Height restrictor installed in Knaresborough car park

A height restrictor costing £3,250 has been installed in the car park at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

Motorhomes, campervans and caravans often park at the back of the car park overnight even though signs say this is prohibited.

About a dozen vehicles pitched up and stayed for three nights last month.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West, said it was the largest encampment he was aware of and renewed his calls for North Yorkshire Council  to clampdown on overnight stays.

The council, which owns the large long-stay car park, has now responded — and pledged more changes to the site.

Last month’s encampment

 

The road leading to the back of the car park.

Steve Brown, the council’s head of parking services, said:

“We are committed to improving the security at Conyngham Hall car park and have recently installed a height restrictor to deter campervans, caravans and illegal encampments.

“During the winter months we will be installing a new pay machine to provide better service to the public as well as a CCTV camera which will provide additional security for the new machine.

“They will be in place for its reopening in the spring.”

Cllr Walker praised the council for responding quickly to his latest request for measures to prevent encampments in the car park.

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Knaresborough resident says council was warned about collapsed wall

A Knaresborough woman has said she and other residents on Briggate raised concerns about an old stone wall that collapsed yesterday.

The wall, which was painted by Knaresborough artist Joseph Baker Fountain last century, crashed on to the road at about 2pm. Fortunately nobody was hurt.

Police and council staff responded quickly by clearing away debris and installing traffic lights.

But Catherine Rogerson, who lives on Briggate, told the Stray Ferret she reported the wall to North Yorkshire Council last month because it appeared unsafe.

Ms Rogerson said bricks were clearly moving and the wall was buckling. She added:

“I said it was an emergency and could collapse, causing a nasty accident.

“Several other local people have also contacted them about it. We all stressed it was in a dangerous state.”

Ms Rogerson said a woman at the council said she would report the matter but no action was taken.

Recalling the moment it came down, she said:

“My husband and I were in the kitchen and heard what we thought was a thunderstorm and then we realised what had happened.

“The main thing is nobody was hurt — but it could have been nasty.”

A passing motorist pulled over and the police were called. Lights continue to manage traffic.

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Ms Rogerson said she hoped the wall, which has been a feature of Briggate for many years, would be repaired using the same stone.

The Stray Ferret approached the council for a response late last night and will publish its response when we receive it.

 

Knaresborough man needs £6,000 for Ukraine fire engine appeal

A Knaresborough man, who is raising money to buy and send an ambulance to Volodymyr in Ukraine, is hoping to raise the remaining £6,000 of his target through upcoming fundraising events.

Bob Frendt, who is in his 70s, has raised £18,000 of his £24,000 target which will fund one of two fire engines, as well as travel costs for him and four other passengers.

After being stuck at £7,000 for several weeks, Mr Frendt received an anonymous £10,000 donation which boosted the funds significantly.

Mr Frendt, who is a retired truck driver, began his humanitarian work over 18 months ago when the war between Ukraine and Russia began.

He said:

“I saw it on the TV when it started and saw the conditions these people were living in.

“I said to my wife ‘I can’t just sit here; I need to do something to help’.”

He took his first trip to Volodymyr shortly after as a co-driver for another humanitarian worker.

Since then, he has made eight trips to the Ukrainian city and has delivered vital medical equipment.

This time, the Mayor of Volodymyr asked Mr Frendt to supply the city with a fire engine, as the original one is now in use in Kyiv.

He said:

“As soon as the mayor requested that I began searching for a fire engine which I found almost immediately.

“I have bought the vehicle through Angloco Ltd, in Batley, who have been very helpful and extremely instrumental in finding the fire engine to take to Ukraine.”

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Mr Frendt is hoping to raise the remaining money, plus another £4,000 to cover travel costs, before the end of October, so he can set off before the winter weather begins.

He added:

“We still need donations to make sure we can set off before the end of October.

“Any donations will be gratefully received.”

Bob’s Fundraising Events:

Bob is holding a quiz night and raffle at The Empress pub, in Harrogate, on October 5. Tickets will cost £2 on the door.

The following night, Knot Another Choir will be performing a fundraising concert at Trinity Church in Knaresborough. Tickets are £10 and can be bought online or on the door.

A Concert for Ukraine will also be held at the Frazer Theatre in Knaresborough on October, 7, from 7.30pm

A donation of the profits will be made to help fund one of Mr Frendt’s ambulances. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s

Donations can be made via Mr Frendt’s Just Giving page.

Electric vehicles charging points in Knaresborough car park causing ‘significant harm’

A Knaresborough business owner has claimed 10 electric vehicle charging points installed in a car park have caused “significant harm” to the town and are driving shoppers away.

A petition signed by over 500 people protesting against how EV infrastructure has been introduced in Knaresborough was debated by North Yorkshire Council‘s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in Harrogate today.

Ten of the 56 regular parking bays in the town centre Chapel Street car park were turned into electric vehicle-only spaces with charge points at the end of 2022 by Harrogate Borough Council.

A further 12 spaces were given over to EVs in Conyngham Hall’s car park on the outskirts of the town centre but the charge points there have not yet been switched on.

However, at Chapel Street there have been reports of the spaces reserved for EVs laying empty, which has caused consternation to traders particularly on market days.

A statement was read out to councillors on behalf of hairdresser Kelly Teggin who launched the petition. The statement said:

“Like any market town there’s a recognition of the need for transition and charging points are attractive to residents and tourists if introduced at the right time and place.

“However, in this case, implementation of changing points at Chapel Street car park and at Conyngham Hall have been badly-handled in terms of consultation and choices made. They’ve caused significant negative impact on traders in the town centre, attractiveness to visitors and increased congestion.”

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A report prepared by officers ahead of the meeting said just five vehicles a day were using the charging spaces at Chapel Street.

But the council forecasts that after five years this will have increased to 22 cars a day and by year eight it will be 30 cars.

Electric vehicle EV Chapel Street car park parking

Electric vehicle charging bays in Chapel Street car park.

Dedicated EV bays require traffic regulation orders to restrict access to EVs only, which according to reports the spaces at Chapel Street do not have.

Matt Walker, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough West who supports the petition, said any non-EV motorist who had received a ticket for parking in the reserved spaces should contact him as he would be “happy to defend and get those revoked”.

Arnold Warneken, the Green Party councillor for Ouseburn and an EV driver,  said he was “shocked and surprised” the council decided to put the spaces in Chapel Street, which is one of the town’s busiest car parks.

But he warned against an increasingly hostile movement against EVs on social media. He added:

“I’m totally behind having EV charging points. There’s an anxiety that infrastructure is not in place for people that drive EVs but there’s a movement out there that’s anti-EV”.

Paul Haslam, the Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, said there was a “lack of understanding” about EVs but he hoped North Yorkshire Council used the changes in Knaresborough as a “learning opportunity on how we can do it better next time”.

Cllr Walker proposed a motion with nine different points, including a call for a full review into parking in Knaresborough and an assertion that the EV infrastructure had been implemented poorly in the town. It passed by six votes to four.

The area constituency committee is, however, only an advisory body to the Conservative-controlled council.

Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef

Goldsborough Hall hotel in Knaresborough has appointed Daniel Ife as the hotel’s new Head Chef.

He joined the team over six years ago and helped the previous head chefs achieve a 3AA rosette and a feature in the Michelin guide.

Owner of Goldsborough Hall, Mark Oglesby said:

“Behind the scenes, Daniel has been running the kitchens at Goldsborough Hall now for many years, so we are very proud that he has finally agreed to take on the role of Head Chef.

“Over the many years he has been with us he has demonstrated passion and creativity which has helped to win us many prestigious awards.

“With his wealth of experience and innovative approach, we are confident that Daniel will continue to lead our dining experience to new heights.’

Mr Ife added:

“My style is seasonally driven, using modern techniques and styles with a classic French undertone.

“It is a real privilege to create dishes that befit the majesty of the hall’s historic dining room, where former Kings and Queens have dined.”

Masham brewery secures listings in 100 M&S stores across UK

 T&R Theakston, in Masham, has secured a listing to supply Theakston Old Peculier ale to 100 M&S stores across the UK.

The brewery has seen a value growth of 4.5% in the Off Trade market versus a bottle ale market decline of 6%.

Following the deal with M&S, the ale is now stocked in all UK major supermarket chains.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director, said:

“Theakston Old Peculier is a flagship beer for us and for the town of Masham, with its name a tribute to the unique ecclesiastical status of the town as a ‘Court of the Peculier’, first established in medieval times.

“It’s great to see the continued growth in popularity Old Peculier underpinning its status as one of the country’s most well-known and loved ales.

“As a result of this new M&S listing, it’s fantastic to be able say this beautiful brew is now listed in all UK major supermarkets, meaning that fans have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Old Peculier from both their local pub and within the comfort of their own home.”

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Knaresborough businesses prepare for glittering awards night

Knaresborough Business Awards will celebrate the town’s commercial heroes this weekend.

The event, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, will take place at the Worlds End Pub at Bond End on Saturday night. Tickets sold out in 48 hours.

Five companies have been shortlisted in each of the 18 categories, which range from favourite attraction to favourite coffee shop.

The most prestigious category is Knaresborough Business of the Year, which was won by The Farm Dairy last year. The  deli, cheesemonger and sandwich shop on Market Place is among this year’s nominees.

Annie Wilkinson-Gill, who organises the event with Natalie Horner, said the awards had generated an “amazing response”.

“We feel it really is a wonderful way for the gorgeous businesses of Knaresborough to get together, and for the Knaresborough community to vote for their favourites.

“It’s also a wonderful way to promote the businesses Knaresborough has to offer.”

Like last year’s inaugural event, the event uses local suppliers: flowers have been provided by River and Rose, balloons by Balloons and Confetti, brochures by Sid Horner and Sons, the desserts are from the Black Mulberry, and the trophies are from Wayne at If.

The collective, which was formed in 2022, consists of Knaresborough business owners who work together to promote the town and its businesses.

Here are some photos of last year’s awards, taken by Brian King.

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This year’s shortlisted businesses and individuals are:

Knaresborough Business Of The Year

Freedom Performing Arts, Farm Dairy, Wild Thing, Wildstyle tattoo and Greenwood solicitors

Favourite Female Led Business

Freedom Performing Arts, River & Rose, Sheer Bliss, The Lash Gallery and Kat’s Dogs

Favourite Male Led Business

The Music Bank, Wildstyle Tattoo, Barber Asylum, Zig Zag and Tommy’s Barber Shop

Favourite Family Run Business

Two Brothers, Greenwood solicitors, Sid Horner and Son, Hirst Bakery and Hutton Butchers

Favourite Healthcare Business (not hair & beauty)

Castle Clinic Chiropody by Louise, The Crystal Buddha, Natural Choice, Sarah Chisem Podiatry

Favourite Hair and Beauty Clinic

Aimed Health & Beauty, Kelly Teggin Hairdressing, Orchis Escape, Swish Beauty and Divine Hair

Favourite Retailer

Wild Thing, The Clothing Store, Harriet’s, Stomp and Sheer Bliss

Favourite Place To Stay

The Groves Inn, Gallon House, Custard Cream Cottage, Teardrop Cottage and Newton House

Favourite Attraction

Mother Shipton’s, Blenkhorn’s Boats, the Kiosk at Conyngham, Knaresborough Rescue and Knaresborough Painting Pots

Favourite Coffee Shop

Number Thirteen, The Black Mulberry, McQueens, Cafe Nero and No Place Like Home

Favourite Place to Eat

Two Brothers, Farm Dairy, So! Bar, Six Poor Folk and Carriages

Favourite Place to Drink

The George and Dragon, Six Poor Folk, Blind Jack’s, Half Moon and So! Bar

Favourite Tradesman

Neil Watts, TG Plumbing, Thistle Handyman Services, Dave Bebb DB Roofing and Brian King

Favourite Class or Workshop

Clubbercise with Gilly, Freedom Performing Arts, Bounce with Georgina Sands, Emergy Fitness and Wellbeing and Judi Does Yoga

Favourite Party Provider

Painting Pots, Rascals Entertainment, Bórn of the Forest, Petite Boutique and Studio 3

Favourite New Business (last 12 months)

No Place Like Home, Number Thirteen at Silver Street, Berry’s Tavern, Claire Baxter Art Gallery and Lawai Spice

Favourite Member of Staff

Connie Li (Yorkshire Trading), Lindsey Ruthen ( Farm Dairy), Maisie Withnell (The Clothing Store), Tom Robson (Vapour Worx) and Miles Lazenby (Berry’s Tavern)

Favourite Inspirational Business

The Crystal Buddha, Painting Pots, Sid Horner and Son, Freedom Performing Arts and Greenwood solicitors

 

Natural beeswax shop opens in Knaresborough

An independent shop that sells a range of beeswax products has opened in the centre of Knaresborough.

The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company opened in Green Dragon Yard on Saturday.

It previously traded at Yorkshire Farmers’ Market in Knaresborough Market Square, which no longer exists, before trialling a premise on Waterside.

Inside the new shop.

The family-run business, which was launched in 2019, sells a variety of beeswax candles, organic body care products and diffusers.

It also offers several Yorkshire honey products, including one sourced from a Knaresborough hive located just off Waterside.

The premises on Green Dragon Yard.

In a social media post, owner Michael Landreth, said:

“It’s been a crazy few weeks and months but we have done it and ready to open our doors.

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped us and supported us over the months and years and we really look forward to you all visiting our brand new home.”

The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

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Plan submitted to convert Knaresborough mill into banking hub

A plan has been submitted to convert part of a grade-II listed former Knaresborough mill into a banking hub.

Cash Access UK has lodged the plan for the building on Kirkgate in the town.

The mill was built in the 18th century and was most recently used as a tile showroom.

The developer plans to convert the ground floor of the former mill into a banking hub, which 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.

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.

The company identified the former mill as its site for the banking hub in June.

At the time, Gareth Oakley, chief executive at Cash Access UK, said:

“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.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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.

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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough businesses sponsor Knaresborough Celtics FC

Two Knaresborough businesses have agreed to sponsor Knaresborough Celtics girls football team.

Kelly Teggin Hair and Beauty and Huttons will sponsor the under 16s side this season.

It will see the businesses provide kit and training wear for the girls.

Kelly Teggin, owner of Kelly Teggin Hairdressers, said:

“Kelly Teggin hairdressing have sponsored the team for five years buying a kit every year so they can pass it down so all the age groups have a kit to play in moving forwards.

“Huttons have sponsored the training tops that the girls keep as they have their initials on and they will have them as a keep sake for all the hard work both the parents, team and coaches have put in over the last eight years.”

Pictured above (left to right) Kelly Young, Jaden Rigg, Issy Colbert, Lily Howliston , Lilly perry, Issy stobbs, Grace Denny, Amelia Trougton, Poppy Naylor, Poppy Johnson, Bella Richardson, Camilla Rishton ,Abigail Rushworth, Bella Bere, Freya Welbourne

Council awards Harrogate maintenance contract

North Yorkshire Council has awarded a contract for maintenance of public buildings in Harrogate to a Bingley company.

Europe Air Conditioning Ltd, which is based in Cottingley near Bingley, has been commissioned to cover “reactive call outs” in the area.

The contract is valued at £86,723.47, according to the council website.

It adds:

“This work forms part of legal compliance and is essential for the continuation of business and health and safety of our staff, occupants and public.”

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Performing arts school finds new home in heart of Knaresborough

Freedom Performing Arts has opened new studios at the former Castle Girls School in Knaresborough.

The arts school, which has 380 students aged three to 18, has operated out of the town’s Aspin Park Academy since 2010.

It will continue to run two classes every night at Aspin as well as one nightly class at the new venue in Castle Yard.

Amy Meikle, principal at Freedom Performing Arts, received the keys for the new premises in December last year after plans to open a museum on the site fell through.

Students at Friday’s opening.

She said it cost £25,000 to fully restore the building, which had been empty since it hosted Knaresborough and Harrogate Dance Centre pre-covid.

A ribbon was cut to mark Friday’s opening, which was attended by retired well known local dance teacher Miss Wenda (pictured below), who taught ballet and tap at Freedom before retiring in 2016.

Ms Meikle said being in the Castle Yard, close to the town centre, made the school feel like part of the community:

“I have loved seeing all the new businesses open in Knaresborough this month with more on the way. The town seems to be thriving and we feel super proud to have brought part of our school into the heart of the town centre.

“It really is a dream come true, I can’t believe this is real and I’m so grateful to everyone in my life who has helped make this possible.”

The studio has been completely renovated.

 

How the building looked in December.

Freedom runs a wide range of classes including ballet, tap, street, jazz, musical theatre, modern and acrobatics.

The building holds a strong personal connection for Ms Meikle, who said:

“I was born and bred in Knaresborough and my mum actually attended school in this building back in the 1950s/60s so it really has come full circle.”

The school has been nominated for four awards at Saturday’s Knaresborough Business Awards, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective.

The two-storey former girls school also hosts the 1st Scriven Scout Group.

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