough – appointments only
Pateley Bridge
- Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall, Pateley Bridge – appointments are available on the NHS app for Saturday December 18 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Tuesday December 21st 8am-1pm and Thursday December 30 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
Ripon
- Ripon Racecourse – open all day today for walk-ins as well as appointments
Friday, December 24
9am – Get a jab at Harrogate showground this morning only
The vaccine centre in Harrogate will be open until 12.30pm today. It’s the last chance to get a jab until the New Year.
Walk-ins are available. First, second, third primary and boosters available for all ages over 12.
Ripon Racecourse is closed as a vaccine centre until the New Year.
8.30am – Harrogate hospital open for jabs on Christmas
Harrogate District Hospital is open for booked appointments only over the Christmas period, including Christmas Day, as other centres close temporarily.
There are no walk-ins available at the hospital.
Thursday, December 23
4pm – Last chance for jabs before Christmas
Knaresborough Chain Lane Hub is open for walk-ins until 8pm today. It will then reopen on December 28 at 8am.
Harrogate Showground has now closed for walk-ins today, some appointments remain until 5pm. It will reopen tomorrow for the morning until 12.30pm. It won’t reopen until January 4.
Ripon Racecourse also closes today at 5pm and won’t reopen until January 4.
10am – Walks ins available today ahead of Christmas
There are still walk-ins available today across the Harrogate district ahead of the Christmas break when vaccine centres will close.
The Yorkshire Event Centre site is experiencing a “very quiet morning” so those running it will be able to welcome walk-ins, including those under 18.
The site at Ripon Racecourse is open today for both booked appointments and walk-in patients for those over 12. It will be open until 5pm.
Knaresborough’s vaccine centre at the Chain Lane Community Centre is also open for walk-in patients until 8pm today.
Wednesday, December 22
9am – Christmas opening hours in Harrogate
The vaccine centre in Harrogate, which reported no queues all day yesterday, has revealed its Christmas opening hours.
The schedule for today and tomorrow is:
Booked appointments 08:30 – 16:55
Walk-in 18 and over 09:00 – 16:00
Walk-in 12-17 year olds 09:00 – 16:00
Christmas Eve is open to all patients 08:30 – 12:30.
Then the vaccine centre will be closed until 2022 with clinics starting up again for appointments on January 4.
8.45am – Ripon Racecourse open for vaccinations
Ripon Racecourse is open today for both booked appointments and walk-in patients. All age groups 12 years and above. It is the same tomoroww until 5pm.
Tuesday, December 21
2.20pm – Great Yorkshire Showground reporting quiet queues
Staff at the Great Yorkshire Showground vaccination site are reporting quiet queues for walk-in and pre-booked appointments.
The site is also accepting under-18s for walk-in vaccines all afternoon.
1.15pm – Harrogate District Hospital vaccination site to be open on evenings
Hospital bosses have confirmed that Harrogate District Hospital’s vaccination site will be open on an evening for pre-booked appointments.
Those wishing to have a vaccine at the site have to book through the NHS national booking service. No walk-in appointments are available.
The vaccination centre, which offers up to 24 appointments an hour, will be open daily Monday to Friday 4pm – 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am – 2pm and selected bank holidays 8am – 2pm.
However, the site will be closed from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day and on New Years Eve and New Years Day. It will also be closed on January 3.
A spokesperson for the hospital said:
“We are very proud of our colleagues who are supporting this as part of the huge national drive to ensure everyone can be boosted to protect themselves and others.”
8.15am – Ripon Racecourse open all day for appointments and walk-ins
Ripon Racecourse vaccine centre is open until 4pm today for booked appointments and walk-in patients.
All age groups over 12 are welcome.
8.10am – 1,700 vaccinations delivered at Harrogate Showground yesterday
- Booked appointments 8.30am to 4.55pm
- Walk-ins for those aged 18 and over 9am to 4pm
- Walk-is for 12-17 year olds 9am to 12.30pm
8am – More clinics for 12-15s in Knaresborough
Monday, December 20
11am – Knaresborough vaccine centre aims to give out 1,500 jabs today
Homecare Pharmacy Services, which runs the vaccination centre at Chain Lane Community Hub, is planning to give out 1,500 jabs today.
Walk in sessions will be available from tomorrow 8am to 8pm and then again at the same time on Wednesday.
The vaccine team has asked for people to be patient if they have to queue and to bring their NHS number to speed up the process.
9am – Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground offering walk-ins for children today
The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate is accepting walk-in patients and booked patients for booster jabs this week.
Children aged 12 to 17 will also be able to turn-up for walk-in vaccines at the showground from 1.30pm to 4.30pm today and from 9am to 12.30pm tomorrow.
Ripon racecourse, which was not open yesterday. re-opens today.
Saturday, December 18
2.15pm – Queues expected to remain quiet at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Showground
Vaccine staff at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground are expecting queues for walk-in booster jabs to remain quiet for the remainder of the day.
The site is still accepting walk-ins. Those looking to turn up at the showground without an appointment for a vaccine have until 4pm to do so.
12.30pm – Pateley Bridge vaccination centre reaches milestone
Today, Pateley Bridge’s vaccination clinic is expecting to have seen its 10,000th patient.
The centre, which is run by Pateley Bridge pharmacy, was recognised by the mayor of the town for the efforts of vaccination staff, admin staff and volunteers.
10.15am – No queues at Yorkshire Showground
There are no queues for walk-ins at the Great Yorkshire Showground, according to staff at the site.
Those wishing to get a booster vaccine today are urged to attend the site before 4pm.
8.30am – Harrogate vaccine sites prepare for another day of boosters
Booster vaccine walk-ins are available at the Yorkshire Showground and at other sites, as listed above.
The showground site is fully booked for appointments and has advised people to have booking references ready. The site will be offering Moderna today.
For those deciding to walk-in, people should have their NHS number with them. Capacity for walk-ins has increased, so officials expect a “first thing” rush before queue times decrease.
Those planning for a walk-in booster vaccine are urged to get to the site before 4pm.
Friday, December 17
1.50pm No queues at showground for walk-ins
The lunchtime rush is over at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, according to staff on site, and any walk-ins this afternoon can expect to be seen quickly.
12.50pm Harrogate Hospital on NHS booking site for boosters
Harrogate District Hospital has appeared on the NHS booking site this afternoon for booster appointments.
It looks as if appointments are available from Wednesday, December 22.
12pm Knaresborough centre opens up for walk-ins
The vaccine site at Chain Lane Community Hub has said it has additional capacity today and will open as a walk-in.
It is open until 6pm.
9.15am Ripon vaccine site open for walk-ins
Ripon Racecourse has reopened as a vaccine centre and will operate a walk-in service alongside its appointments today and tomorrow.
People can head there for a booster throughout the next two days. Staff ask people have their NHS number to hand.
9am Harrogate Showground expecting another day with minimal queues
Staff at the Showground vaccine centre has said following a rush this morning the centre has quietened down.
It is expecting another day with minimal queues and encourages as many people as possible to get their booster before Christmas.
7.30am Knaresborough vaccine centre to offer walk-ins next week
The Chain Lane Community Hub vaccine site will begin offering walk-ins at certain times next week.
Run by Homecare Pharmacy, the centre will offer walk-ins on:
- Monday, December 20 6pm and 8pm
- Tuesday – Thursday, December 21 to 23 8am to 8pm
People may need to queue.
Read more:
- The Harrogate pharmacies at the forefront of the booster campaign
- Harrogate district booster vaccines take-up reaches 80,000
District pharmacies offering vaccines and boosters
- Chain Lane Community Hub – run by Homecare Pharmacy Services
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Thursday December 16 and Friday December 17 8am-6pm, Saturday December 18 8am-3pm, December 20 to 23 8am-8pm, December 28 to 30 8am-8pm and December 31 8am-3pm.
*Some of these dates have been extended today so new appointments are now online to book.
- Pateley Bridge Pharmacy – based at the Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Saturday December 18 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Tuesday December 21st 8am-1pm and Thursday December 30 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
- Chain Lane Pharmacy, Knaresborough
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5.45pm
- P R Naylor Chemist, Market Place, Knaresborough
Appointments are available on the NHS app Monday to Sunday 9am-1pm, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-6.30pm
- Harrogate Pharmacy, Haywra Crescent, Harrogate
Currently full until New Year but has staff said if people don’t show up for their appointment they can offer it to someone else. They advised people to ring on the day to see what’s available.
- Cohens Chemist, King Edwards Drive, Harrogate
Currently full until New Year
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Leeds Road, Harrogate
No information available at the time
- Well Pharmacy, Wetherby Road, Harrogate
No information available at the time
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Westgate, Ripon
Waiting on vaccine supply, keep an eye on our covid coverage for more information.
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Market Place, Masham
Waiting for official approval then clinic appointments will be made available online. Keep an eye on our covid coverage for more information.
Developer appeals Boroughbridge 260 homes refusalDevelopers have lodged an appeal over a council decision to refuse 260 homes in Boroughbridge.
Barrat and David Wilson Homes already has outline approval as part of the first phase of a larger 450-home development at Stump Cross.
However, councillors rejected the scheme back in June over concerns that it “crammed as many houses in as possible” into an area.
One councillor, Cllr Nigel Simms, a Conservative who represents Masham and Kirkby Malzeard, described it as “like a sink development from Lancashire, not something that we should be having in North Yorkshire”.
Cllr Simms later apologised for any offence caused by his comment.
Now, developers have submitted an appeal over the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
Read more:
- ‘Crammed’ housing plans for Boroughbridge rejected
- ‘Lancashire sink estate’ plans resubmitted in Boroughbridge
This proposal forms part of the first phase of housing at the Boroughbridge site.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes already have outline approval to build on the site and are seeking final permission.
In documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the developers said:
“The development will respect Boroughbridge’s local character but also move the area towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice and mixed-use approach.”
A government planning inspector will make a decision on the appeal at a later date.
Vandals wreck outdoor nativity scene near BoroughbridgeVillagers near Boroughbridge were left angry and upset after vandals wrecked a nativity scene in their parish churchyard.
The nativity was put in place at St John’s Church in Minskip last week in time for a carol service, held outside because of covid concerns.
A central part of it was the nativity scene, which three or four of the church council had put up themselves.
The first indication that something had happened came early this morning.
Churchwarden Robert Beaumont said:
“The lovely couple, Jason and Helen, who live next door to the church, heard a noise at about 5am.
“They’re not sure if that was the vandals destroying the nativity scene but when they looked out of their windows at about 7am, all the wise men, the crib, everything, was scattered all around the churchyard.
“To have it just destroyed in this wanton and mindless manner was heart-breaking. And we’ve all been thinking, why would anybody want to do that?”
The church has reported the incident to police.
Read more:
- Boroughbridge Hightimers return with Cinderella pantomime
- Community rallies to raise £7,000 for Minskip fire victims
Villagers have managed to salvage the scene and rebuild it,
Mr Beaumont said.
“Although the vandals kicked parts of the scene all over the church or they didn’t break them in two.
“So with a lot of love and care, three members of our church committee worked from about half past eight this morning and put the whole scene back together again.
“And so, as one of our church council members said, love will always triumph over hate and good over evil. And that’s one of the messages of Christmas, so that was rather appropriate.
“But that doesn’t quite extinguish my anger as churchwarden that people should find it appropriate to desecrate our churchyard.”
It caps a difficult period for St John’s. A drunken motorist crashed into the church wall about six weeks ago. Insurance covered it but the church had to pay a £500 excess.
Covid-permitting, the village will hold an outdoor Christmas Day service with the nativity scene firmly in the foreground.
All of the lights: Where you can see some of the district’s best Christmas displays
At this time of year, we don’t always want to splash the cash when it comes to enjoying some festive fun.
And thanks to the creativity and hard work of the district’s residents, we certainly don’t need to.
One night this week after the school run, we hopped in the car, stuck on some Wham! and Shakey and took our two boys, aged three and eight, for a Christmas lights tour.
We all had a total blast and apart from fuel costs, it didn’t cost a penny.
So here’s a rough guide on where you can take the kids to see some fabulous lights across the Harrogate district – for free!
Crossways Drive (near Morrison’s), Harrogate
The residents on Crossways Drive understood the assignment and have created some amazing light displays. There is a moving Santa and sleigh and more coloured lights than you can shake a jingle bell at.
This was the boys’ favourite street, as most of the houses were lit up.
Sutton Grange Close, Lindrick Way and Norwich Drive, Jennyfields, Harrogate
Residents in Jennyfields are known for going all out at Christmas and it has long been a popular part of Harrogate to view the impressive displays. And this year it did not disappoint.
The boys loved the inflatable Christmas characters and found it hilarious (probably more than it should have been) that one of the Santas had fallen over. He had clearly had one too many sherries.
Norwich Drive is also the street where you can see an incredible Christmas display unlike any other in the district for charity.
Dale Hughes, is hoping to raise spirits and £1,000 for Martin House Hospice.
He has painstakingly installed and individually programmed 24,000 low-energy LEDs.
Read More:
- Successful interior design duo launches new Harrogate studio
- Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district
From 5pm until 7.30pm his house will light up and will play a loop of around 20 songs over an hour.
Watch the amazing video of one of his displays here.
Mayfield Terrace, Harrogate
Harrogate man Paul Ivison’s latest quirky garden creation has a festive theme and includes 13 Christmas trees, more than1,000 lights and hundreds of toys.
Mr Ivison has lived in his house on Mayfield Terrace for 15 years and each year decorates his garden with different themes. When the Stray Ferret visited in the summer, he had created a loud and proud mental health-themed garden, which raised £137 for Mind.
And in winter, he changed the theme again to “Toytropolis”, after bargain hunting on Facebook marketplace to buy more than 200 toys to make children and their parents smile. He is now selling the toys to raise money for a Visa for his husband, who lives in the Philippines.
Mr Ivison said:
“It has been a terrific reaction and I’ve had a lot of people saying it makes them smile. I’ve had people coming late at night to see it and parents bringing little kids in to show them toys they used to have when they were younger.
“I’ve made about £150 so far and everyone who buys a toy gets a freebie as well.
“You get a lot of people driving past, as I also have a big flag on the roof, which says ‘Happy Christmas’, and people stop and get out to have a look.”
Mr Ivison is already planning his spring garden, which will have a “pride and celebrity” theme, featuring 300 photographs of celebrities he has met over the years as a result of his time at the helm of an LGBTQ+ magazine.
You can visit “Christmas at Toytropolis” on the corner of Mayfield Grove and Mayfield Terrace, with the trees remaining on display until January 9 and the garden opening from 10am until 6pm.
Read More:
- The woman behind Harrogate’s Tinsel the Elf
- Christmas Events: Diary of festivities in the Harrogate district
Finden Gardens, Hampsthwaite
The residents of Finden Gardens decorate their bungalows each year, much to the delight of the school children who walk past each day.
The boys absolutely loved the carol singers and tobogganers in one of the gardens, which is also decked out in fake snow, Christmas trees and lots of lights.
Minskip, near Boroughbridge
This is such a pretty village anyway, and it’s even more beautiful at Christmas thanks to the creative displays that line either side of the high street. If you look closely you may even spot the Grinch!
One of the houses has even generously put out sweets for local children next to some lollipop and toadstool decorations, which went down a treat!
We tied this trip in with a festive visit to Yolk Farm, a family favourite, which is lovely at this time of year.
- Where is your favourite place to see the Christmas lights in the Harrogate district? Are there any houses that stand out in particular? Email nina@thestrayferret.co.uk
Harrogate Borough Council is planning to host a festival across the district in the new year to raise awareness of climate change.
The project, which has a working title of Winter Festival, looks set to take place in February 2022, according to a contract advertised by the authority.
The event is expected to involve street performance and art installations.
Stockport-based Maynineteen Ltd has been given the £50,000 contract to lead the project.
The events company has been tasked with coming up with ideas that “generate footfall and interest” in Harrogate, Ripon, Masham, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge.
Read more:
- Harrogate business groups criticise ‘confusing’ Plan B ahead of Commons vote
- Final full Harrogate council meeting of 2021 cancelled over covid concerns
A spokesperson for the council said more details on the event would be revealed in the new year.
The spokesperson added:
“The Winter Festival is a working title for a project which is likely to change.
“The project aims to raise awareness of the global climate change and environmental issues we are all facing. It will involve art installations and street performances, for example, and we’ll have some exciting news in the new year.”
Council officials said the contract has been paid for through the government’s Welcome Back Fund, which was designed to “promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopen”.
In April, the government granted the borough council £144,714 as part of the fund.