Harrogate Archives - Page 176 of 781

Plans approved to convert ex-Harrogate shop and nightclub into flats

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to create seven new flats on Harrogate’s Parliament Street.

The scheme will see the former Sofa Workshop unit, which is next to the now closed Bijouled store, converted to living accommodation.

The upper floor of the former Moko nightclub and office space will also be adapted to become flats.

The former Bijouled unit will be retained under the plans.

In documents submitted to the council, the developer, JC Robinson Ltd, said the application would cause no harm to the grade two listed building.

It added:

“Subject to further detailing of internal and external works including the design of new window and door openings to the exterior of the building, it is considered that the development can be undertaken without giving rise to harm to the significance of the listed building.”

Moko closed in 2019 and Bijouled ceased trading in February last year.

The former Sofa Workshop shut in April 2022 after the company entered administration.

How to vote in today’s mayoral election

Polling stations across Harrogate and Craven open at 7am today for residents to choose the first-ever mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Here is everything you need to know about the election.

What will the mayor do?

The mayor will lead a new public body called the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority which will receive £750 million in funding from central government over 30 years.

It means the new mayor will have £18 million a year to spend and will take charge of the combined authority, which will include two councillors each from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

There will be new powers to improve public transport although services will still be delivered by the local authorities.

More money will also be available to support the building of new homes on brownfield land.

The mayor will also be key in developing skills across the region and attracting investment from businesses.

The mayor will be paid £81,300 a year.

Who is standing?

Conservatives: Keane Duncan – A former journalist who is a Malton councillor and is in charge of transport on the council’s decision-making executive.

Labour: David Skaith – A Harrogate-born shopkeeper who is chair of the York High Street Forum.

Liberal Democrats: Felicity Cunliffe-Lister – A Masham councillor and owner of the Swinton Park Hotel.

Green Party: Kevin Foster – A Richmond councillor and former soldier who worked as a civil servant for 30 years.

Independent: Keith Tordoff – A former police officer in West Yorkshire and former owner of The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge.

Independent: Paul Haslam – A Harrogate councillor and business consultant who quit the Conservatives to stand as an independent.

Where can I vote?

If you’re on the electoral register you should have received a polling card in the post that says which polling station you should attend.

For a full list of polling stations in the Harrogate/Craven area visit here.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

You do not need to bring your polling card to vote but you do need ID. The following forms of ID will be accepted:

UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional) or driving licence issued by European Economic Area (EEA) country, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
UK passport or passport issued by EEA or Commonwealth country
Blue badge
Older person’s bus pass
Disabled person’s bus pass
Oyster 60+ Card
Freedom Pass
Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
Biometric residence permit
Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
National identity card issued by an EEA state
Voter Authority Certificate

When will the winner be announced?

Unlike general elections, the count will not take place overnight, so it means you’ll have to wait until Friday before the winner is announced.

This will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre with counting underway from 9am. A winner could be announced by 12pm.

Discover the Harrogate dental practice giving patients a reason to smileThree arrested in fraud investigation at well-known Harrogate firm

Police have arrested three people on suspicion of fraud and money laundering at a well known Harrogate firm.

Steve Mann Caravans, which is based on Claro Road, was founded in 1991. The family-owned firm sells caravans and motorhomes and runs a repair business.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today it arrested two men and a woman yesterday as part of an investigation involving about 50 victims.

It described the investigation as “complex” and said enquiries could take a long time.

The statement said:

“Three people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering in connection with a caravan business in North Yorkshire.

“The arrests are part of a complex investigation by North Yorkshire Police into the company. Officers are investigating fraud offences involving around 50 victims.

“A 38-year-old man, a 62-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering on Tuesday, April 30 2024. They have since been released and remain under investigation.”

The statement added:

“As is usual with complex investigations of this nature, it is anticipated that enquiries will take a long time to complete.

“If anyone believes they may be affected by the investigation, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for reference number 12240018133.

“If you do not wish to speak to the police, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online via their website.”

Rudding Park to open fine-dining restaurant

Rudding Park in Harrogate is to open a new fine-dining restaurant.

Fifty Two, which the hotel described as an “immersive dining experience”, will be headed-up by former head chef at the hotel’s Horto restaurant, Adam Degg.

The news follows Mr Degg’s stint on Great British Menu this year.

The hotel said Fifty Two was inspired by the on-site kitchen garden and will use the “highest quality ingredients” grown at the hotel or by local producers.

Mr Degg said:

“We have been developing the concept for some time and want guests to feel as though they are at a relaxed dinner party at home with great food and drink, great company and great conversation.

“Given ‘the best parties always happen in the kitchen’, the space is literally an open kitchen, featuring a bespoke seven-metre kitchen island.

“Five tables with social seating offer prime views of the action. Like a dinner party with friends, you don’t see a menu in advance and guests place their faith in the cooking skills of the host, so in this case, me and my team!”

Adam, who has previously been awarded three AA rosettes, also said guests will be “immersed in the kitchen garden” from the moment they arrive, before entering the restaurant building which is made up of five shipping containers.

He added:

“From the moment guests arrive they will be immersed in the kitchen garden which they can explore with a drink and snack before making their way through an espalier hornbeam hedge linking the kitchen garden to Fifty Two.

“Here the evening continues with a series of dishes starting with a selection of snacks, freshly-baked bread and an assortment of plates leading up to our signature sharing dish, followed by desserts and treats.

“A key part of the concept, we want guests to feel at home. We’ll have aprons on hand for those who are keen to get involved, a pack of cards to spark the art of conversation and over pudding, we couldn‘t resist ‘dessert‘ island disc – the chance for guests to select a track for the Fifty Two playlist.”

The restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

On Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the six-course menu will set you back £85 per person, plus another £35 each for three wine pairings.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the menu will consist of 10 servings at £115 per person including a drink on arrival. There are also five drink pairings available, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which cost another £50 per person.

Karen Tyson, resort general manager, also said:

“The importance of providing amazing experiences, memorable for all the right reasons, continues to grow. Fifty Two is just that – an innovative concept and one we believe will become a Yorkshire destination dining experience.

“Adam is an extremely talented chef and certainly one to watch – a star in the making.”

Fifty Two at Rudding Park Hotel will open on Thursday, May 16.

It is currently taking bookings until August 31.

Our food columnist Yemi will be reviewing Fifty Two soon. Keep an eye out for her feature, which is published every Saturday.

MPs Watch: Rwanda, housing and the mayoral election

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In April, Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill looked set to reach royal ascent, while MPs threw their weight behind their party’s candidates in the race to be the first York and North Yorkshire mayor on May 2.

Here’s what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what found on Conservative Andrew Jones:

Mr Jones made two spoken contributions in the House of Commons this month. One was about the standards of new build housing in his constituency, and the other was during a Health and Disability Reform debate.
On April 12, Mr Jones opened Disability Action Yorkshire’s new assisted living flats in Harrogate.
Mr Jones welcomed a new bus service for Wedderburn Road, in Harrogate, on April 22.
He joined Harrogate Pumping Marvellous, a heart failure group, for its first birthday on April 29.
Mr Jones also voted in favour of the draft Economic Growth Order, and against the Renters Reform Bill (report stage) amendment 28.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent details of April engagements.

These included attending Horticap’s 40th anniversary event and presenting awards at the first Lego League Final at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Mr Jones went to the opening of the Knaresborough Heritage Centre and hosted a reception for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport across the north.

He also voted in favour of the motion to disagree with the Lords on amendment 3J of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

Mr Jones also saw the new electric 36 bus at the Harrogate Bus Company.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Conservative Julian Smith:

Mr Smith made no spoken contributions in the Houses of Parliament in the month of April.
On April 16, he voted in favour of the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Mr Smith also voted against the report stage of the Renters Reform Bill amendment 28.
He also welcomed the news of the new childcare rollout in England, which grants working parents of two-year-olds access to 15 hours of free childcare per week.
Mr Smith also said he was “really pleased” after North Yorkshire Council was awarded £7.8 million of additional funding to help those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with alternative provisions.

Mr Smith visited Glasshouses Community Primary School to talk about the role of an MP.

He also welcomed news of five local primary schools receiving funding, which will go towards improving the grounds and buildings.

Mr Smith also voted in favour of the motion to disagree with the lords on amendment 3J of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

We contacted Julian Smith for comment, but did not receive a response.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes parts of south Harrogate, here is what we found on Labour MP Keir Mather:

Mr Mather was listed among the Sunday Times’ top 25 most inspiring people under 30 in April for overturning a large Tory majority at such a young age.
He updated his social media several times throughout the month. None of the updates related to areas of his constituency which fall in Harrogate.
On April 22, Mr Mather spoke in the House of Commons about the upcoming election for the mayor of York and North Yorkshire. He raised concern about one candidate’s spending commitments.
He voted against the motion to disagree with the lords on amendment 3J of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

Mr Mather posted repeatedly online to encourage people to vote for David Skaith (a fellow Labour MP) as York and North Yorkshire’s inaugural mayor.

He also plugged Labour’s plans for failing bus services.

We did not receive a response from Mr Mather’s office after approaching him for comment.

North Yorkshire Council increases library fines for first time in a decade

North Yorkshire Council has increased the fine for an overdue book at its libraries from 30p to 35p per day.

The council said it was the first increase in almost a decade and was being made “in the light of increased pressures on finances”.

The changes will only apply to adult library members and not children.

The price to print an A4 piece of black and white paper at the library has also increased from 10p to 20p. It remains 50p to print a page of colour.

In an email sent to members yesterday, the council said income from fines and other charges goes into the library budget and contributes to ongoing service delivery costs.

The maximum fine for one book is £8.

The email added:

“Charges incurred at our community libraries goes directly back to the groups managing those libraries and makes up a valuable part of the income needed to meet their running costs.

“To mitigate the increase and to help customers keep track of items on loan we will be introducing reminders about when books are due back.”

For details of all library charges visit the council’s website.

Last year, Harrogate Library was the most popular in the county with 177,629 visits.

Visitor numbers at other libraries in the former Harrogate district area were Knaresborough with 110,191, Ripon with 73,428 and Starbeck with 18,676.

In 2015, the running of 31 libraries in the county was handed to volunteers in the face of mounting financial pressures brought on by austerity.

In this model, the council’s library service continues to provide the infrastructure including books and public IT, as well as some paid staff support to ensure consistency across the county.

The community libraries account for just under 40% of active library users and deliver on average 50% of the total business for book lending and computer access.

Discover the Harrogate dental practice giving patients a reason to smile

This story is sponsored by The Raglan Suite.

Good oral health and feeling confident in your smile are closely related – yet there are still many of us living with dental issues that don’t give us much reason to grin.

One dental practice determined to turn the frown upside down is The Raglan Suite. Based in the centre of Harrogate, The Raglan Suite is a well-established practice and part of the Bupa Healthcare family, with over two decades of experience providing dental services across North Yorkshire and beyond.

The practice has worked tirelessly to build a referral network over many years. Currently, over 400 dentist practitioners refer their patients from across Yorkshire and the North East for advanced treatments such as dental implants, orthodontics, and other complex dental work.

While the majority of its patients are referred by other practices, the expert clinicians at The Raglan Suite also take on self-referrals, often made by those seeking out a particular treatment delivered by trusted professionals.

You don’t need to be a Bupa member or have Bupa insurance to be seen either – The Raglan Suite is open to everybody.

‘Patient-centred care’

The highly experienced team at The Raglan Suite understand that visiting the dentist – especially for specialised treatment beyond a regular check-up – can be a daunting prospect.

The Raglan Suite is a well-established practice, with over two decades of experience

The Raglan Suite has been providing quality dental care to the local Harrogate community for over 20 years. That’s why they treat patients as individuals, and their team of dedicated treatment coordinators will guide you along your bespoke dental journey.

If you’d class yourself as an especially nervous patient, they have ample experience assisting those who need extra reassurance, and are always happy to find stress-free solutions to suit.

Modern and welcoming facilities

The practice is conveniently located in Harrogate town centre, four minutes’ walk from the train station. For those driving, there’s on street parking on Raglan Street.

The Raglan Suite is conveniently located in Harrogate town centre

Inside you’ll discover a relaxed environment – there’s refreshments in the waiting area, where you can get comfortable on the sofa and set your mind at ease before your appointment.

The six treatment rooms all include digital X-ray machines and intra-oral cameras, as well as an on-site CBCT scanner and dental laboratory.

A range of specialised treatments

There’s a wide variety of treatments available to both dentist-referred and self-referred patients. Treatments include dental implants, orthodontic braces and other teeth-straightening procedures, bespoke dentures, root canal treatment, tooth removal and sedation for anxious patients – and much more.

Certain aesthetic dental services are also offered, like teeth whitening and both porcelain and composite veneers. If you’re unsure where to begin, the approachable team is always on hand to answer any questions and recommend the best course of action.

Find out more:

The Raglan Suite is located at 16 – 18 Raglan Street, HG1 1LE. For more information, visit the website, give them a call at 01423 565432, or fill out the enquiry form.

Pannal residents ‘isolated’ by ongoing roadworks, says councillor

Residents in Pannal feel “hemmed in” and “isolated” as a result of ongoing roadworks in the area, says the local councillor.

Northern Gas Networks started utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road two weeks ago.

The work, which is due to continue until May 13, includes temporary traffic lights in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.

Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents the area on North Yorkshire Council, said the work had led to long queues on Leeds Road in both directions, congestion and rat running, particularly during rush hour times.

He also pointed to ongoing work by Yorkshire Water on Spring Lane, which he said had caused a “near perfect storm” of roadworks.

Cllr Mann said:

“Local residents feel hemmed in and slightly isolated at the moment.

“I have contacted the highways team at North Yorkshire Council and have called for urgent steps to be taken to reduce the effect on traffic, especially in the rush-hour and at school drop off and pick up times.”

Cllr Mann, along with local resident Brian Dunsby, have both contacted Northern Gas Networks over the matter and urged them to put measures in place to reduce queuing, congestion and rat running.

Cllr Mann added that the utility company had agreed to manually operate the lights and to reduce the temporary lights at the top of Church Lane to a two-way operation.

The Stray Ferret put the concerns over the works in Pannal to Northern Gas Networks, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The move comes as the company has started further work on Leadhall Lane in Harrogate.

Temporary lights are due to be in place until 7th May as Northern Gas Networks carries out “essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas”.

Northern Gas Networks said:

“Ageing metal pipework is being upgraded to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas. Two-way temporary traffic lights are now currently in place on the junction of Leadhall Lane, Church Lane and Green Lane. These will be in place until Tuesday May 7 at the latest. Once this phase is complete, our work will continue down Leadhall Lane towards Leeds Road. It will be necessary to use two way rolling traffic lights whilst this stretch of work is completed.”

Mark Mawhood, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said:

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Harrogate. We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, the company is also carrying out repair work on Halfpenny Lane in Knaresborough. The work, which includes a road closure, is due to be completed by May 5.

5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Above: Darren Taylor.

Go to photographer Darren Taylor’s exhibition

Showcasing his photography work that he has taken in and around Harrogate, Darren Taylor is putting on an exhibition at Harrogate Library.

Expect to see work from Harrogate town, aerial and vintage-style photography, as well as ICM photography; the art of moving a camera to create beautiful blur.

Free, various times, from May 3, Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, HG1 1EG.

Kick off the bank holiday weekend with live music at The West Park Hotel

The West Park Hotel in Harrogate is hosting its Courtyard Sessions with soundtracks to start the bank holiday weekend in style.

Proceedings begin at 5pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday with an array of DJs, and both evenings will be seen out with a saxophonist.

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, fret not, as the area is covered with blankets and heaters.

Free, call 01423 524471 to book, from 5pm on May 3 and 2pm on May 4, The West Park Hotel, 19 West Park, HG1 1BJ.

Admire the tulips at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens

The beauty of spring flowers blooming is always a sight to behold thanks to it signalling the start of a new season, and this year it seems particularly fitting as we keep hoping for warmer climes to be on their way.

See them in all of their glory at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn where it is showcasing more than 6,000 tulips planted throughout its formal and woodland gardens. Its lawn marquee will also host a display of cut blooms and there will also be expert advice on hand on how to care for your own garden arrangements.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 16 years old and £10 for adults, 10am-4pm, 4-6 May, Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn, DL8 5LJ.

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Go to Henshaws Beer Festival

The annual Henshaws Beer Festival is back for 2024.

Visitors will get to enjoy live music across two stages, street food and family-friendly activities, along with a carefully curated selection of beers, wine, gins, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks all crafted in Yorkshire.

There will also be an adult only evening session on the Saturday night.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 17 years old, £15 for adults. 12-5pm on Saturday daytime (family friendly), 6-11pm on Saturday evening (adults only), 12-6pm on Sunday (family friendly), May 4-5, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.

Visit Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall

There will be many different models of sports cars at this event that returns this spring to Newby Hall on its 20th anniversary. It currently expects to see more than 1,350 display cars in attendance.

Not only can you admire the motors, but the ticket price also includes access to Newby Hall’s gardens, restaurant, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.

Under 4s free, tickets in advance cost £15 for children aged four to 15 years old, £18 for adults, 10am-3pm, May 5, Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, HG4 5AE.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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