Residents’ imprisonment fear over cycling road race
September will bring the UCI Championships to Harrogate for nine days, but organisers of the world’s biggest cycling event are working with residents to allay fears over road closures and upheaval to school opening hours and general life in the town. The changing route for each day will mean continual disruption for what is a lucrative event for Harrogate.
Witness appeal for midday car chase
Police are appealing for witnesses after a bronze/silver Ford Focus failed to stop for police around midday on July 17th. The car was later found abandoned on St Catherine’s Road. The pursuit started on North Park Road and police believe two men aged 43 and 17 were in the car.
Sustainable transport proposals welcomed
Environmental groups have spoken out in support of Harrogate Borough Council proposals for the town to become a “beacon of sustainable transport”. The plans include giving buses priority over cars and more pedestrianisation, plus wider public consultation over congestion issues.
Charity concern for drug abuse in beauty spot
Volunteers from Pinewood Conservation Group have called for action after spotting evidence of drug abuse by a bench at the greenhouses on Nursery Lane on Harlow Hill, a popular family beauty spot. The volunteers spotted various forms of drug paraphernalia during their regular litter-picking exercise.
Controversial changes at famous Turkish Baths
Plans to cut women-only sessions and revise costs at the town’s famous Turkish Baths have been met with concern. Widespread ‘cultural changes’ have been blamed for the plans which aim to provide greater capacity and flexibility and improve financial performance.
Youngsters in threatening mobile store robbery
Police are appealing for witnesses after the iStore on James Street was robbed on the afternoon of July 17th. Staff were threatened by a group of youngsters using a screwdriver, who made away with a haul of mobile phones and laptops.
Local groups aim to make Harrogate shine again
A collection of local action groups, under the collective banner “Friends of Harrogate Town Centre” aim to bring back Harrogate’s sparkle after a summer of discontent saw traffic problems and shop closures. The group aim to clean up the centre and use horticultural displays to revamp various areas.
New special constable for Harrogate
A North Yorkshire Police passing-out ceremony awarded special constable status to Samuel Ferguson, who will now undergo extensive legal and practical training and will volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per week. He joins 14 other recent recruits.
Town centre boost as major street re-opens
Beulah Street in Harrogate has re-opened to pedestrians and shoppers after a major blaze at Deli Blanca in June cut the street in two. Public health and safety cordons were put in place which have hit trade severely in the area, but now the street has fully re-opened.
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