Harrogate care supplies shop closes to move online

After being forced to move online during lockdown, one Harrogate business has now decided to permanently close its store and move fully online.

Change Mobility operated on King’s Road for five years before closing for good last week. The pandemic accelerated its move online.

The company decided on the move after listening to customer feedback and assessing sales during lockdown.

Change Mobility is the sister company of Beaucare another Harrogate-based business that supplies products to care homes, hospitals and individuals.

Change Mobility sells a range of care supplies from living aids such as grab rails to wheelchairs.

It will still provide home visits and a click and collect service from its office on Hornbeam Park.

Heather Mawray, managing director of Beaucare, said:

“The retail market has been difficult over the last 12 months. This has accelerated our move to a different operating model. During the pandemic many customers have required home deliveries, this will continue as a key feature for Change Mobility going forward.

“Advice and assessments will be available in person at home visits arranged at times to suit the customer, this has been welcomed by many of our customers who would have previously found it difficult to travel to the store.

“We are really looking forward to continuing to support our Change Mobility customers and ensure they receive outstanding service.”

The company told the Stray Ferret no jobs had been lost due to the move.

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Harrogate’s new green look has residents seeing red

First there were the planters… now artificial grass is causing anger in Harrogate.

Fake grass first appeared on raised flower beds on Cambridge Street a few days ago. Today workers were tearing out plants and laying more artificial grass on Oxford Street.

It has led to passionate debate on social media about not only the aesthetics of the hyper-green look but also whether it conforms with modern thinking on the use of plastics.

A post by Lizzie Brewster drew almost universal condemnation.

https://twitter.com/HgCatherine/status/1390176171233628160

Andy Dennis replied on Twitter:

“Plastic is not the way forward and normalising this very abnormal product is misguided. This needs to be removed.”

The Little Ale House, which is based nearby, added:

“It’s also visually depressing.”

The Pinewoods Harrogate twitter account noted wryly the bright new look might be part of Harrogate Borough Council’s commitment to be the greenest council ever.

Cartoonist Graeme Bandeira was somewhat blunter:

“What the hell is that?”

Nina Jolly commented that astro turf belonged on sports pitches and nowhere else.

The Stray Ferret has asked Harrogate Borough Council about the artificial grass and will publish its response when received.

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Harrogate couple launch oxygen for India appeal

Harrogate couple Kate and Paul Banerjee have launched an appeal to buy oxygen equipment for covid patients in India with breathing difficulties.

Money raised will go to the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by the Prince Charles and British Asian business leaders in 2007 to tackle poverty and injustice in the poorest parts of Asia.

The trust is working with the Swasth Foundation in India, a non-profit healthcare provider, to source medical equipment that is in desperately short supply in the covid-hit country.

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The couple set an £8,300 fundraising target — enough to buy 10 oxygen concentrators.

Since it launched on Monday, the appeal has so far generated £4,995, which is about 60% of the target.

Ms Banerjee said:

“It all started because I know that there’s a lot of people who want to help but don’t know how to do it in a way that will get the money to the people that need it.

“We raised over £10 a minute in the first five hours — it shows the big heart that Harrogate has.”

The couple are not resting on their laurels: they plan to print leaflets and go door-to-door in the next week to raise awareness.

Ms Banerjee said:

“The fundraiser is open-ended. If we reach the target, we’ll see if we can increase it and keep moving. They haven’t reached the peak yet in India and I’m afraid things are going to get worse before they get better.”

The daily number of covid cases of covid in India approached 400,000 this week, amid widespread reports of oxygen shortages.

The oxygen concentrators which the appeal will provide extract oxygen from the air, and are therefore independent of oxygen supplies.

Pensioner with bladder issues ‘fined in Harrogate after parking to pee’

A parking warden fined a pensioner with a bladder problem who says he parked in Harrogate for four minutes to use the toilet.

Lee Chadwick, 78, has medication for an overactive bladder so when he feels the urge to use the toilet he has to act quickly.

Mr Chadwick, who lives in Markington, parked at the back of the taxi rank on Station Parade to use the public toilet, leaving his wife in the passenger seat.

When he returned his wife was explaining the situation to the parking warden. Mr Chadwick also talked to the warden but he still issued a fine.

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The pensioner then contacted Harrogate Borough Council to appeal. However, the council replied today to say it cannot uphold his appeal without more evidence.

A council parking administrator wrote to Mr Chadwick saying he could either settle in the next 14 days at the discounted rate of £35 or pay £70 if he waited longer. Alternatively, Mr Chadwick could ask his doctor to send a letter about his condition.

But he told the Stray Ferret he did not wish to bother his doctor about such a request. He added:

“It was our first trip out to Harrogate in a long time but we will not be going back again after this incident.

“I do think it is unreasonable. I have tried to appeal and I will continue to fight it. If I need to I will take it to the magistrates’ court. I have faith in the magistrates.

“If the council continues to insist on this fine then I think it is quite cruel and unjust.”

A spokeswoman for Harrogate Borough Council said:

“Mr Chadwick is appealing the ticket and we are awaiting further information from him to confirm the circumstances and his medical condition.”

A new effective cleaning process that won’t damage your property

This article is sponsored by It’s Clean.

Want the good-as-new clean look without damaging your roof, driveway or house exterior? Look no further than It’s Clean’s Soft Washing service, which uses a unique gentle steam process.

The Harrogate-based commercial cleaning company formed in 1999 is one of the first in the UK to offer the new service.

To help convince you of just how well this new cleaning process works, take a look at these amazing before and after images…

How does soft washing exterior cleaning work?

A special eco-friendly chemical mix is applied to a building under low pressure, to get rid of damaging moss and algae, and remove stains. It’s then washed off (also with low pressure steam), taking all of the grime you want to get rid of with it. The final wash neutralises any chemical residue, and slows down any re-growth.

The soft washing system is ideal for older and more sensitive buildings because it is more sympathetic and less destructive than traditional jet cleaning methods. It can be used where you are refurbishing old buildings, but it is also a suitable exterior cleaning method for property development of any age or building type.

Because of the lower water pressure, unlike jet-washing, it won’t damage your rendering, roof tiling or leave you with annoyingly loose paving slabs and it’s a lot more environmentally friendly.

It’s Clean also offers a free survey, so you can find out exactly how soft washing exterior cleaning will work for your property.

Soft washing is better value-for-money and lasts much longer than jet washing. 

If you jet wash your roof or driveway, as well as damaging the surface, the algae and organic growth are just spread around and will grow back later. It’s Clean’s eco-friendly chemical mix actually removes algae and organic growth, so you won’t have to deal with it again as quickly.

For a free soft washing exterior cleaning survey or to find out more about It’s Clean’s soft washing services, call It’s Clean on 01423 566 785 or email info@itsclean.co.uk. 

Police confirm man and woman died at Harrogate’s Majestic

Police have confirmed that a man and a woman from London died at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel last night.

Officers discovered the bodies at 10.20pm. Detectives believe that both victims, who were in their late 30s or early 40s, knew each other.

North Yorkshire Police also confirmed it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

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Detective superintendent Wayne Fox, of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:

“We were called at around 10.20pm on Tuesday May 4 by hotel staff at the Majestic hotel to a report that the bodies of a man and a woman had been located in a hotel room.

“On arrival, a man and a woman, both in their late 30s/early 40s from the London area, were pronounced dead at the scene by colleagues from the ambulance service. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“A detailed investigation is under way looking into the circumstances of both deaths. We can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and would like to reassure the local community that we believe that this is an isolated incident.”

A hotel guest has also spoken of his shock. The man, who requested anonymity, told the Stray Ferret:

“There were police and ambulance all over the car park. I would say around four police cars and a couple of ambulances. Plenty of officers and first aiders were milling around the hotel as well.

“I overheard some conversations between the police that led me to think that at least one person had died here but I have no idea of the circumstances and still don’t.

“They were here from 10pm to 1am. It’s not what anyone expects, it was a bit of a shock.”

Police are currently at the hotel on the corner of Springfield Avenue and Ripon Road. No further details are currently available.

A spokesman for the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa said:

“Following an incident last night, the police were called and we are currently assisting them with their enquiries.”

Hotel guest’s shock after two die at Harrogate’s Majestic

A hotel guest has spoken of his shock at finding police investigating two deaths at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel last night.

The guest arrived at the hotel at about 10pm to find police cars and ambulances outside, with officers and first aiders walking around inside.

The man, who requested anonymity, told the Stray Ferret:

“There were police and ambulance all over the car park. I would say around four police cars and a couple of ambulances. Plenty of officers and first aiders were milling around the hotel as well.

“I overheard some conversations between the police that led me to think that at least one person had died here but I have no idea of the circumstances and still don’t.

“They were here from 10pm to 1am. It’s not what anyone expects, it was a bit of a shock.”

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We understand both people who died were hotel guests.

Police are currently at the hotel on Ripon Road. No further details are currently available.

A spokesman for the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa said:

“Following an incident last night, the police were called and we are currently assisting them with their enquiries.”

Two dead at Harrogate’s Majestic hotel

Two people have been found dead in an incident at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic hotel.

Police are currently at the hotel on Ripon Road. No further details are currently available.

A spokesman for the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa said:

“Following an incident last night, the police were called and we are currently assisting them with their enquiries.”

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Harrogate care home resident: ‘We are still being treated poorly’

A Harrogate care home resident has spoken of his relief at today’s relaxation in restrictions but said more needs to be done to address inequalities facing disabled people.

Government guidelines now permit care home residents to see a family member or friend outdoors without having to isolate for 14 days.

But they are still unable to meet in groups of up to six, as non-care home residents can.

Nick Moxon, 32, who has cerebral palsy and is a resident at Disability Action Yorkshire‘s care home on Claro Road, spoke out when previous guidance said residents must isolate for 14 days if they went outdoors for non-emergency purposes.

He said today he was pleased about today’s change but said more needed to be done.

Mr Moxon described himself as an “independent adult with mental capacity” and questioned why he was subject to restrictions that do not apply to others.

He said:

“We are still being treated poorly. If people feel comfortable meeting six people outdoors they should be able to, it’s freedom of choice.

“The government think we are stupid but we aren’t. I want to see change on a national level. It’s about time we were treated the same.”

Care home residents have faced 14 months of isolation and the new guidance states they must be with a care worker or a nominated visitor if they leave their homes.

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Residents still can’t meet in groups, and can only go indoors for the use of toilets, or to cast a vote in the upcoming local elections.

Jackie Snape, chief executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon, and Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council have all criticised the guidance.

Harrogate care home to be demolished for new 90-bed facility

A care home on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road will be demolished and replaced with a larger facility.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved plans for Tate House to be flattened and a 90-bed care home built in its place.

Plans for the new facility were submitted to the council last November.

The three-storey building will include resident’s lounges, dining rooms and activity spaces, as well as a car park with 27 spaces.

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Sight-loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People sold the existing building for £1,650,000 in June last year.

It is now run as a joint venture by private care home providers Angela Swift Developments, which is based in Harrogate, and Burlington Care, which operates 31 care comes in Lincolnshire and northern England.

The current Tate House care home on Wetherby Road.

The current Tate House care home on Wetherby Road.

Tate House, opposite Harrogate Town’s football stadium, was built in 1930 and has had several extensions.

The planning application claims the proposed development will bring up to 70 new jobs to the local community, including nurses, support workers, management and admin staff.