Residents and businesses in Knaresborough are being asked for their opinions on the possible pedestrianisation of Market Place as part of a survey on the future of the town.
Politics
Pedestrianisation of Knaresborough’s Market Place up for debate
Residents and business owners in Knaresborough are being asked to give their opinions on whether the town's Market Place should be pedestrianised. Knaresborough Town Council has begun canvassing opinion on whether to pedestrianise a large section of Market Place. The...
Opinion: The big lie
In a strongly-worded opinion piece, Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam argues that people have been hoodwinked by the idea that bigger is better and gives local government, gas, electricity and water as examples of how Harrogate achieved more when it was governed locally.
Harrogate headteacher ‘concerned’ by Cold Bath Road pollution data
Western Primary School installed a pollution sensor in June last year, amid concerns about heavy traffic on Cold Bath Road. Six months on, data suggests levels of pollutants meet national objectives but exceed guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.
Hampsthwaite doctors’ surgery conversion finally approved
The former Dr Bannatyne and Partners surgery on High Street in Hampsthwaite will be converted into a house after plans were approved at the second attempt.
In depth: What is the economic case for Harrogate’s Station Gateway?
North Yorkshire County Council has published an economic case for Harrogate’s £10.9 million Station Gateway project. The Stray Ferret looks at claims in the report that it will save shops from decline — and hears why business groups remain unhappy.
Harrogate business groups call for Station Gateway vote to be delayed
Business groups say they need more time to scrutinse a document giving the economic case for the project, which was published just days before next week’s key vote takes place.
Exclusive: Council invests £20m in cancer-causing tobacco companies
North Yorkshire County Council’s pension fund invests over £20m in two of the world’s largest tobacco companies even though the local authority is in charge of public health and runs its own quit smoking service.
Ripon aims to take control of its markets from Harrogate
Ripon councillors plan to take over the city’s ancient market when Harrogate Borough Council ceases to exist in 15 months time. Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams says stall numbers have reduced and the market ‘needs an overhaul’.
Harrogate set for colourful fountains and WiFi-charging benches
The proposals to transform Station Square, opposite the train station, are part of the £10.9m Station Gateway scheme. Other plans include new lighting columns with built-in insect hotels and planting areas that collect rain water to reduce the likelihood of floods in town.
Councillors back calls for 5% increase in Harrogate district taxi fares
Taxi drivers say the hike is necessary to cover soaring fuel prices and a decline in earnings for drivers during covid. If approved, the increase would make the Harrogate district the 14th most expensive council area in the UK for taxi fares
Ripon council leader calls swimming club price hike ‘disgusting’
Councillor Andrew Williams says it’s ‘appalling and disgusting’ that a volunteer-run children’s swimming club won’t be able to use the city’s £15m new pool after Harrogate Borough Council tripled its fee to use it, effectively out-pricing them.
Exclusive: Council invests £15m in arms firms linked to deadly Yemen War
The revelations are part of a series of investigations by the Stray Ferret into controversial investments by the North Yorkshire Pension Fund, which is controlled by North Yorkshire County Council. These include £11m in the UK’s largest arms manufacturer BAE Systems, which has produced weapons for the Saudi government.
