The councillor in charge of transport at North Yorkshire County Council has criticised a “hardline cycle lobby” in Harrogate as he reflected on the decision to scrap two high-profile active travel schemes.

Cllr Keane Duncan gave a wide-ranging presentation to members of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Monday night.

In January, it was confirmed the second phase of the Otley Road cycle path in Harrogate will be shelved due to negative feedback received in a public consultation.

It would have followed the first phase from Harlow Moor Road to Arthur’s Avenue that was completed last year but received widespread criticism due to a design that asks cyclists to weave on-and-off the pavement.

This has led to some cyclists choosing to ignore the route and use the road instead with critics in the consultation likening it to a crazy golf course.

Cllr Keane Duncan addressed the Station Gateway and active travel schemes at the event.

Cllr Duncan said the proposals for phase 2 received negative feedback from not only motorists but from pedestrians and cyclists too. 

He said:

“For me that was strong and compelling evidence why we should not proceed.”

The executive member for highways said when moving forward with new active travel proposals in the town he will be “listening to everybody and not just those who shout the loudest”. 

He added:

“It has become clear there is a hardline cycle lobby who, in my view, do not speak for everyday cyclists in Harrogate.”

Read more:

• Council bids for £3m for cycling projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough
• Cycling group questions commitment to active travel in Harrogate district

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked a spokesperson for campaign group Harrogate District Cycle Action if it would like to respond to Cllr Duncan’s comments but they declined.

Cllr Duncan also spoke about why the council decided to end the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial in August 2022 after 18 months.

He said the scheme “became a symbol of anti-active travel sentiment” so the planters were removed to allow the council to take stock and consider what to do next in the area. 

He added:

“Everybody said no matter what the feedback was we’d continue no matter what. I came into post and the modal filters were removed giving us a chance to look again.”

What’s next for active travel in Harrogate?

Despite the council not moving forward with plans at Beech Grove and Otley Road, it announced in February it will be submitting another bid through the government’s Active Travel Fund.

It will seek £1.08m of initial funding to create segregated cycleways on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.

The council will also be asking for a further £1.65m to add segregated cycle lanes on the existing cycle route between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Leon has confirmed its Harrogate restaurant will close in just over two weeks’ time — as speculation mounts over the site’s future.

The Stray Ferret revealed this week the Wetherby Road fast food venue would cease trading, with the loss of about 20 jobs, on April 2.

Staff were informed of the decision on Monday.

A Leon spokesperson said today:

“We’re confirming we have decided to close the doors of Leon Harrogate on Wetherby Road. Our last trading day will be April 2.

“Guests will still be able to get their Leon fix at the drive-thru in Gildersome, and at the Leon Leeds Station restaurant.”

Retailer EG Group operates sites with franchise partners including Starbucks, Greggs and KFC in the UK.

It considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Our Facebook post about Leon’s closure generated about 400 replies, with people eager to know what will follow.

Some local residents had objected to the site being used as a fast food restaurant because of its proximity to homes and the busy junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive.

Vehicles will stop using the site after April 2 — but it could only be a temporary pause until a new business moves in.

Read more:

• Harrogate fast food restaurant Leon to close
• Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under

Northern Powergrid has said it aims to restore electricity by 4pm today after a widespread power outage in the Harrogate district.

The company, which manages the electricity network, reported cuts in Harrogate and in many rural areas to the west in Nidderdale this morning. The number of homes affected in total is not known.

The Curious Cow of Harrogate pub, on the edge of Killinghall, posted on social media that it was unable to serve lunches today due to the situation.

Northern Powergrid’s live power cuts map indicated properties were affected in Harrogate and nearby villages, including Birstwith, Menwith Hill, Kettlesing and Darley.

The message accompanying notifications said:

“We’ve had to switch off the power for safety purposes whilst our engineers work on the cables and equipment that serves your area. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

#Powercut in #HG3 affecting 15 customers. #TeamPowergrid are working hard to restore power and estimate to have all customers restored by 4pm. Report your power cut online to be kept updated at https://t.co/q94zD0HFnk. pic.twitter.com/Yc8OhkJf3N

— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) March 15, 2023

Read more:

• Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under
• Laughing gas discovery fuels fears for young people in Harrogate district

As many as 450 people have lost their jobs after Harrogate telemarketing company Amvoc crashed into administration, leaving employees in shock today. 

Staff received an email at 10pm last night from chief executive Damian Brockway informing them all the company’s offices, in Harrogate, Leeds and Manchester, would close with immediate effect, citing “covid debts” as the cause. 

The email, seen by the Stray Ferret, said: 

“We have appointed administrators with immediate effect who will now be responsible for paying wages this week and all outstanding bonuses.

“I am gutted. Words fail me.

“Unfortunately our covid debts were too high and repayments not high enough. We have been issued with immediate request to pay all outstanding within seven days which is impossible.

“I cannot tell you how upset this makes me.”

The speed of the company’s demise surprised many – it was still advertising for new staff as recently as last week – and staff expressed their shock in social media posts. One said:

“I, as many others will be during this time, am now frantically looking for work. With huge overheads, a small child to support and a mortgage to pay, I am very concerned about the coming weeks.”

Mr 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.

Amvoc’s clients have included BP, Barclays, Virgin Media, Leeds Beckett University, and both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. 

The company has been approached for comment. 

Read more:

• Council ‘examining best options’ for £1.8m Cardale Park land
• Paperchase in Harrogate faces uncertain future as company goes into administration
• Harrogate shop closes as sofa company enters administration

A dog walker has expressed concern after discovering 10 canisters of laughing gas dumped by the side of the road.

John Chadwick stumbled across the canisters on the rural Gravelly Hill Lane in Huby.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the second most-used drug among UK 16- to 24-year-olds. It can induce euphoria and relaxation, as well as hallucinations.

The drug can lead to various health problems but is not currently illegal to possess. However, selling it to children is prohibited.

Mr Chadwick said this was the first time he’d seen the canisters and it “highlights what I believe is becoming an increasing health and behavioural issue predominately amongst younger people”.

He added:

“I’ve heard lots about it on phone-ins, I guess maybe I didn’t expect it in a rural environment. In that sense it was a bit of a shock – a bit like seeing a few old fridges dumped. A violation of our village.

“I am concerned that what could be seen as some harmless fun could escalate into something worse.

“Had somebody driven to this place to inhale the gas for fun and then driven off? In that case there is a danger to the perpetrator and others. Or was it just littering?”

The canisters were dumped by the side of a rural lane.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“There are significant dangers associated with using nitrous oxide. Inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness and ultimately suffocation as the body is essentially starved of oxygen.

“There is also evidence to show that people with heart conditions can be at risk of higher harm and that inhalation can lead to anaemia or long-term nerve damage.

“We would ask parents to be vigilant for the signs that their children may be purchasing the substance online.

“Anyone who is found guilty of supplying nitrous oxide could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.”

Read more:

• Children in North Yorkshire face two-year wait for mental disorder assessment
• County council plans programme to tackle children being ‘enticed’ to vape

A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty after being charged with the murder of Seb Mitchell in Harrogate.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied the charge at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court this morning.

It follows an incident on Claro Road in the early hours of Sunday, February 19, where Seb Mitchell, 17, was found at a property on the street with injuries.

He died at Leeds General Infirmary two days later. He would have turned 18 on February 28.

The 16-year-old is due to reappear before Leeds Crown Court on July 7 this year.

Read more:

• ‘We will carry him in our hearts forever’ — family’s tribute to Harrogate teen Seb Mitchell
• Harrogate Grammar School pays tribute to Seb Mitchell

Harrogate fast food venue Leon is to close — just nine months after opening.

The Mediterranean-inspired drive-thru and restaurant opened on Wetherby Road at the end of June.

There were concerns that having a drive-thru close to the junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive would cause traffic problems.

But they failed to materialise and staff were informed yesterday the site will close on April 2.

A source, who asked not to be named, said:

“It is purely down to low sales to my knowledge, it has never been as busy as you would expect a new restaurant to be.”

About 20 staff, most of whom are part-time, are affected by the news. The source added:

“There was some discussion about other job roles in the EG group, which owns Leon, but it wasn’t clear exactly what would happen.”

Leon’s closure will prompt speculation about the future of the site.

EG Group had considered opening a Starbucks on the site and may be tempted to revive those plans.

EG Group is the UK’s largest operator of KFC, Greggs and Starbucks franchises.

It has transformed the derelict former dentist site and installed electric vehicle charging points. There is a large car parking area.

The Stray Ferret has approached Leon for comment.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Leon drive-thru to open on Friday
• Arson at Harrogate’s Kimberley Hotel: police appeal for witnesses

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The Pavilions of Harrogate has secured new high-end retail events for this year.

The venue, which is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, has announced it is set to host the Sweaty Betty Sale, Joules Sale and the Boden Sale.

In the first quarter of the year Pavilions will host 150 events ranging from retail sales, to funerals, dinners and conferences.

The Sweaty Betty Sale starts at 1:30pm on Monday 20th March to Wednesday 22nd March, the Joules Sale will opens on Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March. The Boden Sale will be held on Wednesday 20th September and Thursday 21st September.

Heather Parry, managing director of Pavilions of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Event Centre, said: 

“Event organisers tell us they are impressed by the venues, our commitment to sustainability and the passion and dedication of our wonderful team. We are proud of our track record and continue to strive for excellence in all we do. 

“We are excited that 2023 will be our most successful year ever in both our venues.”

Raworths announces food bank as charity partner

Simon Morris, managing partner of Raworths and Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank. Credit: Raworths

A Harrogate law firm has chosen Harrogate District Foodbank has its charity partner for 2023.

Raworths staff will fundraise for the foodbank after voting for it to become the firm’s chosen charity.

Harrogate District Foodbank opened in 2013 and is funded by local churches, community groups and individuals, operating under the umbrella of national organisation, the Trussell Trust.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said 

“People may not expect Harrogate to need a foodbank as it has a reputation as an affluent area, but the reality is, there are also areas which need extra support. 

“In fact, everyone is feeling the pinch and looking to rein in their spending which also impacts charities. We believe this charity’s services are invaluable, so we really want to support and help where we can.”

Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank, said 

“We’re delighted that Raworths chose us as their charity partner this year.

“We depend heavily on the generosity of our local community for donations, funds and, of course, our incredible volunteers whom we rely upon for everything from our warehouse and deliveries to signposting volunteers and welcomers.”

Read More:

• Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners
• Business Breakfast: National firm acquires Harrogate accountants

The councillor in charge of transport in North Yorkshire was in Harrogate tonight to give business leaders an update on various schemes, including the £11.2 million Station Gateway..

Cllr Keane Duncan, the Conservative executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire County Council attended Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly meeting.

He gave an update on the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway after traffic orders were published last week, one of which was for the closure of part of James Street. Here’s how the evening went:

7.51pm: Cllr Duncan reaffirms his commitment to listen

In response to some more negative comments, Cllr Duncan says again he will listen to the area constituency committee. And with that he returns to his seat as the meeting draws to a close.

7.46pm: ‘I am prepared to change course’

Responding to claims that information supporting the scheme is flawed and the council has not listened to businesses, Cllr Duncan says:

“I think there is more support for this scheme than those who shout the loudest would have us believe.

“I am prepared to look at the evidence, make decisions and change course.”

7.40pm: ‘You’re riding roughshod over us’

A member of the audience gets a round of applause for saying the council is “riding roughshod” over local opinion and has “not taken on board any of our points”.

Cllr Duncan says he has inherited the scheme and will abide by what the Lib Dem-controlled committee agrees. His role, he says, is to bring matters to a conclusion, although he thinks overall the scheme is positive.

The questioner responds by calling the scheme a “joke”.

7.35: Harrogate congestion zone ruled out

It’s question time, and things could get lively. The first question asks whether Cllr Duncan has considered a congestion zone for Harrogate and he flatly rules it out.

7.31pm: Lib Dems will decide on fate of scheme

Cllr Duncan is a Conservative but he says he will abide by the decision of the Lib Dem-controlled Harrogate area constituency committee, which will meet to discuss the subject in May. He says:

“I will implement whatever decision is taken. It’s right that Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors have their say.”

Some Lib Dems feel they’ve been delivered a hospital pass because the area constituency committee is an advisory body and the Conservatives want to avoid making an unpopular decision.

Cllr Duncan has said previously that “with power comes responsibility” and the Lib Dems are being empowered as part of the new council’s commitment to “double devolution” whereby local decisions will be taken locally.

If the gateway goes ahead, Cllr Duncan says the council will “look to start construction in winter this year and finish in winter 2024”.

7.28pm: 40 parking spaces would be lost

Cllr Duncan says surveys show 500 to 600 parking spaces could be removed from Harrogate town centre without any significant impact but this scheme would only remove 40 spaces — 20 on James Street and 20 on Station Parade.

He makes four pledges:

1 To conduct a full review of car parking in Harrogate town centre.

2  To manage disruption, adding: “It cannot be denied there will be disruption. We will draw up a construction management plan.”

3 No compromise on quality of construction materials.

4 Traffic flows will be revisited and reassessed.

7.22pm: Gateway consultations ‘not a referendum’

The latest consultation responses revealed 46% were negative towards the project compared with 45% in favour and nine per cent were neutral.

Some businesses and residents have said this proves the scheme should be dropped but Cllr Duncan says “this was a consultation not a referendum” and opinion is “finely balanced”.

7.16pm: Station Gateway – water feature scrapped

He says the scheme will “encourage a shift from motorised vehicles to low carbon and sustainable transport” but adds the aim of the scheme is also regeneration, improvements to the public realm and to support businesses in Harrogate. He says:

“This is not just a transport scheme it is about redeveloping a key corridor of Harrogate town centre.”

He says the Station Square water feature has been removed from the scheme “due to practical and cost constraints”. It would have cost £500,00 he says.

But he adds there will be “no compromising” on high quality materials despite soaring building costs.

As for delays caused by road closures and reducing Station Parade to single lane, he says the “worst case scenario” is that an average 15-minute journey around Harrogate will take an extra 53 seconds if the gateway goes ahead.

7.12pm: ‘Hardline’ cyclists criticised

Cllr Duncan is now talking about active travel on Otley Road and Beech Grove. Regarding phase two of the Otley Road cycleway, which has been scrapped, he said:

“The feedback we were getting was negative even from the beneficiaries of the scheme. For me, that was strong, compelling evidence of why we should not proceed.”

He then takes a swipe at some cyclists.

“There is a hardline cycle lobby which in my view do not speak for everyday people in Harrogate.

“I see my role to listen to everybody and not just those who shout the loudest.”

7.10pm: Car is ‘key but not king’

Cllr Duncan says the “car is key but not king”.

Regarding electric vehicles, he says 3,000 new charging points are needed in North Yorkshire by 2030.

Regarding safety, he says the council has some particular concerns about children in Pannal Ash and Oatlands where 9,000 children travel to school.

As for the 20’s Plenty For Us, he says “I’m struggling to see that a one-size fits all intervention is best way forward” and targeted interventions are better but a review is pending.

7.08pm: Bus network ‘fragile’

Cllr Duncan is now talking about buses. He says at least a third of routes in the county are at risk of timetable changes or being removed all together.

He says recent £1.7m government support and £1.6m from the county council have provided services with a lifeline.

He says the £2 fare cap has increased passenger numbers but doesn’t give figures and says it remains a difficult time.

7.05pm: Council ‘not anti-car’

Cllr Duncan says the new North Yorkshire Council is not anti-car, adding:

“However it’s right that people are able to walk and cycle are able to do so safely and efficiently.”

6.52pm: ‘Renewed vision and focus on Harrogate’

Cllr Duncan (centre) at tonight’s meeting

Cllr Duncan starts by giving a speech before facing questions. He says the new North Yorkshire Council will provide a “renewed vision and focus on Harrogate”.

Read more:

• Council bids for £3m for cycling projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough
• Traffic order issued to close part of Harrogate’s James Street to vehicles

A 15-year-old boy was left shaken after being robbed by two men wearing balaclavas on the Stray in Harrogate.

Two men stole the boy’s beige tote bag containing spare clothes, a black North Face puffer jacket and wireless headphones.

North Yorkshire Police today issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident, which happened on Milton Way between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday.

It said in a statement:

“The boy did not suffer any injuries but was left very shaken by the incident.

“Witnesses or anyone who recalls suspicious behaviour in the area on Saturday evening are urged to come forward.”

The suspects are described as about 6ft tall, muscular builds, dark clothing including black puffer jackets with furry hoods. Both were wearing balaclavas.

Milton Way on the Stray leads to Leeds Road.

They ran off towards the Tewit Well area of Leeds Road.

Anyone that assist the investigation can email elizabeth.parry@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Elizabeth Parry.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230044608.