Northern will press ahead with plans to cancel the 6.07am train service from Harrogate to Leeds, as well as some other services, despite lobbying from Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Andrew Jones.

The Stray Ferret reported this month that the 6.07am service — the first of the day — will be axed from May 15. Some evening services will also be cut.

The early service was popular with business travellers as a way to get to London King’s Cross before 9am.

The decision to cut the service was branded as “disgraceful” by Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group.

Urging a rethink

Last week, Andrew Jones MP wrote to the chairman of Northern, Robin Gisby, urging him to “rethink” reductions to the service between Harrogate and Leeds.

Mr Jones wrote that train services in Harrogate had got better over the past decade but cuts could risk losing these “hard-won improvements”.

However, a Northern spokesperson said today that the operator, which is now owned by the UK government, confirmed the cuts will still take place from May 15.

They said the cuts were primarily due to driver shortages and not a reduction in passengers since the pandemic.

However, the spokesperson added Northern will look to reinstate some services during the rest of 2022.

Read more:

• Andrew Jones MP urges Northern to ‘rethink’ cuts to Harrogate trains
• Harrogate disability charity explains why some crossings don’t beep

The spokesperson said:

“We recognise that some of our customers are disappointed with the upcoming changes to their service. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

“Along with the rest of the industry, some amendments to the timetable will be made from 15 May 2022.

“For the remainder of the year, services will be reinstated where possible with the intention of a larger uplift in December 22.

“These reinstatements will take us more in line with December 2021 service levels although any changes are dependent on several factors. We will share the final plans when we can.”

Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group said news that the 6.07am cut would remain was “not good enough”.

He added:

“I was expecting them to keep that one. I’m very disappointed.”

Allertons hair salon will open its fourth location, Allertons Harrogate, tomorrow.

The salon is located on Montpellier Street and will offer haircuts, colouring, treatments and styling.

Beauty treatments including massage and manicures will be available from the summer.

The company has two other locations in Leeds and one in Nottingham.

Founder Nicholas Nicola said:

“We think it will be well received. We aren’t led by fashion but what the clients want from root tints to bright blue. Harrogate already has so many lovely salons and hopefully we can bring something different.”

You can book online now by visiting this website or by calling us on 01423 608868.

Knaresborough-based maternity brand to launch next month

The Mum Collective is a Knaresborough-based maternity and nursing clothing brand that promises to offer “something different”.

Based in Knaresborough and set up by Sophie Baldwin, the online brand is launching with an essentials collection comprising of a t-shirt, sweater and hoodie. Each item has hidden zips for feeding.

Ms Baldwin said:

“When I fell pregnant one thing I found is that there wasn’t a great deal of clothes I actually wanted to wear that I would feel good in, that would also see me through my entire pregnancy as I was growing, and then through to my breastfeeding journey as well.”

“It was created with a mum and mum-to-be’s entire journey in mind.”

The new essentials range

This article is sponsored by Farmison & Co.

New Click & Collect service creates biggest virtual meat counter in the world.

Farmison & Co butchers has opened a new shop on Bondgate Green in Ripon, with a Click & Collect service and free, dedicated parking while you visit. Farmison & Co also offers a huge online range that would need the longest meat counter in the world to display it all.

Britain’s online butcher of the year is piloting its first physical location in North Yorkshire because it sees an opportunity to grow the concept as a concession in high-quality food retailers here in the UK and overseas, that share its passion for better meat.

They’re giving you an exclusive opportunity to be one of the first to shop at cut by Farmison & Co. Get £10 off your first order, when you spend £20 or more* using the code STEAK10.

Shop instore, buy online or click & collect

As much an experience as a shop, Cut is designed to showcase the crown jewels of Yorkshire heritage breed meat and allow customers to select from Farmison & Co’s extensive online range and collect within an hour of placing an order.

Whether you’re rustling up a roast, fancy a quick and easy meal or firing up a last-minute barbecue, this meat will be the talk of the table. The luscious quality simply speaks for itself, especially when paired with chef-prepared blends of spices, seasonings, and marinades.

Farmison & Co’s game-changing ‘saucepan ready™’ range will transform your mealtimes. Ready in minutes, these pouches are the easy way to eat better meat, and just the ticket for pairing with cupboard staples. There are four dishes to choose from; traditional lamb hotpot, authentic chilli con carne, creamy tikka masala, and rich & full bodied beef ragu. Each boasts generous chunks of free range meat.

Cut will be open seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30am-12 noon on Sundays, and a knowledgeable Master Butcher and staff will be on hand to give tips and advice on how to prepare meat and follow recipes devised by Farmison & Co’s in-house Michelin starred chef, Jeff Baker. We understand that trying a new cut can be daunting, so Farmison & Co go the extra mile to help.