Harrogate district covid rate drops to lowest in North Yorkshire

The Harrogate district’s seven-day covid rate has dropped to the lowest in North Yorkshire.

Latest figures from North Yorkshire County Council show that the district’s average currently stands at 15 per 100,000 people.

It is the lowest of the seven districts in the county. The next highest is Hambleton on 16.

Elsewhere, the North Yorkshire rate stands at 31 and the England average is 23.

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Meanwhile, six further covid cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

It takes the total number of infections to 7,674.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

NHS England figures show the last death was recorded on April 11.

The death toll as the hospital remains at 179.

Harrogate businesses go electric as number of cars licensed doubles

Latest figures from the Department for Transport show that the number of electric vehicles licensed in Harrogate has nearly doubled since 2019.

According to the data, the number registered in the district increased from 446 at the start of 2019 to 863 by the third quarter of 2020.

By comparison, the UK saw the number of vehicles licensed increase from 199,886 to 355,872.

It comes as the government is set to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

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Companies such as the Harrogate Bus Company and Verity Frearson have already invested in electric vehicles over the past year.

Last year, the bus company trialled an electric bus in Knaresborough in an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the town.

An electric bus run by Harrogate Bus Company.

An electric bus run by Harrogate Bus Company.

Meanwhile, Verity Frearson unveiled five new electric vehicles for its fleet along with a charging point at its Albert Street office.

Matthew Stamford, director of the estate agents, said:

“The investment in these five vehicles contributes to our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and incorporating environmentally friendly practices into our business model.

“I’m delighted to unveil our electric fleet and proud to be championing the move which will hopefully encourage other businesses to follow suit, especially in light of the government’s decision to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

“Any vehicle we add to our fleet moving forward will be electric as it not only makes environmental sense, it makes financial sense too.”

However, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said private buyers would need stronger incentives to buy electric.

The society said last year saw the market share for battery and plug-in hybrid cars increase to 10.7%.

It said while the number of registrations for plug-ins had increased by 91%, the majority of them were for businesses.

A spokesperson for The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said:

“Encouragingly, there is room for further growth as most of these registrations (68%) were for company cars, indicating that private buyers need stronger incentives to make the switch, as well as more investment in charging infrastructure, especially public on-street charging.”

Earlier this month, Harrogate Borough Council revealed 34 locations where it will install electric vehicle charging points.

The locations include up to four charge points at the council’s Claro Road office, as well as up to five at its civic centre headquarters at Knapping Mount.

There will also be up to four at Harrogate’s multi-storey Victoria Shopping Centre car park and the same amount at Ripon Cathedral car park, plus a hub of charge points at Knaresborough Chapel Street car park.

Just 363 first vaccines in Harrogate district this week as supply drops

Just 363 first doses of a covid vaccine were given in the Harrogate district in the last week, as supply continues to decline.

A total of 95,500 people have had a first vaccine in the district so far, according to latest NHS England figures.

However, the number administered each week has declined throughout April due to a national shortage of supply.

NHS officials wrote to GPs across the country and warned there would be a “significant reduction in weekly supply” from March 29. Our graph illustrates how steeply the decline has been.

Earlier this week, the Stray Ferret revealed that no further first dose supply is expected in the district for a month.

A leaked letter signed by Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and Beverley Geary, chief nurse at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust revealed the supply problem.

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It comes as those aged over-42 have been invited to come forward for a covid vaccine.

A total of 38,115 second doses have been given in the district so far according to the latest figures.

Elsewhere today, a further three covid cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district.

According to Public Health England, it takes the total number of infections since last March to 7,668.

The district’s seven-day covid rate currently stands at 14 per 100,000 people. The North Yorkshire average is 34 and the England rate currently stands at 23.

No further covid deaths have been confirmed at Harrogate District Hospital.

NHS England statistics show the last death from a patient who tested positive for coronavirus reported at the hospital was on April 11.

The death toll at the hospital remains at 179 since the start of the pandemic.

10 facts about new Harrogate district mayor Trevor Chapman

Trevor Chapman was elected to succeed Stuart Martin as mayor of the Harrogate district last night.

Cllr Chapman, a Liberal Democrat who represents Bilton Grange on Harrogate Borough Council, succeeded Conservative councillor Stuart Martin.

Here are 10 facts about the district’s new mayor.

1 He was born in 1944 in Finedon, Northamptonshire, where the Reverend Richard Coles is parish priest.

2 He met his wife, Janet, when they both worked for the East Midlands Electricity Board in Northamptonshire. They married in 1966 and have two children, Zoe and Ben, and five grandchildren.

3 They moved to Harrogate in 1970 when he got a job with North Eastern Electricity Board, where he worked as an energy marketing sales engineer.

4 A keen football fan, he grew up supporting Kettering Town but after moving to Harrogate became a regular season ticket holder at Leeds United and watched the great Don Revie team. He’s also a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and a life member of Bilton Cricket Club, where he used to coach the under-17s.

5 He worked in electricity until privatisation in 1999, when he took early retirement.

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6 His two political heroes are local Liberal Democrats Geoff Webber and Phil Willis, who ignited his interest in politics. Webber, who died this year, was a Liberal Democrat councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council and Willis was MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough from 1997 until 2010.

7 With their encouragement, he was elected to represent the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council in a New Park by-election in 2004. When the boundaries changed in 2018, he stood successfully in Bilton Grange, which he still represents.

8 The mayor usually holds office for one year. The honour is rotated between the political parties based on the amount of seats each one has. The Conservative-controlled council therefore has the most mayors. This year it was actually the turn of the independents to hold the mayoral office but neither independent councillor wanted to take the role so they nominated Cllr Chapman instead.

9 In a typical year, the mayor can attend as many as 400 events. Covid decimated this for the previous mayor but in-person duties have resumed. One of the highlights Cllr Chapman is most looking forward to is attending the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.

10 His three nominated charities are Supporting Older People, which he is a trustee of, Citizens Advice Craven and Harrogate Districts, which his wife was a trustee of for 19 years and the Friends of Harrogate Hospital.

Drink-drive arrests up 75% since beer gardens reopened

Thirty-five suspected drink drivers have been arrested by North Yorkshire Police within a fortnight of beer gardens reopening.

The number represents a 75% increase compared to this time last year.

Those arrested include eight people in the Harrogate district. The only district with more arrests was York, with 11.

North Yorkshire Police launched a “Be a hero, Stay at zero” drink-drive campaign to coincide with pubs reopening on April 12.

It urged people thinking of going for a drink to use public transport or select a designated driver.

Roads policing sergeant, Andrew Morton, said:

“We’ve already encountered too many people who have ignored our warnings. Our message is simple – if you drink or drug drive, we will catch you.

“We have only just been allowed to start going to beer gardens again – don’t ruin this for yourself by losing your licence, getting a criminal record and driving ban, paying a heavy fine or going to prison.”

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RAF Menwith Hill protest to take place tomorrow

A protest will take place at RAF Menwith Hill tomorrow as part of the International Day of Action Against Foreign Military Bases.

Campaigners say the day will “show solidarity and opposition” to over 1,000 overseas military bases that exist around the world.

The socially distanced protest is being organised by Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign and Yorkshire CND.

Built in the 1950s on the edge of Nidderdale, Menwith Hill is the United States’ largest overseas surveillance base. Giant radomes, or ‘golf balls’, are a distinctive feature of the site.

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Meanwhile, Harrogate Borough Council is expected to make a decision on the latest expansion at the base soon.

The Ministry of Defence, which owns the site, has submitted plans to add a new visitor centre, vehicle canopy and changes to the road junction on Menwith Hill Road.

However, the application has proved controversial because it would involve felling a memorial tree planted in memory of the late Bob Cryer MP in 1994.

Mr Cryer campaigned for transparency at Menwith Hill and secured a debate in parliament a few months before he died in 1994. He claimed the aim of the base was to “assert and retain United States supremacy”.

Mr Cryer’s widow, the former Keighley MP Ann Cryer, told the Stray Ferret she was “very upset” at the proposals.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning everyone and welcome back. Traffic is getting busier on the district’s roads now so make sure to keep and eye on our morning blogs.

It’s Connor here with you bright and early this morning, please get in touch with me via social media or email me at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

This blog, brought to you by The HACS Group, brings you updates every 15 minutes on the road and rail links near you.

9am – Full Update

Roads

That’s all from me this morning. I will be back bright and early from 6.30am tomorrow to keep you moving. The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning. There are some traffic hot spots to look out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning. There are some traffic hot spots to look out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning. There are some traffic hot spots to look out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning. There are some traffic hot spots to look out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning. There are some traffic hot spots to look out for:

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning but there are no traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are now becoming more busy in the Harrogate district this morning but there are no traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads look to be clear so far this morning. No traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update

Roads

The roads look to be clear so far this morning. No traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads look to be clear so far this morning. No traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads look to be clear so far this morning. No traffic hotspots to report just yet.

Temporary traffic lights are in place:

Road closures in place here:

Trains

Buses

Trevor Chapman elected as Harrogate district mayor

Liberal Democrat councillor Trevor Chapman has tonight been virtually voted in as the new Harrogate district mayor.

He takes over from Conservative councillor Stuart Martin, who held the role since 2019 and served an extended term due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking at a virtual annual meeting tonight, cllr Chapman said:

“Let’s hope we can return to some form of normality following events over the last year so that I can fulfil the role fully.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the outgoing mayor Stuart for not only carrying out his year of office but also standing in as caretaker during this unprecedented year.

“Stuart, you and April have carried out your duties in an exemplary manner for which I thank you very much.”

Cllr Chapman, who represents the Bilton Grange ward, was chosen to take on the role in March last year before the handover was cancelled because of the pandemic.

It has meant cllr Martin has stayed in the post for an extra 12 months during the same year that his wife, mayoress April Martin, became critically ill with covid.

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After tonight’s meeting, councillor Martin said in a statement:

“As my time as Harrogate district mayor comes to an end this evening, I’d like to say thank you to everyone for their help and support over the past two years.

“Both April and I have thoroughly enjoyed being mayor and mayoress, and we have met some truly incredible organisations and charities during that time.

“I am delighted to be able to pass on the chain of office to councillor Trevor Chapman, who I know will make an excellent mayor. It has been a great pleasure and I will leave with many happy memories of my two years in office.”

The role of the mayor is to chair full council meetings and represent the borough at ceremonies and events.

The mayor also raises money for charities and is required to put his or her political affiliations aside to be impartial.

Councillor Chapman has selected Supporting Older People, Citizens Advice and Friends of Harrogate Hospital as his chosen charities.

Christine Willoughby elected deputy mayor

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat councillor Christine Willoughby, who represents Knaresborough Eastfield and served as mayor for the town, was also elected as deputy mayor for the Harrogate district at tonight’s meeting.

She takes over from Conservative councillor Zoe Metcalfe, who represents the Claro ward.

Conservative council leader Richard Cooper also announced at tonight’s meeting that no changes have been made to the cabinet, while a raft of committee chairs, vice-chairs and members were also voted in.

Harrogate vaccine centre gives 100,000th jab today

The vaccination centre at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground marked a major milestone today when it gave its 100,000th jab.

James Eaton, pictured above, had the honour of receiving the 100,000th inoculation.

Yorkshire Health Network, a federation of 17 GP surgeries in the Harrogate district, is delivering the vaccine programme.

The tally includes all first and second jabs at the Harrogate and Ripon sites, as well as vulnerable people who are housebound or homeless.

It does not include the pharmacy-led sites in Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge, which today told the Stray Ferret they have separately administered 15,000 and 400 vaccines respectively.

Today’s milestone is a major leap from when an 83-year-old woman called Anne was among the first to be vaccinated in Harrogate in late December.

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Dr Ian Dilley, a member of the Harrogate and rural coronavirus vaccination steering group, said:

“As we take a moment to celebrate this monumental achievement we would like to thank all those who have been involved, without whom this endeavour would not have been possible.

“That includes our resilient workforce of practice staff, our tireless volunteer marshals, the local organisations who have donated goodies, Transdev bus company and our kind hosts.

“A huge thank you to all involved”.

However, the progress of the vaccination programme in the Harrogate district may slow in the weeks ahead.

A letter seen by the Stray Ferret from the Humber, Coast and Vale Integrated Care System, which oversees the vaccine programme in the Harrogate district, revealed how those hoping for a first dose may have to wait until June.

The letter, which you can read more about here, was sent to senior health officials in the region as well as large scale vaccination sites and community pharmacies.

Exclusive: No more first vaccines in Harrogate district until June, leaked letter reveals

People hoping to receive a first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in the Harrogate district may have to wait until June, a letter leaked to the Stray Ferret has revealed.

The Harrogate district had made good progress with the vaccination programme. According to the latest NHS England figures, more than 95,000 jabs have been given.

But as the national rollout focuses on people aged just over 40, it seems the NHS has cut vaccine supply to the Humber, Coast and Vale Integrated Care System, which oversees the vaccine programme in the Harrogate district.

A letter signed by Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and Beverley Geary, chief nurse at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and leaked to the Stray Ferret, revealed the supply problem. The letter says:

“We were informed earlier this week that there would be no first dose vaccination supply for the ICS until June.

“The situation is still developing and there may be some Pfizer vaccine available earlier in May. This is a huge disappointment to everyone who has worked on the vaccination programme in the ICS.

“We know you will all be concerned about the impact of this national supply issue on your own ability to continue to deliver the programme, the impact on patients as well as the reputational risk.”

The letter, dated April 22, was sent to senior health officials in the region as well as large scale vaccination sites and community pharmacies.

It says Humber, Coast and Vale ICS is “extremely concerned about the proposed national campaign for the vaccination programme due to start next week”, when the focus is likely to be on over 40s.

“We have expressed our surprise at such a disjointed approach at the national level and the impact that this will have on local areas managing patient expectations.”

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The pharmacy-run vaccination centres in Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge have not held a vaccine clinic since April 17 and because of supply problems do not have a date for the next one.

Since it opened at the beginning of the month, the Pateley Bridge centre has only been able to give 400 coronavirus jabs.

Samin Khan, who runs Pateley Bridge Pharmacy, told the Stray Ferret:

“We have only managed to hand out 400 vaccines since opening because we have not been given any coronavirus vaccines.

“Other places are getting a supply. The NHS is sending people out to York and Leeds when they want to get a jab in their local area.

“It seems like because the Harrogate district has done so well with the coronavirus vaccines that we have been penalised.”

Ms Bloor told a North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum press briefing today that first dose supply was “getting low.” She added:

“I think it is fair to say that throughout the vaccination programme there have been peaks and troughs in vaccine supply.

“It is a bit lumpy, some weeks we get more and some weeks we get less. At the moment, we are getting slightly less in terms of first doses than we have been previously.

“But, actually, what that means is we can really focus on getting people through for second doses because we have got that guaranteed second dose supply.

“We are also assured that we will still be on track to deliver first doses to all of those aged over 18 by July 31 in line with the government guidance.”