Harrogate’s annual bonfire is set to go-ahead this weekend after a safety inspection.
The event, which is organised by Harrogate and District Round Table, will return on Saturday, November 4, for its 52nd year.
The bonfire will be lit on the Oatlands Stray near to St Aidan’s Church of England High School.
In a post on its social media this morning, Harrogate and District Round Table said:
“Follow a safety inspection this morning, we are delighted to confirm that the Stray Bonfire and Fireworks is going ahead as planned.”
The decision comes despite heavy rain in Harrogate this week caused by Storm Ciarán.
Meanwhile, nearby Wetherby Town Council has been forced to postpone its bonfire event on Saturday due to adverse weather and ground conditions.
The Harrogate event will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm and include fireworks and live music.
The bonfire is free to attend but the round table, which is a charity, will raise funds for Harrogate Homeless Project.
It has set up a GoFundMe page and urged people to text BONFIRE to 70560 to donate £5.
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Kingsley Drive developer to pay £1m towards Harrogate schools
Persimmon Homes will pay more than £1m to local schools including Grove Road and Harrogate Grammar School after North Yorkshire Council gave final approval for its 162-home Kingsley Drive development.
One of the last acts of Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee in February was to approve the controversial plans, subject to the completion of a section 106 agreement.
The agreement between the council and developer has now been agreed and covers Persimmon’s contribution to public services that the future residents will use such as education, roads as well as affordable housing.
According to a report written by planning officer Kate Broadbank, Permimmon will pay £600,000 to Grove Road Primary School, £400,000 to HGS, Harrogate High and Rossett and £120,000 for early years provision.
The developer will also pay £220,000 to the NHS for healthcare costs, £150,000 towards Kingsley Drive being resurfaced and an £80,000 contribution towards a new mini roundabout being built at the junction of Kingsley Road and the A59.
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The site is allocated for development in the Harrogate local plan, which maps out where housebuilding can take place in the district and remains in use until North Yorkshire Councils agree its new county-wide plan.
The Kingsley proposals were unpopular with local residents who protested outside the Civic Centre before the planning committee meeting wearing t-shirts branded with slogans like “enough is enough” and “breaking point”.
Visuals of the Persimmon Home plan for homes on Kingsley Drive.
Many of the objections centred on nearby roads like Knaresborough Road and Bogs Lane and how they will cope with the increased traffic from new residents.
Around 500 homes could be built in the area if plans by different developers are eventually built.
Persimmon has included two access points for vehicles on Kingsley Drive, one to the west of Birstwith Road and one midway between Leyland Road and Rydal Road.
The first 92 homes will include air source heat pumps to provide 100% of the heating and hot water.
The remaining properties will have conventional gas boilers, however, the developer says these will be supplemented by solar panels and waste water heat recovery, which recycles energy in wastewater to pre-heat the mains cold supply before it is boosted by the boiler.
The scheme would also include 65 affordable homes through a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership sales.
HMRC unlikely to receive payment from Harrogate company collapseUnsecured credits and HMRC are unlikely to receive any payment after the collapsed of failed Harrogate company Amvoc, administrators have said.
The telemarketing company, which was based at Cardale Park, collapsed and was placed into administration in March this year.
In a latest administrators report published this week, Gareth Lewis, Lewis Business Recovery and Insolvency, said it is anticipated funds will be available to pay former staff.
However, HMRC, which is classed as a “secondary preferential creditor”, and unsecured credits are expected to receive no money.
According to the report, employees are owed £233,507.52 in wages, holiday pay and pension contribution arrears.
Meanwhile, HMRC is owed £1.1 million in unpaid VAT, unpaid employees PAYE and national insurance, student loan deductions and industry scheme deductions.
Mr Lewis said in his report that it is unlikely that any repayment will be made.
He said:
“If funds are available to pay a dividend to the secondary preferential creditors, this claim will be adjudicated accordingly.
“However, at present, it is not anticipated that there will be sufficient funds to do so.”
Mr Lewis added that there was “no likelihood” that unsecured creditors, who were previously estimated to be owed £868,267, would receive payment.
According to the report, equipment from the company’s old offices on Cardale Park, such as computers, desk and chairs, had now been sold.
‘Cash flow difficulties’
Damian Brockway set up Amvoc, the trading name of A Marketing Vocation Ltd, from a small office in Dacre in 2010. It sold telemarketing services, initially in the legal sector, and grew rapidly, moving first to Pateley Bridge and then to large offices at New York Mills near Summerbridge.
It opened a new head office on Cardale Park in Harrogate in 2015, a facility in Leeds in 2018 and an office in Manchester in 2022. It also had plans to expand to London.
At the time of its collapse, Amvoc employed 230 staff.
Staff were left shocked on March 17 this year when they received a late night email from Mr Brockway saying “all our offices are closed with effect from tonight”. It went on to blame “covid debts”.
Mr Lewis said in his administrator’s report that in September 2017, the company entered into a company voluntary arrangement as a result of “cash flow difficulties” because of the loss of a major customer and “significant bad debt”.
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- Administrators reveal state of Harrogate firm Amovc’s finances
- Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under
- Collapsed Harrogate firm Amvoc set to enter administration
Government approves plan to convert Harrogate offices into flats
The government has given approval for a Harrogate office block to be converted into flats.
Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive known as Simpson Hosue into 12 two-bedroom flats.
It would have seen the ground, first and second floors converted.
However, the authority rejected the plan in May this year on the grounds that the flats would not have enough natural light.
The developer took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.
In a decision notice, Mr N Teasdale, planning inspector, said:
“I have no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the rear of the building would be in near constant shade/stygian gloom or that it would prevent solar gain.
“As all habitable rooms tested meet and are in excess of the minimum requirements of the guidelines in relation to daylight and sunlight then it cannot be assumed that future occupiers would complain, apply for tree works or that there would be pressure for removal/pruning.”
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- Council rejects Harrogate office block conversion over natural light concern
- Developer withdraws Harrogate office block flats plan
Increasing number of adults need drug support in North Yorkshire
The number of adults with substance abuse problems is increasing in North Yorkshire, according to a report.
It comes as North Yorkshire Council is set to extend the contract for its specialist drug and alcohol support service North Yorkshire Horizons for another five years.
North Yorkshire Horizons was launched in October 2014 with a £3.6m annual contract awarded to charity Humankind to deliver the service, which is rated outstanding by regulator the Care Quality Commission.
It has specialist hubs in Harrogate, Skipton, Selby, Scarborough and Northallerton where people can get advice on drugs or alcohol, receive health treatment and take part in therapy sessions.
Since it was set up, the report says North Yorkshire Horizons has “significantly increased” the numbers of people engaging with the service. As of June 2023, there are 2,500 people taking part in treatment.
The number of people seeking support for drugs other than opiates has also increased by 50%.
North Yorkshire Horizons is largely funded through a government grant but the report warns that drug and alcohol services are more expensive to deliver than they were before the covid pandemic, due to cost-of-living rises and inflation.
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It also says there is an “unmet need” and “increasing profile” of people who experience substance use in the county.
An independent review of drugs led by Dame Carol Black in 2021 warned that investment in drug and alcohol services has reduced significantly over the last decade nationally.
In response, central government has increased spending for local authority-led treatment with North Yorkshire Council receiving an additional £1.4m funding. Another £1m is expected in 2024/25.
The contract with Humankind is set to be extended by Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative executive member for health and adult services, at a meeting tomorrow.
The report says:
Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider hires learning development manager“Evidence shows that drug and alcohol substance use treatment services are cost effective to the public purse, and clinically effective in terms of outcome for the individual.
“Investing in substance use services not only helps to save lives, but also substantially reduces the economic and social costs of harms associated with harmful patterns of substance use.”
Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?
The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.
Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.
Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare has appointed a new learning development and quality manager.
Arron Bolland will oversee the company’s new training facility, Vida Academy, on Starbeck High Street.
Mr Bolland will be tasked with overseeing the creation and implementation of continuous training programs for all staff roles at Vida Healthcare.
James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:
“Arron’s dedication to providing our residents with the best possible care is evident in his career progression throughout his time with us.
“His appointment to head up the Vida Academy team and drive our training and development offering forward was the natural next step for us.
“Vida Academy underscores our commitment to both our residents and staff, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact that Arron has on the career progression opportunities available to all our staff members.”
Harrogate estate agents wins industry awards
Harrogate estate agency Myrings has been recognised at a property industry awards.
The company picked up four accolades at the ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023 – Gold for Sales in Yorkshire and Landlords in Yorkshire, Best in Postcode, and Agent of the Year.
Myrings staff at the awards.
The awards were based on more than 300,000 customer service ratings on the ESTAS review site, and the winners announced at an event in London hosted by TV property expert Phil Spencer.
Gemma Myring, managing director of Myrings, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled. We have always been very proud of our personal service and this proves we are delivering what we promise.”
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Asda Express to open in Knaresborough tomorrow
A new Asda Express will open its doors in Knaresborough tomorrow.
It will replace the former Co-op on Boroughbridge Road following Asda’s plan to expand into the convenience market and become the UK’s second largest supermarket, behind Tesco.
As part of the plan, the supermarket chain announced last year it had acquired 132 Co-op stores on petrol forecourts in a £438m deal.
Andy Perry, managing director of convenience at Asda, said:
“This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.
“We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.”
Asda opened its first express store in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, and London last year. The Knaresborough store is one of 14 to open this week.
It plans to open 300 sites by 2026.
The express store will offer hot and cold takeaway food from brands including Leon and household essentials, and the petrol station will remain in operation.
Asda Express will open its doors tomorrow Friday, November 3.
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Major elements of £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme to be scrapped
Two major parts of Harrogate’s £11.2 million Station Gateway project look set to be scrapped.
Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire Council, said reducing Station Parade to one lane and pedestrianising James Street would need be dropped from the scheme in order for it “to be successful”.
The move comes as council officials are currently drawing up alternative options for the project after the previous proposals were paused last month.
The original plans included reducing a 300-metre stretch of Station Parade to single lane to make space for cycle lanes and the part-pedestrianisation of James Street.
Cllr Keane Duncan.
However, Cllr Duncan, who is also the Conservative candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said new proposals for the gateway project required major changes.
He said:
“We need to make fundamental changes to the gateway if we are to secure investment for Harrogate.
“The proposal to reduce Station Parade to a single lane has been the most divisive element. To be successful, we would need Station Parade to remain as two lanes.
“And plans for James Street would need to be removed from the scheme’s scope altogether.”
The council halted the scheme immediately after lawyers acting on behalf of local property firm Hornbeam Park Developments launched a judicial review.
As a result, the authority announced it would draw up alternative options which would focus on “a high quality pedestrian-focussed public realm scheme, with improved access into the bus station, and better traffic flow through co-ordinated signal timings”.
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Full proposals are expected to be put before senior North Yorkshire councillors at a later date.
Cllr Duncan added that the new scheme would still be able to deliver public realm improvements.
He said:
Harrogate district man arrested over ‘Manchester Arena bomber’ costume“A new gateway proposal would allow us to move forward with first-class public realm improvements to Station Square, give One Arch the attention it needs and tackle congestion by upgrading the myriad of uncoordinated traffic signals.
“We have a final window of opportunity to produce a deliverable and beneficial scheme. This will not be easy, but I am committed to a cross-party effort. Constructive conversations are already taking place between Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors.
“My hope is to achieve a revised project plan with clear support from the public.
“I hope that residents and businesses can be encouraged by the pragmatic effort under way and the prospect of key changes to the Gateway that would see more controversial elements removed.”
Police have made an arrest after reports of a man wearing an offensive costume depicting Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi.
North Yorkshire Police said yesterday that it had received complaints about a man wearing the costume on social media.
Officers have since arrested a Harrogate district man in his 40s in connection with the incident.
In a statement, the force added:
“The man was arrested on 1 November on suspicion of a number of offences including using a public communication network to send offensive messages.”
In an update this morning, police said the man was released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.
Abedi killed 22 people in a suicide attack at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.
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Cats Protection charity store to open in Harrogate tomorrow
Cats Protection, the largest cat welfare charity in the UK, will open a Harrogate store tomorrow.
The boutique-inspired store, located on Oxford Street, will sell designer clothes to raise money for the charity.
Store manager, Joanna Swinburn, said people can expect the likes of Paul Smith and Kenzo to be stocked for both men and women.
She added:
“The aim was for it not to look like a typical charity shop.
“There was a need for a boutique store in Harrogate; there’s lots of run-of-the-mill charity shops – there’s nothing different.”
The charity, which launched in 1927, helps to re-home unwanted and stray cats.
The Harrogate shop will be the fourth of its kind – with others in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ealing.
Ms Swinburn added:
“The reception to the store opening has been amazing.
“Since we put the mannequins in the window, lots of people have knocked on the door and asked what the store will be.”
Cats Protection Harrogate will open its doors tomorrow at 10am. There will be prosecco and cakes on offer for the official opening.
It will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.
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