Joe Willis

Richmond

North Yorkshire Local Democracy Reporter based @yorkshirepost Runs @richmond_today and @hambletontoday hyperlocal side-gigs too

Articles

Historic Yorkshire barracks to be torn down to build 1,300 homes

1 week ago | msn.com | Joe Willis |Elizabeth Mackley

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Aiskew conman bathroom fitter in court after defrauding customers

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

A man claiming to be a professional bathroom fitter, has been given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years after defrauding customers out of thousands of pounds. Liam John Harbottle, 41, of Aiskew near Bedale, previously from Ripon, took thousands in advance payments from customers but failed to complete the work. Officers also found that he used alias names and repeatedly changed the name of his business, evading bad reviews and presenting as a genuine bathroom fitter.
At-risk phone boxes used to make dozens of calls to the emergency services

1 week ago | yorkpress.co.uk | Joe Willis

The phone company has given notice of its intention to withdraw more than 90 North Yorkshire kiosks classed as ‘last at site’, meaning there are no other payphones within 400 metres. The move is part of an ongoing rationalisation of underused phone boxes by BT.
Yorkshire Vet backs appeal for community bus drivers

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

The HECK! Community Pink Bus, which helps people in parishes around Kirklington near Bedale stay connected, is appealing for more volunteer drivers to keep up with growing demand. Since launching, the bright pink bus has supported over 200 people, offering transport to local markets, social events, school trips and scenic drives, especially in areas where public transport is limited or unavailable.
At-risk phone boxes used to make dozens of calls to the emergency services

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

Dozens of phone calls were made to the emergency services from phone boxes earmarked for removal by BT, it has emerged. The phone company has given notice of its intention to withdraw more than 90 North Yorkshire kiosks classed as ‘last at site’, meaning there are no other payphones within 400 metres. The move is part of an ongoing rationalisation of underused phone boxes by BT.
Campaigners criticise asphalt plant approval

1 week ago | bbc.com | Joe Willis

Campaigners criticise asphalt plant approvalJoe WillisLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLDRSLocal residents shared concerns over potential pollution, ground contamination, dust, noise and traffic problemsCampaigners have criticised a decision to allow a new asphalt plant they fear will harm public health. Members of North Yorkshire Council's strategic planning committee gave the go-ahead for the facility at Allerton Waste Recovery Park, beside the A1(M), last week.
MP praises charity efforts of pupil who has completed cancer treatment

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

Rishi Sunak has praised the fundraising initiative of a school pupil who recently completed treatment for cancer. Rosie Gordon, a Year 2 pupil at Applegarth Primary School, Northallerton, organised a Wear Your PJs to School Day. The event, held on the day Mr Sunak visited the school, raised almost £1,000 for the charity Children’s Cancer North.
Police issue appeal after crash involving tractor and motorbike

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a serious collision on Bridge Cottage Road, Over Dinsdale, near Yarm. It happened at about 12.54pm on Tuesday and involved a green tractor pulling a trailer, and a Yamaha red and black motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision and remains in hospital. The road was closed for 11 hours while police investigated the scene and to allow the vehicles involved to be recovered.
Consultation launched on North Yorkshire taxi fares

1 week ago | hambletontoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

A six-week consultation has been launched to review the maximum fares for taxis operating across North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire Council sets the maximum fares for taxis and aims to strike a balance between setting a price that is reasonable to the customer as well as the driver. These fares are reviewed regularly to ensure drivers are fairly rewarded for their work, and to also ensure that members of the public are not deterred from using taxis in their area.
21-year-old qualifies as train driver with Wensleydale Railway

1 week ago | richmondshiretoday.co.uk | Joe Willis

Wensleydale Railway has announced that a 21-year-old member of staff has qualified as a train driver on their heritage railway. Oliver Kirkby, from Harrogate, passed his driver training at the beginning of June, the same day as his 21st birthday, and is now qualified to drive the railway’s class 142 and class 143 diesel multiple unit passenger trains. Oliver is studying computer science at York St John University.