Harrogate district covid rate rises as 134 cases reported

Harrogate district’s seven-day covid rate has increased, as a further 134 covid cases were confirmed today.

Latest data shows that the rate has risen to 515 infections per 100,000 people, which is the second highest in North Yorkshire.

Across the county, the average stands at 481 and the England rate is 382.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for coronavirus have been recorded at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England figures.

Since March 2020, 197 people have died with covid at the hospital.

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Meanwhile, the number of covid patients at Harrogate District Hospital remains stable with 22 currently receiving treatment – a slight fall from 25 this time last week.

Harrogate nursery currently closed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

A Harrogate nursery that has existed for more than 50 years has closed.

Oatlands Pre-School, which opened in 1968, was situated in the former Oatlands Methodist Church on Mount Street and was owned and managed by a voluntary committee.

According to its most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2017, it catered for 25 children aged two to five.

Claire Temple, chair of the Oatlands Pre-School and community centre committee, told the Stray Ferret it had closed due to “unforeseen circumstances” and said she was unable to provide any further information at this time.

The pre-school, which it is believed closed in September, operated from 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday throughout term times and provided a lunch club.

Ofsted rated the nursery as ‘good’ in 2017 but its website now describes it as closed.

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Planned new Harrogate restaurant and bar applies for alcohol licence

A proposed new bar and restaurant on Harrogate’s King’s Road has applied for a premises licence.

The premises would be situated in Ocean House and the former Ramus seafood shop. If approved, it would significantly liven a part of town not known for its nightlife.

GM Developments, which is based in Leeds, lodged plans with Harrogate Borough Council in October for the scheme.

Under a licensing application, the bar, called Frog, would be open from Monday to Sunday from 10am until midnight.

The application also seeks permission for the retail sale of alcohol on site.

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The new restaurant, which would be based in Ocean House and create up to 20 jobs, would seat 70 people indoors. There would also be a bar, external pavement and courtyard seating.

The business would be managed by Roger Moxham, one of the founding owners of Harrogate’s Cold Bath Brewing company.

Mr Moxham said previously:

“We will serve a diverse array of global meals rooted in Asia and the Americas, which we intend to rotate throughout the year. 

“The menu will be underpinned by a weekend brunch offer all supported by a full range of hand crafted cocktails and beers and an interesting selection of soft drinks, teas and coffees.”

The council will make a decision on the premises application at a later date.

Unemployment in Harrogate district falls despite end of furlough

The number of people receiving out-of-work benefits in the Harrogate district has continued to fall, despite the furlough scheme ending at the end of September.

Latest figures by the Office for National Statistics show 2,375 people in the district were claiming the benefits as of October 14.

This is 115 fewer than the 2,490 figure for September 12. The benefits include Universal Credit, which can also be claimed by people who are in work but on low incomes.

The furlough scheme ended on September 30 and supported around 28,600 jobs in the Harrogate district for 18 months.

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The figures appear to have calmed fears raised by the local Liberal Democrats that the scheme would result in up to 3,600 job losses in the district.

Speaking last month, Cllr Pat Marsh, leader of the opposition group on Harrogate Borough Council, said the Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally were demanding the scheme be extended to protect jobs.

Will you be going for a spin on Harrogate’s helter skelter?

Have you spotted Harrogate’s new Christmas attraction in front of the war memorial?

Harrogate Borough Council has installed a full-sized helter skelter opposite Bettys ahead of the festive season.

The fairground ride, which arrived last night, will remain in the town centre until January 2.

Rides will operate during the afternoon, subject to weather, throughout November and December.

The attraction is one of various ideas Harrogate BID, Visit Harrogate and the council have organised this festive season, along with Christmas markets, a Santa visit and a Christmas train, to encourage footfall into the town.

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https://twitter.com/Silverginger/status/1460367753660047364

Wanted man could be in Harrogate, say police

A wanted man who breached his conditions of release from prison could be Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of 24-year-old Joshua David Greaves.

Greaves was jailed in September 2020 for stealing motorbikes and bicycles worth £12,000.

Police say he could be in Scarborough, but also has links to Harrogate and Eastfield.

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Greaves is about 6ft 2, of slim build and has dark brown hair and blue eyes.

A police statement added:

“If you see him, or have any info about his current whereabouts, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12210238354.”

New cosmetic surgery in district offers cutting-edge natural procedures

This article is sponsored by Kliniken

A new private cosmetic surgery centre in the Harrogate district is breaking the mould by offering natural and long-lasting procedures with faster recovery times.

Kliniken has been created for patients first and foremost. The beautiful rural Bishop Thornton setting and luxury interior design create an ambience that’s a far cry from the clinical feel of a hospital.

Each of the surgeons is not just a specialist in plastic surgery, but has spent years developing dedicated techniques for specific anatomical areas, such as the face, body, or hands.

Natural face-lifts and breast surgery

Full-time plastic surgeon at Kliniken, Mallappa Kolar, has nearly 20 years’ experience in cosmetic surgery – specialising in the head and neck area for the last five years. He advocates for more natural procedures to be used, as they often have much better – and longer-lasting – outcomes.

Mr Kolar has an MD and PhD in the use of fat cells.The cells from a client’s own body can be used in facial procedures as a natural alternative to fillers, or for other medical issues such as arthritis. He said:

“There are probably only a handful of places in the country that would do it. It’s can be used for simple things like acne scars and volume rejuvenations as a natural alternative to fillers. As we get older the creasing starts to increase, so we can rejuvenate that using fat.”

Kliniken’s breast and body consultant plastic surgeon, Ammar Allouni, also performs breast augmentation using this process. It gives a more natural look than artificial implants, with the added bonus of slimming down another area of the body, improving contouring.

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas and TV personality Michelle Visage are among celebrities to remove their man-made breast implants

Using the body’s own resources to enhance the patient’s shape has become a much more popular alternative in recent years, particularly for breast surgery.

The risks associated with man-made implants have been much publicised in recent years. Strictly Come Dancing head-judge Shirley Ballas opted to have her implants removed due to the increased risks of cancer, whilst TV personality Michelle Visage recently released a documentary about her ‘explant’ experience.

Kliniken’s natural approach offers a lower risk alternative, with excellent results.

Surgeries such as face, brow or cheek lifts are some of the most common procedures to reverse the signs of ageing. But Mr Kolar warns that ‘mini’ versions, offered at other cosmetic practices, don’t actually offer the best results:

“Here at Kliniken, we don’t offer ‘mini’ face-lifts, because they simply don’t last as well. They just don’t provide the best value-for-money for patients. Because we use such innovative techniques, we’re able to produce genuinely long-lasting results.”

Cutting edge techniques with faster recovery times

One of Mr Kolar’s most popular – and innovative – facial surgeries is the ultrasonic rhinoplasty. A traditional ‘nose job’ uses hammers and surgical chisels to remove excess cartilage and bone, which can cause significant swelling and needs a long recovery time. Mr Kolar uses an ultrasonic technique where high-speed sound waves are used instead. This means a much faster recovery time and far less swelling.

Kliniken’s innovative approach to hand surgery also offers a faster alternative to traditional procedures. Even in private hospitals, patients needing surgery for conditions like carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or ganglion swelling, can end up spending a year going through the process of pre-surgery visits and tests.

But at Kliniken, that process can be done in one day – which Mr Kolar calls “unique”.

The cutting edge process sees patients have their assessment, tests, operation and physiotherapy all on the same day. It eliminates the need for multiple days off work for appointments or an overnight stay.

The procedure is performed by one of four consultant hand surgeons, who have more than 30 years’ experience between them.

After the procedure, expert physiotherapy is carried out on the same day, with follow up appointments also available.

 

To find out more about the procedures offered at Kliniken, visit their website or call 01423 206 388

Ofgem appoints company to take on CNG customers

Energy regulator Ofgem has appointed a new company to take on customers of Harrogate firm CNG Energy.

CNG ceased trading this month after 27 years and entered the regulator’s Supplier of Last Resort process.

The SoLR procedure was established as a safety net to ensure that when a company stops supplying energy, affected customers are guaranteed continuity of supply through other companies.

Ofgem has now appointed Pozitive Energy, which is based in Colchester, to supply energy to 41,000 customers of both CNG Energy and CNG Electricity.

In a statement on Pozitive Energy’s website, it said:

“We’ve reached out to all current CNG customers by post and email to let them know we are taking over their supply and what to expect over the next four weeks. We’ve confirmed current rates and how to secure more competitive rates with Pozitive Energy.”

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Meanwhile, Neil Lawrence, Ofgem’s director of retail, said:

“We understand that this news may be unsettling for customers, however they do not need to worry.

“Their energy supply will continue as normal, and domestic customer credit balances as well as some non-domestic credit balances, will be honoured.”

Downfall of CNG

The move follows the demise of Harrogate company CNG, which told its employees about the SoLR process in an email on November 3.

However, the company’s troubles became apparent in October when Paul Stanley, managing director of CNG, sent a letter to customers saying it was exiting the wholesale market.

The company, which is based on Victoria Avenue, supplied energy to about 15 to 20 retail energy companies through its wholesale business arm and also had around 50,000 business customers.

It had been impacted by spiralling global gas prices over the past few months.

About 145 jobs have been lost and staff have been told that wages for days worked this month are not guaranteed to be paid.

 

Petition mooted over Marks & Spencer plans to close Harrogate Oatlands cafe

Marks & Spencer has submitted plans to expand its Simply Food store on Leeds Road, Harrogate and close the cafe.

M&S was granted planning permission to demolish a car showroom and build the store at Oatlands Retail Park in 2012.

It now plans to expand into the adjoining sofa.com unit.

The company actually had permission to occupy the sofa.com site in 2012 but did not want as much space then and chose to sub-divide the unit instead.

A planning document sent to Harrogate Borough Council by commercial real estate agents Avison Young (UK) on behalf of M&S reveals the retailer now plans to expand and ‘remove’ the cafe. It says:

“The current works to reverse the unit’s sub-division reflect changes in consumer demand for food products in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and a wider business strategy by M&S to invest in and expand its food retail offer.”

A Stray Ferret reader got in touch to say the potential loss of the cafe had not gone down well with customers and some were considering a petition calling on the company to reconsider.

An M&S spokesperson said:

“Our expansion plans at M&S Harrogate Oatlands are designed to deliver a bigger, better and fresher new-look food hall for shoppers and mark a significant investment in the local area.

“Whilst these plans involve closing the in-store café, they will allow us to transform the store to deliver the very best of M&S for our customers in Harrogate, with a bigger range of M&S food products than ever before.”

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Harry’s Heroes: listen to inspiring stories and vote for your hero

Former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration has met six inspirational people from the Harrogate district for his new podcast Harry’s Heroes.

Harry has recorded conversations with finalists Cath Wilson, Greta Knight, Helen Mackenzie, Lauren Doherty, Mark Oldfield and Susie Little who were all put forward by local people who feel their work is extraordinary. Each are doing exceptional things in different ways to help others in the community.

Harry has partnered with sponsor Harrogate Spring Water to champion the work of these exceptional individuals.

You can learn more about each hero and listen to the podcasts by clicking or tapping here and afterwards vote for your favourite. We hope you enjoy listening to their stories and about their work.

The hero who gets the most votes will win a trip to London for a fantastic concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Voting closes on November 28 at 11.59pm. The winner will be announced by Harry Gration the following day on November 29.

Harry said on the launch of his new podcast:

“My final six local heroes have told me their stories, we’ve recorded them and they’re ready to listen to.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet all of our heroes along with the people who put them forward in the first place.

“I encourage you to take the time to listen to all of their stories, they really are fantastic and very moving.

“I’m delighted to give these individuals the recognition they deserve and hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did making them.

“You can vote in the form below but before you do, take the time to listen to all six stories.

“I look forward to announcing the lucky winner on 29 November with Harrogate Spring Water.”