Mayoral candidate makes compensation pledge regarding A59 Kex Gill closure

Independent candidate Keith Tordoff has said he will aim to pay compensation to businesses affected by the A59 closure if he becomes mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The main route between Skipton and Harrogate has been shut since February due to a landslip. It’s led to a lengthy diversion through Ilkley and Otley with the road not likely to reopen until June.

Last month the Local Democracy Reporting Service visited Dalesway Cafe near Skipton. Owner Kate Bailey described the current period as “heartbreaking” for her business. The closure has led to a £2,000 decrease in earnings, forced her to cut the opening hours and led to four members of staff being let go.

Other businesses that have been affected include Mackenzie’s Farm Shop in Blubberhouses, The Outside Inn near Harrogate, Billy Bob’s Parlour near Halton East and The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey.

However, this month North Yorkshire Council poured cold water on any hopes of businesses receiving compensation and instead said it would offer “general business advice” to those affected.

Mr Tordoff, who is a former police detective and previously owned The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge, told the LDRS that he plans to create a mayoral fund which businesses could apply for compensation from.

He said wealthy people, businesses and charities would pay into this pot of money that would be used to invest in the region.

It would be separate from the £18 million a year the mayor will get from the government and he hoped to raise £5m for the fund in his first year.

Mr Tordoff said he has already emailed Ms Bailey about her plight. He said compensation would likely be a “nominal” one-off amount but would show “that somebody actually does care”.

He said:

“My heart goes out to the business affected. It’s been an absolute disgrace. There are huge detours and the signage is terrible. There are so many issues. If I am elected, I’ll be fighting on their behalf.

“I will access funding and try and support them. There’s no guarantee, but as a small business owner myself it’s appalling what they’ve put up with.”

Alternatively, Mr Tordoff said he could also launch a crowdfunding campaign where individuals could pledge money that would be redistributed to affected businesses.

He accused North Yorkshire Council of “incompetence” regarding the closure.

Regarding compensation, the council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby said earlier this month:

“We appreciate that the closure of the A59 is having a significant impact on businesses, commuters and residents, and we sincerely apologise for this disruption.

“There is no legal requirement under the Highways Act to pay compensation as a result of disruption caused by highways works, but we are doing all we can to complete the repair as quickly and safely as possible.

“In the meantime, we are speaking to individual local businesses to see if they would like general business advice. We will keep the public updated as work progresses.”

The York and North Yorkshire mayoral election will take place on May 2. The candidates are as follows:

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Amber’s restaurant at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate is now open

Amber’s at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate is now open.

The hotel, which has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment over the last 12 months, has invested £500,000 into the venture.

Yorkshire-based interior design practice, Studio Two, orchestrated its redesign and renovation, which has been designed to elevate the usual hotel restaurant experience. Inspired by the building’s rich history, think ornate detailing, earthy warm tones, and intricate details.

Offering a Yorkshire take on contemporary British cuisine in a sophisticated setting, the chefs have been working closely with local suppliers to design a carefully curated menu.

Beef brisket at Amber’s

Dishes include 28-day dry aged steaks Hereford breed beef, sourced locally from Sykes House Farm, Wetherby, roasted Gressingham duck breast and Sunday lunches with all the trimmings.

Meanwhile, its bar offers a mixture of traditional and modern drinks and includes the signature Amber’s margarita cocktail, which is made with pineapple tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. This is inspired by Lady Amber Fitzwilliam and her travels to South America, a fictional character, which has been invented to add depth and intrigue to the backstory of the new restaurant.

The private dining room at Amber’s

Alongside its main restaurant and bar which seats 75 people, there is a newly created private dining and entertaining venue, The Imaginarium, which offers capacity for up to 28 people, and the refreshed banqueting venue, known as The Queen Suite, has a capacity of up to 250 people.

The main dining room at Amber’s

Wayne Topley, Managing Director, Cedar Court said:

“It is fantastic to finally be able to share our brand-new restaurant, Amber’s, with guests, visitors and members of the local community after months of hard work.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our event on Tuesday 16 April to showcase what we have been working on, celebrate and make connections!”

Amber’s Restaurant, Cedar Court Harrogate, Park Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5AH.

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Man, 33, charged with robbery at Harrogate jeweller

A 33-year-old man has been charged with robbery at a Harrogate jewellers last week.

North Yorkshire Police today said the man will appear at York Magistrates Court this morning (April 16) after being arrested yesterday afternoon.

The constabulary said the man was from Leeds but did not name him.

Police issued a CCTV appeal about the suspected theft of two “high value watches” from Ogden’s on James Street last Wednesday (April 10).

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Has Harrogate iStore closed for good?

The Stray Ferret understands the iStore on Harrogate‘s James Street may have closed for good.

The town centre shop has been a long-term destination for many people looking to buy or repair Apple products.

It is one of 10 stores run by London-based Albion Computers PLC, and the only one in the north of England.

At the start of the month, the Harrogate iStore closed its doors and put up a notice in the window saying it was ‘working on a new look’.

But multiple well placed sources have since told the Stray Ferret they do not expect it to re-open.

The signs advertising the new look have been removed and the view inside has been covered up. Albion has not provided an update.

The istore refurbishment notice in the shop on April 2.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Albion but has not yet had a response.

The company describes itself on its website as ‘an Apple premium reseller and Apple premium service provider’ with ‘over 35 years experience in supplying and supporting Apple technology’.

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Couple hand themselves in following Harrogate shop theft

A couple have handed themselves into the police following a CCTV appeal issued on Monday (April 15).

North Yorkshire Police released a set of CCTV images at the time to appeal for information following a theft at TK Maxx, in Harrogate‘s Victoria Shopping Centre, on February 25.

Police said on Monday “a woman and a man bagged various of items including sandals, trainers and T-shirts, leaving the store without making payment.

However, the force today (April 17) issued an updated statement, which said a local couple in their 50s “saw the appeal and came forward to the police to admit the theft”.

It added:

“With agreement from the store manager, a Community Resolution Disposal was applied which involved the couple paying for the goods valued over £100 within 24 hours.”

We have updated our coverage to anonymise the details of those involved.

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CCTV appeal after Harrogate M&S theft

North Yorkshire Police has issued a CCTV image of a woman it wants to speak to following a theft in Harrogate.

The incident happened at M&S Simply Food at Beech Avenue, at about 2pm on Friday, February 23.

According to a police statement today (Monday, April 15), a woman stole large amounts of alcohol in her bag.

The statement said:

“Please contact us if you recognise the women pictured on CCTV, as she may have information that will assist our investigation.”

Police would like to speak to the woman in the picture.

Anyone with information can email katie.hicks@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 12240033400.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Harrogate’s Archie Gray wins EFL Championship Young Player of the Season

Harrogate’s Archie Gray has won EFL Championship Young Player of the Season at the EFL awards.

The former St John Fisher’s Catholic High School pupil and Leeds United midfielder made his debut in the club’s opening game against Cardiff City at Elland Road in August.

Since then, Gray, 18, has been a regular name on the team sheet for United this season playing at both right back and central midfield. He has made 46 appearances for the club across all competitions this season.

In January, he signed a new contract with the Whites until 2028.

The youngster picked up the award at the EFL Awards 2024, which was held at a ceremony in London.

On winning the award, Gray said:

“I’m honoured to win this award, having heard the previous names that have won it. I’ve just got to stay humble and keep on working hard because I’ve come a long way. I’ve gained a lot of experience and learned a lot of new things along the way.

“I trusted my ability but I’ve been lucky with the teammates and manager that I’ve got. Since I’ve come in when I was 15, my teammates have all been really helpful with me. Especially this season, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu when I’ve been moving to right-back and teaching me a lot of things and analysing things with me after the game.”

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Gray completed his GCSEs at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate in 2022.

He signed his first professional contract with Leeds United in March last year.

He is the great-nephew of Leeds legend, and Kirkby Overblow resident, Eddie Gray.

Harrogate school gets boost in bid to create outdoor classroom

A Harrogate primary school’s plans to create an outdoor classroom have been boosted by success in a national IKEA competition.

Coppice Valley Primary School on Knapping Hill is one of four UK winners of a sustainable schools’ competition.

To enter the IKEA-Let’s Go Zero competition, schools sent in videos showcasing the sustainability work pupils are doing and how an award would enhance it.

A student eco team at Coppice Valley made a video explaining the school’s current eco focus and how it had plans to build an outdoor classroom. The school has already achieved the Eco-schools green flag award and has a community garden.

Coppice Valley was today named as one of four winners alongside schools in London, Newcastle and Lisburn in Northern Ireland.

It has won IKEA furniture, including tables and chairs, worth £1,500 to be used in its new outdoor learning space.

Samantha Wright, pupil and family support leader at the school, said:

“It is amazing, the children are thrilled about winning and the new space. I am really proud of the kids and the school. The children are all very passionate about it.”

Coppice Valley Primary School in Harrogate.

Coppice Valley Primary School

Besides developing an outdoor classroom, Coppice Valley is also fundraising for a canopy to cover the area.

The outdoor space currently needs £600 in extra funding to create a wellness garden and one brave parent, Emilie May, will skydive from 10,000 feet on May 18 to raise funds. To find out more or donate click here.

The Let’s Go Zero’s campaign aims to make all 32,000 schools in the UK zero carbon by 2030.

Alex Green, head of Let’s Go Zero, which is a campaign to unite schools that want to become carbon zero, said:

 “These schools show clearly that they can inspire children to protect the environment, create beautiful learning spaces and provide students with vital new skills all at once.”

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Harrogate’s ex-Tourist Information Centre goes on the market

The search to find tenants for Harrogate‘s former Tourist Information Centre has begun.

‘To Let’ signs were put up on Friday outside the building on Crescent Road, which is part of the Victorian Royal Baths complex.

The rental asking price is £40,000 a year, according to the website of Align Chartered Surveyors, which is marketing the 2,394 square foot property on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.

The website also says the property has a rateable value of £23,500 and a £24,300 service charge, which includes maintenance, waste collection and cleaning costs.

It says:

“The site is one of the most famous attractions of the affluent town, a town whereby domestic visitors alone provide over £640m of investment each year.

“The building is grade two listed comprising Yorkshire stone masonry elevations under multi-pitch and gabled roof. The windows are double glazed with timber framing.”

The Stray Ferret reported in February the council had decided to relocate the Tourist Information Centre in the nearby Royal Pump Room Museum.

Harrogate’s new tourist information service consists of leaflets.

It said in a report the move would enable it to save costs and generate income from the Royal Baths, which has been dogged by low investment returns since the council paid £9.5 million for it in 2018.

The report said the number of visitors to the Tourist Information Centre fell from 135,000 pre-covid in 2019 to 68,000 last year, mainly due to people seeking information online.

It added it was “important to maintain access to the service to support tourism within the area and to provide services for those who are unable or prefer not to use digital services”.

The report said relocation would “improve the tourist information service” and have “minimal” impact on customers.

However, the service has been downgraded to just a desk with leaflets of mainly council services within the Royal Pump Room Museum, which has prompted concern among local businesses.

It means three of the five commercial unites within the Royal Baths are vacant.

Two are occupied by the JD Wetherspoon pub and the Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant but the former Viper Rooms nightclub and Potting Shed bar remain empty, even though the council said in February it had accepted an offer on the Viper Rooms.

 

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Business Breakfast: Massage therapy business opens in Harrogate

A massage therapist has opened her new practice, Bodyworks by Corey, in Harrogate on Oakridge View this week.

Corey Lofthouse moved to Harrogate from the USA in 2022. Soon after moving she faced a challenging battle with Breast Cancer.

Her personal experience with pain management during surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy encouraged her to open the business.

Still undergoing treatment but heading for full recovery, her business is ready to go. Offering all forms of massage therapy including deep tissue, Swedish, Orthopaedic and Oncology her practice is home based.

Ms Lofthouse said:

“I was always fascinated with oncology massage and had planned to add it to my services anyway, but this just solidified it, and made it a huge priority for me. There is so much pain management during breast cancer care that just isn’t catered for during treatment. The nerve damage that occurred with lymph node removal meant that I had to re-learn how my skin understood touch.”

Private wealth company plant 250 trees to extend Harrogate forest

Titan Private Wealth volunteers at the White Forest

Fourteen volunteers from Titan Private Wealth and Titan Financial Planning have planted trees to extend the White Rose Forest, near Bilton in Harrogate.

They cleared spaces for saplings to be planted, staked the plants and put a mulch mat around the saplings.

The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire. It is the largest of England’s community forests.

Mark Puleikis, joint chief executive of Titan Private Wealth, said:

“Our staff really relished the opportunity to contribute to the local area and we hope to continue our partnership with the forest in the future.”

Firm donates £4,000 to Harrogate mental health charity

Robert Beaumont (left) fund-raiser for Wellspring, with Hussein Kahil of Pegasus

Pegasus World Holding, has donated £4,000 to Harrogate mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training.

Chief executive Ivan Zhou said:

“Wellspring provides private counselling at affordable rates, easing the overwhelming demand on the NHS’ mental health services, and providing hope for children, families and individuals who are struggling with mental ill health and distress.”

Nick Garrett, interim chief executive of Wellspring said:

“This much needed donation is also vital as it will help us improve peoples’ mental health. I can’t thank Ivan Zhou enough for his company’s generosity.”

Wellspring Therapy & Training, which is based in Starbeck, was founded in 2003. It provides affordable short and long-term counselling for the Harrogate and district community.

Tax consultants open new Harrogate office

PD Tax. Front L to R: Lucy Bagnall, Paul Davison, Charlotte Wardle. Back L to R: Laura Brennan, Lloyd Bean, Daniel Hill, Peter French

Leeds based PD Tax Consultants have opened a new Harrogate office at Royal House on Station Parade.

The company was founded by Paul Davison in 2013, with head of the Harrogate branch Lucy Bagnell joining in 2023.

Ms Bagnall said:

“This is an exciting step in the growth of PD Tax and I am looking forward to working with the business community of Harrogate.”

A company spokesperson added:

“Paul and Lucy have a wealth of expertise to call on. We are looking forward to working with entrepreneurs and businesses in Harrogate, but also supporting local accountants with their clients’ more complex tax needs if their in-house tax team needs additional one-off support.”

Live for Today opens new shop at Ripley Castle

Live for Today store at Ripley Castle

Outdoor activities business, Live For Today, have acquired a new shop at Ripley Castle.

The company is owned by Marc Wise and Dan Miller. The new Live For Today shop is now co-located with the Grindhus Coffee Shop.

The new store offers direct access to Ripley Castle’s grounds and includes a meeting space upstairs.

Designed to accommodate up to 15 people, the meeting space is set to be ready to book in the coming months, offering a place for corporate groups, educational outings, or private gatherings.

Izak Jackson, marketing manager for Live For Today said:

“This move signifies an evolution for Live For Today. Our new shop at Ripley Castle, while only a few doors down from the old one, offers a perfect backdrop for our adventurers to experience the thrill of the outdoors, grounded in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Yorkshire.”

New salon opens in Harrogate

Era Salon Harrogate

A new salon, Era Harrogate, has opened on Grange Avenue. Co-Owners Jenny Addyman and Kirstie Bowdin, both originally from Harrogate, have been in the industry for 10 years.

The salon will offer hair services from bridal, to extensions, to colour changes, colour maintenance and then trims right through to restyles. As well as nails, lashes, brows and facial waxing.

The unit has undergone a full refurbishment costing thousands. The site was a salon previously, meaning the team managed to “upcycle a few things”.

Ms Addyman and Ms Bowdin said in a joint statement:

“We opened in Harrogate as we both grew up, went to school and trained as hairdressers here and so this is where our families and clienteles are. But we knew we wanted more of a residential area to suit our already existing clients and to make parking less of a hassle. Our dream of opening a salon together from those younger years has stood the test of time. This just seemed like the perfect time to take the leap and go into business together.”

Owners of Era Harrogate Salon, Jenny Addyman and Kirstie Bowdin

Big Bamboo appoints PR director

Matt Reeder Big Bamboo PR director

Full-service marketing and communications agency, Big Bamboo, has appointed Matt Reeder as its new PR director.

Mr Reeder, a journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, takes the role having worked alongside the team as a PR consultant since November 2023.

Mr Reeder said:

“Having already experienced first-hand how extremely talented and dedicated the team of marketing experts are at Big Bamboo, the opportunity to join them was simply too good to turn down.”

Nicola Stamford, the company’s owner and founding director, said:

“Matt is a welcome addition to the team, having already demonstrated his PR capability to us since November last year. I have no doubt he will be an asset to us and our clients.”

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Landscape artist to hold Harrogate exhibition

Landscape artist Jason Hicklin’s work is to go on exhibition in Harrogate this month.

His new collection of etchings, which is inspired by Yorkshire’s heritage coast, will be on show at the Watermark Gallery on Royal Parade from April 12 – 27.

Hicklin is a Shropshire based landscape artist acclaimed for his ability to produce dramatic images capturing the feel of the weather and light and its effect on the landscape.

All of his work begins outdoors after stopping to sketch the views, from which he creates the etchings and his prints are then produced.

The works set to go on display are the final pieces produced from a three-walk trilogy along the Yorkshire coast, the Thames and the Pembrokeshire coast. Seven prints have been created from the etchings, some 1 x1.5 metres in size, which will get their premiere at the exhibition.

Hicklin, Stottle Bank Nook from Cradle Head 2024

Etching is a technique that uses acid to create a chemical action to produce incised lines in a metal printing plate which then hold applied ink to form the image from which prints are made.

Hicklin believes printmaking from etchings ‘democratises art’ by making works accessible to greater numbers of people, as even limited-edition prints are much more affordable than original paintings.

He said:

“That stretch of the Yorkshire coast is dramatic and has been shaped by the impact of the sea and storms over the centuries. It was a real pleasure to be able to spend three days walking the coast and taking in those views. It ended perfectly with a beer and a bag of chips on the beach at Filey.”

Liz Hawkes, owner of the Watermark Gallery, said:

“Jason is an outstanding artist producing works that are full of drama and impact. I am delighted that we are able to stage the premier of the works from his Yorkshire Walk, the final part of his Three Walks trilogy. They provide a new and stunning interpretation of coastal views that will be familiar to many people.”

Hicklin, Selwicks Bay 2024

For more information on the exhibition click here.

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