Car park investment to allow drivers to pay as they likeYorkshire Water reduced sewage discharges into rivers in 2024, new figures showYorkshire Water begins £300,000 sewer upgrade near HarrogateRoadworks due as Northern Powergrid begins £5.5m scheme in Harrogate

Northern Powergrid will begin a £5.5m scheme to make the electricity supply in the Harrogate area more reliable next week.

The company, which manages the electricity network for 3.9 million people, has said the upgrade will “improve the resilience and reliability of the vital local electricity network”.

But it will cause disruption to motorists on some of Harrogate’s busiest roads, including Ripon Road, Clarence Drive and Jenny Field Drive, where the work will start.

Upgraded cabling will be installed in 22 areas of Harrogate. Work will begin on Monday, March 18 and is due to end in September.

It will require having open excavated trenches in the roads. The trenches will be protected by barriers and some locations will have two-way traffic lights.

Northern Powergrid revealed the plans at a drop-in session on Tuesday night at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel, which businesses were invited to attend.

The Stray Ferret, which attended the meeting, was told Northern Powergrid and North Yorkshire Council have been in talks about the work for over a year in consultation with local councillors, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

Northern Powergrid operates to five-year plans and is currently working to its 2023-2028 plan, which includes upgrading its network. Once its plans are approved by a regulator, the company can receive funding from a fund, which is sourced from a percentage of bill payers’ money.

A similar scheme to upgrade York’s network, costing £1.5m, is currently underway.

Northern Powergrid five million pound investment route

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid told the Stray Ferret that the upgrades were essential. They said:

“These upgrades are what Harrogate needs to improve reliability, The works are being done to future proof the town. We Invest ahead of need, we don’t wait until there is no power we are doing it before it is needed.”

Northern Powergrid said the increasing number of electric vehicles, housing and hospitality venues made it essential to act now.

It added that businesses and houses now required a range of electric outlets and an increasing number of venues including hotels and pubs were changing from gas to electric to meet net zero goals, putting more demand on the power supply.

Steve Crawford, project manager said:

“With the decarbonisation agenda there is a real uptake in electric power. All of this technology requires electric power reinforcing to meet this increased need.

“This work will create capacity for new developments and low carbon technology connections to support the town’s economic growth. Now is the right time for Harrogate the upgrades are what the town needs right now.

“It allows future services to progress but we can’t tell how long these reinforcements will last. We wouldn’t spend more than the area needs but we can’t afford to wait until it is broken.”

When and Where

Residents will receive letters up to two weeks in advance of work beginning, the company said. The project will start next week on Jenny Field Drive and is due to end at Majestic Court in September.

Full list of Northern Powergrid times and dates for the investment works

The impact

Work is expected to take place from 8am-5pm but Northern Powergrid have purposely avoided the Crescent Road, Ripon Road and King’s Road junction to reduce disruption.

It said access for residents, businesses and emergency vehicles will be maintained disruption would be minimised by, for example, avoiding work near Harrogate Ladies’ College during term time. Public transport will continue.

The last major Northern Powergrid work in the area took place almost eight years ago near David Lloyd, where the company’s substation is located. It said the David Lloyd to Penny Pot Lane section will take the longest time to upgrade due to there being a single circuit along the route.

Mr Crawford said:

“People won’t notice a difference, we hope the upgrades will be seamless, which for us is a good thing if people cannot tell. People don’t notice power until it has gone so we are working behind the scenes and there should be no interruptions to power.”

Sharon Incerti, project manager said;

“No one is expected to be off supply and there are no planned outages for the work to go ahead. There can always be faults but they are not expected. This is a really positive scheme for Harrogate.

“It will be some short term disruption to meet Harrogate’s wider and ever-changing needs.”

To keep up to date check www.onenetwork.com and contact generalenquiries@northernpowergrid.com for any further information.

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Taxpayers bear multi-million pound losses on Harrogate’s vacant Royal Baths

The long-term vacancy of two prime retail units in Harrogate’s Royal Baths has cost the taxpayer almost £1 million in lost rent and service charges, the Stray Ferret can reveal.

North Yorkshire County Council paid £9.5 million for the Grade II listed building in 2018. A current council report has valued it at £7 million and forecasts it to generate an investment return of just 1.64%.

But in addition to the £2.5 million decline in property value, the long-term vacancy of both buildings is haemorrhaging lost rental income each month.

A year ago today (December 9, 2022) the council evicted the owners of the Viper Rooms nightclub — one of four commercial units it lets in the Royal Baths.

The venue has stood empty since, despite repeated claims by the council of “significant interest”.

The former Potting Shed bar, which along with the JD Wetherspoon pub and Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant make up the other commercial units, has been empty since the council acquired the historic complex five years ago.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council, which succeeded North Yorkshire County Council in April this year, about the cost of the ongoing vacancies.

A council statement said rent for the Viper Rooms premises “would have been in the region of £90,000 since December last year”.

It added maintenance for the building is covered by a service charge which is approximately £75,000.

The council added no business rates are payable due to an exemption for the premises as a listed asset.

As for the Potting Shed space, the council said the original rent was £125,000 a year when the county council acquired the vacant unit in 2018. That figure represents a loss of £625,000 over five years.

The vacant former Potting Shed unit.

It did not give a figure for the loss of service charge income at the Potting Shed but said no business rates were payable on either premises due to an exemption for them being a listed asset.

The council said “no agent’s fees have been paid at this time” to Savils, which has been marketing the Viper Rooms, adding any fee “will be made when the unit has been let”.

Asked why it was taking so long to find a Viper Rooms tenant, despite the apparent interest, the council said:

“The leisure market continues to be highly variable. Savills has conducted a significant number of viewings, and we do now have offers for both vacant units.

“An offer for the Viper Rooms unit has been accepted while the offer for the Potting Shed is due to be considered shortly.

“The situation of having vacant units is by no means unique and is a widespread issue nationally following the impact of the covid pandemic and the cost of living situation.

“Harrogate’s Royal Baths do, however, cover their costs and the council has not had to use funds from alternative budgets to support the asset.”

Council urged to “get their act together”

Former Conservative councillor Richard Musgrave branded the Royal Baths an “under-performing trophy asset” in 2021 because of the sum paid and returns generated.

The continued loss of rental income since, the depreciation of the value of the asset and its low investment returns has again raised questions about the council’s business acumen.

The Royal Baths forecasted return of 1.64% is by far the lowest in the council’s portfolio.

Cllr Stuart Parsons, leader of the Independent group on Conservative-controlled North Yorkshire Council, said the situation was “extremely concerning”. He said:

“The council really ought to get their act together and get it sorted immediately.

“A 1.64% return on investment is very low. They could have put the money in the bank and got just under 5%.”

Cllr Parsons said the newly formed council was still going through its investment portfolio to decide which assets to keep.

The Royal Baths complex

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election, said:

“North Yorkshire Council’s approach to business and investment in Harrogate is disappointing, and we deserve better.

“The continued cuts to local government from the Conservative government have left local authorities scrambling to buy up investment properties as new revenue streams. Often they do not have the skills of expertise to make a success of such investments, and we can see how that plays out first hand with the Royal Baths as one example.

“Their approach has been shortsighted, resulted in the loss of local businesses, and decreased the value of the assets they purchased. Someone should be accountable for this decision.”

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Asked to respond to claims that it lacks the commercial acumen to run businesses, the council said:

“North Yorkshire Council has a wide range of skills among its own staff, but also recognises that external support is necessary for assets that are more complex. A number of external professionals assist the council in managing this asset is the best interests of local residents and taxpayers.”

Paul Kinsey, who owned the Viper Rooms, has been locked in protracted negotiations with the council over the fixtures and fittings, declined to comment.

 

Campaigners ‘cautious’ over Yorkshire Water £7.8 billion investment plan

Campaigners say they are “cautious but positive” over Yorkshire Water plans to invest £7.8 billion in infrastructure over five years.

The company announced the move today as part of investment plans for 2025 to 2030, which have been submitted to industry regulator Ofwat.

It includes £3.1 billion to improve resilience in the water network, £4.3 billion to protect river and coastal water quality and investment in customer service and financial support for customers.

However, it would mean average bills would rise from £438.12 in 2024/25 (£36.51 per month) to £518.76 in 2025/26 (£43.23 per month) with increases each year thereafter.

The proposals come as water companies have been under increasing public pressure at the amount of sewage being discharged into rivers and seas.

In the Harrogate district, campaigners say they are cautious at the plans but welcomed planned investment into the country’s water network.

Dr David Clayden, chairman of the Nidd Action Group, which is co-ordinating efforts to clean the River Nidd, said:

“Any investment in cleaning up our rivers, particularly the River Nidd and its tributaries is to be welcomed.

“Cynics amongst us may say something like ‘too little, too late’ and ‘we will be paying twice for something that should have been done years ago’, but I’d like to strike a more positive, if cautious, response to this announcement by Yorkshire Water.

“It’s a plan, not yet a reality, for actions possibly starting in 18 months time. Ofwat may yet dial down the ambition — and the cost to us as citizens — along with the much hoped for improvements in water quality. 

“As citizens we need to keep the pressure up on our politicians not to settle for any scaling down of  ‘improvements’.”

Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, said the plans were the company’s largest ever investment into the network.

She said:

“This submission marks our largest ever environmental investment and illustrates our commitment to deliver what our customers expect. The programme will protect and improve the quality of water in rivers and at coasts, leading to cleaner, safer water environments that support recreation and biodiversity across the region.”

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Flaxby firm Ilke Homes files administration notice

Ilke Homes, the manufacturer of modular housing based at Flaxby, near Knaresborough, has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator as a deadline to save hundreds of jobs approaches. 

The company has been looking for a buyer since running into financial difficulties it attributed to “volatile macro-economic conditions and issues with the planning system”, which had “complicate[d] fundraising and housing delivery”. 

The Stray Ferret understands the company has been offered to potential buyers for bids over £1, and some major house-builders have been approached.

Any bids for the business will need to be submitted before the end of this week, when the firm’s existing backers will decide the firm’s future. 

If no deal is forthcoming, the company could enter administration in 10 days.

Ilke Homes said it needed additional funding to fulfil a £1 billion order book and to protect jobs, adding that new investment was needed to build its pipeline of 4,200 new homes.

The company specialises in modular housing that is built in its factory and then put together on site in a process that saves time and costs, reduces carbon emissions, and is not weather-dependent.

Earlier this month, the company told most of the nearly 1,000 employees at its 250,000 sq ft factory not to come into work until further notice, although they have reportedly remained on full pay. 

Ilke Homes was established in 2017 and opened its Flaxby factory the following year. Since then, it has built up a client base that includes major institutional investors, housing associations, developers and local councils. 

In 2021, the company raised £60 million in investment, half via a loan from government agency Homes England and half from investors. 

A year later, it raised a record-breaking £100 million from new and existing shareholders, following successive years of triple-digit growth. 

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New £70,000 tennis courts open in Dacre with free taster sessions

State-of-the-art sports facilities have arrived in Nidderdale, with the laying of three brand-new artificial grass tennis courts at Dacre Tennis Club. 

The new ‘Savanna’ playing surfaces have replaced old and worn tarmac courts at a cost of £70,000.

The sum was paid for by a combination of cash, grants and loans from various sources.

Dacre & Hartwith Playing Fields Association, which owns the Max Pullan Recreation Ground where the club is based, contributed over £8,000, the North Yorkshire County Council’s Locality Budget provided a grant of £1,000, and a sizeable donation was also made by a club member.

Other members provided 10-year loans to the club, which itself also contributed reserves built up for the purpose and sold some 10-year memberships to make up the shortfall. 

Club committee member Charles Andrew said: 

“It’s a big investment, but the club is a real hub for tennis in the middle and upper dale and an important facility for all the people and villages there. 

“It’s a lovely surface to play on and some club members went and tested it out and were really impressed.” 

A ground-level view of members playing on the new artificial grass courts at Dacre Tennis Club in Nidderdale.

Dacre Tennis Club is volunteer-run and holds frequent social tennis sessions, runs competitions, and competes in local leagues.  

To introduce players to the new courts, volunteers will be opening up the club up for some free, informal Come-and-Play tennis sessions, starting from this weekend.  

Club secretary Jane Robinson said: 

“It’s a really exciting project and we’re hoping to attract lots of new members.” 

The sessions will be held at the following times: 

The club suggests people bring their trainers or tennis shoes and a racket if they have one; if they don’t, they may borrow one from the club. 

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New tenants soon for Harrogate’s Viper Rooms and nearby bar?

Harrogate’s struggling Royal Baths could soon have two new tenants.

North Yorkshire County Council bought the site as an investment asset for £9 million in 2018 but it has not generated the returns hoped for.

When the council bought the site, the units were occupied by J D Wetherspoon, The Potting Shed bar, the Viper Rooms nightclub and Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant.

But the Potting Shed has been closed for years and the sudden demise of the Viper Rooms in December left half the units unoccupied.

Days after the Viper Rooms closed, the council said the site had attracted “significant interest from potential tenants”. But three months on it remains empty.

In an update today, Gary Fielding, the county council’s corporate director for strategic resources, said:

“A unit which did house the Viper Rooms is continuing to attract significant interest, and an agent has been appointed to co-ordinate discussions with potential tenants.

“A lease has been signed for the final unit and a dialogue with the tenant is continuing to establish when the new venture will be launched.”

The new North Yorkshire Council will assume control of the Grade II listed Royal Baths on April 1 when the county council, along with seven district councils including Harrogate Borough Council, ceases to exist.

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Harrogate hairdresser to rebrand with new name and new look

Harrogate hairdresser to rebrand with new name and new look

The Joseph Ferraro salon on Cheltenham Crescent in Harrogate is to be taken over by salon manager Nicola Rayner and rebranded with a new name and new look.

Ms Rayner has worked for Joseph Ferraro, who has another salon on Leeds Road, for 10 years and been part-owner of the salon for six years. But the pair have now decided to part ways and Miss Rayner is taking on the salon alone.

From August, she plans to rebrand as Rayner and Green and refurbish the salon. She said:

“As the years have gone on we both decided it was the right time to separate and I’m really excited to take on the salon as my own. All of my team will be staying with me too.”

Ms Rayner and her four staff intend to make a few changes including setting up Klarna, a payment app which allows customers to pay for their hair appointment over a number of instalments.

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Investment advisor with Harrogate branch makes deal with The Law Society

Wealth and investment advisor, St James’s Place, has struck a deal to become strategic partner of the Law Society of England and Wales.

As part of the relationship St James’s Place (SJP) will help solicitors at all stages of their professional career decide how to invest, manage significant cash bonuses or business cash flow, acquire or merge with other practices or create a legacy plan for their business.

The advisor has more than 4,000 partners across the UK with one of those offices being in Harrogate. The deal allows it to work with all solicitors represented by the Law Society.

Paul Ainslie, head of campaigns and partnerships at SJP, said:

“I am delighted that the Law Society of England & Wales have chosen to work with St. James’s Place, affording us the opportunity to expand on the support we already provide to solicitors via The Law Society of Scotland.”

“Our remit is simple, we will share our professional expertise with members so that they have the confidence and knowledge to help make the right decisions at the right time to create the future they want for themselves, their family, their business and their clients.”