Harrogate set to get earlier and later direct London trains

Harrogate is on track to get a direct train to London departing an hour earlier than the current first service of the day.

David Flesher, commercial director at LNER, told businesses last night the company wanted the first direct train to leave Harrogate at 6.35am, rather than the current 7.37am.

It would enable commuters to arrive at King’s Cross in the capital at 9.30am rather than the current 10.30am.

People travelling back to Harrogate from London would also benefit from a later last direct service home, Mr Flesher told Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting, under plans being formulated.

He said the final train would depart an hour later than the current 5.33pm service.

However, the changes are not due to be implemented until the end of next year.

Mr Flesher, who lives in Harrogate, told the meeting the number of customers using the Harrogate line had risen by 15% this year. He added:

“We want to bring earlier and later London services from Harrogate next year.”

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, who organised the guest speakers at last night’s transport-themed chamber meeting, asked Mr Flesher what time the new services would be scheduled for.

Mr Flesher gave the details and said the earlier and later services had been “long-awaited”. He added:

“That will get people into London at a much more helpful and sensible time in the morning.”

A LNER spokesperson contacted the Stray Ferret after the article was first published to say:

“These are ambitions that are being explored with timings subject to change. An hour earlier southbound is the ambition with a new timetable. With reference to the northbound return train in particular, this is in discussion but very much our ambition.”

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Council prepares alternative options to save £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

Council bosses are preparing to submit alternative options for Harrogate’s £11.2 million Station Gateway project.

In a report due before senior councillors next week, North Yorkshire Council recommends coming up with a ‘descoped’ gateway scheme after the previous proposals were paused last month.

The report, which does not mention cycling once, said the revised scheme would retain the popular elements of the gateway.

It said it 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”.

It added the Department for Transport, which funded the gateway through its Transforming Cities Fund, had “indicated initial support for a modified scope but have not yet formally responded”.

The council halted the scheme immediately after lawyers acting on behalf of local property firm Hornbeam Park Developments launched a judicial review.

Now it is hastily preparing new measures to prevent the funding from being lost.

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, said in the report:

“Other options could be to progress with the scheme originally conceived, either with the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders, but having objections considered at a public inquiry or alternatively revisiting some of the TRO proposals, such as not restricting loading hours; or to cancel the scheme in its entirety.”

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Councillors will consider the report at an executive meeting on September 19.

Council officers are then expected to bring further options for the gateway to an executive meeting in October or November.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at the council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he remains hopeful the £11.2 million of government funding will be spend on a transport improvement scheme for Harrogate.

Cllr Duncan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the scheme was “not dead yet”, but was “on life support”.

However, he added that the project will have to be altered for it to stand a chance of succeeding.

Cat charity to open new Harrogate shop

Cats Protection is set to open a new shop in Harrogate.

The store, which will operate under the charity’s boutique retail arm called Cattitude, will be located at 8 Oxford Street.

The shop, which will sell fashion items and accessories, is seeking volunteers.

Sarah Jordan, retail operations manager at the charity, said: 

“We have been hoping to open a store in Harrogate for many years and we’re delighted to finally be able to make this happen.

“The final touches are being put together as we speak and we hope to be able to announce an opening date very soon. In the meantime, anyone looking for new, exciting retail positions is invited to get in touch.”

Cats Protection helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network, which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres. 

Its retail arm helps to raise funds to ensure as many cats as possible can go on to live happy lives.

For more information about volunteering at the charity, visit the Cats Protection website.

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Felled Harrogate oak tree defaced with graffiti

A felled oak tree in Harrogate has been defaced with graffiti which inaccurately claims it was killed for cyclists.

The tree at the junction of Bilton Lane and Woodfield Road was taken down due to its decaying condition last month.

At the time, the council said it was “regrettable” that the 300-year-old oak had to be felled.

The tree has now been defaced with graffiti, which says “killed 4 cyclists”.

It is unclear who is responsible for the graffiti or when it was carried out.

However, the message is inaccurate as council officials confirmed to the Stray Ferret that the tree had been assessed in June and its decaying roots meant it was a “risk to the public”.

North Yorkshire Council also claimed it is possible that work carried out by Northern Powergrid in April near to the oak on Woodfield Road in Bilton “would have accelerated the death of the tree”.

Jonathan Clubb, the council’s head of parks and grounds, said a “thorough examination” would now be carried out into the tree.

He said:

“It is always regrettable when we have to remove a tree and we do not do so lightly. However, after a detailed assessment of the risks posed, a decision was taken to remove this specimen due to its condition.

“Oak trees can live for centuries and this particular tree was around 300 years old.

“However, the extent of the root decay meant the stability of the tree may have been affected. Because of its location on a main road, the risk to the public was considered too great to allow it to continue to stand.”

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Harrogate Station Gateway ‘on life support but not dead yet’

North Yorkshire Council’s transport leader Keane Duncan has said he remains hopeful that £11m of government money will be spent on a transport improvement scheme around Harrogate Station.

But he admits the troubled Station Gateway project will have to be altered for it to stand a chance of succeeding.

The Conservative councillor discussed the scheme, which was paused last month following a legal challenge from Hornbeam Park Developments, in an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cllr Duncan, who is standing for the Conservatives in next year’s first York and North Yorkshire mayoral election, talks about how the council got into this situation, whether it has failed cyclists and pedestrians in the town and what will happen now.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive will meet on Tuesday, September 19 to decide its next move regarding the project, which aims to improve walking and cycling.

Lay out the options for the Station Gateway and what the most realistic outcome is?

There are essentially three options now open to us. The first option is to push ahead with the current gateway plan – a plan that will almost certainly be challenged again and therefore time out.

The second option is to axe the gateway completely – a decision that will see £11m of investment lost and diverted elsewhere by the government.

The third is to produce an alternative scheme that achieves public support and has a realistic chance of success.

My sincere hope is to find a way forward that secures £11m of investment for Harrogate.

Did the council prepare contingency plans for the gateway money and could it be spent elsewhere in Harrogate?

The Transforming Cities Fund investment cannot be spent on anything other than some form of Transforming Cities Fund project. While it would be possible to revise the current gateway scheme, it is incorrect and insincere for anyone to suggest funding can be directed to entirely different projects.

We have never had that ability, and we do not have that ability now.

It is always easiest for politicians to walk away, to give up, to standstill. Doing nothing is always more expedient than trying to do something.
But I believe very strongly we should exhaust every avenue before rejecting £11 million out of hand.

This section of Station Parade would be reduced to single lane traffic under the scheme.

What do you think about Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones’s comment that the gateway is a “timed-out dead scheme”?

The Gateway is not timed out – yet. The gateway is not dead – yet. But it is fair to say the gateway is on life support. Andrew wants to secure investment for Harrogate. The Liberal Democrats say they want to secure investment for Harrogate. I do too, and I will do my best to deliver on that objective.

Will the Department for Transport extend the Transforming Cities Fund deadline if you decide to put forward a different scheme or make changes?

We must spend TCF funding by March 2025 at the absolute latest.
We are now in a race against time to meet this deadline and secure investment for Harrogate.

While the timetable is very tight, it does remain possible to deliver a scheme, albeit perhaps not necessarily exactly as first planned.

We are working very closely with the Department for Transport and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Their support will be absolutely critical.

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The council has admitted errors were made in the consultation stages. Who is being held accountable and do you feel let down?

The gateway decision was rescinded for the simple reason that the loading restrictions proposed for James Street require a public inquiry to be held if an objection is received.

Our legal team quickly accepted this requirement had not been met.
It is surprising that the legal counsel we engaged failed to advise us of this key, fundamental point and it is right that the council pursues that.

But my focus right now is not on apportioning blame or on looking back at the past. It is on the tricky challenge of determining what to do next.

As executive member you inherited the project from your predecessor Don Mackenzie. If you had the project from the beginning what would you have done differently?

I was not involved at the start. I wasn’t part of the discussions. When I inherited the scheme, I pursued the fairest and most democratic possible course of action I could. I made clear I would let Harrogate’s councillors decide the way forward.

The majority backed the scheme and I followed their will. The Liberal Democrats have since wobbled in the face of pressure and backtracked. They have shown they cannot provide leadership or direction for Harrogate. They cannot stand by a decision.

I am prepared to do what I takes to deliver investment. The Liberal Democrats are not being quite so clear and straightforward with the people of Harrogate.

James Street traffic order

Cllr Duncan says he’s “surprised’ the council’s legal counsel didn’t say the loading restrictions proposed for James Street required a public inquiry.

Harrogate District Cycle Action has criticised the council’s track record in delivering active travel in the town. Do you accept this criticism and will the gateway situation make it more difficult to win funding from government for future schemes?

While fair challenge and scrutiny is very much welcome, relentless criticism from some cycling campaigners is totally counterproductive to delivering the active travel improvements they are seeking.

A further, significant deterrent to progress is unhelpful division between motorists and cyclists, sometimes stirred up by deliberate provocation. It creates a very difficult context to deliver any change or progress in Harrogate.

I have attempted to heal divisions in my role. I removed Beech Grove so we could take a step back and think of an alternative. I halted phase two of the widely-condemned Otley Road cycleway. That’s allowed us to devise a £585,000 transport package with much wider benefit.

We can make progress and we are making progress, but this is never straight forward. We need a more strategic view and looking ahead to devolution we will have that opportunity.

Chris Bentley is a wealthy local businessman who owns Hornbeam Park Developments. He could effectively put a stop to £11m of investment, which narrowly has the support of the public, into Harrogate town centre. How do you feel about this?

Legal challenge is a risk to any project. It is a fact of reality. We cannot eliminate that risk, but we should be mindful of it and we should do what we can to minimise the risk as we seek to secure positive investment for Harrogate.

Since the Uxbridge by-election, the Prime Minister and the Conservatives have come out against some active travel schemes. If the gateway is shelved, will this help or hinder your hopes of becoming mayor?

My position on gateway will not be determined by whether it helps or hinders me electorally. Chasing popularity is not governing. It is not acting in the public interest. It is knee-jerk, reactionary politics that will continue to let Harrogate down.

I will be a mayor who is prepared to make decisions, even if they are tough, to fight for what I believe in, even if it may not be universally popular, and to be honest about the steps we need to take to address the very serious and growing transport issues Harrogate is facing.

Harrogate head welcomes plan for new crossing outside school

A Harrogate headteacher has welcomed plans to introduce a crossing point on the busy road outside the town’s largest primary school.

Tim Broad has campaigned for several years to improve safety outside Western Primary School on Cold Bath Road. Three years ago he spoke of his fears a child could be killed crossing the road to the 500-pupil school.

Mr Broad and parents lobbied hard for two vehicle-activated signs to be installed notifying drivers of their speed in the 20 miles per hour zone.

Now North Yorkshire Council has revealed plans to spend £10,000 creating a crossing point outside the school.

The crossing point would be uncontrolled, meaning it would not have traffic lights.

An uncontrolled crossing in Lincolnshire. Pic: copyright Bob Harvey

Mr Broad said:

“Obviously I support any measure which results in improved safety for our children and road users in general.

“I would have preferred a controlled crossing as this would be much safer – children will still be dependent upon drivers being aware and considerate as I assume there will be no compulsion for them to stop to allow people to cross at this point.

“This is also something we will have to make very clear to our pupils to ensure they don’t have the expectation that vehicles will stop.”

Western Primary School

Mr Broad said he was unaware of the precise location of the crossing or the timescale for completion. He said

“The only concern I have is around the potential narrowing of an already narrow and busy road.

“This is likely to cause congestion, with more vehicles stationary outside the school, emitting pollution and further damaging the air quality. It would be interesting to hear the thoughts of the planners on this issue.”

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He added he “saw no reason” not to keep the vehicle activated speed signs outside the school and said he supported plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit around seven nearby schools but added:

“This needs to go hand in hand with efforts to change the culture of drivers in relation to these speed limits such that it becomes socially unacceptable to drive faster than 20 in these areas. Sadly, our experience on Cold Bath Road is that the majority of drivers, including a police van on Tuesday, ignore the signs.”

Business Breakfast: Duchy Hospital in Harrogate wins national award

The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate has won a national award.

The hospital, which is run by Circle Health Group, received the recognition for commitment to patient safety.

The award was given by the National Joint Registry, which monitors performance of hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement operations to improve clinical outcomes.

The hospital was granted the NJR quality data provider certificate for standards in patient safety.

Michelle Eardley, executive director at the Duchy Hospital, said:

“Improving patient safety is of the upmost importance and is a key priority for all staff.

“We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work in facilitating improvement in clinical outcomes and governance for the benefit of joint replacement patients and we’re delighted to be awarded as an NJR quality data provider.”

Local businesses offered chance to trade at Harrogate Christmas Fayre

Destination Harrogate is offering the chance for local businesses to trade for free at this year’s Christmas Fayre.

The Jolly Big Business Boost competition offers for firm’s with “eye-catching, exciting and creative products” to be part of the event.

Visitors pictured at the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

Visitors pictured at the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will run from December 1 until December 17 and is operated by Market Place Europe.

John McGivern, destination events manager at Destination Harrogate, said:

“The Jolly Big Business Boost supports our amazing local businesses to maximise this opportunity, which Christmas in Harrogate offers, and we’d encourage all interested and eligible businesses to take part in the initiative.”

Those interested in entering the competition are asked to submit a short written application with a two-minute video telling the judges about their product and themselves.

This year’s winner will be chosen by a panel of judges drawn from across the Harrogate business community and organisers of the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

For more information and to apply, visit the Destination Harrogate website here.

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Stray Views: Make Harrogate 20mph zone only apply during school pick-up time

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

I wish to make an important point about these new restrictions (20mph zones in Harrogate). I fully support the need for them, but it would be sensible to make them apply only during school pick-up and drop off times. 

This is done widely in the United States and only applies when warning lights on the road are flashing. 

This greatly improves the level of observance of the measures as many consider that it is so unnecessary at other times of the day.

Keith Ludlam, Bilton

Harrogate police memorial is fantastic

Just saw your story on the news (Harrogate police memorial unveiled) and wanted to say that this is what is needed for all memorials so as to ensure their death is remembered and made real rather than just as a name on a monument people pass by. Fantastic.

Carl Sutherley, Leicester (took basic training in Harrogate)

Otley Road cycle path ‘waste of money’

Whoever thought of spending money on the cycle path on Otley Road? It has been a waste of money.

I regularly use Otley Road to visit my wife who is in a care home and the times I see cyclists riding on the road and not using the cycle paths. It Is beggars believe this money could have been spent on improving some of the potholes on the state of the roads.

Leonard Redmond, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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Harrogate band represents town at French flower festival

A Harrogate band has represented the town at a flower festival in Luchon in France — a place twinned with Harrogate.

Tewit Silver Band, based in Huby, recently returned from Luchon en Fleurs 2023, which celebrated all things floral.

The band – which is made up of 30 players aged between 13 and 78 – and invited to feature in several parades.

It gave its first performance in Sqaure Lauret where its marches and overtures entertained the crowd despite poor weather.

The following show took place in front of the Mairie – the mayor’s office – and was accompanied by a procession of horses and dancers.

Pics: Tewit Silver Band Facebook

The final performance was held at a church in Garin and ended with a standing ovation.

The band said in a statement:

“Our free time was spent discovering the natural beauty of the surrounding area that was spectacular despite the weather.

“Members enjoyed walks, visits to the local areas, swimming in the lake and sampling a few of the local bars and restaurants.”

Tewit Silver Band, a charity, was formed in 2017.

It competes in various national and international competitions, as well as private functions and charity events.

Harrogate is twinned with Luchon and recently held its own floral festival – Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration.

The relationship between the towns is overseen by Harrogate International Partnerships.

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Harrogate footballer looking to score Blackburn Rovers to promotion

Blackburn Rovers may have strolled past Harrogate Town in the Carabao Cup recently — but one notable local player was absent from the team sheet.

Harry Leonard, 19, grew up in Harrogate and went to Grove Road Community Primary School and then Rossett School.

His family moved to the town 12 years ago from Rochdale.

Now starting for Rovers up front, Harry — like England star Rachel Daly — started out at Killinghall Nomads before moving onto Pannal Sports.

He signed for Blackburn at just nine-years-old.

Harry pictured with Killinghall Nomads.

Harry (second from right, back row) pictured with Killinghall Nomads.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, Harry said it felt “unbelievable” to join such an academy set up.

During his rise up the ranks, he rubbed shoulders with players such as Jordan Rhodes, who scored 84 goals for Blackburn over a four-year spell, and midfielder Bradley Dack.

He signed his first professional contract in December 2021.

At the time, he said:

“It’s a little step in what is hopefully a long career here for me.

“You sacrifice a lot, moving over to the area at such a young age and a lot of hard work has gone into it, so I’d like to think that the hard work is paying off, but you can’t hold back in football. You’ve got to keep pushing on, keep working hard and keep getting better.”

Harry signing for Blackburn at nine-years-old.

Harry signing for Blackburn at nine-years-old.

Manager John Dahl Tomasson gave Harry his big break at the start of this season when the club opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Ewood Park.

Harry started and scored his first senior goal — 10 years to the day since he signed for Rovers.

He said:

“I was over the moon. It was a good win over a good side.”

Despite playing with the likes of Rhodes and Dack, Harry says he has never had one player that he has modelled his game on.

In fact, much of his inspiration lies closer to home.

He points to Ricky O’Sullivan, his PE teacher at Rossett, and Ryan Ellis, his teacher at Grove Road Primary School, as among those who helped him the most.

https://twitter.com/SkyBetChamp/status/1688109896959393792?s=20

The 19-year-old has started all but one league game in the Championship so far.

With games against the likes of local rivals Preston North End still to come, he says one of the games he’s most looking forward to is the trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United.

“I’ve got friends who will be in the Leeds end.”

Relishing his first senior season in the Championship, Harry said he’s taking each game as it comes.

Ahead of the season, he sat down with coach Damian Johnson to go over how he would approach the coming season.

But, rather than set a target, the discussion was around developing himself in the first team.

“I sat down at the start of the season with him and decided to try and cement my place in the team.

“I’m trying to take it game by game.”

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