Harrogate Archives - Page 359 of 783

Harrogate’s former Kimberley Hotel being used for drugs and crime, say police

A Harrogate police inspector has expressed concerns that the site of the former Kimberley Hotel is being used for drugs and crime.

The 70-bedroom hotel on King’s Road closed in December 2020 after more than 50 years.

Insp. Ed Rogerson, who works for North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate outer area, said the former hotel had become a “problem area” when he gave an overview of local policing to Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny committee this week.

He said the hotel was awaiting redevelopment, adding:

“This empty building has been a problem area. Although it’s boarded up people keep breaking in.

“It’s primarily young people but it’s also being used by adults. People have used the location for taking drugs.

“It’s a concern that these vulnerable people are mixing with adults in that location where there’s crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Insp. Rogerson added officers were working with other organisations, including environmental health, “to ensure the owner and developer of that premises secure it properly”. He added:

“They’ve been reminded that if it doesn’t remain secure then enforcement action can be taken against them”.

The Kimberley Hotel in 2020.

The Kimberley Hotel opened in the 1960s when five townhouses dating back to the turn of the 20th century were converted.

It benefitted from the opening of what was then called the Harrogate Conference Centre in 1982, which is a short walk away.

Harrogate’s Rossett School still ‘requires improvement’, says Ofsted

Ofsted has said Rossett School in Harrogate ‘requires improvement’ in a critical report published today.

High staff turnover, disruptive pupils and extremely high absence rates among disadvantaged students are among the concerns highlighted by the government schools inspector.

The report, which followed a two-day visit on November 22 and 23, acknowledges that for the most part the 1,200-pupil school “is a warm, friendly and welcoming school”. It adds:

“Leaders, governors and staff are deeply committed to the pupils who attend the school. A strong determination to be inclusive and supportive permeates the school.”

But it adds a “notable minority of pupils do not behave well” and “sometimes disrupt the smooth running of the school”.

It then details further behaviour concerns:

“Most pupils who communicated with inspectors feel safe at school, but the conduct of the minority makes some pupils feel unsafe at times.

“Some pupils’ conduct out of lessons is variable, with overly boisterous behaviour. Some pupils ignore staff requests and instructions. Some staff do not apply the school’s behaviour policy consistently. A minority of pupils are regularly late to lessons, or have to be rounded up by leaders and escorted to class.”

Leaders, it said, were “taking action to improve the behaviour of the challenging minority of pupils” but “do not have an accurate picture of whether pupils are late, trying to avoid going to lessons, or both, and consequently this limits their ability to deal with the problem as sharply as required”.

‘Persistent absence’

Regarding attendance, the report said data showed that approaching half of all disadvantaged pupils were “persistently absent”.

The inspectors said leaders were following the school’s policy in attempting to improve this situation, but “it lacks the necessary drive and urgency to bring about the required step change in some pupils’ rate of attendance”.

The report said governors “do not have a fully accurate understanding of the school’s performance”, adding:

“They have a more positive view of behaviour than is the case. They have not been enabled by leaders to rigorously explore those aspects of pupils’ outcomes at key stage 4, which are less strong than others.”

The school, which is part of the Red Kite Alliance collaborative partnership of schools and a university across Yorkshire, was previously rated ‘requires improvement’ at its last full inspection in 2019. Today’s report said:

“Since the previous inspection, there has been a substantial turnover of staff, with 20 new staff joining the school in September 2022.”

The school was rated ‘good’ for quality of education, personal development and sixth-form provision and ‘requires improvement’ for behaviour and attitude, and leadership and management.

But the overall rating was ‘requires improvement’, which is worse than ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ but better than ‘inadequate’.

‘We are incredibly disappointed’

The school issued the following statement by John Hesketh, chair of governors, in response to the report.

“We are incredibly disappointed by the overall judgment, particularly after being upgraded to ‘good’ in the areas of quality of education and personal development, as well as maintaining the ‘good’ rating for our sixth form provision.

“We are delighted with these improved gradings which recognise the progress we have made since our last inspection and reflect the hard work and commitment from our leaders and all our staff. We will continue to build on all our strengths as we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do.

“We immediately remedied some areas for improvement such as the management of sixth form absence, inconsistencies in school uniform, and the reporting process for staff should they have any concerns. We are reviewing all other areas for improvement and are currently formulating an Ofsted action plan.

“We are pleased the inspectors recognised many positives that reflect the strength of our education provision, our values and ambitions, and the commitment and support we provide to our students and their families.

“There is much to be proud of in the report. Inspectors highlighted our warm, welcoming atmosphere, the breadth and ambition of our curriculum, and the fact that our students move on to positive next steps in education, employment or training at the end of their time with us.

“We received praise for the good, polite behaviour of our students, the commitment of our leaders and governors, our effective safeguarding, and our strength in teaching inclusivity, tolerance and respect.

“We’d like to thank all of Rossett School’s leaders and staff, parents, carers and our whole school community who continue to support us to provide the very best education and positive outcomes for all our students.”

Harrogate Town to open Hall of Fame

Harrogate Town are to open a Hall of Fame recognising people who have made outstanding contributions to the club in its 108-year history.

The Hall of Fame will be located in multiple locations in Harrogate: the new supporters bar at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road, the club shop on Commercial Street, the Exercise.co.uk executive lounge at the ground and the Cedar Court Hotel.

A Hall of Fame committee, chaired by supporter Bernard Higgins and consisting of supporters and club officials, has been meeting monthly since June.

The first 11 inductees were selected from an extensive list compiled by club historian Phil Harrison.

Their names will be announced between January 23 and February 2 and an official launch event attended by chairman Irving Weaver and manager Simon Weaver at the Cedar Court Hotel on February 9.

The launch event will be held at the Cedar Court Hotel.

Following the event, details will be revealed on how supporters can help to shape the Hall of Fame and select the 12th and final inductee of the 2022/23 season.

Inaugural Hall of Fame members, along with family of those who have died, will be invited back to the EnviroVent Stadium over the course of the 2022/23 season, where their contributions to the club will be celebrated.

Each season, two more individuals will be inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Harrogate Mojo applies to extend opening hours until 6.30am

Mojo in Harrogate has applied to extend its opening hours until 6.30am in the morning.

Voodoo Doll Limited, which trades as Mojo, has submitted the licensing request to Harrogate Borough Council for the Parliament Street bar.

It includes amending the permitted sale of alcohol hours from 11am until 4am to 11am to 6am each day of the week.

The proposal would also see the permitted hours for regulated live music, which is currently 11am until 4.30am, changed to 11am to 6am the following morning Monday to Sunday.

The opening hours would be 11am until 6.30am.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application can email licensing@harrogate.gov.uk by February 3.

It comes shortly after nearby Viper Rooms, which had opening hours until 4.30am, closed last month.

In a statement given to the Stray Ferret by landlord North Yorkshire County Council last month, authority officials said the former club unit had already attracted “significant interest from potential tenants”.

Man jailed for racial harassment and carrying weapon in Harrogate

A notorious Harrogate criminal has been jailed yet again, this time for racially aggravated threatening behaviour and carrying a Stanley knife in the town centre.

Graham McMillan, 38, was found shirtless and drinking beer in the middle of the road after police were called out to reports of an incident at Chico’s takeaway in Commercial Street.

York Crown Court heard that McMillan was swearing and shouting racial slurs, even when police warned him about his behaviour.

Prosecutor Brooke Morrison said that when officers searched McMillan, they found a Stanley knife in his jeans pocket.

He was arrested and charged with racially aggravated harassment or threatening behaviour and carrying a bladed article.

He appeared for sentence today via a video link from Wealstun Prison as he was already in custody serving a 42-week prison sentence imposed in September last year for carrying a hammer and swearing at people in the town centre.

That offence occurred on August 28, just four days after McMillan was arrested for the new offences.

Ms Morrison said the racially aggravated incident occurred on August 24 – the same day that McMillan had been given a two-month suspended prison sentence for possessing heroin and cocaine.

Police were initially called out to the Asda supermarket on Bower Road following reports that McMillan had tried to steal a crate of beer.

This incident did not result in any criminal charges, but later that same day, just before midnight, police received a further report that McMillan was at Chico’s takeaway and was refusing to leave.

Ms Morrison said:

“When police arrived, they found him in the middle of the street, topless, drinking from a bottle of beer.”

She said McMillan was “swearing abuse” and shouting out deeply offensive racial slurs aimed at staff at the takeaway.

When police warned him about his behaviour, McMillan drunkenly replied:

“I don’t give a fxxx – do me for racism.”

McMillan – formerly of Harlow Moor Drive, Harrogate, but currently of no fixed address – had 31 previous convictions for 56 offences including threatening and racially aggravated behaviour, carrying a blade, possessing an offensive weapon in public and “many” road-traffic matters and breaches of court orders.

Defence barrister Jennifer Coldham said McMillan had mental-health issues. He intended to return to Harrogate upon his release from the inevitable jail sentence.

Judge Simon Hickey said it was clear that McMillan committed offences “under the influence of drink and drugs”.

McMillan was handed a six-month jail sentence, of which he will serve half behind bars before being released on prison licence.

Valley Gardens visitors urged not to feed ducks

Visitors to Harrogate’s Valley Gardens are being encouraged not to feed the ducks because of the risk of attracting rats.

Harrogate Borough Council recently installed a notice warning people of the risks associated with leftover food on the ground.

It said this could cause issues with rodents and overfed ducks.

However, the council stressed it had no plans to close the gardens, as occurred at Quarry Moor playground in Ripon 18 months ago when the number of rats caused a public health concern.

A council spokesperson said:

“We understand visitors to Valley Gardens in Harrogate enjoy feeding the ducks. However, doing so can attract rats that may feed on the food that is left, and also result in the ducks being overfed.

“Therefore, we would urge people not to feed the ducks.

“We have absolutely no intention whatsoever to close Valley Gardens.”

Slimmer cuts weight by a third to reverse liver disease

This story is sponsored by Slimming World.

A Harrogate slimmer is celebrating after reversing her liver disease by losing over a third of her body weight with Slimming World.

Sylvia Skipper was told by doctors that her non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was off the scale, with a liver fat content of over 70%.

“I was heading towards severe cirrhosis of the liver, which could lead to me needing a liver transplant,” said Sylvia.

“The consultant explained the only legitimate way of improving or reversing this was by losing weight. I had struggled with so many diets in the past I had just about lost faith.”

It was then that she turned to Slimming World, whose science-based healthy eating plan has helped thousands of people across the UK achieve their weight-loss goals without ever going on a diet.

“I vividly remember messaging Cate Pervana, who runs Slimming World groups in Harrogate, and sharing my health issues with her,” said Sylvia.

“I had previously had thyroid cancer, so I struggled to control my metabolism and doubted my ability to lose weight.

“But Cate gave me the reassurance I needed, and I joined Westcliffe Hall Harrogate Slimming World group.”

Combining Slimming World’s no-hunger eating plan with its Body Magic physical activity programme, Sylvia soon started to see the weight fall off. Just over a year later, she has lost 6st 7.5lb – over 40 per cent of her original body weight – and is now down from a size 24 to a size 8. Even her feet have shrunk from a 6 to a 4 and she’s now proudly wearing her favourite pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, which had been stuck in her wardrobe for years.

Sylvia Skipper combined Slimming World’s no-hunger eating plan with its Body Magic physical activity programme to lose weight.

“But the best news came this morning,” said Sylvia. “I now have less than 5% fat in my liver, I have completely reversed my liver disease, and I’ve been discharged.

“I am so grateful to Cate and everyone at Slimming World for giving me all the support I needed. Getting healthy again has been my sole motivation on my weight-loss journey, and I feel on top of the world.”

Sylvia Skipper was in danger of needing a liver transplant, but with the help of Slimming World has stopped her liver disease in its tracks.

Slimming World in Harrogate and Knaresborough runs several groups, making it easier to find one to fit into your schedule. Cate Pervana runs groups in Harrogate, and Christine Husband runs them in Starbeck and Knaresborough.

Find out more:

If you want 2023 to be the year you achieve your weight-loss goals, find out more about your local groups by calling Christine Husband (Starbeck and Knaresborough) on 07890 621324, or Cate Pervana (Harrogate) on 07834 897533.

Alternatively, check out the Slimming World Harrogate and Knaresborough Facebook page here.

Homeless man admits theft at two Harrogate hairdressers

A homeless man has admitted committing theft at two Harrogate town centre shops on the same morning this week.

Anthony Fraser, 37, pleaded guilty to stealing products worth £380 from hair and beauty salon Hart & Hart on Commercial Street on Monday.

He also admitted taking products of an unknown value from the nearby barbers shop belonging to Nathan Cosgrove.

Fraser, who gave his address as Harrogate Homeless Project on Bower Street, appeared before magistrates in York yesterday.

He was remanded on bail until February 10, when he is due to be sentenced.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm opens new office in Hull

The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. The event will be a celebratory night with prize draw and afterparty. Richard Flinton, the chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council is the guest speaker. Early bird ticket prices are available until February 9 and available to buy here. Bring your team, network and have fun.

A Harrogate law firm has expanded and opened a third office in Hull.

Truth Legal, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has also employed two new lawyers to staff the new office on Bond Street in the city.

The Hull base will be overseen by Frances Ledbury, specialist immigration lawyer, and Olivia Pickering, an experienced paralegal.

The new office joins Harrogate and Leeds as Truth Legal’s locations.

Georgia Parkin, managing director at the firm, said:

“2022 was a great year for the business, our most successful to date during which we celebrated our tenth anniversary.

“To kick off 2023 with the opening of a new branch gives us the best possible start to the New Year. We’ve experienced a rapid period of expansion, particularly over the past three years, opening successful immigration law, family law and business services departments in that time.

“A real upturn in demand for our services prompted the decision to open in Hull, offering the East Riding and Lincolnshire greater access to a dedicated, specialist legal team with a proven track record.”

Harrogate entrepreneurs to be offered business advice

Start ups in the Harorgate district are being offered free support through the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub this March.

As part of the Strive Incubator programme, 30 entrepreneurs with a business idea will be able to access one-to-one advice and a series of workshops covering over 20 topics, from finances to marketing.

Delivered primarily through weekly live training sessions with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning, the incubator programme is designed to make it easy and exciting to start a business.

Andrew Raby, manager of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said:

“The StriveLive start-up incubator provides a hugely valuable programme of support to our local entrepreneurs allowing them to scale their ideas and make a tangible impact upon our local economy.

“We are very much looking forward to supporting all the entrepreneurs as they progress through this year’s programme.”

Daniela Genova, founder of Cafe Lago di Como in Harrogate who took part in the scheme, said:

“Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business.

“But most importantly the team work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.”

The Strive project is commissioned by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and supported by City of York Council and Harrogate Borough Council.

The next scheme will start on March 16, 2023.

For more information on the scheme, visit the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website here.

Harrogate firm Cicada announces death of founder Di Burton

Di Burton, founder of Harrogate PR firm Cicada, has died at the age of 68.

The company, which Ms Burton founded in 1987, announced in a statement on its website today that she had died this month.

She was also a former member of the Cabinet Office communications review team, a former director of Harrogate Theatre, a board member of the Northern Aldborough Festival and an alumna of Harvard Business School.

Cicada’s statement said:

“If you met Di, you were unlikely to forget her.

“Assertive and inquisitive by nature, her infectious personality always left a lasting impression.

“She will be remembered as one of Harrogate’s best-known and most respected business figures and one of the country’s leading PR practitioners.”

The statement added Ms Burton turned the company “into a thriving PR consultancy that helped a wide range of companies to manage their reputation, raise their profile and boost their bottom line” and that colleagues “benefitted from her enthusiastic leadership and mentoring”.

It said:

“As Di’s husband Andy eloquently puts it: ‘Di was one of those people for whom tomorrow could not come quickly enough. Much of her mind was always in the future; there was always so much more to accomplish’.”

Cicada’s current management team acquired Cicada in 2015, which enabled Ms Burton to retire although she continued to work by training PR professionals.

Ms Burton is survived by husband Andy, children Sarah and Rupert and grandchildren. Her funeral will take place at All Saints Church, Ripley at 2.30pm on January 30.

The family has requested no flowers at the funeral, but instead for donations to either Harrogate’s Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre or Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

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