Harrogate District Diving Club has expressed its frustration that it has not been given a date for training to resume at the Hydro.
Indoor swimming pools are allowed to reopen from tomorrow but Harrogate Borough Council is yet to confirm when it will open its pools. The diving club has been left unable to make plans or reassure its members.
The lack of a decision has left the club worrying about the impact on its members’ mental health. As a team sport, diving develops social as well as physical skills and, after months of lockdown, the club is desperate to give its members a date to look forward to.
Leanne Jalland, chair of the diving club, said:
“It is difficult to make plans without a date to return to training in the water. We have to take each week by week, and come up with a variety of ways to keep our divers engaged and motivated but this is incredibly difficult. The response I have had from a lot parents is dismay and frustration, which is understandable.
“I am confident that by working with Swim England and the council we could ensure a safe return once it is allowed. The club has received no official communication from the Hydro about any update for returning to the pool and only received a response from the council after pressing for a date to return last week.”
The club has trained in Harrogate for over 20 years with sporting stars including Olympic gold medallist Jack Laugher learning to dive at the club. It is a tradition the club hopes to continue once it starts up again.
The diving club are waiting for a confirmed date to return to training.
The council has said its reviewing the safety measures in place at the Hydro before opening.
Currently the club’s two coaches, both council employees, have been redeployed to other essential services by the council. The club has asked for one of its coaches to return to the team once the pool reopens.
Read more:
- Boroughbridge junior football club is calling for more girls and disabled players to join its teams.
- Harrogate council has approved an overhaul of its leisure services to a new company.
A council spokesperson said:
“We are working hard to reintroduce leisure facilities for all our residents – not just the diving club – but we need to make sure this is done in line with government guidelines so that our customers, and staff, are kept safe. We will then look at what additional services can be offered over the coming weeks.
“But this will only happen if staff can be relieved from providing statutory services. Any decision to do so will need to be carefully considered and the potential benefit for those people using leisure facilities balanced against the needs of residents and vulnerable people. The diving club has received several emails explaining this position already.”
Winner of Harrogate’s prestigious crime writing award announced
Harrogate International Festivals has awarded its prestigious crime novel award to Adrian McKinty for his book The Chain.
The Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year, hosted by Harrogate International Festivals, was awarded this evening to McKinty’s novel after the public and prize judges picked him out from a shortlist of six.
The author was close to giving up his writing career two years ago when his family was evicted from their home and he was working as an Uber driver and barman. McKinty was persuaded to give writing one final go, and he wrote his hugely successful novel The Chain.
His book has since been published in 36 countries with its movie rights sold in a seven figure deal. The plot centres around a chain of child abductions, where a child can only be released when its parent kidnaps another child.
Adrian McKinty was “gobsmacked” when he was announced as the winner of the prestigious award.
Adrian McKinty said:
“I am gobsmacked and delighted to win this award. Two years ago, I had given up on writing altogether and was working in a bar and driving an Uber, and so to go from that to this is just amazing. People think that you write a book and it will be an immediate bestseller. For twelve books, my experience was quite the opposite, but then I started this one.
“It was deliberately high concept, deliberately different to everything else I had written – and I was still convinced it wouldn’t go anywhere… but now look at this. It has been completely life changing.”
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- HIF weekender’s “world class” lineup.
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The award marks the launch of the Harrogate International Festivals Weekender – a free virtual festival featuring performances and interviews with dozens of musicians and authors.
Adrian McKinty will receive £3,000 and an engraved oak beer cask, hand-carved by one of Britain’s last coopers from Theakstons Brewery.
Cafés in Harrogate say they won’t enforce face covering rule
Café owners in Harrogate have told The Stray Ferret that they won’t be enforcing the new face coverings rule as it should be a “mark of respect” from the customer.
Guidance was released today about the wearing of face coverings, which saw a change for businesses offering a takeaway service.
The new guidelines state that coverings will be mandatory when buying takeaway food and drink but can be removed when seated at a table. However, the government has outlined that it is the responsibility of the individual to wear a face covering, with shops and cafés encouraged to enforce the rule where possible.
Read more:
- Police say fines are a last minute resort for not wearing a face covering
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The owners of Bean and Bud on Commercial Street in Harrogate said that the new rules are “common sense”. Co-owner Helen Dolby told The Stray Ferret:
“If you’re coming in for a takeaway and there’s other customers around you, then as a mark of respect you should wear a mask but we wouldn’t enforce it. We deal with hundreds of customers a day, people just need to have a bit of common sense and a bit of respect.”
Owners of Bean and Bud, Phil and Helen Dolby.
Similarly, Dan Bell, the owner of Thug Sandwich Company on Albert Street, told The Stray Ferret that he believes the procedures he already has in place are enough but will follow guidelines and enforce the rule.
He said:
County council asks public to help win £1m cycling bid“People who are coming in are literally here for less than 60 seconds, they place their order and then they stand outside and I give them a shout when it’s ready. There’s very little risk of infection.
North Yorkshire County Council is asking the public to help them win £1m of funding from the government to improve walking and cycling in the Harrogate district.
On NYCC’s website, people have until Friday to mark on a map where they think improvements could be made.
The authority is hoping to win a bid of up to £1,065,000 from the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund. The money will be spent on longer-term projects to “help deliver significant health, environmental and congestion benefits”.
Read more:
In the first round of funding, the council was allocated £133,000 – half of what it was hoping for.
That money was to help councils put in place short-term solutions such as widening footpaths or the temporary closure of roads. The council said it would make up the other half of funding through its reserves.
Harrogate District Cycling Action told The Stray Ferret at the time that North Yorkshire’s plans “weren’t ambitious enough”.
Speaking about the council’s second bid for funding, Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at NYCC, said:
Turkish Baths Harrogate considers cutting same sex sessions“The new facility we have added to our website to enable anyone to put forward ideas for improvements to cycling and walking provision anywhere in the county is further evidence of our commitment to active and sustainable travel.
“It will remain on our website as a tool to enable us to consider all suggestions from the public.
“If any suitable schemes are submitted immediately, it may be possible to look at those for this tranche of funding, but it is more likely that any schemes that are shown to be practical and appropriate could be considered for future funding opportunities.”
Turkish Baths Harrogate is considering dropping single-sex sessions from its timetable.
Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the baths, said a timetable consisting entirely of mixed sessions would reflect “equality and balance”.
A spokesperson for the council told The Stray Ferret:
“We’re considering the removal of single sex sessions from the timetable at the Turkish Baths to reflect the increased spotlight on equality and balance across the world. This change would allow complete accessibility during the timetable for all genders. We see this as a positive development allowing greater access to all our customers and would allow us to fully, and fairly, consider all genders and orientations.”
This consultation comes at a time when there are debates about how transgender people use different facilities.
Read more:
- How the council handed over control of leisure services to a new company
- When the district’s leisure facilities closed over coronavirus fears
The baths stopped male-only sessions back in 2011 in the wake of reports of “inappropriate behaviour,” only to bring them back five years later.
Now Turkish Baths Harrogate has launched an online survey to gauge the demand for single-sex sessions.
It is unclear when this new rule could come into place. The government has not yet given saunas or spa rooms the green light to reopen.
Where can you buy a face mask in Harrogate?On Friday it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets.
So we have created a list of independent shops and individuals selling masks in Harrogate, both in-store and online.
Face coverings have been in high demand in the run-up to Friday. We hope our guide will make it easier for you to find one from a local supplier.
Just some of the designs available from nipNstitch.
Read more:
- North Yorkshire Police Federation say they can’t enforce face masks in shops
- Local company make 7,500 face masks
Harrogate tailors Golden Stitches told The Stray Ferret that it is currently selling over 40 coverings in store a day. Similarly, Harrogate based seamstress nipNstich received 200 orders online in less than 24 hours.
You can grab a face covering at the following places:
In-store
Dizzy Duck Harrogate, Albert St.
Georgies, West Park
Golden Stitches, Cheltenham Parade
Morgan Clare, Montpellier Gardens
Rose Velvet, Montpellier St.
Sophie Likes, Beulah St – www.sophielikes.com/face-masks
Sowa Polish Shop, Bower Road
The Luxe Company, West Park
Online
Aggie’s Craft Harrogate – Facebook “AggiesCraftHarrogate”
Bee and Duck – www.etsy.com/BeeandDuck
Boho Chic – https://www.bohochic.co.uk
CyclingShorts, Harrogate – www.cyclingshorts.uk.com/face-masks/ – Stray Ferret readers can use the code FERRET10 for 10% off online mask orders.
Face Masks Harrogate – Facebook “Face Masks Harrogate”, Instagram @facemasks_hgate, email facemasksharrogate@outlook.com
Fanni Loves Fufu – Facebook “Fanni Loves Fufu”, email jaynecarle2@gmail.com
Funky face masks Harrogate – Facebook Group
Handmade by Emily Jane – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HandmadebyEmilyJane
Harrogate Sewers for Face Masks – Facebook Group
Jaime Wilson – Message on Facebook
nipNstitch – nipnstitch.co.uk, @nipNstitch on Facebook
We got U covered – Facebook “wegotucovered”, www.wegotucovered.co.uk
If you are selling face coverings and would like to be added to our list, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Face Masks Harrogate has 60 different patterns available to buy.
The Coach & Horses pub has had its licence to sell alcohol revoked after showing a “blatant disregard” for social distancing guidelines.
Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee met today to decide the pub’s fate after HBC officers and North Yorkshire Police reported customers drinking outside the pub and not observing social distancing over the weekend of May 30.
HBC committee members heard how landlord John Nelson and customers of the pub were “aggressive and abusive” towards HBC officials and police after being served with a prohibition order on May 31.
Mr Nelson’s lawyer Paddy Whur said his client “accepted he made a chronic error of judgement”.
He said Mr Nelson suffers from bipolar disorder but had not taken his medication for 10 days which “distinctly affected” his decision-making process during the weekend.
Mr Whur suggested that the pub’s licence be suspended until Mr Nelson steps down – which was rejected by councillors.
Read more:
- Harrogate pub could be shut down over lockdown breaches
- Harrogate pub owners said they followed government guidelines
- Why did the council serve The Coach and Horses with a prohibition notice?
Calling on the committee to revoke the licence, PC Jackie Allen from North Yorkshire Police said they received 44 complaints from the public about social distancing. She said it “seriously undermined licensing objectives and caused alarm and distress to the local community”.
PC Allen also questioned whether Mr Nelson was really suffering from mental health problems calling it a “smokescreen” and an “eleventh-hour attempt” to prevent punishment.
Resident Peter Whittington spoke to defend the pub. He said on Sunday May 31 he witnessed Coach and Horses customers observing social distancing. He said: “it’s a brilliant pub and we need places like that in Harrogate”.
Mr Whur said he met with Mr Nelson and his family last week which he described as being a “hugely emotional and sad” meeting.
He said his mental health condition was genuine and hoped that any decision would reflect his long-standing position in the community.
He said:
“He’s chronically embarrassed that this is in the public domain. He said he’s disappointed he’s wasted HBC’s licensing committee and the police’s time. He regrets it hugely.”
“He has been the licensee for 33 years at one of the oldest pubs in Harrogate – I hope this gives him some credibility that we won’t be assessed as putting up a smokescreen”.
“He’s suffering from a significant mental health problem and is on medication. I wouldn’t try and deceive the licensing committee on something as serious as this.”
Mr Nelson has 21 days to appeal the decision.
Harrogate shops ‘heartbroken’ about Leeds Road roadworks
Harrogate shop owners have voiced frustration over the Leeds Road roundabout works as cars queued all the way back to Marks & Spencer today.
The roadworks will be in place until September 1 to allow for cable overlay works by Northern Powergrid.
Two of the roundabout’s six exits on Langcliffe Avenue and Park Drive have been closed and traffic lights are in place on the others.
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That roundabout is a key route into the town centre and is also home to a variety of shops, including butchers and hairdressers.
They told The Stray Ferret they expect to be adversely affected, adding it was particularly painful after the coronavirus lockdown.
The traffic backs up to Marks & Spencer on Leeds Road.
Michaela and Ben Stothard, the brother and sister team behind Posh Paws, said it was heartbreaking to see the roadworks.
“We are a bit stuck really because nobody wants to come near the shop. We have just come out of the hardship of coronavirus to see this. If people can’t come to us we will deliver to them.”
The owner of Ake and Humphries.
Paul Auty, the owner of beer and wine specialists Ake and Humphris, will be trying to push a delivery service as well:
“This is now the third time in two years that this road has been dug up. Each time it happens it causes a lot of traffic and great inconvenience to the people around here. The last time we had two weeks of roadworks we lost 40% of business. It would have been better to close the doors.”
Tony Colbeck, the owner of Country Butchers, said it was “unbelievable” to see the roadworks again:
“It should have been done in the coronavirus lockdown when there weren’t as many cars. We found today that because it is quiet, people stay away. I don’t know what it is about Harrogate at the moment but they seem to be ripping up every road.”
The owner of Country Butchers.
Jasmine Pinchin, the manager at Harrogate Hair Studio, described the situation as a “nightmare.”
“We are only allowed a few people in at the moment anyway. So we are at half capacity working 9am to 10pm every day for half the money. Then we have this disruption which is making our timings run back.”
Melisa Burnham, highways area manager at North Yorkshire County Council, said:
North Yorkshire police warn of increase in livestock attacks“Northern Powergrid is refurbishing and replacing the electricity network at this location. To reduce waiting times and queue lengths, a closure has been implemented at Langcliffe Avenue and Park Drive. The alternative would have been to temporarily signalise each approach to the roundabout.”
North Yorkshire Police has urged dog owners to be more responsible after an increase in attacks on livestock.
The police issued the appeal after noticing an upturn in incidents in the Harrogate area over the last week.
More people are visiting the countryside as lockdown restrictions are eased, which has led to more dog attacks on sheep.
Inspector Matt Hagan, head of North Yorkshire’s rural taskforce, said:
“Owners need to stick to the countryside code and keep their dogs under control even if that means they have to stay on a lead. You are responsible for their behaviour so keep it under control. If your dog is involved in an incident please report it as a lot of the time the owner may see no-one and just head off but they do have a duty to report it.
“If you’re out and about and see anything please report it too because it’s difficult following these kinds of reports up, but if you report it at the time and it’s more likely we can do something.”
The police are asking dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs when out walking them in the countryside.
Read more:
- Suspected poisonings of birds of prey in Nidderdale have increased over lockdown.
- Police are calling for Ripon parents to help them tackle anti-social behaviour in the city.
One of the incidents reported to the police this month involved a husky which managed to run through a fence and chase sheep. Police officers were called to an incident on July 12 near Thruscross Reservoir, near Harrogate, by a farmer who reported a dog had attacked a lamb on his land.
The farmer accepted an apology from the dog’s owner and the police issued a community resolution. North Yorkshire’s rural police force are keen to highlight the financial and emotional impact these attacks can have on their livelihoods.
Six weeks of roadworks begin on Leeds Road
Six weeks of roadworks began this morning on the Leeds Road roundabout, leaving the area gridlocked throughout the day.
The works will be in place until August 28 to allow Northern Powergrid to carry out cable overlay works.
Two of the roundabout’s six exits on Langcliffe Avenue and Park Drive have been closed and traffic lights are in place on the others. This left many commuters stuck in traffic or having to take long diversions.
The roadworks are set to stay along Leeds Road for six weeks.
Similar works are taking place along Skipton Road over a 12-week period. Those works are in order for Northern Gas Networks to replace the old metal pipes running along the road. Richard White, business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks, said:
“This investment will ensure residents and businesses in Harrogate continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
“We appreciate that no one likes roadworks, but we will be doing everything possible to complete this work as quickly as possible, while maintaining safe working practices.”
Read more:
- Whinney Lane will be closed for seven months to allow for two construction sites to be worked on.
- A ‘green’ car club has launched in Harrogate where you can hire low-emission vehicles by the hour.
The works come following several quieter months on the roads as many people worked from home. Following the Prime Minister’s announcements suggesting that people can return to work, the next six weeks are likely to involve much longer commutes.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire County Council for a comment on the works, but had not received a response at the time of publication.