Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Mike Chambers, Conservative

Mike Chambers is the Conservative candidate for Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division.

Mr Chambers has been associated with Ripon since 1967 and has lived permanently in the city since 1993.

He retired from the Royal Air Force in 2001, following a career, spanning 35 years, and took-up the appointment of Unit Welfare Officer at Claro Barracks, initially with 38 Engineer Regiment and subsequently with 21 Engineer Regiment, until eventually retiring in March 2012.

Mr Chambers currently represents the city on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council. He also sits on Ripon City Council.

He is also the cabinet member for housing and safer communities on the borough council.

Mr Chambers said:

“The establishment of the new North Yorkshire Council presents new opportunities for Ripon. It is vital that we have strong representatives, able to speak out and get the best deal for Ripon. 

“With a proven record of service to our community, I believe that I am well placed to speak up for and deliver for Ripon.”

Robin Burgess, Green Party

Robin Burgess will stand for the Green Party in the division.

Mr Burgess lives in Ripon and manages the IT infrastructure at a scientific electronics company.

He said got interested in politics while at school in Knaresborough and believes in the “societal value of political participation”.

On why he is standing, Mr Burgess said:

“As a councillor, my goal will be to represent the interests of the people of Ripon and ensure that they have access to the public services they need in an environment that supports their health and wellbeing. 

“I am standing as a Green Party candidate because they are the only party that shares my commitment to protecting our planet whilst promoting a fairer society for everyone.”

Sid Hawke, Independent

Sid Hawke will be standing as an independent candidate in the division.

Mr Hawke, who lives in Ripon, currently represents the area on Harrogate Borough Council which he was elected to in 2018.

He also sits as a councillor on Ripon City Council.

On why he is standing for the new North Yorkshire Council, Mr Hawke said:

“I have lived in Ripon all my life and I am seeking election as an Independent because I believe in standing up for local residents rather than a political party.

“Ripon needs to see greater investment in our roads and pavements many of which are a disgrace and have been neglected by the Conservatives who take Ripon for granted.

“We need to see a significant improvement in the policing of our city and a provision of greater opportunities for the youth of Ripon.

“I am strongly opposed to the building of 1300 homes on the Claro Barracks which I believe will bring traffic gridlock to Ripon, we need a much more balanced use of this site.”

Barbara Brodigan, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the division is Barbara Brodigan.

Ms Brodigan lives in Ripon and is a trained teacher who currently works as an education consultant, managing educational partnerships between schools, colleges and universities across Europe.

She founded the Ripon Spa Residents Action Group, which campaigns for a sustainable and improved road infrastructure ahead of the development of Ripon barracks.

She also campaign against overdevelopment, believing that the “fabric of the ancient city should be preserved and maintained for residents and visitors”.

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Ouseburn division which will see two candidates standing for election.

Richard Musgrave, Conservative

Richard Musgrave will be the Conservative candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Musgrave is currently the councillor for the Escrick Division on North Yorkshire County Council.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Musgrave for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Arnold Warneken, Green Party

Arnold Warneken is the Green Party candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Warneken has lived in Ainsty for 40 years and was the councillor for Marston Moor on Harrogate Borough Council in the 1980s.

He said he joined the Green Party as it “recognises the need for social and environmental justice”.

On standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Warneken said:

“I joined the Green Party because it recognises the need for social and environmental justice, through the empowerment of local communities, with positive solutions to the issues that challenge human survival.

“I am active throughout the year organising food parcels via Ainsty Community Larder, medicines deliveries, and transport for residents. I support road safety measures such as 20’s Plenty and better recycling facilities, and I have personally emptied overflowing dog-poo bins. I have also distributed 300 recycling bags & boxes to residents.

“I have a proven track record of getting things done as a volunteer so that I can achieve so much more as a county councillor.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Boroughbridge and Claro division which will see five candidates standing for election.

Robert Windass, Conservative

Robert Windass is the Conservative candidate for the Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Windass currently sits as a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the area on the authority.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Harrison for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Clark Pearson, Green Party

Clark Pearson is the green Party division on May 5.

Mr Pearson has lived in Knaresborough for the last 10 years. He has an interest in geography and architecture.

He said he was standing as he wants to protect the area from the climate emergency.

Mr Pearson said:

“It is one of the most picturesque places I know. With that in mind, why are we ruining, Knaresborough, Britain, and the world? 

“The planet is suffocating under a blanket of plastic and being warmed by a thermal insulation of CO2, all caused by this selfish animal we call humans.”

Jon Starkey, Independent

Jon Starkey will be standing as an independent candidate in Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Starkey lives in Boroughbridge and is self-employed, working in event sound, lighting and audio visual.

He said his priorities for standing include lower council tax, tackling litter and fly-tipping, improving bus services, stopping major housing developments and improving accountability of councillors.

He said:

“I am a non-political candidate who is not governed or regulated by the policies of the national parties, consequently,

“I can better represent the interests and the residents of the area by saying exactly what I think without the need to tow the party line, and bring a whole new common sense attitude to local government.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Andrew Bell, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Bell will be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Bell, who lives in Knaresborough, said he is standing to tackle environmental issues and “improve the area”.

He set up Knaresborough Wombles, a group which litter picking group in the town.

Mr Bell said:

“I believe that we need to see a significant improvement in recycling rates, significantly increased electric car charging points, improvements to house building standards and introduction of local renewable energy schemes such as more local hydroelectric generating schemes.

“It important that the county council does more to support improved high street economies for towns such as Boroughbridge.”

Noel Evans, Independent

Noel Evans will be standing as an independent candidate in the division.

Mr Evans, who lives in Goldsborough, said he was standing after having “direct dealings” with Harrogate Borough Council over a planning matter.

He said:

“I put myself forward having seen, first-hand through direct dealings with the Council on a local planning matter, how council officials and councillors (of both parties) are entirely focussed on matters deemed ‘important’ for the council with total disregard for the residents of the area, who as council-taxpayers pay their wages and allowances and vote to keep them in office.

“The new North Yorkshire Council needs a new start with new people. And local decision making rather than influence from national political parties. We need independent councillors.”

However, Mr Evans added that he had would also be urging people to vote for Mr Starkey as two independents stand in the division.

He said he was doing this because the area needed “independent and local decisions made for the ward by a councillor living in the ward”.

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Andrew Paraskos, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division is Andrew Paraskos.

Mr Paraskos is currently the Spofforth With Lower Wharefdale councillor on Harrogate Borough Council. He also sits on North Yorkshire County Council.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Paraskos for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Alexandra Marsh, Green Party

Alexandra Marsh is the Green Party candidate for the division on May 5.

Ms Marsh has lived in Cowthorpe for 35 years and runs an organic food business.

She is semi-retired and is currently responsible financial officer for Tockwith with Wilstop Parish Council. 

On why she is standing for North Yorkshire Council, Ms Marsh said:

“I want the new NY Council to better support our rural communities, particularly our most vulnerable residents and our hard-hit small businesses, whilst reducing North Yorkshire’s carbon footprint as a matter of urgency. 

“The Green Party is the only Party genuinely committed to safeguarding life on this very special planet.”

John Hall, Yorkshire Party

John Hall will be standing for the Yorkshire Party in the division on election day.

Mr Hall lives in Follifoot village near Harrogate and ran his own business for 30 years. 

Between work and family time, he also taught cycling proficiency in local schools.

Mr Hall believes that Yorkshire should have “proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament” in order to tackle issues such as transport.

He said:

“I support green transport and more rail-links. North Yorkshire’s bid for £116 million to fund bus improvements has been denied by Westminster. We’ll keep getting nothing until Yorkshire has proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament.

“We have the same population as Scotland, an economy 50% larger than Wales, yet the rights and funding of neither.

“Local agriculture needs support during these difficult times but, like so many of Yorkshire’s past industries, Westminster does nothing to help.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Michael Harrison, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the division is Michael Harrison.

Mr Harrison currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council as a councillor.

He is also the executive member for adult services and health integration on the county council.

On why he is standing, Mr Harrison said:

“I am the only candidate who lives in the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate electoral division.

“I have represented the area for 20 years as a parish, borough and county councillor. I have a track record of working all year round, not just at election time and will help deliver the new council for North Yorkshire if given the opportunity on May 5.”

Bill Rigby, Green Party

Bill Rigby is the Green Party candidate for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division.

Mr Rigby lives in Knaresborough with his family and became the first Green Party mayor of the town in 2016.

He worked as a consultant and teacher in eduction and set up a university in East Africa.

He said he spent his working life “fixing” things and feels this experience will help him being a councillor.

Mr Rigby said:

“It has become apparent that our society needs ‘fixing’, but the problems run deep, so the mending process involves us all working together, in harmony, with an eye on a common goal. 

“I feel my experience is just right to help our district succeed in this endeavour. Old methods and ‘business as usual’ have led us in the wrong direction. 

“I am now convinced that Green values and principles offer the best route to a happier future, not only for ourselves but also for all our companions and fellow creatures.”

Edward Clayson, Labour

The Labour candidate for the division is Edward Clayson.

Mr Clayson is a mental health nurse in the NHS and has lived and worked in Harrogate for 30 years.

He is currently branch secretary for the Harrogate Labour Party and has been a member for the past decade.

Mr Clayson said, if elected, his aim would be to get a “fair and equitable” service from the council for all.

He said:

“I am passionate about the NHS and, in particular, trying to improve mental health services in the Harrogate district

“I have been involved in local campaigns, including the Save Nidd Gorge campaign and also have campaigned for a mental health services.

“If elected for North Yorkshire County Council, I will work in the best interests of all residents in this ward hoping to ensure a fair and equitable service from the council to all.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

David Goode, Liberal Democrat

David Goode is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division on election day.

A Knaresborough resident for 30 years, Mr Goode is currently a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.

He is also a member of Knaresborough Connectors, Community Land Trust and Chair of Governors at Aspin Park Academy school.

During his working life, he worked as an IT consultant and sales and marketing specialist. He has since retired.

Mr Goode said, if elected, he would help establish stronger rural and urban communities.

He said:

“Through NYCC Locality Fund I have supported the establishment of a new youth group for 7-to-11-year olds, provided funding to set up community gardening projects, helped fund two defibrillators in the town and in partnership with Knaresborough Connectors helped fund laptops for school children during the pandemic. 

“The key to establishing stronger urban and rural communities is the provision of affordable public transport – subsidised – fairer integrated ticketing between bus companies and rail with integrated timetables between bus companies and rail.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Stanley Lumley, Pateley Bridge

Stanley Lumley will be the Conservative candidate for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale on May 5.

A lifelong resident of Nidderdale, Mr Lumley represents the area on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

He is also the cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport on the borough council.

Mr Lumley said:

“I am a life-long resident in Nidderdale and I am standing because I am passionate about the people and the place I live. 

“I am proud to represent my community and I hope to be able to continue serving all residents on the new North Yorkshire Council regardless of their political persuasion. 

“This is the most important election in local government for almost 50 years, the new council will need experienced and capable councillors to ensure equality for all and strong representation.”

Alison Harris, Yorkshire Party

Alison Harris is the candidate for the Yorkshire Party in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale.

Ms Harris is a retired Harrogate resident who  formerly worked in further education and for Barnsley Education Welfare Service.

On why she is standing, she said:

“I want more affordable housing built, with support for social and council housing from a devolved Yorkshire authority.

“Transport needs an overhaul: train services across the Pennines and to the east need vast improvement and country bus services should be expanded. Making public transport attractive and cheaper would go a long way to creating better environmental conditions.

“I support efforts to lessen our carbon footprint, including greener homes and an educational focus on green technologies.”

Andrew Murday, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Murday will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election on May 5.

Mr Murday lives in Glasshouses and and worked as a heart surgeon for most of his professional life.

He has also been a member of Bewerley Parish Council for the last three years.

He said:

“Nidderdale is one of the most beautiful places in the country. But rural areas are not without real problems; transport, affordable housing, an ageing population and the rest.

“Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council are run by a tired group of Conservatives who are beholden to a tired Conservative government. They have been there so long they now take our votes for granted.

“The change in the structure of local government now taking place in our region make these elections more important than ever. The time is ripe for new Liberal Democrat ideas based on the principals of liberty, equality and community and in which there is equal opportunity for all.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.

Steven Jackson, Conservative

Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.

He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.

When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:

“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.

“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”

He added:

“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.

“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”

Andrew Rickard, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.

Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.

He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.

On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:

“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control. 

“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”

He added:

“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”

Sarah Hart, Independent

Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.

A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.

Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.

She said:

“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.

“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.

“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”

She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.

John Adams, Labour

John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.

His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.

Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.

He said:

“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics. 

“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”

Mr Adams added:

“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”

Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.

Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.

He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.

He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.

Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.

He said:

“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.

“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.

Today, we look at the Oatlands and Pannal division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.

John Mann, Conservative

John Mann is the Conservative candidate for Oatlands and Pannal division.

Mr Mann is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, representing Harrogate Pannal ward.

He is also chair of the authority’s planning committee.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Mann for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gillian Charters, Green Party

Gillian Charters is standing for the Green Party in Oatlands and Pannal division.

Ms Charters taught at a Knaresborough comprehensive school for 20 years before retraining as a probation officer.

She now works part-time for a Quaker special school in North Yorkshire.

For 30 years, she has been a member of the Green Party, which she says is the party that has “both the environment and social justice at its heart”.

Ms Charters said she was standing for North Yorkshire Council because she wants to “improve living conditions and the environment” within the area.

Margaret Smith, Labour

The Labour candidate for Oatlands and Pannal is Margaret Smith.

Ms Smith worked for several years at a further education college before setting up a business focused on the use of IT in communities and small to medium-sized enterprises.

She said the company employed up to 25 people and provided opportunities to people, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

On why she is standing, Ms Smith said:

“Although not resident in the actual division, I live quite close and regularly walk through the Oatlands area, use its facilities and have conversations with people out and about.

“It is one of Labour’s many environmental policies which will have a major impact in the area. We intend to invest in reducing residential streets to safe environments where families can walk, cycle and play, e.g by stipulating a 20 mph speed limit in residential areas.”

She added:

“Pannal has for some years now suffered by being used as a “rat run” for drivers coming from new housing developments built in  areas of the town without appropriate infrastructure – something which must be stopped.

“Residents on the streets around the Leeds Road traffic lights in Oatlands are now experiencing the same problem with motorists trying to avoid the lights on the main road. These are narrow streets with an infant school located on one of them – Cromwell Road.”

Ms Smith added that she would also support a town council for Harrogate and devolution of powers to parish councils, such as Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council.

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Justin Chan, Liberal Democrat

Justin Chan will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.

Mr Chan is a lifelong Harrogate resident and currently works in retail as a customer services assistant.

He has a degree in politics and spent a year at Catania University in Sicily as part of an Erasmus exchange.

Mr Chan said he believes North Yorkshire Council should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion.

He said:

“It’s important to make local voices heard and to allow councillors strong decision-making powers to enable them to campaign for their local communities. 

“The new local authority should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion perhaps with a park-and-ride scheme. I will work to ensure Harrogate gets its own town council.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Bilton and Nidd Gorge division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Paul Haslam, Conservative

Paul Haslam is the Conservative candidate for Bilton and Nidd Gorge division.

Mr Haslam, who lives in Bilton, is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, where he represents the area.

On his priorities for standing, Mr Haslam said:

“I am passionate about all things Bilton, having lived on Bilton Lane since 2006

“My priorities continue to be serving the people of Bilton, protecting our green environment especially our green spaces such as the Nidd Gorge and protecting our urban environment. I set up quarterly Bilton residents’ meetings at the United Reformed Church in July 2021 to bring together residents, Harrogate Borough Council safer communities team and the police to locate and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our area.

“Maintaining the best local primary education facilities possible, make sure we are well represented in the new council and  that the services are maintained and improved as the new council takes on its new responsibilities.

“I will work with others such as Councillor Matt Scott and our MP Andrew Jones to get the best for Harrogate and Knaresborough as well as my division.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Deborah Havercroft, Labour

The Labour candidate for Bilton and Nidd Gorge is Deborah Havercroft.

Ms Havercroft lives in Bilton and works in the NHS. She also worked for the Ministry of Defence and in education.

She said she has made the cost of living and congestion on Skipton Road some of her priorities for standing.

Ms Havercroft said:

“I am aware of the hardships that will be caused to local families by increased living costs, especially energy and fuel and would urge NYCC to find a solution to the traffic congestion in Harrogate, particularly on Skipton Road.”

Andrew Kempston-Parkes, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Kempston-Parkes is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division.

Mr Kempston-Parkes is a former councillor and works as a chartered surveyor. During the pandemic, he volunteered at a homelessness charity and at a covid vaccination centre.

He said among his priorities would be to oppose major housing developments and work with police to “make Bilton and Woodfield safer”.

Mr Kempston-Parkes said:

“We need to protect our green fields.

“I will work with the police to continue to make  Bilton and Woodfield safer places to be. I will also make sure education and services for children are a top priority. 

“The establishment of a new Harrogate Town Council is vital to ensure continued strong local representation of residents views to the County Council.”

Candidates standing for the upcoming North Yorkshire Council elections were quizzed by an audience in Harrogate last night.

The Stray Ferret held an election hustings chaired by editor John Plummer at the Wesley Centre ahead of a landmark polling day for the town.

Questions on housing and congestion featured heavily on the night, as well as the environment, the Stray and a Harrogate town council.

Voters will head to the polls on May 5 to elect councillors to the new North Yorkshire Council.

The election will be the last before the authority replaces North Yorkshire County Council and seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, in what will prove to be the biggest shakeup in local government since the 1970s.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Independents all attended the hustings on Tuesday evening – but the Conservatives declined.

You can watch the full hustings below.

Housing and congestion

The candidates first faced a question on how they would ensure roads and local services could cope with ongoing housebuilding in Harrogate.

Labour’s Chris Watt, who is standing in Fairfax and Starbeck division, said:

“The first thing I would do is work with local residents to oppose housing developments where there is not adequate infrastructure.”

He pointed to developments on Kingsley Drive as an example.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck, Philip Broadbank, said he felt the council should encourage more people out of cars.

He said:

“We have to encourage people to get out of there cars and use them less.

“We also need investment in public transport.”

(From left) Bill Rigby, Chris Watt, John Plummer, Philip Broadbank and Sarah Hart.

Bill Rigby, who is standing for the Green Party in Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, said the number of cars on the road needed to be reduced.

“The main way you can reduce the traffic is by reducing the number of cars.”

Sarah Hart, Independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s, said:

“We need the right homes in the right places.

“We need more homes for local people who work here. And they should be in suitable locations.”T

Town council and the Stray

Meanwhile, the candidates were also asked about how the Stray would be used under the new council and who would look after it.

Mr Watt said:

“There should be a local community work on the Stray.”

He added that people should be involved in what happens with the Stray and what events are held on it.

Mr Rigby agreed that local people should be involved in deciding what happens with the Stray.

“I agree that the community should be involved in its management.”

He added that he would support the introduction of a town council to take control of the Stray.

Ms Hart agreed that the community should look after the Stray and supported creating a Harrogate Town Council.

“If there is a Harrogate Town Council, then they should protect it.”

Mr Broadbank said that the Stray was “unique” and added that Valley Gardens should also be considered for events too.

Hustings in full

The candidates also fielded questions on a Killinghall bypass, the environment and opposition parties working together.

You can watch the full debate below.