Excitement builds for Ripon’s New Year Eve celebrations tonightRipon’s New Year’s Eve concert this evening on Market Square will go ahead — but without a fireworks display.
An Oasis tribute band and Big Boyband Reunion will entertain revellers and the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, will address the audience at five minutes to midnight.
This will be followed by a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.
Ripon City Council said yesterday that the fireworks display, which would have provided the finale to the night of free entertainment, had been cancelled, because of circumstances beyond its control.
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Stage times are below:
21:00 Hornblowing Ceremony
21:10 Definitely Might Be (Oasis Tribute Act)
21:55 Big Boyband Reunion
22.35: Definitely Might Be
23.25: Big Boyband Reunion
23.55: Address by Mayor of Ripon followed by a blessing from the Bishop of Ripon
Ripon City Council leader Cllr Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret that those planning to attend take a lateral flow test beforehand and only venture onto Market Square if the test gives a negative result.
Ripon’s New Year’s eve concert to go ahead without the fireworks
Ripon City Council has confirmed that tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve concert on Market Square will go ahead.
Earlier today, the council said that the fireworks display, which would have provided the finale to the night of free entertainment, had been cancelled, because of circumstances beyond its control.
The circumstances remain unclear, but the question mark over the other elements of the event has now been lifted.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“Because of absence through covid at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, we wanted to be sure that tomorrow night’s event has appropriate paramedic cover.
“We have had discussions with the YAS this afternoon and they are satisfied that we will have the level of cover required and are happy for the concert to go ahead.”
Cllr Williams repeated his request that those planning to attend take a lateral flow test beforehand and only venture onto Market Square if the test gives a negative result.
Tomorrow night’s free entertainment will begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm, followed by an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, will address the audience at 11.55pm, followed by a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.
The fireworks display, which was scheduled to start as the town hall clock strikes 12, will not take place.
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No. 4: Leisure centres, sinkholes and spiralling costsIn this article, which is part of a series on the 15 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2021, we look at the shake-up of local leisure facilities – and ongoing concerns about safety at the new Ripon pool.
Throughout 2021, Harrogate Borough Council has spoken about its ‘multi-million pound investment’ in leisure developments across the district.
The council certainly has ambitious plans: it has built a new six-lane pool in Ripon, drawn up designs for a new leisure centre in Knaresborough and is also planning a two-storey extension to The Hydro in Harrogate.
It set up a new company, Brimhams Active, this year to run its health and wellbeing facilities.
However, the actual cost of delivering the entire package of projects remains unclear.
Ripon £4m over budget
The new Ripon facility, at Dallamires Lane, will be called the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, in honour of the local Olympic hero. It is scheduled to open next month.
A Freedom of Information request submitted to the council by Ripon resident and chartered civil engineer Stanley Mackintosh showed that it is currently more than £4 million over budget at £14,590,665.
The opening is now due to take place more than seven months later than originally planned. Ripon Spa Baths closed in November, leaving the city without a public swimming pool until the new site opens.
The council also still has to deal with ongoing ground stability concerns affecting the leisure centre adjacent to the Ripon pool.
Following the discovery of a ‘void’ near the entrance to the 26-year-old building, further investigation and remedial works will be carried out in the New Year. The centre’s ground floor will remain closed while the work takes place.
The discovery prompted two sinkhole experts to urge councillors to consider finding an alternative site for the new Ripon leisure centre and pool.
Their comments followed a report by engineering company Stantec, which revealed the site could be permanently plagued by the threat of sinkholes.
When asked about the cost of the remedial work, the council said:
“The costs for the investigation works are not as yet known. Following the investigation works, there will then be assessment of the proposed remediation strategies, together with an assessment of the estimated cost.
“The council would not be able to disclose details of costs until the agreed remedial works are contracted as we view that providing this information may prejudice future commercial negotiations with supply partners.”
The proposed new Knaresborough leisure centre.
New leisure centre in Knaresborough
The council will consider its own planning application for a new leisure and wellness centre in Knaresborough in 2022, to replace the town’s existing leisure facility.
The proposed new centre will include a six-lane 25-metre pool, a learner pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, cafe, electric car charging points, bicycle storage and play area.
Construction could start as early as spring next year and last for 18 months.
Under the plans, the new building would be built on the playground to the rear of the existing pool, which would remain open during the work.
However, local resident David Hull, who launched the ‘Not On Fysche Field’ campaign has criticised the plans over the loss of the existing play park. The council has said it will create a new play park on the site.
Hydro changes
The council is proposing to demolish the current ‘drum’ entrance at The Hydro and replace it with a larger structure that includes a bigger café and reception area on the ground floor and a new 400-square metre fitness suite on the first floor.
Plans also include refurbishing the changing rooms and pool hall. Five electric vehicle charging points will be added.
The Stray Ferret asked the council how much the works will cost, but did not receive a response.
Those championing the schemes have been quick to hail the benefits.
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Cllr Stanley Lumley, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said:
“This investment in Ripon will be complemented by a further multi-million pound investment at the Hydro in Harrogate and a new leisure and wellness centre in Knaresborough.”
Mark Tweedie, managing director of Brimhams Active, said when the planning application for the Knaresborough development was announced:
“This is a really exciting time for leisure, health and wellbeing in the Harrogate district which is thanks to the bold and brave vision of Harrogate Borough Council and their commitment to unprecedented levels of investment.”
But exactly what these ‘unprecedented levels of investment’ will eventually amount to is yet to be revealed, and the risk of sinkholes may continue to bug the Ripon site for years to come.
Can you get a lateral flow test kit in the Harrogate district?Covid rapid lateral flow test kits are in short supply in Ripon, with pharmacies currently out of stock and awaiting deliveries.
Supplies of lateral flow tests are patchy at best in most of the country. Our reporter visited pharmacies across Ripon to find out what the situation is like on the ground locally.
Being unable to take tests poses problems for people requiring a negative result to be able go to work. People have also been urged to check they are negative before attending busy New Year’s Eve events.
Day Lewis Pharmacy, which has shops on North Street (pictured below) and Westgate, ran out of kits yesterday, but was hoping to receive a delivery later today.
The free kits are available on a first-come-first-served basis, but those wanting them have to provide a code, which they obtain online.
Boots, which is based in Market Place West, has a sign on its door which reads:
“Due to a surge in demand, unfortunately lateral flow tests are temporarily unavailable.”
And across the city at the Morrisons supermarket pharmacy, a supply of tests kits received yesterday was soon gone and no further delivery was expected today.
A member of staff at the pharmacy said:
“They went almost as quickly as they arrived. We are hoping that more of the test kits come in tomorrow.”
Lucy Kitching, who works for NHS England, had a frustrating evening trying to order test kits online via the government website, which states:
“Picking up rapid lateral flow tests from a local pharmacy or collection point is the quickest way to get them for most people.”
Ms Kitching told the Stray Ferret:
“As a member of my family caught covid, I need to take lateral flow tests, as well as a PCR test, before I can go back to work.
“I spent a lot of time on the website, which eventually crashed and as I was unable to order a test kit online I decided to try the Boots in Ripon, but discovered that they don’t have any currently available.
“Fortunately, I have friends that can let me have some, so I will just have to rely on them.”
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Ripon’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display cancelledA fireworks display, which had been due to take place tomorrow night as part of Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, has been cancelled.
No reason for the cancellation has yet been given and it is currently unclear whether the rest of the night’s activities will take place.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, told the Stray Ferret:
“We are having to cancel the display due to circumstances that are beyond our control and are also in discussion with authorities regarding the concert element planned for tomorrow.
“We will provide a further update later.”
Free entertainment was due to begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm, followed by an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, was then due to address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display was scheduled to start as the town hall clock strikes 12.
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Tree blocks road in Ripon as strong winds hit Harrogate districtA main road in Ripon has been blocked this afternoon due to a fallen tree.
Strong winds have caused minor disruption across the Harrogate district this afternoon.
But Ripon appears to have born the brunt, with trees down on Kirkby Road and also Lark Lane, according to North Yorkshire Police.
Police are urging drivers to take extra care.
Strong winds were forecast today but the Met Office did not issue any weather warnings for the district.
Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations set to go aheadRipon’s New Year’s Eve free concert and fireworks display on Market Square is set to go ahead.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s announcement this week that no additional covid restrictions will be put in place in England before the New Year effectively gave Friday’s event the green light.
However, with the Omicron variant bringing a surge in the number of recorded covid cases in the Harrogate district, Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams is urging caution for the large public event.
He said:
“We ask anyone planning to attend to take a lateral flow test and only venture onto Market Square if it gives a negative result.
“We already had the licence for the event from Harrogate Borough Council and had been keeping a close eye on announcements from the government regarding covid measures.
“Now that we have the go-ahead, we hope that people will come and enjoy the night of free entertainment and ensure their own safety and that of others by taking sensible precautions.”
Fireworks display
Safety concerns about holding a fireworks display in Market Square to herald in 2022 have also been resolved. An alternative area of land to the rear of Ripon Town Hall will be used to discharge the display.
Entertainment will begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm and will be followed by performances from an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, will address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display will start as the town hall clock strikes 12.
New Year’s Eve celebrations have been held on Ripon Market Square since 1986 but covid caused the cancellation of the 2020 event.
No.9: Persistent crime in RiponIn this article, which is part of a series on the 15 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2021, we look at the persistent problems on the streets of Ripon.
Stories about violent and anti-social behaviour in Ripon have featured regularly in the news this year.
Among the most disturbing, was our report in August about a terrifying ordeal for a young boy, who was held up by a man and a youth at knifepoint and robbed of this trainers, mobile phone and jewellery.
The thugs, who threatened to ‘shank’ his leg with the knife if he didn’t do as told, were soon arrested by the police and brought to justice.
In February, a Ripon retailer came to the aid of a man who was being set upon by two vicious thugs in broad daylight.
The retailer, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret the attack occurred when the victim remonstrated with youths who had thrown a snowball at him. He said:
“As I came out of the shop, the man was on the ground and one of the youths was kicking him in the head, while another was stamping on his face.
“I thought that they were going to kill him – I shouted at them and they ran off.”
Night of crime
Earlier that month, we reported on a three-hour spate of crime in Ripon on a Sunday evening that included a man carrying a machete, a robbery, thefts and gangs gathering.
The incidents, included a robbery in which a 23-year-old man suffered facial injuries after being attacked by two or three males, who stole his phone and watch.
Following the incidents, Inspector Alex Langley, head of neighbourhood policing for Ripon, tried to reassure people that the events were being taken seriously and that “we will be taking robust action against those responsible”.
Philip Allott, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner at the time, responded by saying he hoped an increased police presence in the city would send a message that “crime will not be tolerated”. He also urged more residents to “break silence” and report anything suspicious.
“Officers know who the perpetrators are, they have made arrests, they have got a grip on the situation, and I am confident of that.
“One of the problems we have in Ripon is sometimes a wall of silence by certain families and that makes it quite difficult to apprehend people.
“The police will still get those people. It just takes a bit longer.
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Police step-up patrols
But further violent and anti-social behaviour in August prompted police to step-up patrols and launch investigations into four separate incidents
At the time, detective superintendent Steve Thomas, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
“Following the success of local policing operations to reduce anti-social behaviour in Ripon over recent months these latest incidents are disappointing.
“We are determined that this small group of individuals are held to account for behaviour that harms the quality of life for everyone else.
“Local residents will see an increase in police presence over the coming days and we want to reassure you that we will do everything necessary to tackle this isolated problem.”
This is just a snapshot of some of the incidents that police in Ripon have had to tackle in 2021. They have also run, in conjunction with Operation Spectre, a national campaign to engage with schoolchildren in the city about the dangers of knife crime and taking drugs.
Sergeant Heidi Lewis, of the schools liaison team, said officers were there to build relationships with the children and answer any questions. She said:
“Education at an early stage is crucial to steer children away from falling into a criminal lifestyle and becoming exploited.
“Some young people think it’s safe to carry a knife in case they need it for self-defence – but this could not be further from the truth. Any knife in the hands of anyone can cost lives.”
The city will be hoping to make headlines for more positive reasons in 2022.
Ripon councillors call on crime commissioner to keep CCTV promise
North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has been called on by Ripon City Council to keep a promise made by her predecessor regarding the purchase of CCTV cameras to combat violent and anti-social behaviour.
Former commissioner Philip Allott, who resigned in October, said he would pay £20,000 for two cameras out of his PFCC community fund.
He pledged in September to pay for cameras for use in the Bondgate area of the Ripon, following a “mini crime wave”.
He told a meeting of North Yorkshire County Council‘s Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee that his office was willing to pay for the extra cameras, costing £10,000 apiece, if Ripon City Council submitted an application — which it did.
He subsequently resigned before the cameras were bought.
The PFCC has now said in an email to the city council:
“The PFCC community fund is not, at this stage – under the funding criteria as it stands – in a position to support your application for the CCTV requested.”
The email added that the PFCC has agreed with North Yorkshire County Council that a joint strategic approach to a countywide CCTV review will proceed after the May local elections next year.
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Ms Metcalfe told the Stray Ferret:
“It is deeply disappointing that the previous commissioner committed resources without advice and full consideration of the funding criteria of the community fund, and I am sorry the city council has been put in this position.
“Unfortunately, if we were to fund CCTV for one area, we would find ourselves in an impossible position of being asked to replicate this type of provision across the whole of York and North Yorkshire.
“The funding pot we have available is simply unable to support this, which is why it is important we take an overall view.
“I give my full assurance to the city council and the residents and businesses of Ripon that my team and I will support them to address their community safety concerns together with the appropriate statutory partners.”
Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Ripon City Council, said:
“I have been contacted by the commissioner, who has offered to meet with me.
“I will be taking her up on the offer, so that I can press the case that residents in Bondgate were promised by her predecessor two CCTV cameras, which are much-needed to ensure that residents who have felt blighted by anti-social behaviour feel safe.
“The temporary camera installed in Bondgate by Harrogate Borough Council earlier this year had a significant impact and a permanent solution now needs to be delivered as promised.”
Mr Allott, stood down after making comments in a radio interview about the murder of Sarah Everard murder trial.
No. 15: Shops that opened and closed in 2021It has undoubtedly been a tough year for businesses across the Harrogate district as the effects of the pandemic have continued to be felt.
There have been a number of closures over the year. However, 2021 has also seen some businesses buck the trend, with new shops opening in the district.
Here is a look back at some of the notable business closures and launches in the last year.
Debenhams, Harrogate
For generations, the Debenhams building on Parliament Street has been one of the major retail landmarks in Harrogate.
But sadly at the start of 2021, as the country was in the grip of a third lockdown, the retail giant announced the town’s branch would not be reopening.
The site had been a retail unit on Parliament Street for over a century. Before Debenhams, it housed the Buckley’s and Busby’s stores.
The building has stood empty ever since its closure.
However, in December the Stray Ferret revealed that developers have submitted plans to demolish it and build 50 apartments on the site, along with two commercial units.
Aldi, Knaresborough
Knaresborough Aldi
A new Aldi supermarket opened its doors to customers in Knaresborough on January 28.
The 8,000 square metre site was built on Swallowtail Way, near the Manse Farm housing development on York Road, after plans were approved in May 2020.
Solita Food Hall, Harrogate
Solita Food Hall
Harrogate’s first food hall opened its doors in May with an aim to serve up a range of different cuisines under one roof.
Solita Food Hall, on Parliament Street, was located in the former Jamie’s Italian building and was set over two floors, including a rooftop terrace.
Under the Shoot the Bull brand, it housed Rupert’s Coffee House, Rotisserie & Grill, Solita Wagyu Burger, Slice Me Nicely Pizza, Cure & Pour Wines and Solita Fish Bar.
However, it wasn’t around for long, closing after just six months in November.
Tomahawk Steakhouse, which had been planning to move into the empty Bistrot Pierre restaurant on Cheltenham Parade, is now planning to move into the large building.
Cut by Farmison & Co, Ripon
Farmison & Co’s boutique butcher shop, Cut
Cut, online butcher Farmison & Co’s first physical shop, opened at the company’s Bondgate Green head office in Ripon in July.
The boutique butcher’s is aimed at showcasing “the crown jewels” of Yorkshire heritage breed meat and allows customers to select from the online range and collect within an hour of placing an order.
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Fi:k, Harrogate and Knaresborough
Vicky Somerville and Luke Morland of Fi:k outside the new café in Harrogate
A Swedish-inspired coffee shop opened its doors in Harrogate in August with ambitious £780,000 plans to roll out the concept across Yorkshire.
Fi:k has renovated 1 Montpellier Gardens, which used to be the home of furniture business Covet.
In December it opened a café on Knaresborough Market Place.
Hotel Chocolat
Queues at the launch of the new Hotel Chocolat store
Queues formed on James Street for the opening of the new, relocated Hotel Chocolat store. Around 30 people waited for the store to open on October 22, with staff serving hot chocolate to them whilst they waited.
The new store is almost opposite the old one, but is larger with a café that can seat 30 people at the back of the shop. The chocolate chain has seen rapid growth in recent years and the new store has had up to 15 staff in the run up to Christmas — double the number of the previous store.
Crimple, Harrogate
Crimple Food Hall
Harrogate’s huge new £6m food hall in Pannal, which overlooks the Crimple Valley, opened its doors in November.
The 48,000 sq ft building, which is simply called Crimple, includes a butchery counter, an in-house bakery and patisserie, a floristry and a 160-seat restaurant.
Crimple has been owned by Graham Watson since 2013. With a personal investment of £4m for the construction, plus £2m for the fit-out, the business-owner created the town’s latest foodie destination in a bid to showcase all the amazing produce the district has to offer.
Previous visitors to Crimple Valley will remember the former antiques centre at the site. This has been completely knocked down and the food hall and restaurant has been built in its place. The garden centre remains and the existing restaurant and terrace has become an events space.
Fattorini, Harrogate
Harrogate’s oldest independent shop, A. Fattorini the Jeweller announced it will close after 190 years of trading
Thought to be the oldest independent jeweller in Harrogate, A. Fattorini, has been located on Parliament Street since 1884.
The announced closure of the Harrogate institution was marked by a closing down sale, which saw people queuing down the street.
It is set to close on January 8, 2022.
63rd+1st, Harrogate
The Manhattan-style cocktail bar at 63rd+1st
Harrogate’s answer to a Manhattan cocktail bar opened its doors in November, with the launch of 63rd+1st.
Decked out in trendy dark blue and gold, and featuring lots of greenery, the restaurant, lounge and bar on Albert Street is aimed at customers who might just want a nibble and a drink after work or a meal out with friends.
The venue was developed by Hostmore PLC, which also includes TGI Fridays as part of its portfolio.
Harrogate’s branch was the third to open in the UK, behind Surrey in May and Glasgow in September.
53 Bo Grove, Harrogate
Kyrensa Bentley when she opened a pancake shack (left) with a general view of 53 Bo Grove
Bohemian Harrogate cafe, antiques and garden centre 53 Bo Grove, on Grove Road, just off Kings Road, closed in December, after more than two years of business.
The business became a vital hub for residents during the early coronavirus lockdowns by staying open at a time when many supermarkets were struggling for stock.
Owner Kyrensa Bentley attempted to improve business by opening a pancake shack and a farm shop on site.
Ms Bentley, who opened the business in September 2019, told the Stray Ferret she made the decision to close after struggling on a number of fronts, including the difficult location and the impact of the pandemic.
She will continue to operate Bo Grove at Oxford Street, which opened in November 2020.