Advertise with us Site by Show + Tell Wanted: Shane Betts.This event is free to read. To access all our content, and support independent local journalism focused solely on the Harrogate district, please subscribe here North Yorkshire Police have issued an appeal for information about the whereabouts of a wanted man Shane Betts, aged 29, is of no fixed address but has connections to Ripon and Harrogate We believe Betts is likely to be in the Ripon It's believed Betts could be sleeping rough so we are appealing to residents in the Harrogate area Anyone with any information about Betts' current whereabouts is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website Reference number 12250063851 should be quoted when information is provided In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. Military heritage assets at the barracks site include these rare huts that date back to the Second World War.The 1,300-home Clotherholme scheme has left the threat of destruction hanging over key artefacts of Ripon’s military heritage for several years Government agency Homes England has planning permission to build the homes on 85 hectares of Ministry of Defence land accessed via Clotherholme Road to the south and Kirkby Road to the north The land includes rare huts from a 1939 militia camp and a testing site for the Bailey bridge that played a key part in ensuring allied victory in the Second World War which was founded in the wake of the planning application to research and protect the military hertage on site describes it as “one of very considerable national and international importance” to ensure the military heritage is preserved when houses are built on the land But what 'preserved' means has yet to be determined Although North Yorkshire Council has granted outline planning permission for the development Last week the council published the terms of the Section 106 legal agreement, which outlines what measures Homes England must take to compensate for the impact of the housing on local infrastructure, as reported here by the Stray Ferret Besides requiring Homes England to pay millions of pounds for schools and healthcare the agreement also stipulated it award £100,000 to Ripon Military Heritage Trust to devise a strategy to preserve military heritage The agency has previously agreed to measures such as putting up signs to record the site’s history but has not given any assurance that it would keep any of the structures Last week’s report by council case officer Kate Broadbank about the Section 106 agreement said new information supplied by the trust “reinforces the role the site played in the country’s military history” Whilst this has not changed the site’s formal planning status (i.e it remains a non-designated heritage asset and not listed) it has helped to inform discussions regarding the most appropriate and feasible way to secure this military heritage The council’s conservation officer has been involved in discussions and would still support the retention of a selection of buildings and the bridges at Laver Banks The conditions and requirements of the Section 106 ensure these investigations and recording of buildings takes place Although this still falls short of a commitment to protect artefacts there appears to be a greater willingness to achieve this and a meeting on Monday between Homes England the trust and Councillors Barbara Brodigan and Andrew Williams who represent Ripon on North Yorkshire Council A trust spokesperson described the meeting as “more constructive and positive than previous ones” They emphasised the “severe threat” to key structures remains but added: There is a long way to go but there is a more collaborative and flexible approach evident that gives us reason to be cautiously optimistic The Stray Ferret understands Homes England has agreed to transfer ownership of some huts but not until surveys have taken place But this cannot happen yet because Homes England still doesn't own the land There are fears the delays and legal wrangling could prevent the trust from using the £100,000 pledged in the Section 106 agreement as matched funding in any bid for lottery funds But the fact that Homes England is now addressing the practicalities of dismantling and storing huts is seen by campaigners as a good sign and there is now thought to be a way forward to save some huts even though there is still no discussion on where they could be located within the housing development Huts at Ripon Barracks Pic: Ripon Military Heritage Trust We asked Homes England if it would agree to transfer some of the huts to the trust’s ownership and why it appeared so reluctant to protect rare military buildings and constructions that are regarded as vital to Ripon’s military heritage Homes England remains committed to the delivery of new homes on the site in line with the adopted Harrogate Local Plan (2014-2035) The agency and Defence Infrastructure Organisation are in contact with the Ripon Military Heritage Trust for the benefit of military heritage at Ripon Barracks and we look forward to continuing discussions now further certainty has been provided from North Yorkshire Council regarding the planning process They emphasised that because Homes England does not currently own any land or assets at Ripon Barracks it has not been able to make any formal undertakings in respect of the transfer of military buildings or constructions But now planning permission has been secured negotiations are underway regarding the phased transfer of the land it will it be able to carry out its obligations in the Section 106 legal agreement into investigating whether any structures can be retained The battle is far from over and progress is attritional — but a victory of sorts appears more likely than it did a year ago It’s part of ‘Love Your Local Market’ fortnight The national initiative is designed to celebrate and support vibrant local markets And North Yorkshire Council is offering free one-day pitches at markets including Ripon and Knaresborough Successful applicants will get a one-day pitch at their selected market - but will need to bring their own gazebos A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said: “To ensure a smooth and successful experience applications must provide proof of right to work in the UK photo ID and food hygiene certificates.” Stallholders will be given the choice of markets in Thirsk For more information and to book your pitch, email ParksandGroundsCommercial@northyorks.gov.uk The infrastructure of the Ripon Big Sky Wheel caught fire at around 15:00 BST on Monday according to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue It was extinguished using a bucket of water before the fire service arrived The wheel will be closed for the rest of the day and everyone on the attraction at the time has been offered a free replacement ride North Yorkshire Council previously said it hoped the wheel would boost footfall in the city and offer visitors a new angle on Ripon Cathedral, Fountains Abbey and the surrounding hills. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North ShareSavePopular influencer uses fame to help vulnerable dogsRicky documents the life of his bulldogs, Pablo and Diego, to millions of social media users. Baby wallaby adopted by farmers after losing mumRoo is being cared for by Mark Navin and Lauren Owen after his mum died shortly after his birth. Rebel Wilson 'loving' her time in YorkshireThe Pitch Perfect actress is shooting a Christmas comedy film in Knaresborough. Dolphin spotted catching fish close to harbourCapturing the bottlenose dolphin in Filey was a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment, a resident says. Meet the 'busking poet' who writes on demandLaw student Joel Wilson and his typewriter are becoming a popular sight in York city centre. Shark spotted swimming near tourist shipEx-fisherman Peter Williams says it was rare to see a porbeagle shark swimming so close to the boat. Army veteran using paramotoring to combat lonelinessPaul Goodwin set up Resurgence Air Sports to help veterans adjust to life after the Army. Newborn hippo recovering after 'rocky' startFlamingo Land keepers are caring for Aurora around the clock. The national awards aim to celebrate excellence in the UK spa industry And the Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall has been shortlisted in both the ‘Best Hotel Spa’ and ‘Best Spa for Wellness’ categories “We are pleased to share that our award-winning Three Graces Spa has been named a finalist in the Good Spa Guide Awards 2025.  “We are proud to be finalists in not just one We would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to vote for us.” Visitors are asked to vote for their favourite hotel and are given the chance to win a £300 spa voucher in return Voting closes on 31st May. Cast your vote here Community and netball champion, Helen Mackenzie.With a population approaching 17,000, Ripon is the third smallest city in England.  But with deep roots reaching back more than a thousand years it punches above its weight in terms of history while being home to many remarkable citizens who contribute to its daily life focuses on people who help to make the city a remarkable place to live and few would doubt that community champion Helen Mackenzie who fought back from a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in 2009 to set up Ripon City Netball Club and the food-based initiative Back to Basics is one of Ripon's most remarkable citizens Here she tells us about her remarkable recovery and how community work has given her strength What is the most remarkable thing that has happened to you I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2009 Without treatment I was given nine months to live I had two young children who needed their mother and a husband who needed me too We lay on the bed holding hands and wept as we tried to digest the awful news We had just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and I remember thinking ‘Fifteen years isn’t enough with this man We haven’t had time to do all the things we wanted to do’ It doesn’t care who you are or what you do or whether your children need you It’s nasty and it’s sneaky and it has no place in my family He called it the gold standard of chemotherapy poisonous substance that dripped its way into my poor The alternative wasn’t an option for any of us but I am 15 years clear and even my oncologist calls me his ‘little miracle’ I couldn’t bear the thought of children being hungry I set up the Back to Basics initiative to help families who struggle to make ends meet With the generous support of local busiesses and individuals Tim Stothard of Highside Butchers in Kirkby Malzeard, Mandie and Tony Rushton of TMR Foods,  and fruit-and-veg man Brian Murphy of Ripon Market I  am able to provide all the ingredients (even down to a stock cube or a garlic clove) for a healthy nutritious meal and a recipe card to follow In all that time I have never missed a weekend It’s not much in the scheme of things but what is remarkable is how the families have grown in confidence in the kitchen choosing the ease of ready meals over the effort needed to follow a recipe But the whole idea was that families got together to make the meal chopping and prepping becoming an activity they could all share and that providing a meal was not just Mum’s job We have a group chat where ideas are shared and if someone discovers a great offer in a supermarket Another remarkable thing about this project is the number of people who realise that there but for the grace of God go any of us We are all just one wage packet away from catastrophe So the Ripon community have faith in the scheme and donate either food items or help financially this support enables me to take the pressure off the families by taking care of the food provision entirely the remarkable thing about Back to Basics is the people I have met and the empathy they feel towards those who struggle to make ends meet.  Celebrations at this year's Ripon City Netball Club annual awards ceremony I went to Ripon Grammar School and when the opportunity arose for a Director of Sport at my Alma Mater also attended Ripon Grammar School and now I’m Deputy Housemistress in the girls’ boarding house I feel if you sliced me through the middle I would have Ripon Grammar printed like a stick of rock So I feel RGS is a big part of my life here and a big pull for anyone moving to Ripon.  I also love the tradition of the hornblower and always take any guests we have staying to witness the setting of the watch I still have my lucky penny from hornblower George Pickles  I love the bustle of the Thursday market There’s even – dare I say it – a rather tremendous netball club but I founded Ripon City Netball Club 10 years ago and it has grown exponentially helping women of all ages and abilities to have fun get fit and enjoy the buzz you get from playing a team sport.  As a married couple my husband John and I set up home in Ripon in 2006 It’s a lovely place to bring children up and that was in our minds when we upped sticks and moved back from Northumberland.  I always feel a sense of pride when I say I’m from Ripon.  Helen says that the nightly hornblower ceremony helps to make Ripon a special place to live I’m not very good at relaxing but I do enjoy reading and John and I like nothing better than being at home I’d far rather throw a dinner party at home for friends than actually go out for a meal although I do enjoy that occasionally.  Lockdown cemented my contentment when I was with my three favourite people and my four favourite cats in our lovely home We have a small garden (my father’s green fingers were inherited entirely by my sister) but my friend Caroline helps us make it look nice each year (she must despair) and I love sitting out on the decking with a cup of tea and a crossword while the waterfall trickles in the background Sounds idyllic but simple pleasures are exactly that Which local businesses and people do you most admire I adored Andrew Swarbrick the butcher and still miss him whenever I wander down Westgate I love The Little Ripon Bookshop and all they do to encourage reading There is always some event on or other and they welcome schools into their shop for reading time etc It must be so hard to compete with online businesses but there is nothing quite so wonderful as opening the first page of a brand new book I love it when people know their professions inside and out none more so than the formidable Ele Hartas from the Ripon Uniform Shop To see Ele kit a child out in their school uniform knowing exactly what will fit and what will look right is a sight to behold Sarita McDermott of Realitea fame is one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met She is kind and generous and will literally do anything for anyone.  Her Indian cooking is supreme and her knowledge of spices is second to none It was Sarita and I that came up with the idea of Back to Basics together but not long after we started we entered lockdown and Sarita had to plough all her energies into keeping her business going Ripon will host a free 3-day family event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day will celebrate 80 years since the Allies of WWII accepted Germany’s surrender on 8th May parade and children’s activities to mark the occasion Ripon Community Poppy project has unveiled various displays across the city including in the Market Square and on bollards and post boxes The group’s knitted tank will also be back on display from the 29th April until May 9th So what's happening in Ripon to commemorate VE Day Bringing the people of Ripon together in commemoration and celebration, Ripon Community Poppy Project is hosting a special concert at Ripon Cathedral The Duchy Belles and Simeon Wood will perform Children from Brackenfield School and Natalie Robb of Emmerdale fame will be doing readings Tickets cost £15 and are on sale at www.riponcommunitypp.co.uk Ripon City Council are hosting a free event in Ripon Market Square from 6pm to 9:30pm to commemorate the VE Day 80th anniversary.   Activities include live music from All for One Choir family friendly activities with Jennyruth Workshops and vintage games from Ripon Museums Further exciting VE Day 80 events will take place on Ripon Market Square on the Saturday with details of these events set to be announced nearer the time Keep an eye on www.visitripon.co.uk and @visitripon on Facebook for updates A traditional parade will be held through Ripon for the Installation of the new Mayor of Ripon at Ripon Cathedral.  A long weekend of VE Day Commemorations in Ripon will conclude with a powerful and poignant event at Lister House.  Ripon Theatre Festival and the Ripon Community Poppy Project are joining forces to present Bomb Happy – a double bill of new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words playwright Helena Fox and vocalist Natasha Jones bring to life the first-hand experiences of D-Day Veteran This is followed by a screening of A Walk in the Park – a short film in the footsteps of Coldstream Guardsman Dennis “Hank” Haydock beautifully shot on location at former WWII tank encampment in Duncombe Park “We are proud to honour the stories of two ordinary Yorkshire lads who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances “It is particularly appropriate to present this event in Lister House the home of many retired veterans who have served their country in different  Tickets are on sale here. CloseA big wheel has been forced to temporarily halt turning after being engulfed in smoke when its generator caught fire two days after opening North Yorkshire Council previously said it hoped the wheel would boost footfall in the city and offer visitors a new angle on Ripon Cathedral, Fountains Abbey and the surrounding hills. 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What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election which is being called 'Ripon's Big Sky Wheel will be located in the city's Market Square from Saturday 5th until Sunday 27th April It's being co-ordinated by North Yorkshire Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team and Ripon BID after successful stints at Harrogate's Christmas Fayre Situated on the south side of the Market Square the Ripon Big Sky Wheel will be open daily from 11am to 7pm Those wanting to ride the wheel and take in sights of the city will be charged £7 per adult and £5 for children (under 1.4m tall) "There are no advanced bookings available so just turn up and enjoy the historic sights of Ripon as you have never seen them before!  Bring friends and family and see the amazing views from this fantastic attraction.   "With the Ripon Big Sky Wheel set to stand higher than the obelisk expect to be able to see over the whole of Ripon and beyond." "We very much hope that this new addition for the 2025 Easter holidays will draw in visitors from a large catchment area increasing dwell time and spend whilst encouraging them to discover all of Ripon’s wonderful businesses." The wheel will not be operating in adverse weather conditions and can close to the public at short notice in such circumstances For details of all Easter holiday activities in Ripon, head to www.visitripon.co.uk The attraction in the Market Square was forced to close after a generator caught fire at around 3pm yesterday It’s believed the blaze was caused by sound-proofing equipment dropping onto the exhaust It was extinguished using a bucket of water before fire crews arrived - and the wheel has been closed since However a new generator has been installed and the wheel is expected to reopen at 11am this morning Those who were riding the wheel at the time of the fire have been offered a free replacement ride It happened on the morning of Tuesday 15th April as the victim was waiting for the 36 bus The offender has been identified but the elderly man has not yet come forward.  “If you were the person who was assaulted or if you have any knowledge of who the victim may be please contact Police via 101 quoting inc The news outlet's annual guide of the UK’s best places to live is based on factors including schools green spaces and the health of the high street It includes 72 locations across the country with Ilkley taking top spot for the North and North East whilst Saffron Walden in Essex was named the overall winner Ripon was one of seven locations in the region that received an honourable mention “This little gem is a city that feels more like a market town.  “Its pretty cobbled streets are lined with ancient and elegant houses its schools are excellent and its cultural life thriving and you’re a stone’s throw from fast road and rail communications and stunning countryside.  “The town centre punches above its weight as a place to buy and enjoy local produce and the houses are more affordable than in more famous rivals such as Harrogate or York.” Ripon BID Manager Lilla Bathurst said she's "thrilled" by the news and is hopeful it will attract more visitors to the city "We’ve always known that Ripon is a fantastic place to live but this news is wonderful as people nationally are going to find out about our wonderful city and hopefully come and visit us "I do think we are being seen now as a destination Lightwater Valley… That together with our wealth of independent businesses means we’ve got it all in a small city." Listen to Best Places to Live chief judge Tim Palmer talking to Your Harrogate's Stuart Clarkson about Ripon's inclusion in this year's guide: editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor “It is easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world but there really is so much to celebrate as we look closer to home.  “From small gestures that lift the everyday like -  verges blooming with daffodils and volunteer-run dementia cafés to larger initiatives from repair cafés to new railway stations.” There are more new entries than ever before in this year’s guide and no place for many previous winners including York the judges looked for thriving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.  “That means we can see what people really love about the places they live.  “That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.” “The health of the high street is important villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live High house prices are no barrier to inclusion - as long as they provide value for money.  “Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live.  “One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.” See the full list and read more about the Best Places to Live guide by The Sunday Times here The road was closed for roadworks between Kent Road and Jennyfield Drive on 23rd February The closure then moved closer to the Cairn Hotel and incorporated Duchy Road which were carried out by Northern Powergrid were due to be completed on 11th April - but have been completed two weeks ahead of schedule.  Jackie will represent the Spa Ward and will "champion the city of Ripon" in her new role Jackie is the owner and managing director of Little Bird Made which runs regular artisan markets in Harrogate Cllr Crozier will be accompanied by her consort The news was announced by Ripon City Council this morning (Tuesday) “I am delighted to represent the city I was born and bred in as Mayor.  “I look forward to championing our great city and being an advocate for our community.” Cllr Crozier will focus on fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice who look after her mum She has previously helped raised over £50,000 for various charities.  The annual Mayor Making Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 7th May 2025 with the Mayor’s installation service at Ripon Cathedral on 11th May 2025 It happened on the A61 around 1.5 miles south of the city A local man aged in his mid-80s was driving a black BMW 318 car that was travelling north when the collision occurred with a black Peugeot 3008 SUV heading south driven by a man in his late 20s from Warwickshire They were both taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment the driver of the BMW passed away just after midnight fire and police attended the scene which remained closed until just after 7am on Sunday North Yorkshire Police are asking for witnesses to come forward with any relevant dashcam footage The police are supporting the deceased’s family while the investigation is ongoing If you witnessed the collision or have relevant dashcam footage of either vehicle at around the time of the incident Please email Drew.Crossley@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 Please quote reference number 12250060401 when providing details Proposed annexe would have included a refectory and song school RIPON CATHEDRAL CHAPTER has withdrawn its planning application for a proposed annexe that would have included lavatories, a refectory, a song school, and storage. It was estimated to have the potential to bring a 32-per-cent increase in visitor numbers to the cathedral and city (News, 17 March 2023) that our development must be part of a wider agreed plan for the city This includes creating a ‘Cathedral Quarter’ which would deliver wider benefits to the city and county,” his statement said Central to the development of the plan had been a belief that the cathedral was working within the Neighbourhood Plan (adopted after a local referendum) to create that Quarter we were saddened that Ripon City Council did not support the proposed annex in its December meeting despite the many eloquent arguments placed before them and the amendments that have been made to retain the beech tree,” the Dean said we continue to be asked for ever more proof of viability and justification within the planning system.” The debate within the city had been “challenging and difficult for everyone but especially for cathedral staff and supporters” “The intention in withdrawing the current application is to allow the further development and amendment of our plans to be discussed constructively and positively — balancing the many complex constraints and opportunities.” He warned: “Despite comments to the contrary, the financial sustainability of Ripon Cathedral cannot be taken for granted, and this has been highlighted recently by the situation of some other cathedrals in England we remain steadfast in our commitment to the vision for Ripon Cathedral The Cathedral pays the city council to keep open the public lavatories across the road “The provision of essential facilities (including toilets) for all those who use the cathedral remains an urgent priority,” the Dean said “We are also dedicated to protecting the fabric of the cathedral for future generations some of which has been in continuous use for over 1350 years and is currently at risk from its inappropriate use for essential storage.” He clarified that all costs for developing and amending the proposals in response to the feedback had been covered by fund-raising along with the efforts of all who supported the ongoing venture He concluded: “The whole Chapter joins me in thanking staff and all in the wider Cathedral community for continuing to achieve so much while battling with the inadequate facilities “We now look to work constructively with North Yorkshire Council and Ripon City Council on how the essential needs of the Cathedral can be met and we will be asking them to share their vision for how the Cathedral Quarter will be developed.” The Chapter first put plans forward in 2020 offering a solution to the contested felling of a 200-year old beech tree Supporters have raised more than half of the estimated cost and the plans had the support of Historic England in the face of social-media discourse that the Dean suggested was “lacking facts and distorting the conversation — I’m concerned that some of the people who say they aren’t supporting this may actually be ‘not supporting’ something we’re not doing.” the Civic Society opposed the proposal on the grounds that the proposed annexe could harm views from a UNESCO World Heritage site which includes the ruins of Fountains Abbey A local resident, Stanley Mackintosh, was ordered by North Yorkshire Council that month to remove posters and slogans outside his home which criticised the project. They included a cartoon depicting the Dean with a chainsaw (News, 9 August 2024) The plans went before North Yorkshire Council’s planning committee on 3 December The citizen journalism website Yorkshire Bylines reports that more than 2700 people had formally and publicly objected to the plans and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust had raised concerns Nicholas Reed Langen examines the Supreme Court ruling on gender We are a partnership of six diverse and welcoming congregations in the northern districts of Milton Keynes offering a rich tapestry of worshipping traditions – Anglican made up of 6 churches in 5 parishes who enjoy working and worshipping together Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area comprises the large town of Llanelli and its suburbs in the County of Carmarthenshire close to the M4 run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times tickets available This online seminar, run jointly by Modern Church and The Church Times discusses the theology underpinning the drive for growth tickets available Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month of no fixed address but has connections to Ripon and Harrogate Police believe Betts is likely to be in the Ripon or Harrogate area or have any information about his current whereabouts you can pass on information anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.” Please quote reference number 12250063851 when providing information Officers had noticed the vehicle en route to Ripon after linking it to previous high-value shop thefts The Retail Crime team and Intelligence unit had identified an out of area group suspected of multiple high-value thefts across North Yorkshire a high-value theft was reported at a department store in Ripon and a number of units were deployed to the area The suspect vehicle was spotted on CCTV and later clocked by officers heading out of Ripon before the vehicle was stung and boxed in by officers attempted to flee the scene but were quickly detained A significant amount of suspected stolen goods were found in the vehicle along with a magnetic de-tagger hidden beneath the front passenger seat Two of the individuals were wanted on recall to prison.  were arrested on suspicion of shop theft and remain in custody for questioning “We are fully committed to tackling shop theft and its impact on our communities “This is a crime that affects not only our local businesses but also the safety and well-being of our residents “We will continue to use all available resources to prevent and investigate thefts and stop those intent on committing crime in our county.” Ripon Community Poppy project’s knitted tank will also be back on display from the 29th April until May 9th in Ripon Market Square Tickets cost £15 and are on sale at www.riponcommunitypp.co.uk Keep an eye on www.visitripon.co.uk and @visitripon on Facebook for updates Ripon Theatre Festival and the Ripon Community Poppy Project are joining forces to present Bomb Happy – a double bill of new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words  Tickets are on sale here The Big Sky Wheel was in operation on Ripon Market Square for 23 daysThe giant wheel that dominated Ripon's skyline for more than three weeks may have stopped turning but its impact on the city could live on The 33-metre high attraction carried almost 9,000 passengers during its 23-day operation on Market Square Footfall figures have yet to be revealed but Lilla Bathurst manager of the business support organisation Ripon BID said the attraction proved popular with traders as well as people who came to ride it the customers were pleased and it created a real buzz as nothing of this size and scale has ever been seen in Ripon city centre and it beautifully filled the space between the obelisk and Ripon Town Hall for the many people who came to photograph it With the exposure that the Big Sky Wheel and other activities generated over the Easter holiday period Ripon has been punching above its weight and we are hopeful that this will encourage more visitors to come to see what we have to offer with up-coming events including the VE 80th anniversary celebrations A night time photo of the wheel taken from Kirkgate which was funded by North Yorkshire Council has now been dismantled and removed from Ripon Market Square Hundreds of heartfelt messages have been left in memory of John ReynardWe publish more news about Ripon than any other media organisation. We have made this story free-to-read but to access all our content, and support independent local journalism, please consider subscribing here Aldi customers and staff in Ripon are mourning the death of John Reynard one of the store's best-loved and most respected employees who was Aldi's second oldest employee in the UK hundreds of people have left messages in books of condolence on a table near the tills at the Stonebridgegate store These will remain available to sign up until 10pm this evening (Wednesday) when they will be collected and given to Mr Reynard's widow The books of condolence include hundreds of messages in memory of John Reynard; Pic Richard Frank John worked at Aldi Ripon from its opening in November 2016 and it is testimony to his popularity among colleagues and customers that we  needed to provide three books of condolence in which people have left moving messages that we hope will come as a comfort to Fiona As the scond oldest Aldi employee in the UK he was a much-loved and respected father figure who was extremely popular with customers would queue at his number one till to be served by him because he was always cheerful and had lots of patience His customer service was first class and we will always remember him The messages left by customers in the books of condolence in memory of Mr Reynard include: Thank you for always being kind to me and my children Mr Reynard worked at the Aldi store in Ripon from its opening in November 2016 The works will start between Kent Road and Jennyfield Drive on Sunday evening (23rd February) The road will be closed with a diversion in place which are being carried out by Northern Powergrid are expected to be completed on 11th April The roadworks will have an effect on services operated by The Harrogate Bus Company The 36 bus from Harrogate to Ripon or Leeds The 4 bus from Harrogate to King Edwin Park and the 3 bus from Harrogate to Jennyfield will be diverted along Kings Road and Skipton Road The 2 bus from Harrogate to Bilton will run with a temporary timetable School buses S1, S3 and S36 will also be affected