A historic building in Knaresborough, which is believed to be on the site where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the siege of the town in 1644, is set for a facelift.

80 Knaresborough High Street, which dates back to 1764, has been derelict for decades.

Knaresborough was a Royalist stronghold during the English civil war but surrendered after Cromwell’s Parliamentarian forces laid siege to the castle for four months.

Harrogate Borough Council has applied to turn the building which is on the site where he is reputed to have stayed, as well as a former weaver’s workshop on number 82, into flats and new shops.

The council purchased the two Grade II listed properties in 2019 from developer Freshwater Group with the intention to bring them back into use.

Read more:

• Knaresborough to welcome new shop to its high street

• Knaresborough ice cream shop raises money for Frank’s Fund

The application proposes to refurbish and retain the existing vacant retail units on the ground floor and turn the upper levels into four flats.

The council’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday next week to decide on the plans, which are recommended for approval.

The application is supported by both Knaresborough Civic Society and York Georgian Society.

The coroner’s office is appealing for information to find the family of a Knaresborough man who died at home this month.

Police officers have been unable to trace the family or next of kin of Brian George Abbott, 73, who died on October 15.

Mr Abbott, who lived in Finkle Street, was discovered after a concerned neighbour raised the alarm when post began to build up at his home.

His death is not believed to be suspicious.

North Yorkshire Police has appealed to anyone who knew Mr Abbott or has any information that could help find his family to contact the coroner’s office.

You can do so by calling 01609 643614 or emailing coroner@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

A mental health support group in Knaresborough is raising awareness of the support it offers during the gap people face while waiting for therapy.

Project Bob, based at Gracious Street Methodist Church, runs weekly meetings and a 24/7 WhatsApp group offering support to people who are struggling.

The group’s founder, Chris Rawson, insists it isn’t a counselling service but instead calls it a “community”.

The volunteers are Christians but it isn’t a religious group: some members are suffering with current or past mental health issues.

Mr Rawson is aware more people are suffering lockdown anxieties and face widening delays in waiting to access professional help.

He has therefore invited people to reach out if they feel in need a boost.

The group is particularly keen to help those who have struggled to cope during lockdown. Credit www.radarfilm.co.uk

He said:

“The gap between getting the help is getting wider. We wanted to set something up to support working age adults. It’s not an official service, its a community of support to anyone that needs it.

“Over lockdown we met over Zoom, which is difficult because a lot of people come to talk to us about their home. People lost their jobs or are wary of getting ill or feel stuck at home – these are the anxieties we can help with.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Mind is expanding services due to an increased demand.
• Harrogate Samaritans is calling for people to reach out to family and friends following months of isolation .

The group offers a safe space for people to talk openly about their anxieties.

Mr Rawson added:

“We want to raise awareness that we’re there and have the space to help.”

Project Bob is suitable for people suffering with mild depression, anxiety and compulsive thoughts and behaviours.

The name is derived from St Robert of Knaresborough who was said to help vulnerable people.

To contact the group, click here.

A Knaresborough woman will attempt to break a world record tomorrow for the most netball goals scored in one hour. 

To set the record, Sue Hobson, who plays goal shooter for the Hawks netball club in Harrogate, needs to shoot more than 756 goals – more than 12 goals a minute.

Sue is aiming to reach more than 900 goals in total and has already raised more than £1,100 for Saint Michael’s Hospice in the process. To support Sue, click here. 

Speaking about why she has chosen to fundraise for the charity, Sue said: 

“It just felt too unusual or quirky an activity to not try and use it for something positive, especially when there’s not a lot of positivity in the world at the moment.

“Living in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area I know people that have been helped by Saint Michael’s Hospice, and it seems like a great local charity.”

Sue has been training for this challenge since the beginning of lockdown, when her regular netball training sessions and matches stopped.

After setting herself challenges in her back garden, such as scoring 100 goals in a row, she began researching world records for netball. 

Sue said the support from other local organisations, such as King James’s School and Harrogate Netball League, have spurred her on to complete the challenge.

Read more: 

• Nidderdale vicar sets new world record
• St Michael’s has doubled its November Superdraw to over £2000 to thanks its supporters.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly pet profile of animals in desperate need of a loving home. This month’s selected pooches are Gracie and Boki with the addition of a six-foot Boa constrictor, Sssirius, and adorable kitten, Rosie…

English Bulldog, Gracie 

Age: 5
Gracie’s story: Gracie was rescued by Saving Yorkshire Dogs. She was used for breeding to make money and was abandoned after reaching the maximum age for reproducing. Gracie has given birth to around 30 puppies in her lifetime. As a result, she has been left with a large caesarean scar.
Temperament: Despite her rough life, Gracie gets along very well with humans and other dogs and she loves to give slobbery kisses.
Ideal home: She loves her food a little too much, so be sure not to leave any sitting on tables or counters. She is also very strong to walk with on a collar and lead, so she is currently being trained to walk on a harness. She will not be rehomed with families who have cats or children under 10 years old.

To find out more about Gracie and the adoption process, you can visit Saving Yorkshire Dogs‘ website by clicking here or contact them on 07562 986101.

Boa constrictor, Sirius – ADOPTED

Age: 8
Sirius’ story: Sirius was named after the Harry Potter character and is a staggering 183cm in length (6ft). He was rescued by K’rescue Knaresborough and was covered in sores after coming into direct contact with an unprotected heated bulb which has been treated.
Temperament: Sirius arrived at the rescue as a cautious and very cage-defensive (protective of the enclosed area) individual. He has since become passive and extremely inquisitive through hours of taming sessions. With his good-hearted nature and beautiful colours and patterns, Sirius would make a fine pet for any reptile-loving family.
Ideal home: Sirius will require a large enclosure. As these snakes are typically nocturnal, a hiding area should be provided. His new home must include a water bowl and a protected heat bulb or heat mat. Reptiles are ectotherms; they acquire thermal energy from the environment. A thermometer must be used to check that the temperature is at 25 degrees and he must be fed a large thawed rat every two weeks.

To find out more about Sirius and the adoption process, you can visit K’rescue Knaresborough‘s Facebook page by clicking here or give them a call on 07837 445352.

Golden Retriever/Collie, Boki

Age: 5
Boki’s story: Boki was saved by Miss Mollies Rescue from Romania when he was a puppy. He was run over by a car and left on the side of the road when the rescue found him. He has since made a full recovery and is now looking for a permanent home.
Temperament: When he first arrived at the rescue, he was quite a nervous pooch and didn’t like to interact with people. But after years of TLC, he has blossomed into a sociable pet and is ready to find his forever family. He is clean, non-destructive and a gentle soul – perfect for a family with children.
Ideal home: Boki needs a home that already accommodates a canine to be his companion and somewhere with a regular routine in a quiet area.

To find out more about Boki and the adoption process, you can visit Miss Mollies Rescue‘s website by clicking here or call them on 07585 324172.

Kitten, Rosie – FOSTERED

Age: 10 months
Rosie’s story: Celia, who owns Harrogate Cat Rescue, found Rosie abandoned on the street with her kittens after their carer died. So, she took them into foster care, but noticed that Rosie’s breathing was louder than usual. After taking three doses of prescribed antibiotics with no improvement, she returned her to the vet. She was diagnosed with Laryngeal Hemiplegia, a disease which causes paralysis of the voice box (larynx). This is rare in cats and usually affects horses. Her illness has now lead to lung inflammation. She is currently taking steroids to reduce the inflammation. She now needs a long-term foster home and Harrogate Cat Rescue will cover her veterinary treatments.
Temperament: Rosie is the most sweet-tempered, affectionate girl who loves human company. She is very family-friendly and would make a wonderful companion. She still has a full life ahead of her and is looking for some tender, love and care.
Ideal home: She is after a long-term foster family (rather than adoptive) and all she needs is dust-free cat litter, as dust exacerbates her noisy breathing.

To find out more about  Rosie and the foster process, you can visit Harrogate Cat Rescue‘s website by clicking here or call Celia on 07305 332961.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club currently works with four different rescues on its monthly profiles; K’rescue Knaresborough, Miss Mollies Rescue, Saving Yorkshire Dogs and Harrogate Cat Rescue.

The General Tarleton pub, on the outskirts of Knaresborough, is to be wound-up.

According to a resolution posted on The Gazette, agreed by director Suzanne Topham, a meeting took place on September 30 on the premises in Ferrensby.

At the meeting the owners agreed to a voluntary wind-up of the business.

Leeds company Begbies Traynor was appointed as the joint liquidator of the company.

Suzanne and John Topham have owned the gastropub since 2005. The venue had acquired a fine reputation for food but had not reopened since closing during lockdown.

Read more:

• The General Tarleton is yet to reopen its doors following the pandemic. 
• A pub in Little Ouseburn is set to turn into housing after the owner believed it was no longer a viable business. 

The owners also run The Alice Hawthorn pub and restaurant in Nun Monkton.

The Stray Ferret tried to contact the couple for comment but they had not responded by the time of publication.

Knaresborough is to get its first electric bus, in a move that will reduce carbon emissions in the town.

Harrogate Bus Company announced on Clean Air Day today it will trial the number 1 route from tomorrow for a week.

The number 1 is one of the company’s busiest routes and it is hoped the electric bus will become a permanent feature on Knaresborough’s roads within 12 to 18 months.

Air pollution at Bond End in Knaresborough, which is one of the stops on the route, remains at illegal levels.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade said the trial was a positive step in becoming a greener town.

Steve Teggin, president of the chamber, said:

“It’s a perfect run because there is an enormous amount of traffic from Harrogate to Knaresborough to shop.

“We are very excited to encourage a greener environment and this is a great step forward. We hope this will encourage people to come and support our shops.”

It is hoped the trial will be successful and further funding for the initiative in Knaresborough can be approved within 12-18 months.

The bus will run off one charge overnight.

The Harrogate Bus Company has said the trial will allow it to test the technology and ensure customers are happy with the new service.

Alex Hornby, chief executive of Harrogate Bus Company, said:

“We have committed some investment for next year and we hope to make it as successful as the Harrogate electric buses. It’s the main route to connect Harrogate and Knaresborough so it seems like an obvious next step to bring this technology into Knaresborough.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Bus Company has said it will plant a further 39 trees following its green initiative. 
• Local Lib Dems have proposed a citizen’s assembly to tackle climate change.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade is finding new ways to bring the Christmas spirit into the town following the cancellation of the Christmas market.

The chamber has said it will be subsidising the price businesses pay for Christmas trees. Each year shops and businesses have trees mounted onto their buildings to light up the town.

This year the Chamber is putting forward £500 to cover some of the costs each shop pays for the trees. Members will get their trees at less than the cost price to help after a particularly difficult year.

Following the cancellation of the Christmas market by North Yorkshire County Council the chamber is in talks with other community groups about the options for its annual Christmas tree festival.

President of the chamber, Steve Teggin, said:

“The Chamber continues to work with the business community to provide help and assistance on the changing regulations. We are working to improve confidence to businesses, residents and visitors alike in the coming months to minimise the impact on trading conditions in the town.”

The chamber is still proudly promoting its #shoplocal #staysafe message as more new businesses open in the town and the Wednesday market continues to bring in new visitors.

The Christmas tree festival is one of the community events the chamber is hoping to support to encourage Christmas spirit within a year like none the town has experienced before. Credit: Charlotte Gale Photography

Read more:

• Harrogate BID is in charges of the town’s Christmas lights this year and promises they will be brighter and better. 
• Ripon City Council is set to spend £65,000 on the city’s Christmas lights and decorations. 

It is also looking ahead to next year to plans for a business improvement district (BID) project to launch.

Mr Teggin added:

“This will benefit Knaresborough for years to come. Although this will not be operational until 2021 there is already some great support for the project and some interesting ideas to support Knaresborough well into the future.”

A new shop is opening on Knaresborough’s high street this month.

The Clothing Store of Knaresborough will open on October 24 at 58 High Street.

Its owner says the store will “cater for everyone” by offering clothing in sizes eight to 32.

Coronavirus forced high streets to close down, but since shops have reopened a number of businesses have opened up for the first time in the town.

Owner Rebecca Lombardi said:

“I’ve been selling online for quite a while and I really liked the town and the people so it seemed right.

“Obviously it looks like the scariest time to launch something but it’s really important people do things like this because the high streets are impacted otherwise. I am confident enough the online side will cover costs and the shop will be additional.”

Read more:

• A further consultation will take place to discuss the controversial plot of Knaresborough’s new leisure centre.
• With numerous new shops opening in the town, Knaresborough is experiencing a business boost. 

Rebecca is hoping to work with other small businesses in the area, offering those without shop facilities to put their products in hers.

She added:

“I am offering small businesses the option to put their stock in my store too: so far I have two jewellery brands, including one from Yorkshire.”

“I think small businesses can be stronger as one.”

Just seven weeks remain to raise a further £115,000 to build a community woodland between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

So far, the volunteers behind the Long Lands Common project have raised £186,000 towards their £300,000 goal.

If they manage to pass that figure by November 20 they will consider trying to raise another £75,000 to improve access to the woodland.

Long Lands Common is 30 acres of open farmland surrounded by fields and hedgerows between Bilton Triangle and The Avenue in Starbeck.

A duck pond, wildflower meadow, sensory garden and woodlands craft area are all included in the plans.

Read more:

• Public support vital for Harrogate’s first community woodland
• Take a look at what might be Harrogate’s first community woodland

It is an ambitious target but the organisers behind the project remain confident they will reach it.

Chris Kitson, one of the organisers and a teacher, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are confident but we are not complacent. It is going very well but we need people to buy more shares. There are 700 people who have put down a pledge but not yet bought any shares.”

To increase support, the organisers plan to deliver 48,000 leaflets and have asked volunteers to come forward.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email Long Lands Common by clicking or tapping here.

Shares in Long Lands Common need to be bought by people aged over 16 in £50 lots, with the minimum amount set at £50 up to a maximum of £37,500.

To learn more and buy shares, go to the Long Lands Common website.

The project received help recently in the form of £35,000 match funding from the Community Shares Booster Programme.