Council approves staff accommodation plan at Follifoot equestrian centre

North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert stables at Follifoot Park Riding Centre into accommodation for staff.

The stables that will be converted into a one-bedroom flat are currently home to three horses. The proposal will also see a barn extended to replace the space lost in the conversion.

The family-run equestrian centre near Harrogate has been in operation since 1986 and offers riding tuition for beginners to advanced riders.

It’s also home to the Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group and Follifoot Park Young Riders club.

The centre has 36 stables, an indoor arena, outdoor flood-lit menage, function and teaching rooms, as well as a simulator horse to practice riding.

However in a statement submitted to the council by applicants Mr and Mrs Pedley, it says the business does not offer significant salaries so an accommodation package is important for staff retention.

It will mean staff can be on site around the clock to check on horses and deter thieves.

According to the statement, there was a recent incident at the centre where three men in balaclavas attempted to steal a quad bike and there have been numerous other break-in attempts.

The statement added: 

“The application property would be offered to one of the three full time staff members who currently commute from outside the Harrogate district and cannot afford to move closer due to house prices.

“This would then provide two full time members of staff on site and alleviate some of the pressure of the applicant’s family to cover such a significant operation.”

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Government rejects 5G mast plan in Harrogate

The government has rejected a bid to install a new 5G mast in Harrogate.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, proposed installing the mast on Park Parade.

It submitted the plan to the former Harrogate Borough Council in November 2022.

The developer said the proposal would help to “improved network coverage and capacity” in the area.

However, the council rejected the plan on the grounds it would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the site.

The telecommunications company took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate and challenged the refusal.

However, in a decision notice, Mr N Teasdale, a planning inspector, rejected the appeal.

He said the proposal on balance would fail to enhance the character of the area and that the company had not demonstrated that the site was the only viable option for the mast.

He said:

“On the basis of the evidence in front of me and my own observations on site, I have found that the proposed development would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area.

“It has not been demonstrated that the appeal site represents the only viable option.

“Therefore, notwithstanding the need to upgrade the network and assist the government’s digital connectivity vision along with the associated benefits, the harm that would arise from the siting and appearance of the development would not be outweighed by the overall need in this location.”

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The decision is the latest refusal for a 5G mast installation in Harrogate.

In September 2023, a government planning inspector rejected a bid to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast overlooking the Stray.

The proposal was also submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd.

The inspector acknowledged the mast would boost poor 5G coverage in Harrogate but ruled it would also be “a conspicuous and intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.

Sisters to open oxygen therapy and skincare clinics in Harrogate

Two East Yorkshire sisters are set to open a hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic and a skincare clinic on the same site in Harrogate.

The Heal-Air and Pure Skin Clinic will both be located in the former Dangerfield & Keane salon on Cold Bath Road but operate as two separate businesses.

The Heal-Air will operate hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers, which will allow customers to breathe in almost pure pressurised oxygen.

Owner Tara Hickson told the Stray Ferret this increased the level of oxygen the body can absorb, meaning more oxygenated blood flows through the body.

She said:

“Although it is not a guaranteed fix for anyone, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help increase blood flow, reduce pain, improve sleep and increase stem cell activation.

“It has also been found to help with conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, long covid and Parkinson’s disease.”

Ms Hickson set up The Heal-Air with her partner in 2021 after struggling with long covid.

She said she suffered with fatigue, headaches and brain fog and was recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers:

“I did my research into it; I looked on forums and websites and found lots of people saying it helped with long covid.

“It helped me so much – I’m pretty much cleared of symptoms now.

“I want people to have the same experience as I did.”

The pair previously had a clinic in Hull but decided to relocate to Harrogate after “falling in love with the area”.

Ms Hickson added:

“We’re really excited about opening and we feel Cold Bath Road is a great spot for the clinic.

“We’re also just looking forward to welcoming people and for them to feel the benefits of this service – I know I certainly did.”

The Heal-Air hopes to be open by mid-January. Appointment-only services will be available Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm.

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Skin Clinic

Pure Skin Clinic, situated just across the hall from The Heal-Air, will offer a range of skin treatments.

Owner Jade Hickson said people can expect “state-of-the-art laser treatments and the newest advancements in bio-chemical cellular renewal”, adding:

“Our treatments slow down the ageing process whilst having the cutting-edge technology to turn the clock back altogether.

“We pride ourselves in undertaking sympathetic but effective treatments that deliver results, whilst helping people love the skin they are in, assisting them as they learn to care for it.

“We also offer facials, consultations for skin conditions, general advice, massage therapy and so much more.”

After leaving a career in the army to have her daughter, Ms Hickson said she struggled to find a job that offered the flexibility she required as a new parent.

That was when she looked into laser technology and became captivated by human physiology, she added.

“I decided to re-enter part time education and gained a diploma in anatomy and physiology. In the years since I progressed to senior technician and continued to study and advance my education in the science behind the skin.

“I knew that I wanted to continue to invest into myself and so in 2018 I opened the first Pure Skin Clinic in East Yorkshire.”

Ms Hickson said the “time is right” to bring her business to Harrogate.

She said:

“As a little girl I would visit Harrogate with my mother and grandmother and I remember the huge Stray, the quaint side streets, and of course visits to Betty’s tea rooms!

“The pace of life felt tranquil, the people friendly, and the town has a style and elegance which makes it a perfect setting for an aesthetics clinic.

“When I met my fiancé, who also happened to live in Harrogate, it felt the stars had aligned and Harrogate was the natural choice for Pure.”

Pure Skin Clinic Harrogate will open on January 15. It will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and Thursdays from 10am – 8pm.

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires Newcastle financial firm

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

A Knaresborough company has completed the acquisition of a Newcastle-based financial firm.

Prosperis, which is based at St James’ Business Park, has acquired Stephen McDine Limited, which is a financial advice business.

The move comes as the Knaresborough firm completed the acquisition of fellow finance company, RMB Financial Management Ltd, in October 2023.

Niall Gunn, chief executive officer and founder of Prosperis Ltd, said: 

“We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business, allowing us to continue to provide clients with an excellent level of service going forward.

“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will greatly benefit all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the Northeast as we continue with our growth plans.”

Council leaders to address Harrogate business event

North Yorkshire Council bosses are set to address business leaders in the Harrogate district a year on from devolution.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the council, and Richard Flinton, chief executive of the authority, will give a presentation at the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting on January 15.

The speeches are expected to cover how devolution has progressed in North Yorkshire since last year.

Held at Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, the event will be open to both chamber members and business owners in the district.

The evening will start at 5.30pm and people can register to attend here.

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Harrogate Ice Rink organiser says it has ‘no plans’ to return this year

The company operating the Harrogate Ice Rink has revealed it won’t be returning to the town this year.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with Destination Harrogate, North Yorkshire Council’s tourism body, in Crescent Gardens.

The venture is in the second of a three-year deal between the two organisations.

However, John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret the ice rink will not be returning for the next festive season. He said:

“We have no plans to return for 2024 due to the losses sustained this year from the weather and lack of footfall in the area.”

The news comes after the company faced criticism from customers about the condition of the ice and poor customer service.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday on complaints from some unhappy customers, one of whom described the surface as “extremely dangerous” and said the “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

One customer described the rink as “wet and rippled”.

Mr Lowery said the company had “suffered like all outdoor ice rinks” following adverse weather conditions throughout December, which led it to close eight times in just over a month.

The rink opened on December 1 and will run until Sunday, January 7.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council to respond to the complaints made by readers and also whether it would comment on Events by Cynosure’s announcement that its deal would end a year early. But it declined to comment.

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Police reissue appeal to find Harrogate wanted man

Police seeking a wanted man from Harrogate today re-issued a plea for help finding him.

North Yorkshire Police is still searching for Bailey George Samuel Townend, 21, who has been recalled to prison and is believed to be evading arrest locally.

He was released from prison on licence on November 1 last year after being handed a 51-week custodial sentence for burglary and theft.

The Probation Service reported that Townend failed to reside at approved accommodation in Leeds, thereby breaching his licence.

Today’s police statement said:

“Police enquiries are ongoing in the Harrogate and Leeds areas in the effort to return Townend to prison.

“Townend is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with short brown hair and green eyes.

If you can help us track him down, please report information to North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 4, and speak to the force control room.

“For immediate sightings, dial 999 to ensure a rapid response.”

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. Quote reference number.

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Free Saturday parking returns to Harrogate multi-storey

People visiting Harrogate on a Saturday will be able to park for free in the multi-storey Victoria Car Park over the next few weeks.

Harrogate Business Improvement District announced the move today to boost town centre trade for retailers.

The BID implemented a similar scheme in October last year and hopes the latest venture, which applies every Saturday from January 6 to February 10, will increase footfall during what can be a quiet period for businesses.

Matthew Chapman, manager of the BID, said:

“Free car parking is something we regularly hear described as a positive incentive from both our members and the general public, so it’s great to again work in collaboration with the car parking team at North Yorkshire Council to deliver this scheme at a key time of year.”

Victoria car park

With eight hours of free parking available, the BID hopes the plan will give shoppers sufficient time to explore the town centre, shop and visit local bars and restaurants.

It will only be available in the Victoria Car Park, which can be accessed from East Parade, between 10am and 6pm.

To redeem the free parking, drivers must enter the automatic barriers between the designated timeframe. Vehicles that enter outside of the specified times will be charged regular parking prices.

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Leeds United footballer banned from driving after speeding in Harrogate

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been banned from driving after speeding in Harrogate.

Aaronson, 23, of Victoria Avenue, was caught speeding at 37 miles per hour in a Mercedes-AMG on the A6040 Knaresborough Road near the Stray on March 12, 2023. The speed limit for the road is 30 mph.

He admitted the offence in September last year.

A hearing was held at Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning, but Aaronson was not present.

Magistrates ordered the United States international to pay a £666 fine, £266 surcharge and £90 in court costs.

Aaronson already had 10 points on his licence, which was endorsed with a further three points and he was disqualified from driving for six months.

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The 23-year-old is currently on loan at German side Union Berlin from Leeds United.

He joined the club on July 9, 2023, after the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League.

Aaronson made 36 appearances for Leeds last season and scored one goal.

He joined United from Red bull Salzburg in May 2022 for a reported £25 million fee.

Ofsted praises ‘friendly’ staff at Harrogate kids club

Ofsted found the quality and standards of early years provision were ‘met’ at Saltergate Kids Club in Harrogate.

The findings were published in a report on Thursday, December 21, following an inspection in November.

When inspecting out-of-school settings, Ofsted only judges on the overall effectiveness of the quality and standards of the early years provision. This is because these settings do not need to meet the learning and development requirements of the early years foundation stage.

There are three possible outcomes: met, not met with actions and not met with enforcement.

Government inspectors said the staff at the out-of-school club, which operates from within Saltergate Infant School in Harrogate, are “friendly” and “familiar”. They said children arrive “happy and excited to meet their friends”.

It said children are “extremely settled” at the club, which registered in 2003.

Children were praised for the “high levels of focus and concentration” put into the activities on offer, while older children were found to be “caring” towards younger ones.

The report said:

“Staff are very attentive and have quality interactions with the children.

“There is a busy and happy atmosphere as children play games together.

“Children enjoy being creative.

“Children’s artwork is celebrated and displayed within the room, creating a sense of achievement and belonging.”

Children are encouraged to use their voices in the setting, which teaches them that their thoughts and ideas are important and valued, inspectors added.

Staff were also praised for the range of physical activities offered to children:

“Staff provide a range of opportunities for children to be physically active. For example, staff teach children how to play a variety of outdoor games.

“Children demonstrate persistence and resilience when learning to use the bat and ball.”

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The report also said children are “learning to be independent” and “behave well”.

Ofsted also said staff members communicate daily with the teachers at the host school.

It found the club, which has 38 children on roll, “mirrors the behaviour management strategies” the school adopts, which provides “consistency for children’s understanding of how to behave appropriately”.

The report added:

“Parents comment that staff are very approachable, friendly and that they feel fully informed about their children’s time at the club.

“They say their children are always happy, want to attend and settle quickly.

“Parents say they are grateful for the service provided and feel reassured their children are in safe hands.”

‘Continue to ensure the highest of standards are maintained’

Sally Wray, manager at Saltergate Kids Club, said in response to the report:

“We are ecstatic to have been awarded a good grade once again.

“I am so proud of all of our team and our children – we have a brilliant wraparound care setting for our families, and we will continue to work together to ensure the highest of standards are maintained.”

Saltergate Kids Club opens Monday to Friday from 8am – 8:45am and from 3.15pm – 6pm, during term time.

The services are offered to children from reception up to year 6.

The club was previously rated ‘good’ in 2018 following an ‘inadequate’ grading the year prior.

 

Harrogate Ice Rink organiser responds to complaints

The company operating Harrogate Ice Rink has responded to complaints about the condition of the ice and slow refunds.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council tourism body Destination Harrogate.

It opened in Crescent Gardens on December 1 but adverse weather has led to its closure eight times since then – including today (January 2).

The rink’s Facebook page has received numerous critical comments from people who have struggled to get refunds. Others have complained about the wet surface.

One unhappy customer, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the conditions were unsuitable for skating on December 20.

In a letter to the organisers seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:

“The ice and surface were extremely dangerous, wet, rippled and extremely slippery and not maintained and far from the standard of an ice rink.

“For example, no one was able to let go of the side rails and people left the ice…raising a significant health and safety issue.”

He said he asked to speak to a manager at about 6.40pm to voice his concerns about the state of the ice only to be told the manager had “left the site and was unavailable to speak to”, adding:

“Others were also raising the same concerns – staff were unable to assist and had no authority to provide refunds or offer solutions.”

In the same letter, he also said he later approached a staff member wearing “management” uniform (pictured below) who “denied being management and would not make comment”, while “watching football on his iPhone”.

The customer said the man pictured “denied being management”.

The man also claimed the quality of footwear was “extremely poor” and that “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

The man pictured his “rusty” skates.

He today told the Stray Ferret he has “heard nothing at all” since sending the letter on December 21.

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Others have also voiced concerns. Local resident Emma Alderson’s booking was cancelled on Christmas Eve following a yellow weather warning.

Events by Cynosure said the “safety of our skaters is priority” and “all tickets will remain valid until the 7th January should you wish to visit us after Christmas”. However, Ms Alderson has struggled to get a refund since. In a response to the company seen by the Stray Ferret, she wrote:

“Thank you so much for blocking me on the Facebook page. Why keep posting and not reply to people who are trying to rebook?

“Such a bad, poor and disgusting service you offer!”

Despite asking for a refund, Ms Alderson today said she has “had no update from them at all”.

Rink is ‘suitable to skate’

John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret it was “aware of complaints in regard to the ice rink”. Mr Lowery added:

“In regards to the ice rink being wet we have suffered like all outdoor ice rinks in the country from some of the warmest temperatures and heaviest rain with two named storms alone.

“At no time have we operated the rink when not suitable to skate. We have offered customers the opportunity to come back on another date if they attended when wet.

“Our technical team have worked through the nights etc to make it as good as possible.

“As for refunds these take up to 10 days from when requested and are being processed for any sessions that we have cancelled that the customer cannot change the date until.

“Due to holidays our office was closed over Christmas Day, Boxing Day but we can assure people will be refunded where entitled.”

Harrogate Ice Rink, which debuted in 2022, is part of a three-year deal between Events By Cynosure and Destination Harrogate.

It is set to run until Sunday, January 7, but with just two dry days forecast until then, the weather may continue to have an impact.