Social media campaign to defy lockdown raises concern

Harrogate district businesses will be fined if they defy the national lockdown to take part in the ‘Great Reopening’.

Those leading North Yorkshire’s coronavirus response have picked up on a growing movement on social media. Organisers encourage people to approach shops and restaurants in their area with posters.

They are concerned of the impact on coronavirus infection rates and the NHS if people take part this Saturday.

Ten thousand people have joined the national group called the ‘Great Reopening’ on messaging app Telegram.

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Richard Webb, director of adult care at North Yorkshire County Council, told a North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum meeting that the council, police and other agencies would not hesitate to take action.

He said:

“Yesterday we were made aware of a campaign doing the rounds across the north of England which urges business to have what they’ve called a great reopening on January 30.

“First of all, can I thank all North Yorkshire businesses for complying with the closure requirements during lockdown. I know how tough it is for so many businesses both economically and on your health and wellbeing.

“My plea to all businesses is to ignore this campaign. There will be no great reopening on January 30. I would ask that you continue to act as you have been doing throughout this lockdown and before that and that we fight together this deadly virus.

“My warning to those who choose to take part in this campaign, the enforcement authorities the police, trading standards, environmental health and others will have no choice but to take enforcement action against you.”

Harrogate hospital gets £14 million to reduce carbon footprint by 25 per cent

The government has awarded Harrogate District Hospital £14m to reduce its carbon footprint by 25 per cent.

The funding will be used for a series of initiatives: perhaps the most noticeable to visitors will be the installation of solar panels on the roof to provide more green energy.

An air source heat pump, which extracts heat from the air which can then be used to provide heating and hot water across the site, reducing the consumption of natural gas, will be bought.

Some of the site’s long-standing maintenance issues will also be fixed, including repairing and replacing flat roofs that leak and old windows.

It is hoped the measures will reduce the carbon footprint of the hospital site by 1,100 tonnes per year.

The works will be carried out by the hospital’s estates and facilities subsidiary company, Harrogate Integrated Facilities in partnership with Imtech and its specialist energy performance business, Breathe.

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Harrogate and District NHS Trust said in a statement today the funding would also benefit the local economy because local businesses will be involved.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy awarded the grant from its public sector decarbonisation scheme. Public sector organisations submit bids to the scheme.

Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of Harrogate Integrated Facilities, said the grant was “brilliant news for us, everyone who works here and patients who access services here”. He added:

“We have a firm ambition to reduce the carbon footprint of Harrogate District Hospital by as much as possible, and as quickly as possible.”

The hospital already has a 25-year carbon reduction project with the Carbon Energy Fund and Imtech, which it says delivers energy savings of around £680,000 each year.

Gary Parke, managing director of Breathe, said:

“The new energy saving installations will enhance and accelerate the savings our team has delivered over the last few years.

“As well as ensuring further cost and carbon reduction benefits for the trust and a better environment for staff, patients and visitors to the hospital.”

Drivers ‘dice with death’ at Starbeck level crossing

Drivers who try to beat the level crossing on Starbeck’s High Street have been told they are “dicing with death” and can expect to be fined.

British Transport Police said yesterday it has recorded 12 incidents at the crossing this month, so has put out a warning to anyone thinking of trying it.

Shocking video from the dash cam of a police car captured the moment a 4×4 driver ignored the signals and lowering barriers.

There are cameras at the crossing and BTP said it will increase patrols. It recorded two incidents in one day on both January 8 and January 14.

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Officers are investigating each incident and have said drivers can get points on their licence and a hefty fine as a result.

Inspector Andy Roberts said:

“Level crossing safety procedures are there for a reason.

“By trying to beat the system you risk your own lives and potentially the lives of passengers and the driver of the oncoming train.

“A fine and a few points on your licence is a lucky escape considering what the outcome can be if you dice with death on a level crossing.

“Have a little patience and wait until it’s safe to cross, it really isn’t worth risking your life in order to save a few minutes.”

Darren Lord, the route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said:

“There is simply no excuse to ignore the warning signs, lights and barriers at level crossings. Doing so is incredibly selfish and puts other people’s lives at risk, as well as your own.

“We’re working closely with the British Transport Police to investigate these incidents and we encourage anyone to report any instances of misuse at a level crossing to them.”

Nazi swastikas sprayed on Harrogate homes and car

Nazi swastikas have been spray painted on two homes in Harrogate.

Police say the incidents caused “considerable distress” and are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage to come forward.

The damage occurred on Bilton Lane in Bilton and Trefoil Drive in Jennyfields between 8pm on Sunday and 11am on Monday.

Nazi Germany adopted the swastika flag in the 1930s.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this morning a front door and a garage door were sprayed painted. It added:

“The victims cars were also damaged, one with a swastika, the other with a red line.

“This is an abhorrent image and one that has caused the victims considerable distress.

“Officers are requesting your help and are appealing to anyone who has any information, in particular anyone on the two roads that might have doorbell or household CCTV cameras, to contact the police.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Jonathan Cleary. You can also email Jonathan.cleary@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210038263 or 12210039205.

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Harrogate elderly women ‘thought they would die’ in police crash

Two elderly Harrogate women thought they were going to die when an undercover police officer crashed into their car on the Otley Road.

Detective Constable Quita Passmore was responding to reports of officers in distress at 10pm on May 5, 2018.

The officer was driving an undercover car with blue lights and sirens on. She had been travelling at around 50 miles per hour before she collided with the elderly women.

She had gone through the red lights at the junction with Cold Bath Road, a jury at Bradford Crown Court heard today.

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) carried out an investigation into the crash and passed its findings onto the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of the case.

Mr Dunn, the prosecuting barrister, told the court:

“The officer was going too fast at 50 miles per hour in the circumstances. The red light was showing for nine seconds to safely negotiate that junction at that speed.

“It was too fast in all the circumstances, say the prosecution. She was going too fast to stop on her side of the road and failed to yield for a red traffic light.

“Officers are entitled to disregard those traffic signals when responding to an emergency. There is no issue with the exemptions but it must be done safely.

“This was dangerous, say the prosecution.”

Victim statements

Both of the victims were retired elderly women. They suffered serious injuries, with the court hearing a list of broken bones and a punctured lung.

Patricia Bulmer, who was driving a red Vauxhall Corsa, told police in hospital after the crash:

“We had spent the day at a friend’s house and left around 10pm. I had driven up Cold Bath Road and turned onto the junction with Otley Road.

“Then there was an almighty smash and bang. The airbag flew into me. My friend was then making moaning noises at the side of me.

“After that, two ladies poked their heads through and said they would get us out of the car.”

Janet Roberton, who was the passenger in the car, also told police:

“I heard a loud siren type noise and saw lights to the right of the car. I just remember one of us shouting ‘oh my God, oh my God.’

“Then there was a loud bang, it was the most awful noise I have ever heard. My first thought was the we were going to die, it felt terrible.”

Detective Constable Quita Passmore has pleaded not guilt to two counts of dangerous driving.

The case continues.

‘Significant travel disruption’ possible this week due to snow

Two Met Office weather warnings are in place for the Harrogate district this week as the prolonged cold spell maintains its grip.

A yellow warning for snow is effective until midnight tonight, although it seems any snowfall will be mainly confined to higher ground.

A second, potentially more disruptive yellow warning for snow is also in place from the start of Thursday until 6am on Friday.

The second warning says there could be heavy snowfall across the hills, which may bring significant disruption to travel. The Met Office adds:

“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

“There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.”

Neil Armstrong, the Met Office chief meteorologist, said:

“Late on Wednesday a weather front moves north eastwards across the UK bringing rain, which turns to snow as it pushes further north and meets with colder air.”

Although the weekend weather looks calmer, temperatures are not forecast to rise above eight degrees centigrade for the next two weeks.

Harrogate M&S faces complaints about non-essential sales

Harrogate’s central Marks and Spencer store is facing complaints from residents and traders about its non-essential sales.

The store has closed off a large section of the store and the upper floor. But it still has some clothing, beauty and homeware on sale.

Parts of the menswear section is now on the Cambridge Street floor, which has traditionally been solely for womenswear.

The store only has parts of the store open which customers need to use to get down to the food section on the lower floor.

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This has been a national debate during the three lockdowns. Supermarkets can sell non-essential goods alongside food.

Welsh supermarkets came under scrutiny after some sectioned off parts they deemed non-essential, including women’s sanitary products.

Some residents and sole-traders believe it is unfair for any stores to sell non-essential goods while small independent stores cannot – especially a store in the town centre.

Local David Andrews wrote a letter to the chief executive of M&S and shared the letter with the Stray Ferret. He said:

“I believe this [is] contrary to the guidelines and has given [M&S] an unfair advantage over competitors.

“It was permitted to open because of the food hall on the lower ground floor, served by its primary access from Oxford Street.

“Why does M&S need to open the Cambridge Street entrance at all when the Oxford Street entrance accesses the food hall directly?

“One might say it wants to continue trading in clothes and this loophole about secondary access allows them to do so.”

A sole trader based in Harrogate, who wanted to remain anonymous, also told the Stray Ferret:

“Somebody must be able to as this is so unfair. I am sole trader and this inconsistency is driving me mad.

“Why can you not get them to follow the guidance which suits this store to a tee as it’s actually states non-essential floors should be closed.

“What’s the point of having guidance if it can’t be used. I’m sure it was written for a reason.”

M&S disputes any allegations that it is not following the rules. A spokesperson said in response:

“Our M&S Foodhalls remain open to provide our customers with the essential items they require during this time.

“In line with Government guidelines, we’ve closed our non-food floors except where they provide access to our Foodhalls.”

What next for Debenhams building in Harrogate?

For generations, the Debenhams building on Parliament Street has been one of the major retail landmarks in Harrogate.

It has also been one of the biggest stores, so news that is will not reopen has raised questions about the site’s future.

With many High Street stores struggling even before the lockdown, it won’t be easy finding a retailer for such a large unit.

Developers may scent an opportunity to apply for planning permission to convert some or all of the premises into flats, as has happened with the nearby former post office.

Stuart Holland, co-chair of Harrogate Civic Society, said the site had redevelopment potential but the sloping ground level made this challenging and demolition should be considered.

He hoped any new building would have shops on the ground floor to encourage footfall between Parliament Street and Oxford Street, adding:

“There is not a strong feeling, at this early stage of discussion, for retention of the building and a complete re-build may be welcome.

“A rebuild would give an opportunity to widen the footpath along the first section of Oxford Street and thus encourage the linking of retail areas – particularly as we see Oxford Street becoming home to new independent shops.

“There would also be an opportunity to improve the street scene along Union Street and to allow what is described as the rear entrance to Westminster Arcade to stand out more clearly than at present.”

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Mr Holland said the upper floors were more suitable for residential use, adding:

“The size of the site lends itself to some creative design whilst ensuring that traffic pollution is not an issue. Car parking is available close by.

“There is a unanimous feeling that the new design should incorporate glazed canopies – taking reference from the many distinctive canopies in the town centre.”

Tom Snook

Tom Snook, managing director of Harrogate chartered surveyors Pantera Property, said the site should adapt to the “major shift” in retailing that is happening throughout the country. He added:

“The decline of bricks and mortar retail, which has been aggravated by the pandemic and the ensuing surge in online shopping, has meant that footfall is extremely low and it’s become difficult for retailers and restaurants to get a secure position in the market.

“The Debenhams building has always been something of a retail icon in Harrogate, which does also mean that it has great potential for change of use.

“I could certainly foresee it being redeveloped as residential apartments on the upper floors, perhaps with some form of boutique retail or serviced offices below.

“In the hands of an imaginative developer it would be great to see the building remain as an asset to Harrogate, albeit with a new identity.”

Look out for an article on the history of the Debenhams building in Harrogate by historian Malcolm Neesam this weekend on the Stray Ferret.

Police warning after spate of thefts from cars in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police has urged motorists to ensure their cars are secure after a spate of thefts in Harrogate during the last week.

Five cars in the Rossett area were broken into over two nights.

According to police, the cars were broken into despite being locked and no damage occurred to them.

Cash, sunglasses, a handbag and jewellery were amongst the stolen items.

Police said high-value vehicles such as BMWs and Audis have been particularly targeted. Enquiries into the thefts are ongoing.

Three cars were entered on Thursday night last week in Rossett.

A handbag containing numerous items, including bank cards was stolen from inside one. Jewellery and coins were taken from another. Nothing was stolen and no damage was caused to a third, but items had been moved around.

Two more cars in the area were targeted on Friday night. An iPod was stolen from one and cash was taken from the other.

Kent Road thefts

Earlier last week, sunglasses and cash were stolen from cars parked at houses in the Kent Road area between Sunday and Wednesday.

The Woodlands area of Harrogate was also affected when a car was broken into on Wednesday or Thursday last week. Items were moved about but nothing is believed to have been stolen.

A similar report was received from a car parked in The Oval. Sunglasses and a few other items were reported stolen on Wednesday or Thursday.

Anyone with information can phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12210034761. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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The police have issued the following advice:

Ripley dog groomer calls on council to offer covid financial support

A dog groomer in Ripley has urged Harrogate Borough Council to offer financial support for dog grooming businesses affected by the lockdown.

The government says dog grooming services can stay open but pets can only be groomed if it’s absolutely necessary for the animal’s welfare.

This has put businesses like Sirius Dog Grooming Parlour in Ripley in a difficult position. Owner Catherine Cowling says she is technically open but has lost 95% of her customers.

It means she could be ineligible for support grants for businesses that have had to close due to the current lockdown.

Ms Cowling said some councils have decided to include dog grooming businesses but others haven’t. Harrogate Borough Council is yet to launch the scheme.

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She told the Stray Ferret her current situation “isn’t financially viable” with barely any money coming in.

She said:

“This is causing total chaos in the industry. A lot of groomers are being forced back to work, against the guidelines, simply to pay their rent. Whereas business like mine remain closed as I’m wanting to do what I can to stop the movement of the virus, but I am now living off thin air.”

She said the industry is asking for clarity from the government to ensure businesses can receive the support they need.

“As an industry we need uniformity and fairness. Either we can remain open and carry on our business as normal or we are classed as ‘closed’ by the government so we all have access to the appropriate grants.”

Following publication of this story, HBC issued the following statement:

“Dog groomers will be able to apply for Additional Restrictions Grant (applications set to open at the end of the month) as a business not legally required to close but may be negatively impacted by restrictions in place.”