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See below the latest news for Harrogate with local news and information in your area. Find out what’s happening in Harrogate at the Harrogate Guide covering Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham, Pateley Bridge & Ripon.

The News below has been gathered from the Internet and from various agencies that send us news updates daily. Should you find any errors, anything I might have missed or indeed anything I can include please email info@harrogateguide.co.uk

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Library-goers will be welcomed back into North Yorkshire libraries on Wednesday (December 2).

Following the latest Government announcement, which puts North Yorkshire into Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions, the library service has been given the go-ahead to reopen its buildings in a Covid-secure manner.

All libraries are set to open but services may differ so please contact your local library before visiting.

Customers will be able to browse for and borrow their own books and use public computers. The select and collect book borrowing service and Home Library Service will also continue.

The service made changes to the layout of libraries and measures are in place to ensure that it is safe for people to return. Numbers allowed into buildings at any one time have been restricted to ensure that social distancing can be maintained and face coverings must be worn. Customers are asked to comply with test and trace requirements.

Customers are being asked to limit their visit to 20 minutes so that everyone has a chance to browse and bookable 45-minute slots to use computers are available. A few of the larger libraries can also provide bookable study spaces as before this latest lockdown.

County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “We are delighted that the latest Government announcement enables our much-loved libraries to reopen their doors. “After we were able to welcome customers back to browse in July, we have made a lot of changes to the way we work with the safety of customers, staff and volunteers our main priority. “The Christmas holidays are always a popular time for families to enjoy reading, so we would encourage everybody to see what their local library has to offer.” Libraries have been asked by the Government to collect data for the NHS Test and Trace programme. Although this is voluntary, customers and visitors are encouraged to share their details to support Test and Trace. The information shared will be used only where necessary to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

The mobile library will continue with its current monthly visit schedule. Limited space on the vehicle means that it can offer only a select and collect service at the moment.

For details of services, contact your local library.

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There are warnings schools are struggling to stay open as staff stay at home and coronavirus costs climb during worsening pandemic disruptions…….. READ MORE.

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Book raffle organised by York trainee teacher to raise money for children’s ward at Harrogate District Hospital

Laura Lowther, a York-based trainee primary teacher, has organised a raffle to raise money for the Woodlands children’s ward at Harrogate District Hospital. The tickets to enter cost £5 and the prize for the winner is a £50 book voucher and book bundle.  Laura is aiming to raise an amazing £450 from the raffle, all of which will go directly to Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC) towards the ongoing refurbishments on the Woodlands ward. The raffle winner will be drawn by a random generator.

As well as a trainee primary teacher, Laura is an Independent Usborne Organiser who independently sell the award-winning books through their own ‘pop-up bookshops’ and events.  She decided to use her platform to raise some money after spending a lot of time earlier this year as a visitor at the hospital while her dad was receiving care there following a stroke.

Laura said: “I am eternally grateful to the team involved in my dad’s care, as well as every NHS employee for their incredible work throughout this pandemic. Being a patient in hospital can be a scary time, so these developments of the children’s ward are really important in helping children and their families feel at ease during their time in hospital.

“Help me say thank you to Harrogate District Hospital and our fabulous NHS heroes.”

Georgia Hudson, HHCC Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to Laura for taking the time to organise this raffle and work around the challenges that donating and fundraising during the Covid-19 pandemic bring. “The money she raises will be a huge contribution to the children’s ward ongoing refurbishments which will go a long way to improving the care experience our children and families have.”

Find out more and get involved on Facebook here: https://bit.ly/3mcJ1Jz or by emailing Laura directly on lauralowther@hotmail.co.uk.

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A former leader of North Yorkshire County Council has told villagers pressing for the creation of safe cycling and walking routes to nearby towns that they could face a wait of hundreds of years to realise their ambition unless they raise the funding themselves…..- READ MORE

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This is the latest edition of Residents’ News

There are just a few days left of the national coronavirus lockdown in England.

When it ends next Wednesday, our district, and the rest of North Yorkshire, will move to Tier two (“high alert”) of the amended Covid-19 restrictions.

Find out what this means for you or your business on the government website.

It is vital that we follow the rules to the letter, particularly if we are to keep infection rates as low as possible in our district.  From next Wednesday, you must:

• not meet or socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• not meet or socialise in a group of more than six people outside (including in a garden or a public space).This this is called the ‘rule of six’.
• self-isolate and get a test if you have symptoms.

We must also continue to wash our hands (for at least 20 seconds each time and on regular basis) wear a face covering when the law says you must (and in enclosed spaces generally) and make space by socially distancing, keeping at least two metres apart (at least one metre if you are wearing a face covering or other precautions are in place) from other people.

If you, or someone you live with (or are in a support bubble with) develop Covid-19 symptoms, you, or they, must immediately self-isolate at home to stop the risk of spreading the virus to other people…..- Read More

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North Yorkshire is paying tribute on Carers Rights Day (Thursday 26th November) to the tens of thousands of people across the county who care for family and friends.

The County Council wants to thank the 60,000 people in North Yorkshire caring for loved ones – a fundamentally important service during these difficult times.

Their vital work has kept the county running during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also beyond that too – providing compassion, care and support.

Many people who care for friends and family in this way provide round-the-clock care and support with little time for respite or rest.

Richard Webb, Corporate Director for Health and Adult Services, said: “It’s thought that an estimated 60,000 across the county are caring for loved ones at present. That’s one in ten people, so it’s likely that in our own lives we know someone in this position.

“The events of the last year have put more pressure on carers than ever before. We want to thank them for everything they continue to do. Along with colleagues in the NHS and health services, they are a vital part in keeping the county running.”

Because of Covid-19, services to support unpaid Carers have not been as readily available, placing further pressure on people.

There’s risk of stress for the person doing the care, and also shouldering any financial burdens that may come from it.

Pressures on those caring for their friends and family include:

• In Covid-19, day services are mostly closed at present so people are at home, so there is less opportunity for the carer to have a break. This may impact their own working or social life.
• There may be more hands-on or physical care for the cared-for person.
• The carer themselves may feel isolated if they are unable to see other carers or other friends and family.
• The added pressure of Covid-19 could leave carers struggling with burnout.

Cllr Michael Harrison, Executive Member for Social Health and Care Integration, said: “The work that carers do in looking after their friends and family is invaluable and is appreciated, particularly as the Covid-19 pandemic continues onwards.

“It’s important anyone who is caring for a loved one in this way has access to the right support, and we at North Yorkshire County Council have measures in place to make sure this happens.”

Organisations such as Carers Resource in Scarborough and Ryedale, an organisation which supports carers, have pledged to continue to support and champion carers rights.

Carers Resource supports approximately 2,000 unpaid carers each year with one-off pieces of advice and support, longer term planning and support packages.

They are also testing The Carers Champion Training, a brand-new programme developed by carer colleagues in City Health Carer Partnership, Hull, and launched tomorrow as a collaborative training provision between CHCP, East Riding Carers Centre and Carers Resource.

The training aims to increase awareness around the needs of the carer, their rights and the routes of support available.

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Officer at Carers Resource, added: “Everyone knows the importance of having the ‘right information at the right time’ can make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“We believe every day is a ‘Carers Rights Day’ and work to equip our Carers with the tools and information they need to help them navigate their individual challenges and find a clear pathway to a well-balanced life.”

Cllr Caroline Dickinson, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Supported Housing, said: “I want to thank carers for the incredible work they do day in, day out. It’s extremely invaluable.

“Many people who are caring for loved ones may not even realise that is what they are doing. They may think it’s part of their responsibility or role as a loved one.

“It’s important to recognise and support these carers, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, to ensure they can access the support they need.”

Carers Rights FAQ

Where can I get support as a carer?

If you are looking after someone who could not manage without your help, you have a right to have your own needs assessed, even if the person you are looking after has had an assessment of their own. The assessment will look at the care you provide and how this affects your life. It will consider the things you want to achieve in your own day-to-day life, such as work, training, social activities and wellbeing. It must also consider other important issues including whether you are able or willing to carry on caring, and it will inform you about what services and support are available to you.

If you are a carer who appears to have a need for support, we will offer you a carer’s assessment.

If you are in contact with a carers’ resource centre, you can ask them for an assessment.

A Carers Emergency Card will identify you as a carer if you have an accident or are unable to identify yourself, so that the person you care for will receive emergency support.

There are many organisations in North Yorkshire which support carers, including carers’ centre and carers’ resources, which give practical and emotional support.

Do I have rights as a working carer?

As an unpaid carer you have a right to request flexible working, time off in emergencies and parental leave. The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives all employees the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work in order to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. It is at the discretion of the employer, whether or not the time off is paid or unpaid.

If you are an employee with 26 weeks continuous employment at the time you make an application, you have the right to request flexible working.

You also have the right not to be discriminated against or dismissed because you have made the request.

To find out more about your rights contact your local carers centre or visit the Carers UK website.

What financial help is available for carers?

As an unpaid carer, it is important to know what benefits you and the person you care for are entitled to. It might make a difference to your pension entitlements in the future or bring in extra money to help pay for care. For further information about the Care Act, and for useful fact sheets regarding Carers Rights and benefits contact your local carers centre or see the Carers UK factsheets.

How do I look after myself and the person I care for during Covid restrictions?

Working with our carers centres we’ve pulled together a factsheet and a list of 10 sources of helpful information and advice for unpaid carers.

Will my GP know that I am a carer?

Your GP may not necessarily be aware that you are a carer looking after someone. So it is worth making sure your GP practice has you registered as a carer on your medical record. This will entitle you to a free flu vaccination and may also offer flexibility with appointment times for yourself and/or the person you care for to accommodate your caring situation.

Can I get a flu jab as a carer?

As a carer, you are entitled to a free flu jab each year if you receive a carer’s allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick. Tell your GP or pharmacist that you are a carer. Find out further information about flu jabs.

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Businesses and charity organisations in North Yorkshire are being invited to take part in an initiative to provide valuable paid work experience to young people and potentially find the next generation of talented employees to add to their workforce.

The new Kickstart Scheme is a Government-funded initiative to provide paid work opportunities to young people; allowing them to gain experience in new roles, try out potential new careers or get involved with a cause close to their hearts – all while getting paid.

It matches up businesses, charities, and community organisations who have signed up to the scheme with those aged 16 to 24 who are actively looking for work and provides them with high quality, paid six-month work placements.

Whilst the national scheme requires employers to apply for a minimum of 30 placements, North Yorkshire County Council is acting as a gateway organisation to enable other, smaller North Yorkshire-based employers to apply for a Kickstart placement.  The County Council will make the overall application to the Department of Work and Pensions, coordinate the administration on behalf of smaller organisations and provide on-going support for the duration of the placements.

Any type of employer can provide the placements; from small businesses and charities to larger employers or community organisations. Employers who wish to offer a placement will receive funding to cover the young person’s wages, equivalent to the National Minimum Wage applicable to their age, for 25 hours a week for six months. If an employer wishes to pay a higher hourly rate, or increase the hours worked per week, they can do so at their own cost. In addition, the employer will receive a one-off grant of £1,500 to support them to establish the placement and provide employability support, for each role successfully filled by an eligible young person.

All organisations can take part, even if only able to offer one placement to a young person.

The Department for Work and Pensions’ scheme was announced by the Chancellor, – Richmond (Yorks) MP Rishi Sunak – on July 8 as part of the government paper Plan for Jobs, with a £2m investment in response to the impact of Covid-19. Young people are enrolled on to the scheme with the support of their Jobcentre Plus Work Coach.

Mr Sunak said: “We know young people have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and unemployment can have longstanding implications for their future jobs and wages.

“The Kickstart scheme is part of the biggest package of support for young unemployed people in decades and also offers employers a fully-funded opportunity to find the young people who will help drive their businesses in the future.”

Mr Sunak said he was pleased that the County Council had come forward to act as one of the “gateway” intermediary organisations, helping small and medium-sized businesses to apply for the scheme and provide on-going support for the duration of the placements.

Cllr Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Business and Economic Development, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both local organisations and businesses and for young people in North Yorkshire. This Government-backed scheme gives businesses the chance to provide a placement for a young person for six months with their wages met, plus a £1,500 grant for each placement.

“For young people, this promises to open up a whole new range of opportunities, to try out a new career path, learn new skills, bolster their CV and potentially move on into sustained employment.

“It’s open to businesses and voluntary organisations of all sizes and we would like to see as many as possible take advantage of this scheme in North Yorkshire.”

Find full details of how to submit an expression of interest to us.

Ripon Police are appealing for witnesses to an extremely distressing incident in which two kittens appear to have been thrown from a moving vehicle.

It occurred between 2 pm and 2.15 pm on Thursday 19 November 2020 on Water Skellgate and Bondgate Green in Ripon. The kittens sadly died.

The vehicle involved is described as being brown or gold. It was driving eastbound from the direction of Ripon towards the A61 bypass along Bondgate Green and onto Boroughbridge Road at the time of the incident.

Anyone who saw the incident, or the vehicle involved, is asked to contact PC Matthew Scott at Ripon Police Station on 101, or email matthew.scott@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please quote reference number 12200204632.

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A £1.4m scheme to provide food and other support to families is part of a range of funding that is being launched in North Yorkshire to help those hardest hit by the pandemic.

As we head into winter, the County Council has put together an additional raft of measures to support families and vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic.

It will include an extensive food voucher scheme to ensure children eligible for Free School Meals will continue to have access to meals over the Christmas holidays and into the next year. The County Council has decided to broaden the scheme to also include other children and families in North Yorkshire who may be struggling. The scheme will also include children in early years provision and those in post-16 education.

The value of the supermarket vouchers will be £20 per child, per week for families in North Yorkshire.

The funding comes from the Government’s £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme, announced earlier this month. It will be administered by the County Council, who will be allocating schools, including academies, with grants for supermarket vouchers for eligible children.

Schools will be given the discretion to allocate supermarket vouchers to children from families where they may not have enough income to cover essentials such as food.

The Government’s Covid Winter Grant Scheme funding runs from November until March 2021. The large majority of this funding – 80 percent – is ring-fenced to provide the hardest hit families and other individuals with financial support for food and essential utility bills and specifically provide food for children who need it over the holidays.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan, Executive Member for Education and Skills said: “We know the pandemic has impacted many businesses and jobs in North Yorkshire and many families need some additional help in getting through the coming months.

“The scheme will provide help for children on Free School Meals over the holidays, but will also help other families in North Yorkshire struggling to cover the cost of food and essential utilities.

“Schools are in a unique position to be able to identify which children are in need of support and where there are families struggling, so we will be giving them the discretion to allocate the supermarket vouchers to those most in need.

“We will be setting the value of the vouchers per child, per week, at an above average rate to ensure everyone’s needs are met.”

The County Council will begin distributing the grant funding to schools over the coming weeks.

Other council support for people currently struggling in North Yorkshire includes the Local Assistance Fund, which makes emergency awards for food, or utility vouchers. The County Council has increased its award entitlement for emergency provision for a temporary period, using one-off funding from the Government.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les said: “This will be just part of a wider winter support package for families with children.

“The pandemic has changed every aspect of life as we know it over the best part of a year. We know many people have seen their incomes fall, and as we head into Christmas and winter, people are concerned about feeding their families.

“We have additional funding from the Department for Education to expand our holiday activities and food programs in school and increased funding from the Department for Food and Rural Affairs to provide further aid to local charities. The value of Health Start programme vouchers has also been increased for families on low incomes with children under the age of four, for the purchase of milk, vegetables, formula milk and vitamins.

“As a council, we are also increasing support to food banks and support networks such as Citizen’s Advice to help people get through the remainder of the pandemic.”.

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Santa Claus is set to visit the Great Yorkshire Showground next month when he takes to his grotto for a limited number of dates throughout December. Based next to the Yorkshire Event Centre, Santa’s grotto will be manned by his elves. Each child will meet Santa and receive a special gift during their visit and there will be takeaway refreshments available to buy.The grotto will be made Covid-secure with Santa sanitising stops, social distancing measures and limited ticket numbers. Graham Thompson, General Manager said: “This has been a challenging year for all of us and it gives us great pleasure to provide some fun for the youngsters and welcome Santa on several dates throughout December.  “We have safety measures in place and limited numbers of tickets on sale to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable visit and we look forward to welcoming you.”. Santa will be making an appearance from the weekend of Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6 and on dates until Christmas Eve Thursday 24 December.

Tickets are £10 per child £2.50 adults (all children visiting Santa Claus must have tickets – including babies). Full refunds will be given should the event have to be cancelled due to Covid-19. For tickets, please go to https://santaattheshowground.co.uk/

This event has been planned with the current social distancing guidelines in place. You will only be allowed to book groups of no more than 6 people in total. Face masks must be worn throughout the experience inside. Children aged 11 and under do not need to wear a face mask.

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North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a collision that occurred on Haggs Road near Harrogate.

It happened at 2 pm on Saturday the 21 of November and involved a black Audi RS3. The occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were seen by paramedics at the scene. The stretch of road was closed while officers investigated the scene and to allow the vehicle to be recovered.

We are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone who recalls seeing the vehicle prior to the collision, to get in touch as soon as possible to assist the investigation.

If you can help, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for TC 13 Storey. You can also email Chris.Storey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference number 12200205229 when passing on any information. – Contact details: Chris Storey – #0013
chris.storey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk | 30013 – Incident reference: 12200205229

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