Education officials have said there should be “sufficient primary places” in Bilton if Woodfield Community Primary School closes, even though most nearby schools are full.

A report to councillors today will recommend they approve beginning a consultation on closing Woodfield by December 31 this year at the earliest.

The report recommends the consultation is shortened from the usual six weeks to four weeks because of “the urgency of the position and the need to provide as much clarity as possible to parents before the summer holidays”.

It says parents and carers of the 37 pupils remaining at Woodfield will be asked to apply for the preferred school that they would like their child to transfer to in the event of closure, adding:

“Once the full picture of all preferences is known, the local authority would liaise with the schools regarding potential allocations, and seek to meet the highest stated preferences wherever possible.”

Read more:

• Woodfield school closure ‘an absolute disgrace’, says union
• Bilton community centre to offer free meals as cost of living hits hard

Woodfield has a capacity of 150 pupils — 113 more than it currently caters for. Many parents have moved their children amid the ongoing uncertainty.

Nearby schools full

Nearby Bilton Grange Primary School, Grove Road Community Primary School and Richard Taylor Church of England Primary School are all currently operating beyond capacity, the report says, while St Robert’s Catholic Primary School is one pupil below capacity.

Woodfield’s closure would therefore put pressure on nearby schools but the report to councillors at tomorrow’s North Yorkshire County Council children and young people’s service committee says:

“There are no significant housing permissions within the Woodfield school catchment area, although there are several housing developments underway or planned in neighbouring school catchment areas.

“If the closure proposal went ahead, there would be a reduction of 150 primary school places available in the local area.

“Given current forecasts, including the likely demand from new housing, and current patterns of parental preference, there would appear to be sufficient primary places available in the local area, should the closure of Woodfield school be approved, as overall birth rates are falling in Harrogate district, and pupils living in the Woodfield school catchment area already attend a wide variety of primary schools.”

The report says pupil numbers determine school funding and Woodfield is forecast to have a budget deficit of £97,000 this year and a cumulative deficit of £229,000 by 2023/24.

Future of site unclear

A decision on the future of the school site has yet to be made. The report says:

“The county council owns the school site, which also accommodates Bilton and Woodfield Community Library, Harrogate Bilton children and family hub, and Oak Beck House.

“Decisions about the future use of the school premises will be taken after the closure proposal has been determined.”

Woodfield was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2020. It subsequently failed to find an academy sponsor and a proposed merger with Grove Road fell through this year.

Eight local businesses completed a sleepout with CEO Sleepout UK to raise awareness of hidden homelessness in the district. 

The group of business leaders spent the night sleeping outdoors at Harrogate Rugby Club, and have raised almost £15,000 for CEO Sleepout UK, Ripon YMCA, Harrogate District Foodbank and Harrogate RUFC. 

The North Yorkshire based companies that took part were Nicholls Tyreman Estate Agents, Hudgell Solicitors, Ripon YMCA, Pavilions of Harrogate, Jorvik Design Group, Stratstone BMW, Carson Homes and Harrogate Borough Council.   

The participants included CEO of Hudgell Solicitors Rachel Di Clemente, Nicholls Tyreman director James Tyreman, and director of Jorvik Design Group Ady Rhodes.

The business leaders at Harrogate’s sleepout

Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said:  

“I was thrilled to see some of North Yorkshire’s biggest-hearted business people turn out for this event. Just because Harrogate is not a place where you might see many rough sleepers, it doesn’t mean homelessness doesn’t exist.  

“Hidden homelessness is increasing across North Yorkshire – families who can no longer afford private rental, young people, and single mothers living in insecure temporary accommodation.” 

She added:  

“It was a tough night and surprisingly cold, but by bringing those with lived experience to share their stories, and hearing about the vital work of charities on the frontline, we unlock understanding, compassion and inspire our business leaders to use their power to create greater social value.” 

CEO Sleepout stages fundraising events across the UK, and has raised £3 million for more than 100 charities.  

Student from Knaresborough achieves unprecedented full marks in hairdressing exam 

A hairdressing student from Knaresborough has achieved full marks in her practical exam.  

Penny Ledgeway, who is 20, completed her level two exam at Intuitions hairdressing college in Harrogate, with a perfect score of 700 marks.   

During the exam, she was asked to do a number of hairdressing treatments, including half a head of highlights, a restyle and cut, and a curly blow dry. 

When asked why she chose to pursue hairdressing, Ms Ledgeway said:  

“I’ve always wanted to do it really, I like to do a bit of everything but I am quite social anyway.

“I wouldn’t be able to just sit at a computer all day.”

Michelle Oliver, director of Intuitions college, said it was “unusual” for someone to get full marks in the exam, adding:

“Both me and her educator are really proud, she’s worked really hard.

“It’s good for us at Intuitions, but also for the employer to have someone with that skillset from the apprenticeship programme”.

After completing her level two exams, Ms Ledgeway is now a fully qualified hairdresser, and currently works at Kelly Teggin Hair & Beauty in Knaresborough.

She is now hoping to move on to a further stage of qualifications, which she said are more advanced and creative.  

Read more: 

• Harrogate clothing firm partners with cafe to help the homeless
• Ripon hairdresser appeals for rollers for unusual Christmas tree

Harrogate fire station’s overnight capacity looks set to be halved under new proposals.

The station, on Skipton Road, currently operates two fire engines 24 hours a day. But under plans put forward today, it would have just one appliance from 10pm to 9am when fewer incidents usually occur.

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has suggested the move as part of a three-month consultation on proposed changes to fire and rescue services, which she launched today.

Ms Metcalfe wants to get rid of the station’s tactical response vehicle and have two emergency appliances instead. But only one emergency appliance would operate at non-peak hours overnight.

If approved, the move could result in some Harrogate firefighters facing redeployment elsewhere in the county.

Zoe Metcalfe, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Ms Metcalfe’s new Risk and Resource Model 2022-2025, which sets out how the fire service would deploy its people, equipment and resource, comes against a worrying financial backdrop.

‘Struggling to buy the basics’

Three months ago the Fire Brigades Union warned North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was “struggling to buy the basics” and in need of a £25 million loan.

Ms Metcalfe, who will discuss her proposals at her monthly public accountability meeting tomorrow, said in a statement:

“The role of a fire and rescue service has changed and continues to change, with only 26% of our incidents last year relating to a fire emergency.

“We want to ensure we are addressing our current and future challenges and that we have the capacity to prevent and protect to stop incidents happening in the first place and prevent harm before it can take place, while also having the capacity to respond to emergencies when they do take place. We are confident these proposals would do that.

“Inevitably, there are some areas where the setup of the service would change but I’m confident the right people, right equipment and the right support would continue to be available to everyone.”

The proposed change in Harrogate.

Ms Metcalfe’s office said in a statement today that there was a higher demand for services during daytime hours than at night, and the proposed change in Harrogate would offer “increased ability to respond during daytime hours, as well as boost resilience more widely”.

Read more:

• Masham Police House to be sold as officers relocate to fire station
• Jennyfields has Harrogate’s noisiest neighbours

However, it declined to answer questions from the Stray Ferret about how many firefighters faced redeployment, saying Ms Metcalfe would address questions in tomorrow’s meeting.

Ms Metcalfe will hold 12 events in North Yorkshire to discuss the proposals, including one in Harrogate, as well as running an online questionnaire.

Chief fire officer Jon Foster said:

“The risk and resource model would support the transformation of our fire and rescue service and enable a greater focus on prevention that is underlined by our assessment of community risk. It would also facilitate increased investment in our on-call service.”

The Stray Ferret has approached the Fire Brigades Union for comment.

Sixteen-year-old St John Fisher Catholic High School student and talented footballer Archie Gray enjoyed jubilant scenes in the Leeds United dressing room yesterday after the club secured their Premier League status.

But the celebrations didn’t last long as he had to be at school for 9am this morning to sit a geography GCSE.

Archie was an unused substitute in Leeds United‘s dramatic win over Brentford yesterday.

He’s in year 11 at the Harrogate secondary school and is still two years from legally being able to have a celebratory alcoholic drink with teammates.

Less than 24 hours after celebrating survival in Brentford with star internationals like Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips he was back in Harrogate to sit in a silent exam hall for his GCSEs.

St John Fisher deputy head Matthew Flanagan said Archie’s quick progress in his football career has been a “fantastic achievement”.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“From the school’s perspective, what impresses us about Archie is not just his sporting aptitude. He is polite, engaging and has a real humility about him.”

Read more:

• Bilton community centre to offer free meals as cost of living hits hard
• Harrogate Town to spend £3.5m improving ground

The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the first team but scored a wonder goal for the under-23 team against rivals Manchester United earlier in the season.

In April he also captained England under-16s at a tournament in France.

Mr Flanagan called him a “wonderful ambassador” for St John Fisher.

“There is no sense of arrogance, he is popular with his peers. He’s a nice young man who deserves all the accolades and success that will come his way.”

Archie is highly rated by the club and was just 15 when former manager Marcelo Bielsa put him on the bench for a Premier League game.

He’s the great-nephew of Leeds legend, and Kirkby Overblow resident, Eddie Gray.

Plans have been lodged to convert a Harrogate office block into seven flats.

Artium Group has submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council to create the flats at Simpson House, off Clarence Drive.

It would see the vacant offices turned into one one-bedroom, five two-bedroom and one three-bedroom flats.

The developer also plans to use the current 14 car parking spaces and create storage for seven bicycles.

In documents submitted to the council, Artium Group said the proposal would help to make efficient use of the building.

It said:

“The conversion of the building is considered to be entirely appropriate give the lack of any viable interest in retaining the existing employment use. 

“The property is in a highly sustainable location and surrounded by existing buildings which have also been converted in recent years. 

“The provision of additional residential units within a highly sustainable location should therefore be welcomed.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

Read more:

• Homes England submits 480-home Otley Road plan

• Harlow Hill and Pannal Ash residents bracing themselves for ’15 years of disruption’

Theakston’s Brewery in Masham increased its turnover by £861,000 in 2021, despite dealing with the effects of lockdown and the Omicron variant.  

The brewery only had 5 months of normal trading in 2021 due to the pandemic, and for 3 and a half months, it was forced to close completely. 

The company suffered a pre-tax loss of £2,000 last year, but in the height of the pandemic in 2020, the loss was much more significant at £334k.

Pre-covid in 2019, the brewery had made profits of £235k.  

In the latest financial statement, the company said:  

“T&R Theakston Ltd ended 2021 as a well-balanced business with enhanced capabilities across more channels, a stronger organisation, a more flexible business approach, greater consumer engagement and a continued reputation for the high quality of its beers.” 

Managing director Simon Theakston added:  

“The last two years have been tough for all sectors, including the British brewing industry.  

“As our 2021 results show, we are well on the road to overcoming this latest challenge.” 

Theakston’s Brewery was founded in 1827 and is now run by the family of original founder, Robert Theakston.  

Harrogate business EnviroVent celebrates 2 millionth filterless fan  

Harrogate manufacturer EnviroVent celebrated its 2 millionth filterless fan last week.  

A special edition sustainable fan was created for the occasion, as well as a filterless fan celebration cake and 200 cupcakes. 

Managing director Andy Makin with the 2 millionth filterless fan.

The fans were designed for the social housing sector, and help to reduce mould and condensation in homes across the UK.  

Andy Makin, Managing Director at EnviroVent, said: 

“We are really excited to be celebrating the two millionth Filterless Fan to be produced in our factory. 

“We are very proud of the innovations we have made to ensure it is still one of the most sustainable fans on the market.”

The fans have saved several tonnes of replacement extractor fans going to landfill sites, as well as reducing the amount of plastics going into the production process.

Read More: 

• Harrogate firm EnviroVent sets 2030 net-zero target
• Beer barrel maker graduates in rare and peculiar Masham ceremony

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.

A new stadium for Harrogate Town?

It is excellent news about Harrogate Town having £3.5m to improve their ground on Wetherby Road. Isn’t this just throwing good money into a bad issue. The ground cannot expand, has no parking and few facilities for visiting fans. 

The solution is not good money after bad it is about thinking much more strategically. Why don’t Harrogate Town talk to Harrogate Borough Council and instead of leasing land on Wetherby Road ask to look at leasing Council Land on Leeds Road between Harrogate and Pannal to build themselves a stadium to be proud of and fit for purpose and would be amazing if more success comes their way. 

There could be on site parking and not just using Residential streets around the ground as a car park. There is nowhere for coaches to park for visiting fans. The site is sustainable being served by a very regular bus service, the 36, and also being close to Pannal Station. It would be a win, win for everyone.

Then to add to those wins the council could give the Harrogate Town site to the hospital for car parking for their staff, again removing hospital parking from many, many roads and making it safer for staff especially on night shifts.

I would be happy to meet with the football club to discuss this and to hear other peoples views.

Cllr Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council

Read more:

• Stray Views: Harrogate potholes ‘worse than Cairo’
• Stray Views: Boris Johnson has paid the fine – it’s time to move on

36 route should include railway station

It would be useful if the 36 included the railway station in its peregrinations in Leeds even if there is a double stop at the bus station, otherwise there is an off putting hike in between.

As a postscript, back in the pre-Beeching days the 36 used to visit the Ripon Railway station between stops at the bus station. Just goes to show not much is new.

Trevor Dale, 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.

We are just weeks away from celebrating HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, making her the country’s longest-reigning monarch.

Her Majesty actually succeeded the throne from her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, but as her jubilee would also mark the date of his death, it has always been celebrated four months later on June 3.

Events are being planned across the Harrogate district in celebration, but many will want to enjoy the occasion more privately with friends and family at home.

We spoke to seven Harrogate food and drink businesses to find out how they are celebrating and got some tips on what to include in good old-fashioned British spread:

Mama Doreen’s Emporium

The 1950s-inspired Jubilee afternoon tea at Mama Doreen’s

Jessica Wyatt, owner of Mama Doreen’s, said:

“We are doing a 1950s-inspired afternoon tea. We are taking the most popular puddings from around that decade and including them in our afternoon tea. It’s something a little bit different and a little bit special. You’ve got the cherries Jubilee, English trifle, Victoria sponge butterfly buns, shortbread, Coronation chicken sandwich and even a cucumber sandwich.

“My favourite afternoon tea item is butterfly buns because that’s what my grandma used to make. I think a lot of people have that same nostalgia.”

“For the actual Bank Holiday weekend we’re going to dress up in 1950s outfits, we’ve got singers performing throughout the day. We are going above and beyond with the balloons outside. We are also doing the Jubilee afternoon teas to take away and we can deliver to the Stray.

“We are really trying to push the street parties and get communities together. So we have put everything for a street party on our website, from the bunting down to the hats.

“I’m really looking forward to just feeling the buzz around Harrogate. Loads of people will be visiting and all the locals will be out and hopefully the weather will be lovely as well. I just think after the last couple of years it’s what the community needs. “

Spirit of Harrogate, producer of Slingsby Gin

A Slingsby Gin Platinum Punch cocktail.

Beth Gordon, digital copywriter at Spirit of Harrogate, said:

“A party isn’t a party without some amazing drinks, and for the Jubilee it should definitely be the Queen’s favourite spirit; gin.

“If you’re thinking of serving Slingsby Gin, make sure you have everything you need for our signature serves. This means our perfect pairing of tonic and garnishes that guarantee an amazing gin and tonic every time. For example, you’ll need Elderflower tonic for your Yorkshire Rhubarb gin and Mediterranean for Gooseberry.

“A Jubilee party is the perfect excuse to get the pitchers and jugs out and fill them with cocktails. You could even fill up some Kilner jars with the pre-made mixtures so that your guests can help themselves. Our Platinum Punch is a delicious cocktail, as well as our Slingsby Sangria with London Dry gin. Don’t forget to accommodate your guests who aren’t drinking alcohol too – and make sure you have lots of garnishes alongside ice so that people can help themselves and add extra flavour (and aesthetics) to their cocktails.”

Weetons

Weeton’s Jubilee picnic hamper

Thomas Lonsdale, restaurant supervisor at Weetons, said:

“It’s only right that you should have strawberries and cream for your picnic or with your afternoon tea. I’d also choose choose sausage rolls, pork pies, salads, baguettes, cheese, olives and wine. We’ve actually got some cans of mixers coming in, which will be really good.

“I’ll be getting into the spirit of the weekend on the Stray or at a street party.

“We have luxury Jubilee hampers available, which are perfect for just picking up and carrying across the road to the Stray.”

Fodder

Iced shortbread biscuits and a cup of Yorkshire tea at Fodder.

Jo Francisco, PR manager at Fodder, said ready-made picnics would be available at the food hall.

Jo said:

“People can book their Jubilee picnic at Fodder with pies, quiches, cheese boxes, meat packs and barbecue packs all available to pre-order ready for the Jubilee celebrations.

“Throughout the Jubilee week,  there will be a Jubilee-themed afternoon tea on offer in Fodder café, as well as stunning cakes from the Cake Lady Harrogate. These will include Champagne truffle chocolate cake, raspberry blueberry and white chocolate cake and Victoria sponge cupcakes.”

Read more:

• Princess Anne to visit Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
• Timetable of Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Valley Gardens

All of Fodder’s profits help to fund the work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity which supports and promotes the farming industry.

Former CEO of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Nigel Pulling, meets HM The Queen in Harrogate in 2008.

West Park Hotel

The Classic Dubonnet Cocktail.

Anthony Blundell, hotel commercial manager, said:

“We are doing a Jubilee cocktail, which is going to be a ‘Classic Dubonnet Cocktail’ – her Majesty’s favourite. It includes Dubonnet, Tanquery Gin and Angustura Orange Bitters with a flavour profile of fig, red berries, orange and junipers, which is elegant yet strong – quite like her Royal Highness.”

Thug Sandwich Company

Edward Lee with a ‘pig in a blanket’ at Thug Sandwich.

Edward Lee, barista at Thug Sandwich, said you can’t beat a good sausage roll or scotch egg when it comes to the perfect accompaniment for your Jubilee picnic.

He added:

“When it comes to sandwiches, I’d recommend a good old fashioned Ploughmans, as it includes popular British ingredients and you can’t go wrong.

“This should all be washed down with a good sessionable pale ale.

“Having great food and drink is important. However, it’s not all about the occasion, but about the people you spend it with.”

Whittaker’s Gin

The Jubilee edition Whitaker’s Gin.

Jane Whittaker, co-founder of Whittaker’s Gin, which is based in Dacre Banks, said:

“We are releasing a Jubilee Edition gin.

“We have based the recipe on our existing Summer Solstice Gin, but tweaked the amount of grapefruit in the distillation and have added natural colouring to the liquid.

“We have changed all our gold foiling to silver to match the with Platinum theme and added an additional commemorative label.

“We thought this would not only be pleasing to the eye because of the colouring on the official Palace Jubilee roundel, but also our Summer Solstice is so popular, especially at this time of year.”

One of the key concerns in the run-up to this year’s shake-up of North Yorkshire local government was that the vast new unitary authority could leave the Harrogate district without a strong voice.

This week, when the dust settled on the local elections and Carl Les, the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire County Council named his new 10-person executive team, the concerns appeared to have merit.

Just one councillor from the district — Michael Harrison, who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, was included on the executive.

It means many of those making key decisions affecting Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham might not even have been to some of those places.

For the last 48 years, local political decision making has been shared between North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council.

But with the latter in its death throes, it seems likely that all local political decisions will soon be made at County Hall, the 1906 Grade II listed building in Northallerton, a market town in Hambleton, firstly by North Yorkshire County Council and then by North Yorkshire Council.

The 10-person executive table at Wednesday’s meeting, with Michael Harrison far right.

Just nine of the 47 Conservative councillors on the county council are from the district. So will the Harrogate district not have adequate representation?

‘Strong voice will remain’

Despite the changes, Cllr Harrison told the Stray Ferret he is confident the district will continue to have a strong voice.

He said local councillors will shape the executive’s decisions, firstly through task groups that will inform the transition to the new North Yorkshire Council next year and then through the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee.

Read more:

• ‘Where’s the infrastructure?’ New councillor queries 480-home Bluecoat Wood plan
• ‘Tough cookie’ Masham councillor becomes final chair of county council

The six area constituency committees are expected to be given stronger powers next year, possibly over key issues such as planning, as part of Cllr Les’ ‘double devolution’ pledge.  The Lib Dems will have eight of the 13 councillors on the one for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Cllr Harrison said:

“There will be real power devolved to the area constituency committees and the fact that the Conservatives don’t control the one for Harrogate and Knaresborough won’t stop that.”

Cllr Harrison added that he expects Harrogate Borough Council’s offices at Knapping Mount to continue to play a key operational role when staff transfer to North Yorkshire Council next year because “it’s a modern fit-for-purpose flexible office space”.

Harrogate Borough Council’s offices at Knapping Mount.

The Conservatives were returned to power in North Yorkshire with a greatly reduced majority of four on May 5.

Andrew Williams, an Independent who was elected in Ripon Minster and Moorside, said the more even political composition since the May 5 elections meant the views of opposition parties would be heard more, whereas in the past the previous huge Tory majority meant many issues were just waived through. He said:

“If you go about things in a constructive and positive manner it’s possible to get things done.”

Harrogate town council 

Cllr Williams, who is also the leader of Ripon City Council, said the best way to ensure Harrogate’s voice was heard would be through the creation of a Harrogate town council.

He said Ripon City Council had effectively provided a voice for the city and suggested the same could happen in Harrogate.

He added that such a move would pave the way for more independents.

“People will be looking for voices on a town council that stand up for Harrogate and will appreciate a less partisan approach.”

Five Harrogate Independents failed to come close to winning a division on May 5. But Cllr Williams suggested they got their tactics wrong:

“They started campaigning too late. You can’t just rock up at election time and win.

“To win an election as an Independent you have got to be known by a lot of people and campaign early.”

A referendum could take place in Harrogate to see if people want to create a town council.

But Cllr Harrison said people ought to know what the purpose of a Harrogate town council would be and what the added charge to their council tax precept would be before any vote takes place.

County Hall in Northallerton

Whatever one’s political persuasion, the political scene has been enlivened by the shake-up to local government.

But whether local voices are heard strongly at County Hall, the 1906 Grade II listed building where the county council is based, remains to be seen.

The Stray Ferret asked the Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough to comment for this article but did not receive a response by our deadline.

Members of Harrogate Pubwatch have said an app to keep bars informed on troublemakers is helping to keep the town centre safer.

Harrogate Pubwatch has approximately 40 bars and pubs registered. Together they can ban a person from all venues who’s behaviour is deemed inappropriate or dangerous for a set period.

Last month, the group imposed a lifetime ban on someone found carrying a knife in Mojo. It has recently added three more people to the banned list, two for violence and one for drug use.

The group also uses an app, sponsored by Harrogate BID, which gives details on all those banned but also provides live information on anyone causing trouble to give other bars the opportunity to refuse them entry before getting inside.

Simon Colgan, a member and owner of the Empress on the Stray and Blues Bar, praised the app. He said:

“If a person’s behaviour is deemed unsafe and dangerous we have a vote and decide the length of the ban. Bars working together like this is a real benefit for the town, it means we can keep venues safe for people to enjoy.”

Harrogate Pubwatch operates under the National Pubwatch guidelines and has set ban lengths for different offences. For example, drug dealing would mean someone is banned for 18 months and sexual harassment such as groping is nine months.

Read more:

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Hannah Ingram, supervisor at Hales Bar, agreed bars working together is hugely positive:

“We work within a really good system, we all support each other. At Hales Bar we, of course, have different customers to Mojo for example but if someone is stopped there it maybe they try come here. The app means we know who to look out for.

“Harrogate is safer for it because there are more eyes about.”

Gabrielle Marcinkeviciute, general manager at North Bar, said:

“In general I don’t want people to think they can act badly and then the next day it all be fine. People know that if they misbehave in a bar that’s part of Pubwatch they won’t be welcome, it makes them more well behaved because they know they could be banned  from numerous places.”

Harrogate BID initially sponsored the app for one year but after positive response from businesses and an increase in membership it has extended it for a further 12 months.

Harrogate Pubwatch Secretary Alan Huddart said:

“Pubwatch is making a real difference, and over the last 12 months we have seen our membership grow by 100 per cent. It’s helping alert participating venues in real time about any incidents, and helping identify troublemakers in the process.

“Harrogate is a great town with superb pubs, clubs and bars. It’s a safe town and Pubwatch is helping make it even safer.”