Readers’ Letters 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.  

This letter comes after a Harrogate GP practice moved the majority of its requests process online. It has since been accused of discriminating against older people.

Reading about the surgery wanting patients to submit letters and prescriptions mainly online made me annoyed.

Although elderly myself, I am computer literate and not at all bad! But my husband’s claim to fame is that he has never touched a computer and has no interest in technology.

Without me, he’d be stumped.

Fortunately, our great surgery prints out the prescriptions for your next month of medication.

It is totally unfair that so many things must be done online when there are probably thousands of people, like my husband, who have no idea how to use a computer.

Sandra Goldberg, Harrogate

Is it a coincidence Knaresborough’s drains are now being cleared?

This letter comes after some of Knaresborough’s gullies were reportedly cleared this week. It follows severe flooding in the town earlier this month, which forced some people to evacuate their homes.

How strange; we are told the drains weren’t to blame for the Knaresborough flooding, yet suddenly jetting equipment is seen all over the town this week.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I have reported blocked drains in the town for several years and I always receive the same reply: “we are looking into it”.

Nothing ever gets done until a tragedy ensues.

Ralph Thrower, Knaresborough

How much more money will be ‘wasted’ on Ripon Leisure Centre?

This letter responds to news of an additional £2m being poured into stabilisation works at Ripon Leisure Centre. The total spent on the remedial work is now nearing the original budget for the actual project.

How much more money is going to be wasted on underpinning Ripon Leisure Centre?

Anyone with any knowledge of Ripon could have informed the shower of a council that the ground was not suitable.

When is this total waste of money going to stop? Yet another folly in Ripon’s long list of botched projects.

Tony Sidwell, Ripon

Re-wilding on Harrogate street looks ‘awful’

This letter comes after strips of the Stray have been re-wilded in line with a council policy. 

I do not object to re-wilding as such – but not in a residential area.

I live on Westminster Drive and there is a small semi-circular area on the corner of Burn Bridge Oval and my road, which belongs to the council and has been left to re-wild as of last year.

It looks awful. It’s now full of dandelions and buttercups that are getting bigger every day. The seeds from these plants have blown into nearby gardens and dog walkers allow their dogs to “perform” in the long grass.

This is definitely not a suitable place to allow re-wilding and the council should mow it regularly and thoroughly – not just around the edge.

I’m sure I am not the only one to dislike this way of reducing council expenses and causing residents lots of extra work!

Alison Roscoe, 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:

• Readers’ Letters: River Nidd still ‘not fit to bathe in’
• Readers’ Letters: Does North Yorkshire Council not know how a drain works?
• Readers’ Letters: Harrogate’s cycleway extension is an ‘extraordinary waste of public funds’

Knaresborough Cycling Club is set to host a family bike ride to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire.

The club was established in the same year, 2014, as a legacy project and this will be its third official family bike ride.

The club have teamed up with the Knaresborough Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts (FEVA) to host this year’s event. The ride will be held on August 11 starting at Conyngham Hall at 10am and will be cycling along the Ripley Greenway to Ripley Town Hall.

There are 66 members in the club and the event is open to 100 people. The ride is free to attend, although organisers encourage people to donate to Martin House Hospital.

Knaresborough cycling club family bike ride 2019

Amanda Stott, Chair of the Knaresborough Cycling Club said:

“We are blessed to have such a beautiful route. I would encourage people to come and join us and just be a part of it. It is incredible to think it has been ten years (since the Tour de France) time has flown and we are excited to celebrate it.”

Lots of people don’t get on a bike because they are worried about various things but we are here to support them. But there will be support all the way along the ride to encourage them, deal with any bike maintenance, and keep riders safe on the route as they wind their way at their own pace to Ripley.”

Refreshments will be served at the Village Hall before riders make their way back home.

Read more:

• Police launch investigation after girl, 13, attacked on the Stray 
• Harrogate and Knaresborough MP pledges to ‘work hard’ to win voters’ trust 

As the door to 10 Downing Street slammed on Wednesday evening, it effectively signalled the starting bell for a six-week election campaign.

The Prime Minister’s announcement that an election will be held on July 4 created political battlegrounds across the country’s 650 constituencies.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, the outlook is no different.

The constituency has been held by the Conservatives for 14 years. In that time, Andrew Jones, the incumbent MP, has won four elections.

He has seen off three different Liberal Democrat candidates vying for the seat, as well as numerous other opposition parties.

(Left, clockwise) Andew Jones, Tom Gordon, Shan Oakes, John Swales and Conrad Whitcroft.

But the Lib Dems see the 2024 election as a different proposition. Tom Gordon, who will be contesting Mr Jones, has described it as a “once in a generation” election and a chance to kick out the Tories.

Mr Gordon’s challenge will be to overhaul the Conservative’s 9,675 majority – a required swing in the region of 8%.

The 29-year-old has framed the election in Harrogate as a choice between the Liberal Democrats and the Tories, a sign that the party is eyeing the seat as a major scalp.

Meanwhile, there are three other candidates so far in Conrad Whitcroft (Labour), Shan Oakes (Green Party) and John Swales (Reform UK) who are preparing to put a dent in the Tory dominance in the constituency.

But, despite the reported discontent within the Conservative backbenchers at the prospect of a summer election, Mr Jones has been defiant.

The day after Mr Sunak’s announcement, the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP issued a combative statement which he pledged to win voters trust.

He said:

“On 5 July we will wake up with Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister or Keir Starmer. No other outcome is possible. And there has only ever been a Labour Prime Minister when this constituency has elected anyone other than a Conservative.

“Choosing that local champion combined with choosing our next Prime Minister is the responsibility that lies with us all on 4 July. I hope that Harrogate and Knaresborough residents will choose me again and I will be working hard win that trust once more.”

Skipton and Ripon

In six weeks’ time, Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, will be tasked with defending his 23,694 majority.

The former Northern Ireland secretary will be hoping to make 2024 his fifth election win in the constituency.

He will also be looking to continue a legacy for the Conservative Party in holding the seat at every election since it was created in 1983.

Standing in his way will be Green Party candidate Andy Brown, who will contest the constituency for a fourth time. Simon Garvey will be standing for Reform UK.

Wetherby and Easingwold

This election will see some voters in the Harrogate district fall under a new constituency.

Wetherby and Easingwold, which replaced the old Selby and Ainsty seat, will cover areas such as Spofforth, Follifoot and Boroughbridge.

The new seat offers all parties a chance to stake their claim to become the first to hold the constituency.

So far, the Tories have announced that current Elmet and Rothwell MP Alec Shelbrook will stand for the party. Meanwhile, Reform UK will field Mike Jordan on polling day.

The Liberal Democrats have chosen James Monaghan as its candidate for the new constituency.

Read more:

• Who will be standing in the Harrogate district at the general election?
• The MP aiming to win his fifth election in Harrogate and Knaresborough

The Labour Party has selected Conrad Whitcroft as its candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election.

Mr Whitcroft, who has never previously stood for parliament, lives in York and works as a project manager for insurance firm Aviva.

He was elected to represent Fishergate on City of York Council this month and supported David Skaith’s successful mayoral campaign for Labour.

Mr Whitcroft attended school in Northampton then graduated from the University of York with a degree in politics.

A profile on the York Labour Party website describes him as an ‘active union rep’ and environmental campaigner. He has also been an intern in the House of Commons.

Mr Skaith’s victory in this month’s York and North Yorkshire mayoral election boosted local Labour supporters.

But the party faces an uphill battle to win in Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election. Mark Sewards, its candidate in 2019, polled just 10% of votes to finish third behind Conservative Andrew Jones and Liberal Democrat Judith Rogerson.

Mr Jones will defend the seat for the Tories while Tom Gordon will stand for the Lib Dems.

Conrad Whitcroft with supporters.

In a Labour press release today, Mr Whitcroft said Harrogate and Knaresborough “has been let down by more than a decade of Conservative-led government”.

He added:

“It will be an honour to lead the campaign for Labour in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

“My priorities in our area include tackling anti-social behaviour, building more affordable housing and working closely with David Skaith.

“I know Harrogate and Knaresborough well and enjoy campaigning there with the local Labour Party. I particularly enjoy the Knaresborough-based Turning Point Brewery which I have had a tour of in the past.”

The press release added:

“As a councillor, Conrad has delivered ward funding to fight the cost of living crisis and has recently taken a leading role in a campaign to stop a new takeaway in a residential area.

Harrogate-born Mr Skaith said:

“Conrad worked hard for my election campaign and has proven himself as a councillor. He will make an excellent Labour candidate for my home town.”

Chris Watt, chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party, said:

“As Labour’s win in Harrogate and Knaresborough in the recent mayoral election showed, it’s all to play for locally and when Rishi Sunak finally has the courage to call the election the choice will be clear: more chaos under the Tories or real change and a fresh start with Labour.

“Conrad has shown that’s he an effective and energetic campaigner who gets results and we are looking forward to working with him for the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

Read more:

• Tense day ends in clear victory for Labour’s Harrogate-born mayor
• Could Labour target Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next election?
• Labour’s David Skaith makes first major decision with deputy mayor choice

Former Knaresborough mayor Philip Allott has said people have been put at risk by the half finished resurfacing of a busy town road.

Tarmac was removed from the surface of Briggate last night as part of scheduled resurfacing by North Yorkshire Council.

But the new surface has not been added and the uneven state of the highway, along with leftover debris and heavy rain, has made driving and cycling hazardous this morning.

Mr Allott, who is also a former North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:

“The contractors have removed all the tarmac down to the low bridge and then left the site. Debris from potholes are putting pedestrians at risk.

“It’s totally unacceptable. Why haven’t they done it in sections as per recent tarmac work in Harrogate?”

The road is unsurfaced from the junction with the A59 to the low bridge, where temporary lights are in place.

This isn’t the first time Briggate has been in the news lately. A section of wall alongside the road fell in September 2022, leading to several months of temporary traffic lights until it was repaired.

The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire Council for comment.

Read more:

• Plans for 76 homes in village near Knaresborough set for approval
• A look behind the scenes of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race

Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors are set to spend £40,000 on design work that could eventually lead to a cycle path being created between Bilton and Hornbeam Park.

Each year, the area constituency committee is given a pot of money by North Yorkshire Council to go towards local projects.

Councillors put forward a host of ideas that could receive funding and the list has now been whittled down to the three that are considered to be most viable.

The prospect of a cycle route between Bilton and Hornbeam Park dates back to at least 2019 when North Yorkshire County Council commissioned consultants to draw up a cycle infrastructure plan for Harrogate.

With a distance of around 2.5km between the two areas, it would be one of the most ambitious cycle routes ever created in Harrogate if it came to fruition.

As the proposal is still in its early stages, no details have been given about which roads could be used though it could potentially take advantage of Slingsby Walk, a path adjacent to the Stray that is already accessible for cyclists.

When designs for the scheme are eventually drawn up, it’s hoped the council will have a “bid ready” scheme to apply for funding through the government’s Active Travel Fund.

There is also money available through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority which is led by newly-elected Labour mayor David Skaith.

A report has been prepared for councillors ahead of a meeting next week where councillors are expected to give the green light for design work to begin.

Read more:

• Council withholds bookings information at Harrogate Convention Centre 
• Harrogate hospital to demolish RAAC-riddled building next month 
• ‘They completely knacked it up’: Former Harrogate council criticised over Ripon leisure centre 

The council has modelled how successful a route between Bilton and Hornbeam Park could be and claims an extra 1,612 cycle trips a day is possible.

It said the cycle path could get people out of cars and remove a large amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.

The council has faced strong criticism for its track record delivering cycle schemes in Harrogate from both Harrogate District Cycle Action and the public.

The one significant cycle route it has built in recent years, the Otley Road cycle path, has been lambasted for its “confusing” design that weaves on-and-off the pavement.

It has resulted in the section between Harlow Moor Road and Arthurs Avenue being largely ignored by cyclists who prefer to use the road with motorists.

The River Nidd has been granted bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido.

Environment minister Robbie Moore is expected to announce the news this morning.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs received 27 applications for bathing water status this year.

Decisions were expected in spring and well placed sources have told us that the application for the Nidd, which was submitted by Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is among those approved.

It means the Environment Agency will be obliged to undertake measures to improve water quality at the Lido, which will impact the rest of the river.

Andrew Jones (right) and Environment Secretary Steve Barclay discussing the bid.

As part of the Defra submission, Mr Jones’ office ran surveys last summer on the number of bathers using the Lido, which revealed the venue attracted 276 bathers a day on average during summer.

Water sampling work was carried out along the river by Nidd Action Group, which was formed by fly-fishermen concerned about water quality and now also includes academics, charities and volunteers.

Volunteers involved in water sampling.

Achieving bathing water status will mean that during the bathing water season from May to September, the Environment Agency will test the Lido for pollutants and designate it either ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’.

If it is not rated highly, the government agency will create a plan to tackle the sources of pollution.

Only two rivers, including the Wharfe at Ilkley, currently have bathing water status and the water quality of both is currently rated ‘poor’ so there are concerns about how effective designation is.

The state of the Nidd came under sharp focus last year.

Nidd Action Group sampling revealed high levels of the faecal bacteria E.coli.

Last year Knaresborough Bed Race competitors were advised to keep their heads above water to avoid the risk of swallowing water containing sewage.

Read more:

• Government opens two-week consultation on Nidd bathing water status
• Pierce Brosnan ‘borrows screwdriver’ from Knaresborough optician
• Knaresborough pulls together to help flood victims

A community centre in Knaresborough is under new ownership.

Inspire Youth Yorkshire, a charity providing independent youth support in the Harrogate district, has taken over the former Balance Wellness Centre (Yorkshire Yoga) building and has created a community hub.

The centre on Halfpenny Close was taken over by the charity in the last few weeks after the Balance Wellness Centre struggled to recover after Covid. The space is now open as a fully accessible Hub for all ages.

The charity was established in 2019 and offers people aged 8-18 across the Harrogate and surrounding areas support and a chance to engage in activities.

The centre still houses the wellness centre but is focussing on youth provision. It has spaces for treatments, therapies and classes and wellness activities including Yoga, Tai Chi and Dance.

Jess Ward, CEO and founder of Inspire Youth Yorkshire, said:

“The space will continue as a community building it will just be overseen by us and we are going to develop our youth provision elements. We have had some renovations to do including fixing a leaking roof.

“The centre had been underused, but it can offer a good, positive, accessible space for young people. We are an open access centre so it doesn’t matter about your background or needs we provide opportunities and activities and create a sense of belonging.”

The centre is free to attend with some activities charging a small fee to go towards the upkeep of the space. The charity relies on grants and funding from the local community.

Inspire Youth Yorkshire plans to develop their offering to open a senior youth club, martial arts, boxing and a sensory space.

Ms Ward began Inspire Youth Yorkshire after seeing the lack of provision for young people in the area. As a mother and part of the Knaresborough community she set out to provide what she felt the town was missing

Jess Ward CEO and founder of Inspire Youth Yorkshire

She added:

“Inspire Youth Yorkshire wants to keep young people safe and offer a space with trusted adults who provide meaningful experiences and opportunities that allow young people to grow.”

“We also offer support for families, often a new hobby or sport can be a big commitment and a financial strain meaning young people can miss out on opportunities, we want to provide these chances and create a community space.”

Read more:

• Exclusive: Hackers demand ransom after breaching North Yorkshire Council computer system 
• Proposed Harrogate children’s home faces public backlash 
• Halfpenny Lane closure extended in Knaresborough