North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal this afternoon to locate a wanted man from Harrogate.

Police said the man, Matthew Tuck, is believed to be staying in the Harrogate area.

Tuck, 29, was jailed for 18 months last year for spitting at a police officer after being arrested for wielding a knife in Harrogate town centre.

He took out the blade during an argument with two men outside a pizza shop on Station Parade.

In a statement today, police said he is “wanted on prison recall”, adding:

“We have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him and are now appealing to anyone who has seen him or knows where he is now to get in touch.”

Officers have urged people with an immediate sighting of Tuck or those that know where is to call 999.

Police added:

“You can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. Or you can call us on 101 and pass information to the North Yorkshire Police Force Control Room.”

Quote reference number 12240029930 when passing on information.

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Harrogate District Hospital has received new equipment to improve lung cancer treatments.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the new equipment would allow staff to carry out endobronchial ultrasound scans (EBUS), which are used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.

Patients currently have to travel to other hospitals for the scans.

The trust added the equipment can also be used to test for infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

It added the procedure, which takes less than an hour, will improve patient care and waiting times.

Dr Khizer Khan, consultant in respiratory medicine at the trust, said:

“Previously patients would need to be referred to other NHS trusts for the EBUS procedure, leading to patients waiting during the referral process and inconvenient trips for patients between hospitals.

“However, with the ability to perform EBUS scans at Harrogate District Hospital, patients can receive more timely assessment and then treatment based on their current cancer diagnosis.”

A trust spokesperson told the Stray Ferret the equipment cost about £200,000.

The hospital’s lung and cancer service has also introduced a new treatment for lung cancer patients who develop liquid between their lungs and chest cavity.

The trust said the treatment, known as indwelling pleural catheters, means once patients have had the specially-designed drainage tubes fitted they no longer require visits to the hospital to drain the fluid. Instead, nurses can drain the fluid at the patient’s home.

Dr Khan added:

“I have already performed several procedures at Harrogate District Hospital which have been a great success for both the patients and our team.

“The indwelling pleural catheter serves as a bridge between pain and comfort, empowering patients to navigate their days with dignity and grace.”

Pictured are (left to right) Dr Sana Ahmad (respiratory registrar), Dr Khizer Khan (respiratory consultant), Benice Mpholle (endoscopy nurse), Howard Richardson (endoscopy nurse), Michael Wakefield (respiratory sonsultant), Brian Drummond (endoscopy nurse).

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A company with headquarters in Harrogate has installed 762 solar panels across the roofs of both of its buildings.

Belzona, which manufactures polymeric repair and protection systems, has installed the panels at Claro Road.

The panels, which cover 1,486 square metres, will generate over 300,000 kWh of electricity per year.

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, estimates the average UK home uses 2,700 kWh of electricity annually, which is enough to power 111 homes.

The panels were installed by Keighley firm R&B Mechanical & Electrical Ltd.

Solar panels on Belzona headquaters

Helen Parris, QSHE manager and head of Belzona’s environmental committee, said:

“We have been working for many years to reduce our environmental impact, and whilst we still have a way to go on our journey to net zero, the investment in these solar panels represents an exciting step forward.”

The company said it had estimated the panels will have produced enough energy to offset the energy invested in their entire lifecycle within a couple of years.

Belzona did not reveal the cost of the installation of the panels. When asked by the Stray Ferret it would only say it had been a “significant investment”.

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Accessorize in Harrogate is to reopen next week — but its sister shop Monsoon has permanently closed.

The two shops shared a unit at 20-22 James Street, where customers visited Monsoon, via the James Street entrance and Accessorize via a door at the back.

Both closed last month and although signs in the window said ‘sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever’ and ‘be right back’, the unit was described as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.

This prompted speculation neither business would return but as reported by the Stray Ferret, the site will reopen after the refit.

Gifts and homeware specialist Accessorize will welcome customers back on Friday, May 17 — but Monsoon will not return.

Accessorize storefront Harrogate

An Accessorize spokesperson told the Stray Ferret today:

“The Monsoon shop has now closed, and this is now only an Accessorize store with a homeware focus.”

Accessorize told the Stray Ferret the refurbished store will offer “a more diverse selection of gifting categories such as bridal, home and summer”, as well as self-care and men’s gifting products.

Paul Thomas, retail director at Accessorize said:

“We are excited to introduce our customers to our exciting new store concept of gifting and homeware.

“The new design store and gifting collection is just some of the many exciting features we have in store for our customers, and we can’t wait for them to experience everything the store has to offer.”

Accessorize will officially reopen May 17 at 9.30am. The closest Monsoon store will now be York.

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A man wanted by police is believed to have been seen in Harrogate, police have said.

Lincolnshire Police said the last possible sighting of James Joseph Smyth was in Harrogate on May 1. He also has connections with Leeds.

Smyth, aged 57, absconded from the open prison North Sea Camp in Freiston, Boston, on Tuesday, April 30, following an agreed temporary release.

He is serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm and robbery.

Lincolnshire Police said in a statement:

“We are continuing enquiries in the Yorkshire area following this sighting and due to Smyth’s links with West Yorkshire.”

Officers described Smyth as white, 6ft,1ins tall, and of slim build. The statement added:

“He has long grey-brown hair (occasionally worn in a top knot), a long grey beard and moustache, and green eyes.  He has a scar on his nose and left eye lid.

“He also has a distinctive tattoo on his left wrist with the words ‘Daniel’ and ‘Tracey’, as well as a tattoo of a devil on his right shoulder.”

Members of the public are advised not to approach him but if you see him to call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk quoting ‘incident 387 of 30 April’ in the subject line.

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Plans to convert a Harrogate house into a children’s home have faced backlash from the public.

The application, which was tabled to North Yorkshire Council in March, outlines plans to turn Oak Back on Ashgarth Court – near Ashville College – into C2 classified housing, which refers to residential accommodation for people in need of care.

The Stray Ferret reported on the plans at the time of submission, which generated concern among social media followers.

Now nearly two months later, all 27 public comments made on the planning portal are objections.

Eddie Dale, who has submitted an objection comment to the council, said the house would be a “thoughtless site for a children’s residential home”.

He adds:

“There are no nearby facilities. The lack of youth clubs, cafés, play areas, surgeries and shops mean that it is an unsuitable location for this type of home.”

Mr Dale said he regarded Ashgarth Court as a “friendly, cohesive and safe environment”, but added the possibility of losing this made him “very uncomfortable and worried”.

Another objector, Richard Dennis, felt the application would be “detrimental” not only to the local community, but also for “any persons placed in care at the property” if approved.

He echoed concerns about a lack of facilities for young people in the area, adding it was “totally unsuitable” for potential residents:

“A Google search of a C2 property says that potentially alcohol/recovering drug addicts could be housed here. A quiet family cul-de-sac where children regularly play outside on the green is a totally unsuitable location for people who have these issues.”

Louise Dennis was one of many to highlight parking issues.

The application claims the house has a “large off-street driveway” meaning “no cars will take up additional road space”. However, Ms Dennis “strongly disputes” this.

She said:

“In reality the driveway would house two cars comfortably. The application suggests that there would be nine full-time staff, so likely at least a minimum of three vehicles there at any one time, excluding healthcare workers, social workers, visitors, cars of residents if over 17 etc.

“Therefore, the driveway would not accommodate all these vehicles on a day-to-day basis and there will be an increase in cars parked on the road, which is against what the applicant has claimed.”

Ms Dennis also expressed concern about the increase in traffic and congestion that could arise should the plans be approved.

Ms Dennis also suggested the local community would “undoubtedly be impacted” if the plans went ahead, adding more cars in the area would release more emissions and the potential risks of noise and anti-social behaviour would increase.

‘Widespread misconception of care homes’

In an email uploaded to the planning portal, applicant Jolyon McKay addressed some of the objections made.

He said it was “understandable” that some people “harbour reservations about residential placement homes”. He added, however, “sensationalised portrayals” had led to a “widespread misconception of care homes”.

He said:

“The objection raises doubts about the accommodation’s suitability for nine staff members and potential visitors, suggesting that the proposal deviates from a family home environment.

“Contrary to this assertion, while the residential placement home will have the capacity to employ up to nine staff members, it is important to clarify that it is highly unlikely that more than three staff members will be present on-site at any given time.

“It’s important to clarify that our property does indeed feature ample parking space, including a garage, to accommodate multiple vehicles. We have taken proactive measures to ensure that parking arrangements are sufficient to meet the needs of both staff and visitors without causing disruption to the neighbourhood.”

He added “thorough assessments” had been undertaken to “ensure the site will not adversely affect local amenities or community cohesion”, and said his team “remain dedicated to fostering a positive relationship with the local community and addressing any concerns in a proactive and transparent manner”.

The application states several healthcare workers would be hired at the children’s home and would be an Ofsted registered site.

It also said the home would have four bedrooms, with “never more than a maximum of three children living at the home”.

North Yorkshire Council will adjudicate on the application at a later date.

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A street party in 1945

The borough court continued to function on VE Day, the main business being concerned with granting licences for dancing and extensions for liquor and music, all essential aspects of the coming celebrations on the following Sunday, which at the request of the King, would be a day of national thanksgiving and prayer.

A service was planned at St. Peter’s Church attended by the Mayor and full Corporation, followed by a brief ceremony at the War Memorial in remembrance of the fallen.

In the afternoon, a grand parade was to occur on West Park, when participants would include American military personnel, units of the Home Guard and Civil Defence, representatives from the British Legion, St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Scouts and the Guides. Flag bearing youth groups present included the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps, Girls Training Corps, Boys Brigade, and the Civil Defence Messengers.

Neighbours and friends celebrating

After a short open air service, the parade marched via West Park and Parliament Street to the Municipal Officers in Crescent Gardens, where the Mayor took the salute from a specially constructed platform.

The Mayor’s rousing speech reminded the townspeople of the ordeal they had undergone, and that until Japan had been overcome, the resolve of the people must be continued. He ended his speech with the sincere thanks of the entire Corporation for what the townspeople had achieved through their great sacrifice.

Memorable though the Peace Parade had been, for some of Harrogate’s residents, their most exuberant celebrations were reserved for the town’s many street parties, which involved whole communities.

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This story is sponsored by Neuhaus.

An overview of Neuhaus

Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus opened its first shop outside of London on James Street, Harrogate, a few months ago.

The luxury chocolatier that was founded in 1857 is known for inventing Belgian praline and offers a high-end chocolate experience.

Customers can learn about the history of each product in store – find out more about the stories behind Neuhaus here, while you can discover how you can get involved in the Insiders club where you can receive up to 10 free chocolate gifts per year below…

What is Neuhaus Insiders?

As a Neuhaus Insider, customers are the first to sample the latest innovations, limited edition collections and new ranges each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of birthday chocolates.

Neuhaus Insiders are also the first to be invited to exclusive preview events and find out more about its special promotions too.

How do I become a Neuhaus Insider?

All you need to do is sign up in store or online here and you can redeem your gift online or by visiting your local Neuhaus boutique.

FIND OUT MORE:

Neuhaus is located at 5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS. To find out more visit the website.

The Stray Ferret details everything you need to know about this candlelit event taking place in Harrogate on Friday that has been trending on social media.

It’s set to be an evening of The Beatles’ greatest hits, accompanied by a string quartet, and later joined by the captivating vocals of Alistair Griffin who is the founder of Ignite Concerts. We speak to him ahead of the show…

When did you first know you wanted to become a singer songwriter? 

I was always keen on writing and knew I could sing, but it took quite a while for it to become a possible career. The turning point was when I was at university in York when I started busking, playing open mic nights, and performing with other artists.

You’ve performed other candlelit concerts in the past, can you tell me more about these and why this time you decided to perform The Beatles hits? 

I created Ignite Concerts just under a year ago. As a performer I’ve seen the music world change a lot, so I started to create and produce my own shows, starting small and growing bigger, culminating in some big shows across Yorkshire and beyond.

Now I’ve got a team and we’ve added the candlelit element. We go to beautiful venues and light them up with 1,000 candles. Of course, great music is always the heart of what we do but we want to create an atmosphere and an experience people remember. So that when they walk in, they feel they’re part of something really special.

We aim to play iconic music in a slightly different way using string players. What’s more iconic than The Beatles? That’s how I learned to play the guitar, strumming Lennon and McCartney classics.

Alistair Griffin, founder of Ignite Concerts

How do you feel performing another artist’s music?  

It’s always different than performing my own songs. My own songs have a personal angle. I’ve never had a problem covering other people’s songs and I hope I do them justice.

You can never better the original, but you can give it a new take. Singing The Long and Winding Road with a string quartet behind you is pretty amazing.

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Which Beatles song holds the most significance for you? 

There are so many special songs but I think Let It Be was the first Beatles song that really moved me. It has a hymnal uplifting quality that I often look for in a song.

Many moons ago I was on a BBC talent show called Fame Academy and got to sing this song in the final. Remarkably, it was introduced by Paul McCartney himself. A surreal moment.

How many candles do you have in the church and how do they add to the atmosphere?

We have 1,000 candles. Now, you might be thinking how does it pass health and safety rules, but they are all LED candles. But don’t let this put you off, when the light goes down people often don’t realise the difference. It is a remarkable sight and creates an amazing effect and a unique atmosphere.

How does the orchestra add to the songs? 

The string quartet really takes the songs to a different place. They can be so dynamic taking you from an intimate sound to a much bigger anthemic sound. And just hearing some of the songs played instrumentally without the words allows the audience to fill in the rest for themselves. You can sing if you want to or just take it in and listen.

You live in York, do you come over to Harrogate often?

I have friends in Harrogate so get over quite a bit. I like to go for a pint in The Old Bell.

If you weren’t a singer-songwriter, which career avenue would you go down? 

Well, I’ve always said the best job I ever had was being the milkman in the village of Staithes. But as far as another career I would have loved to have worked in sport.

From £25, doors open at 7pm, concert is 7.30pm-9.30pm, May 10, Christ Church, High Harrogate, HG1 4SW. 

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