The Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency would be reduced in size, under revised plans published today by the Boundary Commission for England.
The commission first published proposals for a shake-up of Harrogate and Knaresborough in June 2021, which included moving Boroughbridge to another seat and shrinking the size of the constituency.
Under today’s revised proposals, the electorate would stand at 75,800. Latest Parliament figures show the current boundary has an electorate of 77,605.
The seat is currently held by the Conservative Andrew Jones.
The latest changes would see Claro ward and areas such as Burton Leonard reintroduced to the constituency from the initial proposals.
However, Boroughbridge would still remain in a newly created seat.
The commission will now undertake another round of public consultation until December 5 before making recommendations to government.
It will publish a final report on boundary changes in 2023.
Under the current proposals, the number of constituencies in Yorkshire and Humber would remain at 54.
Conservative Nigel Adams’ seat of Selby and Ainsty, which includes the south of Harrogate, would be scrapped.
The Wetherby and Easingwold seat.
Instead, Selby would have its own seat and the north of the district would fall under a new constituency called Wetherby and Easingwold, which would take in areas including Wetherby, Bishop Monkton and Boroughbridge.
The Skipton and Ripon constituency, which is currently represented by Conservative Julian Smith, would include Ripley, which is currently part of Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Tim Bowden, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said:
“Today we are announcing the publication of our revised proposals. Last year we published our initial proposals for new constituency boundaries – our first go at what the map should look like. We are delighted with the huge number of comments from members of the public on our initial proposals, many which included valuable evidence about local communities.
“Today’s publication is the culmination of months of analysis and we have revised nearly half of our initial proposals based on what people have told us. We now believe we are close to the best map of constituencies that can be achieved under the rules we are working to.
“However, we still want people to tell us what they think of this latest map before we submit our final recommendations to Parliament next year. This is our final consultation and I encourage you to participate in the 2023 Boundary Review.”
As part of the review, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.
You can comment on the proposals at the Boundary Commission website here.
Harrogate Conservatives breached data rules relating to Lib Dem rivalHarrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association “failed to comply” with data protection laws after distributing election leaflets which included a Liberal Democrat candidate’s personal details.
The Information Commissioner’s Office found the local Conservative branch published the name and address of Knaresborough councillor Matt Walker during May’s local elections while promoting its own candidate.
In a letter to Cllr Walker following his complaint, the ICO said it found the matter was done without his consent and that it could not constitute a “legitimate or lawful” use of personal data.
It said:
“H&KCA published details of your name and address, without your consent, for the purpose of promoting an alternative candidate in local elections.
“The ICO do not consider this could constitute a legitimate or lawful use of your personal data, and their purpose for publishing and circulating this personal data would not override your individual rights.
“The ICO will now write to H&KCA to advise them of the ICO’s view in this matter.”
The commissioner’s office added it would provide the Conservative association with advice and guidance on “improving their data processing in the future”.
It also said it would take no further action at this time, but would keep a record of complaints against Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives and “take these into account if more are received”.
In a tweet, Cllr Walker said he was “absolutely disgusted” that his personal data was used.
https://twitter.com/MattWalkerLD/status/1588817092744478720
Mr Walker told the Stray Ferret he was at heightened risk of being targeted by anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists because he works for the NHS and helped with vaccination technology.
He added:
“Like many people in my profession, I’ve been warned not to advertise my address. Two MPs have been murdered in the last five years by fanatics. I am disgusted that the Conservatives decided to advertise where I live to thousands of Knaresborough residents.
“Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives have shown a real lack of judgement in misusing personal data and those in charge of their election campaign clearly need additional training.”
Mr Walker added he “looked forward to receiving an apology”.
The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives for a response.
In 2020, Conservative Harrogate Borough Council leader, Richard Cooper, sent a letter to the ICO asking for the local Lib Dems’ petitions to be investigated for “data harvesting”.
Cllr Cooper said none of the four petitions were submitted to relevant bodies and were instead an exercise to build a database of contact information.
The Liberal Democrats described the accusations as a ploy to put people off signing petitions but an ICO spokesperson provided the Lib Dems with advice to improve their data protection policies following the complaint.
Guide to bonfire and fireworks displays in the Harrogate district
This story is sponsored by Belmont Grosvenor School which will be holding a Bonfire Night Party on Friday, November 4. There will be s’mores round the campfire, music, hot food, a licensed bar, stalls and more. Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the firework display starts at 7.20pm.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate and cost £10 for adults (children under the age of 18 are free). Get them in advance by emailing kaye.walker@bewonder.co.uk.
Bonfire night is fast approaching so we have put together a list of events coming up in the Harrogate district.
They all take place over the weekend of November 4, 5 and 6.
Let us know if we have missed your event and we will add it to the list. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or call us on 01423 276197.
Belmont Grosvenor School Bonfire Party
Where: Belmont Grosvenor School, Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 2JG
When: 6pm start, 6.30pm fire lit, 7.20pm firework display
Tickets: £10 with children under the age of 18 entering for free
Ripon Rowels Rotary Charity Bonfire and Firework Display
Where: Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG
When: 5.30pm start, 7pm fire lit, 7.30pm firework display
Tickets: adults £6, children £3, family (2 adult, 2 child) £12, under 3s free
Spofforth Village Firework Display
Where: Spofforth Cricket Ground, School Lane, Spofforth, HG3 1BA
When: Gates open 5pm, 7pm-7.15pm firework display.
Tickets: Family pre-paid £12:50 and on the gate £15. Adult pre-paid £4 and on the gate £5. Child pre-paid £2:50 and on the gate £3.
Swinton Bivouac Silent Bonfire Night
Where: Swinton Bivouac, Masham, Ilton, Ripon, HG4 4JZ
When: 6.30pm bonfire lit. There will be no fireworks or loud bangs.
Tickets: free entry, food and drinks available from the Bivouac Café
Aspin Park Academy Fireworks Night, Knaresborough
Where: School grounds
When: 5.15pm start, 6.30pm firework display
Tickets: Advance online booking – adults £4, children £3, family ticket £12, preschoolers free. On the gate – adults £5, children £4
Harrogate Stray Bonfire and Fireworks, Harrogate Round Table
Where: Oatlands Stray, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ
When: 5pm start (there will be entertainment), bonfire lit 5.30pm, 7.15pm firework display
Tickets: free entry, donations welcome
Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group Pateley Bonfire
Where: Pateley Bridge Showground
When: 6pm start, 6.30pm torchlit procession and bonfire lit, 7pm fireworks
Tickets: free entry, donations welcome
Kirkby Malzeard community village bonfire
Where: North Close Farm, Ripon Road, Kirkby Malzeard
When: 6pm start, 6.30pm bonfire lit, 7pm fireworks
Tickets: Free entry but donations welcome to fund next year’s event. Parking is available at North Close Farm. No sparklers allowed. Bring a torch.
Yolk Farm Bonfire and Burger Night – dog-friendly
Where: Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Minskip, York, YO51 9HY
When: 5.30pm start, 6.30pm bonfire lit, no fireworks
Tickets: free entry for the event, advanced bookings only for Burger Night in the restaurant – 5:30pm and 8pm sittings
Staveley Arms Bonfire
Where: The Staveley Arms, Greenfields, North Stainley, Ripon, HG4 3HT
When: 6pm
Tickets: £5 per person to include a choice of hot dog or cup of soup
The countdown to the festive season has started in Knaresborough, with just four weeks to go until the town holds its Christmas Market Weekend.
Centred on the huge Christmas tree in Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls, selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce.
Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by a wide variety of local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.
The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square.
Market chair Hazel Haas said:
“Last year’s market was a huge success and we were thrilled with the feedback from traders and visitors alike. There was such a buzz in the town. I think people were just so pleased to see the return of largescale town events after a difficult 18 months.
“The 2022 market promises to be even bigger and there has been a high demand from traders, with stalls selling out way ahead of time.”
Committee member Charlotte Gale said:
“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.
“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.”
The market weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s railway viaduct and the Nidd Gorge.
Ms Haas added:
“We are also keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole. Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend.
“We are also supporting Rotary, Lions, St Michael’s Hospice, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Air Cadets, Girl Guides Association and Knaresborough Cricket Club, who are our charitable partners for this year.”
Pure Gym set to open in Knaresborough in March
Pure Gym has revealed it plans to open in Knaresborough in March.
The no frills health club operates more than 300 gyms in the UK, including one in Harrogate, which opened in 2015.
The Stray Ferret revealed in March that it planned to open on the site of the former Lidl supermarket on Knaresborough’s York Road.
In an update today to the Stray Ferret, Pure Gym promised to bring “affordable, flexible fitness to Knaresborough” with an introductory offer of £12.99 a month.
Pure Gym in Harrogate, which opened in 2015.
The Lidl closed in 2018 and in February last year Homecare Pharmacy Services began providing covid clinics from a building in the car park until it moved in September last year to larger premises on Knaresborough’s Chain Lane.
Pure Gym now aims to have a gym up and running on the site alongside the main road in four months. It will open from 6am to 10pm daily.
A Pure Gym spokesperson said:
“Pure Gym is delighted to be bringing affordable, flexible fitness to Knaresborough.
“Scheduled to open in March 2023, the brand-new gym will be spread across about 11,500 square feet and will offer pin and free weights, group exercise classes, a range of machines and equipment, a large functional area and access to our PTs to help members achieve their fitness goals.
“The people of Knaresborough and the surrounding areas will enjoy access to Pure Gym’s flagship low-cost, zero-contract memberships to help support their physical and mental wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming new members to Pure Gym Knaresborough – look out for our opening offer.”
Men arrested after suspected knifepoint robbery near Knaresborough
Two men have been arrested following a suspected knifepoint robbery near Knaresborough.
North Yorkshire Police were called at 1.40pm yesterday to reports that a couple had been robbed when they turned up at a house in Farnham to buy a vehicle that had been advertised for sale.
According to police, the pair were threatened by a group of suspects who stole their car and a large amount of cash inside it.
The suspects then fled in the vehicle and a van.
Police tracked down the stolen car to the A61 near Harewood after using automatic number plate recognition.
The suspects ran from the vehicle and a police firearms support unit, dog and police drone tracked them down to a wooded area.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a Class B drug, driving with no insurance, driving whilst disqualified and possession of an offensive weapon.
The suspects currently remain in police custody and both vehicles were recovered.
North Blinds: The company that will pull out all the stops to help you find the perfect window covering
This story is sponsored by North Blinds.
With so many styles of blinds and shades to choose from, finding the right one for your needs can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.
However, using their vast knowledge and expertise, Lucas and his business partner Chris can help you find the perfect window covering.
Since launching their business, North Blinds, in 2018, the team have commissioned and installed thousands of blinds.
Their unrivalled customer service has earned them hundreds of five star ratings on review sites including Google and Trustpilot.
This is thanks to their personal face-to-face approach, which includes bringing their unique ‘mobile showroom’ to customers’ homes.
Lucas said:
“We bring the showroom to customers, so they don’t need to leave the comfort of their homes.
“We, as an independent family business, have got large collections of books of different swatches and types of blinds, so they can see what the actual material or fitting is going to look like against the wall or against the furniture.
“This really helps customers to find what they are looking for.
“We are always friendly and our free no-obligation consultations are carried out in a relaxed way. We keep the best interest of our customers at heart.”
Lucas, from North Blinds.
Lucas, Chris and the team personally offer advice on what blinds would be suitable for customers’ needs.
For example, a heavy wooden blind might not necessarily be suitable for a large window and a motorised blind might be a more preferable option for a skylight.
Lucas said:
“Using our expertise and our experience, we advise them so they get the results they want. Sometimes as a customer, you have something in mind but you don’t know the full range or what options you have. So we can help solve this.”
The company also offers a unique lifetime aftercare service. As well as a standard two-year warranty on all blinds, North Blinds stay on standby to help customers with any future issues.
Lucas said:
“Our lifetime aftercare helps you to keep your blinds in tip-top shape, even when they get accidentally damaged. So if your dog took too much of a liking to your bone print kitchen blinds, we will fix the damage for free. We only charge for replacement parts if needed. You can’t say fairer than that!
“We focus on the experience and the customer service so they feel they have got value for money. We want to take away all the stress of ordering blinds, fitting them and making sure they are ok.”
North Blinds is based in Skipton, however they offer their top-class service across the Harrogate district, including Knaresborough and Ripon.
The firm works with the best manufacturers to supply a complete range of blinds, including blackout blinds, motorised, ‘perfect fit’, pleated, Venetian, roller, day and night, conservatory, skylight Roman and vertical. As well as the huge variety window blinds on offer, the business also offers a wide range of curtains and shutters.
Lucas added:
“Customers expect excellent quality materials, a high-level of workmanship, professionalism and excellent customer service, and that’s exactly what we believe in too.”
Boroughbridge estate agency Craven-Holmes shortlisted for top national award
This article is sponsored by Craven-Holmes.
Boroughbridge estate agents Craven-Holmes has been named a finalist in one of the most prestigious awards in the UK property industry.
The independent family-run business is one of 38 agencies shortlisted in the Small Estate Agency of the Year category at The Negotiator Awards 2022.
The winner will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on Friday, November 25.
Owner Tracey Wrigglesworth, who bought the agency in 2018, said it was a huge honour to be nominated.
She said:
“The Negotiator Awards are like the Oscars of the industry. Just to be shortlisted is massive.
“The criteria is incredibly tough. You have got to prove your worth.
“When I got the email to say I’d been shortlisted, I’m surprised you couldn’t hear me screaming in Harrogate!”
Tracey, who has more than 20 years experience in the local property market, runs the business with her daughter Mahalah Mulholland. Her friend Pauline Wardman also works at the agency and her son also gets involved when needed.
The sales, lettings and property agency works across the region in the Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Bedale and Wetherby areas.
Tracey and her team have all lived and worked in the area for many years and therefore have an in-depth knowledge of the local market.
Tracey said:
“We pride ourselves on our relationships and our customer service, as well as trust and integrity. We are really proud of what we do.
“We are an independent on Boroughbridge High Street and we are very much a supporter of the local community.
“I’m so proud of what we have achieved. The support that I’ve had has just been lovely with continued repeat business and recommendations.”
The steel frame for the new leisure and wellness centre on King James Road in Knaresborough is starting to take shape.
The centre, which is due to open at the end of next summer, 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 cycle storage.
It is being built next to the current leisure centre, which will stay open until the new facility is ready.
Harrogate Borough Council, which is funding the project, previously said this will be in July next year.
Once it opens, the existing pool will be demolished and replaced by a new play area, which is due to take a further 15 weeks.
The council has appointed Bristol-based firm Alliance Leisure to carry out construction work.
Councillor Stanley Lumley, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said in a statement today:
“This new facility for Knaresborough will be a fantastic asset for the town and shows our commitment to investing in leisure provision across the district.”
Councillors Stanley Lumley (left) and Phil Ireland
Councillor Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability and borough councillor for the Knaresborough Aspin and Calcutt ward, said the centre would be “a brilliant addition for the town of Knaresborough”, adding:
“What is also so important is the fact it will be built to BREEAM standard of ‘Excellent’, ensuring that is as energy-efficient as possible to help us achieve our net-zero emissions target.”
The BREEAM standard is based on an assessment of the building’s sustainability and energy performance.
Councillors Phil Ireland and Stanley Lumley with project manager Julian Donnelly.
The centre will be powered by air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.
Andy Grinter, secretary of Knaresborough Civic Society, said it was pleased the centre was not going to be run on gas.
Speaking after a recent civic society visit to the site, Mr Grinter said it was also heartened to hear the council planned to appoint local caterers.
He aded:
“We were disappointed by some aspects of the planning process; in particular the lack of interaction by Harrogate council officers, who appear to have taken decisions without any consultation with residents eg the design of the new play area, which has it seems already been designed, bought and paid for.”
He said senior manager “gave us reassurances that it is on time and on budget” but the society was surprised to discover the centre is only expected to have a shelf life of 25 to 30 years.
Mr Grinter also said the society remained unconvinced there was a need for a new centre and was disappointed by the modern design, close to Knaresborough conservation area. He said:
“I don’t think we will ever be happy about the look of it.”
Main photo shows Councillors Stanley Lumley and Phil Ireland, Alliance Leisure business development manager Sean Nolan and ISG project manager Julian Donnelly.
Dower House renovation set to start — but still no opening date
The owner of Knaresborough’s Dower House has said it is finalising the appointment of a contractor.
The hotel closed this year for refurbishment after the hotel was acquired by the Inn Collection Group in December last year.
The decision to permanently close the hotel gym and spa as part of the changes upset some members.
A former member Michael Ward contacted the Stray Ferret last week to say he was concerned by the lack of activity at the site in recent months. The Stray Ferret asked the owner for an update.
“Planning permissions have been received and listed building consents are now in place.
“We are now in the process of finalising a contractor appointment ahead of refurbishment works getting underway.”
The spokesman described the renovations as “complex” but said they would “enhance the Dower House’s environment, improve accessibility, and align the site with our food-driven pubs with rooms offer”.
However, he was unable to say when the venue will reopen.
The works will see an extension to the rear of the Dower House and will include a portico entrance, the installation of an accessible ramp, pergolas, a retaining wall and a keg store.
The renovation will also include the replacement of roof coverings, repairs to brickwork, the creation of a footpath and parking, and the installation of an extract flue.
The spokesman added:
“Once complete, the works will see 16 additional bedrooms created in the space previously occupied by the gym and spa.
“In the public report provided as part of the process, it was noted that ‘the overall the development will preserve the setting of the listed building’.”