Government praises council’s rough sleeping provision in HarrogateRipon rough sleeping event helps homeless‘No plans’ to remove fencing in Harrogate’s Crescent GardensHarrogate’s Crescent Gardens fencing to remain for ‘foreseeable future’

Fencing put up in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens six months ago shows no sign of being removed.

Fences were erected to block a group of rough sleepers last October, who set up an encampment in the pavilion.

It came after nearby residents complained of anti-social behaviour from the rough sleepers, who were removed from the site after two weeks.

The Stray Ferret followed the saga closely at the time – and in the months following – and has repeatedly tried to find out what long-term measures would be put in place to prevent similar encampments and help those needing accommodation.

However, six months on, the fencing look set to remain indefinitely.

When we approached North Yorkshire Council for an update, Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment, said:

“The temporary fencing will remain up for the foreseeable future until a further solution can be found.

“We are working with Harrogate Business Improvement District with a view to wrapping it with images of the town/area in the short term.”

Matthew Chapman, chief executive of Harrogate BID, said the organisation held talks with the council along these lines before Christmas, and it was willing to “re-open that conversation”.

Rough sleepers offered ‘support and accommodation daily’

The Stray Ferret also asked what provisions are in place to help homeless people in Harrogate.

Kim Robertshaw, the council’s head of housing needs, said:

“We have a proactive rough sleeper team that engages with people at risk of rough sleeping on a daily basis, offering support and accommodation.

“We hope this consistent approach continues to reduce the number of instances where encampments are created in Harrogate. Where incidents do occur we work with partners to resolve issues as quickly as we can.”

The news comes just weeks after the Stray Ferret’s Trading Hell series, which investigated the anti-social behaviour faced by business owners in Harrogate.

Some traders did not feel confident that such offences would be dealt with by authorities, and some even pointed the finger at rough sleepers as the root cause.

You can read our Trading Hell feature on homeless charity, Harrogate Homeless Project, here.

Read more:

Miriam Margolyes visits Harrogate Homeless Project

Miriam Margolyes took time out from her book tour to visit Harrogate Homeless Project this morning.

The actor, who starred in Harry Potter, was in Harrogate to publicise her latest book, Oh Miriam! She appeared at Harrogate Convention Centre last night and will be in York this evening.

Ms Margolyes visited staff and service users at Springboard Day Centre, which provides food, shower and washing facilities, skills workshops, activities, psychotherapy, medical services and housing advice to homeless people.

Harrogate Homeless Project runs the day centre at the Wesley Centre on Oxford Street in Harrogate. It also operates a 16-bed hostel on Bower Street and move-on housing for those wishing to escape homelessness.

Ms Margolyes said:

“I was honoured to visit the Harrogate Homeless Project and witness at first-hand the remarkable dedication of staff and volunteers and their powerful work, transforming lives. It’s essential that we all address the issue of homelessness with compassion and empathy.”

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, a trustee of the charity, said Ms Margolyes “didn’t hesitate to visit the project when asked”, adding:

“It’s her unwavering commitment to social causes, her kindness, and absolute belief in fairness and justice that truly sets her apart.”

Miriam Margoyles with Harrogate Homeless Project today. Pic: Gerard Binks

With chief executive Francis McAllister. Pic: Gerard Binks

Chief executive Francis McAllister said the visit would raise awareness about homelessness.

“Her visit will undoubtedly throw a spotlight on this cause, and I hope her compassion inspires the wider community to come together and make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

Read more:

 

Former homeless hostel in Harrogate to be converted to flats

Councillors have approved a plan to convert former homeless hostel Cavendish House in Harrogate into six apartments.

The hostel on Robert Street was operated by Harrogate Borough Council from 1983 until its closure in November 2021.

In 2021, the council opened a new homeless centre called Fern House in Starbeck.

Cavendish House had nine bedsits which will be converted into six self-contained flats and sold by the council through shared ownership schemes.

A-two storey flat roof extension to the rear of the building will be demolished under the plans.

The application from North Yorkshire Council was considered by councillors on the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee last week.

Air source heat pumps will be fitted to the building but Paul Haslam, the Conservative councillor for Nidd Gorge and Bilton, said the council could do more to make it energy efficient for residents.

He said:

“We need to add a condition so that this is retrofitted to the highest standard, particularly as we own it”.

However, Cllr Haslam was told by council planning officer John Worthington that internal alternations were not planning matters.

Read more:

The decision to fit UPVC windows was criticised by Hannah Gostlow, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East, who said she would prefer them to choose wood.

But John Mann, the Conservative councillor for Pannal and Oatlands, said UPVC windows were cheaper and more effective than traditional windows.

He said:

“We do need to save the planet and try and reduce emissions. In my experience, what people are looking for is warm homes that save electricity and don’t cost a fortune to heat.

“One of the advantages of UPVC windows is they are really warm if they’re double-glazed and save on electricity bills. Wooden windows cost a fortune and they’re not very warm.”

The plans were approved by six votes to none with Cllr Gostlow abstaining.

Metal fences put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion

Metal fences have been put up to prevent people entering the pavilion in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens.

The fences, which appeared this morning, were erected following a two-week occupation of the pavilion by a group of rough sleepers this month.

The group set up camp in the pavilion and have returned at least twice since they were dispersed last Friday in an operation carried out by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police

The encampment led nearby residents to express concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.

The pavilion encampment

How it looks this morning.

Read more:

The group returned to the pavilion on Sunday evening and again on Tuesday morning — but were removed again both times.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council earlier this week what legal powers it used to disperse the people in the pavilion and what action it planned to take to prevent repeat occupations but has not yet received a response.

Rough sleepers return to Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

A group of rough sleepers has repeatedly returned to Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens – just days after being moved on.

The group’s two-week occupation of the pavilion in the gardens sparked concerns about anti-social-behaviour.

It was finally dispersed by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police on Friday last week.

However, the group returned on Sunday evening — and again this morning.

Nearby resident Kirk Wilber-Moran said:

“They came back Sunday night but were moved on early yesterday morning.

“However, they came back again this morning and not just in the bandstand — three were stood in an empty shop doorway drinking cider at 6.45am this morning.

“There’s roughly 10 people, some I have seen previously but some new faces too. They’ve not managed to establish a full set-up like before.”

The rough sleepers were removed again this morning.

The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment two weeks ago after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.

Following the move-on operation, residents also wanted to know what measures would be taken to resolve similar situations in the future.

The Stray Ferret has asked the council what measures it has taken to prevent repeat occupations.

Andrew Rowe, the council’s assistant director of housing, said this morning:

“We worked with the police last week to ensure that advice and support was offered to all the individuals who were congregating in the Crescent Gardens.

“It’s important to note that not all of these individuals are homeless or rough sleepers, however, offers of support and accommodation were made to all those who needed it. We understand that despite being encouraged to move on by the police a number of people have returned to the area.

“We will continue to work with all agencies to find solutions to this issue.”

North Yorkshire Police declined to add to a statement it gave last week, which described the situation as “complex” and said it was working with partners and residents to find a solution for everyone.

Read more:

 

Stray Views: Why no 20mph limit outside my children’s primary school?

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. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment following the recent publication of a news story announcing traffic restrictions and pedestrian crossings outside schools in our town. 

While I wholeheartedly support efforts to enhance the safety of school zones, I am shocked and puzzled that Willow Tree Primary School has not been included in these vital plans.

Willow Tree Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in our community, serving a significant number of students and families. It is strategically situated on a main and busy route through our town, making it a crucial focal point for ensuring the safety of our children and all pedestrians. It is baffling to me that, in terms of a risk assessment, Willow Tree Primary School has not been considered as a priority.

As a concerned parent, I witness the alarming and dangerous behaviour of speeding HGV vehicles on most days during the school run. It is evident that the current traffic situation outside our school poses a severe and imminent risk to the safety of our children. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs, and we must take proactive measures to prevent such a tragedy.

I am eager to understand the rationale behind the decision to exclude Willow Tree Primary School from these critical traffic safety plans. The safety of our children should always be our top priority.

I have emailed to request that the local authorities reconsider their decision and include Willow Tree Primary School in the upcoming traffic safety measures. I believe that our school’s omission from the plans raises questions about the fairness and equity of the decision-making process.

Pippa Cox, Harrogate

Why have 20mph where it isn’t needed? 

Can we please ensure a modicum of common sense is used as we run the risk of an ever increasing number of roads becoming 20mph zones?
Panel Ash Road has for many years been a 20mph limit, which is entirely appropriate given the nearby schools. But can we please recognise how pointless and stupid this is (and how infuriating some drivers are) when they pootle along at that speed during evenings, weekends, school holidays and the wee small hours.
There are no pedestrians and it serves no tangible benefit. Quite aside from being safe, people get so exasperated, they overtake in an unsafe manner.
There is now an argument in favour of including Otley road in this scheme and as someone who lives on Cold Bath Road, quite aside from the perpetual road works that bring traffic to a grinding halt, I have to navigate three sets of lights before heading out toward Beckwithshaw. That rather makes speeding an impossibility. So on the rare occasion we can actually move at 30mph, it’s nothing short of a luxury.
If we read of routine accidents and deaths because of reckless drivers near a school, I would support the argument completely. But to do so, “just because” is simply no argument at all. Harrogate struggles with congestion as it is. Slowing it further without incredibly good supporting evidence and sound logic is simply foolish.
Mark Fuller, Harrogate 

Diesel trains? 

Why are diesel trains still being used to Harrogate, when Skipton and Ilkley have had electric multiple units since the 1960’s?

The Government needs accelerate the electrification of the Harrogate Line and cascade the excellent redundant Class 379 EMU’s North.
Clive Broadhead, Harrogate

Harrogate’s rough sleepers embarrassing

I have been reading stories regards homeless people sleeping rough in Harrogate.[Rough sleepers evicted from Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens]

I moved to Harrogate over a year ago and am shocked and appalled by the amount of drugs, alcohol and people sleeping rough here. My family came to stay over at the weekend and going into town it was nothing short of embarrassing. There were drunks hanging around near McDonald’s shouting and swearing, what appeared to be drug takers near the bridge not far from the bus station and two men sleeping rough on benches near the cenotaph.

Harrogate has one of the highest council tax bands in the country but it is beyond me as to why?

I will be leaving Harrogate as soon as I can as it is dangerous, noisy and down right embarrassing. Such a pity.

Tracy Baldwin, Harrogate

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.

Read More: 

Rough sleepers evicted from Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

A group of rough sleepers in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens has been evicted this morning after occupying the pavilion for two weeks.

Representatives from North Yorkshire Council‘s property services division and North Yorkshire Police began the move-on operation just before 9am this morning.

The council also brought a van to gather the rough sleepers’ belongings.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said some people started arguing with the council after they were told to disperse but there was no violence.

He added:

“One or two sleepers appeared frustrated and declined to cooperate, but they eventually started packing and leaving from 9.15am.

“The police were present to ensure the operation was non-violent.”

The operation ended at approximately 9.40am.

Larger items, such as mattresses, were removed by the council.

The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment after nearby residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour last week.

One of those residents, Eileen Dockray, said after today’s developments:

“I’m now concerned that the police and the council, who both tried to pass this problem back and forth between each other, should now come together and work out who’s responsible for dealing with this sort of problem in the future.

“We, the public, also need to know who we can go to for help when a situation like this arises again, as it surely will.”

Read more: