Tree campaigner accuses Harrogate Spring Water of ‘greenwash’

Tree campaigner Sarah Gibbs has described Harrogate Spring Water‘s plans to plant 1,200 trees to offset the loss of 450 others as “greenwash”.

The company revealed yesterday it will create a two-acre community woodland if it is granted permission to expand its bottling plant on Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate.

Expanding the plant would involve felling 450 trees in adjoining Rotary Wood, including some planted by schoolchildren in the 2000s.

But Ms Gibbs, who frequently dons a tree costume as part of her campaign to save Rotary Wood, said “the idea that you can offset this destruction is ludicrous”.

Harrogate Spring Water said its plans, which would create 50 jobs, would see three trees replace each one lost and “deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity levels in the area”. It is also identifying other locations in Harrogate to plant an extra 1,500 trees.

How the site would look.

But Ms Gibbs said:

“A sapling is not adequate compensation for the loss of a mature tree.

“It’s a misconception to say they can be replaced like this. It’s incorrect in terms of the wider impact on ecology.

“Clearly they have not listened to the public. They should leave the trees alone. They were planted by children to avert a climate crisis. This is ludicrous greenwash and I hope North Yorkshire Council steps in and says ‘no’.”

Harrogate Spring Water, which is part of French multinational Danone, secured outline planning permission in 2017, which means the principle of development has been established.

But it still requires North Yorkshire Council to approve a reserved matters application that agrees the details of the scheme.

A previous application by Harrogate Spring Water was rejected by councillors in January 2021.

Managing director Richard Hall said yesterday the company had listened to concerns because the proposed new woodland would, unlike previous plans, be open to the public.

But Ms Gibbs said:

“26,000 single-use plastic bottles an hour, shipped globally. That’s what they produce now. If this development goes ahead this number will increase. Global shipment means lorries, planes will increase, CO2 will increase, water extraction will increase. The only thing that will increase that they care about, is profit margins.

“Who’s to say years down the line they won’t want to expand again and destroy more of our beautiful pinewoods, and planet.

“We need less plastic. We need to protect our existing woodland.”

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Masterchef star Owen Diaram to have stall at Harrogate Christmas Fayre

Owen Diaram, a quarter-finalist on BBC MasterChef UK 2023, has won a competition to have a stall at this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

He was named as the winner of a competition organised by the market operators to give free trading opportunities at the town centre festive market, which begins on December 1.

The winners of Market Place Europe and Destination Harrogate’s  Jolly Big Business Boost competition also receive business mentoring and PR opportunities.

Mr Diaram, who was yesterday named as this year’s winner, uses his South African Indian heritage to create traditional spice packs that only need to be mixed with two ingredients to produce tasty bhajis.

Mr Diaram said he was “blown away” by being selected, adding::

‘’Harrogate has now been my home for the past eight years and I am so excited to trade at what is a truly fantastic event that will allow me to achieve my goal of bringing South African Indian cuisine to mass audiences.’’

Market manager Nick Rhodes said:

‘’The Jolly Big Business Boost is a fantastic way for local, ambitious entrepreneurs to get their foot in the door and has proven to be very successful.’’

The fayre’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11:00am to 430pm.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm hires three new solicitors

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’.

A Harrogate law firm has hired three new solicitors to its team.

LCF Law, which is based on Station Parade, has appointed newly qualified Anisha Kaur, Ennah Hussain and Jemma Hobson to the company.

Ms Hussein completed her training at a high street law firm before joining LCF Law, while Ms Hobson and Ms Kaur completed in-house training contracts.

Neil Shaw, partner and head of personal law at LCF Law, said:

“We make things as straightforward as possible and achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. We also value our team and support them with their progression, so we are delighted that Anisha and Jemma have qualified as solicitors after completing their training with us.

“It’s also a pleasure to welcome Ennah to our 21 strong personal law team and we look forward to advising even more clients across Harrogate and beyond.”

Praise for Mobile Tornado after emergency storm response

Communications company Mobile Tornado have been praised for their role in the evacuation of vulnerable people and pets from their flooded homes. 

The Harrogate-based global company supplies push-to-talk over cellular solutions to organisations that depend on fast, robust and reliable communications between individuals and large groups.

It donated licences for its technologies to Search and Rescue Lincolnshire, helping efforts to locate people cut off by floods during last month’s Storm Babet. 

Paul Woodman, chief executive at Search and Rescue Lincolnshire, said:

“Mobile Tornado has been absolutely invaluable for emergency teams to stay in touch. We are able to see the location of our volunteers, communicate with them in an instant and record everything we do across a wide area.

“Previously, we relied on legacy radio systems which had a limited range and were restricted to line of sight. Mobile Tornado enables us to have county-wide communications without having to purchase very expensive radio equipment. For strategic, intergroup and long-distance communications, it is absolutely great.”

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Andrew Jones ‘embarrassed’ after car spotted without valid MOT

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has admitted failing to renew his car’s MOT on time.

The Stray Ferret received an email saying the former transport minister had been spotted outside Starbeck Library driving a diesel Jaguar XE which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website said had an expired MOT.

The sender — who called themself Mrs T Neale, Lady Blueberry Blower of Ripon Town — sent photos of the vehicle in Starbeck and the results of an online search revealing the MOT had expired on October 3.

The person said they had contacted North Yorkshire Police, adding:

“Should this DVLA information be accurate, I would presume Mr Jones is therefore driving without valid insurance.

“The police have got back to me, telling me they are forwarding my information to the relevant department.”

Mr Jones admitted he was “embarrassed” by the oversight.

He added it wasn’t the first time he had been “covertly photographed” and that he found the behaviour “odd and slightly disconcerting”.

He said:

“I am grateful to the anonymous individual who reminded me via the media that my car’s MOT has expired. It is currently in my garage as this week I took the train to London as I like to do when diary commitments allow.

“I’m quite embarrassed by my oversight. The car is booked in for its MOT and all the relevant authorities informed and reassured accordingly.”

Mr Jones’ Jaguar pictured in Starbeck.

He added:

“It is odd and slightly disconcerting to know that I am being covertly photographed by an anonymous individual who sends these photos to the media under a pseudonym.

“This is not the first correspondence I and others have received from a person using this pseudonym. Previously they have sent me information about a political opponent, whom I informed of the communication, and also sent my office insinuations about a councillor even going as far as including a photograph of their home.

“Despite this strange behaviour, I remain grateful that I have been reminded about my MOT.”

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police if it was taking any action against Mr Jones.

A spokesperson replied:

“In line with the College of Policing national, authorised professional practice, we would not confirm the names of anyone who is or isn’t suspected of an offence, nor would we name anyone who may or may not have been issued with an out of court disposal such as a fixed penalty or caution.”

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Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Combating the isolation of dementia

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, Flora spoke to members of the Hub Club – one of the charity’s day services.

People living with dementia are slowly being robbed of their former lives and can often feel lonely and isolated.

It’s a disease that makes people feel misunderstood and invisible, but Dementia Forward works tirelessly to combat that. The charity’s Hub Club provides people with a safe place and good company – it makes those living with this life-changing illness feel seen.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere.

“I like seeing everybody and having a laugh.”

This is how one member, 91-year-old Mary, described the Hub Club.

After the minibus drops them off, the group start their day with a quiz, followed by coffee and cake.

The group are made to feel relaxed and comfortable and have so many activities to enjoy. Some do crosswords and puzzles, some enjoy drawing and music, and some even tackle 1000-piece jigsaws. People laugh and chat – they’re friends.

The days are tailored to the needs and interests of the members – staff even curate playlists of the members’ favourite songs.

Another member, David, spends his morning reading the paper accompanied by a playlist of his favourite 1950s songs – including Gracie Fields. He said:

“It’s just nice to get out of the house for a few hours and I’ve made friends here.”

It’s a place where people can feel heard and understood.

For three days a week, these people can temporarily escape from the disease they’re living with.

One carer told the Dementia Forward team:

“You understand better than most what we deal with.

“Being able to drop my wife off at the Hub Club this morning and sit here with my feet up, feeling confident that she is being properly looked after, is brilliant.”

But the reality is, the members of the Hub Club are fighting a losing battle with dementia. Dementia Forward eases the pain as much as it can – but can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need. 

Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

 

Commercial waste could be banned at council tips in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council is considering whether to ban people depositing commercial waste at all of its household waste recycling centres.

It is one of a range of options being considered as part of cost-saving measures.

Other ideas include restricting the number of trips vans can make to the centres and banning people who don’t live in North Yorkshire from using them.

The options, which would affect sites at Penny Pot Lane and Wetherby Road in Harrogate, Dallamires Crescent in Ripon and mobile sites in Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge, are due to go out to consultation.

Penny Pot Household Waste Recycling Centre

The Penny Pot Lane tip.

A council decision notice last week announced plans to consult on changes, which it said would “avoid the need to reduce the service but do impact certain site users”.

The Stray Ferret asked the council why it was proposing changes, what the options were and the likely cost associated with them.

In a statement, it replied:

“To help make savings and improve the service they provide, North Yorkshire Council is looking at various changes at household waste recycling centres.

“This includes limiting the use of HWRCs to North Yorkshire residents only, limiting the access for commercial-like vehicles as well as changes to commercial waste.

“Around 15 per cent of visits are not made by North Yorkshire residents. Limiting the use to the county’s residents could generate savings of about £140,000 every year and would align with neighbouring authorities.

“The council is also proposing to limit access for commercial-like vehicles (including those in a van or pick-up). Figures show 93 per cent of visitors in a commercial-like vehicle make less than 12 visits per year. Limiting these vehicles to 12 visits could bring savings of about £370,000 and could reduce congestion at the sites.

“Before implementing these changes, people will be asked to share their views on the proposals, as well as whether they support commercial waste continuing to be accepted at HWRCs.”

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According to the council’s website, commercial waste is currently accepted at all of its centres except Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow announced in June that households would no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres.

DIY waste is now treated the same as household waste, saving tip visitors up to £10 per sack of rubble or sheet of plasterboard. 

North Yorkshire Council said this would cost £889,000 and force it to look for new ways of saving money. 

Last month, the Local Government Association, which is a membership body for councils, warned the change could mean tip closures and reduced hours in some council areas.

 

Harrogate hospital £20m RAAC repairs a ‘critical building safety issue’, says MP

Repairs work at Harrogate District Hospital to fix crumbling concrete are a “critical building safety issue” which should be funded, a Labour MP has said.

The hospital on Lancaster Park Road requires essential work to repair panels made of RAAC.

RAAC – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – made headlines nationally recently after it was found to be a substandard component of many schools and hospitals built between the 1950s and 1990s.

Health officials estimated in September it will cost £20 million to eradicate “crumbly concrete” from Harrogate District Hospital, which was built in the 1970s.

As a result, the hospital trust has bid for funding for the work.

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During a debate in the House of Commons on Monday, Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said hospitals in his constituency were also built with the same material.

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson, made an intervention during Mr Amesbury’s speech to raise the issue at Harrogate.

He said:

“I was interested to hear the hon. Member mention RAAC in his speech. 

“I have heard that there is a hospital in Harrogate that needs £20 million of repairs because of RAAC, but the government are requiring that hospital to bid for the funding, rather than just giving it the funding. Does the hon. Member think that is right?”

In response, Mr Amesbury, who is also shadow minister for building safety and homelessness, said:

“I certainly do not. It is a critical building safety issue, and funding should be given according to need, so that is a very well-made point.”

The comments come as Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, called on the government to foot the bill for the repairs.

This month, Mr Gordon wrote to the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay MP, to highlight his concerns about the construction panels at the hospital made of RAAC.

Business Breakfast: Theakston Old Peculier returns to the US after ten-year gap 

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’.

Masham-based brewer T&R Theakston is to make its Old Peculier ale available in the United States for the first time in ten years. 

The ale has a strong following in the US after first being shipped there in 1976, and at one point was the third most imported British beer, with around 40 pallets exported every month. But the company stopped shipping to the States in 2013 due to the massive growth of foreign imported beers and the domestic craft scene.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston, said:

“With the market now settling down and the tried-and-tested imported beer brands coming once again to the fore, now is exactly the right time to return to a much admired and very enthusiastic consumer market once again.”  

Believed to have been first brewed in the early 19th century, Theakston Old Peculier is the most recognisable brand of the family-run company which has been brewing in Masham for almost 200 years.

The brewery is working with New York importer and wholesaler Iron Horse Beverages to reintroduce Old Peculier to the US market with a view to expanding its footprint in the coming years. Exports are to restart this month when the first consignment of kegs, 440ml cans and bottles arrive in New York State to be distributed throughout the Eastern Seaboard. 

Mr Theakston added:

“We are looking forward to reconnecting with loyal Old Peculier fans throughout the US, whilst introducing our rich brewing heritage to a new audience of ale lovers.”

New finance director at Northern 

Train operator Northern has appointed Richard Hinds as its finance director. 

A former CFO of global tech distributor Exertis, Mr Hinds has also held senior roles with Flogas Britain Plc and Speedy Hire Plc. In his new role, he will oversee a broad range of corporate services. 

Northern, the UK’s second largest train operator, runs Harrogate and Knaresborough stations and provides local passenger train services. 

Mr Hinds said:

“I’m looking forward to working with the team at Northern and contributing to our vision to make a positive impact for the North, getting our customers where they need to be, safely, affordably and on time.”

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Woman in 70s dies after Harrogate collision

A woman in her 70s has died after a collision in Harrogate.

The collision happened on North Park Road yesterday (November 13) at around 4.10pm.

It involved a pedestrian and a car. The driver of the car, a grey BMW 3-series, is helping officers with their enquiries.

A North Yorkshire Police statement issued this evening said:

“The pedestrian who was involved in a collision on North Park Road in Harrogate yesterday, a woman in her 70s, has very sadly died.

“The woman’s family have been informed of the news and are being supported by specially trained officers.”

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for information and dash cam footage of the incident.

A statement from the force added:

“Officers are renewing the appeal for information and are asking anyone with information or footage who hasn’t already come forward to contact the police. Anyone who could help the investigation is asked to email MCIT@northyorkshire.police.uk  or phone 101.

“Please quote reference number 12230216084 when passing information.”

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Council to pay costs over Harrogate office block conversion appeal

A developer has been awarded costs after successfully appealing a decision to convert a former Harrogate office block into flats.

Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the former office block off Clarence Drive known as Simpson House 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.

As a result, government planning inspector, N Teasdale, approved the plans after finding “no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the rear of the building would be in near constant shade/stygian gloom”.

The inspector also awarded costs against the council in a decision notice published this month.

Mr Teasdale said:

“It is not unreasonable for the council to raise concerns about the management of the trees through the prior approval process and the impact of the trees on the proposed development which informed its decision given the close proximity of the trees.

“It is also not unreasonable for the council to raise concern regarding the contents of a technical study. However, the council’s officer report fails to provide justification for this particularly taking into account the overall methodology used and findings of the study. 

“No technical critique has been made of the submitted assessment to support their concerns and inaccurate assertions about the proposals impact were therefore made.”

The inspector found that “unreasonable behaviour resulting in unnecessary or wasted expense” was demonstrated and awarded costs against the council.

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