A dog groomer in Ripley has urged Harrogate Borough Council to offer financial support for dog grooming businesses affected by the lockdown.
The government says dog grooming services can stay open but pets can only be groomed if it’s absolutely necessary for the animal’s welfare.
This has put businesses like Sirius Dog Grooming Parlour in Ripley in a difficult position. Owner Catherine Cowling says she is technically open but has lost 95% of her customers.
It means she could be ineligible for support grants for businesses that have had to close due to the current lockdown.
Ms Cowling said some councils have decided to include dog grooming businesses but others haven’t. Harrogate Borough Council is yet to launch the scheme.
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She told the Stray Ferret her current situation “isn’t financially viable” with barely any money coming in.
She said:
“This is causing total chaos in the industry. A lot of groomers are being forced back to work, against the guidelines, simply to pay their rent. Whereas business like mine remain closed as I’m wanting to do what I can to stop the movement of the virus, but I am now living off thin air.”
She said the industry is asking for clarity from the government to ensure businesses can receive the support they need.
“As an industry we need uniformity and fairness. Either we can remain open and carry on our business as normal or we are classed as ‘closed’ by the government so we all have access to the appropriate grants.”
Following publication of this story, HBC issued the following statement:
Ripley Castle and Harewood House grounds stay open“Dog groomers will be able to apply for Additional Restrictions Grant (applications set to open at the end of the month) as a business not legally required to close but may be negatively impacted by restrictions in place.”
The gardens and grounds of Ripley Castle and Harewood House will remain open to the public during the coronavirus lockdown.
The castle and house closed to the public today but the outdoor areas remain open. Both venues will provide takeaway food and drinks.
Ripley Castle will be open daily from 10.30am to 3pm with last entry at 1pm. Adult tickets are £3; entry for children is free.
The owners are also considering keeping the gardens and grounds open up to Christmas. They usually close during winter.
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Booking is currently unavailable online but tickets can be bought from the tea room. There is free parking in the main village car park, which is open from 9am to 6pm daily.
Harewood House will also keep its grounds, gardens and adventure playground open during the lockdown.
It will be open 10am to 4pm daily with last entry at 3.15pm. Pre-booked tickets are required.
Santa taking a break
Ripley Castle has also confirmed it will not be running a Santa experience in the run-up to Christmas this year.
The big man has decided to take a break this year so he won’t be in his grotto at the castle.
Harewood House has also cancelled its Lord Whitney’s Upon a Christmas Wish this year. However, it will be replaced with Christmas at Harewood.
Other places still open in lockdown
RHS Harlow Carr, Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey will also remain open for outdoor walks during lockdown.
They will all operate a takeaway service to keep people warm and fuelled for their autumnal and winter walks.
Garden centres are also open.
Police appeal after woman dies falling from campervan near RipleyNorth Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a 40-year-old woman died falling out of a white Fiat camper van as it was travelling near Ripley.
The incident occurred on the B6165 at around 7.10pm on Sunday, shortly before the roundabout with the A61. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police officers are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle prior to or at the time of the collision.
Anyone with any information and/or dash camera footage that they believe could assist police with their enquiries should contact Traffic Constable 771 Steven James on 101 option 2, or email steven.james771@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.
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Boys assaulted by group of teens on Bilton viaduct
Two boys have been assaulted on the Bilton to Ripley cycle path after a confrontation with a group of teenagers.
The victims and a friend were chased onto the Bilton viaduct on Tuesday, between 6.15pm and 6.30pm, by a group of between five and seven people.
One of the group approached the first victim and punched him in the face a number of times. The boy suffered facial injuries which required hospital treatment.
The second victim tried to help his friend and was punched in the back of the head by another member of the group.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:
“This incident took place on a busy public footpath, in broad daylight, where members of the public are exercising. We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Police are trying to trace two suspects. Both are described as white teenage boys, aged between 16 and 18. One was between 5ft 9ins and 6ft tall and well-built, with medium length brown hair. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and grey shorts and was on a bicycle, carrying a dark blue backpack.
The second suspect had a thin build and was more than 6ft 2ins tall. He is also believed to have been on a bike and was wearing a black t-shirt with grey jogging bottoms. Both of the suspects were part of a group of up to seven people.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Ryan Rudd. Alternatively, email ryan.rudd@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200093071.
To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.