Cycle schemes in Harrogate and Knaresborough will not go ahead after the government rejected the bids for funding.

North Yorkshire County Council applied for £3.19 million from the fourth round of the Department for Transport’s active travel fund.

It would have paid for segregated cycle routes on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, a section of the A59 between Mother Shipton’s Cave and Harrogate Golf Club and a project in Richmond.

But the DfT allocated the £200 million to bids from other local authorities instead.

The council indicated in a news release last month it had been allocated £1.08m from the fourth funding round and been invited to bid for an additional £2.16m. But it said today it had actually not been awarded a penny.

The news is another blow for attempts to encourage cycling in the Harrogate district after phase two of the Otley Road cycle route was abandoned and traffic calming measures on nearby Beech Grove were reversed.

There is still no final decision on the £11.2 million Station Gateway, which would improve cycling around the train station.

It also appears to leave wider plans to create a connected, segregated cycle route from Cardale Park to Harrogate town centre in tatters.

Read more:

• Council bids for £3m for cycling projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough
• Andrew Jones to stand for election again in Harrogate and Knaresborough

North Yorkshire County Council’s Conservative executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:

“We are inevitably disappointed that our ambitious £3.19 million bid to enhance facilities for cyclists and pedestrians through the fourth round of the government’s active travel fund has not been successful.

“We believe we put forward strong proposals for the three schemes.

“We are seeking detailed feedback from Active Travel England so we can understand the reasons behind their decision. We hope to work with them to progress schemes in these areas and elsewhere in the county successfully in future.”

An air ambulance has landed in Knaresborough after a man was injured in a serious collision this morning.

Police cordoned off part of the market place at about 11.30am this morning. The road has now reopened.

Shortly afterwards an air ambulance landed in the castle yard. It has now left the scene.

The man was injured near Appleton’s butchers and the library.

North Yorkshire Police issued a statement at 12.40pm today, which said:

“We’re with ambulance colleagues attending a serious collision in Knaresborough’s Market Place.

“It happened at about 11am and involved two cars and a pedestrian. A man has been taken to hospital.

“Please avoid the area while the emergency services work at the scene.”

Read more:

• Greggs opens new shop in Knaresborough
• Knaresborough to get new fish and chip shop

The government has no current plans to house migrants at a former RAF base on the edge of the Harrogate district, Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has said.

The government scrapped plans last year to house 1,500 asylum seekers at Linton-on-Ouse after a fierce backlash from local people and politicians.

The former airfield is nine miles from Boroughbridge, 13 miles from Knaresborough, and even closer to Harrogate district villages such as Great Ouseburn, Little Ouseburn and Nun Monkton.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick told the Commons yesterday the government was now considering housing migrants at at Catterick Garrison in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s constituency.

Ex-military bases in Essex, Lincolnshire and East Sussex are also being assessed for suitability as part of plans to cut down on hotel use.

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel, who was behind the Linton proposal, said the proposed Essex site “is no different in rurality and village size from a former site, Linton-on-Ouse”, adding:

“Why is it deemed appropriate for asylum seeker accommodation for single men to be placed in a rural village in Essex, where there is no infrastructure and no amenities, when it was not appropriate for somewhere like Linton-on-Ouse?”

Read more:

• Ouseburn councillor welcomes decision to scrap Linton asylum centre
• Greggs opens new shop in Knaresborough

In response, Mr Jenrick said:

“We do not have a current plan to proceed with the Linton-on-Ouse proposition, but the sites I have announced today are just the first set that we would like to take forward, because we want to remove people from hotels as quickly as possible and move to this more rudimentary form of accommodation, which will reduce pull factors to the UK and defend the interests of the taxpayer.

Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper described the announcement as “an admission of failure” on asylum policy.

Greggs has opened a new shop in Knaresborough.

The shop, in the former Fultons Foods unit on on High Street, has created 10 jobs.

The bakery will stock the usual range of sausage rolls, steak bakes and treats, as well as vegan alternatives.

It will be open from 7am until 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am until 4.30pm on Sundays.

The location also includes a heat-holding Nuttall Unit so customers can also purchase hot items such as southern fried chicken goujons and potato wedges.

People will also be able to collect from the store using the click and collect option on the Greggs app.

Shop manager Ash Ishfaq said: 

“We can’t wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand-new shop.”

Gillian Long, retail operations director for Greggs, said: 

“Our new shop in Knaresborough has brought 10 new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their favourite Greggs food.”

Read more:

• New restaurant adds to Ripon’s hospitality offer
• Harrogate fast food restaurant Leon to close

A new fish and chip shop is set to open in Knaresborough.

Fish-a-rama is expected to begin serving customers at around Easter on the site of a former Chinese takeaway on York Place.

Owner Aytach Sadik ran a fish and chip shop in London before moving to Harrogate 22 years ago.

Since then he was been involved with Chico’s and Bambino’s takeaways in Harrogate.

Mr Sadik said he had spent about £200,000 on the new family-run business, which he said will be a family business selling the best fish and chips around:

“We will only use fresh fish. The quality isn’t there with frozen fish. We will also serve grilled sea bass and bream on a barbecue.”

“Everything is brand new – from the electricity and gas to the fittings. We knocked it back to the bare walls.”

The family-run business is preparing to open.

Mr Sadik said the business intended to apply for planning permission to open an outdoor seating area with a retractable roof on the large forecourt outside.

In the meantime, customers will be able to take their orders and eat them at tables on the patio at the front.

Mr Sadik, who is 67, is coming out of retirement for the venture. He said:

“I did retire two years ago but it’s just not for me. How many days can you play golf?”

Read more:

• New restaurant adds to Ripon’s hospitality offer
• Harrogate fast food restaurant Leon to close

A Knaresborough institution closed its doors for the last time this afternoon, after its owners were surprised by an impromptu party to mark their retirement. 

Andy and Elaine Grinter opened Art in the Mill, in Green Dragon Yard, in 2007 as a commercial art gallery with a picture-framing business, Green Dragon Framing, running alongside.

But over the years it has become something of a community hub, hosting weaving workshops, life drawing sessions, children’s art classes, poetry evenings, book signings for local authors, and even a wedding. 

In a Facebook post, Elaine said: 

“We’ve given it our all, as if we were raising a child – well twins, actually, if you count two separate businesses – and the rewards have been beyond measure. 

“It’s always been about ‘the people’ for us – the artists and the customers – and we want to thank you for the trust you placed in us to occupy the space in the middle.” 

Since the couple took over the premises 16 years ago, they have held more than 60 exhibitions by 250 artists, as well as hosting primary school visits and working with young artists. 

They have also worked extensively to further the interests of the local business and cultural communities, being heavily involved with Knaresborough’s Festival of Visual Arts (feva), Knaresborough Civic Society and Knaresborough & District Chamber, and starting the Visit Castlegate traders’ association.

Pimms was served in Green Dragon Yard during a Castlegate family fun day.

They have organised Castlegate family fun days, eve of feva parties, and Knaresborough’s celebrations when the Tour de France came to Yorkshire in 2014, as well as raising money for various charities, including funds for the town’s defibrillator. 

Their daughter Holly said:  

“Mum and dad have just worked so hard to push Knaresborough and benefit the whole community – they’ve never really taken holidays or switched off. They’ve done so much for the town over the years – I’m sure they’ll be really missed.” 

Andy and Elaine, who have been married for 36 years, plan to use their retirement to travel and see friends and family. It is understood that their premises, in a converted flax mill built in 1808, have been sold and will be converted for residential use.

Art in the Mill occupied a converted Georgian flax mill in Green Dragon Yard, off Castlegate.

In her Facebook post, Elaine wrote: 

“The mill is an amazing space and has served us all so well that on the eve of our departure we’re predictably sad to be leaving it, and our beloved Green Dragon Yard community, but we have many happy memories to be thankful for.” 

Read more:

• Knaresborough unveils blue plaque to celebrate its ancient market
• ‘Time to come together’ for Knaresborough businesses after BID row
• Art exhibition raises money for Harrogate cancer centre

A Knaresborough voluntary group has bought four plots of farmland totalling 61 acres to turn into a community green space and nature reserve.

Renaissance Knaresborough launched a fundraising campaign in December to acquire privately-owned land between Knaresborough and Starbeck.

The land between Beryl Burton Cycle Way and the A59 Harrogate Road is not currently accessible to the public and there were fears it could one day be used for development.

The campaign aimed to prevent that by reinstating part of the ancient Knaresborough forest, with the land owned by individual shareholders and open to the public for recreation and conservation.

The campaign received £160,000 of pledges from individuals and organisations and a £410,000 donation from the George A Moore Foundation in Leeds. George Moore, a successful businessman who died in 2016, was born and raised in Knaresborough.

An interest-free philanthropic loan by We Have The Power, an organisation set up by impact investor Julia Davies to empower community groups to improve local biodiversity and tackle the climate crisis, enabled a bid to be submitted to the land agents.

However, the campaigners now need to raise about £300,000 to pay back the loan. They hope to raise the sum within six months.

Liz Baxandall, chair of Renaissance Knaresborough, said:

“The combination of the loan, substantial donations and community pledges have enabled Renaissance Knaresborough to realise its dream of protecting the greenbelt and delivering such a wonderful legacy project.

“Julia’s last-minute loan enabled us to secure all the land, a goal we had thought was unrealisable.

“We are so very grateful for all the amazing support we are receiving to protect over 60 acres of beautiful greenbelt countryside between our towns.”

Campaigners celebrate the land purchase

The campaign is similar to the successful Long Lands Common initiative that raised £375,000 to buy 30 acres of land near Nidderdale Greenway.

Fears over green belt

Ms Baxandall said there were major concerns about the amount of building going on and the protection of green belt land.

Knaresborough Forest Park, she said, would “involve all ages working together to create a really special haven for nature and humans”, adding:

“We will pay off the philanthropic loan with the money people are pledging so please keep those pledges coming in.

“Pledges to buy community shares send a very clear message that Knaresborough Forest Park is hugely important to people. Over 900 people have already pledged. We cannot thank you all enough.”

Read more:

• Campaign to create Knaresborough Forest Park issues urgent plea for support
• £405,000 campaign to restore public access to 41 acres of the old Knaresborough Forest

The fields were once the eastern end of the ancient Royal Forest of Knaresborough. The land adjoins Long Lands Common at one end and drops down towards the River Nidd at the other.

George Eglese, a director of Knaresborough Forest Park, said:

“The land is already home to many species of flora and fauna with magnificent old hedges, streams, wetlands, and grasslands.

“There are panoramic views, taking in the town, the castle and St. John’s, which provide a fantastic opportunity to tell tale of ancient Knaresborough and the forest.

“The community has come together and achieved something to be incredibly proud of, something that will be there for many generations to come.”

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Knaresborough-based financial advisory firm has hired three new employees as part of growth within its group.

Prosperis Ltd, which is based at St James Business Park, made the hires to meet demand from corporate clients locally and around the UK.

Corporate services associate Ben Morris has joined the firm at its Knaresborough head office, while Dominic Ferneyhough joins as an independent financial adviser at its Skipton office.

Meanwhile, Ryan Green joins as a trainee in Skipton.

Niall Gunn, managing director at Prosperis, said:

“Recruiting new staff is never easy but we are delighted to have secured the services of Dom, Ben and Ryan,

“We will look to add high quality staff to the team as we continue with our expansion plans this year.”

Knaresborough company to sponsor Harrogate 10k

A green energy company based in Knaresborough is to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

Harmony Energy announced this week it will sponsor the event, which is being held on Sunday, July 2, and organised by Harrogate Harriers.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, and Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer

The annual race starts and finishes at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy chief executive, who along with five other Harmony employees ran last year’s 10k, said: 

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with Harrogate Harriers to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

“I was approached last year by one of the committee, who lives near me, asking if we would consider sponsoring the Harrogate 10k. I’ve always enjoyed running and the health benefits it brings so I welcomed the opportunity to support the event.

“Harmony Energy already sponsors the Brownlee Foundation, which sees thousands of children taking part in triathlons, and it is great being able to support another sporting event involving children and adults on our doorstep.”

Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer, said: 

“Once again we are indebted to Harmony Energy for sponsoring the Harrogate 10k.

“Their funding allows us to not only stage the event, but to ensure it is properly marshalled, with first aiders and the necessary insurance in place.

“Last year nearly 500 runners took part in the event, and this year with covid fading into the distance we hope it will attract many more. It’s a really good course, takes in some beautiful scenery and is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.”

Read More: 

• Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm announces new sales manager
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate hotel owners hire project manager ahead of refurbishment
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers director retires after 30 years

To celebrate Charles III’s coronation, the Stray Ferret and Ogden of Harrogate are holding a competition for children to design two crowns fit for the royal occasion.

The lucky winners will have their dazzling crowns displayed in Ogden of Harrogate’s shop window – showcased alongside Ogden’s very own Imperial State Crown.

We’re inviting school pupils of all ages to get creative. Two winners will be selected: one of primary school age and one of secondary school age.

We will be posting photos of entries regularly across on our social media channels during the competition – so, the more the merrier.

The Ogden Crown: 

Traditional luxury jeweller, Ogden of Harrogate, was founded in 1893 by James Ogden.

The company established its royal connections nearly a century ago, after Prince George, son of George V and Queen Mary, became a frequent customer of the St James’s store in London.

In celebration of George VI’s Coronation in 1937, Ogden of Harrogate’s team hand-crafted two replicas of the Imperial State Crown.

One of Ogden of Harrogate’s replica crowns.

The jewels on the crown mirror those in the Royal crown, including the Cullinan 2 diamond – a cut from the largest diamond ever discovered.

The Ogden crowns boast exact replicas of the diamonds, ruby’s, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires found in the Imperial State Crown.

Robert Ogden, director of Ogden of Harrogate, said:

“It is a treat to have the crown out.

“It is only on display during Royal occasions”.

How to Enter:

To enter: please submit a photo of your crown drawing, painting or creation to our website here.

The competition will run from March 27 until April 21.

The crowns will be on display in the Harrogate store from 28 April until 13 May.

Will you be crowned a winner…?

Stray Views 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.

Town centre residents are once again up in arms regarding the announcement of road traffic orders for the Harrogate Station Gateway project.

Having raised concerns over the past 18 months by each person writing into object, they have written to every single councillor involved in the scheme and they have democratically voted against it.

The results of the last three consultations results show that the people of Harrogate Town as well as the Granville Road Residents Group are not in favour of this Scheme going ahead.

They have received an ‘Official Notification’ to raise their concerns again, about this scheme, along with any other residents in Harrogate.

However, the local Granville Road Area Residents have concerns on many levels about the whole scheme in its entirety including the construction works and access to their homes during this. Many of the town centre residents also run small businesses and need to access local roads.

They feel democracy is failing them in this ‘consultation process’ after already voting against this gateway scheme, in the last three consultations. Results have shown over 56% of the whole of Harrogate town have voted against the Harrogate Gateway Scheme.

They have now another opportunity to raise their concerns and vote democratically against it, but who is listening and taking notice of these results.

Rachael Inchboard, Harrogate

Read more:

• Stray Views: Rossett Nature Reserve ‘has been slashed back’
• Stray Views: Otley Road cycleway a “scandalous waste of public money”
• Stray Views: North Yorkshire rural transport ‘desperately inefficient’

‘Ugly box’ destroys Knaresborough flower bed

Would someone please take a look at where Swish Fibre have placed an ugly large box at the junction of Manse Lane/York Road in Knaresborough. 

Not only have they placed it directly in front of the flower bed (planted & looked after by Harrogate council) but in doing so have also destroyed lots of Daffodil bulbs.

Shaun Carrick, Knaresborough

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.