Ferret Unlocked: what you missed in news last week

Staff at Harrogate’s Mint Velvet were surprised to see a Hollywood star browsing the clothing racks last week.

Clearly missing the Australian summer sun, Rebel Wilson, who is part of the star-studded cast of Tinsel Town recently filmed in Knaresborough, bought a coat at the women’s retailer.

The Stray Ferret published the staff’s reaction last Friday, which subscribers can read here.

As filming continued across Knaresborough again last week, locals were keen to snap a photo with the cast, including Kiefer Sutherland and Danny Dyer, before it wrapped. 

The Stray Ferret visited Knaresborough to hear what the Hollywood takeover meant to the town – you can read more here.

Over in Ripon, one of the most controversial planning applications was withdrawn last week.

Ripon Cathedral’s annexe plan, which proved divisive amongst the community, was pulled on Friday.

The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon, issued a statement. It said the cathedral will “work constructively with North Yorkshire Council and Ripon City Council” on new plans.

The Stray Ferret also published campaigners’ reactions on Saturday, which subscribers can read here. 

Members of North Yorkshire Council last week considered changes to the authority’s budget.

Councillors agreed to reduce locality budgets, which are often used to fund community schemes and projects, from £10,000 to £5,000 a year.

They also green-lighted a 4.99% increase in council tax. You can read about both decisions here. 

On the topic of money, the Stray Ferret also reported on the council receiving nearly £370,000 to make walking, wheeling and cycling across the county easier.

You can read more about that here, with a subscription. 

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