Yorkshire Water says it is investigating an unusual incident where bubbles filled a section of Hookstone Beck today.

Two Stray Ferret readers contacted us with photos of the beck this morning when what appeared to be a sea of washing-up liquid bubbles appeared on the surface.

Andrew Mann said he was out for a walk near the Yorkshire Event Centre when he noticed “something clearly had gone wrong”.

He said bubbles had risen 10-feet-high and raised concerns about any fish that might be swimming in the beck, which feeds into Crimple Beck.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said the incident was not related to sewage pollution. He suspected somebody had poured detergent down a drain that is intended for rainwater and runs off into the beck.

An investigation is underway to find the source of the problem and whether the substance is harmful to wildlife. Yorkshire Water will then share its findings with the Environment Agency.

Read more:

• A1(M) southbound finally reopens at Boroughbridge six hours after crash
• Harrogate Convention Centre boss warns big events ‘at risk’ unless £47m refurbishment is accelerated

Nathan Sadler has been appointed the next headmaster of independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor.

Father-of-three Mr Sadler will take up the role in September next year. He is moving from GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis in Dubai, which he helped open more than a decade ago.

Set in 20-acres of grounds in Birstwith, the school and nursery welcomes boys and girls from three months to 11 years old.

Mr Sadler said he was looking forward to taking the Harrogate prep school forward “to its next chapter”.

He said:

“It is my absolute privilege to be joining Belmont Grosvenor School as headmaster starting next academic year and I am excited by the opportunity to collectively work with staff, pupils, parents and the governors to celebrate and build on the school’s successes and identity and continue to provide the children with strong foundations to thrive in their ever-changing world.

“I’m very impressed with the school grounds and emphasis placed on outdoor learning opportunities and look forward to embracing the whole school community and collectively creating life-long memories for the children.”

Gordon Milne, chair of the governors, said Mr Sadler brought a wealth of experience, including seven years in a senior leadership role in Dubai. He added:

“Nathan displayed a real passion for learning and primary education.”

Mr Sadler will visit the school in March to meet pupils, parents and staff, before taking up his position at the start of the next academic year.

Read more:

• Otley Road cycle route works set to finish next week
• Over 18s invited for walk-in boosters at Harrogate’s Showground

A Harrogate police officer appeared in court today charged with sexually assaulting a woman.

Christopher Ryan Hudson, 30, who was suspended by North Yorkshire Police after the allegation was made, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Thursday when he denied one count of sexual assault.

The alleged offence is said to have occurred at Stonefall Cemetery on Wetherby Road, Harrogate, on February 8.

Hudson, who was based in the Harrogate police division at the time of the alleged offence, was dressed in a smart black suit, white shirt and tie when he appeared before district judge Adrian Lower.

He is accused of sexually touching the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, during working hours and in a “relatively remote location”.

Prosecutor Charles Macrae said it was alleged that Mr Hudson sexually touched the woman while she “repeatedly told him she didn’t want him to”. Mr Macrae added:

Read more:

• Harrogate police officer charged with sexual assault
• Traffic turned around four hours since A1(M) Boroughbridge crash

“There was a suggestion that there was a degree of planning (to the alleged offence).”

Matthew Savage, for Hudson, said he had no submissions to make at this stage.

Judge Mr Lower sent the case to Leeds Crown Court where Mr Hudson, of Hollin Terrace, Huddersfield, will appear on January 6 for a preliminary hearing. He was released on unconditional bail.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement that Hudson was based in Harrogate at the time of the allegation and was currently suspended.

The director of Harrogate Convention Centre has warned the venue and local economy will miss out on big events unless plans for a major refurbishment are accelerated.

Paula Lorimer said upgrading the centre’s studio two needed to be made a priority as it would be a “game changer”.

Speaking at a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, she said this part of the centre currently has limited “breakout” space and that this has meant it has been unable to attract “larger and more lucrative” events.

Ms Lorimer said:

“We are lucky to have one of the largest and most gorgeous auditoriums in the country with just over 1,900 seats, but we only have breakout space for 570 people.

“These larger conference rooms that we are hoping to have in studio two will mean we will attract much larger conferences.

“We therefore believe there is a very strong case to accelerate this part of the project.”

The project has yet to receive a final go-ahead from councillors and could cost up to £47m over three phases if approved.

Read more:

• No final decision on HCC investment until 2022, says council
• Over 18s invited for walk-in boosters at Harrogate’s Showground

It was revealed at this week’s meeting that the plans have already been delayed due to the covid pandemic, with a report warning that this could have an impact on contracted and potential events booked from April 2023 onwards.

‘Important event’ coming to Harrogate

It also said there is an “important event” planned for early 2023 which will require the works on studio two to be completed, however, the council said it was unable to confirm the details as it is not a public event.

The report added:

“If the studio two package is not ready by April 2023, the potential negative impact on the Harrogate Convention Centre order book would be significant.

“It is highly likely that the newly contracted events for the period 2023/24 would be lost.

“It also runs the risk of not being able to bid for these conferences again until post 2025.”

The plans were first revealed in July last year when the council said the 40-year-old centre was in “critical need” of an upgrade to keep its national appeal and that without investment its maintenance costs could reach £19m over the next two decades.

150,000 visitors a year

It was estimated before the pandemic that the centre attracted more than 150,000 visitors a year with an annual economic impact of £35m.

However, covid has now raised questions over how quickly the industry can bounce back to pre-pandemic levels and what risks this could mean for the potential £47m redevelopment.

A final decision on the project will be made by councillors next year and the council has yet to put forward any funding proposals, although it said a business case would play a key part in supporting bids for government cash.

It was agreed at yesterday’s meeting that a further report would be brought back to cabinet to decide whether the works on studio two should be accelerated.

It was also agreed that further design and feasibility works are continued.

Other plans as part of the project could involve three exhibition halls being demolished to make way for a new 5,000 sq m hall and a refurbished auditorium.
Around £20m would be needed to complete a first phase of redevelopment, with another phase later.

Building work for the first phase of the Otley Road cycle route is set to finish on Thursday December 16.

North Yorkshire County Council said works would have been completed earlier but contractors have been delayed due to the recent spells of stormy weather.

Works have continued throughout November and December to build the new cycle route, which is part of a package of sustainable transport measures in the west of Harrogate.

For its first phase, a section is being created between Harlow Moor Road and Cold Bath Road.

NYCC’s highways area manager Melisa Burnham said:

“Adverse weather caused by storms Arwen and Barra has extended the completion date for the first phase of the Otley Road cycleway. We are aiming to complete the bulk of the work by 16 December.

“However, some remedial work will remain to be completed in the New Year.”

The second phase from Arthur’s Avenue to Beech Grove will be built at a later date.

Read more:

• Harrogate planning committee ‘shambles’ and ’embarrassing’, says residents group
• Disused Bilton car park to be used for council homes

Whilst many people are looking forward to new cycling infrastructure on Otley Road, others have complained about the disruption it’s caused so far with work continuing late into the night.

Rene Dziabas, chair of the Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association, said the group has gained several new members from local residents who have been annoyed by the building works.

In late November, a resident told the Stray Ferret that he was “upset and angry” a mature tree was felled to make way for the route.

The chair of Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association has described yesterday’s planning committee meeting, at which councillors approved controversial plans to build 200 homes at the former police training centre, as a “shambles” and “embarrassing”.

Councillors debated the application from Homes England, the government’s housing agency, for three hours. Concerns were raised about traffic congestion and the loss of a football pitch on the site.

The planning committee had previously voted in June against a recommendation to approve the application.

Councillors said back then that the scheme should not be passed until publication of the West Harrogate Parameters Plan, a document that will assess transport and infrastructure needs associated with wider plans to build up to 4,000 homes on the western side of Harrogate.

Councillors were told this week a draft version of the parameters plan would not be published until February 2022 but, this time, they decided to approve the plans by seven votes to three.

Rene Dziabas, chair of HAPARA, criticised the decision of councillors on the committee, who he said were “badly briefed” by officers.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“The meeting was a shambles. What communication was there between councillors and the planning department? Given this was a controversial deferral in June, you’d have thought there would have been a great deal of detail buttoned down, and a clear understanding from councillors about what the parameters plan is.

“I felt very let down [by the councillors]”.

Read more:

• Homes England accused of ‘bullying’ tactics over 200 homes at Pannal Ash

• Football club’s fury at plans to axe Harrogate sports pitch for housing

David Stephenson, senior planning manager at Homes England, warned councillors that while launching a costly appeal against the council was an “absolute last resort” for the body it was a route it was willing to take.

During the meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh accused Homes England of “bullying” councillors into approving the plans.

Mr Dziabas said the decision to grant planning permission in the face of impending legal action from Homes England had damaged local democracy.

He added:

“There’s a great deal of talk about local democracy — this was not a good example of it.”

A coroner has concluded that the suicide of a “bright and happy” girl was not linked to the acne drug she had been taking before her death.

Annabel Wright, 15, was found dead in her room by her parents on the evening of May 1, 2019.

Harrogate District Hospital had prescribed Annabel, who lived near Ripon and attended Harrogate’s St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Roaccutane, also known as isotretinoin, to treat her acne.

The conclusion, which was read out today at an inquest in Northallerton, was difficult for her heartbroken parents Helen and Simon Wright to hear.

Jonathan Leach, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire, said:

“There was no evidence that her mind was disturbed. If it was, there is no evidence that this was caused or contributed to by Roaccutane.

“It is clear to me that Annabel took her own life. I offer my thanks to the witnesses and condolences to the family.”

Simon and Helen Wright read out a statement after today’s hearing.

After the hearing Ms Wright, flagged on her right by Mr Wright, said:

“The evidence provided during this inquest has shown that our normal, happy, well-adjusted child took her own life, suddenly, without warning and without any mitigating circumstances other than she was taking a drug which can cause suicide.

“Despite this the coroner has not seen fit to implicate this drug in her death. We are disappointed but sadly not surprised by the verdict delivered here today.

“Annabel was let down by Harrogate District Hospital when they prescribed her a drug she did not even need though it could cause her suicide.

“She was let down in life and she has been let down in death by the authorities steadfast refusal to recognise the role Roaccutane played in her death.

“But we, her family, friends and the people who knew her know the real truth and this will not be changed by the opinions of those who never met her, yet have the power to stand in judgement over her.

“In view of this, we, as bereaved parents, would like to take this opportunity to warn others of the dangers of Roaccutane, because often they will not hear about the true side effects, including sudden suicidal impulses from those who glibly prescribe it.

“We hope others will take heed from this tragedy and refuse to allow their children to take this toxic drug.”

Read more:

• Parents’ tribute to Harrogate girl on acne drug who took her life
• Harrogate police officer charged with sexual assault

Dr Alison Layton, who started Annabel on her treatment, told the inquest that Harrogate District Hospital had carried out a review into how it deals with those under 18.

She also added that the hospital now hands out cards to those on Roaccutane with contact details for mental health services in case they are trying to conceal their feelings.

Hospital investigation

After the inquest Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Annabel Wright.

“Following Annabel’s tragic death, the trust commenced an investigation and our findings were shared with Annabel’s family and HM Coroner.

“We acknowledge the conclusion of HM Coroner.”

Rory Badenoch, the solicitor acting on behalf of the family, urged the coroner to send a letter to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to make the risks of Roaccutane more clear.

The coroner said he will decide at a later date whether that would be appropriate.

Samaritans are available 365 days a year for people in need of support. You can call them free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Revised plans for five council homes on a disused car park in Harrogate have been approved at a second attempt.

Harrogate Borough Council’s housing team was sent back to the drawing board to rethink its plans for the site at Dene Park, Bilton, in May.

But the scheme has now gained approval after a planning committee meeting yesterday.

Councillors said previous concerns over the layout and designs had been addressed, although there were still questions over the loss of the car park.

Councillor Sue Lumby, a Conservative who represents Harrogate Coppice Valley, said:

“I have received a letter from a number of residents who are very concerned about parking. If cars are forced to park on pavements, it is going to make access for buses and refuse vehicles difficult.”

Gillian Wood, the council’s housing growth manager, responded by saying the car park was “grossly under-occupied” and that 12 new parking spaces would be built for the use of all residents over nearby grass verges.

Read more:

• Walk-in boosters available again today in Harrogate
• Homes England accused of ‘bullying’ tactics over 200 homes at Pannal Ash

She said:

“This will reduce parking on the street.

“We have been monitoring the car park for quite a long time now and we are finding there are generally three cars on there.

“People have a preference to park outside their property, so if we can provide 12 off-street spaces that is 12 cars off the street, which should help.”

1,800 households on council waiting list

There are around 1,800 households on the council’s housing waiting list and the housing team said the car park would help provide “much-needed” accommodation for these residents.

Councillor Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat leader, also said the plans should be welcomed for this reason.

She said:

“There are people parking at the site, but it is very small in numbers. To me, what is more important is the almost 2,000 people on our housing waiting list.

“I’m really pleased the council is moving forward with this.”

Councillors unanimously voted to approve the plans at Tuesday’s meeting.

A 30-year-old police officer based at Harrogate has been charged with sexual assault.

Christopher Hudson will appear at York Magistrates Court tomorrow.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement that Hudson was based in Harrogate at the time of the allegation and was currently suspended.

No further details are available.

Read more:

• Increased Harrogate district police patrols to get people home safe
• North Yorkshire Police launches Christmas drink and drug drive campaign