MPs Watch: Ukraine, Kex Gill and sewage

Every 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 February, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, made a speech to MPs in the lead up to the first anniversary of the war with Russia. Major decisions were made on Kex Gill and Ripon Barracks. Meanwhile, concern was once again raised about sewage into rivers.

We asked Harrogate & Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, Ripon MP Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but 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.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

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Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, he is what we found on Mr Adams:

Long-awaited £1.2m refurbishment of Ripon’s police and fire station confirmed

North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that a refurbishment of Ripon’s shared police and fire station is underway.

The £1.2m project has been in the pipeline for several years after the force sold Ripon’s police station in 2014.

Officers have used facilities at the fire station since 2018 but the site on Stonebridgegate has been deemed not fit-for-purpose by North Yorkshire Police.

In summer 2021, former Conservative Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner Philip Allott unveiled plans for a major refurbishment of the building.

A report was prepared for councillors yesterday that said the works had now been approved and represented “the best value for money” for Ripon residents.

The works will include repurposing the ground floor for the police to interact with the public, changing the first floor to create better meeting spaces for the fire service and improving the windows and lighting of the building.

Additional facilities costing £90,000 will also be created in Ripon’s Town Hall on Market Place to improve the police’s presence in the city centre.

Councillors in Harrogate met last night and heard from North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Richard Ogden about the project. Construction work is estimated to take around 15 weeks.

Ch Insp Ogden said:

“It’s something that has been long-overdue. I’m really pleased we have a way forward. We’re not only going to have investment for the fire service but we’re going to have a footprint for our neighbourhood team in the city centre. It’s really exciting for Ripon.”

The police said there will be slight disruption during construction but work will be phased to reduce its impact.

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Zoe Metcalfe

In a press statement released after the meeting, Conservative Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe said:

“The facilities in Ripon are out of date and not suitable for our modern and inclusive work force.

“This redevelopment is long overdue. As commissioner, I have listened to the community and staff, and want to create a safe environment for the fire and police services to work from and is fit for the future.

“I am also delighted that part of this investment enables us to put our local policing team right into the heart of the city in the Town Hall, being accessible and visible, helping people to be safe and feel safe and contributing towards economic growth.”

Anti-social behaviour in Ripon

Last week, police in Ripon urged residents to report instances of anti-social behaviour following reports in the Aismunderby Road and Ambrose Road areas and the area around the Jack Laugher Leisure Centre and nearby skate park.

Ch Insp Ogden told councillors last night that spikes in anti-social behaviour “comes and goes” in Ripon but that officers have worked to target offenders in the city. He said:

“There was considerable anti-social behaviour problems in Ripon 18 months ago. The neighbourhood team did a lot of proactive work and we dealt with a number of individuals and things seem to be in a good position.”

Group estimates 1,000 Ripon children are in need of swimming lessons

A group that unsuccessfully lobbied Harrogate Borough Council in a bid to have a learner pool built in Ripon estimates that up to 1,000 of the city’s children have yet to be taught how to swim.

In 2018, before planning permission was granted  for construction of the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, Ripon Pool Action Group (RPAG) called for a learner pool to be included in the multi-million pound development at Dallamires Lane.

Though that call was rejected, the group continues to highlight the need for families in Ripon to have public facilities available that are close at hand and affordable.

At the February meeting of Ripon City Council, RPAG secretary Tim Tribe and Andrea McAuslan presented the case for a learner pool to be included in any future plans that the new unitary authority North Yorkshire Council, may have for the development of leisure facilities in the city.

Mr Tribe said:

“We recognise that there are currently serious pressures on public finances. We are not asking for a learner pool to be built now, but we want to ensure that the new unitary authority is properly briefed on this situation.

“Ripon is the only place of its size in North Yorkshire with no learner pool. Thirsk, Tadcaster, Northallerton, Stokesley and Skipton all have separate pools and we ask how far do you think our children should travel to learn such an important life skill, when we live in an area surrounded by water?”

Mr Tribe added:

“We carried out a survey using Survey Monkey and this showed that there are circa 1,000 children in Ripon in need of swimming lessons.”

Because of the lack of a public learner pool in Ripon, Andrea and Ian McAuslan have been taking their five-year-old twins to Thirsk.

Ms McAuslan said:

“We have been making the 22-mile round trip and are fortunate that we can afford to do this, but many other families are not so lucky.

“Seeing how our children reacted when they realised that they could go in the little pool at Thirsk was a real eye opener. It has been great to see their confidence grow as they learn to swim while they play in the shallow water.”

Ms McAuslan, who is also chair of the junior section of the Ripon-based NYP TriStars, triathlon club, added:

“Quite apart from the need to teach children to swim in a city that has three rivers, a canal and other areas of water, it is a skill that is fundamental to opening up other avenues for them.”

 

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Teachers in Harrogate district set to strike for second time

Teachers in the Harrogate district are set to go on strike tomorrow.

Members of the National Education Union will walk out on Tuesday in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The union argues a 5% pay rise in 2022 was insufficient to combat the impact of inflation at 10%, leaving many teachers effectively facing a pay cut.

The move will affect education across the district, with some pupils taking lessons remotely.

How Harrogate district schools are affected

Harrogate Grammar School pupils in years 10, 11 and 13 will be asked to attend school as normal.

However, those in years 7, 8, 9 and 12 will take lessons remotely where a teacher is not on strike.

Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents it will “endeavour to provide their usual suite of lessons” for those who are required to attend school.

Years 8, 10 and 11 have been told they should take lessons at home, while years 7 and 9 should attend as normal.

The school has told year 12 pupils that while they are not “obliged to attend school”, a study area will be provided if they notify school that they wish to attend.

In a letter to parents, it added:

“These arrangements apply to both St Aidan’s and St John Fisher students in the Associated Sixth Form. Year 12 students should inform their home school of their intention to attend, should that be the case.”

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Elsewhere, Rossett School has informed parents that it intends to repeat the same arrangements as the last teachers strike.

The school said:

“As a leadership team, we have decided to repeat the arrangements from the last strike day of Year 7, 11, 12 & 13 in school and Year 8, 9, and 10 working remotely.”

St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate will remain open to year 7 and 13 only.

In Knaresborough, King James’s School has advised that school will be closed to all students, apart from year 11 and sixth form who should continue to attend.

Outwood Academy in Ripon will remain open to year 11 and vulnerable students. Other year groups will be expected to complete work from home.

Details of how other secondary schools are affected will be posted as we get them.

Sawley Arms celebrates planning permission for café and shop

The Sawley Arms near Ripon has been granted planning permission for a café and shop to be added onto the site.

The plans, submitted by Leeds-based NJ-Architects, were approved by Harrogate Borough Council last week.

The building will be extended to create a village shop and coffee shop, and the current conservatory will be replaced with a new seating area.

The shop will include household essentials, as well as fresh morning goods and takeaway sandwiches.

The deli-style shop will feature ready-to-go food which can be reheated at home, and a coffee shop will also be added.

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The plans will create new jobs roles for the local community.

Steve Harryman, project manager of The Sawley Arms, said:

“We wanted to expand the number of covers and create more space for our guests.

“The plans will increase the viability of the pub.”

The proposals have been under discussion for eight years and are finally coming to fruition. The pub said Sawley is “a delicate area for development, as it is part of an AONB”.

The completion date is not yet certain and “depends on builder availability”, Mr Harryman said.

The sketch outlines the hopes for the pub’s transformation

He added:

“This is a great opportunity to expand the pub’s offerings to the local community. Those in nearby accommodation will be able to pick something up from us for convenience.

“It is great the locals are supportive of the pub, so we would like to give something back.”

The Sawley Arms currently offers all-day dining, as well as on-site accommodation for guests.

Police tackling Ripon anti-social behaviour call for more reports

Police have urged Ripon residents to report all anti-social behaviour amid a rise in problems with youths in the city.

North Yorkshire Police has asked members of the public to ensure all concerns are reported via the force website or its non-emergency 101 number.

A spokesperson said:

“Our Ripon officers are aware of a small number of recent incidents involving youths acting in an anti-social manner.

“These incidents have been in the Aismunderby Road and Ambrose Road areas, and the area around the Jack Laugher Leisure Centre and nearby skate park.”

The force said it has been making enquiries and identified suspects in order for officers to take action.

In the meantime, it is calling for all incidents to be added to its log.

The spokesperson reminded people to call 999 in an emergency.

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Ripon man jailed for stabbing and biting police during ‘horrifying’ scenes

A man has been jailed for nearly five years for stabbing a young soldier in a “horrifying” attack in Ripon and biting police officers following his arrest.

Kyle Harpin, 34, went ballistic after a woman rejected his advances in a bar in the city centre and turned her attention to the victim instead, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Aggrieved by this rejection, Harpin crept up on the victim outside in the street and pulled out a 19-inch blade from the waistband of his trousers, said prosecutor Ben Campbell.

He pressed the knife against the victim’s throat, causing a cut to the front of his neck.

The victim walked away but Harpin, who was drunk, followed him down the street. He then stabbed the young man in the side of his stomach, causing a four-centimetre puncture wound.

The victim thought he had been punched but later realised he had been stabbed after noticing blood trickling from a wound to the side of his body, said Mr Campbell.

He was taken to Harrogate District Hospital and was discharged the following day after scans revealed no serious or life-threatening injuries.

Ripon night out

Mr Campbell said the victim had been out with friends for a night out in Ripon. By the end of the night, at about 4am on October 16 last year, he got talking to, and then kissed, the woman whom Harpin had tried to chat up in the bar earlier in the evening.

Unbeknown to the victim, Harpin was watching them while concealing a knife inside his waistband. Mr Campbell said:

“(Harpin) approached (the victim) from behind and put the knife to his throat.”

When the victim tried to walk away, Harpin plunged the knife into his side and then jogged off.

Leeds Crown Court. Picture: the Stray Ferret.

Harpin was was jailed for four years at Leeds Crown Court.

The victim, who was also drunk, said it felt “like a punch to the left side of his ribs” but then “looked down and could see he was bleeding”.

His friends took him to his army camp nearby where he was treated in the guard room before being taken to hospital where medical staff applied steri strips to his neck and a puncture dressing to the torso wound.

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Harpin, of Priest Lane, Ripon, was arrested and became “agitated and aggressive” with officers as they escorted him to custody, repeatedly banging his head against the police van and swearing at them.

He was taken to Harrogate hospital due to his repeated butting of the police vehicle. His handcuffs were removed to allow staff to check his blood pressure, but Harpin then threatened to punch the officers, before lunging at one of them and grabbing an officer by the throat in a chokehold. Mr Campbell added:

“He then shouted repeatedly that he was going to bite the nose from her face.”

He then tried to headbutt another officer before biting him on the hand. Harpin was arrested again and continued to hurl abuse at officers, including racial slurs. Mr Campbell said:

“He was making other threats that he would rape the wives of a police officer.”

Police found the knife, which was encased in a black sheath, in an alleyway in Ripon.

Charged with attempted murder

Harpin was initially charged with attempted murder of the stab victim but denied this and ultimately offered a plea to an alternative charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. This plea was accepted by the prosecution and the attempted-murder charge was dropped.

He was also charged with carrying a blade, threatening a person with a knife, two counts of assaulting a police officer and racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards one of the constables. He admitted the offences and appeared for sentence via video link yesterday.

The court heard he had 23 previous convictions for over 30 offences dating back 20 years including theft, assaulting and resisting police officers, public disorder and battery.

Defence barrister Robert Mochrie said Harpin had drug and alcohol issues in the past and been diagnosed with mental health problems following a troubled upbringing, but conceded that the incident in Ripon was a “horrifying scene”.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC said although Harpin was “no stranger to trouble with the police”, his latest offences were “of a different order” to those he had committed in the past. He added:

“Because what you have now demonstrated is that you are perfectly prepared to go out at night on the streets of Ripon armed with a knife and to threaten people with it and to use it to inflict injury or serious injury.”

He said the young soldier “must have been terrified” when Harpin drew out the blade and noted that Harpin had “already threatened others with it”. Mr Bayliss said:

“It’s purely good fortune that he did not suffer more serious injuries.”

He said he was “quite satisfied” Harpin posed a risk of harm to the public and therefore found him to be a dangerous offender in the eyes of the law.

Harpin, who clutched Rosary beads during his court appearance from a custody suite, was jailed for four years and nine months and was told he would only become eligible for parole two-thirds the way through that sentence, and only then if the parole board deemed him fit to be released.

As a dangerous offender, Harpin was also ordered to serve an extended three-year period on prison licence.

 

 

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Business Growth Finalists

The Business Growth Award is sponsored by Raworths. 

Raworths delivers legal excellence to the people of Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

The firms offers specialist services covering business, dispute, property, individual and family law.

The Business Growth Award recognises businesses that have seen significant growth over the last three years, measured across financial turnover, employee expansion and market share increase.

The Finalists

Evolve Psychology Services

Evolve Psychology Services is an independent psychology and neuro-developmental clinic offering forensic and clinical services.

The clinic now has 30 clinicians, a services manager and 5 business centre staff to provide premium services.

In 2022, the clinic was awarded two NHS contracts for neuro-developmental assessments.

Evolve’s team is now able to offer 70 community assessments per month, which has seen the business grow more than 100% yearly since its foundation.

Dr Laura Powling, consultant clinical psychologist and director, said:

“We are extremely honoured to be shortlisted for the Business Growth Award. The business growth allows us to increase our capacity to provide much needed assessments and services to all the clients that are referred to us, which in turn allows them to access the appropriate support moving forward.

“We are extremely proud of the growth achievements we have made, and being shortlisted for the award is fantastic recognition and validation of the importance of the development of essential services”.

Harlow Consulting

Harlow Consulting provides detailed research to develop the client’s outputs, efficiency and effectiveness.

Harlow Consulting has seen swift revenue growth, with financial turnover going from strength to strength each year.

The team has expanded from the original two founders to seven highly-qualified staff members.

The business has also significantly expanded its office space at Cardale Park, Harrogate.

Jennifer Brennan, Director, said:

“Harlow Consulting feel very grateful to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Business Growth Award.

“It is great to be recognised alongside the other amazing nominees. We are very proud of our team, who have worked hard and given their all, resulting in the rapid growth we have experienced.”

Bamber & Brown

Bamber & Brown began in 2021 selling speciality coffee from a converted horse box at the entrance to Birk Crag.

Since then the company has seen exceptional financial growth and has become a hotspot for takeaway coffee.

In 2022, a horse shelter at the site was developed to serve fresh pizzas to the public.

The company has recently also acquired a premises license, which will be used to create a Prosecco Bar.

Philippa Brown, Founder, said:

“To say we’re over the moon about being finalists is an understatement! It was very unexpected and a marvellous recognition for my team’s dedication.

“I have wanted to bring back the historical old tea rooms at Birk Crag in some way for 25 years and decided it was now or never. A huge thank you to my lovely loyal and supportive customers who have made it happen!”

TMR Foods

TMR Foods, founded in 2019, supplies premium quality fish and seafood across Yorkshire.

During covid, the new business began doing private deliveries, which resulted in a loyal customer base.

TMR has since added two more vans onto the roads and established a base in Ripon to work from.

TMR Foods is now developing pre-packed ranges to supply to retailers.

Tony Rushton, Co-Founder of TMR Foods, said:

“We are thrilled to have been recognised for our hard work and dedication to providing the finest seafood from the east coast.

“As a family-run business, being shortlisted for the award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team, and we are grateful for the support of our customers who have made this achievement possible.”

IDR Law

IDR Law is the only legal firm in the UK that deals exclusively with contentious probate work.

IDR Law began in Harrogate, but has since opened offices in Manchester and Bristol.

The team has grown from just two employees to 18 staff members in 2023.

The firm also launched ‘IDRU’ – a university-style training programme – that offers staff 24/7 learning resources curated by top barristers and legal experts.

Founder and Director, Martin Holdsworth, said:

“Despite being very well known in our sector, I’ve always thought we were not well known locally – Harrogate’s best kept legal secret! There is much to celebrate after a stellar year of growth – taking us to 15 specialist lawyers and offices in Manchester & Bristol – but it remains deeply satisfying to have been recognised in our own Harrogate backyard!

“Despite several national award nominations this year, getting a finalist listing for a local award feels very special.”

The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing Store provides professional soundproofing solutions on a national scale.

The company has recently began working with commercial clients in the construction sector, as well as domestic customers, which has resulted in significant growth in revenue and network.

The Soundproofing Store recently created the only soundproofing floor mat without the need for an over boarding layer. Sales of the mat amassed to over 11,000.

Tamzin Jefferson, Marketing Manager, said:

“The Soundproofing Store has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and is now the largest online only retailer of soundproofing materials in the UK.

“It has been a challenging few years for many businesses, but we’ve continued to invest in our website, the service we offer and the soundproofing solutions we supply – whilst ensuring we have a clearly defined point of difference within the market”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Ripon Spa Gardens closed due to serious police incident

Ripon Spa Gardens and Park Road, which runs alongside it, were closed this afternoon due to a police incident.

Numerous police, fire and ambulance vehicles were in attendance at the scene.

Police on site would only say “an incident” had taken place.

The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Police’s press office for further information but has not had a response.

Emergency services arrived on the scene at Park Street at about 3pm this afternoon. Most were based outside Ripon Spa Hotel, which is closed for refurbishment.

Police cordons were erected at the junction with Old Park Mews, which closed the road to through traffic and forced vehicles to find other routes.

Ripon Spa Gardens police

Park Road is closed to through traffic

Cordons were also put up outside Ripon Spa Gardens.

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Stray Ferret Awards: Best Employee Development

The Award for Best Employee Development is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

Jones Myers deal exclusively with the family sector, including civil partnerships, divorce and child protection.

The legal firm consistently ranked top in Yorkshire by the influential Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

 Finalists

Continued Care

Continued Care provides people with complex health issues the support needed to move back into their homes.

All training for new employees begins in the on-site classroom. New carers will only begin working with people once their training is entirely complete and they feel confident in their role.

Continued Care offers funding towards qualifications. There is no limit on training and staff earn a bonus when they achieve qualifications, including NVQs.

Samantha Harrison, Director and Nominated Individual of Continued Care, said:

“We feel very honoured to be recognised within the category. We believe working sector it is important that everyone can develop their career and attain qualifications.

“Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge is hugely important to us as a company”.

Howard Conrad

Howard Conrad is Yorkshire’s leading independent Apple repair service.

Howard Conrad developed a bespoke training website for all its new starters.

The company also supports employees in undertaking external training courses that teach staff skills that can be used in-house.

Howard Conrad also encourages employees to trial any new ideas to develop new skills and services.

Tom James, Technician at Howard Conrad, said:

“Employee development is very important to use. For us to grow as a company and achieve our goals, the team needs to grow with us.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award. It shows that the hard work from every single member of the team is now paying.”

Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel and wellness retreat near Ripon.

Team members of Grantley Hall are trained at its on-site training facility, Grantley Academy.

Grantley Hall offers staff live-in accommodation, free meals, wellbeing support and a complimentary gym.

Staff can also access training from senior staff members and even Michelin-Starred Chef, Shaun Rankin.

Grantley Hall has a bespoke training website, developing skills that are used within a job role and to advance employees’ careers.

Andrew McPherson, General Manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Employee Development award at The Stray Ferret Business Awards. Here at Grantley Hall, we are passionate about employee development in order to strengthen our team in their careers.

“Our Grantley Academy is a core pillar of our business, which ensures that our team of more than 350 is trained and equipped to provide the five-star service that our guests know and love.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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