Ferret Unlocked: what you missed in news last week

Last week saw the Stray Ferret team cover a wide range of topics across the region; from local politics to shop openings and pre-season friendlies, we’ve ensured that our journalism remains high quality, accurate and in-depth.

We were first to break the news that leisure services across the district are set to change once more and have pressed the council for an estimated cost of this new proposal – keep an eye out for any update on this in the future.

Following the announcement that Knaresborough Forest project has recieved a £300,000 injection of funding, we reported on another environmental boost to the local area; namely that Forestry England aims to plant 80,000 trees near Harrogate by next March.

We also spoke exclusively to ‘Harrogate’s best-known barber’, bodybuilder, and community figure Dave Steca about his remarkable recovery after a polo accident.

Over in Ripon, we covered the progress being made on the popular riverside footpath that collapsed earlier this year, as well as the latest chapter in the ongoing controversy of the Ripon Cathedral plans.

Two of our most commented-upon articles have been from our weekend offering; the first being our in-depth look into how Labour’s ambitious housing targets could affect Harrogate and the surrounding areas – an concerning issue for many of our readers.

The second was the ongoing conversation around parking in Knaresborough. We attended the most recent Knaresborough & District Chamber meeting where six suggestions were put forward to improve the situation, which we then explored in greater detail.

Don’t forget – as a subscriber, you can engage in constructive and insightful debate about the issues that matter to you using the website’s new comment function. 

The Paris Olympic Games opens this Friday, July 26 and the region isn’t short of athletes travelling to France to represent Team GB. We managed to talk to George Mills, who will be competing in the 1000m and 1500m, before he enters the training camp.

Look out for future features highlighting some more Olympic hopefuls – we’ll be following their progress closely and wish all the members of Team GB, from Yorkshire and beyond, the best of luck.

We're always adding to our fantastic range of offers and discounts from local businesses - launching today, subscribers can now enjoy 15 per cent off and a complimentary drink at Piccolino's on Mondays and Tuesdays, for up to six guests.

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