A campaign has been launched to help a business organisation get a better picture of how crime affects Harrogate town centre.
Harrogate BID‘s Report a Crime campaign is calling on businesses, residents and visitors to report all crimes and anti-social behaviour via North Yorkshire Police’s website.
The organisation’s manager, Matthew Chapman, said:
“First and foremost I want to say Harrogate is a safe, welcoming and clean town. However, we hear regular stories from town centre traders of anti-social activity, including shoplifting, vandalism and drug abuse.
“In order to get a true picture, we are asking those who are either victims of a crime, or witness incidents, to report it online.
“Unlike calling 101 and then hanging up after several minutes, this means every incident is logged. This way, we can get a true picture of what is happening in the town.”
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe with Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman
The new campaign is being backed by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, whose chief executive David Simister said:
“Harrogate is a fantastic town to live and work, but when it comes to crime it’s not immune.
“However, the fear of crime is often worse than perception, but it’s important we get a proper understanding of what is happening – or not happening – in our town centre, hence us giving our backing to this campaign.
“In the past I’ve called 101 and after waiting many minutes I’ve simply put the phone down. And by doing this, an incident has gone unreported. In future, report it online and that way it is logged and recorded.”
It follows a meeting between Mr Chapman and North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe, when he raised BID members’ concerns about a lack of visible policing.
Mr Chapman said the commissioner told him police chiefs rely on statistics in order to prioritise resources and, if crimes go unreported, police are unable to give the right resources to the affected areas.
She urged him to encourage all BID levy payers and others to use online reporting to ensure all incidents were being passed to police.
Among the levy payers backing the campaign is Justin Sutter, business manager at John Atherton’s, which trades at McDonalds on Cambridge Street, who said:
“We are backing the report a crime campaign because the safety and security of our people and customers is of the utmost importance to us. We hope that we can continue to support North Yorkshire Police with this campaign and be a part of creating safer communities.”
The campaign not only runs during daytime hours, but extends to evening and night-time trading. Alan Huddart, secretary of Harrogate Pubwatch, said:
Three men arrested and blades seized after Harrogate robbery“Thanks to the BID’s support of Pubwatch and the introduction of the app, we are able to alert those in the scheme immediately to any issues.
“At the same time, I would also ask not just our members, but all licensed premises, to register any incident online, ensuring the police have a proper record of it.
“Harrogate is a great night out, and we want to make sure it stays that way by having adequate policing.”
Three men have been arrested and four weapons seized after a knifepoint robbery in Harrogate.
Three 18-year-olds from Leeds and Sheffield were arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and robbery.
One was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
The robbery happened on Knaresborough Road near to Empress roundabout on Saturday, July 23, at 3.30pm.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police found the three men on Parliament Street after viewing council-run CCTV.
The 18-year-olds had initially attempted to flee from police, but were stopped and arrested.
The men were found to be in possession of a glass ball in a sock and three blades.
A spokeswoman for the force said:
“Thankfully, incidents like this are rare in our county but tackling violent crime and taking horrific weapons such as these off our streets is a priority for us.
“We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to prevent this and to prosecute those who commit or attempt to commit such offences.
“If you have any information that could assist our investigation, including any dash-cam footage that may have captured the robbery, please email cidharrogate@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 quoting reference 12220129010.”
The three men remain in custody.
Police investigate Harrogate Empress roundabout robberyNorth Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation into a robbery at the Empress roundabout in Harrogate.
Officers are investigation after three men threatened and robbed a victim on Saturday, July 23, at 3.30pm.
Police have appealed for witnesses in the area to come forward with more information.
A North Yorkshire Police statement added:
“Three males have approached the victim, who has been threatened and forced to hand over some property.
“One of the males has punched the victim before the three males have walked off towards Harrogate town centre.
“We are looking for dashcam footage / CCTV / witness accounts from anyone in the area at the time.
“If you have any information that could assist us with this investigation, please call us on 101 and quote reference 12220129010.”
Plan to convert upper floors of Harrogate’s Old Bell into holiday accommodation
The upper floors above a traditional pub in central Harrogate could be converted to holiday accommodation.
An application has been submitted to turn the second, third and fourth floors of 6 Royal Parade, above the Old Bell, into letting rooms.
The pub is owned by Market Town Taverns, part of Heron and Brearley (H&B) based on the Isle of Man.
The proposal, submitted by Darren Clibbens of H&B, would see the basement, ground and first floors of the building unchanged. The upper floors would be turned into holiday accommodation, though the plans do not reveal how this would be laid out or how many rooms would be created.
The application is for an area of 360m sq, and states that, if approved, the change of use would see the number of full-time equivalent jobs at the site increase from five to eight.
The upper levels of the building are currently vacant office space, according to the application, with one studio apartment on the top floor.
Harrogate Borough Council’s estates team, and parks and gardens team, have both responded to the application and have not raised any objections. However, they have asked for consideration to be given to the storage of resulting trade waste on the site, and highlighted the fact that the area in front of the building, including the pavement, forms part of the Stray.
To view or comment on the proposal, visit the Harrogate Borough Council planning website and use reference 22/02231/FUL.
UK’s largest weir removal project begins on River Nidd at Scotton
The largest weir removal project ever in the UK has begun on the River Nidd at Scotton.
The scheme, which costs about 80,000 euros, will open up another 18km of river to migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout and European eel.
If Nidd tributaries are also included then 35km of rivers will be made available for salmon and sea trout spawning.
The project is being led by river conservation charity the Wild Trout Trust and funded by the European Open Rivers Programme – a grant-giving organisation dedicated to restoring rivers.
It started last week with the creation of an access ramp down to the weir and is expected to get underway properly this week. Work removing the dam is expected to last up to two weeks before further work restoring the bank takes place.
Scotton Weir is at the entrance to Nidd Gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It was built at the end of the 18th century to power the nearby mill. At 75m wide and 4m high, it is thought to be the largest weir removal project ever in the UK.
The weir breached in the floods of 2019 so is already partly demolished. Leaving it to disintegrate gradually over time would have reduced the risk of bankside damage.
Removing Scotton Weir will benefit more than just migratory fish. All fish move up and downstream to some extent as part of their life cycles and the weir removal will help to restore natural processes to the river.
Currently only 16% of rivers are rated as being in ‘good’ condition by the EU Water Framework Directive. A significant cause of failure is man-made barriers interrupting a river’s flow, such as Scotton Weir on the Nidd.
Jonathan Grey, a part-time professor in practice at Lancaster University who is project managing the Scotton Weir removal for the Wild Trout Trust, said:
“The weir has been impounding about 800m of channel for over 100 years, creating deep, sluggish water in a section of the Nidd gorge where the flow should be swift and shallow.
“Think of a river as a conveyor belt of sediment as well as water. Boulder, cobble and gravel that is vital to the health of the bed of the river has been trapped upstream of the weir, unable to resupply that which has been transported away downstream. So the physical habitat downstream has become simplified, dominated by large boulders.
“Then there is fish passage to consider. All fish have to move up and downstream during different stages of their life for a variety of reasons. The weir has made it nigh on impossible to move upstream, and much more difficult to move downstream, and then only under specific flow conditions, so populations have become fragmented or isolated.”
The weir is already damaged.
Prof Grey said although it was not certain that salmon or sea trout got as far as Scotton Weir, nearby surveys suggested it was “very likely”.
He added:
“There are still more barriers further upstream, the next being at Birstwith 11km away, so there is still work to be done to restore the natural heritage of the river.
“We are aiming to reinstate the natural flow regime to the river by removing the barrier.”
Dr Marie Taylor, operations director for the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, said:
“This project is a great example of partnership working between landowners, experts from the Wild Trout Trust and government bodies, which will deliver benefits to angling groups along the River Nidd as well as wider benefits to nature gained from improving the connectivity of one of Yorkshire’s iconic rivers.”
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update
Drivers should be aware that resurfacing work has started on Claro Road in Harrogate this week.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Two-way traffic lights will be in place today on Claro Road in Harrogate as North Yorkshire County Council starts resurfacing work in the area.
As previously reported by the Stray Ferret, work will also take place on Ainsty Road, Devonshire Place and Coach Road over the next three weeks.
Temporary traffic lights are also in place on Wetherby Road in Harrogate near to Harrogate Town Football Club.
Yorkshire Water is carrying out work in the area until July 29.
Drivers should expect the usual traffic on Wetherby Road and Skipton Road this morning during the rush hour.
Temporary lights on Ripon’s Clotherholme Road are now in place as Northern Gas Networks carries out replacement work to gas pipes in the area.
The lights will remain in place for seven weeks.
Meanwhile, long term roadworks are in place on Station Road in Goldsborough. The road will be closed until September 19, 2022, as Stonebridge Homes installs a foul water and surface water pipes to connect to the sewer system.
A diversion route is in place in the village.
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting no cancellations on its services this morning.
Ghost hunt to be held at Harrogate’s Odeon
Paranormal investigators are to visit Harrogate’s Odeon cinema next month to try to find out if the building is haunted.
There have been rumours of ghostly apparitions at the cavernous Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1936.
Now a company called Spiritus Paranormal has hired the venue on August 6. People who buy tickets costing £40 can go along and be part of the investigation.
Wayne Williams, who founded the company, said:
“We will try to find out if it is haunted. We have a lot of equipment that can help to identify paranormal activity.”
The company’s equipment includes items such as electromagnetic field detectors, infrared cameras and Ouija boards.
Participants will split into groups with investigators and carry out paranormal checks in different parts of the building.
Asked if he genuinely believed in paranormal activity, Mr Williams said:
“I’ve seen too much not to. But I also err on the side of caution. If nothing happens so be it. We will not make things happen just to put bums on seats.
The company’s website says of the Odeon:
“This place has never been investigated, staff have reported paranormal activity, this venue has so much history.”
Stray Views: Station Gateway ‘will degrade things’
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.
Having read the latest on this project I see that the council admit that pedestrianising James Street will reduce business by 2% and that by reducing Station Parade to one lane a journey round town would increase by 73 seconds.
From day one of this ludicrous scheme we have been told how it will improve everything and be a big benefit to Harrogate.
It would appear that so far the only thing guaranteed is that it will degrade things. It would seem that the maths I was taught in school in the 50s do not conform to modern teaching if these figures are now considered an improvement.
Malcolm Hodgekinson, Harrogate
I must strongly object to what can only be described as the Satanic imagery featured in the posters in the streets and website for the “Harrogate Carnival”.
A “person” in a fetish leather clad red dress featuring devil horns and scary red makeup is not what I would call “family friendly”.
If this is representative of what this Carnival is about then I don’t think it is appropriate for young children to attend, I certainly won’t be bringing my family to it.
I would like to know if my hard earned council tax money is being spent on this outrage to good taste and decency?
Ian Hardcastle, Harrogate
Harrogate Lib Dems are very angry at North Yorkshire County Council for ignoring our plea, made at the last Harrogate Borough Council meeting, to stop the closure of Woodfield School, which was agreed by all councillors.
The North Yorkshire Conservative Executive Member responsible for Education has not stopped the closure of the school and declined to ask the Secretary of State for Education to remove the academisation order leaving the children of Woodfield in difficult circumstances, long walks to schools and in one case, so far, siblings being potentially sent to different schools.
We need more schools in Harrogate not less with thousands of houses still to be built in Kingsley where will all these young people go for their schooling? This is a disgrace and the young people of Woodfield are being let down so, so badly.
Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council
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.
Four traditional pubs to visit in the Harrogate districtA new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The One-Eyed Rat is a traditional pub, famous for its old fashioned charm.
It can be found on Allhallowgate, one of the oldest parts of Ripon.
A real ale destination over many decades, the One Eyed Rat was refurbished and re-opened under new management in the summer of 2020.
A Grade II listed building set within a terrace of 200-year-old houses, its narrow frontage leads to a warm and welcoming hostelry.
The pub has a long, narrow interior with traditional seating and an open fire, and there is a large garden at the rear, including a covered area.
You can also enjoy a traditional pie and a pint.
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
A newly discovered photo of a Harrogate cricket team from 100 years ago has sparked a quest to identify the players.
Eric Wainwright was clearing out his late elder brother’s house in Starbeck when he found a picture of the first ever winners of the Addison Cup.
The Addison Cup, which is contested by the top 16 teams in the Harrogate and District Amateur Evening Cricket League, is one of the oldest cricket competitions in the world, dating back to 1922.
The 100th final will be contested between Knaresborough and Burnt Yates at 6.15pm on Monday night at Follifoot Cricket Club.
The inaugural winners, seen here displaying the trophy, were a Harrogate team known as The Gas Company.
Mr Wainwright’s father William is the tall man in the middle of the back row.
Keen to find out the names of the others players, Mr Wainwright contacted Peter Horsman, secretary and treasurer of the league, for help.
Mr Horsman has now asked if Stray Ferret readers can identify any of the men.
He added:
“Eric and myself would be very interested in hearing from anybody who has any old memorabilia associated with the Harrogate evening league and the associated cup competitions.
“Pictures, league handbooks before 1980, individual winner’s medal etc.”
The winners of the cup on Monday night will be presented the trophy by the grandchildren of Harry Addison, who donated the trophy in 1922.
Harrogate Cricket Club, after winning last year’s Addison Cup.
Mr Horsman has invited Mr Wainwright, who lives in York, to the final to present the runners-up trophy.
Harrogate Cricket Club beat Wetherby Carr Manor by 32 runs in last year’s final.
Burnt Yates defeated Harrogate in the quarter-finals this year.
If you have information about the photo you can call Mr Horsman on 07798 582792 or email him at peter_horsman@hotmail.co.uk.