Boroughbridge news from the Boroughbridge district - Page 59 of 217

What did police and fire commissioner Zoe Metcalfe achieve?

After two-and-a-half years in office, police commissioner Zoe Metcalfe bowed out from public life this past week.

On Monday, the position of North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was abolished as powers were transferred to the newly created Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The decision spelt the end for Ms Metcalfe’s £76,300 a year role, which she was elected to in November 2021 after succeeding fellow Conservative Philip Allott.

Her tenure saw a strategy for violence against women and girls introduced, plus a drive to improve call handling times.

But it also saw Ms Metcalfe oversee a controversial plan to cut the number of overnight fire engines in Harrogate from two to one.

The Stray Ferret requested an interview with the former commissioner to discuss her tenure, but a spokesperson for her office said she was unavailable due to “the volume of her commitments in her final few days”.

In this article, we look at Ms Metcalfe’s time as commissioner and analyse her performance.

999 calls

During her campaign to become commissioner, Ms Metcalfe pledged to improve the performance of North Yorkshire Police – in particular call handling.

The issue was encapsulated by the public routinely complaining about long waits for emergency calls to be answered.

Police reported in January 2023 that fewer than half of 999 calls were being answered on time.

North Yorkshire Police force control room

Between November 2021 and November 2022, only 44% were answered within 10 seconds. The national target for forces is 90%.

Ms Metcalfe made improving response times one of her priorities and announced a £2.5m investment into the control room, which included hiring 50 more staff to ease pressure.

By January this year, the force met the national target for call handling times.

Cllr Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who sits on the North Yorkshire police, fire and crime panel that scrutinised Ms Metcalfe’s performance, pointed to the area as a sign of improvement.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I would say that commissioner Metcalfe has definitely outperformed the two previous occupants of the role. Although, to be absolutely honest, this is rather a low bar to set.

“I do appreciate the transparency and commitment Zoe brought to the post. Under her watch performance has improved, notably in the outcome of recent inspection reports for both services, the performance of the police control room, where thanks to additional funding she has invested, call time answering has improved significantly.”

However, despite strides in improving the police force, the fire service proved a more contentious service to handle.

Fire cuts opposition

In May 2022, Ms Metcalfe unveiled her risk and resource model, which set out how the fire service will deploy its resources over the next three years. It puts the emphasis on fire prevention, especially during the day when most fires occur.

The plan, which covered the three years from 2022 to 2025, included a proposal to reduce the number of fire engines operating overnight at Harrogate and Scarborough fire stations from two to one.

The move was met with criticism from the North Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union, which warned that such a decision would lead to a “second-rate emergency response service that will put lives at risk”.

However, in an interview with the Stray Ferret in June 2022, Ms Metcalfe disagreed with the union’s criticism.

She said:

“From everything I’ve seen I’m confident that won’t happen.”

Ms Metcalfe also argued that the proposals meant more resources for fire prevention.

The move came at a time of a bleak financial picture for the service.

Harrogate fire station on Skipton Road.

In January 2022, the Stray Ferret revealed that North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service faced having to borrow up to £31 million to fund new equipment after the government abolished its capital grant.

At the time, Steve Howley, secretary of the North Yorkshire Fire Brigade’s Union, said the service was “struggling to buy the basics”.

He said:

“The government needs to start taking fire and rescue seriously and fund it appropriately. The firefighters of North Yorkshire are staring down the barrel of a gun, either cut firefighter jobs to pay for basic provisions or fail to have adequate facilities or equipment.

“Neither option provides the public of North Yorkshire with the protection they deserve or require.”

The Stray Ferret approached North Yorkshire Fire Brigade’s Union for comment, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Meanwhile, Ms Metcalfe told councillors during public meetings that she would lobby government for fairer funding, but this appears to have not had the desired effect.

In February, the commissioner recommended to increase the council tax precept for the fire service by 2.99% because it was the maximum increase permitted by government without a referendum.

Cllr Aldred said he felt that the commissioner could have done more to pressure ministers to come up with a better model for financing rural fire services.

He said:

“I do think the outgoing commissioner could have put more pressure on central government for more funding for the North Yorkshire fire service.

“The national funding model always works against a large rural fire service, who rely extensively on volunteer fire fighters and often have to travel large distances to reach fires in England’s largest geographical county.”

The trials and tribulations which come with scrutinising and commissioning police and fire services now lie with David Skaith, the Labour mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Knaresborough businessman denies £200,000 business scam

A man has appeared in court charged with an alleged £200,000 business scam involving covid loans and accounting records.

David Allon, 44, from Knaresborough, appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday when he pleaded not guilty to nine separate allegations regarding two businesses he was allegedly running between June 2020 and August 2023.

They include two allegations of fraud by false representation in June 2020 in relation to applications for a ‘bounce-back’ covid business loan involving the two named companies he was said to be running, and one count of removing property as a company winds up, between June and December 2020.

He is also charged with failing to comply with the provisions of a piece of legislation regarding the keeping of accounting records between October 2020 and August 2023 and failing to deliver up company books to a liquidator between 2020 and 2023.

Deputy district judge Natalie Wortley told Mr Allon that the allegations were too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court and that the case would be sent to the Crown Court.

Mr Allon, of Arkendale Road, Staveley, will next appear for a plea-and-trial preparation hearing at York Crown Court on June 10. He was granted bail until then.

Residents react to revised Maltkiln plans

Residents have been urged to give their views on revised plans for a new town the size of Thirsk seven miles from Knaresborough.

Yorkshire developers Caddick Group, which applied for outline planning permission in 2019, plans to build up to 4,000 homes near Kirk Hammerton, Cattal and Green Hammerton.

Caddick held a public consultation at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall on Tuesday (May 7) to share its updated plans for the settlement known as Maltkiln.

The town will include affordable and eco-friendly houses, as well as two primary schools, a mixed-use local centre, a sports hub and green spaces.

The changes announced included moving the site boundary to the north east and east to provide access into the first phase of development from the A59.

The two roundabouts proposed to access the site have also been moved, with one on the east and one on the west of the site along the A59.

The amended locations of the two roundabouts. Pic: Maltkiln Consultation

There is also set to be an additional new road bridge over the railway line on the eastern edge of the site.

The firm added plans for the mixed-use local centre had extended east of Station Road and north of the railway station. In addition, the proposed location of the northern primary school has been amended.

Caddick also said delivery of the development will now start with a first phase in the north east and continue in a clockwise direction.

The revised plans and key. Pic: Stantec / Maltkiln Consultation

The scheme has faced backlash from some nearby residents since its inception and progress remains uncertain since the council threatened to compulsory purchase land for the new town.

Rural feel

The Stray Ferret attended the consultation event to speak to residents and Caddick representatives.

Kirk Hammerton resident James Browne (pictured above) told us people needed to have a “balanced approached” to the proposal.

He said:

“I share others’ concerns. I hope the amount of tension around the development means that things will be done in the right manner and not disrupt the rural feel around here.”

Mr Brown told the Stray Ferret he hopes, if the development goes ahead, there would be “benefits to amenities, cyclists, roads, shops and education” in what is a relatively “isolated area”.

He added:

“I’m hoping if it does go ahead, it would be delivered sympathetically, but once plans are approved, would it just become a case of delivering sheer volume?”

People at the consultation event.

Sue Husband, another nearby resident, questioned whether the potential number of houses was “really necessary”.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We do need some housing – I get that. My preference is that it’s ecological housing that supports climate change, rather than just luxury homes. We also need a wider community. But do we actually need this number of houses?

“If the plans were to create a small village and there was the potential to expand it gradually, I think people would be able to accept it more. But because it’s this big, sudden expansion people can’t necessarily adjust to it.”

Ms Husband also said she would “consider moving house” if the plans were approved. She added:

“I moved here because it’s so peaceful and quiet.”

Infrastructure fears

The Stray Ferret also contacted Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, Arnold Warneken, about the new plans.

He said the “biggest concerns from residents in his inbox” included the infrastructure of the existing roads and drainage systems.

Cllr Warneken said:

“People feel there could, in reality, be thousands of additional cars around the settlement and they are concerned about the existing road networks.

“They’re also worried about existing sewage systems. Residents have contacted me to say they don’t feel the sewage system can cope as it is, let alone with new houses being built.”

Cllr Warneken said residents also expressed concerns about a GP practice not being included in phase one of the development process, particularly as Springbank Surgery in Green Hammerton is “already oversubscribed”.

Developer wants community to ‘shape masterplan’

The consultation comes after North Yorkshire Council submitted the Maltkiln development plan document to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination.

People now have the opportunity to give feedback on Caddick’s revised plans.

Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said in a statement:

“We’re particularly keen for communities in the area to shape key areas of the masterplan, including the design of the local centre, as well as the upcoming residential design code.

“All the information for the consultation is available on the Maltkiln website and we would really like people to get involved and give us their views. All feedback will be analysed and considered as part of our application for the first stage of the project, which we are anticipating submitting later this year.”

You can give your view on the refreshed plans and leave feedback here until Friday, May 27.

Exclusive: Hackers demand ransom after breaching North Yorkshire Council computer system

International hackers have breached the trading standards computer system at North Yorkshire Council and demanded a ransom.

The Stray Ferret was tipped off by an anonymous source at the council who said the hackers had encrypted large amounts of data and were “demanding a ransom to decrypt it”.

The source added:

“Backups have also been encrypted so this is a big problem. This systems holds a lot of data and this breach could impact on a large number of crime investigations within the area.”

The Stray Ferret asked the council for further details about the breach, which is believed to have happened in March.

We asked how much data had been compromised and how it was able to happen, as well as what action the council was taking to resolve the situation, and the likely cost and timeframe.

The council issued a statement that included quotes from Mike Andrews, the National Trading Standards eCrime team’s national co-ordinator, and Madeline Hoskin, the council’s assistant director for technology.

The National Trading Standards eCrime team investigates fraud on behalf of local authorities.

The statement confirmed there had been “an incident”, which it said had been “contained” but did not clarify the extent of the breach.

Mr Andrews said in the statement:

“We are working with national agencies and other partners to investigate this incident.

“Fortunately, we became aware of the incident at a very early stage and swift action was taken.

“Protecting personal data remains our top priority and steps were taken to contain the potential impact.

“As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage to avoid jeopardising any future legal proceedings.”

Ms Hoskin said in the statement:

“We take considerable precautions to prevent and detect cybercrime and take our responsibilities extremely seriously.

“We worked with an independent team of digital forensic specialists which helped ensure a swift recovery from the incident.

“No information related to the council’s customers outside of the data held by the National Trading Standards E-Crime Team has been affected.”

The council declined to comment further.

North Yorkshire combined authority advertises for £125,000 chief executive

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is advertising for its first chief executive, who will be paid a salary of £124,656.

The organisation, which was launched in February and commands public funding of £540 million over 30 years, is currently led by James Farrar, interim head of paid service.

A notice on the authority’s website advertising the role closes on May 12, with interviews due to take place on June 3.

The role requires the candidate to have “strong commercial skills, business acumen and experience of operating in a business development role”.

The chief executive will also be required to work closely with the newly elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and council leaders from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

Meanwhile, the combined authority is also advertising for a director of resources, who would be paid a salary of up to £105,000.

David Skaith signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office with James Farrar, Director of Economy & Interim Head of Paid Service, and Rachel Antonelli, Head of Legal & Interim Deputy Monitoring Officer at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

David Skaith signing the declaration of acceptance of office with James Farrar, director of economy and interim head of paid service, and Rachel Antonelli, head of legal and interim deputy monitoring officer at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The move comes as David Skaith was sworn in as the new mayor yesterday.

Mr Skaith also signed the declaration of acceptance of office, which formally recognises the mayor’s responsibilities for the police and crime commissioner role.

He said:

“I’m honoured to take on the role of mayor for York and North Yorkshire. I’m looking to bring together York and North Yorkshire as one.

“This new role of mayor, and the combined authority, presents a great deal of opportunities to the region. We can attract new investment, and tackle keys areas such as affordable housing and transport. This is just the start, and I’m looking forward to working with partners, businesses, and communities.”

Boroughbridge Primary School to get two new classrooms

Two new classrooms are to be built at Boroughbridge Primary School and its existing Horsa hut will be demolished.

North Yorkshire Council has awarded a £805,870 contract to Pontefract firm R H Fullwood Ltd to carry out the work.

This project will be funded by section 106 funding paid by developers to the council to compensate for the impact of new homes on local infrastructure.

The classrooms are expected to be ready for the new academic year, September 2024.

Last year 2023 the headteacher, governors and council met to discuss plans to expand the school, which

This led to talks about the current building, which is situated alongside the KS1 playground and separate to the main school building, being replaced.

Emma Ryan, headteacher of Boroughbridge primary school said:

“This is an extremely exciting time to be at Boroughbridge Primary School.

“The school has grown considerably over the last few years, mainly due to the new housing developments, and I am positive that pupil numbers will continue to increase. It is great that the local authority have recognised the need for extra classrooms as this will allow us to accommodate our pupils.”

Boroughbridge primary school

A school spokesperson added:

“It was clear that the new housing estates and general growth of Boroughbridge was going to impact the school with a rise in pupil numbers. Over the last year, this has been very evident due to all our new families and pupils.

“This Horsa hut has been part of our school for a long time but is now not fit for current educational needs and for the quality of teaching that we uphold. As a result, it will need to be demolished.”

Zoe Metcalfe departs as crime commissioner

Zoe Metcalfe’s term as North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner ended at midnight last night after the role was transferred to the new Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Labour’s David Skaith, who won the inaugural mayoral election on Friday, will now take on responsibilities for policing and crime.

Ms Metcalfe, a Conservative who held the post since November 2021, was the final directly elected commissioner for the county.

She was elected after the departure of Philip Allott, who succeeded fellow Tory Julia Mulligan — the county’s first commissioner from 2012 to 2021.

David Skaith, newly elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire who will take on the commissioner’s responsibilities.

Ms Metcalfe pledged to tackle issues such as violence against women and girls.

She also oversaw the controversial introduction of the risk and resource model for the fire service, which included plans to cut the number of overnight fire engines based in Harrogate from two to one.

The Stray Ferret requested an interview with Ms Metcalfe to reflect on her tenure as commissioner, but a spokesperson for her office said she was unavailable due to “the volume of her commitments in her final few days”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Metcalfe said it had been an “absolute privilege and pleasure” to represent York and North Yorkshire.

As I step down from my role as Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner at midnight, it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to represent the communities of York & North Yorkshire. Congratulations to @DSkaith and best wishes for your term in office.

— Zoë Metcalfe (@zoe_metcalfe1) May 6, 2024

The commissioner’s office has now been rebranded the York and North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning after the mayoral election.

Mr Skaith is expected to make a decision on whether to appoint a deputy mayor to take on policing and crime powers.

Grants totalling £1 million available for small businesses in North Yorkshire

Businesses in North Yorkshire have the chance to apply for £1 million in funding through a new package of capital grants.

Small and micro businesses can apply for the small business grant scheme, administered by North Yorkshire Council through thennational government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The scheme is focussed on increasing business growth, productivity and resilience. Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.

This is the second round of funding, following the first round in the last financial year which saw £750,000 awarded to businesses across the county.

Micro businesses, with less than 10 employees, and small firms with less than 50, can access free support through the business advisory teams at the council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, which provides business support.

There are more than 32,700 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises alongside 90 large businesses in the county.

Cllr Carl Les, the Conservative council leader and the chair of the shared prosperity fund board in North Yorkshire, said sole traders, start-ups, home businesses and social enterprises, as well as landlords and people looking to diversify their farm businesses and limited companies, were among those welcome to apply.

He added:

“This time we have allocated an even larger funding pot to the scheme to enable it to be bigger and better and have used learning from last year to improve the application process.

“Our ambition is to see a broad range of applications which seek to make long-lasting improvements to our small and medium businesses across the county.”

To aid businesses with their applications, the growth hub with partners at the social enterprise Enterprise Cube has organised two webinars on writing a business plan and a cash flow forecast which will take place on May 16 and 17.

Carolyn Frank, development manager at the York and North Yorkshire Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“This scheme has provided a practical way that the local authorities have been able to work together with us and other partners to unlock government funding and get it directly to businesses in our area, to help them to innovate and grow.”

The closing date for applications is Friday July 12. To find out more click here.

Council faces calls to reconsider charging parents £792 for school bus

Opposition groups are calling on North Yorkshire Council to reconsider a move to increase the basic home to school transport charge for post-16 students to nearly £800 a year, saying access to education is supposed to be free and equal.

Criticism of the proposed six per cent rise to be put to meeting of leading councillors behind closed doors on Tuesday (May 7) comes as the council this week received a petition from several hundred parents over its cost-cutting plan to limit free transport for under-16s to a child’s nearest school.

Both proposals have emerged as the council looks to stem impact of the cost of providing home to school transport, which continues to rise faster than inflation, increasing by more than £3m in the last year.

Meanwhile it is tackling a recurring annual deficit of about £40m in its budget, of which school transport is the third largest item of expenditure at £42m a year.

If the post-16 proposal is agreed, school transport would cost families an average between £2.04 and £7.33 per day – up to £792 a year for each child. The charge would represent a 60 per cent rise since 2018/19.

An officer’s report to the corporate director and executive members’ meeting states an above inflation increase was discounted because the Department of Education is expected to publish fresh guidance on post-16 transport later this year, leading to potential major changes.

However, it underlines a 50 per cent discount on the charges should be offered to low income families.

The report states North Yorkshire’s geography presents challenges for young people who are expected to remain in education, employment or training until aged 18.

It adds:

“The council’s current decision to provide assistance beyond year 11 is a discretionary commitment to improve access to education for young people aged over 16.

“The application of adopting a single contribution fee, irrespective of distance travelled is to ensure that young people in rural communities are not disadvantaged when compared to those living in towns.

“The recommendation to offer a reduction to low-income families increases the opportunity for young people to move into further education and supports aspirations of higher education and employment.”

The authority’s executive member for education, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, has been approached for comment.

Leaders of the authority’s opposition groups said while access education was supposed to be free and equal to all, parents of post-16 not in walking distance of a school, college or training venue were facing huge bills.

Independent group leader Councillor Stuart Parsons said while the Government was insisting post-16 children remained in education or training parents were facing having to pay a “ludicrous amount of money”.

He said:

“It’s almost like paying bed and breakfast rates in prison. This will impact on many low income families. Children will feel guilty they are costing their parents a fortune. Rishi Sunak’s government is penalising youngsters who live in rural communities.”

Councillor Steve Shaw Wright, who leads the Labour group, said high post-16 transport costs would put some families off.

He said:

“In North Yorkshire unless you live in a town with a sixth-form you are in trouble. If we don’t encourage people to go, then it becomes only the people with money who can go.”

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Bryn Griffiths said the council had received a Government funding windfall which could have been used to offset home to school transport costs rather than being “parked in the authority’s reserves”.

He added:

“For families who are struggling it is getting silly and is another nail in the coffin for people who are trying to do their best by their children. So much for free education in this country.”

Yemi’s Food Stories: food as a universal language of love and connection

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

In a world of diverse cultures and traditions, food serves as a common ground that transcends boundaries. Sharing a meal with loved ones or strangers alike is an act of communion, where stories are exchanged, laughter is shared, and bonds are strengthened. Food has the remarkable ability to evoke emotions, ignite nostalgia, and create unforgettable experiences.

Some words transcend all languages and they include ‘yummy’, ‘yum’ and deep sighs of ‘hmmm’. When you hear them, you immediately know the deliciousness of a dish is the subject matter. Looks are shared, smiles are exchanged and heads are nodded towards strangers when one is enjoying great food. That is the power of food.

Food also has a role in healing and connection due to its remarkable ability to heal and uplift spirits during challenging times. Whether it’s preparing a comforting dish for a loved one or sharing a meal with neighbours, food acts as a conduit for empathy and compassion. In times of celebration or sorrow, a shared meal has the power to bring solace, foster camaraderie, and remind us of our shared humanity.

Growing up in Nigeria, many vegetables, roots, spices, herbs and seeds were used to nourish people back to health, fatten brides ahead of their wedding days or help a nursing mother to produce enough milk for the baby. Some dishes helped mothers regain their bodies after child birth. Some dishes’ aromas were reputed for making your spouse stay at home.

Food is best enjoyed when shared with others and it really doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple green salad with grilled chicken, boiled potatoes tossed in herby butter and a dressing followed by a bought-in dessert is enough to share with others.

Many of us wait for the perfect time to get together with others but it rarely ever happens that all the stars are aligned. I haven’t hosted a barbecue in recent years but I’m hopeful that this is my year.

Here is what you can do to get ready for entertaining at a moment’s notice:

Set the stage

Get your barbecue out, give it a good clean, and make sure you have gas. Alternatively buy a disposable one and have it ready. Spring clean your kitchen.

Source your ingredients

Get your ingredients ready and store them in the freezer; season what can be seasoned. This can include prepping your chicken, fish and buying your sausages or part baked breads. Ketchup and mayonnaise have a decent shelf-life so you can buy in advance and homemade chilli oils will last a couple of weeks.

Invite others

Let people know in advance that you are committed to sharing a meal with them and pencil in some tentative dates. Watch the weather reports and be ready to enjoy the sunshine at short notice.

Leverage shortcuts

Ask people to bring a drink, side dish or salad so it’s not all on you; most people would want to bring something anyway. Prepared salads and dips will lighten your workload. Elevate shop bought baguettes with garlic butter, balsamic glaze or chilli oil.

Asparagus and Ricotta Tart

Connecting over food takes intentionality but we can make it happen. As the world gets more insular with loneliness a societal challenge, we can leverage the emotive power of food to connect, uplift, and inspire through gathering around the dinner table with family or new friends.

Here is an easy recipe that comes together quickly allowing you to entertain friends at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 cup ricotta cheese
Baby plum tomatoes sliced in half
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on top of the ricotta in a single layer.
Dot the tomatoes around the gaps, cut sides up.
Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and season with additional salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
Slice and serve this delightful asparagus and ricotta tart as a shared springtime treat.

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