Harrogate council approves £650,000 refurbishment of ‘eyesore’ Ripon flatsHarrogate Borough Council will spend £650,000 on long-awaited plans to bring 11 one-bedroom flats in Ripon back into use.
Plans to refurbish the council homes at Allhallowgate date back seven years but have been delayed due to sinkhole concerns in the area.
In 2015, planning permission was granted to demolish a block of flats at 4-14a Allhallowgate and replace them with nine townhouses. The plan also included a major refurbishment of an existing block of flats.
The flats were demolished but the rest of the scheme was halted in 2019 after an engineering firm found ground instability “could be foreseen” on or near the site. They warned that measures to reduce the risk of the townhouses collapsing were not cost-effective.
Ripon sits above a layer of gypsum, which is a water-soluble rock that leads to the formation of large underground caves that can collapse.
The council pledged to continue with the refurbishment of the existing flats that weren’t demolished. However, its plans were paused again during covid as they were used as temporary accommodation for homeless people.
In May, the council was quoted £1.1m for the project by a contractor — almost double its budget of £650,000. It has since removed plans to build an extension to the building to reduce costs.
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The council’s cabinet met on Wednesday night to approve spending money on the refurbishment.
Conservative cabinet member for housing and safer communities, Mike Chambers, who is also councillor for Ripon Spa, said he was happy the project was finally moving forward.
He said:
“This is a project that for a number of years has hit the buffers for various reasons. It is now appropriate we start moving it forward again. It is somewhat of an eyesore so I’m delighted we’re moving forward.
“It will improve the streetscene and a number of residents are concerned about the state of the block following the demolition. It’s high time we moved on.”
Subject to planning permission, HBC hopes to complete the refurbishment by May 2023.
Two men jailed for vicious attack in RiponTwo middle-aged men were jailed today for a vicious attack on an innocent man who suffered a broken eye socket which required facial-reconstruction surgery.
Gavin Hewson, 45, and Charles Neate, 55, punched the victim repeatedly at a block of flats in Ripon which left him “covered in blood”, York Crown Court heard.
They were arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm but denied the offences. However, a jury found them guilty following a trial in November.
Prosecutor Nicola Hoskins said the two men went to the apartment block in St Marygate apparently looking to “sort out” another man but ended up attacking his neighbour, who was named in court.
The victim had been watching TV with his partner when they heard someone shouting the name of their neighbour who lived in the opposite flat.
When he went outside to ask them to be quiet and go away, he was attacked by the two men, resulting in a fractured eye socket, swollen eyes and a suspected broken nose.
His partner called police as other people outside flagged down a passing police car and alerted officers to the attack.
York Crown Court
Two officers followed a “trail of blood” from the apartment block’s communal door to the victim’s flat and advised him to seek medical attention.
He was treated at Harrogate District Hospital and kept in overnight due to the extent of his injuries. He later had facial-reconstruction surgery.
Hewson and Neate claimed they weren’t even at the apartment block but were found guilty as charged. They appeared for sentence today.
Ripon man had 13 previous convictions
Ms Hoskins described the attack, which occurred on August 2, 2020, as “prolonged and persistent”.
Hewson, of Maple Walk, Ripon, had 13 previous convictions for 20 offences including battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and disorderly behaviour.
Neate, of Aysgarth Walk, Richmond Hill, Leeds, had 110 offences on his record including many for serious violence and previous convictions for assault with intention to rob, public disorder, affray and carrying a blade.
David McGonigal, for Hewson, said the father-of-two had a well-paid job but accepted he had a problem with drink-related violence.
He said Hewson could lose his job and his home if he were jailed.
Robert Mochrie, for Neate, said his client had been struggling with his mental health for years following a family tragedy.
But judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, said the attack at the apartment block was “far too serious” for anything other than an immediate jail sentence.
He told the defendants:
“Both of you have had serious tragedies in your lives and they were deeply unpleasant…but think about all the unpleasantness, the upset, the fear, that you have caused in your lives to other people.
“And on this night, I’m quite satisfied that the pair of you were going to these flats in order to sort somebody out.
“You weren’t after this (victim)…but it turned nasty very quickly upon your unfortunate victim who had nothing to do with you and came out simply to ask you to be quiet…and both of you set about him.
“You beat up a purely innocent man just for the hell of it.”
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He told Neate:
“It is right to say that your offending was tailing off somewhat…but back it’s come with a vengeance.”
Jailing him for three years, the judge described Neate as a “very violent man indeed”.
Hewson was jailed for two-and-a-half years because his track record for violence wasn’t as bad as Neate’s.
Both men were also given a five-year restraining order, banning them from contacting the victim and his partner and going to St Marysgate in Ripon.
Luxury new-build bungalows go on the market in picturesque village of Rainton
This article is sponsored by Linley & Simpson.
An exclusive new development of luxury four-bedroom bungalows has gone on the market in the picturesque village of Rainton.
Boasting a cricket club, green and pub, the idyllic rural setting provides the perfect location for Grange Farm.
As village locations remain in huge demand, one property has already been sold.
However, there are two spacious detached homes with double garages remaining, with prices starting from £630,000.
They have been built by Harrogate-based independent developers JWK Developments Ltd.
Plot 1 at Grange Farm Barns, Rainton.
Lucy Collinge, new homes marketing executive at Linley & Simpson, the agent selling the properties, said:
“It is unusual for a development of bungalows to come to the market – particularly as new builds.
“These properties are around 1,800 sq ft. However, they are really energy efficient as they are fitted with air source heat pumps and underfloor heating.
“The specification is high quality with stunning contemporary open-plan fitted kitchens, french doors opening to a private garden and patio and tiled bathrooms and ensuites. There is also a feature oak handrail in the hallway.”
The homes boast a carefully considered layout, with living and sleeping accommodation shared on the ground floor, as well as featuring a principal bedroom to the first floor in a dormer bungalow style.
A bathroom at a similar development in Alne, near Easingwold, by JWK Developments.
A separate sitting room and optional study or snug allows for a second reception room, ensuring that these homes provide for versatile living accommodation.
The ground floor also provides a utility room, cloakroom WC, house bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a single fourth bedroom/study.
Ms Collinge said:
“They also feature large landscaped gardens, which have been planted with crabapple trees and are really pretty. They are very much in-keeping with the village landscape.”
Rainton is a quintessentially English village, nestled between Ripon and Thirsk.
It is close to the junction of the A1 and A168, providing the commuter with options when travelling by car. Central Harrogate and York are 16 and 25 miles to the south respectively and Leeds is 38 miles away.
A kitchen at a similar development in Alne, near Easingwold, by JWK Developments.
For longer journeys, the nearest train station is Thirsk which is just seven miles away. From here, it is possible to catch direct trains to Leeds, London, Manchester Airport, Sunderland and York.
Ms Collinge added:
“Rainton has got a lovely village green and a maypole and it certainly looks the part.
“You’ve also got great transport links on the doorstop giving seclusion without remoteness.
“Rainton really is a stunning village in a fabulous location – the perfect place to buy a new home.”
James Knight, director of JWK Developments, said:
“Grange Farm is a truly unique development and the importance of an energy efficient and sustainable home has been recognised.
“From Mitsubishi air source heat pumps, underfloor heating to the ground floor and electric vehicle charging points, this offers buyers luxury eco-friendly living.”
To enquire about plots 1 and 2 at Grange Farm Barns, call Linley & Simpson on 01423 540054
Ripon’s Royal Engineers enjoy freedom of the city
Rousing military music resounded on city streets yesterday morning as Ripon’s Royal Engineers held their annual freedom march.
Members of the 21 Engineer Regiment based at Claro Barracks, who returned to the UK in September from postings in Cyprus and Poland, were joined by a band from the Royal Corps of Army Music, as 300 uniformed men and women marched past the town hall and down Kirkgate for a service held in their honour at the cathedral.
Eyes right as the Royal Engineers march past Ripon Town Hall and take the salute from city Mayor Councillor Sid Hawke and other civic dignitaries.
In line with tradition the Engineers, who were awarded the freedom of Ripon in 1949, exercised the rights bestowed on them 73 years ago, by marching in step to the sound of the band with drums beating and bayonets fixed.
The march down Kirkgate.
In addition to the six-month United Nations peacekeeping role in Cyprus that the Engineers took up in March and the detachment to Poland, Ripon-based sappers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.
The Royal Engineers attended a service at Ripon Cathedral
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Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate districtChristmas markets are taking place across the Harrogate district.
Here’s our guide to what’s taking place. If you know of one that isn’t included, let us know and we will add it. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
RHS Harlow Carr, Bath House Gallery: Christmas Crafts
10am, Thursday, October 20 to 4pm, Friday, December 23
Country Living Christmas Fair, Harrogate Convention Centre
10am, Thursday, December 1 to 4pm, Sunday, December 4
Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, The Yorkshire Events Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate
9.30 to 5am Thursday, December 1 to Sunday December 2022 (4.30pm finish on Sunday)
Harrogate Christmas Fayre, Harrogate town centre
10am, Friday, December 2 to 4.30pm, Sunday, December 11
Pateley Bridge and Bewerley late night shopping, Pateley Bridge High Street
December 2, 5.30pm
Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 4
Knaresborough Christmas Market, Knaresborough Market Place
10am, to 5pm Saturday, December 3 and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4, finishing with firework fiesta over the viaduct at 4.30pm
Knaresborough Artisan Market, Gracious St Methodist Church, Knaresborough HG5 8AN
10am to 3pm, December 3
Copt Hewick Christmas Fair, Copt Hewick village hall and church
11am to 3pm, December 3, cash-only event, Santa arrives at noon and carols at 1.30pm
St Luke’s Church Parish Christmas Fair, St Luke’s Church, Franklin Square, Harrogate
10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, December 3
Belmont Grosvenor School Christmas Fair, Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith
Saturday, December 3, £3 entry for adults, free for children
Minskip Christmas Gift Fayre, Minskip Village Hall
Saturday December 3, 1pm to 4pm – all gifts priced at under £10
Nativity Festival, St Cuthbert’s Church Pateley Bridge
Saturday December 3, 10.30am to 2.30pm. Followed, at 7pm by Christmas carol singing accompanied by local choirs. (Tickets for the carol concert cost £5 and will be available on the door or from church members)
SYD* Christmas Craft, Vintage & Collectables Fayre, Masham Town Hall
10am, Sunday, December 4
* Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs
Knaresborough Winter Fayre, Knaresborough Market Place
10am to 4pm, Saturday, December 10
Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Saturday, December 10, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 11
Crime commissioner Zoë Metcalfe resigns from Harrogate Borough CouncilNorth Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has resigned as a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council.
The news has not been publicly announced yet. However, the council’s website confirms she is no longer a councillor.
The Stray Ferret was alerted to the news by another councillor and has attempted to contact Ms Metcalfe directly, as well as the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Harrogate Borough Council for further details. So far only Harrogate Borough Council has replied to clarify there won’t be a by-election.
A spokesman said:
“Under the terms of the Structural Changes Order we are unable to run by-elections to fill vacancies arising after September 30, unless the total number of unfilled vacancies exceeds one third of the whole number of members. Therefore there will not be a by-election for this seat.”
Ms Metcalfe, a Conservative, was elected to the £74,000 commissioner’s role in November last year after her predecessor Philip Allott resigned.
At the time she represented Claro on Harrogate Borough Council and Knaresborough on North Yorkshire County Council.
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She did not seek re-election to the county council in May’s local elections but retained her borough council seat. Her departure today comes four months to the day before the borough council is abolished to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.
Ms Metcalfe has strong local connections: she was born in Ripon and now lives in Aldborough, near Boroughbridge.
She joined the Conservatives in 2014 and has twice stood unsuccessfully for Parliament: first in Doncaster Central and then in Leeds West.
A fire service review she led this year generated controversy because of its decision to reduce the number of fire engines stationed at Harrogate from two to one overnight.
Morrisons blames lack of stock in Ripon store on faulty fridgeMorrisons supermarket has blamed a faulty fridge on a lack of stock at its Ripon store.
Heather Rowlatt, a former staff member at the branch contacted the Stray Ferret this week, claiming more than one department was without produce.
She attached a photo of a closed-off fruit and vegetable counter and said there was also no meat, bread or bakery goods.
Ms Rowlatt said:
“My partner asked staff, but all they said was ‘I don’t know’. He had to shop elsewhere.”
It follows comments on community social media channels, which have questioned dwindling stock levels at Morrisons in both Ripon and Boroughbridge in recent weeks.
A Morrisons spokesperson said:
“After talking to colleagues at both stores, it seems that Boroughbridge haven’t reported any issues with stock, however the Ripon store have unfortunately had a broken fridge – which can be seen in the photo.
“I can confirm that this is all fixed and the Ripon store is fully stocked once again.”
MPs Watch: Resignation honours and River Nidd water qualityEvery month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his autumn statement, which included scrapping planned investment zones in the Harrogate district and across the country.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation honours were also revealed, which is set to include district MP Nigel Adams.
We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.
Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:
- On November 10, Andrew Jones debated the possibility of the River Nidd at Knaresborough achieving bathing water status in the House of Commons.
- Mr Jones called for a debate on green building regulations in the House of Commons to be “sped up”.
- Mr Jones asked for reassurance from ministers on November 15 that park home residents would get support for energy bills amid concern over rising prices.
- In response to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement on November 17, Mr Jones said he felt Mr Hunt had made some “difficult decisions but right ones”.
- In response to new IPSA guidance over expenses for festive decorations, Mr Jones said he has “never used parliamentary expenses to pay for festive decorations or parties and I never will”.
- On November 28, Mr Jones asked whether ministers would focus education funding on “creating estates to deliver the skills needed in the growth sectors of the future” after Harrogate College announced a £16 million estates scheme.
Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.
In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:
- Mr Smith made three spoken contributions in the House of Commons in November on matters relating to Northern Ireland.
- On November 8, Mr Smith tweeted that he was pleased that Ripon Museums had secured a grant from Arts Council England.
- Mr Smith commemorated Armistice Day by placing a tribute on behalf of Skipton and Ripon in parliament’s garden of remembrance.
- Mr Smith also laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday in Ripon as part of commemorations on November 13.
- The Ripon MP paid tribute to local constituency Cllr Margaret Atkinson on November 14, who died suddenly. He said she had “a passion, focus & dedication to public service which she pursued for many decade”.
- Mr Smith made no public comment on Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement, but he retweeted the Treasury Twitter account announcing measures included in the statement.
Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.
In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:
- On November 8, it was revealed by The Times newspaper that Nigel Adams is in line for a peerage in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation honours.
- On November 23, Mr Adams asked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for more support for bus services as he warned that 80 services across the county were at under threat.
- Mr Adams spoke only once in the House of Commons in November, which was to ask the Prime Minister for support on buses in North Yorkshire.
- He made no public comment on Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement.
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Harrogate and Ripon survive today’s cull of HSBC branchesHarrogate and Ripon have been spared its HSBC banks shutting after the company announced a raft of closures today.
The bank said it will close 114 branches from April 2023.
HSBC UK said the closures were down to a change in customer habits and that it would invest “tens of millions of pounds” in its remaining banks.
Among the closures include branches in nearby Wetherby and Skipton.
However, Ripon’s branch on Westgate and Harrogate’s on Prospect Crescent have been spared closure.
The HSBC – which has no external cash machine – is Ripon’s sole remaining bank branch after Halifax closed on November 14.
The Halifax closed less than three months after the long-established Barclays branch closed its doors for good on August 25.
Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s managing director of UK distribution, said:
“People are changing the way they bank and footfall in many branches is at an all-time low, with no signs of it returning.
“Banking remotely is becoming the norm for the vast majority of us.
“Not only can we do it anywhere at any time of day or night, many more things can be done at the customers’ convenience and don’t rely on a branch visit.”
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Plans submitted to convert Ripon City football ground into 66-bed care homePlans have been submitted to build a two-storey, 66-bed care home on Ripon City AFC‘s ground.
The club, which has played at Mallorie Park for more than 100 years, revealed last month it planned to relocate.
Leeds-based care company LNT Care Developments has now submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council to transform the ground into a home specialising in general and dementia care, including 25 parking spaces.
A visual of the proposed new home.
LNT has developed over 200 care homes in the UK since 2005. A planning statement, prepared on behalf of the company to support the application, says:
“The proposed care home would provide a character and form of development that should positively
enhance the character of the site and surrounding area, whilst also offering an important local
community service.
The development would also have a positive impact within the area by improving employment
opportunities, not only during the construction phase but also in the longer term when the care home
becomes fully operational.”
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Neither LNT nor Ripon City AFC has disclosed how much the deal is worth.
The club said in a statement last month that funds from any sale would be used to develop a new facility, which would include floodlit 3G and grass pitches, seated stands as well as a multipurpose clubhouse.
The location of the new ground has yet to be revealed but the club has published a proposed layout of how it would look.
The proposed layout for the new Ripon City AFC facility