Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Although it may be a tad disappointing not to have a formal switch on of the Christmas lights, it’s reassuring to hear that the BID are listening to members and thinking about return on investment. They don’t have money to waste.[No Christmas lights switch-on event in Harrogate this year]
It may be a “nice to do” but does it actually help local businesses? Perhaps not. Whereas street cleaning, murals, lighting, flowers, window dressing and advertising does feel (and look) as though the BID is doing a good job.
I don’t run a local business but as a resident, I can see the impact and it does feel notably better than the lacklustre efforts from whatever was being done (or not) several years ago.
So if ever businesses are questioning their investment in the BID, please be assured that from someone who lives in the town centre, it’s making a positive impact.
But FYI – please sort the dangling lights that have been brought down by the recent weather (especially Montpellier Hill), before some morons decide to vandalise them instead. Thank you!!
Mark Fuller, Harrogate
I note that the cost of the garden waste collection will rise next year to £46.50 and that a member of the Council stated that those people who do not use the service should not be expected to pay towards it. [Harrogate district garden waste fees set to increase by 7%]
I can think of many service’s I pay towards that I do not use but am happy to pay for.
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Harrogate retailers showed off their collections today in a fashion show designed to celebrate what the town has to offer.
Hundreds of shoppers watched in glorious weather as models walked an open-air catwalk as part of The Harrogate Fashion Show.
The event was organised by the Harrogate BID and sponsored by The Victoria Shopping Centre. The Stray Ferret has been the media partner.
The day was divided up into different fashion themes – the summer season, upcycling, wedding wear, Harrogate on the high street, activewear and children’s celebration.
Behind the scenes in the shopping centre, dozens of models both professional and volunteers were changing outfits, having their hair styled by Baroque and their make up touched up to make sure they looked absolutely fabulous.
On stage, personal stylist, Anna Spreckley, who works with Hoopers, (below in the red dress) provided the audience with fashion insights and tips.
The catwalk, chairs and big screen were outside the Victoria Shopping Centre
BID manager, Matthew Chapman said he was pleased so many retailers had taken part:
“I think it’s been really, really positive. It’s been twelve weeks in the planning so we’ve delivered it in quite a short space of time. You can see by the numbers today it’s been very positive. There’s lots to celebrate in retail even though the high street is changing.
“It is tough with the cost of living. We at the BID need to support businesses and I feel today’s done that.”
Behind the scenes -Selina and Darcy Skinner get ready to model for Elite Bridal UK
Independent stores such as Hoopers, Bias, Morgan Clare, Infinity & Co and Sophie Likes were joined by high street stores such as M&S, Specsavers, Lush, Sweaty Betty and LK Bennett.
Nick Hubbert, general manager of Hoopers said the store was keen to take part:
“We want to be involved in the community and work with the other retailers to promote the town. Commercially, I want to show all the fabulous products we have in the store and bring in new customers.
“Events like this show people what we’re good at. I think we need to work with our competitors and if people visit Harrogate, see great stores and great customer service, then it will bring them back.”
The Upcycling models above all wore outfits found in Harrogate charity stores. Hannah Shackleton from Estate Agents Nicholls Tyreman, wearing the long, gold, sequin dress won the prize for finding the most fabulous outfit.
Harrogate shoppers will be able to park for free over the next five Saturdays to give the town centre a post-Christmas boost.
Free parking will be available in the Victoria car park on January 21 and 28, and February 4, 11 and 18 between 10am and 6pm. The initiative has been funded by the Harrogate Business Investment District (BID).
It comes after the Christmas ‘Free after Three’ initiative, where the BID funded free parking on the first four days of the week from Monday, December 5, until Thursday, January 5, 2023, to support retailers during the traditionally quieter days of the week.
Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said:
“This is one of the examples of how Harrogate BID is supporting town centre businesses, in particular those in the retail and hospitality sectors.
“Thanks to the efforts of a number of organisations, including Harrogate BID, businesses in retail and hospitality saw increased sales, including some reporting their best December in many years.
“By providing free parking in Harrogate over the next five Saturdays, we are giving residents and visitors an added incentive to come in to town to shop, eat and drink, to continue the positivity into the new year.
“Eight hours free parking gives people plenty of time to explore the great shops and enjoy a bite to eat in one of our many excellent bars, restaurants and cafes.”
The BID has also sponsored the ‘Sunday Freeway’ during January and February which provides bus passengers with free travel into the town centre on The Harrogate Bus Company’s buses.
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- Harrogate Station Gateway consultation in numbers