Harrogate Archives - Page 249 of 772

Holiday home show opens in Harrogate for first time today

The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate is hosting the UK’s biggest holiday home show for the first time today.

More than 220 holiday homes and 140 motorhomes and caravans will be on display at The Great Holiday Home Show.

The three-day show, formerly known as The Lawns, has never before been held in Harrogate in its more than 40-year history.

TV presenters Christine Talbot and Matt Baker will host chat shows, while YouTube motorhome family the Roaming Radfords and The Yorkshire Vet’s Peter Wright will also be in attendance.

The Great British Bake Off’s Karen Wright and chef Steph Moon will hold live cookery demonstrations over the weekend too.

Live music, children’s entertainment and food stands will also be on offer.

Sunrise at the showground.

Visitors can try their hands at paddle-boarding and e-biking, as well as towing tuition for upcoming caravan holidays.

As well as the chance to shop for outdoor holiday homes, accessories and motorhome technology will be available to purchase at the show.

Tickets are available online or on the door and cost £12.50 per person. Under 16s go free with a paying adult.

Parking is free and dogs on leads are welcome.

Council hoping to build £20 million Killinghall bypass

North Yorkshire Council has said it wants to build a £20 million bypass in Killinghall to alleviate congestion.

The authority published a report this week that offers updates into three transport projects in Harrogate, including a bypass in Killinghall, which has been mooted for years but is yet to move forward to a firm proposal.

An unpopular relief road scheme near Nidd Gorge was scrapped by North Yorkshire County Council in 2019 following widespread public opposition.

But the problem of congestion has not gone away and the council’s Harrogate Congestion Study in 2019 suggested a village bypass in Killinghall still had a level of support among residents.

At the time, the council’s Conservative-run executive said that it would consider developing the project further to see if it might be able to win government funding so it could be built.

Since then, officials working on the bypass have looked at a number of possible routes to reducing the impact of traffic in Killinghall.

The latest report does not offer details on possible routes, but the county council previously said the route which offered the best value for money would be one that bypasses Killinghall to the east and connects the B6161 south of the village to the A61 above it.

Several new housing developments have been built in or near Killinghall in recent years and traffic going between Harrogate and Ripon has to pass through the village.

There have also been safety concerns around the B6161/A61 junction that the council thinks the bypass could help improve.

In the report, the council argues that due to “the more rural nature” of Killinghall there are fewer opportunities to create active travel schemes that promote walking or cycling.

The report recommends that the public is asked their opinion on the bypass and that a route is eventually recommended.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport and Conservative mayoral candidate, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he believes a Killinghall bypass is “absolutely critical” to tackling congestion and improving road safety in the village.

Cllr Duncan said:

“We still need to confirm the best route, but the principle of delivering new road infrastructure here is absolutely right.

“It is the only real solution to the serious safety issues raised in the recent audit of the B6161/A61 junction in the heart of the village.

“I am fully committed to delivering this long-awaited bypass and the fair deal the people of Killinghall so desperately deserve.

“Devolution gives fresh hope of finally delivering this project and if elected as North Yorkshire’s first mayor I will seek to secure the £20m needed.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate bid specialist appoints director

A Harrogate bid specialist has appointed a new managing director.

Big Bamboo BIDS has hired Ken Erksine, who has 36 years in the industry, to the post.

The company was incorporated in May 2022 and since then has won and retained work with clients in the construction, engineering, soft and hard FM and infrastructure sectors.

Mr Erksine, whose most recent role was head of bids and proposals at Careys, will be tasked with growing Big Bamboo’s business.

He said:

“Having spent 36 years working in bid and proposals in many of the UK’s leading contracting businesses, I am excited to be taking a leap into the world of consultancy.

“Having found myself in a situation where I was looking for a new opportunity, I was approached by numerous companies. Nicola, the founding director and I were introduced via a mutual connection, and it became clear very quickly that we both saw an opportunity for a consultancy that could offer something different and disrupt the marketplace.”

Homes Together sponsors Harrogate Town junior supporters club

A Harrogate housing provider is set to sponsor Harrogate Town’s junior supporters club.

Homes Together, which is based on Victoria Avenue and provides accommodation for disabled people across the district, has agreed the sponsorship deal with the club.

Harrogate Town junior supporters club with Homes Together officials.

The supporters group was founded with an aim to engage more younger fans with the football club.

Joanne Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:

“We recently launched our very first junior supporters club, and the take up has been astounding, engaging with our younger fans in a fun and interactive way to enhance their experience with the club is key as we grow our next generation of Harrogate Town fans.

“Homes Together are the ideal partner as we both continue our journey to serve the Harrogate Communities, and we are grateful for their valued support on our mission.”

David Ashton-Jones, managing director at Homes Together, added:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Homes Together to support a local club that is so important to the people of Harrogate.

“Supporting the communities that our homes reside in is a top priority for us, and we’re fully on board with Harrogate Towns goal to grow the next generation of fans.”

Harrogate’s Pannal Ash Road to get £300,000 resurfacing

North Yorkshire Council has earmarked Pannal Ash Road in Harrogate for resurfacing.

The local authority added the road to its highways capital programme, which includes roadworks and repairs across the county.

According to a council report, the resurfacing is set to cost £300,000.

A council spokesperson told the Stray Ferret the project will cover the entirety of Pannal Ash Road.

Traffic calming measures to support the 20mph limit on the road will also be considered as part of the scheme. However, those would be subject to consultation.

The resurfacing is due to be carried out in summer 2024.

The council’s highways programme includes three years worth of roadwork schemes across North Yorkshire.

A total of 840 projects were recently added the programme taking the value of the council’s project pipeline to £64 million.

Council has failed cyclists in Harrogate, says campaigner

A cycling campaigner has described North Yorkshire Council‘s attempts to improve cycling around the Otley Road area of Harrogate as a “failed project”.

The council announced 10 schemes yesterday costing £585,000 to relieve congestion and improve safety in west Harrogate.

Malcolm Margolis, a member of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said the funding provided by government in 2017 included provision for a cycleway from Cardale Park to the Prince of Wales roundabout in Harrogate.

This has now been abandoned, along with other recent cycling initiatives proposed or trialled by the council.

Mr Margolis said:

“This failed project, it should be noted, was the brainchild of the county council, not of cycling campaigners.

“Six years later almost all the cycling elements have been removed.

“This is hugely disappointing, and adds to the council’s failure to deliver funded cycle schemes on Victoria Avenue, the A59 near Knaresborough and Oatlands Drive, and the removal of the successful modal filters on Beech Grove.”

The £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway also looks set to be abandoned after the council admitted it failed to hold a public inquiry before issuing traffic regulation orders.

The council has proposed spending £100,000 to upgrade Nursery Lane for cyclists.

The new proposals include new pedestrian crossings, traffic light upgrades and bus shelter upgrades.

But there is little specifically for cyclists besides a £100,000 upgrade of the no through road Nursery Lane, which is accessed off Otley Road.

A report to councillors about this scheme said it would “investigate the potential of a cycle track order and associated infrastructure works to the surface”. But it adds “third party land would be required”.

New 20mph zone welcomed

But Mr Margolis joined other campaigners in welcoming the proposed 20mph zone covering streets in Pannal Ash and Oatlands.

The zone includes seven schools: Harrogate Grammar School, Rossett Acre Primary School, Rossett School, Ashville College, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Oatlands Junior School and Oatlands Infants School.

Mr Margolis said this would “make the roads safer for everyone”

Hazel Peacock hands the road safety petition to Elizabeth Jackson of North Yorkshire Council

Hazel Peacock handing the road safety petition to Elizabeth Jackson of North Yorkshire Council in May.

Hazel Peacock, Dr Vicki Evans, Dr Jenny Marks and Ruth Lily, who represent the groups Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign and Pannal Ash Safe Streets, said they were “delighted” the council had committed to delivering the proposals they put forward.

In a statement, they said:

“This is a brilliant response to the calls for safer streets by the local community, schools, education leaders and local cross party councillors, who have been fully supportive of the campaigns in recent years.

“These changes will not only improve safety, but will make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of the whole community, access to walking and cycling and the environment.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Cllr Keane Duncan and North Yorkshire Council staff on the delivery and specifics of the plan, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children, young people and the local community.”

Pub landlord councillor creates tribute to Rachel Daly’s dad Martyn

Harlow Hill councillor and Shepherd’s Dog landlord Michael Schofield has created a tribute in his pub to “one in a million” friend Martyn Daly who died in 2021.

Martyn was the dad of England footballer and Women’s Super League player of the year Rachel Daly as well as a well-loved regular in the Otley Road pub for many years.

He was also dad to Andrew and step-dad to Greg and Rob.

Cllr Schofield and his wife Donna, with support from Martyn’s partner Cath, have put up a plaque and framed photo of him and Rachel that overlooks the TV where he enjoyed watching football with a pint of Stella.

The tribute was ready for when a packed pub full of Martyn’s friends and family watched the agonising World Cup final last month when England lost 1-0 to Spain.

Martyn would travel to America to watch his daughter play for Houston Dash and Cllr Schofield said it was bittersweet that he was not able to cheer England on in the final.

He said:

“Everybody turned up at the pub because they felt proud for him and wanted to be here for him and the family. He was one of life’s great ones.”

Like his daughter, Martyn was a very handy striker in his own right, playing for local clubs like Harlow Hornets and even scoring over 100 goals in one season.

Both Martyn and Rachel have worked shifts behind the bar of the pub and they would play super competitive games of pool together when she came back to visit Harrogate.

Cllr Schofield said he was a father figure to many at Harlow Hill, including to his own two children who grew up above the pub.

He said:

“What Martyn brought to the community and youngsters was something else. He always put other people before himself. He was always with a smile and a joke and he had time for everybody.

“If ever you felt down, he’d give you his big bear hug. He was an absolutely great guy.

“He needed celebrating in his own right. If you ask any of the guys my age who played football with him, they’d all the same. He was a great ambassador for his sport, Harlow Hill, the pub and for his family.”

“He’s sorely missed — everybody could do with someone like him in their life.”

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly nominated for world’s top player

Harrogate-born England player Rachel Daly is one of 30 nominees on the shortlist for the world’s best female footballer.

Daly and fellow England stars Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway are among those in the running for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Daly finished top scorer in the WSL last season to win the Golden Boot and was named PFA women’s Players’ Player of the Year. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland took the men’s award.

Now the former Rossett School student, who started her career at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, could be named the continent’s number one.

Daly, who has 447,000 followers on Instagram and 91,000 on Twitter, posted on social media to say it was a “phenomenal honour” to be nominated.

https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1699471120116662330?s=20

Daly’s recent awards also include winning Euro 22 with England Lionesses and being runners-up in this year’s World Cup.

But North Yorkshire Council still shows no sign of bestowing a civic honour on the homegrown superstar.

A petition, launched by Killinghall Nomads with the backing of the Stray Ferret, is due to be discussed by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in November after meeting the required threshold of signatories.

But the council’s ruling executive, which is 80% male, has said only the matter will be discussed at an unspecified time as part of a wider policy on recognising local people.

The Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon was named after the local Olympic diving champion.

But so far the council has not shown any inclination to do the same for Daly in Harrogate — or come up with a similar accolade.

Business Breakfast: Ripley butchers wins regional business award

A Ripley butchers has won a regional business award.

Castle Meats of Ripley, which was formerly Hutchinsons Butchers, won best butcher category at the Yorkshire Retail Business Awards 2023.

The ceremony, which is part of the England Business Awards, was held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.

Brian Robinson, who is now in his fourth year trading at Ripley, was voted by the public of Yorkshire and now qualifies to enter the national finals.

He said:

“It was a team effort, my wife Tracy and son Aaron work as hard at trying to give that extra bit of customer service.”

Harrogate company becomes first to join hospital charity scheme

A Harrogate company has become the first business to join a Friends of Harrogate Hospital fundraising initiative.

The scheme invites local firms to donate £1,000 and become an “enterprise friend” with the charity.

(left to right) Greg Tunesi, Friend; Rachel Tranter, EnviroVent; John Fox, Chair of the Friends and Andy Makin, Managing Director of EnviroVent.

EnviroVent, which is based at West Business Park, has become the first company to join the initiative.

Andy Makin, managing director at EnviroVent, said:

“Hospitals are at the centre of our communities, there for when we need them most.

“For this reason, EnviroVent are delighted to support Friends of Harrogate Hospital as their first Enterprise Friend and congratulate John Fox and his fellow trustees on creating this initiative and look forward to joining other Enterprise Friends in supporting for many years to come.”

Landmark Harrogate road safety and transport package unveiled

New speed limits will be introduced outside a series of schools in Harrogate under plans for North Yorkshire’s largest ever 20mph zone.

North Yorkshire Council today unveiled proposals for an extensive 20mph zone covering streets across the Pannal Ash and Oatlands areas of the town.

The proposed area for the new zone includes a total of seven schools in Harrogate.

These are Harrogate Grammar School, Rossett Acre Primary School, Rossett School, Ashville College, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Oatlands Junior School and Oatlands Infants School.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:

“This is the most significant 20mph zone the council has ever introduced.

“Our plan will see 20mph limits introduced outside seven more schools and on nearby residential streets, meaning thousands of children can enjoy safer journeys every day.

“This landmark proposal is testament to the collective determination of schools, families and councillors to respond to public concerns and deliver ambitious action. It sets a positive example and leads the way for communities across North Yorkshire.”

A proposed £585,000 package of sustainable transport measures for the west of Harrogate has also been announced today.

The National Productivity Investment Fund package will be used to deliver parts of the new 20mph zone, as well as upgraded signals at the Cold Bath Road/Otley Road/Arthurs Avenue junction.

A crossing will be installed outside Western Primary School on Cold Bath Road.

There will also be improvements to bus stops along Otley Road, the crossing outside Falcon Chiropractic on Cold Bath Road, and a new crossing will be installed outside Western Primary School on Cold Bath Road.

Improvements will be made to cycle route signing, the crossing between Green Lane public right of way and Ashville College, and there will be new cycle parking and public realm improvements on Cold Bath Road. Nursery Lane will be upgraded to allow cyclists to use as an off-road leisure route.

Cllr Duncan said:

“We halted unpopular plans for phase two of the Otley Road cycleway to develop an alternative package of measures.

“This decision means we are now able to invest in signal improvements, new crossings, cycling improvements and new bus stops instead.

“This alternative package will be of immense and lasting benefit to all road users – motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers.”

Oatlands Junior School starts scheme

The first School Street initiative started today at Oatlands Junior School, whereby Beechwood Grove is closed to traffic at pick-up and drop-off times to create a safer environment and encourage more children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

The pilot has been implemented for an experimental 18-month period to allow for its impact to be monitored and assessed. A decision will then be made whether to make the scheme permanent once a review has been carried out.

Members of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee will be asked to provide feedback on the proposed 20mph and transport package at a meeting on Thursday, September 14.

The plans will then be considered for approval by Cllr Duncan, with the aim of implementing the measures early next year.

Trial scheme banning school run cars from Harrogate street launched today

A trial scheme to close a Harrogate street outside a busy junior school during traffic at peak times was launched this morning.

Beechwood Grove is now part of the School Streets pilot project, preventing parents from using it to access Oatlands Junior School at the beginning and end of the school day.

From today – the first day of the new school year at Oatlands Junior School – the measures will see school traffic banned from the road between 8.30am and 9am, and from 3pm to 3.45pm, on weekdays during term time.

The scheme is the first School Streets pilot in North Yorkshire.

Residents, school staff, blue badge holders, official school transport and emergency services are exempt from the closure.

As an alternative, parents are encouraged to bring their children to school by foot, bicycle, or scooter. Those who need to drive are asked to use the ‘park and ride’ scheme, parking at Hornbeam Park railway station, M&S Simply Food on Leeds Road, or St Mark’s Church, and walking the rest of the way.

Hazel Peacock & Dr Vicki Evans, of Outlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are delighted the School Street pilot at Beechwood Grove started today to create a safer, healthier space around the Oatlands Junior School for pupils, parents and carers and local residents, every school day.

“This first School Street pilot in North Yorkshire, is the result of a joint community collaboration between campaigners, residents, Oatlands Junior School, local councillors John Mann and Pat Marsh and North Yorkshire Council.”

The move comes amid incidents involving cars and school pupils in Harrogate.

This year, a pupil at the junior school was injured when a car mounted a pavement outside the school gates, while a more serious collision on Yew Tree Lane left two 15-year-old Rossett schoolboys with serious injuries.

Following the incidents, a campaign to introduce 20mph limits and other restrictions on roads around Oatlands, Pannal Ash and Rossett gathered momentum.

Headteachers of all the local primary and secondary schools met several times, along with councillors, highways officers and parents, to discuss road safety.

A petition of more than 1,000 signatures was presented to North Yorkshire Council and the proposal was debated by both the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, and the council’s executive.

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