Council asked to reconsider Fountains Earth school closure

Senior Conservative councillors could be asked to reconsider the decision to close Fountains Earth primary school in Nidderdale.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive met last month in Northallerton to approve the closure following a consultation.

The school in Lofthouse, near Pateley Bridge, faced dwindling pupil numbers in recent years and had no pupils on its books.

The council’s executive member for education Cllr Annabel Wilkinson said “nobody wants to close a small school” and it was “a very hard decision”.

The decision to close the school was controversial in Nidderdale, with some former parents and local Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Murday pleading with the authority to delay its decision.

At the time, they unsuccessfully argued that an investigation should take place into the leadership of Upper Nidderdale Federation which controls the school.

At a meeting tomorrow in Northallerton, councillors on the children and families overview and scrutiny committee will meet to discuss ‘calling in’ the decision to close the school.

This would involve the committee referring the original decision back to either the executive or to a full meeting of North Yorkshire Council where all councillors would take a vote on the closure.

A report prepared for the meeting tomorrow gives three reasons for calling in the original decision. These are related to pupil numbers, educational standards and the financial situation at the school.

The report said:

“If the issues that led the parents to withdraw their children from the school were to be resolved, then pupils would return. There is a strong belief amongst the parents and the local community that conditions in the school deteriorated in order to depopulate it.

“The school received a ‘good’ rating on inspection in June 2022. It was strange, therefore, that the governing body of the Upper Nidderdale Federation requested a month later that North Yorkshire County Council should consider closing the school. Although that request was withdrawn, it spread the seeds of doubt, so that parents considered thereafter that the school was under threat. This rating is difficult to reconcile with the view that the education standard provided at the school was inadequate, another reason given for the closure.

“At the time of closure, the school had no permanent teaching staff. The cost of maintenance of the buildings over a relatively short period of time until it reopens would be minimal. Compared to this, the costs of home-to school transport from Lofthouse to other schools in Nidderdale will be substantial and will outweigh the maintenance cost. The burden for the children, some as young as 4 years old, of travelling many miles each day to attend a distant school will be considerable.”

The meeting will take place at 2pm on Wednesday at County Hall.

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Five candidates to contest Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone by-election

Five candidates will contest a North Yorkshire Council by-election in Harrogate next month.

Nominations for the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division seat have closed with voters going to the polls on Thursday, April 11.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of Liberal Democrat Pat Marsh, who posted anti-semitic comments on social media.

The candidates are:

Voting will take place from 7am to 10pm with the election count taking place in the evening after the close of polling.

Residents of the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division have until midnight on Friday, March 22, to register to vote and until 5pm on Monday, March 25, to apply for a postal vote.

If someone is unable to vote in person or by post they have until 5pm on Wednesday, April 3, to apply for a proxy vote.

Voters attending the polling station will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote.

This could include a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence, full or provisional; a UK passport or a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man, or any of the Channel Islands; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or blue badge.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone without an accepted form of ID should apply for a free voter authority certificate by 5pm on Wednesday, April 3.

You can register to vote here and apply for a postal vote here. You can apply for voter ID here.

More information on the by-election is available here.

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Local politicians give views on Harrogate Spring Water expansion plans

The Liberal Democrat candidate aiming to be Harrogate and Knaresborough’s next MP has said he opposes the latest expansion plans by Harrogate Spring Water.

However, the current Conservative MP Andrew Jones has not given an explicit indication of whether he supports or opposes the plans.

Harrogate Spring Water revealed proposals this month to fell 450 trees near its Harlow Moor Drive headquarters so it can expand its bottling plant and produce more plastic bottles.

It says the scheme will create 50 jobs and lead to a net biodiversity gain because it will create a 1,200-tree publicly accessible woodland nearby.

But the campaign group Save Rotary Wood is leading opposition to the loss of trees, which were planted by schoolchildren concerned about climate change.

Harrogate Spring Water, which is owned by French multinational Danone, is holding a public consultation event at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate from 4pm to 7pm tomorrow (Thursday, November 30).

Ahead of the meeting, we asked Mr Jones and Mr Gordon for their views on the subject.

Mr Gordon said:

“Whilst I absolutely want to see more jobs in Harrogate, and the benefit that would bring for our local economy, I do not support the plans in their current form.

“We should be protecting woodland and preserving biodiversity; to suggest there will be a net gain is not guaranteed, as it would take years for new trees to mature.”

Mr Jones gave a lengthier response but did not state explicitly whether he supported the proposal.

He said:

“The level of community engagement by Harrogate Spring Water on their latest application is a significant and welcome improvement on their previous attempt to achieve approval for their extension. That public consultation is critical as the outcome will rightly be a significant part of the considerations of the Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee when they look at the application.

“The environmental offer is a big improvement on what we saw previously. And that is important, as constituents to whom I have spoken want significant additional tree planting and public access to that new woodland if the council are minded to approve the proposals.

“On the face of it, replacing trees that are lost on a 3-to-1 or a 6-to-1 ratio is a large increase in cover. The concern is that saplings will be replacing trees with 25 years’ growth. I have spoken to people who helped plant saplings in Rotary Wood all those years ago and I can understand why that is a very emotive part of these plans.”

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Mr Jones added:

“Having said that, it is also important to acknowledge that Harrogate Water is a successful local business that carries the name of our town across the world. I want that success to continue and to grow.

“So a welcome for the vastly improved public engagement, a welcome for the increased environmental offer alongside public access and a recognition that we want successful businesses locally. But I understand the caution about habitat loss and the loss of an area enjoyed by many for recreation.

“There is a public consultation event this week which can help further shape the proposals. I encourage everyone with an interest to attend that meeting and help ensure that the planners get the best possible application to consider.”

Knaresborough Town Council calls for 138-home scheme to be rejected

Knaresborough Town Council has called for a scheme to build 138 homes alongside a site of special scientific interest to be rejected.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Plans have been submitted to build the homes on two fields currently used for grazing on the other side of Water Lane to the gravel pits.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits

In its submission to North Yorkshire Council, which will decide whether to allow the scheme, the town council said:

“This is one of the last open green spaces used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and joggers where the countryside and clean air can still be enjoyed in Knaresborough and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough.”

The town council listed 15 reasons for declining the scheme, which include concerns about land contamination on the former landfill site and pressure on local GPs and schools.

It also said:

“Access to the site through Mint Garth/Stirling Chase/Old Penny Gate/Florin Drive is not a viable option as these houses were built with onsite parking for one car.”

A petition started by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures, which qualifies it to be debated by North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises the Conservative-controlled council.

Cllr Bell said there had been six housing developments within about a 15-minute walk of Water Lane in the last five years and his main concerns about the latest proposal were the suggested access route through a housing estate and the proximity to the SSSI. He said:

“This development threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality.

“The increased traffic will inevitably lead to higher levels of air pollution in an area that should be cherished for its fresh air and natural surroundings.”

A footpath goes across the site.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has ‘called in’ the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker told the Stray Ferret he had concerns about the SSSI, access and the design of the scheme.

He added calling in the application would enable it to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

Fields to housing? Dave Worner’s current view from home.

Dave Worner, whose home overlooks the proposed site, said:

“One of the main reasons we moved here was because it was on the edge of the countryside.

“I can sit and watch hundreds of people walking. It would cause significant harm to the surrounding area.”

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Site allocated for planning

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields have been rejected.

However, the site is situated within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where local development can take place.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland, said the scheme would create 138 homes with associated access, parking, open space and a children’s play area.

“The proposal is for a mix of affordable and market dwellings of which 40% would be affordable and 60% would be open market.

Plans for housing on Water Lane in Knaresborough

How the scheme would look.

Because the site is in the local plan, it says the principle of development has been established and “there are no material considerations which would indicate that the development plan should be set aside” and “therefore planning permission should be granted for the scheme without delay”.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects sent to the council said:

“The submission now presents a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations.

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

 

Harrogate man to stand as independent in Selby and Ainsty by-election

Harrogate solicitor Andrew Gray announced today he will stand as an independent candidate in the forthcoming Selby and Ainsty by-election.

Today is the deadline for candidates to put their names forward for the by-election, which will take place on July 20 following the resignation of Conservative Nigel Adams.

Mr Gray is a solicitor who founded the Harrogate law firm Truth Legal in 2012 before a management buyout in 2022.

He said he was standing due to his “dissatisfaction with the current state of British politics” and pledged to  engage with local people using artificial intelligence to find out what they wanted.

Mr Gray said he will use Polis AI to do this, adding AI has been used abroad in politics but this will be the first time it has been adopted in a UK election.

Polis AI allows users to anonymously submit short text statements or comments, which are then sent out randomly to other participants who can click to agree, disagree or pass.

Mr Gray said:

“I want to find these consensus points and use them as my policies.

“My only policy is to take my policies from the people.

“That’s what a representative ought to do.”

Mr Gray has previously been involved as a Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat activist, as well running the non-profit Crowd Wisdom Project which has used Polis AI since 2021.

The system will be used in every town and village within the constituency to gauge a general consensus, as well as cross-constituency conversations to discuss national issues.

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Mr Gray said:

“If elected, I will vote in Parliament in accordance with the consensus of the constituency.

“On election, the conversations will continue, and I will vote in Parliament as per the changing desires of my electorate, which means that I can respond to change quickly.

“If mandated, I will vote for the government, or against, or abstain.

“Therefore, by electing me, my constituents are getting more democracy, more power in their hands. Selby and Ainsty will be the country’s bellwether constituency.”

He added:

“Although there is some history in my family in politics, I want to be seen as not so much a political candidate, but a candidate for positive change.

“There is so much that we agree upon: let’s start there. I’m optimistic. Our many problems are fixable.

“Things simply can’t stay as they are. Many of us are rolling our eyes at what is going on in Westminster. Traditional party politics need consigning to the dustbin of history.”

 

Ex-Harrogate Lib Dem candidate jailed for abusing girl

Former Harrogate Liberal Democrat candidate Anthony Medri has been jailed for over two years for sexually abusing a teenage girl and paying her to send him intimate photos of herself.

Medri, 64, from Knaresborough, sexually assaulted the girl on several occasions and sent her a picture of an intimate part of his body, York Crown Court heard.

The Harrogate Borough Council candidate in 2015 also urged her to send him indecent pictures of herself, said prosecutor Shaun Dodds.

He said that Medri, who is married, had sexually assaulted the youngster by touching her on intimate parts of her body and kissing her on the lips.

Medri asked the girl on social media if she had “ever seen a grown man’s (private parts)”. He then sent her an intimate picture of himself and told her to delete the messages.

Mr Dodds said that in 2017, Medri started transferring money into the girl’s bank account and asking her what she was wearing.

This was followed by a request for a picture of her in her underwear and a promise to pay her £50 if she sent it. Mr Dodds said:

“She sent an image of herself wearing a bra.

“He had previously bought her some underwear…and asked her for photos wearing that underwear.”

The prosecutor said that between 2017 and 2019, £580 of payments were made into the victim’s account for intimate photos of her. Mr Dodds added:

“Sometimes she would also get payments in cash as well.”

Grooming process

Medri – who stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Lib Dems in the 2015 local elections when he contested the Stray ward – initially gave the girl money so she could treat herself, which the prosecution said was part of the grooming process.

He would tell the girl “to get yourself something nice”, said Mr Dodds.

The victim “wasn’t in a good place” at the time and she felt that Medri used this to take advantage of her difficult circumstances.

He bought her treats such as perfume, clothes, tobacco and vodka – along with a sex toy and told her to “try it out”. The victim put the item in a bin.

Mr Dodds said that on the occasions Medri tried to kiss the girl, she would pull away, but he would kiss her again. He once drove her to a remote location where he sexually assaulted her.

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Medri was ultimately brought in for questioning and accepted having asked for pictures of the girl in her underwear and that he had given her money, but initially denied sexually assaulting her.

A trial was due to be held but Medri ultimately admitted one count of intentionally causing a child to look at an image of a person engaging in a sexual act, three counts of sexual assault and three counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child to become a prostitute or be involved in pornography, namely asking the girl for photos of herself in her underwear.

Mr Medri, of Forest Moor Road, appeared for sentence today when the court heard a harrowing statement from the young victim.

She said she had been left with the “overwhelming” feeling that she was somehow at fault for the abuse.

This and the fact that Medri had protested his innocence for so long had caused her “extreme anxiety”. She added:

“I don’t think I will ever get over what has happened. I think about it every single day.”

Carer for disabled wife

Defence barrister Jeremy Barton said there had been a “plethora” of character references provided by friends and family of Medri.

He conceded, however, that Medri’s offences, which occurred over a period of about a year, were “disturbing and worrying”.

He said that Medri, who had worked all his life and was now a carer for his disabled wife, had shown a “degree of remorse”.

Judge Sean Morris told Medri he should have owned up to his offences “a long time ago” and described his protestations of innocence until his belated guilty pleas as “gutless”.

He told Medri:

“For heaven’s sake man, why did you put this girl through all those months of anguish waiting for (what was expected to be) a trial. It’s gutless.”

He said that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate for inciting a young girl “in a vulnerable position to sell pictures of (herself) for Medri’s “sexual pleasure”.

The judge said that Medri had taken advantage of the girl when she was in a “desperate state” because of her life circumstances.

Medri was jailed for two years and two months, but he will only serve half of that behind bars before being released on prison licence.

Medri was also given a five-year sexual-harm prevention order to protect children and placed on the sex-offenders’ register for 10 years.

 

North Yorkshire County Council rejects calls to brand fracking as ‘inappropriate’

The leadership of North Yorkshire County Council has rejected calls to label fracking as “inappropriate”.

The council’s Conservative-led executive said it would not support Liberal Democrat and Green motions to declare hydraulic fracturing as inappropriate in the county, despite the council having declared a climate emergency and pushing forward plans to reduce carbon.

While the authority’s leaders have pointed towards Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reimposing the government’s ban on fracking which was last year lifted by Liz Truss, opposition councillors have claimed the moratorium could be ended again.

The recommendation to a full meeting of the authority later this month comes three years after Third Energy announced it would not use planning consent for the hydraulic fracturing of rock to extract gas in Ryedale which the council’s planning committee granted it, triggering a huge and sustained outcry.

The planning decision in 2016 lead to hundreds of thousands of pounds of North Yorkshire taxpayers money being spent on policing protests outside the Kirby Misperton site.

A meeting of the executive heard opposition members implore the authority to show leadership over climate change policies and agree that fracking, which was “the most polluting fossil fuel extraction” was incompatible with its ambition to be part of the country’s first carbon negative region.

Green councillor Arnold Warneken, who represents Ouseburn, said the motions simply looked to reinforce the council’s policies over fracking.

He said: 

“In this case we are not discussing the rights and wrongs of what we allow in our county, we are talking about saving our very existence.

“If we are going to ask all those third parties who are the major contributors to carbon emissions in this county to take us seriously, we can send strong messages out to tell them that we believe fracking is inappropriate.”

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However, the authority’s top legal officer, Barry Khan, advised the executive that approving the motion could leave councillors open to accusations of pre-determining potential hydraulic fracturing planning applications, which in turn could undermine the council’s ability to decide on schemes.

He said the Localism Act stated councillors could not be accused of pre-determining a proposal solely on the basis of something they had previously stated and while some other councils may have taken “a more liberal view” of the legislation he believed a cautionary approach was right.

Mr Khan said approving the motion would create “an element of risk” that was unnecessary given that the council had already set out its positions in its Minerals and Waste Plan.

Cllr Simon Myers, whose executive portfolio includes planning, said those pushing the motions risked having decisions taken out of the hands of locally elected councillors and given to government inspectors instead.

The authority’s opposition leader Cllr Bryn Griffiths highlighted how neighbouring East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which also has significant amounts of its jurisdiction under oil and gas exploration licences, had recently passed a similar policy opposing fracking.

The Liberal Democrat said councils had set out their belief that fracking was environmentally-damaging without raising issues over pre-determination.

Green councillor Andy Brown added it was quite reasonable for a councillor to take a political position on fracking as well as sit on a planning committee and consider evidence about whether the proposal would be environmentally damaging.

Harrogate district councillors support York’s rail bid

Harrogate district councillors are supporting the campaign to make York the home of Britain’s railways.

York is among six short-listed locations chosen by the government as potential locations to be the headquarters of Great British Railways.

The other shortlisted locations include Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster and Newcastle.

Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green party councillors from across the Harrogate district joined other North Yorkshire County Councillors in a cross-party show of support at County Hall in Northallerton for York’s bid.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said York’s selection would “be of huge benefit not just for York, but for the whole of the region as well”. He added:

“The bid by York is ambitious and shows the intent in both the city and across North Yorkshire to bring real economic benefits and the prospect of hundreds of new jobs, and could prove to be a defining moment for the region.

“York has a long and proud heritage connected to the railways dating back to the Victorian era, and it would be fitting for the city to be at the forefront of attempts to reform the nation’s rail network in the 21st century.

1,600 jobs created

Great British Railways will be a state-owned public body that oversees rail transport from next year.

Analysis has shown that the new headquarters would add an estimated £110 million to York’s economy, creating 1,600 new jobs with 320 of those roles in the 700 most deprived communities within an hour’s train journey of the city.

York is already one of the biggest rail centres in the country, with 5,000 employees linked to the industry and major train operators based in the city.

The city is also home to the National Railway Museum, and the York Central project, which is one of the largest brownfield sites in the country, is centred around the city’s railway station.

An artist’s impression of the proposed York Central development.

City of York Council leader Cllr Keith Aspden, said having Great British Railways’ headquarters in the city would open up opportunities across the whole of the region. He said:

“With 700 of the most deprived communities in the UK within an hour of York, the jobs created by locating Great British Railways in York could have a hugely positive impact on the levelling up agenda.

“Our rail heritage, expertise and skills from across the region and strength in innovation makes York the obvious home of rail.

People can vote to choose the town or city they would like to see host the new organisation but the final decision will be made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps later this year.

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Election 2022: Fairfax and Starbeck candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Fairfax and Starbeck division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Sue Lumby, Conservative

Sue Lumby will be standing for the Conservative party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Ms Lumby is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents Harrogate Coppice Valley ward.

The Stray Ferret asked Ms Lumby for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gordon Schallmo, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck is Gordon Schallmo.

Mr Schallmo has lived in Starbeck for the past 12 years and works as a draughtsman at a local steel construction firm.

He has been a member of the Green Party since 2015 and says his true passion is volunteering at his local nature reserve.

Mr Schallmo said he felt it was important to “do my bit” and look after the environment.

On why he is standing, he said:

“My main reason for standing is because I’d like to address the poor town planning that in recent years has seen money wasted on poorly thought-out schemes and rather than just complaining about it I thought I’d done something about it so here I am.”

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Chris Watt, Labour

Chris Watt will be standing for the Labour Party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Mr Watt has lived in Starbeck for the last 13 years and currently works for the NHS.

He was previously parliamentary aide to a minister in the last Labour government and led government relations for an environmental organisation.

On why he standing, Mr Watt said:

“I’m proud of my area and want to give something back. I use our local shops, and facilities like Starbeck Baths, Fairfax Community Centre and Starbeck Library and want our area to be the best it can be.

“I want to continue to be a strong local champion for Fairfax and Starbeck, having led the campaign to re-open our local swimming pool and persuading the council to listen to residents and reject plans for more unsustainable housing that would increase traffic and worsen parking problems in our community.”

He added:

“On the doorstep, I’ve heard concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour and am already working in partnership with the police to tackle this blight on our area.

“Local businesses have also been badly hit by the pandemic and we are seeing too many empty premises on our high streets. Labour would push for support for local business.”

Philip Broadbank, Liberal Democrat

Philip Broadbank will be standing for North Yorkshire Council in the division for the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Broadbank is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council representing Starbeck.

He has lived in the Starbeck and Knaresborough Road area for most of his life.

Mr Broadbank said on standing for North Yorkshire Council:

“I am keen to campaign for the establishment of a new Harrogate town Council once Harrogate Borough Council is no more. 

“Over the years I have been actively involved in many groups and organisations in the ward. 

“I want to see better opportunities for young people in the area and greater encouragement to get them involved in local activities.”

Election 2022: Harlow and St George’s candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.

Steven Jackson, Conservative

Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.

He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.

When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:

“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.

“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”

He added:

“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.

“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”

Andrew Rickard, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.

Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.

He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.

On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:

“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control. 

“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”

He added:

“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”

Sarah Hart, Independent

Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.

A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.

Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.

She said:

“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.

“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.

“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”

She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.

John Adams, Labour

John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.

Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.

His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.

Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.

He said:

“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics. 

“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”

Mr Adams added:

“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”

Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.

Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.

He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.

He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.

Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.

He said:

“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.

“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”