Harrogate Clothes Bank needs help to save it from homelessness

A Harrogate charity is in need of new premises to continue supporting struggling families across the town.

The Harrogate Clothes Bank offers free clothing to those in need and is currently based at McCarthy’s Storage World on Ripon Road.

The charity’s home is being let out from August so it is on the hunt for a unit of between 1,000 to 1,500 square feet it can use for free, or somewhere it can rent for well below market price.

The clothes bank is run entirely by volunteers and was set up in 2016. Families in Harrogate who find themselves in financial difficulty can get in touch with the charity on Facebook and let it know what they need.

Before the pandemic the charity was supporting 60 to 70 families each month but it says since April this has dropped to 30 to 35 families. It said this is because organisations that handle referrals could be unaware it is running fully again.

The charity expects numbers to rise again in coming months.

Co-ordinator Mike Procter said:

“There are many reasons why people may need our help, it could be due to long-term financial issues or a crisis situation causing critical need such as escaping an abusive relationship.

“We will continue to help as many people as we can.”

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The charity has said location is important. Ideally it would be based on Knaresborough Road around Starbeck or Ripon Road near Jennyfield.

Mr Procter added that if no location was found the clothes bank would have to work out of several smaller spaces and offer a delivery service.

This would mean people’s options would be vastly reduced as they would be unable to come in and choose their clothes.

It is currently in need of summer clothing donations for children and adults.

The centre is open on Saturdays between 10.30am to 12.30pm for donation drop-offs and pick-ups. It is holding a pop-up clothing sale at St Mark’s Church, Harrogate, on Sunday to raise funds.

Harrogate Clothes Bank works closely with other charities including The Village, which offers free baby clothing in Harrogate. The charity shares its space with the Canaan Trust that provides free white goods and furniture.

Another partner is Resurrected Bites in Knaresborough, which makes meals out of food headed for landfill.

Stray Views: Noisy cars are a blight on Harrogate life

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. See below for details on how to contribute.

Time for a Harrogate museum?

Having read some articles by Harrogate historian Malcolm Neeson, recently published by the Stray Ferret, I was reflecting on how many historical exhibits there must be in and around Harrogate, which are in storage possibly.

As the town centre is now changing following the pandemic, there are lots of empty properties available.

Could now be the time for Harrogate to celebrate its history by creating a museum? This might complement the excellent Royal Pump Room Museum and enhance the historic walks in Harrogate in the future.

Jane Malster, Harrogate

Vaccinated people should not have to pay for covid tests when we go abroad

I can not get my head around the fact we have had second covid injections but when we go on holiday we have to pay for a test.

We have to pay nearly £100 to test before we go into a country and the same amount again when we come back. Now we have had second injections we still have to wear masks and test. It’s puzzling a lot of people. I thought the vaccine would be the end of it.

If it isn’t, why put everyone through the injection? Fully vaccinated people should not have to pay to do a test. It’s wrong and costs a lot of money, especially if there are a few adults in the family.

Diana Pollitt, Harrogate

Noisy car exhausts blight Harrogate life

We have recently moved to Harrogate from the south to live and really like it here.
We live in the Granby area near the Skipton Road and there is one aspect of the traffic that troubles us and that is cars that have very noisy exhausts, which I assume have been modified.
They accelerate up to or after the traffic lights and presumably carry on like this wherever there is a stretch of open road around Harrogate.
They are a blight on this beautiful town; both the loud noise and associated extra pollution they cause when they accelerate.
Is it legal for these vehicles to have this capacity to make this extra loud noise? I know some cities in Europe are addressing this problem with noise detectors that work similar to speed cameras.
Linda Loy, Harrogate

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Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

 

Stray Kitchen: Chefs getting back to normal… if there is such a thing!

Stray Kitchen is our column all about food written by renowned local produce expert, food writer and chef, Stephanie Moon. Stephanie is a champion of food produced in the UK and particularly in Yorkshire and the Harrogate district. 

 

 

As the Hotel & Restaurant industry and catering outlets dust off their aprons, I keep hearing fellow chefs saying “It is great to get back to normal”.

I am not sure many chefs I know are normal! I mean that as the utmost compliment – but myself and my comrades are anything but…

These past few months have been the toughest, and I’ve been hearing that many hospitality people have become disillusioned with the career and perhaps gone to do something completely different – but as a town that thrives on being hospitable, Harrogate and the food it produces needs its chefs.

Where have they gone? Some may now be drivers, carers, and shop workers or just loving having Saturday nights with their family.

Chefs are an unusual breed, as I said before. Anyone who wants to put themselves under pressure like that and thrives on it perhaps needs their head testing- but we love it.

As the final for Great British Menu gets underway this week and the chefs are in a boiling pot of creativity and competing – it makes me think, chefs will always want to create and compete and push themselves. Perhaps the chefs of tomorrow are creating in their home kitchens and making tea for their family’s tonight. Good luck to them and know that a challenging, yet promising and rewarding career is still out there. If you are a Chef that has wondered if it’s time for a change, I say wait: remember the creative side, the passion and the fun that the kitchen can bring.

Our normal IS coming back!

Being a chef is in your blood, and there’s no denying we love it.

Happy Cooking

Steph x

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Harrogate Pubwatch relaunches to keep out town’s troublemakers

Harrogate Pubwatch has relaunched with a new app to help keep out the town’s troublemakers as coronavirus restrictions ease.

It means that if anyone causes problems in one of Harrogate’s venues, they will be banned from all venues taking part in the scheme.

Currently there are 32 people who are banned under Harrogate Pubwatch and 10 of those are banned for life.

The bans range from three months to life bans, depending on the severity of the issue.

Most exclusions were enforced after drug use, drug dealing, assault, nuisance and abuse, but they could be for carrying weapons or for more serious assaults.

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Harrogate BID has supported the local Pubwatch group in the relaunch by helping to fund the creation of the app.

Harrogate Pubwatch secretary Alan Huddart said:

“I’d like to thank both Harrogate BID and North Yorkshire Police for their support in helping Harrogate Pubwatch relaunch after the third national covid lockdown.

“With the hospitality industry once again being able to serve customers inside, we will see more businesses reopening, which is to be welcomed.

“By working together to exclude troublemakers, Harrogate venues can offer a safe and secure experience to those who simply want to enjoy the huge range of hospitality on offer in our town.”

Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“Aims of the BIDs are to make Harrogate safe and welcoming, and to support the town’s night-time economy. Harrogate Pubwatch does both, and that’s why we are happy to support them in funding the app.

“Harrogate’s hospitality offering is incredibly diverse, and while serving customers indoors is back on the menu, al fresco dining and drinking is here to stay, and our café culture will go from strength to strength.

“Ensuring visitors feel safe visiting town centre venues and walking around at night is of paramount importance to us.”

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and happy Friday. It’s Leah here this morning with 15-minute updates on the road and rail links near you.

There are a number of continuing temporary traffic lights this morning worth keeping an eye on.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, are to keep you updated as the district’s roads get busier.

If you see anything please get in touch, if it is safe to do so, on 01423 276197 or via social media.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me today, II will be back with you on Monday from 6:300am with updates every 15 minutes. Have a lovely weekend!

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8:45am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8:15am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7:45am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

The traffic is starting to build in the district this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these area:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7:15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking ok so far this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking ok so far this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking ok so far this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking ok so far this morning, keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Station Gateway scheme could increase greenhouse gas emissions

A report by consultants on the proposed £7.9 million Station Gateway project in Harrogate has found it could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions.

The gateway project aims to improve town centre accessibility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, and help to achieve a net-zero carbon goal.

But net carbon emissions could increase because the reduced traffic flow in the area affected by the scheme would force some drivers to take longer alternative routes.

North Yorkshire County Council said this would represent a “worst-case” scenario, and it would refine the scheme to ensure it is environmentally friendly.

The report also highlighted the loss of up to 15 trees. They would be replaced by new trees within the scheme area at a ratio of at least one replacement for each tree lost.

In addition, there would be a net loss of parking spaces in Harrogate town centre. The scheme would, however, maintain or increase the number of disabled parking bays in the centre.

Under all versions of the scheme examined, the bandstand at the north end of Station Square would be removed, while the Jubilee memorial on the south side would remain in place. Other improvements include a proposed water fountain and ornamental planters.

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Environmental impact

The report is a preliminary study prepared by WSP, a consultancy firm.

It aims to provide information to North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, which are developing the Station Gateway scheme, about the potential environmental impacts.

Council planners will use this information to determine whether a formal environmental impact assessment is needed.

The report assesses three different options:

The report forecasts that under the “do maximum” scenario improvements to pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure will encourage a shift away from car use, with a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 1,113 tons over 60 years.

However, at the same time reductions in traffic capacity will force vehicles to take longer alternatives, which is predicted to lead to an increase in carbon emissions of 2,576 tons of CO2 over 60 years.

This suggests that the net impact of the scheme will therefore be an increase in emissions of CO2 of roughly 1,400 tons over 60 years. To put this into context, the average UK citizen produces roughly five tons of CO2 per year.

The report notes that:

“…the transformational change from the scheme has the potential to unlock further behavioural change and growth than modelled, in which case emissions reductions may be larger.”

There is no forecast of the change in carbon emissions under the “do something” or “do minimum” scenarios.

More detailed proposals to come

Karl Battersby, corporate director of business and environmental services at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“At this early stage of development, it is prudent to consider a worst case scenario. It is that modelling that informs the screening request. This worst case shows that at this stage there is potential for a slight adverse carbon emissions impact.

“However, further detailed design will focus on achieving a net-zero position and we will present a more refined carbon assessment when detailed proposals are recommended for implementation.”

Harrogate salon turns away woman despite face mask exemption

A Ripon woman has said she is being discriminated against after a hair salon turned her away even though she has a face mask exemption.

Jan Spence, 58, has chronic asthma and anxiety so she wears a lanyard around her neck to let other people know why she does not wear a face mask.

Ms Spence recently visited Moo Hair in Harrogate to use a voucher she bought before lockdown. However, when she arrived the hairdresser she was booked to see refused to let her in.

It is something Ms Spence has not experienced before and she told the Stray Ferret she did not want to experience it again so she decided to speak out to raise awareness. She said:

“I felt really degraded, I cannot help having a health condition. It can be quite debilitating at times.

“So it was upsetting when I was turned away. I have had both coronavirus jabs and I had a negative lateral flow test in the morning so what else can I do?”

When Ms Spence approached Groupon, which she bought the voucher through, the customer services team gave her credit to spend on something else.

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Caroline Allen, who owns the salon on Cheltenham Mount, operates a policy that everyone has to wear a face mask to be allowed inside.

Ms Allen told the Stray Ferret her rule was designed to keep staff and clients safe:

“We are all learning here. We have never lived through anything like this before. I go by the rules set out by the central body for hairdressers and barbers.

“I have to protect everybody in the salon, we get some very vulnerable clients in here so we all wear face masks.

“It can put me in a very difficult position but it is one I am going to stick by. I am sorry that Jan is so upset.”

Ill feeling lingers after decision to scrap Oatlands cycling scheme

Both sides of the cycling debate have criticised North Yorkshire County Council after it scrapped a controversial active travel scheme for the Oatlands Drive area of Harrogate.

The council received more than £1m from government to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

It put forward four schemes in North Yorkshire, three of which were in Harrogate and one in Whitby.

But last week it dropped the Oatlands Drive proposals after fierce opposition from residents.

It initially proposed making the whole of Oatlands Drive one-way then revised this to make nearby St Winifred’s Road and St Hilda’s Road one-way.

Both schemes were abandoned, meaning the money will be spent on projects for Victoria Avenue in Harrogate and the A59 in Knaresborough, plus the one in Whitby.

Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, said he was disappointed with the way the council handled the Oatlands scheme.

He said:

“The Oatlands Drive one-way idea was dropped by the executive member, Don Mackenzie, at a very early stage.

“Hopefully future plans for the area will involve all agencies.

“On the initial plan, they didn’t even involve St Aidan’s School.

“As soon as there was some opposition they dropped the scheme. That’s disappointing. Hopefully, they learned their lessons and involve more people.”

Mr Douglas said the council had to accept active travel schemes inconvenienced some people and be stronger in the face of opposition if it was serious about improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

He asked:

“Is there a real commitment to dealing with any of this?”

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Anna McIntee, who lives on Oatlands Drive, campaigned vigorously against the proposals.

She launched petitions and posted on the Facebook group and website she co-founded, Harrogate Residents Association.

She said “everyone was up in arms” about the plans, which forced her to act.

“I couldn’t let go, it opened Pandora’s box”

“Number one for North Yorkshire County Council should have been to engage with residents.

“We want cycling and walking infrastructure but not at the expense of vehicles.”

The council has said the Oatlands consultation responses will feed into an Oatlands constituency feasibility study that will “reassess opportunities” for infrastructure improvements across the area.

But Ms McIntee warned the council could expect more strong opposition if it put forward similar proposals for Oatlands Drive.

“Yes, 100%. They would be wasting their time.”

 

Film about the Troubles to premiere in Harrogate next week

A documentary about an ex-British army intelligence officer in Northern Ireland during the Troubles will premiere in Harrogate next week.

The Man Who Knew Too Much is billed as an “in-depth look at the smoke and mirrors world of intelligence, psychological warfare and fake news through the eyes of a man who stood proudly at the centre of that world”.

Directed by Michael Oswald, It tells the story of Colin Wallace, who was a senior information officer in the British army.

Wallace worked in a psychological warfare and propaganda department in Northern Ireland called Information Policy. Its job was to spread fake news, scare people and smear politicians to divide and create conflict amongst communities.

After refusing to work in areas he believed undermined democracy he was accused of leaking classified documents and made to take voluntary redundancy.

He was later framed for murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison — although the sentence was quashed on appeal 15 years later after the Home Office coroner admitted his report had been influenced by a member of the intelligence community.

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Directed by Michael Oswald and run in association with Harrogate Film Festival, the film will be shown at the Odeon in Harrogate on May 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5.

The film won Best Investigation and Reporting Documentary in the Harrogate Film Society Festival Features competition and online programme.

Harrogate Film Festival founder Adam Chandler said the premiere was “great news for the town”, adding:

“It’s fantastic that Harrogate Film Society and Harrogate Film Festival have managed to collaborate to bring this premiere to Harrogate.
“It’s an intriguing documentary with bags of insight – I hope everyone enjoys it – it’s fantastic to be back in the cinema!”

The festival is usually a 10-day event but this year a series of mini-festivals between April and September are being held. This is one of the few events able to go ahead in person following the easing of restrictions.

 

 

Brackenfield School in Harrogate opens new adventure play area

A Harrogate independent school has opened a new outdoor play area for nursery children to encourage open-air learning.

Brackenfield School’s new facility includes a ‘garden centre’, mud kitchen and pebble pit complete with weighing scales and spades.

There is also a reading rainforest corner, where children can take their books outside with their friends and read while sitting on log stools.

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The area was designed to present children with challenges, adventures and opportunities for development, whilst interacting with the natural world around them.

Headmaster Joe Masterson said:

“Outdoor learning is one of the four areas of a powerful mission we use to focus our children’s achievements here at Brackenfield School.

“We strive to ensure that while revelling in technology as a means to excite, ignite and redefine learning, a strong sense of balance is also retained for our pupils towards human connection, nature and the outdoors.”