North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan has awarded £80,000 to road safety schemes in the Harrogate district.
The projects have been part-funded by the sale of the force’s historic AJ1 number plate.
Communities, parish and town councils were invited to put forward projects that improved road safety for children and young people, cyclists, motorcyclists and older road users.
Applications exceeded by four-times the amount available.
In total, £350,000 was awarded to 81 schemes across North Yorkshire, with the following projects in the Harrogate district amongst them:
- £20,000 to make it safer to walk to Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton.
- £13,000 to improve lighting on the River Ure bridge in Boroughbridge.
- £3,000 for an LED speed light sign in Spofforth.
- £4,000 for traffic calming measures in North Rigton.
- £2,750 for traffic calming measures in Follifoot.
- £19,000 to help reduce speeding in Scotton.
- £2,000 for a chicane in Sicklinghall.
- £3,000 for a pedestrian island on the A61 in Pannal.
- £1,000 for an LED speed light sign in Boroughbridge.
- £2,000 for a speed sign in Minskip.
- £2,000 for speed control measures in Burton Leonard.
- £1,000 for improving road safety in Dacre.
- £500 to improve road safety in Flaxby.
- £3,500 for a speed limit reminder in Masham.
- £500 to improve a pavement in Masham.
- £900 for a mobile speed sign in Pateley Bridge.
- £1,300 for a considerate driving campaign in Kirkby Malzeard.
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The majority of funding came from the sale of the AJ1 number plate, which was the first registered number plate in North Yorkshire and had been used by every chief constable since 1907. It sold at auction in 2019 for £243,000.
A total of £190,000 of this was earmarked for the road safety scheme, as well as £165,000 from community funds held by Ms Mulligan’s office.
Ms Mulligan said:
Police commissioner candidate promises action on dog thefts““Although the AJ1 numberplate will always have a historical connection to North Yorkshire Police, the impact these schemes will have confirms why it was right to use the value of the registration mark to make a real impact on people’s lives.
“These projects will improve lives – and I am sure they will also save lives – by making our roads and the communities they pass through safer for people however they use them.”
The Conservative candidate for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections has pledged to take a tougher stance on dog theft.
Philip Allott, who lives in Knaresborough, believes many frustrated dog owners feel some police forces treat the crime as low priority.
Mr Allott highlighted a survey showing dog thefts increased by 250% last year due to gangs cashing in on the demand for puppies during lockdown.
Sought-after breeds, such as French bulldogs, can sell for more than £5,000 and a litter can fetch £35,000.
If elected, Mr Allott would not be able to change operational police policy but he pledged to lobby those who can.
Last week he discussed dog thefts on a group call with Home Secretary Priti Patel, who said she would consider further action.
Voters will go to the polls on May 6 to elect a successor to Julia Mulligan.
The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election was delayed last year due to covid.
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Mr Allott told the Stray Ferret today:
“The rising prices of dogs have made them a target for criminals. Most would probably make more money stealing a dog than a wallet.
“Laws are now relatively robust with sentences up to five years but many criminals receive just a caution or a fine.
“PFCCs cannot change the law but we can make representations. I have already been on a call with the Home Secretary and I have also shared a survey on Twitter.”
The following candidates so far have announced they are standing for election as commissioner:
- Philip Allott, Conservative Party
- Alison Hume, Labour Party
- James Barker, Liberal Democrats
- Keith Tordoff, Independent
The final list of nominations will be published on April 9.
Harrogate murder suspect named in courtA 23-year-old Harrogate man charged with murder has been named in court this morning.
Daniel Liam Ainsley, of no fixed abode, appeared at York Magistrates Court today, where he did not enter a plea.
Magistrates sent the case to Leeds Crown Court, where it is due to be heard on Wednesday morning.
Mark Wolsey died on Friday at a flat on Mayfield Grove after sustaining serious injuries.
The police released this picture of Mark Wolsey.
North Yorkshire Police said yesterday it had increased patrols in the area but told residents that it was a “contained incident” and that the public was not at risk.
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The force has appealed for anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The incident number is 12210072144.
Police name Harrogate murder victim and charge suspectPolice have charged a 23-year-old man with murder after a Harrogate man was found dead on Friday night.
Mark Wolsey has been named as the victim, who paramedics pronounced as dead at 10pm on Mayfield Grove.
Mr Wolsey was found with serious injuries before he died and police said they detained the supect “very quickly.”
His family asked police to share the above photo of him and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Police on Mayfield Grove on Saturday.
The suspect, who is also from Harrogate, remains in custody and will appear at York Magistrates Court on Monday.
North Yorkshire Police has increased patrols in the area but has told residents that it is a “contained incident” and that the public was not at risk.
The force has appealed for anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The incident number is 12210072144.
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- Suspected Harrogate murder: police forensics enter home
Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, who is leading the investigation, said:
Harrogate man speeding at 126mph was also breaking lockdown rules“Our investigation is well under way and we can confirm this was a contained incident.
“A man is now in police custody and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
“However, many residents will be understandably anxious about what has happened. There will be a greater police presence in the area, which we hope residents will find reassuring, and officers will be working closely with the community.
“Our specially-trained officers are supporting the deceased man’s family at this difficult time.”
A Harrogate man broke lockdown and speeding rules when he was caught driving at 126 miles an hour on the way to Scarborough.
North Yorkshire Police said today the man had picked up a woman from York and they were on their way to Scarborough when they were caught near Stainton.
When questioned by officers they explained that they “just wanted to go for a drive”, which was not considered to be a reasonable excuse for being outside during lockdown.
Sergeant Daniel Thompson, of Scarborough’s neighbourhood policing team, said at a North Yorkshire coronavirus press briefing today:
“One of the safety cameras on the A64 sighted a vehicle travelling at 126mph. I managed to stop that vehicle as it approached Stainton.
“There were two people in the vehicle. A man who travelled from Harrogate who picked up the woman from York. They were travelling from York to Scarborough for a drive.
“That was the only purpose. They were from two different households and travelled significant distance. The speeding was putting themselves and others at risk.
“Just going for a drive was not a reasonable excuse. We tell these people to just do their bit and as the police we will continue to do our bit.”
Police and public health leaders are increasingly concerned about the number of people breaking lockdown rules as the weather improves.
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North Yorkshire Police said today it has handed out 255 lockdown fines in the last seven days, which is a 33% increase on last week.
Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police’s lead on the coronavirus response, said:
North Yorkshire Police launches campaign to target drivers on mobile phones“We are starting to see a concerning trend. Over the last few weeks we have reported increasing numbers of fines that the police are handing out.
“There has been a significant upturn in the numbers. We handed out 255 fines in the last week, with 169 in the last weekend alone.
“We believe the figures are influenced by the good weather but officers are reporting that there has been a change of behaviour since the government released its roadmap.”
Police will be patrolling the Harrogate district’s main roads in a HGV cab as part of a new campaign to catch drivers using mobile phones.
North Yorkshire Police said today it had borrowed the cab to give them a better view to detect mobile phone use and other dangerous behaviour.
The campaign, named Operation Tramline, follows a similar initiative last year that caught a man who took both hands off the wheel to use his phone and a lorry driver who rolled a cigarette.
Highways England, which runs Operation Tramline nationally and owns three unmarked cabs, is loaning the vehicle.
Traffic Constable Mark Patterson, of North Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group, said he had seen people lose their lives because motorists got distracted. He added:
“All drivers on our roads know using a mobile phone while driving is wrong. But nobody thinks they’ll be the driver that causes one of those incidents.
“Catching those offences as they happen, then using enforcement and education is one way we can make our roads safer for everyone.
“Using Highways England’s HGV cab during Op Tramline is an excellent way to do that, as it gives us an unparalleled vantage point.”
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Several other roads policing units also take part in the operation.
If officers in the lorry see an offence taking place, it is recorded by the passenger. Marked units then pull the vehicle over and the driver is dealt with immediately.
The HGV cab loaned to police.
Last year North Yorkshire Police also discovered:
- A tractor driver, who shouldn’t even have been on the motorway, driving whilst using a mobile phone who still had alcohol in his system from drinking the previous night.
- A disqualified driver, driving an overweight van and trailer and using his phone at the same time.
- Drivers of various vehicles seen reading/checking paperwork whilst driving on the motorway.
- Various drivers seen talking on their phones, some completely oblivious to the fact that they were being recorded.
The drivers received fixed penalty notices, which typically include a fine and points on their licence.
Two men use pram to steal alcohol and crisps in RiponNorth Yorkshire Police has published images of two men they would like to speak to regarding the theft of 30 bottles of alcohol and some packets of crisps in two Ripon stores.
According to police, the men entered a local convenience store together on Elm Road. One man distracted staff at the till while the other stole eight bottles of gin and put them in a shopping bag.
Neither man made any attempt to pay before leaving.
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Shortly after on the same afternoon, at about 4.30pm, the same men went to a supermarket on Marshall Way.
Again, one man distracted staff while the other stuffed a pram full with 22 bottles of alcohol and some packets of crisps.
Both thefts happened on January 13.
Police have not named the stores but the locations suggest the incidents occurred in Costcutter and Booths.
North Yorkshire Police has released CCTV images in connection with its investigation and asked anyone who recognises the men pictured to get in touch.
Quote reference numbers 12210019882 and 12210035275 if you pass on information.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police move into new Pateley Bridge stationNorth Yorkshire Police today officially moved out of its station in Pateley Bridge and into a new home across the road.
Officers from Harrogate outer neighbourhood policing team will now share space with Harrogate Borough Council on King Street.
North Yorkshire Police said there will be no change to its counter service at the Nidderdale Plus Hub on Station Square.
The counter service is open to the public on Mondays 10am – 6pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 4pm, and at weekends from 10am – 1pm.
According to the police, the move is expected to save £19,000 per year.
The former police building on King Street will go on the market next month, at an asking price of £142,000.
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Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, agreed to sell the former site after consulting with Lisa Winward, the chief constable, before Christmas.
North Yorkshire Police said Pateley Bridge would copy the “successful principles of co-location” that already exist in Ripon, Thirsk, Selby, Bedale and Masham.
The current Pateley Bridge police station on King Street in the town. Picture: Nidderdale AONB.
Inspector Alex Langley said today the proximity of the new and old buildings would make it easy for people to adjust. He added:
“Importantly, we are also continuing to run our front counter services at the Nidderdale Plus office as before.
“Our new facilities ensure an effective, efficient and sustainable neighbourhood policing service is provided to Pateley Bridge.”
Ms Mulligan added:
Penny Pot Lane near Harrogate reopens after serious collision“By co-locating North Yorkshire Police with Harrogate Borough Council in Pateley Bridge we will achieve value for money for the taxpayer.
“There will be no change to the access available for Nidderdale residents to our policing teams in the area.
“Selling the police station will also reduce the amount we have to spend on upkeep of a large and underused property and the proceeds will be reinvested in frontline, visible policing which I know is the priority of most people in and around Pateley Bridge and across North Yorkshire.”
Penny Pot Lane near Harrogate has reopened after a serious traffic accident this afternoon.
A woman in her 60s who was driving a car was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries, although they are not thought to be life-threatening.
Emergency services were called to the scene near New Acre Farm shortly after 1pm.
Fire, ambulance and police vehicles were all in attendance.
North Yorkshire Police urged drivers to avoid the road in a tweet at 2.17pm this afternoon.
Harrogate traffic sergeant Paul Cording also used his Twitter account to alert people to the situation.
Penny Pot Lane in #Harrogate remains closed whilst we deal with a serious RTC. Please avoid the area whilst emergency services deal #JESIP pic.twitter.com/F6DhuMQV4I
— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) February 16, 2021
Sgt Cording later alerted the Stray Ferret to the road reopening at about 3pm.
Penny Pot Lane is a popular route for people in Harrogate travelling to Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs.
It is also the location of the West Harrogate Household Waste Recycling Centre run by North Yorkshire County Council, and traffic queueing to enter the site frequently backs up.
Witnesses can contact North Yorkshire Police by dialling 101, pressing 1 and speaking to the force control room. Quote reference number 0148 of 16 February.
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Force ‘took its eye off the ball’ on Ripon policing
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, faced a barrage of questions from Ripon city councillors last night.
In a virtual meeting that was not open to the public, Ms Mulligan said there are a number of issues impacting on policing in the city.
Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“The commissioner accepted that there had been a time when the force had taken its eye off the ball on policing in Ripon.”
He added:
“I appreciate her frankness and also the way she listened to what we had to say.
“She didn’t duck councillors’ questions and provided both answers and potential solutions.”
The 90-minute online meeting was attended by the majority of city councillors.
Also attending virtually, were North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Andrew Colbourne and Inspector Alex Langley.
Insp Langley, has recently been appointed as the officer with responsibility for neighbourhood policing in Ripon.
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Last week, following a three-hour crime spree in the Bondgate area of the city, he asked local residents to report anything they had seen by calling 101.
However, the response time to people calling 101, was brought into question last night and has been at previous city council meetings.
Commissioner Mulligan agreed the need to improve on response time and said that North Yorkshire would shortly be rolling out an online 101 service, offering a more rapid response.
Police in Ripon have to share space with the fire brigade and there is no room for interview on the site
She also reported that police numbers had ‘significantly increased’ and further officers would be added to tackle the city’s ongoing issues of violent and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Williams pointed out:
“There can be no doubt that the commissioner and senior officers are taking our concerns seriously and acting upon them.
“We stated last year and do so again, that we will do all that we can to work with the police to address the city’s crime problems.”
One issue that will be more difficult to resolve, is the fact that police have to share space at Ripon fire station, where there is no interview room.
People who are arrested have to be taken to Harrogate Police Station for interview, resulting in a consequential temporary loss of officers on the city patch.