Two major local leisure centre projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough have been delayed — and will cost more than expected.

The new North Yorkshire Council gave its first update on the refurbishment of Harrogate Hydro and the construction of Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre today.

It revealed the Hydro is now due to re-open in August following a £13.5 million refurbishment.

The facility, which will be renamed Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, was originally due to re-open in January this year and the project was due to cost £11.8 million.

But it now won’t be open for the start of the summer holidays.

A council statement today said:

“It had been hoped the new facility would be ready to open earlier in the summer but a number of unanticipated issues with the building were found during the construction process.”

The new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre is due to open in November at a cost of £17.6 million.

The project was initially due to re-open at the end of summer and cost £17 million.

The existing Knaresborough Pool was due to be demolished once the new facility was open.

But to keep construction costs as low as possible, the current pool will close and start to be demolished in early September following the opening of the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre.

It means Knaresborough is likely to be without a pool for two months.

Hydro overhaul

Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre will include a 400 square metre fitness centre, a new sauna and steam suite, improved reception and café, as well an overhaul of the existing gym, spin, leisure and swimming facilities.

The diving structure is also being replaced.

Outside, the building is being remodelled to provide a reconfigured car park, bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.

The existing gas boilers have already been replaced with air-source heat pumps and 250 solar panels, as well as new metering and energy monitoring and control systems.

Read more:

• Cost of delayed Harrogate Hydro refurbishment increases by £1m
• £28m contracts for new Knaresborough pool and Harrogate Hydro upgrades approved

The energy efficiency measures were made possible by a £1.8 million grant from the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy public sector decarbonisation scheme, and will halve the carbon footprint of the leisure centre.

The latest delay to the re-opening is to allow improvements to the fire protection of the steel frame, as well as the addition of new wall restraints, the replacement of corroded steelwork and fixing an issue that was causing an air leak and heat loss between the roof and the external walls.]

Today’s statement added:

“As a result of this additional work, the refurbishment project at Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre is now set to be completed by the end of July and will reopen in August, once staff from Brimhams Active have had a chance to familiarise themselves with the health and safety and operating procedures of the improved facility.

“Further details about the official opening will be announced in the coming months.”

Six-lane pool in Knaresborough

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre, which is being built next to the current Knaresborough Pool, will include a six-lane 25-metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points and bicycle storage.

It will incorporate high-efficiency building materials, air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.

Today’s update said:

“Unfortunately, due to an unavoidable delay involving the new electrical supply to the building, the leisure and wellness centre will now open in November.

Once the existing pool has been demolished, a new play area in front of the new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre will be installed.

Cllr Simon Myers, the council’s executive member for culture, arts and housing, said:

“We want to ensure a healthier, more active population that is living longer and more independently. By investing in leisure facilities, such as this, we can continue to make that happen.

“Unfortunately, refurbishment projects often uncover historic issues that need to be resolved. But by carrying out the work now, the building can conform to the latest legislation, be as energy-efficient as possible and allow people to keep fit and active for many years to come.”

Links between the UK and Ukraine will be celebrated at Eurovision in Liverpool this week – and the Harrogate district is ensuring it is part of the party.

Just as the UK hosts the event on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine, a celebration will be happening in Harrogate to bring together locals with Ukrainians who have made the area home over the last 14 months.

A total of 170 attendees will be watching the contest together at the Majestic Hotel, and while they may be cheering for their home countries, organisers expect it to be a friendly rivalry.

Sue Vasey of Chain Lane Community Hub, which has organised the party along with Harrogate District City of Sanctuary, told the Stray Ferret:

“Nobody will mind if Ukraine win – it’s not too competitive. We’ll just be happy if the UK doesn’t get ‘nul points’!”

The Knaresborough community centre has been supporting Ukrainians who have arrived in the area since Russia’s invasion of their home country last February.

It has worked alongside other local groups and supporters to help them make contact with others in the same position and settle into their new homes. Now, Sue said more is being done to ensure they become part of the community in the Harrogate district.

Aid trips

Around 350 Ukrainians have arrived in the area in the last year, and about 190 of those have been supported through Chain Lane Community Hub. Sue said the others already spoke good English or had family in the area so did not need as much help to settle.

Each week, working with partners including North Yorkshire Council, the hub hosts classes to help people with English, employability skills and more.

It has also formed a link with Bob Frendt, the retired lorry driver in Knaresborough who has made seven aid trips to western Ukraine.

The Eurovision event on Saturday night – which is sold out – will raise money to help fund his next trip to Volodymyr, which is set to be twinned with Knaresborough. it will include an auction of prizes donated by local businesses, from Bettys & Taylors and Morrisons to Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Bob and his wife Maureen will be guests of honour at the Majestic, which has allowed use of the room free of charge.

Asked whether he was a loyal Eurovision fan, Bob said:

“Not since Cliff Richard won! But for one night we’ll make an exception. I’ve been asked to say a few words too. It should be a good night.”

Read more:

• Support for plans to twin Knaresborough with town in Ukraine
• ‘Just one more trip’ for Knaresborough’s Ukraine aid hero

Meanwhile, Bob is continuing to prepare for his eighth and final aid trip to Ukraine, setting off on May 24.

Each trip across Europe costs at least £2,500 in insurance, fuel and ferry crossings, and takes around six days.

He has been collecting donations of sports kit, IT equipment and decorating supplies to help the school rebuild after much of its stocks were commandeered by the army.

Bob is still hoping to source at least one old fire engine to take to Volodymyr to replace those taken to be used in the war effort. but for now is concentrating on what he can fit into his lorry, including medical supplies for the hospital..

He is hoping to add more equipment for the school, an under-counter fridge, sleeping bags, wellies, mosquito nets, tinned food and more before he sets off in two weeks’ time. Anyone who can help can call Bob on 07836 514952.

To get the latest updates on Bob’s efforts before and during his trip, and find out how you can support him, join the Facebook group Knaresborough Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine.

A man walked out of court after being banned from driving and jumped straight into his car before leading police on a 140mph chase from Harrogate.

Jason Ryder, 45, was so furious at being found guilty of drug-driving and losing his licence at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court in March that he got behind the wheel of his Audi A3 and raced from police at astonishing speeds while weaving in and out of traffic on the A1(M) and bombing down the hard shoulder at speeds of more than 130mph.

Dashcam footage of the hair-raising police chase was shown at York Crown Court today when Ryder appeared for sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without a licence.

Prosecutor Edward Steele said that Ryder was released from the Harrogate court on March 20 after being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs in a previous incident near Knaresborough and receiving a 12-month motoring ban.

He said that Ryder got into his black Audi “immediately after being released from the court” at about midday. 

Police switched on the blue lights, but Ryder didn’t stop and a 17-minute car chase ensued, firstly along the A658 John Metcalf Way in Harrogate where he overtook vehicles, causing motorists to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

He then “manoeuvred around” a heavy-goods vehicle and sped onto the A1(M)’s northbound carriageway, “moving across all lanes and travelling for long periods of time on the hard shoulder, at times at speeds of over 130mph in a 70mph zone”.

Mr Steele said that at certain sections, the Audi was travelling at over 140mph as it zig-zagged between dense traffic and overtook and undertook vehicles from one side of the road to the other.

You can watch police footage of the chase below.

Ryder then turned onto the A6055 towards Northallerton at 140mph on a wet road surface due to the rainy weather. 

Mr Steele added:

“The driving included overtaking and driving on the opposite side of the carriageway.”

Police laid a stinger on the road which deflated the Audi’s tyres and the car came to a halt. He was arrested and brought before York magistrates the following day, where he pleaded guilty to all three offences. 

The court heard that Ryder had a previous conviction for careless driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis in 1998, for which he received an 18-month motoring ban.

‘Not thinking straight’

Defence barrister Gabrielle Wilks said that Ryder made a “split-second” decision to speed from police due to “heightened emotions” following the trial which went against him.

She said he was “not thinking straight” and was suffering from “mental angst” on the day in question due to personal problems.

Read more:

• Police use stinger after 140mph pursuit from Harrogate
• Audi driver pleads guilty after 140mph police pursuit in Harrogate

She added that Ryder, of Wellgarth, Bishop Auckland, had lost his full-time job and could lose his home if he were jailed. 

Recorder Anthony Hawks described Ryder’s driving as “appalling” and said that he could easily have killed someone.

He told Ryder: 

“The circumstances of the dangerous driving are…extremely serious, both as to how it started and the actual driving itself.

“I reject entirely the suggestion put forward (by Ryder’s defence counsel) that you didn’t understand the disqualification ran immediately. You had been disqualified before (and) you must have realised that following your conviction and sentence (for drug-driving) you were a disqualified driver.

“You had no business…in taking your car to the magistrates (court) in the first place.”

Mr Hawks said it was clear that Ryder was “angry” when he got behind the wheel because the trial “had gone against you”.

He added: 

“At any time during the 17-minute police chase, you could have come to your senses and stopped, but you didn’t. 

“The dangerous driving was appalling. There was heavy traffic. You were weaving all over lanes. You were driving at speeds up to 140mph. It’s extraordinary that nobody was seriously injured or killed.”

Ryder was jailed for 10 months and given a 23-month driving ban. 

Roadworks causing misery for motorists in Knaresborough are due to end on Friday.

Traffic lights have been causing severe delays at Bond End since May 2.

The roadworks paused last weekend for the coronation but returned yesterday, causing tailbacks in all directions.

Electricity distribution company Northern Powergrid is laying underground electricity cables to support the redevelopment of Dower House Hotel, which is due to reopen this year under the new name The Knaresborough Inn.

A Northern Powergrid spokesperson said:

“As part of the investment scheme, traffic management is in place until Friday 12 May while the company digs to lay the new electricity cables.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may be causing to residents and businesses, and although unavoidable, we can appreciate it is very disruptive. All work and traffic management was agreed with the appropriate local authority and permits granted to carry out the necessary work.

“Traffic management helps to enable safe access for engineers to carry out their work, and for residents and motorists alike.”

Read more:

• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week
• Ex-England footballer Micah Richards fined for speeding in Knaresborough

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A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.

Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.

Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.

Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography

The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.

Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.

Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral

Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.

Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.

Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.

In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.

Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens

Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering

Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.

Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.

Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.

The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.

One of the Masham floats

Masham Market Square on Sunday

Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard

Read more:

• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation

Rail services in Harrogate and Knaresborough are set to be affected by a fresh wave of strikes this week.

Train drivers’ union ASLEF will walk out on Friday, May 12, prompting train operator Northern to cancel all services.

RMT members will strike on Saturday, May 13, leading Northern to operate only hourly services on a small number of key routes between 7am and 7pm.

Further information is available here.

Although there is no strike action on Sunday, May 14, services are expected to start later in the morning than normal due to what Northern has described as “fleet displacement”.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“It is disappointing to see the return of industrial action to the rail network.

“Whilst all strikes disrupt someone, these particular dates will have a significant impact on people travelling on our network to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.

“Given the context in which the UK is hosting this international event – on behalf of the people of Ukraine – this is particularly unfortunate.”

Northern’s guide to upcoming services

A statement on ASLEF’s website blamed the action on “failure of management to offer a fair deal on pay”. It added:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Further ASLEF action, known as ‘action short of strike’ will take place for five consecutive days from May 15 to 20.

Northern is urging people to check train times before they travel’ as early morning and late night services may be affected.

ASLEF members are also due to walk out on May 31 and June 1 on which there will be no Northern services.

New timetable

This month’s strike action comes ahead of Northern introducing its new summer timetable on Sunday, May 21.

Customers who make regular journeys on the same train times are advised to check before they travel as some services may have been re-timed.

More information is available here.

Read more:

• Almost 500 appointments cancelled at Harrogate hospital due to junior doctors’ strike
• Lib Dem leader describes £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway as ‘vanity project’

Promotion and winning a title would be an astonishing achievement for any sports team in their first season.

But for Knaresborough Town Women, it was particularly remarkable.

The squad was formed, took pre-season and kicked off their campaign all within a matter of weeks in the summer of 2022.

For Sarah Parkes, vice-captain, and Emily Crispin, midfielder and team physio, the season was a whirlwind.

Sarah, 26, joined Town after playing for Harrogate Railway, while Leeds-born Emily moved from Harrogate Town.

The pair were keen footballers from being youngsters. 

Sarah’s Dad was an academy coach at Leeds United. She said she had little choice but to grow up kicking a ball around.

“Our family is quite interested in football.

“My dad coached Leeds United for 25 years for the academy. He was very focussed on bringing up me, my two brothers and my sister and getting us involved in football.”

Meanwhile, Emily, 25, caught the bug around six-years-old after playing in mixed teams with the boys at primary school in Leeds.

“I played with the boys team and then we ended up having a girls team.

“I think one of the girl’s played outside of school and her dad approached my dad. My dad liked sport, but he was never interested in football. It just went from there, really.”

Sarah Parkes in action Knaresborough Town Women.

Knaresborough Town Women did not exist some 12 months ago.

The side started out in July last year, with trials being held at Knaresborough Celtic for players aged 16 and over.

Sarah found out about the set up through family. Her brothers are both involved with the men’s side, with Simon the manager and club captain Ben

“It’s a very family club. We have a lot of friends and family involved in it.

“It was a no brainer coming to Knaresborough.”

For Emily, the move to Knaresborough was different.

Emily Crispin, who is also club physio.

She knew Ged Maloney, who helped set up the women’s side, from college. Ged was also involved with Harrogate Town, where Emily was playing the previous season.

At the time, Emily says she was “in between” whether to play or to take on physio – something which she studied at university.

In the end, she ended up doing both and has been the team’s physio while also helping lead the side to promotion.

Pre-season to champions

It was a quick turn around for Knaresborough Town.

Both Emily and Sarah had two weeks from pre-season, which was overseen by head coach Mike Bligh, to kicking off the season.

The pair prepared for the campaign by sharing facilities with the men’s side, including the playing home games at Manse Lane.

Town were thrown in the deep end against one of the league favourites Field Ladies FC for the first fame of the season.

Sarah said:

“It was very intimidating not knowing anyone and then we had to go into the first game after only meeting each other around four or five times at training.

“It was nerve wracking, but after that first game we got to know each other a bit more.”

Knaresborough Town Women clinched the title at Bradford City in April.

However, the club went on to win promotion, sometimes winning games at a canter.

Along the way, they clocked up scores such as 15-0 against Leeds Hyde Park and 22-0 against Wakefield.

Once promotion was confirmed, the title was clinched with a 1-0 win away at Bradford City in April.

‘There is demand for women’s football’

With the success of England’s Lionesses at the Euros and the rise of the Women’s Super League, women’s football has seen success over the past couple of years.

For Sarah, who grew up in Knaresborough, this has been demonstrated locally.

“I think more people want to get more involved. 

“When I left Harrogate Railway, they set up a reserve team with the amount of interest they have got. 

“I’m hoping that Knaresborough Town will get similar interest and set up a development squad or something for people who want to get involved in football to come and get started at Knaresborough.”

Emily said women have proven that the demand is there for girls to get involved in football.

She points to the 60,000 people who attended last week’s Women’s Champions League game between Arsenal and Wolfsburg at the Emirates as an example.

“The demand is there. It’s amazing.

“We have clearly proven the demand is there if you women the platform to play in those type of stadiums.”

This is the second article in a series of Sporting Spotlight interviews. If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

The forecast showers stayed away as those in attendance witnessed His Majesty’s coronation and procession down the Mall.

For Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, of Community Stars CIC, the event was much needed for family and friends in the town.

The pair hosted a bakery and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said:

“It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

Emma Jenner and Clare Robinson, of Community Stars CIC.

As the afternoon wore on, children started to take advantage of the craft and face painting stalls on offer.

A big screen in place at the event showed King Charles entering the Buckingham Palace balcony, which was met with plenty of flag waving and cheers.

Bob Godsell, activities chairman at Knaresborough Lions, said the event was reward for everything the town has been through over the past few years.

Bob, who hosted the bar at Knaresborough House, said:

“I’m glad that the weather has been better.

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

Bunting, flags and even a giant crown have been appearing across the Harrogate district as preparations get under way for the coronation weekend.

Shops, cafes, hotels and community centres have all been adorned with union flags and royal symbols ready for the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.

Among the most eye-catching displays is a huge crown added to the Market Cross in Knaresborough today. It has been created by members of Knaresborough Flower Club, with a £300 grant from Knaresborough Town Council.

The crown was put together in the conservatory at club chairman Lesley Dalton’s home. She said:

“One of the girls worked out we had spent 100 hours on it – and that’s without the time spent travelling to buy supplies and so on.

“We’ve had flowers round the Market Cross every time there has been a big occasion like the Queen’s funeral and the jubilee last year. We try to put Knaresborough Market on the map!”

Club members Margaret Darley, Maureen Robinson, Dorothy Gerrard, Julie Ward, Trish Hesford and Cath Oldfield were instrumental in its design and manufacture, as well as adding the flowers to the sculpture.

They spent almost six hours today putting it all together and will be out watering it regularly until it is taken down on Sunday, May 14.

Meanwhile, shops around the town have also got into the spirit, with plenty of bunting on show in their windows.

Harrogate has also got into the coronation spirit.

Supplies shop Party Fever, on Lower Station Parade, has been inundated with customers this week.

Owner Sue Saville and her team have been answering requests for themed plates, napkins, balloons, flags, hats and more, with demand growing over the last few days.

The shop will be open all day tomorrow and on Saturday morning from 9am to 11am for last-minute shoppers.

The Stray Ferret will be out and about across the Harrogate district this weekend, reporting on how our communities are marking the historic event.

Send us details and photos of your event by email and keep an eye on our live blog for the latest pictures and news from around the area.

Still looking for things to do this weekend? Check out our list of local events.

Read more:

• Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district
• Fireworks finale will end Ripon’s coronation day celebrations