Three Knaresborough businesses have united to call for the removal of the social distancing cones in the town centre.

The traffic cones have been in place on the High Street since the start of the pandemic but some traders and residents feel now is time for them to go.

The government is due to drop all social distancing measures next month in the final step of the roadmap out of lockdown.

However, three business owners told the Stray Ferret the cones should be removed as soon as possible so disc parking spaces can be restored.

Read more:

• Just one covid case reported in Harrogate district
• Harrogate social distancing measures to be reviewed next month

Hairdresser Kelly Teggin, who owns a shop on Castlegate, told the Stray Ferret:

“The car parking spaces are needed more than the room they provide for social distancing.

“When I have stood on the High Street and watched, I do not see anyone using the cones to walk around others anymore.

“But in the last few weeks when it has been busy in town, nearly all of my clients were 20 minutes late because they could not find a parking space.”

Jordan Thompson, who owns Harriets Clothing, also said:

“We need normality back and we need parking available so people can come and spend their money in time like they used to do.

“Now is the time for them to go. They are very ugly and people drive into them all the time.”

The president of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and barber shop owner, Steve Teggin, added his frustration:

“If you look at the High Street and the rest of town, it is still very quiet. A lot of people are still affected by the lack of parking.

“Unfortunately, we are losing customers to Harrogate so we have got to stop that now.”

The businesses called for people who agree to reach out to councillor David Goode, who represents Knaresborough on North Yorkshire County Council, the highways authority, by emailing him here.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire County Council whether it was considering the removal of the cones but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.

North Yorkshire County Council’s trading arm, The Brierley Group, recorded a loss of £639,000 last year.

The council has created numerous companies to generate funding for frontline services.

The authority’s leader and deputy leader, Councillors Carl Les and Gareth Dadd, defended the strategy ahead of the council’s first meeting to discuss the group’s performance during the first year of the pandemic.

An officers’ report to the meeting said the ventures, to which the council has committed to loaning some £54 million at preferential rates, had seen a continued “mixed performance” from the previous year.

Provisional figures show the group, which includes education and business services, housebuilding, internet, legal and waste enterprises, delivered a loss after tax for the 2020/21 financial year of £639,000.

The report stated the total revenue generated of £59.9 million was under budget by £4.8 million.

Read more:

• Council releases heavily redacted responses to Turkish Baths consultation
• Residents say they will fight plans for a Starbucks to be built on Wetherby Road

Officers said North Yorkshire Education Services faced unique challenges throughout the year, and that the pandemic had an adverse impact on the school catering business due to school closures.

While First North Law’s trading in the first half of the year resulted in a £14,000 underperformance, officers said broadband provider NYnet experienced some challenging trading conditions throughout 2020-21, particularly with regard to new customer sales.

The report states waste management company Yorwaste performed well during the last quarter despite trading continuing to be difficult and the business services Veritau group exceeded its budgeted profit for the year.

Cllr Les said:

“The pandemic has had an impact across not only the council, but the council-owned companies and we are looking at the business plan for the future post-pandemic.”

He said he was optimistic about the firms staging a recovery this year, providing covid variants did not have a major impact on the county.

Cllr Dadd, who is also the council’s finance executive member, said he was proud of what the authority had achieved with its commercialisation agenda.

He said:

“It’s been done in a cautious manner, but nonetheless has provided and post-pandemic will provide vital resources to the county council’s budget on behalf of the taxpayer.

“We are not risking millions and millions like other authorities, which are buying shopping centres. We are taking a cautious, level-headed, reasonable approach to this and any extra funds goes into support services, especially for vulnerable people, and that’s why we’re keen to pursue it.”

He added the authority had a better chance of getting a variety of work done than many if not all other councils because it was the firms’ shareholders, so they had to perform for the authority.

Cllr Dadd said:

“Their focus is entirely on service delivery to make profit or reach what the residents of North Yorkshire expect. It’s had a positive effect on service delivery.”

Both sides of the cycling debate have criticised North Yorkshire County Council after it scrapped a controversial active travel scheme for the Oatlands Drive area of Harrogate.

The council received more than £1m from government to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

It put forward four schemes in North Yorkshire, three of which were in Harrogate and one in Whitby.

But last week it dropped the Oatlands Drive proposals after fierce opposition from residents.

It initially proposed making the whole of Oatlands Drive one-way then revised this to make nearby St Winifred’s Road and St Hilda’s Road one-way.

Both schemes were abandoned, meaning the money will be spent on projects for Victoria Avenue in Harrogate and the A59 in Knaresborough, plus the one in Whitby.

Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, said he was disappointed with the way the council handled the Oatlands scheme.

He said:

“The Oatlands Drive one-way idea was dropped by the executive member, Don Mackenzie, at a very early stage.

“Hopefully future plans for the area will involve all agencies.

“On the initial plan, they didn’t even involve St Aidan’s School.

“As soon as there was some opposition they dropped the scheme. That’s disappointing. Hopefully, they learned their lessons and involve more people.”

Mr Douglas said the council had to accept active travel schemes inconvenienced some people and be stronger in the face of opposition if it was serious about improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

He asked:

“Is there a real commitment to dealing with any of this?”

Read more:

• Video highlights issue of motorists parking on Oatlands cycle lane

• Controversial Oatlands Drive active travel scheme scrapped

Anna McIntee, who lives on Oatlands Drive, campaigned vigorously against the proposals.

She launched petitions and posted on the Facebook group and website she co-founded, Harrogate Residents Association.

She said “everyone was up in arms” about the plans, which forced her to act.

“I couldn’t let go, it opened Pandora’s box”

“Number one for North Yorkshire County Council should have been to engage with residents.

“We want cycling and walking infrastructure but not at the expense of vehicles.”

The council has said the Oatlands consultation responses will feed into an Oatlands constituency feasibility study that will “reassess opportunities” for infrastructure improvements across the area.

But Ms McIntee warned the council could expect more strong opposition if it put forward similar proposals for Oatlands Drive.

“Yes, 100%. They would be wasting their time.”

Ripon and Masham are to get a new on-demand bus service as part of a pilot scheme to improve links to rural areas.

YorBus, which is run by North Yorkshire County Council, launches on July 1 and is due to be trialled for 12 months.

The service allows passengers to book a ride when and where they need one.

Once a passenger has chosen a pickup and drop-off location, they will need to head to a bus stop for a pooled ride.

Residents can book the bus through an app or by phone. The app will be available from June 28.

YorBus covers the area shaded in blue.

The app allows passengers to plan and track their bus journey, including how long the bus will take to arrive.

It will operate from 6.55am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.

There will be a flat fare of £1.20 for adults and 65p for children between the ages of 5 and 17. Children under 5 can travel for free. Concessions can also be used.

Read more:

• West Park multi-storey car park to host Harrogate covid testing
• Ripon Curzon won’t open on June 4 after all

YorBus is also fully accessible, with low floor access and a ramp for those with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Cllr Don MacKenzie, the executive member for access, stated:

“The YorBus project is intended to provide transport to help people to travel to work, to go shopping, to attend medical appointments and to access other services, which they need. We hope it will offer a viable and affordable alternative to the private motor car.

“The flexibility of the scheme also means that a high proportion of seats on buses will be occupied on every journey, which will lead to better value for money and greater environmental benefits too.”

To promote the launch of YorBus, the council is running roadshows to speak to residents about the service, stopping off at the following locations:

• June 22 9:30-11:30: Bedale
• June 23 9:30-11:30: Masham
• June 24 9:30-11:30: Ripon
• June 24 13:00-14:00: Grewelthorpe
• June 24 14:30-15:30: Kirkby Malzeard
• June 25 9:30-11:30: Lightwater Valley
• June 25 13:30-15:30: Fountains Abbey

North Yorkshire County Council looks set to buy land at Cardale Park previously earmarked for a mental health facility for £1.8 million.

Senior county councillors on the authority’s executive will be recommended to approve the purchase at a meeting next week.

The three acres of land on Beckwith Head Road, Harrogate, will be used to build an extra care facility and will be bought from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

A report due before councillors says the land will be used for the “purposes of progressing the scheme to assist with social care market development in the Harrogate area”.

Read more:

• New base for Harrogate mental health crisis team yet to be found
• How did we get here? The closure of Harrogate’s Briary Unit is a story of political debate and debt
• County council to buy Cardale Park site for care facility

The land had previously been given approval for a 36-bed mental health facility, following the closure of Harrogate District Hospital’s Briary Unit, which helped adults with mental illness.

However, those plans were dropped in 2019 and inpatients on the unit were sent to Foss Park Hospital in York instead.

Cllr Jim Clark, a Conservative councillor who sits on the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel to represent North Yorkshire, told the Stray Ferret previously that he was pleased the site was going to be used.

He said:

“It is important that this site is used for the benefit of local people.

“I would have preferred it to be a mental health facility, but I am glad that it is going to be used for assisted housing for people instead.”

The trust, which runs mental health services in Harrogate, has relocated services following the closure of the Briary Wing.

The unit’s mental health crisis team moved to The Orchards in Ripon last year.

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. See below for details on how to contribute.

E-scooter scourge

Recently I have noticed an increase in the use of electric scooters in the Harrogate town centre.

I am aware that the use of such is illegal on both road and footpath, yet this appears not to be preventing their increased use.

A few months back I was surprised to see one being ridden in the dark by a youth dressed in dark clothing. He seemed to come out of nowhere, riding it down the middle of the road. When I protested all I received was a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse!

Recently my wife and I were forced to step aside for another scooter rider, who crossed West Park from the Stray, using the crossing, but then entered back on to the road in Tower Street.

I’ve tried to find a police officer to ask what is being done to keep us safe from this blight. I couldn’t find one! I’ve reported my near misses, using NYP’s online system, but haven’t had a reply!

Could you find out what their plan is?

Richard Abbott, Harrogate

Use ornamental gravel instead of fake grass

A good alternative to the fake grass in the planters in Harrogate would be ornamental gravel. Easy to maintain and not costly. It would look much more attractive than plastic grass.

Sylvia Barnes, Knaresborough

Random approach to recycling 

We need investigative journalism

Well done for pursuing council secrecy with your articles this week — good investigative journalism.

Hardly anyone in North Yorkshire got the chance to elect councillors this time round “because it would be confusing with an impending change of government structure [in two years]”.  We need journalists to keep up the pressure.

Bob Hankinson, Harrogate

Informal discussions could take place between the local Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green parties about working together.

The move follows Conservative Matt Scott’s victory in last week’s Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election.

Arnold Warneken, who represented Harrogate and District Green Party, told the Stray Ferret he had approached the Liberal Democrats and Labour about setting up a meeting.

Mr Warneken said co-operation “made sense” and he hoped some form of progressive alliance would emerge.

Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council, said collaboration with other parties was “a discussion that needs to be had” and she was open-minded on the subject.

Cllr Marsh described the loss of the seat on North Yorkshire County Council formally held by the Liberal Democrat Geoff Webber as “a huge shock and disappointment”.

Asked why she felt voters had turned against the Liberal Democrats, she said:

“I have no idea. With all the sleaze and cronyism taking place and I am at a total loss to understand why anyone still votes for the Conservatives.”

Asked if she would consider her position as leader following the by-election defeat, she said she had been re-elected two weeks ago and intended to carry on.

Read more:

• Bilton Liberal Democrat candidate ‘very sorry’ after by-election defeat
• Conservatives win Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election

Margaret Smith, chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party, said it was not averse to discussions but its ability to enter into any formal arrangement with other parties would be determined by the national Labour Party. She said:

“It’s about building a progressive alternative and when we agree on issues we would like to work with anyone, irrespective of party membership or support.

“It is a matter of building coalitions, issue by issue, where we agree.”

The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Scott, who won 43 per cent of the vote in Bilton and Nidd Gorge, why he felt voters had switched to the Conservatives and what was top of his agenda but he declined to answer.

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. See below for details on how to contribute.

Malcolm’s history walks are a real treat

How fortunate we are to have local historian, Malcolm Neesam, who is so interested in the history of Harrogate that we can all enjoy two virtual walks with his knowledge of the town.

The walks are beautifully set up on the best website I have seen with maps, photos and information clearly displayed. A real treat!

Thank you, Malcolm!

Audrey Culling, Nidderdale 

Recycling rules don’t make recycling easy

We are lucky to have birdsong – do your bit to keep it going

Read more: 

• Local historian creates audio walks celebrating Harrogate’s glorious past
• Fears of fly-tipping in Harrogate district as recycling centres close

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.

Five schools and a care home in the Harrogate district are set to benefit from £2 million worth of carbon funding.

North Yorkshire County Council has secured the cash from the government to help meet its target of reaching carbon zero by 2030.

The money will go towards projects at county council buildings across North Yorkshire.

It will see the buildings improved by fitting replacement windows and making them more energy efficient.

Read more:

• Harrogate council awarded £2.4m to cut carbon emissions
• Harrogate hospital gets £14 million to reduce carbon footprint by 25 per cent
• Harrogate council to award £2.4m carbon contracts without open tender

In the Harrogate district, the following schools and care home will benefit:

• Ripon Grammar School
• St Cuthbert’s Church of England Primary School, Pateley Bridge
• Summerbridge Community Primary School
• King James School, Knaresborough
• Boroughbridge High School
• Station View Care Home, Starbeck

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the county council, said: 

“Climate change is a real threat to our region and collectively we need to take action to mitigate and reduce the effects.

“Opportunities such as the public sector decarbonisation fund are very welcome to help us to improve our buildings and infrastructure. We want to send a clear message that we are committed to improving our own buildings and reducing carbon from our activities.”

More than 20 schools across the county are expected to benefit, as well as council-run care homes in Pickering.

The funding will also support a study of options for environmental and energy efficiency initiatives at the authority’s office buildings.

This could include initiatives such as electric vehicle charge points, generation of renewable energy on buildings and other carbon-saving measures and building improvements.

It follows similar decarbonisation projects which have been announced by Harrogate Borough Council.

The authority was awarded more than £2.4 million for two projects at the Harrogate Hydro and the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, Harrogate District Hospital was given £14 million by government to reduce its carbon footprint by 25 per cent.

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election has said he is “very sorry” for the result after the Conservatives took the seat from the party.

Speaking today, Liberal Democrat Andrew Kempston-Parkes said the election result was “not what we hoped for”.

Matt Scott, the Conservative candidate, won the North Yorkshire County Council seat for the Tories by 352 votes.

The by-election was held following the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Geoff Webber who died in March after holding the seat since 2017.

Mr Kempston-Parkes said after the result:

“I look to my comrades in the Labour Party and my sisters and brothers in the Green Party and say as long as the parties of the centre and left continue to fight each other, Conservatives will continue to have power even though they get less than 50% of the vote.”

Matt Scott, the new Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge on North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Scott, who already represents the area on Harrogate Borough Council, won the North Yorkshire County Council seat this morning by a margin of 352 votes ahead of second-placed Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Kempston-Parkes.

His victory marks a shift in power away from the Lib Dems who had previously won six out of eight county council elections in Bilton in the last 16 years.

Read more:

• Conservatives win Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election

• Ripon councillor elected as county council chairman

Speaking after being announced as winner at the Pavilions of Harrogate today, Cllr Scott said:

“I’m very grateful to the people of Bilton and Nidd Gorge – it’s been a pleasure to serve as the Harrogate borough councillor in Bilton Woodfield since 2018.

“It’s a real privilege to be the county councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge as well.”

There are two Bilton and Nidd Gorge seats on the county council, the other being held by Conservative Paul Haslam whose position was not up for election.

Cllr Scott won today with 1,991 votes, followed by Liberal Democrat Andrew Kempston-Parkes (1,639), Labour’s Tyler Reeton (434), Green Party’s Anrold Warneken (430), Yorkshire Party’s John Hall and  , independent Harvey Alexander (46).

Voter turnout was 37.4% of eligible voters and there were 19 spoiled ballots.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Labour candidate Tyler Reeton gave a message to other young aspiring politicians and promised the party will “come back stronger”.

He said:

“If you are young don’t be scared to run in politics. Politics is yours and you are the future generation. As a 19-year-old, I am honoured to have stood here today with rather strong competitors.

“The Labour Party is not going anywhere in Harrogate – we are going to come back stronger next year and we will win Bilton.”