CCTV appeal after man’s eye socket fractured in Harrogate

Update: Police have now identified the man pictured in the CCTV.

A teenager has been arrested following a serious assault in Harrogate town centre that left a man in hospital with multiple injuries.

It happened in the alleyway at the rear of Primark on Oxford Street at around 5.20pm on Friday (19 August).

Police want to speak to a man pictured by CCTV as officers believe he may have information about the incident.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital where he was treated for a fractured eye socket, black eye, lacerations to his face and cuts to his hands.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested following the incident.

A statement by North Yorkshire Police today said:

“Police are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident as well as identifying a second male pictured by CCTV.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email graham.truman@northyorkshire.police.uk. You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC1563 Truman.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220147511.”

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TV presenters join Harrogate mayor at jurassic golf

The Mayor of Harrogate borough and former presenters from ITV Calendar took part in jurassic golf in Harrogate town centre last weekend.

Duncan Wood and Christine Talbot joined Cllr Victoria Oldham to take on the nine-hole course.

The course has been set up outside the Victoria Shopping Centre until Saturday, August 28.

Alongside the course, a Dino Trail has been set up in the town centre.

As people complete the trail, they will also be collecting letters that form a simple, themed anagram. Users can then submit the anagram/answer via the LoyalFree app for an additional chance to win a prize draw.

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Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate Business Improvement District, which has led on the initiative, said:

“In addition to coming into town to shop, eat and drink, visitors can now add mini-crazy golf to the list. The crazy golf in the Valley Gardens is incredibly popular, and we are confident our jurassic golf will be a roaring success.

“And once you have completed the challenging nine-hole course, there’s a dinosaur-themed themed trail to follow around town. A great way to spend an hour or two before or after visiting Harrogate’s great shops, bars and restaurants.”

Those wishing to play a round of golf can turn up on the day or book on the jurassic golf website here.

The cost is adults £3, children £2.50, family of four (two adults and two children) £10 and one adult and one child £5.

Business group calls for more Harrogate town centre police

Officials at Harrogate Business Improvement District hope more officers will be put into the town centre after latest figures show 187 cases of anti-social behaviour were reported in the area.

Matthew Chapman, manager at the BID, said more police in the area would help to deter such crime.

It comes as the organisation last week launched its Report a Crime campaign, which encourages people to report instances of crime in the town centre.

Latest police figures show that within the force’s Harrogate Town area, which includes the town centre and outer areas, 187 reports of anti-social behaviour were made during May.

The number makes up 31% of all crime reported.

A total of 602 crimes were reported during the month, which also includes 57 instances of criminal damage and 26 reports of shoplifting.

Mr Chapman told the Stray Ferret:

“Harrogate isn’t immune from criminal activity and antisocial behaviour, however, it is a lot safer, cleaner, and more welcoming than many other towns and cities in the UK – and this is something Harrogate BID is doing its upmost to maintain.

“Last week, we launched our Report a Crime campaign, where we are urging businesses, residents and visitors to contact the police via the online reporting system if they witness a crime, or a victim of it.

“Senior Harrogate police officers tell us there are no issues and resources are needed elsewhere, but these figures contradict that view. I hope they will now look again and increase uniformed patrols in and around the town centre, which will have a double effect – that of reassurance and other deterrence.”

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The campaign to report more crime comes as the BID said police statistics did not match what businesses were telling them on the ground.

The kind of crimes being seen by retailers included anti-social behaviour, often linked to drinking, and what’s termed ‘professional begging’.

The new campaign is being backed by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, whose chief executive David Simister said:

“Harrogate is a fantastic town to live and work, but when it comes to crime it’s not immune.

“It’s important we get a proper understanding of what is happening – or not happening – in our town centre, hence us giving our backing to this campaign.

“In the past I’ve called 101 and after waiting many minutes I’ve simply put the phone down. And by doing this, an incident has gone unreported. In future, report it online and that way it is logged and recorded.”

To report a crime in Harrogate Town centre, visit the North Yorkshire Police website.

Man arrested on suspected drug offence and assaulting police in Harrogate

A man has been arrested in Harrogate on suspicion of a drug offence and assaulting a police officer.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police arrested the man, who is in his 30s, after stopping a suspected drug deal in the town centre.

The man was charged with assaulting a police constable after allegedly kicking the officer during arrest.

He is expected to appear before magistrates court at a later date.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Officers on patrol saw the two men acting suspiciously and they were stopped.

“One of the men was detained after they found what is believed to be crack cocaine in his possession.

“He was arrested, taken into custody and later released under investigation so the substance can be sent off for laboratory analysis.

“He was also charged with assaulting an emergency services worker and is due to appear in court at a later date.”

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Two teenagers arrested after six deliberate bin fires in Harrogate

Two teenagers have been arrested following six deliberate bin fires in Harrogate town centre last night.

Fire crews were called to multiple blazes involving commercial bins behind retail units, which tied up the service for two hours.

Both fire engines attended — something that won’t be possible if proposed cuts to overnight services go ahead.

Crews were called at 8.17pm last night to reports of a fire on Cambridge Street in the town centre.

Firefighters said the blaze was started deliberately by youths.

The fire was put out using hose reel jets and crews left the incident with North Yorkshire Police.

A statement from Harrogate fire station on its Facebook page said:

“Both Harrogate fire appliances were tied up for two hours last night in Harrogate.

“Crews dealt with six separate large commercial bin fires at the back of retail premises which potentially could have spread to buildings.

“Police were notified and multiple arrests took place. These unnecessary fires tie up our resources taking us away from us other incidents.”

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe, is currently considering plans to reduce the number of appliances at Harrogate Fire Station to one at night.

This morning, North Yorkshire Police confirmed two boys, aged 17 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson. They have since been released under investigation.

A statement from the force added:

“Police are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12220090536.”

Harrogate firefighters have dealt with a spate of bin fires in Harrogate town centre this week.

On Wednesday, they responded to reports of a bin fire on Bower Street under the railway track at 8.11pm. The cause is unknown.

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Crews responded to deliberate blazes on both Cambridge Street and Oxford Street on Monday evening.

The fire on Oxford Street was started in a bin close to commercial buildings.

A spokesman for Harrogate fire station said they believed the fires were deliberately started by the same people and have informed the police.

Covid grant funds new ‘hosts’ to welcome Harrogate visitors

The Harrogate BID has recruited two more ‘hosts’ to make the town more welcoming.

Abigail Smith and Rebecca Evans will join two other hosts already in operation.

Harrogate Bid Manager, Matthew Chapman said:

“It is great to welcome Abigail and Rebecca to the Harrogate BID team, as we continue with our goal of making Harrogate even more welcoming.

“The pair are wearing specially made outfits of Yorkshire tweed featuring the Harrogate BID logo so people will know who they are representing.”

The two extra posts have been funded by the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)  via the Harrogate Borough Council. The scheme was brought in during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid local businesses.

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There are four Harrogate Hosts in total with two in the town centre on most weekends up to Christmas.

They BID says they will also act as an additional pair of eyes and ears, alerting authorities to any antisocial behaviour or issues that show Harrogate in a poor light.

Matthew added:

“I went around the town with them, and saw the way they delighted the queue outside Bettys, and how they interacted with children, families and couples, bringing entertainment, enjoyment and a smile to people’s faces.”

Harrogate’s award-winning ice-cream man keeps up the family tradition

This post is sponsored by C and M Ices

The ice-cream phenomenon, C and M Ices has scooped up a prime spot in front of the Victoria shopping centre. So instead of listening out for the familiar ice-cream van jingle, we will know exactly where to get our 99s and Mr Whippy’s come this summer.

Sid Taylor has ice cream in his blood and is the fourth generation of his family to win awards from the Ice-Cream Alliance.

Sid says:

“I was brought up on ice cream, I’ve been doing it since I was 14. I’m the 4th generation of C and M Ices from my uncle parking me up on a pitch in a Bedford van and leaving me there all day, to getting my own van and now being the flag bearer of the business. I cannot see myself ever doing any other line of work and wouldn’t want to. It puts smiles on people’s faces.”

The C and M van can be found every day except Sundays, weather permitting, outside the Victoria Shopping Centre from now until the end of summer. They serve ice creams, warm desserts, slush and cold drinks alongside their seasonal specials like Easter egg sundaes or fresh strawberries and ice cream, just in time for the nice weather.

Award-winning Ice Cream

C and M Ice is multi-award-winning, having been given over 50 awards for their quality. In 2019 and 2020 they placed 3rd in the UK & Ireland Mobiler of the Year category. They also receive awards for their soft-serve ice cream; with a Gold medal in 2021, and a Silver medal this year.

The company was established in 1889, and that pedigree shows in the quality of the ice cream they serve, as well as Sid’s own passion for his craft. Innovation is also a touchstone of the company, and customer favourites like ice cream served in half an easter egg, brownies, waffles, and fudge cake, means there is the perfect treat for you and your family, no matter your preferences.

Follow C and M Ices on their socials and visit them outside the Victoria shopping centre.

TikTok video on mental health in Harrogate goes viral

A TikTok video of a man raising awareness of mental health in Harrogate town centre has gone viral.

The clip, by Ben Ogden on Cambridge Street, shows him standing with a sign saying: “If you’ve struggled with mental health, let’s talk”.

Mr Ogden is well known on TikTok for his videos talking to people on the street about mental health and has posted clips in Leeds and Skipton.

In Harrogate, he speaks with a woman, who is off camera, about her struggles with mental health.

Mr Ogden says in the video:

“We’re just trying to raise awareness for mental health and to let people know it’s alright to talk about it and it should be a normal conversation.”

@itsbenogden

It’s okay to talk 💬 #mentalhealthmatters #friends

♬ last chance – 🤍

The video has racked up 429,000 views on TikTok and has more than 21,000 likes and 200 comments.

Mr Ogden, who has nearly 50,000 followers on the social media platform, also published a video outside Sainsbury’s on Cambridge Street with a sign that reads: “If you’re missing your mum this Mother’s Day, let’s talk”.

The clip clocked up 465,000 views.

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The video becomes the latest TikTok in the Harrogate district to go viral this year.

In January, a Russian TikToker racked up a million views with a video of Knaresborough that she described as “a place in England so beautiful I can’t believe it’s real”.

In the same month, a bizarre video by DJ Zach Sabri, better known online as SUAT, showed the TikToker being told by National Trust staff that he cannot film at Brimham Rocks.

Cosy Club plans new bar on Harrogate’s Cambridge Street

A new cocktail bar and restaurant is planned for Harrogate town centre.

Cosy Club, which is owned by Loungers Ltd, has applied to Harrogate Borough Council for a premises licence at 37 Cambridge Street.

Cambridge Street is home primarily to retailers, including Marks & Spencer, WH Smith and Sainsbury’s.

The chain describes itself on its website as a place for “relaxed dining, drinking and lounging in a fabulous, welcoming setting”.

It currently has bars in 31 cities across the country, including Albion Street in Leeds and Fossgate in York.

In its licensing application, Cosy Club has proposed opening hours of between 8am to 1am Monday to Wednesday and Sunday.

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It has also proposed opening hours of 8am until 2am from Thursday to Saturday.

The application includes the sale of alcohol and late night refreshment.

The unit on Cambridge Street earmarked for Cosy Club.

The unit on Cambridge Street earmarked for Cosy Club.

The bar has also advertised for jobs online, including a head chef and general manager.

The Stray Ferret approached Loungers Ltd for details on an opening date, but it said it did not wish to comment at this time.

Victoria Shopping Centre value falls by more than 80% in 10 years

When Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre opened in place of the old Market Hall in 1992 it came at a time of hustle and bustle on the high street.

Two decades later, things are now very different with the rapid emergence of online shopping and the covid pandemic dramatically changing people’s shopping habits for good.

This changing state of the high street has been highlighted by new figures which show the shopping centre is worth less than 20% of what it was valued at a decade ago.

The figures from Harrogate Borough Council – which owns but does not run the shopping centre at Station Square – show its estimated value has fallen from £4.8 million in 2011 to just £925,000 last year.

And the latest evaluation is an even bigger drop from when the building lease was bought by developers for £23 million in 1998 ahead of a revamp of the building, which was initially inspired by the famous Palladian Basilica in Italy.

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The council has this week confirmed it has no plans to sell the shopping centre and also said it believes the building will play a key role on the high street for years to come – especially with the £11 million Station Gateway project, which will get underway this year. It is part of the wider Transforming Cities Fund project.

A council spokesperson said: 

“Like all high streets up and down the country, the demand for and value of some commercial properties has declined over the last few years.

“There are numerous reasons for this, not least the increase in online sales as well as the introduction of out-of-town retail parks and the global pandemic over the last two years.

“We aspire to continue this drive in footfall by working with colleagues at North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the £11 million Transforming Cities Fund project.

“This project, which has been supported by government funding, will begin later this year to improve sustainable travel options and provide a better town centre environment to help support the local economy.”

The council also said its new destination management plan – which was approved yesterday and aims to boost the value of the district’s visitor economy from £600 million to £835 million by 2030 – will also help drive footfall on the high street.

It said the plan will “position the Harrogate district as a first choice destination for tourism, large-scale events and investment.”

The council added: 

“The visitor economy makes up 14.3% of the economy in Harrogate district and tourism plays a significant role in helping to ensure this continues.”

In numbers: how the Victoria Shopping Centre’s value has declined

The company that runs the Victoria Shopping Centre declined to comment.