Killinghall residents worried about ‘dangerous’ mole traps

Residents in Killinghall believe several poorly signposted mole traps placed around a new housing estate could hurt dogs or children.

Moles are among the UK’s most elusive mammals. They spend most of their lives underground, leaving only molehills as signs of their presence.

About four weeks ago, eight traps appeared on the Cricketers View development after the number of molehills increased.

Some traps were set-up close to footpaths used by families and dog walkers. They were marked with small white sticks, which residents believe are inadequate because they are easy to fall over, making them harder to see.

White sticks have been used to mark the traps.

Modern mole traps are legal and have a spring inside them that crushes and kills the mole when it enters.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said the traps were “dangerous” and could hurt more than just moles.

They said:

“At the moment residents are furious over mole traps that have been left around Cautley Drive in KIllinghall. These are up and down some of the main walking paths and sit close to where some of the kids play football and they’re only marked with a nondescript white stick.”

“Some holes have parts of the traps sticking out of the ground and when they’re set off they look less than safe for dogs and small children.”

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The RSCPA does not recommend the use of traps and says if you have moles in your garden, removing or flattening the molehills will solve any unsightly problems. Frequent lawn mowing, children playing and other noisy activity can also help to deter them.

A spokesperson for First Port, which manages the estate, said:

“We have been in regular contact with residents, as well as our pest control contractor, to resolve the issue of moles at Cricketers View. “We have been assured that the working parts of the traps are buried safely underground, with white sticks visible to indicate their locations. Following feedback from residents, our contractor will also be covering the top part of the traps throughout the remainder of their use, which we hope will provide further reassurance.”

Some residents have approached Harrogate Borough Council with their concerns about the traps.

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesman said it was looking into the matter.

Harrogate cycle group accuses Tesco of greenwash

Harrogate District Cycle Action has accused Tesco of greenwash over claims that its proposed new supermarket will reduce car journeys and CO2 emissions.

A Tesco online consultation about its plans to open a supermarket on Skipton Road closed yesterday.

The consultation website claims the new supermarket would reduce car journeys across Harrogate because residents in all the new homes on Skipton Road and Killinghall would have less distance to travel for shopping.

It adds:

“This new supermarket will help create more sustainable shopping patterns in Harrogate and reduce the number of long car journeys across the town.

“We anticipate a reduction in CO2 emissions from the shorter trips customers will be making.”

But HDCA, which campaigns for better cycling provision in the district, said on its website:

“That is greenwash, and based on nothing more than a far-fetched hope, or the desire to say something about sustainability without doing anything about sustainability.

“While some people might make shorter trips to Tesco, it is equally likely that other people will drive to Tesco from the other side of town, going further than before.

“The plans put forward by Tesco are totally car-centric. Doing the same as before will get the same result as before: ever more traffic.”

 

How the site would look

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Better cycling access

Plans for the new store include a petrol station, 200 parking spaces, 24 cycle spaces and a new roundabout on Skipton Road. Tesco says 100 new jobs would be created.

HDCA said segregated, protected cycle tracks on either side of Skipton Road, linking up to the new housing estates, would improve cycle access to the supermarket. It would also like to see the number of car parking spaces reduced.

The Stray Ferret asked Tesco to respond but we did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Tesco previously said:

“Our new proposals will deliver a much-needed new food store for the north of the town. This will reduce the number of long car journeys across Harrogate and we anticipate a reduction in CO2 emissions from the shorter trips customers will be making.”

Consultation ended 

A public consultation on the new Tesco ended yesterday. A full planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.

Despite opposing Tesco’s bid to build a new supermarket on the site in the 2010s, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce told the Stray Ferret the housing landscape in the area has now changed and the supermarket could reduce traffic across town.

The Stray Ferret also spoke to Claire Lewis, who has run Number One Shop on Electric Avenue, near the proposed new supermarket, for the last seven years with her husband. She opposes the plan and fears the new supermarket, which would be built behind her small shop, could destroy trade.

Tonight’s BBC drama Ridley Road shines light on Pateley Bridge fascist

A new BBC One drama about neo-Nazis in 1960s England features a notorious fascist from Pateley Bridge.

Ridley Road, an adaptation of a novel by Jo Bloom, broadcasts tonight at 8pm. It is the second of four episodes.

The series tells the true story of the anti-fascist organisation 62 Group, which took on fascists led by Colin Jordan, who died at home in Pateley Bridge in 2009.

Racial hatred

Mr Jordan, who is played by the actor Rory Kinnear, was an admirer of Hitler who he called a “messiah” and “saviour”.

An obituary in The Independent described Jordan, who lived in Pateley Bridge for many years until his death aged 85, as ‘the grandfather of post-war National Socialism in Britain’.

It said he was involved with several fascist and racist groups, including the League of Empire Loyalists, the British Movement, the National Socialist Movement and the White Defence League.

He was jailed several times in the 1960s and in 1965 issued a racist pamphlet called The Coloured Invasion, which railed against black people, Asians and immigration.

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A Harrogate court report in York Press in 2000 said Jordan, then 77, had been charged with distributing material intended to stir up racial hatred.

All the offences were alleged to have been committed at various locations in North Yorkshire between March 1993 and March 1999. However, a judge ruled that a serious heart condition made him unfit to stand trial.

Jordan also appeared in court charged with stealing three pairs of red knickers from Tesco — he was found guilty and fined £50.

Crime commissioner asks for full report on Harrogate police incident

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott has asked North Yorkshire Police to provide him with a full report of an incident in which police officers appear to knee and punch a man in Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret obtained the clip that was filmed on October 1 by a concerned bystander. It shows four police officers attempting to hold the man down while he shouts “get off”.

One officer then appears to knee the man in the head before another officer appears to punch him in the stomach three times.

North Yorkshire Police said the man was making threats to kill but the force’s Professional Standards Department was reviewing the conduct of the officers involved.

Mr Allott, who is under pressure following controversial comments about the murder of Sarah Everard, told the Stray Ferret he has asked North Yorkshire Police to provide a full report on the circumstances of the incident.

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A spokesperson for the College of Policing, an arms-length body of the Home Office which sets standards for key areas of policing, said it would not comment on specific incidents but any use of force must be “necessary, proportionate, justifiable and legal”.

The spokesperson said:

“In general terms, when it comes to use of force, officers and staff would be expected to exercise their professional judgement to make decisions based on the circumstances they were faced with.

“The use of force/restraint must be necessary, proportionate, justifiable and legal. All officers are required to account for and justify their actions using the National Decision Model.”

Police stop suspected poachers near Knaresborough

North Yorkshire Police officers stopped suspected poachers in Knaresborough in the early hours of this morning.

The force was contacted by members of the Rural Watch scheme at 11.15pm last night. They suspected poaching was taking place in a Subaru Forester on land at Arkendale, near Knaresborough.

Poachers normally travel in groups with dogs, using 4×4 vehicles. They typically hunt brown hare or deer.

The Subaru became stuck in the mud before making its way across farmers’ fields and onto the roads.

Officers stopped the vehicle and found two male occupants inside. They also noticed a large amount of blood.

After letting the men go, the suspects became stuck for a second time in the evening and the vehicle was seized. Enquiries are ongoing.

Inspector Clive Turner, of North Yorkshire Police’s rural taskforce, said:

“Our officers, some of whom have farming backgrounds, know the terrible impact poaching can have on rural communities.

“Farmers and landowners are often intimidated or even threatened with violence if they challenge offenders, leaving them feeling vulnerable to further crimes, particularly in isolated areas.

“On average, we’re called to more than 50 incidents of suspected poaching in North Yorkshire every month. Incidents tend to increase significantly from August onwards, during and after harvest time.”

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Under-pressure crime commissioner Philip Allott: ‘I will not resign’

Philip Allott, the Conservative North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, reiterated today that he does not intend to resign.

Mr Allott was interviewed on BBC Look North this lunchtime in what was his first public appearance since his controversial comments about the Sarah Everard murder last Friday.

Back then, he said women “need to be streetwise” and that Ms Everard “never should have submitted” to arrest.

Since then more than 9,000 people have signed a petition calling him to go.

Mr Allott told the BBC today:

“I’m deeply sorry for the comments I made. They’re not the kind of language I would usually use. I’m just so horrified how my comments have been seen.”

When asked if he would resign, Mr Allott said he had “reflected” on his position and intended to stay.

He added:

“Because it’s more important that I carry through the mandate I was elected to do.

“83,000 people voted for me in North Yorkshire and York. That’s more than any Member of Parliament.”

Watch the interview below:

A North Yorkshire police boss who claimed women "need to be streetwise" after the Sarah Everard case has said he will not resign.

Philip Allott added he was "deeply sorry" for the comments he made.

Read more here: https://t.co/OgtNI9hr2Q pic.twitter.com/1K9c2SuBkQ

— BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) October 8, 2021

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Local fallout

Knaresborough resident Mr Allott has faced widespread criticism in the Harrogate district over the past week, including a protest at the war memorial in Harrogate last Saturday.

Harrogate LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation Pride in Diversity and business group Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce both withdrew invitations for him to speak at events.

The Harrogate & District Law Society also released a statement that said trust in Mr Allott had been “irretrievably lost” and he should resign.

Harrogate Borough Council Liberal Democrat leader Pat Marsh said Mr Allott “should do the honourable thing and resign” and Conservative council leader Richard Cooper said his comments were “very wrong”.

North Yorkshire police, fire and crime panel, which holds the commissioner to account, is due to meet on Thursday next week and Mr Allott’s comments will be on the agenda.

The meeting will begin at 10.30am and will be available to watch online via North Yorkshire County Council’s website.

 

Harrogate town centre to be ‘lit up with literature’

A pair of bicycles are to ride around Harrogate town centre projecting images and handing out free books to promote the forthcoming Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival.

The bikes will set off at around twilight on Friday, October 15 as part of the build-up to the festival, which takes place from October 21 to 24.

The three-wheeled cargo bikes are attached to projectors and stereo systems. Riders will hand out a selection of novels by inviting people they pass to ‘stop me and book one’.

Harrogate International Festivals chief executive Sharon Canavar said:

“Last year, we lit up the Raworths office on Station Parade. This year, we are taking our message to the streets.

“Two special bikes will be riding around the town projecting animations onto buildings and pavements. And for those who stop them, they will not be presented with ices or lollies, but free books.

“These mini mobile cinemas are great fun and a terrific excuse for families to bring out their torches, head into Harrogate, and be part of an entertaining and illuminating experience.”

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This year’s festival speakers include Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince, ‘Dogfather’ Graeme Hall, 2020 Costa Book of the Year winner Monique Roffey and former chief prosecutor, Nazir Afzal

Starbeck and Bilton post offices raise almost £2,000 for local boy

The Red Box post offices in Starbeck and Bilton have raised £1,980 for a five-year-old Harrogate boy with an incurable blood condition.

Archie Flintoft has Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which means his bone marrow doesn’t create the red blood cells he needs to survive.

Only 1,000 people worldwide have the condition and Archie needs to go to Leeds General Infirmary for blood transfusions every three weeks just to stay alive. He also has to travel to London for a special check-up two or three times a year.

Two years ago mum Vicky set up a Facebook group called Archie’s Army, where followers can keep up with what Archie’s doing and support fundraising projects that pay for his specialist care. But since covid it’s been difficult to raise money.

The Red Box launched an appeal for funds this year and visitors to the two post offices have donated £760, which was matched by The Red Box. Post Office Ltd also donated £200.

Andrew Hart, who owns The Red Box, said:

“Archie is a bright and vibrant child who, when feeling well, does not let life get him down. He is a huge fan of super heroes, and would love to become one when he grows up! To those who know and love him, he already is.”

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The Red Box has now started a grand Christmas raffle in conjunction with Doors Direct, which hopes to raise a further £5,000 for Archie. First prize is a 50” Smart TV.

Tickets are available from tomorrow at both post offices and online.

Video appears to show Harrogate police officers punching and kneeing man

The Stray Ferret has obtained a video of North Yorkshire Police officers appearing to knee a man and then punch him three times in Harrogate.

The clip shows four police officers attempting to hold the man down while he shouts “get off”.

One officer then appears to knee the man in the head before another officer appears to punch him in the stomach three times.

North Yorkshire Police has said the man was making threats to kill.

The video was filmed in a secluded courtyard in Harrogate town centre by Stephanie Tate on Friday October 1 at about midday.

Ms Tate told the Stray Ferret she decided to film the incident after watching the altercation and becoming concerned about the police’s approach.

She said what she witnessed was “shocking” and made her feel “sick to my stomach”.

Ms Tate said:

“I could hear shouting and thought someone was getting attacked.

“It was really heavy-handed. He was shouting ‘get off, get off’.”

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Ms Tate said it did not appear to her that the officers were using reasonable force. After restraining the man, police took him away in a van.

She added:

“I feel they already had him restrained and there was no need to punch and kick him.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said it was reviewing the conduct of the officers involved.

“At around 11am on 1 October, officers on proactive patrol in Harrogate located a man who was wanted on suspicion of making threats to kill following reports of a man entering Harrogate business premises and being abusive towards staff, including lone women.

“The man did not comply with the officers and they used force to arrest him.

“He was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and obstructing/resisting a police officer. He remains on police bail while the investigation continues.

“We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing part of the incident and a review of the footage is being carried out by the force’s Professional Standards Department regarding the conduct of the officers.”

Stray bonfire and fireworks officially given go-ahead

The 50th Stray bonfire will take place on November 6 after Harrogate Borough Council gave organisers the green light.

The Stray Ferret revealed last month the event was set to go ahead. Now the news has been confirmed.

Harrogate District Round Table was forced to cancel last year’s display due to coronavirus restrictions but it is now preparing for the event to return at its usual spot alongside Oatlands Drive.

Round Table volunteers hope to raise £8,000 to pay for fireworks and additional costs, such as first aid and traffic management, and have set up a gofundme page.

Any extra money generated though the fundraiser, and on the night, will go to Friends of Harrogate Hospital.

A spokesperson for Harrogate District Round Table said:

“This will be the 50th year Harrogate Round Table has run the Stray charity bonfire and fireworks event and, with your help, we want to run an amazing event the whole community can enjoy.”

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