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29
May
Hopes of reprieve for Hell Wath’s ‘Lady in the Van’ after public outcry
Hopes are rising that a coffee van at Hell Wath nature reserve will be allowed to continue trading after the business was threatened with eviction.
Charlotte Hartley has run Lottie’s Vintage Coffee Van at the beauty spot near Ripon for several years.
But Tarmac, the buildings material company which owns the land, recently asked North Yorkshire Council to instigate moves to request the business cease trading.
The news led to a public outcry, with many people saying how much they valued the service and that the threat seemed heavy-handed.
Charlotte Hartley
Following moves by Councillor Andrew Williams, whose Ripon Minster and Moorside division on the council includes Hell Wath, a solution appears to be in sight.
Speaking today (March 29), Cllr Williams told the Stray Ferret that Tarmac and the council were now willing to enter discussions about granting Ripon’s own ‘Lady in the Van’ a permit to trade on a permanent basis.
It appears Ms Hartley approached the council about acquiring a permit when she started trading almost three years ago.
At the time, Harrogate Borough Council was being replaced by North Yorkshire Council and despite Ms Hartley's efforts to pursue the matter there was little progress until she was recently informed Tarmac did not approve.
Cllr Williams said:
It would seem that common sense is going to prevail. The council’s legal department is going to enter into discussions about having a proper permit. I’m optimistic that matters will be resolved satisfactorily. There is very strong community support for her.
'Swift solution'
A council spokesperson said:
We were recently alerted by the landowner that a coffee van operating at Hell Wath in Ripon was in breach of the current lease. We are currently working with everyone involved as we try to find a swift solution.
Serving customers at Hell Wath.
Ms Hartley said she was “saddened and disappointed” by the situation but added:
What has become clear is the gorgeous deliciousness of the people, many who have become friends over the years, of Ripon and its surroundings, as they have shown me nothing but support and kindness regarding this current situation. My only hope is for a for swift resolution that leads to a positive outcome.
Many people have commented on social media about not only on how much they enjoy the coffee service, but also how the van has established a community of regular visitors and how Ms Hartley has become the ‘eyes and ears’ of Hell Wath by reporting on any issues that arise.
One person said: “It is far more than just a coffee van. For many residents, dog walkers, older people and families, it has become a friendly meeting point, a place for a chat, and a small but important part of local community life.”
Tarmac did not respond to the Stray Ferret..
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