Knaresborough traders set to escalate electric vehicle parking row

Traders in Knaresborough look set to escalate their battle with North Yorkshire Council over electric vehicle parking.

Last night’s Knaresborough and District Chamber meeting discussed the possibility of legal action because of concerns about the legitimacy of the consultation as well as the impact on businesses.

It also heard a petition calling for change had passed the 500-signature threshold, which means it will be discussed by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee.

The Liberal Democrat-controlled committee is an advisory body to the council so it cannot change laws but it can put pressure on the council’s Conservative leadership.

Ten electric vehicle charging bays were installed in Chapel Street Car Park shortly before Christmas last year.

Hairdresser Kelly Teggin told the meeting businesses were fed-up at the sight of seeing most of the bays empty while petrol and diesel cars struggled to park, particularly at weekends and on Wednesday market day.

Her petition, which has been displayed by several businesses in town, calls for some of the bays to be made available to all vehicles until demand for electric vehicle charging catches up with supply.

Kelly Teggin and Steve Teggin at the launch of the petition.

Ms Teggin said:

“These bays are still not being used. They are still empty and the town is suffering. Everyone is absolutely fuming. Businesses have had enough and are talking about legal action.

“Something needs to be done now, not in six months time.”

Councillor Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West, agreed the situation was inadequate and supported calls for a meeting between local business and residents and council to resolve matters.

Cllr Walker added he understood the council had signed a seven-year contract with a company to provide electric vehicle charging bays in North Yorkshire and was reluctant to change anything through fear of being in breach of contract.

He also said he had also been told there was no date yet for activating the eight electric vehicle charging bays at Conyngham Hall.

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Those bays remain coned off to all vehicles, meaning most of Knaresborough’s 18 electric vehicle charging bays are frequently empty.

This is costing the council parking revenue and driving away shoppers in a notoriously difficult town for parking, said Ms Teggin.

Chamber members said they had been unable to ascertain from the council whether petrol or diesel cars would receive parking tickets for parking in the empty electric vehicle charging bays or even whether electric vehicles that weren’t charging were entitled to park there.

There are no signs in the car park explaining the situation.

Some members even floated the idea of leaving their cars in the charging bays as a test case to see if they received a ticket.

Ms Teggin said:

“The whole idea of this is to stop pollution yet people are driving round and round Knaresborough to park and then leaving. It’s insane.”

Knaresborough banking hub location revealed

The new banking hub in Knaresborough will be located at 15 Kirkgate, Bowling Green Yard, it was announced today.

The hub will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions.

However, an opening date is still yet to be revealed.

It will also provide a community banker service where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated issues, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Community bankers will work on rotation, with a different bank or building society available on each day of the week. They are usually provided by the banking providers with the most customers in the local area.

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, revealed details of the hub today following longstanding concerns about bank closures in Knaresborough.

The process of finding a banking hub in Knaresborough has taken a while to come to fruition. There were hopes it would happen last year.

Gareth Oakley, chief at Cash Access UK:

“We know the new banking hub has been eagerly anticipated by the local community and so we’re delighted we’ve now been able to secure a fantastic location for you in the heart of the community.

“This brings us a significant step closer in being able to deliver improved access to cash services to individuals and businesses in Knaresborough”.

Nick Garrett, of the community benefit society Knaresborough Connectors: said the hub would reduce financial exclusion, adding:

“Many of Knaresborough’s frail residents tell us they prefer services, especially financial ones, to be face to face as online services aren’t accessible.”

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Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said:

“When the hub opens it will be invaluable to residents of Knaresborough, especially to those who rely on cash and face-to-face banking.”

Charlotte Gale, of Knaresborough and District Chamber said:

“Better banking and cash access within the town is something chamber are very passionate about. This is something we’ve long campaigned for and we’re thrilled that a site has now been secured.”

Cash Access UK is owned and funded by 10 of the UK’s biggest banking providers: Bank of Ireland, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money.

These firms have come together to provide shared services available to all their customers.

 

Knaresborough to hold contest to find new town crier

Knaresborough residents will get a rare opportunity to audition for the role of town crier next month.

Roger Hewitt, who is part of a lineage dating back to 1680, is to step down from the role after eight years at the end of May.

Potential successors are invited to pitch for the role at the annual Knaresborough Connectors‘ community festival on April 22 at Meadowside Academy on Halfpenny Lane.

Contestants will announce town news and events, deliver proclamations and ring a bell to capture the attention of the public. There will be a pre-prepared shout for all participants and they will also be asked to prepare an original shout.

It will be judged by Mr Hewitt and the mayor of Knaresborough.

Knaresborough and District Chamber member Charlotte Gale said:

“We are seeking a talented individual with a strong, clear voice and a passion for communicating important messages to the community.”

“Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talents and become a key part of our town’s heritage.”

The town crier shouts at the town’s ancient Wednesday market as well as other markets and at community and charity events in the town. Knaresborough and District Chamber member manages the role and provides the uniform.

Mr Hewitt offered some words of advice to anyone interested in succeeding him:

“You have to shout but a big voice is not enough. You have to be able to write your own stuff, it has to be engaging.

“It’s all about intonation, accuracy, engaging your audience and doing your best. It’s a good thing that volume isn’t the main thing!”

You can register to take part in the contest by emailing hello@knaresboroughchamber.org and including a brief introduction stating why you would make a great town crier and your connection to Knaresborough.

Top rotary award for Roger

Roger Hewitt rotary

(left to right) Knaresborough Rotary president David Kaye, Roger Hewitt and rotarian Bob Weddall

Knaresborough rotarians surprised Mr Hewitt by presenting him with a Paul Harris Fellowship after he gave a speech to the group.

Paul Harris founded Rotary and the award is the highest which can be given by rotarians.

Rotarian Bob Weddall said:

“Roger is, as town crier, the personification of Knaresborough. A brilliant ambassador for the town he enjoys chatting to visitors and has played a major role in recent events celebrating the platinum jubilee and proclaiming the Queen’s passing and the accession of the new King.

“His unfailing good humour and willingness to serve the community make him a worthy recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship”.

Knaresborough and District Chamber member Charlotte Gale added:

“Roger has been an exemplary town crier and is a hugely popular and recognisable figure in the town.

“For the past eight years his regular and often witty cries have kept townsfolk informed about all the latest Knaresborough news and he has also opened countless town events and welcomed many new businesses to the town.

“Everyone at chamber would like to extend a huge thank you to Roger for eight years of dedication to the role and wish him well in his retirement.”

Roger’s life and times

Roger Hewitt town crier

Pic: Charlotte Gale

Born in Bradford in1948, Mr Hewitt moved to Knaresborough in 1976.

At 21 he started to train as a teacher but changed his mind and instead joined the scientific civil service but in 1988 he resumed his teacher training and  after a spell in Bradford he spent 23 years at Harrogate Grammar School.

Appointed as a chemistry teacher, he taught physics and biology at key stage 3.

After retiring,  he was appointed as town crier by the chamber of trade and town council in 2015.

His main task is to open the market at 11am each Wednesday wearing the splendid regalia made in Knaresborough by Gill Ford.

In town crier competitions, he has twice won the trophy for best dressed crier.

In the 1980s Roger was a member of Knaresborough Players and also performed as Father Christmas at school events and at the town Christmas market.

For one very challenging Christmas market he was both Father Christmas and town crier, doing quick changes in the stock room of the old chemist shop.

Knaresborough town crier Roger Hewitt to retire

Knaresborough town crier Roger Hewitt is to retire at the end of May after eight years of service to the town.

Former teacher Mr Hewitt, who has lived in Knaresborough for 46 years, is part of a lineage dating back to 1680. He will be involved in the selection for his replacement, and with any induction required.

Business group Knaresborough & District Chamber will be running a contest to find a successor at Knaresborough Community Festival on April 22 at Meadowside Academy primary school.

Chamber member Charlotte Gale said:

“Roger has been an exemplary town crier and is a hugely popular and recognisable figure in the town.

“For the past eight years his regular and often witty cries have kept townsfolk informed about all the latest Knaresborough news and he has also opened countless town events and welcomed many new businesses to the town.

“Everyone at chamber would like to extend a huge thank you to Roger for eight years of dedication to the role and wish him well in his retirement.”

Roger Hewitt town crier

Pic: Charlotte Gale

A chamber statement said Rawden Kerr, from the The Loyal Company of Town Criers, would support the search to find a successor “to make sure we do things in the right way”. It added:

“If you think you, or someone you know, could step into Roger’s shoes then please get in touch with us at the chamber, e-mail address hello@knaresboroughchamber.org.”

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Knaresborough groups seek funding to progress road train idea

Groups in Knaresborough are set to apply for funding to investigate the feasibility of major new schemes for the town, including a road train.

Knaresborough and District Chamber, Knaresborough Town Council and Knaresborough Museum Association will be among those submitting a bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK government created the fund for schemes that encourage local investment and regeneration. It replaces European Union structural funds.

Up to £16.9 million is available in North Yorkshire and £2 million will be awarded in the first year of funding, which is due to open for applications shortly.

This month’s Knaresborough and District Chamber meeting heard it was collaborating with other town groups to formulate a bid for about £40,000 to £50,000.

Peter Lacey, executive member of the chamber, said if funding were awarded it would enable the town to undertake research into four priority areas: heritage, connectivity, developing economic data, and street enhancements.

The land train, which would take people up and down the steep slope between the town centre and Waterside, would fall into the connectivity area. He said:

“The fund would finance fuller feasibility and evidence-gathering to build the case for local capacity-building.”

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Knaresborough Castle could host more events as new era dawns

Knaresborough Castle could stage more large scale public events in the wake of major political changes.

North Yorkshire Council will assume control of the castle when Harrogate Borough Council ceases to exist at the end of next month.

Councillor Carl Les and Richard Flinton, who will be leader and chief executive respectively of North Yorkshire Council, are due to visit the town on February 15 when they will discuss the future of the medieval fortress.

There was optimism at last night’s meeting of Knaresborough and District Chamber that the change of ownership could herald a bright new era for the castle, which was seized by Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian troops in 1644 during the Civil War.

Knaresborough Castle, which overlooks the River Nidd, will be the only castle in the county controlled by North Yorkshire Council and there is a feeling among chamber members that the new leadership will be open to fresh ideas — including holding more events at the site.

Chamber member Bill Taylor told the meeting:

“The castle is massively under-utilised. I’ve been in Knaresborough 24 years and can only remember four or five big events.”

Peter Lacey, executive member of the chamber, said the key issue was to extend the lease on the land, which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr Lacey said the current lease is due to expire in about eight years and it was difficult to plan how to use the site until North Yorkshire Council negotiated an extension.

He added Knaresborough had “lots of willing partners” keen to work with the new council on initiatives at the castle and its grounds.

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Cllr Les has said the new council will champion “double devolution” by giving powers to local areas.

He previously said:

“We believe this double devolution which passports powers from Whitehall to the town hall and the town hall to the village hall is an exciting prospect.

“We are seeking more powers from the government, but we want more powers to be devolved to the very local area as well. We want to bring people together to get more things done at a local level.”

Mr Lacey said:

“When Carl Les says the council has the ambition to be the most local as well as the largest unitary council in the country, we will take him at his word.

“Knaresborough has been a spoke of Harrogate Borough Council for many years and now we want to become our own hub.”