Household waste recycling centres (HWRC) will remain closed in North Yorkshire, despite several around the country re-opening this weekend.

North Yorkshire County Council said it is still working on the safest way for its tips to re-open, including the two in Harrogate and one in Ripon, despite growing demand from the public and concerns that a lack of the facility may lead to fly-tipping.

The decision to keep the gates closed has been challenged by Coun Geoff Webber, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on NYCC. He said:

“I fail to understand how people are expected to calculate sufficiency of storage space when we can’t tell them when the tips will reopen. Furthermore it seems to me completely unreasonable to ask people who are mainly confined to home not to generate waste through DIY or gardening.

Compliance with current regulations relies on the public acceptance that the regulations are reasonable and I fear that the County Council’s current position is far from that.”

Around the UK, other local authorities including Greater Manchester have re-opened their waste and recycling centres, after the local government secretary, Robert Jenrick, told the House of Commons on Tuesday that he expected tips to be open “within weeks”.

‘Cut non-essential travel’

Ian Fielding, NYCC’s assistant director for waste management, said:

“As it stands our household waste recycling centres remain closed for public safety and to cut non-essential travel but we will open them as soon as we can. The government are indicating that sites can reopen where they can be operated safely, and are preparing guidance for local authorities on how this might work in practice.

“We are considering how and when we might be able to open our sites, and operate them without putting staff or the public at risk. Before making a decision, we want to ensure that we have addressed all potential challenges regarding social distancing and traffic management but it is probable that not all sites will open initially, and it is likely that there will be significant restrictions on their use.”

Mr Fielding said the decision to close was made alongside other local authorities in England and NYCC was working hard to get the HWRCs open again as soon as possible.

While the tips remain closed, he urged people not to create additional waste and reminded the public that fly tipping carries legal penalties:  

“During this lockdown period we are asking people to minimise their waste as much as possible. For instance, please do not begin DIY or gardening projects if you don’t have space to store that waste until the HWRCs are able to reopen.

“Do not be tempted to fly tip. It is an offence punishable by fines or imprisonment and offenders will be prosecuted.”

Two Harrogate-based contractors have questioned why the council is bringing in contractors from Lancashire to restore the Stray.

Harrogate Borough Council this week outlined details of its £130,000 plan to be carried out by Glendale Services, from Chorley.

Representatives from HACS Construction Group and Ray Skelton, firms with significant experience in groundworks and landscaping, wanted the council to look closer to home at a time when many are struggling financially.

Mark Smith, from HACS, told the Stray Ferret that he is “absolutely disgusted”  that the council did not ask local firms to tender for the work.

“They are bringing in workers from Chorley in Lancashire and not supporting local firms. 70% of my staff are furloughed and I have all the equipment to do the work. It’s a disgrace. Local firms should have had the opportunity to price for the main work – the only thing I was asked to price for was the corner work”

They feel that part of the problem with the UCI Championships last year was because the organisers did not understand that the Stray is more than a patch of grass to the residents of Harrogate. Stuart Skelton also said that the council did not ask his firm to tender for the work.

“How do they know if it’s best value? Why get a company outside Harrogate? A local firm understands how important the Stray is to the town.”

The Stray Ferret took these concerns to Harrogate Borough Council. The council responded by saying it welcomes any local businesses that wish to join its database and sent us information about how to register as a supplier.

Both companies pointed out that they have been doing work for the council for decades.

Will the year-long restoration be enough?

HACS Construction and the Stray Defence Association have also questioned whether the restoration, which is estimated to be complete a year after the UCI, will be a long term solution.

Mr Smith told the Stray Ferret that, before any re-seeding, the main area of West Park Stray that was damaged needs to be properly drained.

He has also warned that what’s being done is “cosmetic” and any big event held thereafter next year could see a repeat of the problem. He outlined what he felt needs to be done:

• £150,000 to drain the main area of the Stray that is damaged
• £60,000 to replace the topsoil
• £10,000 to reseed
• £8,000 for aeration
• £34,000 a year to dress the area in round particle sports sand

The Stray Defence Association has made a statement in which it questions whether the work will be enough:

“After seven months without use of West Park Stray, eight if you include the usage by the UCI, we are pleased that at long last something appears to be happening after many weeks of spring weather when, surely,  work could have begun. Whether what is planned will be both proficient and sufficient remains to be seen. We were told initially that the ‘drainage issues’ were going to be resolved prior to any restoration. Has this in fact been done or will the Stray be dug up again for future work?

“Also, other experts have given details of much more complex renovations which they believe should be undertaken. Will our Stray actually be properly restored? This was a clearly stipulated condition, asked for by the SDA and granted, when the government agreed to the Stray being used for this event last year. Whatever the case Harrogate’s people, to whom the Stray belongs, must be told the truth.”

Harrogate District Hospital has reported that one more of its patients who tested positive for coronavirus has died, taking the hospital’s total number up to 47.

The patient died yesterday and was announced with a further 352 in England’s hospitals, 40 in Scotland, 17 in Wales, and 18 in Northern Ireland.

This comes as the Office for National Statistics revealed that the mortality rate in poorer communities is higher than those in more affluent areas.

The study is “age-standardised” which means that it takes into account the size and age structure of the population.

Poorer areas have a death rate of 55.1 per 100,000 people but richer areas have a much lower rate of 25.3 per 100,000 people.

Harrogate, which is considered to be one of the least deprived areas, has a mortality rate of 23 per 100,000 people.

The local authorities with the highest rates were all London boroughs like Newham, Brent, and Hackney which all have rates above 127.

Nick Stripe, the head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, said:

“People living in more deprived areas have experienced COVID-19 mortality rates more than double those living in less deprived areas. General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but so far COVID-19 appears to be taking them higher still.”

Captain Tom Moore has been appointed Honorary Colonel Officer of Harrogate AFC to mark his 100th birthday.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall MBE YORKS, Commanding Officer of AFC Harrogate, welcomes Colonel Tom into his new role. He told the Stray Ferret that he couldn’t think of a better role model to champion the college:

“Getting our soldiers to understand the core of the army is something we really focus on… and now we have this shining beacon of selflessness and courage to act as a role model… He really is a phenomenal person.”

Over the past four months, the police say there has been a large number of reports cars being stolen, particularly in the south of the town. The thefts mainly took place at night with valuables stolen from the cars which were left unlocked.

Three men were arrested yesterday in connection with the investigation. A large amount of suspected property was recovered by officers, including sunglasses, satnavs, watches and jewellery.

One of the men, aged 22, has been released on bail as enquiries continue. Another man, aged 29, has been released under investigation.

A third man, 31, has been charged with fraud in connection with the use of a stolen bank card on 17 April 2020. He will appear at Harrogate Magistrates Court in June.

Officers are now making enquiries to identify the property and return it to its owners.

Sergeant Nicola Colbourne, of Harrogate South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said in many cases the vehicles stolen weren’t locked:

“It appears that in many cases the targeted vehicles were left insecure, and no damage was caused to gain access to them. For that reason, I’d like to remind residents how important it is to lock your car whenever you leave it unattended. It only takes a few second to do so, and could stop you becoming a victim of crime….

Neighbourhood Policing Teams have already increased patrols in affected areas, and those will continue. Harrogate is a very safe place to live, and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Harrogate District Hospital will start to restore vital health services like cancer care as the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK is now over the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

The services were paused nationwide so doctors and nurses could focus on coronavirus. The health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that hospital trusts would determine the pace of restoration.

Health bosses at Harrogate Hospital have said that they are now reviewing the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

I can confirm that we are past the peak of this disease.

We are past the peak and we are on the downward slope.

And we have so many reasons to be hopeful for the long term.

But we can only defeat coronavirus by our collective discipline and working together.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 1, 2020

Robert Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Emergency Officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Focus is now turning to the medium term management of the impact of Coronavirus. This primarily covers sustainable care for patients with suspected and confirmed cases along with an approach to recovery and the delivery of services that have been significantly suspended during the past couple of months.

“We are prioritising the reintroduction of services based on clinical need, and ensuring we can do so safely as we continue to respond to Coronavirus. We are currently developing our plans and we’ll be directly in touch with patients over the coming weeks and months.

The hospital also highlighted that its Emergency Department is and has always been available despite the coronavirus outbreak.

“Thank you to patients, relatives and the general public for your understanding over the past few months. Your patience for the months to come while we recover and adjust back to providing a full range of services is also be much appreciated.

“Thank you as well to all my colleagues across our hospital and community services for their focus on patient care, dedication and positive attitude over what has been a very challenging time for the NHS.”

Harrogate BID’s statement comes after The Stray Ferret yesterday reported on the resignation of its chairman and three of its directors.

The four sent a stinging letter of resignation to the board citing undue council influence, a lack of openness, and a business plan that does not reflect the reality of the state of the town centre.

Chairman Bob Kennedy and directors Chris Bentley, Robert Ogden and Rob Spencer cited an accumulation of negative impacts from the UCI Road World Championships and the Covid-19 lockdown, as well as a more general crisis for retail. Read the resignation letter in full here.

In its statement the Harrogate BID does not refer to many of the criticism’s raised in the resignation letter – but does say the BID recognises the challenges facing Harrogate:

“We are naturally very disappointed by the resignations of the four board members after only four months, but we would like to thank them for their contribution since the beginning of the year.

“The Covid19 crisis has meant that our programme of activities outlined in our business plan – which was revised at the beginning of the year and agreed unanimously by all the Board members including those who have resigned – is having to be re-thought.

“We are now looking at a number of innovations and promotions to ensure that, when the lockdown is ended, Harrogate is the first choice shopping destination for residents and visitors alike

“We are here to work with all town centre stakeholders – namely traders, transport providers, Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council, and of course our Customers who come here to shop, eat and be entertained

“We are certainly not under any illusion about the challenges that we face over the coming weeks and months.

“The departure of these four will not detract us from the job in hand. Our focus is firmly fixed on making the town the best it can be, enhancing what we already have here, and promoting the town centre and the diverse range of businesses that it is home to.”

The Stray Ferret has asked for a response from both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council to the issues raised in the resignation letter and have not received a reply at the time of publication.

The fundraising army veteran who walked 100 laps of his garden to raise millions of pounds for NHS charities has been honoured by Harrogate’s Army Foundation College to mark his 100th birthday.

Captain Tom Moore has been made Honorary Colonel of the college, recognising his Yorkshire links through his hometown of Keighley.

Today, as Colonel Tom marks his 100th birthday, his fundraising has passed the £30m mark for NHS Charities Together.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall MBE YORKS, Commanding Officer of AFC Harrogate, said:

“Colonel Tom Moore has uniquely captured the imagination of the nation during this difficult time. Our staff and Junior Soldiers stand in awe at his achievements and we see his values of his sacrifice and service to one’s country reflected in the College’s ethos.

“Colonel Tom’s benevolence, his steadiness on parade and his determination to give something back are all truly inspirational. To have such a role model for the Army Foundation College, and to count him as one of our own, is a privilege and an honour.”

Inspiration to young soldiers

Harrogate AFC prepares 16- and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. As the first Honorary Colonel of the college, Captain Tom will be invited to speak to junior soldiers there and show the continuation of the values he learned as a young recruit.

Junior Soldier Ash Greenwood, aged 16, currently attends the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and will go on to join 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (2 YORKS). He said:

“Captain Tom Moore states that the NHS are today’s ‘front line’ and he knows what it’s like to be on the front line, serving in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War and fighting in battles such as the Battle of Ramree Island.

“Captain Tom has not only inspired me but an entire nation to reach their personal goals no matter how big or small. It’s an honour to have you as our Honorary Colonel, and the college is extremely proud of you and your achievements both within your military career and your fundraising for the NHS. Having you affiliated with the Army Foundation College is brilliant.

“In the army you never walk alone.”

Captain Tom has been presented with his Second World War Defence Medal, which he sadly lost, ready in time for next week’s VE Day celebrations. The Yorkshire Regiment also presented Captain Tom with their prestigious annual Regimental Medal, given to the individual in the Yorkshire Regiment family who is considered to have made the greatest contribution in the last year.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller, CO 1 YORKS, said:

“As The Yorkshire Regiment, we are exceptionally proud of Captain Tom and his achievements.  He has captured the hearts and imagination of the nation, inspiring many in these testing times.

“From a serving soldier’s perspective, he is all we aspire to be – he epitomises courage, determination, humbleness and good old Yorkshire grit. He is one of many who have made such a positive difference, and we are proud that he is part of our Regimental Family.

“On behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, it has been an honour to be able to present the Regimental Medal for The Yorkshire Regiment, to Captain Tom Moore on his 100th birthday. The medal is awarded annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our military effectiveness and military reputation.

“I could not think of a more worthy recipient. He personifies the Values and Standards of the British Army and is an inspiration to our serving soldiers, young and old.”

Captain Moore was invited to open the Harrogate Nightingale Hospital

Captain Tom Moore was born in Keighley, and served with the 8th Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which is now part of the Yorkshire Regiment. Last week, he was guest of honour at the official opening of the Nightingale hospital at Harrogate Convention Centre, appearing via video link from his Bedfordshire home.

New figures on coronavirus deaths, which now includes statistics outside of hospitals, paint the clearest picture yet of the outbreak in the Harrogate district.

The government has released three different sets of data, which will be released on either a weekly or a daily basis.

The first set of data, released daily, is the number of deaths in hospitals and, with two more deaths reported today, Harrogate District Hospital has now reported 46 deaths.

The second set of data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has revealed that up to April 17, there have been 22 Harrogate coronavirus deaths outside the hospital.

19 of those deaths outside hospital were recorded in care homes, one death was recorded at home and another two deaths happened in “other communal establishments.”

The final set of figures is the number of care homes that have reported a coronavirus outbreak, which is the first time this data has been released.

Of Harrogate’s 71 care homes, 26 have so far reported outbreaks. That works out at 36.6% of the district’s care homes.

North Yorkshire County Council has approved a £10 million scheme to double rail services between Harrogate and York, allowing two trains per hour in each direction.

Improvement will come from upgrading the signalling technology, from enabling faster speeds as well as from more efficient use of areas with double track.

The Harrogate Line Supporters Group has called for many years for the single-track section between Knaresborough and Cattal to be converted into double-track.

However, the county council – which secured funding for the project back in 2013 – estimates that converting the route into double-track would have cost £40 million.

The scheme could have been scrapped altogether when Northern Rail was taken into public ownership but the council has worked with Network Rail to find a cheaper option.

Network Rail has agreed to fix the cost of the project, including all development and design work, at £9.854 million.

The council has identified £9.6 million from the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership as well as £3.4 million from parking fines to fund the works.

Council documents have proposed using the surplus from the under budget rail improvement scheme for the overbudget A1 (M) Junction 47 works.

Councillors met virtually to approve the funding for the scheme on Tuesday morning. The deadline for the completion of works from December 2020 to May 2021.

Brian Dunsby, from the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, told the Stray Ferret that the group welcomes the news:

“We have been waiting for this investment for several years after our plans for doubling the actual track throughout were rejected, because there was not sufficient money in the budget to meet Network Rail’s estimate of the potential cost.”