The largest weir removal project ever in the UK has begun on the River Nidd at Scotton.
The scheme, which costs about 80,000 euros, will open up another 18km of river to migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout and European eel.
If Nidd tributaries are also included then 35km of rivers will be made available for salmon and sea trout spawning.
The project is being led by river conservation charity the Wild Trout Trust and funded by the European Open Rivers Programme – a grant-giving organisation dedicated to restoring rivers.
It started last week with the creation of an access ramp down to the weir and is expected to get underway properly this week. Work removing the dam is expected to last up to two weeks before further work restoring the bank takes place.
Scotton Weir is at the entrance to Nidd Gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It was built at the end of the 18th century to power the nearby mill. At 75m wide and 4m high, it is thought to be the largest weir removal project ever in the UK.
The weir breached in the floods of 2019 so is already partly demolished. Leaving it to disintegrate gradually over time would have reduced the risk of bankside damage.
Removing Scotton Weir will benefit more than just migratory fish. All fish move up and downstream to some extent as part of their life cycles and the weir removal will help to restore natural processes to the river.
Currently only 16% of rivers are rated as being in ‘good’ condition by the EU Water Framework Directive. A significant cause of failure is man-made barriers interrupting a river’s flow, such as Scotton Weir on the Nidd.
Jonathan Grey, a part-time professor in practice at Lancaster University who is project managing the Scotton Weir removal for the Wild Trout Trust, said:
“The weir has been impounding about 800m of channel for over 100 years, creating deep, sluggish water in a section of the Nidd gorge where the flow should be swift and shallow.
“Think of a river as a conveyor belt of sediment as well as water. Boulder, cobble and gravel that is vital to the health of the bed of the river has been trapped upstream of the weir, unable to resupply that which has been transported away downstream. So the physical habitat downstream has become simplified, dominated by large boulders.
“Then there is fish passage to consider. All fish have to move up and downstream during different stages of their life for a variety of reasons. The weir has made it nigh on impossible to move upstream, and much more difficult to move downstream, and then only under specific flow conditions, so populations have become fragmented or isolated.”
The weir is already damaged.
Prof Grey said although it was not certain that salmon or sea trout got as far as Scotton Weir, nearby surveys suggested it was “very likely”.
He added:
“There are still more barriers further upstream, the next being at Birstwith 11km away, so there is still work to be done to restore the natural heritage of the river.
“We are aiming to reinstate the natural flow regime to the river by removing the barrier.”
Dr Marie Taylor, operations director for the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, said:
“This project is a great example of partnership working between landowners, experts from the Wild Trout Trust and government bodies, which will deliver benefits to angling groups along the River Nidd as well as wider benefits to nature gained from improving the connectivity of one of Yorkshire’s iconic rivers.”
Blaze at derelict house in Knaresborough was started deliberately
“One of the hardest things to do is getting our children to listen when we need to have those difficult conversations, especially as they grow older towards adulthood. However, when they are at such an impressionable age, these talks need to be had.
“After the devastating blazes the country saw last week, and all the media coverage that ensued, we’d encourage you to have a serious conversation about fire risks.By lighting a deliberate fire they’re not just putting their life in immediate danger, but they are potentially damaging it in other ways too.Arson is an offence and one that comes with a criminal record if convicted. Criminal records are horrible things – they can restrict job prospects, your travel plans and eligibility for financial products, including mortgages.What may seem like a ‘joke’ or a ‘laugh’ when they are young may not be so funny a few years later when they want to travel to America, buy a house or apply for their dream job.
“Just don’t do it and certainly don’t encourage anyone else to do it either.”
A new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The One-Eyed Rat is a traditional pub, famous for its old fashioned charm.
It can be found on Allhallowgate, one of the oldest parts of Ripon.
A real ale destination over many decades, the One Eyed Rat was refurbished and re-opened under new management in the summer of 2020.
A Grade II listed building set within a terrace of 200-year-old houses, its narrow frontage leads to a warm and welcoming hostelry.
The pub has a long, narrow interior with traditional seating and an open fire, and there is a large garden at the rear, including a covered area.
You can also enjoy a traditional pie and a pint.
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
A Harrogate woman has swapped the bar for beds after leaving the pub industry and opening her own tanning salon.
Jade Lacey, 27, launched Be Bronze & Beauty…Ful, on Skipton Road, this week.
The new salon, which is above McCanns barbers, has three sunbeds and offers a range of beauty treatments, including lashes, brows and spray tans.
It has been completely refurbished, thanks to her “handy” dad, and she hopes to employ a nail technician in the coming weeks.
Ms Lacey decided to take the leap and open her own business after working in hospitality for many years.
She was a familiar face at So! Bar and Eats in Harrogate and Knaresborough, as well as the Devonshire Tap House, on Devonshire Place, and the Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Scotton.
But after completing a number of beauty courses during the pandemic, she decided to launch the salon after her dad’s friend offered her the premises.
Inside the salon, which has been refurbished.
Ms Lacey said:
“This came up and I thought why wouldn’t you want to be your own boss? It was a bit daunting completely changing careers, but now I’m up and running, I’m really loving it.”
The irony of opening a sunbed shop on the hottest day of the year was not lost on her.
She laughed:
Plans submitted to extend Grade II listed Knaresborough hotel“I had to close the sunbeds on Monday and Tuesday as it was too hot!”
An application has been submitted to create more bedrooms at Knaresborough’s Dower House Hotel, including a rear extension
The plans, put forward by the Inn Collection Group (ICG), include changing the internal layout and creating a new portico entrance.
As previously reported by the Stray Ferret, the gym and spa have closed as ICG, which acquired the Grade II listed building in December, said they made the hotel less viable.
In the application, ICG said:
“Information contained on the company’s website demonstrates the sensitive design approach adopted for ICG facilities, staying true to the characteristic of each individual property.
“It is also worth highlighting that ICG is custodian to at least 12 listed buildings across its growing portfolio of inns, with many others at least in conservation areas, and sensitively restoring and celebrating these historic buildings is central to its customer experience and business philosophy.
“ICG is, therefore, familiar with the sensitivities surrounding heritage assets with the business model adapted to the characteristics and value of specific buildings.
“The works proposed at The Dower House Inn form part of a plan to upgrade and refurbish the existing site to provide essential maintenance to the building and its setting whilst improving its functionality for the benefit of its customers.
“This will ensure the business is viable and sustainable, in turn securing the preservation of the listed building for the future. The works proposed will reflect approaches taken across other sites, with the replacement of finishes and external and internal alterations sensitively incorporating existing features of the listed building and its setting.”
The planned extension would see an extra 27sq m of floor space created on top of the existing 2,287sq m, as the new owners create more bedrooms in the area which formerly housed the gym and spa.
Internal walls would be moved and new windows created in order to create 16 additional bedrooms. The plan would also see an extra six car parking spaces created, bringing the total to 58.
The ICG application added:
“The proposal will upgrade the hotel, increasing visitors and encouraging overnight stays. This will facilitate a degree of growth and job creation, and thus will support the economic and social wellbeing of Knaresborough, an established main settlement.
“The principle of development is, therefore, considered acceptable as it presents an opportunity to enhance the site within the confines of its heritage context, thereby supporting the tourism industry, economic growth, and prosperity of town centres.”
To view or comment on the application, visit Harrogate Borough Council’s planning website and use reference 22/01750/LB.
Knaresborough IT company expandsBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Integral IT in Knaresborough has accelerated its growth strategy in cyber security and managed IT services by acquiring Digital Media Infrastructure.
Under the terms of the deal, two engineers Tom Roberts and Andrew Johnson have been welcomed into the 10-strong Integral IT support team along with their clients who between them represent 350 clients including accountants, solicitors, estate agents and recruiters.
The acquisition is Integral IT’s first since the company moved to larger premises in the heart of Knaresborough’s, Manse Lane and since Founder Jonathan Edwards started the business back in 2004.
Jonathan Edwards, Integral IT’’s founder said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the team and its clients to the Integral IT team. Nicholas Sumner and his team have done a phenomenal job for their clients since 2006, building a business of excellence that perfectly aligns with our own values.”
Andrew Johnson, support manager at DMI commented:
“It was important for Tom and I to partner with an organisation that shared our core values of putting the client’s needs at the centre of everything we do. It was clear from our first meeting this carried over to Integral IT’s ethos and core values. We will be able to strengthen our service proposition, improve response times to customers and to be a beneficial partner to our clients”
Harrogate Law firm McCormicks Solicitors has added additional expertise to its expanding Crime and Fraud department with two new faces.
Mark Fowler is a solicitor specialising in serious fraud, particularly tax fraud, and the proceeds of crime work connected to such cases.
Mr Fowler has been dealing with serious VAT fraud cases since the early 1990’s, building extensive knowledge and expertise on the subject. He has experience of cases of VAT fraud such as precious metals, mobile telephones, computer chips, scrap metal and the film industry.
Ismael Uddin is a qualified Barrister and police station representative with more than 24 years’ experience in criminal and regulatory law.
Mr Uddin has been involved in prosecuting and defending cases for the Government, public and private sector organisations, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, HMRC, and Environment Agency, but now exclusively defends in all cases.
His experience means he is familiar with Government procedures from the Crown Prosecution Service and cases involving the various Government bodies.
Mark Fowler (L) and Ismael Uddin (R).
Harrogate firefighters battle extreme heat as five fields go up in flamesHarrogate firefighters dealt with five field fires on the hottest day of the year today.
On a day when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident due to the number of call-outs, the crew at Harrogate attended three major fires.
At first they were called to a blaze near Forest Lane in Harrogate at about 1pm where an area of woodland measuring 20m x 20m had caught fire. Harrogate fire station put on Facebook:
“We believe a discarded cigarette, or strong sunlight shining through a broken glass bottle may have caused the fire.”
After extinguishing the fire, one of the Harrogate appliances was sent to a standing crop on fire in a field near Marton cum Grafton, between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.
The fire station said on Facebook:
“Due to the extremely dry conditions the fire caught hold of four fields very quickly. The wind direction kept changing making the condition challenging.
“Fire crews also came to help from Knaresborough fire station, Ripon, Acom, and the water bowser from Tadcaster.
“Crews worked hard in the extreme heat (nearly 40 degrees!) to extinguish the fire using hosereel jets, main branches and beaters.
“Thanks also goes to the farmers for helping out and putting a fire break in the crop.”
While this was going on, the second Harrogate fire engine was called to a field on fire near Northallerton.
“As you can imagine, the ground is tinder-dry at the moment making it easy for fire to spread quickly.
“So please do be careful if you are out and about. Make sure you discard cigarettes carefully and avoid having barbecues.”
Harrogate Borough Council is organising three summer events in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon for the whole family to enjoy.
The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.
Details about each event are available below:
Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday August 11 and Friday August 12 between 11am and 4pm
Knaresborough Castle on Friday August 26 between 11am and 4pm
Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday August 27 between 11am and 3pm
Conservative councillor Sam Gibbs, HBC’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
“Following the success of our free events to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re back with four events across the summer for all the family to enjoy.
“We know it can be difficult, and sometimes costly, to entertain the family during the six-week holidays, that’s why we’ve decided to provide free events once again to help keep children entertained. And what better setting than Valley Gardens, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens?
“So why not bring a picnic and enjoy our parks this summer?”
Solicitor Lynda Greenwood died of smoke inhalation, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of prominent local solicitor Lynda Greenwood heard today that she died of smoke inhalation when her house caught fire.
Ms Greenwood, who founded Greenwoods Solicitors in Knaresborough in 1991, died on April 2 at her home in Brearton. She was 67.
Her home was severely damaged in the blaze, which occurred at about 10pm on a Saturday night.
Assistant coroner Jonathan Leach gave the cause of death at today’s brief opening inquest in Northallerton. He said she was divorced her maiden name was Nattress.
Me Leach added:
“She was at home on April 2 when a fire broke out, as a result of which she died at the scene.”
The inquest was adjourned until a later date.
Ms Greenwood was born in South Shields but grew up in Knaresborough where she attended King James’s School before completing a law degree at Kingston University and becoming a partner in a Surrey law firm.
After having her daughter, she set up Greenwoods Solicitors in her home town.
A statement on the company’s website says:
“On Saturday 2 April 2022 our colleague, our friend, our Lynda, was taken from us in the most tragic of circumstances.
“Lynda touched the hearts of everyone who met her and we have been overwhelmed by the number of kind messages we have received.”
Therapist praises “beautiful energy” of new Knaresborough home
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A therapist from Harrogate has relocated to Knaresborough to join its “thriving” business scene.
Karen Smith of The Balance Smith has taken new treatment space at the Town House in Jockey Lane.
From there, she is offering advanced clinical massage, clinical reflexology and scar release, helping clients to reduce pain, improve function and relieve stress.
She said:
“There is a beautiful energy here in Knaresborough and a thriving independent business community.
“I want to create a space to empower those wanting to take action and invest in themselves on their journey out of chronic pain and stress.”
As well as the treatment space, the new venue has a courtyard garden for post-treatment relaxation.
Ms Smith also plans to offer a series of self-care workshops in future, helping people to take more control of their health and well-being.
An art gallery has marked its opening with a celebration at its Harrogate premises — two years after it made the move.
Bils & Rye took on the premises on John Street at the rear of Hotel du vin in 2020, following eight years near the North York Moors.
Its opening was muted because of the pandemic and, after two years trading, owner Nick Bentley threw a party on Saturday afternoon.
It was an opportunity for customers old and new to discuss the work of artists from the Harrogate district and around the UK on show in the gallery. Among those represented were Erin Ward, Joanne Tinker, Jo York, Gary Canning and Robert J Wyatt.