Nine new homes are set to be built in Harrogate and Boroughbridge as part of a £9.2 million housing fund.

The move comes as part of a York and North Yorkshire brownfield housing fund, which was approved this month.

The money will see 700 new homes built across the county, including 252 affordable homes.

A total of nine projects have been agreed, which will see developments built in Catterick, York, Easingwold, Harrogate and Boroughbridge.

Funding was agreed, subject to further due diligence, at a meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Joint Devolution Committee.

If progressed, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will administer the fund. Investment has been secured from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: 

“North Yorkshire is one of the most desirable places to live in the country, but with that comes a massive demand for housing, especially for more affordable homes.

“We want people to be able to continue to live in the communities where they grew up, while also allowing others to move to the county to help to bring in the skills and experience which are needed to boost the economy.

“This is a significant moment for both York and North Yorkshire to see more than £9 million being used to fund hundreds of new properties, especially with more than a third of them being affordable homes.”

Read more:

• New settlement plans ‘paused’ after land withdrawn near Cattal
• Concern over lack of secondary school at new Harrogate district town
• Almost half of 4,000-home Maltkiln scheme removed

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In December, Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre became the latest leisure facility to open its doors in the Harrogate district.

Meanwhile, the New Year’s Honours list was revealed and the government unveiled plans to tackle spiking across the UK.

We asked Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP, if he would like to highlight anything in particular, but did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

• On December 11, he visited the newly opened Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre.
• On December 12, Mr Jones accused Liberal Democrats of covertly following him after his car was photographed in Harrogate without valid MOT. 
• On December 15, Mr Jones visited Harrogate business Techbuyer to sign an IT Repairs and Reuse declaration. He also received a tour of the company.
• Mr Jones spoke in the House of Commons on December 18 to welcome to government’s plan to tackle spiking in the UK.
• Mr Jones welcomed the arrival of the Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments for pensioner households worth up to £600 on December 28.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for December.

They included attending Vida Court care home to turn on their Christmas lights, meeting with with senior leadership at North Yorkshire Council to discuss SEND funding and welcoming students from Ashville College to Parliament. 

Others included visiting Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School to present the winner of his Christmas card winner with their framed entry and certificate and participating in an episode of BBC Politics North in Leeds. 

Mr Jones also attended a Christmas candlelight vigil at Stonefall cemetery in Harrogate and met with Cancer Research UK to discuss the Government’s smokefree generations pledge.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

• Mr Smith made no spoken contributions in the House of Commons in December.
• Mr Smith updated his website 13 times in December, which included posts promoting government initiatives and visits within his constituency.
• On December 30, he congratulated Mary Fisher, lollipop lady at Darley and Summerbridge Community Primary School, for her New Year’s Honour British Empire Medal.
• He posted 20 times on his X account, promoting various government funding initiatives and visits to local businesses in Skipton and Ripon.

When we contacted Mr Smith for comment, his office sent a roundup of his engagements for December.

Among them included attending the Skipton and Ripon Area Constiuency Committee, visiting Fisher Medical Centre and Skipton Job Centre to learn more about how they were supporting the community.

Mr Smith also met Simon Theakston, managing director of Theakston Brewery in Masham, to discuss the chancellor’s autumn statement and visited Moorside Primary School to speak to pupils from years 5 and 6 about his role as an MP.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Mather:

• Mr Mather posted 12 times on his Facebook page in December. None of the updates related to areas of his constituency which fall in Harrogate.
• He posted seven times on his X account, none of the updates related to areas of his constituency which fall in Harrogate.
• On December 6, he spoke in the House of Commons on a debate on conversion practices for LGBT people. He called on the government to ban conversion therapy in the UK.

Read more:

• MPs Watch: New MP, River Nidd and Mayoral election
• MPs Watch: Climate change, NHS dentists and Harrogate Station Gateway saga

Throughout 2023, the Harrogate district became something of a celebrity hotspot.

Gyles Brandeth bemoaned of a sleepless night in a Harrogate hotel, while Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp described Bettys cakes as a “nectar of paradise”.

And heaven knows what Morrissey was doing here…

Today, we’re looking back at some star-studded visits to the district, and what some celebrities had to say about the local area.

Kate Winslet visits Nidderdale pub

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet visited the Crown at Middlesmoor with her family in May.

Landlady Angela Snow,  said she was “starstruck” by the Hollywood star, who had been walking around Scar House Reservoir before stopping at the village pub.

Ms Snow told the Stray Ferret:

“To be honest, I wouldn’t have known. I was in the kitchen cooking when my bar lady Megan recognised her.

“As she was leaving, I asked for a photo to put up behind the bar. She said she usually pretends to be someone else, but she said she would because it was such a nice pub.”

Kate Winslet rose to fame after her landing a role in Titanic. Since then, she has become a household name and has starred in Sense and Sensibility, Avatar and The Holiday.

As well as winning the Oscar for best actress for her performance in The Reader, Kate Winslet has been nominated a further six times. She has won three Baftas, two Emmys, a Grammy and five Golden Globes.

Kate Winslet, centre, with Megan Dunn and Angela Snow at the Crown in Middlesmoor

Heaven knows what Morrissey was up to in Harrogate

Morrissey, the enigmatic former frontman of The Smiths, was spotted enjoying a quiet pint in Harrogate in March.

Chris Russell from Knaresborough caused a stir when he posted a photo of him and the influential star in The Harrogate Arms where Mozza was apparently relaxed and happy to pose for photos with fans.

Pete Murphy, manager of the pub, said:

“We only had four or five tables in, so it wasn’t busy, but a few people recognised him and had photos with him.

“We get the odd Leeds player in, but that’s the first singer I’ve seen.”

in typically mysterious Morrissey style, his reason for being in Harrogate remains unknown.

Morrissey with Chris Russell.

Lethal Weapon star dines in Harrogate restaurant

Danny Glover, star of the Lethal Weapon franchise, dined at Efes Bar and Grill this summer.

The 77-year-old Hollywood star was in town for the Yorkshire Comic-Con.

He posed for photos with the restaurant staff, which had opened just weeks prior to his visit.

Glover is most famous for his role as Roger Murtaugh, but has also starred in The Colour Purple and Predator 2.

He is also known for his political activism, strongly opposing the Bush administration in America.

Danny Glover pictured at Efes Bar and Grill in Harrogate.

DJ Calvin Harris spotted at Wetherby Services

One of the biggest names in music, Calvin Harris, was spotted at Wetherby Services in August.

The star, who is the 23rd most played artist in the world on Spotify, was on his way back from Creamfields festival after fans spotted him at Pret A Manger.

The fans, who were headed to Newcastle, had watched the Scottish DJ headline the festival just two nights prior to meeting him.

Livvy Elder, one of the fans, said:

“My friend was the one to ask him for a photo and told him we were sorry for disturbing him for a photo, but he was the kindest man so humble – he said it was no problem at all.

“It totally topped off our weekend and was a moment we will never forget!”

Calvin Harris boasts nearly 60 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He also has an annual residency at one of the largest clubs in the world, Ushuaia, Ibiza, and has had 11 UK No.1 songs.

Calvin Harris (centre) with fans.

Gyles Brandreth endures sleepless night in Harrogate hotel bed

TV personality and writer, Gyles Brandreth, took to social media to tell of his sleepless night in a Harrogate hotel.

The raconteur said the bed “tilted to the left so that I had to cling on all night” following his visit in September.

The poor-nights-sleep came after he appeared at the Royal Hall for his one-man show, Gyles Brandreth Can’t Stop Talking.

However, he did praise the “warm and wonderful audience” in Harrogate.

He later praised The Ivy for its “delicious post-show supper: cheese soufflé followed by iced berries”.

Let’s hope Gyles Brandreth finds a comfier bed on his next visit to Harrogate…

Gykes Brandreth with The Ivy staff.

Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp say Bettys is “heart and soul of humanity”

Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp praised Bettys online after their gig in Harrogate.

In a YouTube video posted in October, the couple described the tearoom as a “quality establishment”. Robert Fripp said he’d been to the York branch before, but said the Harrogate venue was “something of a pilgrimage.”

Toyah added: 

“You may think we’re complete idiots for being so in love with this experience, but it was the heart and soul of humanity. We could talk to everyone, everyone really cared, it was kind, it was utterly amazing.” 

They described a cake they’d saved from their visit as “the nectar of paradise” and “a relic from the shrine of St Betty”. 

The couple also shared their love for the whole town in the video. Toyah added:

“Robert’s never been to Harrogate and he absolutely loved it, and I loved it too. It’s such a special place, and if ever you’re visiting the UK or just having a holiday in the UK, and you’ve not been to Harrogate, go – it’s beautiful!”

Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp.

Based on this year’s celebrity visits, the Stray Ferret is excited to see what, or whom, 2024 will bring. Do let us know if you see a star out and about.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to represent UK at Eurovision
• Novelist Ruth Ware to curate Harrogate crime writing festival
• Stumps Cross Caverns to feature in Channel 5 programme

The past 12 months have seen major decisions made on development across the Harrogate district.

However, there are some schemes which remain uncertain and 2024 may hold the answer as to whether they progress or continue to stall.

Maltkiln

The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for the new settlement project which promises up to 3,000 near Green Hammerton and Cattal.

However, in January, news broke that a landowner had pulled out of the project threatening the scheme’s existence.

The landowner owns fields around Cattal train station, making up around half of the proposed site.

Now, North Yorkshire Council, which took over responsibility for the major housing scheme in April, has threatened to compulsory purchase land as a “last resort” so the 4,000-home Maltkiln settlement can be built.

Whether the authority follows through on that pledge is a development to keep an eye out for in 2024.

Harrogate Convention Centre

Perhaps one of the biggest question going into the new year is what will happen to the long promised Harrogate Convention Centre redevelopment?

North Yorkshire Council inherited a £49 million refurbishment scheme for the convention centre on Kings Road from the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council in April.

However, it has yet to decide whether to progress with the project.

Harrogate Convention Centre.

A contractor has been appointed to draw up more detailed plans for the redevelopment and a final decision was expected this year.

The convention centre opened in 1982 with conferences providing a boost to the town’s bars, restaurants and hotels, however, it has struggled to turned a profit.

The council failed in bids to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for £20 million to help pay for the project – the latest of which was turned down in November.

A previous bid, which was rejected in January, received feedback from ministers stating that it lacked evidence and rationale and may have over-stated the economic benefits.

Government feedback on the bid, released following a freedom of information request by the Stray Ferret, revealed several areas of concerns with the bid.

This is despite the fact the council, which was abolished at the end of March, paid consultants £45,000 as part of its submission to ministers.

The whole saga leaves the future of the convention centre and its refurbishment uncertain and a decision on it being pushed into another year.

Ripon’s Clotherholme development

One of the last acts of Harrogate Borough Council before it was scrapped in April 2023 was to approve a major 1,300 housing scheme on a former Ripon barracks site.

Homes England, which has been developing the plans for several years alongside the Ministry of Defence, has earmarked the Clotherholme site for new homes and facilities.

It was approved in February 2023, just over a month before the council was scrapped.

Read more:

• New settlement plans ‘paused’ after land withdrawn near Cattal
• Concern over lack of secondary school at new Harrogate district town
• Government says council’s £20m bid for Harrogate Convention Centre lacked ‘evidence and rationale’

Since then, a total of £10 million has been budgeted to cover items in a Section 106 agreement for the project.

The money will fund a number of areas, including off-site highway adjustments and contributions towards primary and secondary education provision and primary healthcare.

Now, residents in Ripon and the wider district await for the news that spades will hit the ground.

Kirby Hill services

The 25-year saga which is Kirby Hill took another turn in 2023.

Dublin-based company Applegreen, which wants to build a motorway service station near the village, tabled final plans for the project.

The proposals were approved in September – however, campaigners threatened to take the decision to a judicial review.

Designs for the service station near Kirby Hill, as proposed by Applegreen.

Applegreen, which is based in Dublin, applied for amendments to the proposal, including an extension to the length of the slip roads and increasing the permissible height of the eastern dumbbell roundabout by up to 1.25 metres.

But, Gareth Owens, chair of the Kirby Hill RAMS, said the move amounted to “significant change” to the scheme and confirmed the campaign group would challenge the approval.

It seems the saga which has been a quarter of a century in the making may yet go on for another year.

From a new mayor to another layer of governance, the next year is set to bring a wave of political change in North Yorkshire.

Much like in neighbouring Tees Valley, the county is set to get its first metro mayor.

While for some the prospect of another elected politician will raise eyebrows, the role will come with significant powers.

From bus franchising to police and crime commissioner powers, the mayor will wield some influence in the county.

The race to secure the role has already started.

Three political parties – the Conservatives, Labour and Greens – have already unveiled their candidates for the election in May 2024.

Keane Duncan, who currently holds a senior position on North Yorkshire Council’s executive, will fight the contest for the Tories, while Kevin Foster and David Skaith will stand for the Greens and Labour. Keith Tordoff, a businessman from Pateley Bridge, will stand as an independent.

The whole prospect signals a shift in how politics will be carried out in the county beyond jostling for control of North Yorkshire Council and individual parliamentary constituencies.

A new layer of governance

Aside from a new political position, a new layer of governance is also set to be created.

As part of the devolution deal which was announced in August 2022, a combined authority will be set up for North Yorkshire and York.

The move will be historic for the county as it joins Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Tees Valley in setting up such an authority.  

Read More:

• Have devolution fears that Harrogate will be voiceless come true?
• Mayor for North Yorkshire agreed in £540m historic devolution deal
• Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?

The combined authority, which will be overseen by the directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

At the moment, talk of the authority appears to be couched in intangible and esoteric concepts such as “gainshare”.

But, for Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, the new organisation will show “tangible benefits” for residents across the county.

He said:

“The prospect of bringing more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in additional funding from the government will bring real and tangible benefits for hundreds of thousands of people in York and North Yorkshire.”

Its formation will be overseen by Harrogate-born James Farrar as chief operating officer in its transition year.

The new authority could be launched in January amid delays with the parliamentary process.

Regardless, its formation, along with the directly elected mayor, are set to represent a shift in how politics is carried out across North Yorkshire.

King Charles III celebrated his coronation this year – and the Harrogate district certainly celebrated with him.

From street parties and parades to afternoon tea and live music, people went all out to mark the new king in May.

See our gallery below to look back on the royal celebrations near you.

Harrogate

Over the three-day weekend, Harrogate saw a range of celebratory events.

People gathered for an afternoon tea at the Oatlands Community Centre, others watched a livestream on the big screen in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses also showed their colours — and some four-legged friends even waved the flag for the day.

Afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre.

The Valley Gardens was also looking patriotic for the occasion.

People watched a livestream in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses got into the royal spirit.

Betsy got coronation ready too!

Ripon

Ripon kicked off the royal celebrations with a live performance from Complete Madness in the Market Square.

Services in the cathedral and street parties followed, and surrounding villages gathered to mark the occasion too.

Former Ripon Grammar School student, 72-year-old Bruce Oldfield, even designed Queen Camilla’s coronation dress.

Fountains Abbey was lit up in honour of the King.

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club. 

Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson.

Complete Madness kicking off the celebrations.

Residents of Carr Close threw a street party.

Around 100 people partied on the street.

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard residents came out in their droves to celebrate the royal event.

There was a car rally, a float parade, BBQs, maypole dancing and more.

Masham had a float parade.

Maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard.

Vintage cars also rallied as part of the parade.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough House held a livestream of the coronation service, as well as a Coronation Concert over the weekend.

The concert, which was held at Knaresborough Castle, celebrated at music through time and people smiled as the sun shone down.

Livestream at Knaresborough House.

Hundreds gathered for the Coronation Concert.

Knitting Pretty and Number Thirteen in Knaresborough were decorated for the coronation.

Read more:

• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles II coronation
• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district

As 2023 winds down and we start to look to the year ahead, there are some things we can be fairly certain will come our way over the next 12 months.

North Yorkshire will go to the polls in May to elect its first ever Mayor, and there will probably be a General Election too. One has to be held by January 28, 2025, but sometime in 2024 – May or November, perhaps – seems far more likely.

The Bank of England expects inflation to continue to fall over the coming year, and so too will house prices, according to most forecasters.

Locally, though, individual people in business have their own forecasts – and hopes – for the year ahead. So we asked a cross-section of the district’s business community what their aspirations and expectations are for 2024. From electric gritters to selling beer in Taiwan, here’s what they had to say:

Katie and Paul Rawlinson – owners, Baltzersen’s and Bakeri Baltzersen

“Small business owners have to be optimists by nature, so we’ll enter 2024 full of determination to make it our best year yet.

“We’ll invest further in making sure Baltzersen’s can compete with a growing number of really great venues in Harrogate.

“We’re also planning to raise our game in the bakery, Bakeri Baltzersen, with refinements and improvements planned across our whole range of bread and pastry, including a good number of new products and the launch of our first vegan range.”

Photo: Matthew Lloyd.

Annie Wilkinson-Gill – owner, The Crystal Buddha, Knaresborough

“I’m very excited for what 2024 will bring for The Crystal Buddha.

“I have so many things planned for next year, including organising the Knaresborough Wellness Festival on March 24, which is a celebration of lots of lovely local holistic businesses, where anyone can come along and sample what they have to offer!

“We have talks and workshops, stalls and an opportunity to experience a sound bath or aura photography alongside some self-care and retail therapy.”

Simon Eyles – managing director, Bettys

“As with the last few years, I am sure this next year will bring lots of uncertainty, challenge, and change. One thing that is for certain, Bettys will continue to focus on delighting every single customer.

“I’m expecting customers to be increasingly selective in where they spend their money, so we will ensure we provide a brilliant Bettys experience like no other.

“I’m also looking forward to some amazing new menu items and delicious new products from our craft bakery. Look out for those!”

Matthew Chapman – manager, Harrogate BID

“Looking ahead to 2024, as we launch the new objectives within our term 2 business plan of pride in our town, a vibrant town and voice and vision is looking as positive. Dates for events are set, promotional plans for our town taking shape and proactive Harrogate BID teams on the street likely to be expanded.

“Strategically, we would like to see the Government follow up on a policy announced in May 2022 on local leaders being given more power within long-term commercial vacant units.

“We are also keen to continue our positive collaboration with the local authority and future North Yorkshire Mayor as we head towards devolution that should provide more local powers, decision making and funding.”

Zakaria Battal – owner, Kurdish Kitchen, Harrogate

“I think my business will carry on growing in 2024.

“It can be hard to get bookings, and when I do, there’s so much paperwork, but that’s actually good, as it makes me more experienced.

“It also makes it safer for people – I have a five-star food hygiene rating.

“My dream is to open a Kurdish Kitchen restaurant here in Harrogate, so hopefully I’ll get closer to doing that. I’m starting small and slowly getting bigger, one step at a time.”

Sharon Canavar – chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals

“2024 will be the first year we have the Harrogate International Festivals team back up to full strength post-Covid, so I am looking forward to an amazing year of events and festivals.

“We have our usual programmes with one or two very special events including a free light festival across Harrogate town centre, as well as the return of the Spiegeltent – so lots to celebrate.

“We know times are hard for everyone, so I hope that the range of work we do will touch everyone in some way, bringing a little joy or fun into their lives and the community which we serve.”

Richard Bradbury – managing director, T&R Theakston

“At Theakstons, we expect to see continued growth for our major brands like the iconic Old Peculier and some of the new beers which have been going down incredibly well as increasing numbers of pubs and supermarkets choose to stock our beers. Although prices continue to increase, the fact that the rate of increase is much lower than 12 months ago gives us confidence that we can continue to keep our beers affordable for drinkers, wherever they’re purchased. 

“As a business, our focus for 2024 will continue to place beer quality at the centre of everything we do. As a result, we are substantially growing our investment into the brewery to keep this at the heart of our business and honour our commitment to drinkers. 

“Turning further afield, having re-entered the US market in 2023, we’ve been buoyed by the growing worldwide demand for our beers and are looking forward to building new distributor relationships in countries including Poland, Sweden and Taiwan.”

Lee Bellwood – co-owner, Major Tom’s Social

“Being an independent in the bar and restaurant trade is always challenging. With various terrible things happening around the world, I’m happy if we can keep our heads above water. We are in a fortunate situation compared to lots of others. 

“At Major Tom’s Social we are looking at extended opening hours and organising some more social educational events. 

“Hopefully, Harrogate will still attract visitors and tourists even with its dwindling high-street presence.”

Paula Lorimer – director, Harrogate Convention Centre

“Future forward bookings for the year ahead look promising and we are expecting to exceed driving £40 million of economic impact in 2024/25 to support businesses.

“I would like to thank businesses across the borough, especially the hotels and restaurants who support our clients and make event organisers and delegates feel so welcome in our spa town. If Harrogate Convention Centre is successful in making the business case for further investment, then the sky’s the limit to what we can achieve!”

Charlene Lyons – CEO, Black Sheep Brewery

“It goes without saying that 2023 has been a turbulent year, with inflated prices and the cost-of-living crisis impacting us and so many businesses across the Harrogate district. However, Black Sheep Brewery is still moving forwards and we’re hopeful for a much stronger 2024 with some positive changes coming soon. We remain committed to securing local employment as well as continuing to innovate and produce high-quality beers, brewed right here in Yorkshire.

“There have been many positive things that have happened at the brewery in recent months that have helped the team finish strongly for the year. This includes the opportunity to collaborate with and raise funds for Rugby legend Rob Burrow MBE with the launch of ‘Burrow’s Blonde’, a delicious new beer now on tap in your local pub that is already proving to be one our most popular brews.

“In 2024, we also plan on further cementing partnerships with pubs and retailers both across Yorkshire and the wider country, as well as supporting our local communities by renewing sponsorships with grassroots sports clubs such as Harrogate Town AFC.”

Jonathan Lupton – managing director, Econ Engineering, Ripon 

“This year has seen Econ continue to develop and demonstrate the UKs first ever fully electric gritter, the E-QCB, which is currently being used at various sites across the country. A major stride in the push for a more sustainable solution to our nation’s working fleet of vehicles, we look forward to working with councils and contractors in 2024, helping them to cut their emissions footprint. 

“The E-QCB, which has a unique swap-body system allowing it to be used all-year round as a gritter, tipper and caged body vehicle, has already made quite an impact and is a major game-changer when it comes to the environmental impact of fleet operations up and down the UK. We hope 2024 will see us build on that initial success.” 

Peter Lacey – joint managing director, Whole Systems Partnership; executive team member, Knaresborough & District Chamber

“During 2023, Knaresborough & District Chamber, along with other groups in the town, planted the seeds for what I hope will be a year in which we begin to realise the full potential of our fantastic town.

“Securing funds from North Yorkshire Council to explore exciting new ventures will enable us to find our voice for the benefit of businesses and the wider wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.

“The Whole Systems Partnership is in the business of helping the health and care systems across the country to deliver the best possible services for their local populations. For example, early in 2024 we’re looking forward to spreading our wings across the Pennines to help Lancashire County Council work more closely with the different NHS organisations in their area.

“The great thing about being in Knaresborough, however, if that the lessons we learn elsewhere can also be applied in our town, something we’ve supported through Covid and in our support to Knaresborough Connectors in their work to make the town an even better place to live, visit or work in.”

Read more:

• First day of Christmas fayre was Harrogate’s busiest for six months
• New bridal boutique to open in Ripon

In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we look at the formation of North Yorkshire Council and its new agenda.

The past 12 months have seen a seismic change in how the Harrogate district is governed.

In April, we said goodbye to Harrogate Borough Council as it was swept aside to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.

Along the way, many of the local senior politicians also left. Borough council leader, Richard Cooper, stepped away from politics and Graham Swift failed in a bid to represent his Duchy division.

Instead, the last eight months have seen a shift in both how the district is governed and who calls the shots.

The new council has wasted little time in imposing its vision on the county.

Recently, it announced a new shake-up of leisure services – the second time in three years for facilities in the Harrogate area.

Planning decisions have also been divided up into constituency areas.

Although, if you ask some councillors in Harrogate, they’ll point out that there hasn’t been any decisions to make since September.

It has also introduced a new taxi licensing policy, scrapping the previous seven district zones in favour of one county-wide zone.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to lead set-up of North Yorkshire combined authority
• Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?

However, some areas remain the same.

Residents, campaigners and the council remain at loggerheads over the £11.2 million Station Gateway scheme.

The scheme has been rolled back, but remains in limbo.

The major housing project known as Maltkiln has not progressed since the borough council was abolished, partly due to landowners withdrawing land.

Devolution on the horizon

Meanwhile, the change in the political landscape is expected to change further.

A combined authority for York and North Yorkshire is expected to come into force in the new year as part of a devolution deal for the county.

There is also an election on the horizon for a Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, which will be held in May.

Some may argue that, when it comes to the new council, the new boss is the same as the old boss. 

But, whatever the perception of the new authority, the governance of the district has changed in 2023.

Flood warnings remain in place for parts of Boroughbridge this evening, as rainfall brought by Storm Gerrit accumulates on already sodden ground.

A flood warning means that flooding is expected, and people in the area should act immediately to avoid danger.

A flood alert means that flooding is possible, and people should be prepared.

The Government’s flood alert and warning service says that water levels are rising on the River Tutt at Boroughbridge, and warns that further rainfall is expected throughout the rest of the week. It urges: “Put your flood plan in action.”

Parts of Boroughbridge were already under water today, as shown by this photo taken by reader Tony Watson, of the picnic area between the River Ure and the canal.

Boroughbridge Camping and Caravanning site is the subject of a separate flood warning, which says: 

“Flooding is affecting locations near the River Ure, with low-lying land expected to be most affected”. 

It warns: 

“Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.” 

It adds that the message will be updated by 9pm tonight (Thursday), or as the situation changes.

Flood alerts (orange) cover wide areas of the district in the wake of Storm Gerrit. Flood warnings (red) are currently confined to Boroughbridge.

Meanwhile, flood warning have been removed from some local rivers as water levels fall “below levels of concern”. These are: the River Nidd at Hunsingore; the Middle River Nidd catchment, which includes Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike; and the River Crimple catchment, which includes Horn Beck, Clark Beck, Hookstone Beck, Rud Beck, Toad Hole Beck and Park Beck.

Read more:

• River Nidd bursts its banks as Storm Gerrit hits Harrogate district
• Storm Gerrit brings flood risk to Harrogate district
• Flood threat remains after wind fells trees in Harrogate

Boroughbridge High School could close its sixth form permanently, depending on the outcome of a consultation requested by its governors. 

North Yorkshire Council is due to discuss the proposal to change the age range at the school by closing the sixth form at a meeting on Tuesday, January 9. If approved, the new arrangements would come into effect on August 31, 2024. 

The sixth form at Boroughbridge High School has been temporarily suspended since September 2022. 

The school has worked in collaboration with other schools since 2016 to try to maintain sixth-form provision.

Initially, it worked with Easingwold and Thirsk Schools, but this collaboration ended when Easingwold School joined the Outwood multi-academy trust. Since then, the school has collaborated with King James’s School in Knaresborough, and the two schools federated in January 2021. 

But due to the demographics of the area, pupil numbers at Boroughbridge High have decreased by more than 40% – from 756 in 2013-14 to 438 in 2022-23. During the same period, numbers in the sixth form have plummeted by 97%, from 131 to just 4, according to figures published by the council. 

Consequently, the federated governing board of Boroughbridge High School and King James’s School suspended the sixth form at Boroughbridge from September 2022. 

The latest request by the board would make that arrangement permanent. 

A council document published ahead of the meeting notes that “the school population is now stabilising and is projected to increase in future”, partly due to housebuilding in the area. But the school’s the governing body does not feel that numbers would be large enough to attract enough government funding that would enable a financially viable sixth form. 

The consultation as proposed would open on January 19 and close on March 1, and a final decision on the sixth form’s fate would be made by North Yorkshire Council on May 28 or June 18. 

Read more:

• Ofsted says Boroughbridge High School ‘requires improvement’
• Boroughbridge High School agrees to close sixth form
• Knaresborough’s King James’s School rated ‘good’ by Ofsted