Knaresborough reptile centre issues urgent plea for help

A Knaresborough rescue centre has made an urgent appeal for donations and transport as it tackles the cost of living crisis.

Daniel Holmes, who runs Knaresborough Exotic Rescue, said the centre had nearly 150 pets in its care, most of which are reptiles including snakes and bearded dragons.

Mr Holmes said he has been increasingly travelling further afield to rescue pets as people contend with the cost of living and have nowhere to give their reptiles to.

Yesterday, the rescue centre, which does not own a van, rented a vehicle to pickup 12 animals from Burnley and plans to take in an 18 foot Burmese Python from Wakefield on Friday.

The increase in demand coupled with vet bills of £1,000 and electricity charges of nearly £2,000 a month has left the rescue struggling.

Mr Holmes said:

“We are finding that this is coming more as people struggle with the cost of living.”

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Mr Holmes has called for more support for the centre as it takes on more pets during the winter months.

In particular, the rescue has appealed for a van to help take in some of the bigger animals.

Mr Holmes said reptiles are often to first to be given up by pet owners as it is energy intensive to look after them.

He added:

“People seem to forget about the other animals such as reptiles. They are suffering more than cats and dogs.

“If someone needs to save on their energy bills, it’s the tank with the snake in which goes because it takes up energy.”

To donate to the centre, find them on Facebook here or send a donation via PayPal to krescue@hotmail.co.uk.

Business Breakfast: Connexions to withdraw Knaresborough-Harrogate bus service

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Connexions, the family-run bus operator based at Tockwith, is to withdraw its X1 service in two weeks’ time.

The last X1 service, which runs from St James’ Retail Park to Harrogate via Knaresborough High Street and Starbeck, will run on Friday, November 3.

Connexions managing director Craig Temple told the Stray Ferret:

“We do have quite a lot of passengers on that route, but it loses more money during the school holidays than it makes during term-time.

“Our costs have soared – it’s incredibly difficult. Since covid, not many people want to drive buses, so we’ve had to put up wages by 25% over the last two years.

“Fuel costs have risen, insurance has gone up by a third, and concessionary fare reimbursement hasn’t kept up with rising costs. We’re also losing money because of the £2 fare-cap because the government doesn’t cover the costs adequately.”

He added that customers would not be left “high and dry” because the X1 route was serviced by other buses, and said that all the company’s other routes remain unchanged.

Connexions currently operates 37 bus services, including many school buses, on routes around York, Leeds, Tadcaster, Otley, Harrogate and Knaresborough.

CNG liquidator appointed

A liquidator has been appointed to oversee the final chapter in CNG Group’s saga.

The commercial gas supplier was once one of Harrogate’s fastest-growing and most successful businesses, and a sponsorship deal with Harrogate Town AFC even saw the club’s ground renamed the CNG Stadium.

But a surge in wholesale gas prices made it uneconomical for many providers to continue to trade, and CNG collapsed in November 2021 owing £82m, with the loss of all 145 jobs. At the time, it was the 19th energy supplier to fail that year.

The group’s creditors have appointed Timothy Bateson, director of national business advisory company Interpath Ltd, as liquidator.

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Handmade gift shop to open in Knaresborough

A handmade gift shop is to open in Knaresborough’s Green Dragon Yard on Saturday.

Mel and Andrew Turner already have Boggle Hole shops in Harrogate and Northallerton.

Their Knaresborough venture, which will employ four staff and be called Little Boggle Hole, will follow the same format by selling items made by Yorkshire crafters, artists and designers.

It will occupy the unit previously used by Yorkshire Mixture sweet shop.

Ms Turner said:

“All three shops have exactly the same ethos.

“Knaresborough appealed because of its independent shops plus it has a nice mixture of people we are trying to attract.

“The feedback we received was that there was a need for something like this.”

Boggle Hole opened in Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre in August last year. the Northallerton store started trading in 2020.

Ms Turner is a holistic therapist and Mr Turner served 22 years in the armed services.

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Andrew Jones MP calls for 138-home scheme in Knaresborough to be rejected

Andrew Jones has raised concerns in Parliament about plans to build 138 homes in Knaresborough and called for the scheme to be rejected.

The site, off Water Lane, is within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

But it has attracted opposition from Knaresborough Town Council and residents, amid concerns about the proximity to Hay-a-Park gravel pits, site access and the impact on local infrastructure. Hay-a-Park is an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Now Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Mr Jones has added his voice to those calling on North Yorkshire Council to refuse the scheme.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“At a time when we have enshrined in law our commitment to stop and reverse the decline in nature, development of a site within or so close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest is not acceptable.  The effect on bird species in particular concerns me.

“There are though many more reasons why this application should be rejected.”

Water Lane on the left divides the field and Hay-a-Park.

He added:

“Environmental health say that a further risk assessment is required because of the presence of gas which means that ‘residential construction would not be accepted’.

“The Ramblers point out the applicant has ignored the public right of way and strongly object to the plans.  The council highlights the need for an archaeological survey.  The highways authority say there are ‘unresolved highways issues’ and Yorkshire Water object to the application saying that ‘the layout and landscaping details are not acceptable’.

“Residents give many other reasons why the application should be rejected and I agree with them.”

Mr Jones raised the issue during a parliamentary debate on protecting green spaces on Monday.

He asked housing minister Rachel Maclean what steps she was taking to ensure “proposed sites for housing that are completely unsuitable for reasons of biodiversity or lack of access or proximity to a site of special scientific interest are not taken forward and built upon”.

Ms Maclean replied she could not comment on individual cases but it was “really important that local authorities make decisions according to their local plans”.

Third bid to build on land

Two previous plans to develop on the land, which is currently used for grazing, have been refused.

The latest proposal, however, has reduced the number of homes from the original 218 and the previous 148 to 138.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland said 40% of homes would be classed as affordable and the scheme would include open space and a children’s play area.

A footpath across the site.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects described the scheme as “a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations”.

It added:

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

But Knaresborough Town Council has called for it to be rejected, saying the land is one of the town’s last open green spaces “and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough”.

A petition by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures.

Cllr Andy Bell (left) and resident Dave Worner on Water Lane.

Mr Bell said the development “threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality”.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has ‘called in’ the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker said this would enable the application to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

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Knaresborough to hold first community archaeology festival

Knaresborough’s fascinating past is to be brought to life at the town’s first community archaeology festival this month.

Visitors will see hundreds of local artefacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, including a 4,000-year-old ceremonial hand axe.

They are also invited to bring along any artefacts they have found and a team of experts will answer questions about them.

Knaresborough Museum Association is hosting the free to enter festival over the two half-term weekends of October 28 and 29 and November 4 and 5 from 10am to 4pm at Centre-on-Gracious Street.

Kathy Allday, chair of the association, said:

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for visitors to look at a wide range of archaeological finds from the local area and find out what these tell us about the people who have lived in this area for generations.

“We can learn about the first inhabitants who came to hunt, live and farm in Knaresborough, and see what they left behind.”

“The displays also tell us what the Romans, Vikings and Saxons got up to in Knaresborough, as well as shining a light on the town’s amazing medieval history.”

Association vice-chair Malcolm Hay inspects a find.

A £10,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to the association funded the festival and also paid for a geophysical survey of Priory Cottage Orchards on Abbey Road, where the Trinitarian Priory precinct once stood.

Some of the objects on display will be used in a quiz for adults and a game for children at the festival.

Nun Tabbetha will be making an appearance, writing exquisitely illustrated medieval pardons for anyone who needs forgiveness for being naughty.

Audio visual recordings from conservationist Keith Wilkinson on the archaeology of Nidd Gorge, and mudlarker Steve Mycroft will be available and local history books and Knaresborough Christmas cards will be on sale to raise funds for the association.

The association is commissioning a 3D model of the Gates Hill Iron Age fort.

The association plans to take its displays to outlying villages, libraries and community centres, expanding its outreach work with community groups and schools.

It also had plans to organise more exhibitions, research projects and further archaeological survey work.

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Historic deal will see Ripon end years of neglect from Harrogate, says councillor

A “historic” deal is set to unshackle Ripon from years of neglect by councillors in Harrogate, it was claimed today.

North Yorkshire Council‘s ruling executive agreed to set up a project team to oversee Ripon people taking control of Ripon Town Hall, the market place and car park, public toilets and the Wakeman’s House.

The assets were controlled by Harrogate Borough Council until it was abolished in April.

North Yorkshire Council agreed to trial local management as part of its commitment to what its Conservative leadership calls “double devolution”.

Councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group who represents Ripon Minster and Moorside, praised the move at today’s meeting and launched an eviscerating attack on Harrogate Borough Council.

He said:

“This is for Ripon potentially a historic day in the building of a more constructive relationship with the unitary authority than it had previously with a rather fractured relationship that existed with Harrogate Borough Council.”

‘More grass on market than centre court at Wimbledon’

Cllr Williams said Ripon’s poor relationship with Harrogate led the city council to formulate “ambitious and complex” plans to take control of assets. He added:

“They all interlink to develop the central area of Ripon, which has sadly been neglected for some time.

“If you look at the Wakeman’s House that we are hoping to take ownership of, no work has been undertaken on that for over 10 years. The lease income from the business in there has been spent elsewhere.

“Ripon Town Hall last had maintenance carried out on it in 2004 when the queen visited.”

The Wakeman’s House 

Laughter was heard when Cllr Williams added:

“The market place will soon have more grass growing on it than the centre court at Wimbledon.”

He then criticised the decision to close public toilets at 9pm when the city encouraged visitors to watch the nightly hornblower ceremony. He added:

“We firmly believe Ripon people know Ripon better than anybody else and know best how to make it a success rather than it currently is, which is underachieving its potential.

“The people of Ripon and the council are firmly behind the principle of double devolution.”

Cllr Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, told the meeting she endorsed Cllr Williams’ comments.

The executive agreed unanimously to proceed with the proposals.

Knaresborough also set for more local control

North Yorkshire Council invited town and parish councils to submit expressions of interest to run local assets in November last year.

Harrogate was excluded from the process because it doesn’t have a town council and moves to set one up have been delayed by local Conservatives.

Twelve parish councils submitted expressions of interest.

Knaresborough Town Council and Ripon City Council were among those selected to advance their proposals, with a view to formally taking over on April 1 next year.

Knaresborough bid to manage the markets and assets associated with managing the market, such as road closure signs and tables.

But Little Ouseburn’s proposal to take charge of grass cutting of the green area outside Broomfield Cottages.was rejected because it “did not evidence legal competence”.

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Knaresborough road closure signs put up ‘in error’

Signs for a road closure in Knaresborough have been removed after the council said they were put up “in error”.

Residents were braced for a two-week road closure of the B6163 Briggate after the signs appeared and North Yorkshire Council ‘s roadworks map indicated the highway would be closed daily between 7.30am until 5.30pm from yesterday until November 1.

The council said the road, where a wall collapsed last month, would be resurfaced.

The collapsed wall

But there was confusion when the signs disappeared and no work took place.

A council spokesperson has now said the signs were “installed by the contractor in error” before being removed. They added resurfacing was now due to take place in April next year.

Councillor Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West, said the wall needed repairing before roadworks could be carried out and he was trying to find out when work on the wall would begin.

Cllr Walker added:

“The signs were put in the wrong location — they were intended for High Bridge but had the wrong date on as that’s been delayed by a week.

“It all seems very chaotic and disorganised.”

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Knaresborough father fights for autistic son to join twin brother at SEND school

A Knaresborough man has raised concerns following ongoing issues with North Yorkshire Council about his autistic son’s education.

Stephen Coe’s twin sons, Magnus and Felix, are both autistic and have been given an education, health and care plan (EHCP) – which supports those with special educational needs (SEND).

After completing mainstream primary school, Mr Coe hoped the 12-year-old twins would both be accepted into The Forest School, in Knaresborough, which only caters for those with special needs and an EHCP.

However, he was shocked to discover only Magnus had received a place.

Following an assessment of Felix’s standard assessment tests (SATs), North Yorkshire Council found him to only have mild learning difficulties and he was too able to attend a special educational needs and disabilities school, Mr Coe added.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“Magnus was accepted into The Forest School, and he loves it.

“The council, however, told us that Felix is too able to attend Forest, despite his SATs results actually being worse than Magnus’s.”

Mr Coe also said the council suggested Felix would be able to attend King James’s School in Knaresborough, despite the school saying it could not cater to his needs.

“I have had to take unpaid leave from work to look after Felix, as I refuse to send him to a mainstream school that has said since October 2022 that they cannot meet his needs, following multiple assessments there – a decision that, we as parents, support.

“King James’s has been honest and fair throughout.”

The Forest School has since told Mr Coe that it is now full and could not give Felix a place.

Felix has been out of full-time education since July this year. Although his father is trying to provide him with sufficient at-home education, he added “quite frankly, I’m not a teacher.”

Mr Coe added:

“All I’m asking is for my son’s rights to be observed – he needs stability.

“Other than the staff King James’s, not one person that has made this decision for him, has even met him in person.”

The council awarded £700 in compensation for “mismanagement of process” following a complaint by Mr Coe but he is now escalating it to a tribunal.

He will face the local authorities next February.

North Yorkshire Council told the Stray Ferret that “all SEND admissions follow the national requirements outlined in the SEND Code of Practice 2015.”

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Knaresborough man set for third trip to South Pole

A Knaresborough man is set to embark on his third trip to the South Pole.

Gerald Draycott, who is originally from North Wales, previously worked at Menwith Hill before moving to The Hague and then back to Scriven to continue his work as a satellite engineer.

He was invited on a work trip by explorer, Robert Swan OBE, and was asked to install a satellite at the summit of the South Pole alongside 160 other people.

It was used to broadcast images and information of the Antarctic online and raise awareness of the significant environmental impacts the continent has on the world.

Mr Draycott added:

“We wanted people to understand the significant impact the Antarctic has on the rest of the environment.

“The animals and nature there, the ice caps and the O-Zone layer are all so important and, by installing the satellite, we could broadcast this back home for people to really understand.”

Those on the trip were broadcasting live on Facebook, calling families, and sharing images on social media to spread awareness thanks to the vessel, he added.

Mr Draycott and crew on the first expedition.

In January of this year, Mr Draycott was invited back to Antarctica by Mr Swan to complete a 70-mile trek to the South Pole.

The explorer had attempted the walk before but injured his hip 90 miles before the finish line, so invited a group to complete the walk with him.

Mr Draycott added:

“It was a 60 nautical mile trek — which is 70 regular miles — to the pole while pulling my sled.”

The trip took 10 days to complete and temperatures  reached -33 degrees celsius.

“It was really overwhelming; you look out and see literally nothing but white.

“Your mind begins to play tricks on you because there’s just nothing to take your mind off what you’re doing.”

Gerald Draycott

His workplace, SES Satellite, sponsored his second trip to the summit.

“Because it’s so clear, you can see for about 25 miles ahead of you.

“We could see the pole and thought, ‘that’s not too bad’, but realised it was still another three days of walking away.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience though and it’s such a story to tell. You really find out who you are on a trip like that.”

Now, Mr Draycott is planning his third trip in 2025 and is looking for companies in the Harrogate district to sponsor the expedition.

He aims to walk 1,130km across 60 days from the Hercules Inlet coast to the South Pole.

The satellite connectivity means sponsors would get social media and online coverage along the way, and would be a great way to put something unique back into the area, he added.

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Knaresborough road to be closed for resurfacing

A road in Knaresborough is set to be closed for resurfacing next week.

North Yorkshire Council will carry out work on B6163 Briggate from Monday (October 16).

According to the council’s roadworks map, the road will be closed between 7.30am until 5.30pm everyday until November 1.

Advanced warning signs of the closure are also in place on the road.

The move comes as the road was recently hit by disruption after a wall collapsed.

The wall, which was painted by Knaresborough artist Joseph Baker Fountain last century, crashed on to the road on Thursday, September 14.

Two-way traffic lights were put in place as repairs were carried out.

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