Appeal after rare motorbike stolen in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information after a motorbike was stolen in Harrogate and the attempted theft of another one.

The first was taken from an address on St Georges Road at around 2:30am before being abandoned.

North Yorkshire Police is looking for information on four men who are believed to have attended an address on South Park Road, Harrogate at 3:20am where a rare, Aprilia RS250 Mk2 was stolen.

The force said the motorbike has a distinctive bubbling to the surface of the fuel tank which should distinguish it from similar bikes.

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A police statement added:

“Officers are appealing to anyone in the area including residents with CCTV or doorbell video, and passing motorists with dashcam footage. to check their devices in case the suspects have been captured on camera.

“In particular, they are appealing to anyone who saw four  males acting suspiciously at this time.

Anyone with information or footage  that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Dean Barrett, collar number 1573.

“You can also email dean.Barrett@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

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

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210185790.”

Harrogate council to offer £800,000 for three empty homes

Harrogate Borough Council is set to offer £811,000 for three empty homes in the district.

The homes, which are on Greenfields Drive and Electic Avenue in Harrogate, and Beech Lane in Spofforth, would not be used for social housing but instead would be sold on by HBC on the open market should the offers be accepted by the owners.

Any profits made would go back into buying more empty homes so they can be brought back into use.

There are currently 811 properties across the district that have been empty for six months or longer. Of these, 215 have been empty and unfurnished for over two years. 31 have been empty for over ten years.

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The report says:

“Empty homes represent a wasted housing resource; they also pose other problems for local authorities, owners, neighbours, emergency services and the environment. They are often a blemish on an area and can be subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”

A report will go before HBC’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, Conservative Cllr Mike Chambers, next week that asks him to rubber stamp the move.

If the council’s offers on the three homes are not accepted the report says HBC will consider enforcement action, such as compulsory purchase.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you on this Monday morning, it’s is nearly the weekend! The roads have been a little quieter in the last few weeks but make sure to let me know if anything slows you down.

This blog, brought to you by the HACS Group, brings you live travel updates until 9am.

Were you stuck in a jam? Are there some new roadworks on your route? Let’s help everyone have a smoother journey by letting me know so I can add it to the blog.

Please give me a call on 01423 276197 or join our Facebook group ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ to give any updates.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me this morning, Suzannah will be back with you tomorrow morning with regular updates from 6.30. Have a lovely day.

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Original Harrogate Christmas Market will not return next year

The original Harrogate Christmas Market will not return next year after Harrogate Borough Council entered into formal talks with an organiser from Manchester.

Brian Dunsby, who established the Christmas market in 2012 and built it up to a success, has admitted defeat in his battle to hold the event on Montpellier Hill.

Harrogate Borough Council refused the licence at the end of July and has now revealed that Market Place Europe is now planning to hold a smaller event in December.

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After three weeks of wrangling with the council Brian Dunsby told the Stray Ferret:

“It is a shame for traders we have and for the sake of the town centre businesses which all need the Harrogate Christmas Market.

“Some of the traders may go bust. I think that very few will get into the event being organised by Market Place Europe.

“We created a marvellous event, it was a great success. It is also a distressing situation for the local charities we raise money for.

“Over the years we donated £90,000 from the profits we made.”

Mr Dunsby does not plan to hold the Harrogate Christmas Market this year of next but thinks there may be an opportunity for it to return in 2023. He added:

“By 2023 North Yorkshire County Council will be in charge. So whether we have another go then, I don’t know. It’s too early to say.

“I will not try next year because I do not think there is any point when Harrogate Borough Council is still in charge.”

The orginial Harrogate Christmas Market had around 170 traders booked in, 55 coaches and it expected to attract around 90,000 visitors for the four-day event.

Harrogate Borough Council refused a licence for Brian Dunsby’s event at the end of July.

It said that the event management plan did not fully take into account overcrowding, counter-terrorism and the ongoing risk of coronavirus.

However, Market Place Europe is planning to host 45 stalls with a mixture of European and local traders over 10 days at a yet undisclosed location in the town centre.

Green Shoots: Why Harrogate should be at the vanguard of tackling climate change

Did you know that Harrogate played a key role in the major IPCC “code red for humanity” climate change report that was published last week? The document was discussed around the globe and warned of climate catastrophe unless we act now.

Renowned climate scientist Piers Forster has lived in Harrogate since 2005 and was one of the main authors of the report. He’s a director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate and Professor of Physical Climate Change at the University of Leeds.

The report was a global effort and each line had to be painstakingly signed off by all 195 countries that are part of the IPCC.

Much of this was done by Prof Forster from his kitchen in Harrogate.

He said:

“That bit was quite tiring. There were 3am calls to talk to places like China and Brazil. It was bizarre.”

Extreme weather events

As we go about our everyday lives in the Harrogate district it might feel like we are insulated from the most frightening consequences of climate change like wildfires in Australia or landslides in China.

But Prof Forster warns that extreme weather events, such as the January floods in Boroughbridge, will become much more common unless we take immediate action.

Flooding in Boroughbridge. January 2021.

He said:

“This country gets off gets off quite lightly from the effects of climate change but we are absolutely beginning to see changes. We’re warmed by the gulf stream here a lot, but it might collapse. That will have a very big effect on our weather.”

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Consumption lifestyle

Harrogate is one of the most affluent towns in the UK and Harrogatonians have a stereotype for enjoying an expensive way of life.

So is our consumption-based capitalist lifestyle part of the problem?

A web tool created by researchers at the University of Leeds suggests it is.

It looks at things like transport use, energy consumption and flights taken and estimates the average carbon footprint of a person living in a particular postcode, grading it from A+ to F-.

Harrogate fares badly with Duchy getting the lowest score of F-, meaning its residents are in the 1% of people across the UK with the biggest carbon footprint.

Credit – the University of Leeds

Prof Forster says:

“On a lot of categories we do a lot worse in our town, particularly in the Duchy. It’s very nice of course, but we’re one of the worst in the country for getting on aeroplanes.

“We also drive a car that’s too big, have a home that’s too big and we heat by gas. It’s up to us to begin to make the changes”.

Planning paradox

Prof Forster describes both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council‘s green credentials as “certainly not terrible” but thinks they are hamstrung by a planning system that does not work in the best interests of the environment.

He points to the paradox of NYCC and HBC promoting active travel schemes in the town centre, whilst vast housing developments are approved on the outskirts of town where residents have no choice but to use a car.

He said:

“They absolutely do want to get to net zero. We all have to get there, but I do think the biggest issue is they dont have authority, investment or power to really make the big changes they want to make.

“The biggest issue is with planning. The way the system works and you do not necessarily get the best outcome for the environment.”

Harrogate Spring Water

One planning application that captured the imagination of the town was Harrogate Spring Water’s controversial advance on Rotary Wood to expand its bottling plant.

In the days leading up the planning committee, Prof Forster intervened to produce his own research paper that said the water company vastly underestimated the number of replacement trees needed to achieve carbon parity with the current woodland.

He believes the refusal was the kind of local victory that needs to be replicated across the country if we are to turn a corner on climate change.

“If you don’t like something, it’s your opportunity to get involved like i did with the spring water application. It was an impressive decision by the council’s planning committee because they went against the norms. There needs to be more and the council needs to be empowered to make these decisions”.

Changes in our community

A key message of the report is catastrophe can be averted if the world acts fast. Prof Forster hopes discussions around the climate in Harrogate can be less divisive, as seen with the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood debate.

He said:

“It’s sad as often the first reaction is eurgh!

“We need to learn by doing. We can’t just have endless consultation and reports. We have to try and get on and make changes. 

“This big international report has to be translated into changes we want to see in our community.

“We have to try and get on and make changes that works to improve our town, job prospects whilst saving the world.”

Harrogate MP welcomes new Christmas market as local traders move on

Andrew Jones MP has welcomed the proposal of a new Christmas market but some disappointed local traders have already moved on.

Market Place Europe has entered into formal talks with Harrogate Borough Council about holding its own version of a Christmas market.

Talks are in the early stages but the plan is to hold a 45 stall event from December 3 to 12. There is no word yet on where it will be held but it will be in the town centre.

There will be a mixture of European stall holders as well as some local traders.

However, it’s unclear just how many of the 170 booked in with the former organisers will be able to get involved with the new organisers.

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Bridget Bailey, founder of Bags and Glad Rags, told the Stray Ferret:

“I have been a trader at the Harrogate Christmas Market since it started so I find it very sad that such a successful event has been destroyed.

“We have been messed about so could not wait for this to be sorted. So I am already committed to other things around that time.”

Howard Heaton, managing director of Westmorland Sheepskins, also said:

“This has been quite frustrating to watch. Harrogate is a destination so we need to build on that.

“But from what I have seen of the new Christmas market I am not sure if it will draw in the same crowds, it’s a much smaller event.”

Steven Green, co-founder of Harrogate Tipple, added:

“I think it’s laughable really to have 45 stalls. With European traders as well I cannot see how the locals will get much of a look in.

“Harrogate Tipple always did well at the Christmas market in Harrogate but we are now going to York instead.”

What does Andrew Jones MP make of the new plans?

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has released a statement for the first time about Harrogate Christmas Market since the council refused a licence for Montpellier Hill.

Mr Jones welcomed the news:

“I have read that the usual organisers have announced that they are not going to be seeking approval for a new event plan on Montpellier Hill which addresses the issues raised.

“Retailers contacting me simply want to make sure there is a safe and quality Christmas market in Harrogate. They are not too interested in the wrangling over the exact location.

“That is why, putting the past in the past, I am pleased that a commitment remains from the council to pick up the problem and sort it by speaking to other Christmas market organisers.

“Time though is marching on. I am pleased that contingencies are in place and moving forward at pace.”

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you on this Friday morning, it’s is nearly the weekend! The roads have been a little quieter in the last few weeks but make sure to let me know if anything slows you down.

This blog, brought to you by the HACS Group, brings you live travel updates until 9am.

Were you stuck in a jam? Are there some new roadworks on your route? Let’s help everyone have a smoother journey by letting me know so I can add it to the blog.

Please give me a call on 01423 276197 or join our Facebook group ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ to give any updates.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me this morning, I will be back with you on Monday from 06.30. Have a lovely weekend.

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8.30am – Full Update 

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8am – Full Update 

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7:30am – Full Update 

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7am – Full Update 

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6.30am – Full Update 

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£20m bid to replace Harrogate buses with electric fleet

An entire fleet of buses in Harrogate could be replaced with electric models as part of an ambitious £20 million bid.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is working with the Harrogate Bus Company, part of Transdev, on a bid for more than £8 million in government money.

Transdev has also proposed to prop up the bid with £11.5 million of its own funds.

If successful, Harrogate would welcome a total of 39 zero-emission buses over the next three years.

The buses come with next stop announcements, USB power and free wifi.

There would be an even split of single-decker and double-decker electric buses which would come with supporting charging infrastructure.

Now, the Department for Transport (DfT) has asked the council to submit a business case for the project.

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The bid must be submitted by the end of January 2022 with a decision from the DfT expected by March 2022.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the executive member for access at NYCC, said:

“We’re near the start of a competitive process and success is not guaranteed, but this action illustrates the scale of our ambition and commitment.

“This project aligns with the decarbonisation ambitions we share with partners across the region to protect the environment and counter climate change.

“It would accelerate improvements in air quality, as zero emission vehicles produce no tail pipe emissions, bringing health benefits to residents and visitors.”

Alex Hornby, CEO at Transdev, said:

“We have already created a low-emission bus fleet in Harrogate thanks to the huge investment we have made in the past few years.

“We hope this bid will lead to the next exciting step of our vision to create a completely zero-emission bus network, powered by a fully-electric fleet.

“With our partners at North Yorkshire County Council, we aim to create further improvements in infrastructure.

“This comes at a time when we believe our town is ready to embrace more sustainable forms of travel.”

Manchester firm set to take on Harrogate Christmas Market

A Manchester events firm is set to take on Harrogate Christmas Market this year after a row over health and safety concerns.

Harrogate Borough Council has now entered into formal talks with Market Place Europe, which is based in Ashton-Under-Lyne.

The council said that the company is planning to hold a 10-day event from  December 3 to December 12 rather than the usual four-day market.

At this stage it is unclear where the new Harrogate Christmas market will take place but it will be in the town centre.

It is also unclear if the 170 traders and 53 coaches booked in with the former organisers will move over to the new Christmas market.

Market Place Europe is behind the Christmas markets in Glasgow and Belfast. The company also organises a number of food markets across the UK.

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Gemma Rio, head of destination management at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“I am pleased to see that Market Place Europe has submitted an expression of interest to hold a Christmas market in Harrogate town centre this December.

“To have interest from an organisation with vast experience of operating successful markets across the UK is a great opportunity for the district.

“We look forward to working with them, and our local partners, to ensure this event is delivered safely and drives visitors into the town.”

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“From what I’ve seen, Market Place Europe have years of experience hosting events. So I know they’ll bring an abundance of knowledge to Harrogate this Christmas.

“You’ve only got to look at the photos online from markets they’ve hosted in major cities such as Belfast and Glasgow to see what they’ll bring is a first-class offering.”

This news comes just over two weeks after Harrogate Borough Council refused a licence for Harrogate Christmas Market run by Brian Dunsby OBE on Montpellier Hill.

Representatives from the founding organisers at Harrogate Christmas Market Ltd met with two council officers on Tuesday.

It was the first time the two groups met but after 90 minutes of talks the council issued a statement saying alternative locations “have been refused” by the current organisers.

The council also said it would “move forward to ensure Harrogate hosts safe, vibrant and attractive Christmas festivities this year”.

Woman says it’s ‘impossible’ to move to Harrogate whilst on Universal Credit

A woman wanting to rent a property in Harrogate says “it seems impossible” to find an estate agent that will accept her because she receives Universal Credit.

Karen Andrew was born and brought up in Harrogate but has lived in Essex for the last 20 years.

After splitting up with her partner she wants to return to be closer to her family but said she feels discriminated against by estate agents and landlords because of her situation.

She also owns a three-year-old Staffy-cross dog which has posed another obstacle in her search for somewhere to live.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“The second you mention Universal Credit or a dog they don’t want to know.

“I want to move back to my hometown and I didn’t think it would be this difficult.”

Ms Andrew, who works part-time at a school and hopes to find a new job in Harrogate, said estate agents need to “look at the bigger picture”.

“Just because you have a dog and are on Universal Credit you’re not a scumbag.”

Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people on low incomes or out of work. It can include a housing element at a rate that is set by the local authority. Ms Andrew is looking for a one-bedroom property in Harrogate at the Local Housing Allowance rate of £523.55.

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Ms Andrew said one estate agent, Linley & Simpson, would only recommend her as a tenant to their landlords if she provided six months’ rent upfront which she said she does not have.

She is currently in limbo in Essex whilst she searches for a property in Harrogate that accepts her.

She added: 

“We are meant to be a nation of dog and pet lovers but I haven’t found this to be the case while looking for a property to rent.

“Claiming Universal Credit does not mean that you can’t be bothered or don’t want to work. Lots of people on Universal Credit are working but are on a low income.”

A spokesperson for Linley & Simpson told the Stray Ferret that all tenants have to pass a credit check from Goodlord that assesses their financial situation.

They said any decision to allow pets is up to the landlord but that they would be happy to speak to Ms Andrew again to discuss her situation.

They added:

“Our job as the agent is to find a suitable tenant who is capable of covering the cost of the rent for the duration of the tenancy. The same criteria is applied to all applicants.”

Earlier this year, the National Residential Landlords Association called on the government to improve the Universal Credit administration system so the benefit can better support tenants.