Elisa Hilton

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Eric Prydz

Call On Me

Listen Live

Council blunder leads to Knaresborough addresses of child asylum seekers published online

Friday, 17 November 2023 00:00

The addresses of Knaresborough properties where vulnerable asylum seeking children are set to be housed were published online.

Council blunder leads to Knaresborough addresses of child asylum seekers published online A blunder by staff at North Yorkshire Council meant the addresses of Knaresborough properties where vulnerable asylum seeking children are set to be housed were published online. Conservative executive member for housing Simon Myers admitted the mistake at a full meeting of the council in Northallerton yesterday. Four Grade II listed properties on Knaresborough High Street were derelict for decades before being bought and refurbished by the defunct Harrogate Borough Council in 2019. The homes were up for sale until recently but Cllr Myers said they were taken off the market in order for North Yorkshire Council to meet its legal obligation to house young asylum seekers. A public decision notice was then published online which outlined the council’s intention for the properties, which Cllr Myers said was a mistake. He was responding to a question from Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East Hannah Gostlow who asked Cllr Myers if he felt it was appropriate to publicise the location of where asylum seekers will be living. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch warned that there could be more violent attacks by members of far-right and anti-immigrant groups on hotels housing asylum seekers. Cllr Myers said:

“It was a mistake. It has now been rectified. A decision was taken quickly and perhaps not thought out as well as it might have been.”

After being asked by Cllr Gostlow in a follow up question if steps have been taken to ensure the error isn’t repeated with future properties, Cllr Myers said:

“I think both the children’s social care and housing departments are aware of the mistake they made and will make sure such a mistake is not made again.”

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

First shirt reveal for Harrogate Town ahead of new season

Harrogate Town has revealed its first new shirt ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Fourth Your Harrogate and Fat Badger golf day raises £12,600 for charity

The fourth Fat Badger Group and Your Harrogate Charity Golf Day has raised over £12,600 for two local charities.
Yorkshire Water hails decision to ban plastic wet wipes

Yorkshire Water has welcomed new legislation banning plastic in wet wipes from next year.
Dishforth housing scheme could "reduce quality of life", councillors warned

Councillors have been recommended to approve up to 98 new homes in a North Yorkshire village despite warnings that the development could reduce the quality of life for current and future residents.
Ripon Man who brutally assaulted women jailed

A man who struck a woman in the head so hard she thought she was going to die – and left another woman living in constant fear – has been jailed.
New Knaresborough startup aiming to cut cardboard waste across Yorkshire

A new Knaresborough-based business has launched with plans to reduce cardboard waste by giving used packaging a second life.
New psychology clinic offering mental health support to open in Knaresborough

A new psychology clinic offering neurodevelopmental assessments and mental health support is set to open in Knaresborough next month.
Harrogate MP blasts 'unswimmable' bathing sites amid hot weather

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed Yorkshire Water for the 'poor' rated bathing sites across the area amid rising temperatures in the UK.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.