Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
16
Mar 2024
Editor's Pick of the Week: Tractor run fever, awards and the gateway soap opera
It seemed apt that former Coronation Street actor Tracy Brabin, who is now Mayor of West Yorkshire, starred in this week's latest episode of the Harrogate Station Gateway soap opera, which saw West Yorkshire Combined Authority approve the business case.
The cost may keep rising and the full plans remain secret, but the gateway reports written by council officers are producing some memorable language. After the original plans were 'de-scoped' the latest report says the scheme will 'mainly disbenefit highway users'.
There appears to be more chance of a cannabis farm being found on Haywra Street in Harrogate than this storyline ending amicably.
Mayor Tracy Brabin
It takes something remarkable to quieten a well lubricated audience of 350 people at an awards ceremony at 11pm at night. But Justin Kitson did precisely that at this week's Stray Ferret Business Awards when he talked movingly about how Northern Energy had gone beyond the call of duty to help his sister, who worked for the company, when she was terminally ill.
It was the highlight of a fantastic night at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Check out the winners.
Northern Energy celebrates its Employer of the Year award.
The previous night, Knaresborough firefighter Bruce Reid, who is best known for organising free Christmas meals for up to 100 people in the town, appealed to Knaresborough & District Chamber's for help raising funds to treat his son's brain tumour. Bruce has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes over the years and chamber members agreed to do all they could to help. Donations can be made here.
We report on various attempts by communities to buy pubs, such as the Henry Jenkins Inn at Kirkby Malzeard and the Half Moon Inn at Sharow, but few come to fruition. So it was heartening to report on a successful community campaign to save the Black Swan at Skelton-on-Ure.
The Black Lion pub
This weekend sees the BEAM Light Festival in Harrogate and excitement is mounting for the annual Knaresborough Tractor Run on Sunday. It's become one of the biggest events on the calendar — do check it out.
Read more:
- Business case approved for £12.1m Harrogate Station Gateway
- Ripon garden centre now equipped to look after hearts and flowers
- Knaresborough hero Bruce Reid seeks help for son
0