Drop in vacant shops boosts hope for high streets

The deputy leader of Harrogate Borough Council has said he is “extremely optimistic” about high streets recovering from the covid crisis as he revealed positive economic data boosted by the reopening.

Cllr Graham Swift, who is also cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said the percentage of vacant shops across the district had fallen to 6.8% in March – a “significant improvement” from 8.6% around this time last year.

He added data on people’s movements showed the number of visitors to rural areas had returned to pre-pandemic levels, although Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon had not yet reached this point.

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Swift said:

“I’m extremely optimistic. The rural areas are already seeing traffic flow of people movements, as measured by Google, back to pre-pandemic levels.

“The three major conurbations are not back to pre-pandemic levels yet but the fact is retail is looking extremely positive and I’m very hopeful we will see a strong bounce back in the economy.”

Shops classed as vacant are those not paying business rates to the council.

Cllr Swift said the strongest performing areas for this currently are Boroughbridge, which has just one vacant shop, and Pateley Bridge, which has a vacancy rate of 2.5%.

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His comments followed a question from Boroughbridge councillor Robert Windass, who said members of the public were “curious” over the current state of high streets during the pandemic.

Cllr Swift responded:

“We are now seeing considerable extension of the opening up and unlocking of the country. Last week we saw the opening up of non-essential retail on April 12.

“I went into Harrogate on that morning and was overwhelmed by the innovation and creativity that is going on, particularly around the bar and hospitality sector who have used limited spaces to create exciting opportunities to open up.

“I was very, very impressed by the sector but most important to this question is what is going to be happening in the near future.”

He added:

“There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about Harrogate as a district and how its towns and city have responded to retail sector closures.

“A lot of people count the stores to see which ones are open or closed. In a case where we are in lockdown, it’s obvious that people will see things closed and think they have withdrawn from the site.

“But in actual fact, what we record are the business rate activities of these retail sectors and I’m extremely heartened by the fact that as of March 2021 our retail sector has improved.”

The latest unemployment figures for the district show a slight increase with 3,625 people claiming out-of-work benefits in February, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This equates to 3.8% of the population aged 16 to 64 and is up from 3,460 in January.

Meanwhile, the number of people in the district who were furloughed from their jobs was 12,300 in February, according to the latest HM Revenue & Customs figures.

This was an increase from 9,100 in December, before the third national lockdown began.

Ripon grievances ‘like listening to Scottish National Party’, says senior Tory councillor

A senior Conservative Harrogate councillor has said grievances about Harrogate Borough Council not spending enough money in Ripon are like “listening to the Scottish National Party.”

The comment was made at last night’s full council meeting by Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development at HBC.

It came after Ripon Independent councillor, Pauline McHardy, called on HBC to pause its sale of the Ripon Spa Baths site which she said is being sold “from under our noses”. She said she wanted the council to maintain the building for other purposes.

In response, Cllr Swift said:

“The grievance story is like listening to the Scottish National Party at times. It’s not right, it’s not correct and it’s not relevant. We are investing heavily in that beautiful city.

“Rather than complaining about what you think we don’t do, we’d love to hear the ideas that will drive the regeneration of Ripon”.

The Scottish National Party is led by Nicola Sturgeon and is the largest political party in Scotland. It wants independence from the UK.

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Cllr McHardy spoke to the Stray Ferret this morning and called Cllr Swift’s comments “rude and disrespectful”.

She said he should apologise.

“It’s disgusting. The Conservatives strategy of defence is attack. Comparing the people of Ripon with the Scottish National Party is an insult and he has offended the many Scottish people who live in the district.

“Cllr Swift goes for the jugular and it’s so rude and disrespectful.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate Borough Council and Cllr Swift for a response but we did not receive one at the time of publication.

Do you know where to find your nearest defibrillator?

For seven years, a group called Defibrillators For Ripon has been installing defibrillators at selected sites in the city.

The sites range from churches to sports grounds.

As the covid lockdown eases, and more people go out to shop, socialise and play sport, the group is keen to raise awareness of where the potentially life-saving units are located and how to use them.

Alec Lutton, of Defibrillators For Ripon, told the Stray Ferret:

“A heart attack or cardiac arrest could happen to anyone of any age at any time, day or night.

“If you find someone having a cardiac arrest, start CPR straight away, phone 999 and once you give the operator your location, they will tell you where the nearest defibrillator unit is.

“Do not leave the person on their own – send someone else for the defibrillator.

“The person sent for the unit, will be asked by the operator for the code on the front of the cabinet, and then given the code to open it and obtain the defibrillator.

“Each has a built-in voice instruction guide, to help you use it.”

Photo of defibrillator unit at Ripon Rugby Club

Ripon Rugby Club is one of 19 locations around the city with a defibrillator unit.

The defibrillators are set to ‘adult mode’, and must be moved to the setting 1-8, if a child is to be treated.

If someone has a cardiac arrest, the unit will buy precious time following the 999 call until a community first responder and ambulance arrives.

The defibrillators have been installed with help, guidance and approval from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, NHS England and Harrogate Borough Council, as well as businesses and sports clubs.

Mr Lutton said:

“Eleven of the units have been purchased through Ripon Lions Club, which has been supporting us since 2015.

“Many people within this wonderful city have made donations or organised fundraising events, including one remarkable woman who raised more than £4,000.”

Further information about Defibrillators For Ripon can be found on the Facebook page Defibs Ripon

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The locations of the defibrillators and their postcodes are:

 

 

Ripon grandma ‘rattling and crackling’ on charity 30km run

A Ripon grandma with no running experience and severe health conditions has embarked on a mission to run 30 kilometres to raise money for a children’s charity.

Joy Kalus, 75, suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes breathing difficulties, disabling osteoarthritis and is recovering from viral heart failure.

Despite all these ailments, the former British Rail worker is determined to complete her challenge within 30 days.

She aims to do so by running laps of Ripon rugby field. Money raised will go to the NSPCC.

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In just one day, Joy has already beaten her £120 target. So far she has raised £245. Click or tap here to donate on JustGiving.

The cause is close to Joy’s heart. Ten years ago she flew to Brazil to help children on the streets and orphanages.

Joy, who has two daughters and is a grandmother to three boys, said:

“I am just an old lady rattling on to do her best. I can only trot about 25 steps at a time at a time before I start flapping my arms so I look like I am taking off.

“Osteoarthritis has made most of my joints swell. So everything is rattling and crackling as I move.

“I’ve never run before but that isn’t going to stop me. It’s more of a trot because I can’t breathe well.

“But I always tell my daughters they can do anything if they are determined enough. So can I.

“I don’t care how old I am, or what illnesses I am suffering from. Even if it takes me all year I’ll get there.”

Daughter Lisa Bradley, 43, said:

”Both my sister Suzanne and I are so unbelievably proud. Our mum has always been a force to be reckoned with.

“When she first told me I thought she was mad, but she laced up her trainers and off she went. She really is our inspiration.”

Firefighters called after Harrogate BBQ sets alight petrol can

Firefighters were called to an address in Harrogate last night after a barbecue caused a petrol can to ignite.

Crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were summoned to a home on Rosewood Crescent.

According to the incident summary, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 9.14pm and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire, which spread to the back door of the property

The blaze caused 5% heat damage to the door. Firefighters gave the homeowners advice.

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Later that night, a Harrogate crew attended another fire when an armchair was set alight in a home on Cold Bath Road.

The incident, at 1223am, was caused by a dropped cigarette. The resident had already extinguished the fire before the crew arrived.

The officers ventilated the property and gave advice.

Two hours later, two Ripon crews responded a to a fire that spread to nearby trees and bushes after a car was set alight.

The car, on St Wilfrids Crescent, is believed to have been deliberately torched.

The crews used a 45m jet, two dry powder extinguisher and a thermal imaging camera.

Many happy returners at Ripon City Netball Club

It was time for many happy returns at Ripon City Netball Club this week.

The spontaneous singing of ‘Happy Birthday to You’, signalled the arrival on court of Jackie Laugher.

For the mother of Olympic gold medal winning diver Jack, it was the sporting icing on the cake.

On a sunlit evening, she met with team mates she hadn’t seen face-to-face for seven months.

Jackie told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s lovely to be back among friends.”

Photo of Ripon City Netball Club training session

Families and friends – Helen and Amy Mackenzie (left) are pictured with, from left: Jackie Laugher, Lindsi Baldwin and her sister Kirsteen Dixon

Jack, who won his diving gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had rung his mother earlier to wish her a happy birthday.

She said:

“He is always encouraging me and was pleased to hear I was heading out for netball training and keeping myself fit.”

For Jack, the road to Olympic gold started at Ripon’s Spa Baths where he was taught to swim by Sylvia Grice.

His sporting prowess was developed further at Ripon Grammar School, where he was taught by Sylvia’s daughter and PE teacher Helen Mackenzie.

The connection between the families continues, as Helen is head coach at Ripon City Netball Club, where her daughter Amy is a rising star.

She said:

“The aim since we set off seven years ago has been to create a club based on three words – participate, enjoy, succeed.

“We are inclusive, welcoming all-comers.

“This sees mothers alongside their daughters and siblings enjoying training and playing together.”

Club secretary Kirsteen Dixon who was present with her sister Lindsi Baldwin, said:

“These times are so special, it’s like turning the clock back to school days, when we first learnt to play netball.

“Many lasting friendships developed from this.

“The social aspect is as important as the sporting activity.”

Covid lockdown saw the suspension of netball in September.

Ripon City, which plays in the Hambleton, Harrogate, York and North Yorkshire Ambassadors leagues is now preparing for games later this year.

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With teams named after birds of prey – Falcons, Kestrels, Ospreys, Eagles and Hawks – it’s time to spread their wings once more.

As lockdown lifts further, many more will be flocking back to their Ripon Grammar School base.

Three Ripon museums prepare for reopening

Three Ripon museums are preparing to reopen next month after receiving further government funding.

The Workhouse, Prison & Police and Old Courthouse museums plan to welcome visitors from May 17.

Before then, the Workhouse Museum gardens will be open until 3pm today.

Ripon Museum Trust, which maintains the attractions, has received two grants totalling £186,850 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which helps cultural organisations recover from covid,

The latest grant of £69,350, announced last week, will help the trust develop digital learning for schools and reconnect with tour groups, older learners and communities.

Photo of Ripon Police & Prison Museum

The Police & Prison Museum – one of the three heritage attractions run by Ripon Museum Trust

This additional funding comes as visitor attractions and tourism destinations aim to make the most of the relaxation of lockdown restrictions and boom in staycations.

Helen Thornton, director of Ripon Museum Trust, said:

“The Arts Council’s cultural recovery funding has been an absolute lifeline during a very challenging time.

“This grant puts us in a strong and positive position to reopen our museums again and welcome visitors back – which is what we love doing and what we are all about.

“It will be so wonderful having our doors open again on 17 May.”

The Workhouse Museum gardens will also be open between 11am and 3pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus Bank Holiday Monday 3 May.

To manage numbers and ensure social distancing, people should book timed ticket slots online for this and the ‘Inside Out’ Museum Trail. Visit riponmuseums.co.uk for bookings.

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Sir Nicholas Serota, chairman of Arts Council England, said:

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.

“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

Last autumn, the trust was awarded £117,500 from the Culture Recovery Fund.

Newby Hall to feature on Sunday’s Antiques Roadshow

Newby Hall near Ripon will feature in this weekend’s Antiques Roadshow programme on BBC One.

The programme, which will be broadcast at 7pm on Sunday, is the second of two that were filmed at Newby in August last year. The first programme came out on January 31.

Antiques Roadshow attracts about six million viewers, who will see footage of Newby’s house and gardens.

Filming took place in warm sunshine one day and rain and gales the next. Covid restrictions were enforced.

Newby Hall

Newby Hall

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who was filming her 13th series of Antiques Roadshow, said after filming she had a “wonderful time at Newby Hall filming some stunning items in the blazing sunshine and pouring rain!”.

She added:

“Our experts have seen some really intriguing and valuable objects and I can’t wait to see the finished programmes.”

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Series editor Robert Murphy said Newby was selected because of its “incredible house, award-winning gardens and collection of stunning Roman statues”.

Richard Compton, Newby Hall’s owner said:

“We are very much looking forward to showing off our beautiful corner of North Yorkshire to all the viewers of this flagship programme.”

Transdev set to buy Yorkshire Tiger bus service

Transdev has agreed to buy the West Yorkshire-based Yorkshire Tiger bus service from Arriva UK Bus.

The French company, which operates the 36 route between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds, announced the preliminary agreement today. It did not return inquiries from the Stray Ferret about the cost of the deal.

The sale is expected to be completed in summer.

A Transdev statement said  Arriva’s 163 employees will transfer to Transdev Blazefield, which employs over 1,200 people at eight operating centres across the north of England.

Local bus services would not be affected, it added.

The sale includes Arriva’s two depots at Elland, near Halifax and Waterloo in Huddersfield, as well as 61 buses.

As part of the deal, Arriva’s 163 drivers, engineers, cleaning and support staff at the two depots will join Transdev, which employs 1,200 people at eight centres in the region, including Starbeck.

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Transdev Blazefield chief executive Alex Hornby said:

“We are thrilled to be growing our team and our company, and are really looking forward to serving this part of West Yorkshire for the first time.

“This demonstrates Transdev’s long-term commitment to develop our business here in the north of England, building on a clear track record of success.

“At this critical time for the bus, we believe it can play a key role in enabling our economic recovery, both locally and nationally.

Yorkshire Tiger’s day and season passes are expected to be integrated into Transdev’s range of travel tickets, and travel company West Yorkshire Metro’s range of tickets will continue to be valid on all its services.

The sole exceptions to the deal are the 231 and 232 Huddersfield to Wakefield routes, which are planned to remain within Arriva as part of its Yorkshire business.

£34,000: the cost of heating closed Ripon pool

Harrogate Borough Council has spent £34,000 heating Ripon Spa Baths since it closed in March last year, the Stray Ferret has discovered.

The pool is one of three in the Harrogate district, along with Knaresborough and Starbeck, to remain closed after leisure facilities were allowed to reopen on Monday.

The council has now disclosed the cost of keeping the water warm and the plant in operational condition during the last year of closure to Andrew Williams, the leader of Ripon City Council.

Councillor Williams said it would be “council taxpayer money down the drain if the baths are not reopened” immediately.

Photo of new Ripon Swimming Pool under construction

Ripon’s new pool was due to open this summer but construction will not be complete until November.

He said:

“Construction of Ripon’s new pool will not be complete until November.

“The swimming pools at Knaresborough and Starbeck are closed and travel to Harrogate Hydro and the Nidderdale pool in Pateley Bridge is not advisable, as the government still urges us to stay as local as possible.

“Taking all of these factors into consideration, I find it hard to believe that Harrogate Borough Council cannot find the personnel needed for Spa Baths to reopen straight away.

“They must tell the citizens of Ripon – particularly young people who have had months of no leisure activity during lockdown – exactly when they can go swimming again.”

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The Grade II Listed Spa Baths was deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ in February and put on the market.

Cllr Williams, the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin and representatives of Ripon Civic Society, found the pool in operational condition last month when they were shown around the building by selling agents Sanderson Weatherall.

This prompted the senior councillors, along with other city councillors, to call for reopening from 12 April, when lockdown restrictions were lifted.

But that date has passed and the pool remains closed.

A spokeswoman for Harrogate Borough Council said reopening Spa Baths when lockdown restrictions changed on Monday was not possible because sport and leisure staff have been redeployed to other services.

The spokeswoman added:

“We have kept the pool at Ripon Spa Baths heated because we have been using it for staff training while the building was closed to the public.

“All systems which keep the pool functioning have been set to the lowest level.

“It is far more cost-effective to maintain a minimum heat in the water than allow it to cool completely and then have to reheat it to the required temperature.

“Pool water which retains some heat and continues to circulate through the filtration system, albeit slowly, will also prevent damage to the infrastructure and algae build-up.

“Heating also protects the fabric of the building from condensation and decay.

“We look forward to welcoming back swimmers as soon as we can.”