Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

Commuters travelling to London King’s Cross from Harrogate will need to travel to Leeds to board the service due to train repairs.

Roads

Drivers should be also aware that traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 near Goldsborough continue to cause delays for drivers during rush hour.

The three-way lights at the junction with the A658 has seen queueing traffic for motorists over the last few weeks.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out work to lay a new water main for a housing development.

According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, the work is due to remain until November 27.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Trains and buses

This morning, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.

Commuters travelling to London King’s Cross on the 11.36 service will need to travel to Leeds to board the service.

LNER has announced that due to more trains than usual needing repairs, the service will start from Leeds Station.

⚠️#LNERUpdate Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time the 11:36 #Harrogate to #KingsCross due 14:31 will be started from #Leeds
Customers from Harrogate should use Northern services between Harrogate and Leeds and change for the next available LNER service

— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) November 18, 2022

Passengers will need to use a Northern service on the Harrogate line to get to the station.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting no cancellations on its services this morning. You can get updates here.

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Call to retain taxi zones in North Yorkshire amid proposed changes

Calls have been made for North Yorkshire to consider keeping local taxi licence zones amid a proposal to move to a single policy.

Cllr Andrew Williams, county councillor for Ripon Minster and Moorside, called for assurances that council officials would look at retaining local licensing zones after concern from cabbies.

Under proposals already put forward, the new North Yorkshire Council would create a single licensing policy for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in the entire county.

It would mean drivers in Harrogate could operate anywhere in North Yorkshire, whereas they are currently restricted to the Harrogate district.

Cllr Williams told a council meeting yesterday that local drivers had raised concern that the changes would lead to taxis flocking to areas during high demand, such as a large event, leaving customers in other areas struggling to get a cab.

He said:

“I have been approached by taxi drivers who I represent who are very concerned that any form of deregulation could lead to problems in terms of actually being able to get a taxi because taxi drivers will move from rank to rank depending on when there is a busy day in a certain locality.”

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Cllr Williams added that fare rates for the entire county should be based on the highest charged otherwise drivers could lose out on income.

The council said previously that fares for hackney carriages would be reviewed at a later date.

In response, Cllr Carl Les, leader of the county council, said that all views submitted to a consultation over the changes would be considered.

He said:

“I think they are all valid points.

“Hopefully they will all come out in that consultation and then we will make the decisions when we have heard what people have actually said.”

Changes will cause “chaos”

The move to propose a single licensing policy has caused concern for cabbies in the Harrogate district.

Richard Fieldman, who has operated his cab in Ripon for 28 years, told the Stray Ferret previously that the planned changes would see drivers “swamp” areas during the busiest times of day.

Mr Fieldman said the move would see quieter areas deprived of taxis during the busier times.

He said:

“It will mean that any taxi can work in any area.

“You are going to have swamps of taxis in busy areas at busy times. That in itself brings chaos.”

A consultation into the policy changes is open until January 19, 2023. You can have your say here.

Government grants needed to help finances, says county council leader

More measures are needed to help North Yorkshire County Council’s finances despite support from government on council tax, says the leader of the authority.

Cllr Carl Les said the council needed grants from central government in order to help balance its books.

His comments come as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce an increase in the threshold in which authorities can increase council tax by without a local referendum.

Currently, the threshold is 2.99% – but Mr Hunt is expected to hike this to 5% in today’s autumn statement.

Cllr Les told a meeting of the county council yesterday that while the measure would be welcomed, more support would be needed.

He said:

“It will give us flexibility, but I don’t think that it’s the only leaver that we need to pull.

“Government grants has got to be part of that answer as well.”

The move comes as county council leaders warned in June that the upcoming North Yorkshire Council could face a blackhole of £50 million in its finances.

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Cllr Gareth Dadd, executive member for finance at the county council, said the situation was largely due to deficits it will inherit from district councils and high inflation.

The new unitary authority will replace Harrogate Borough Council, the county council and the remaining six districts.

Although he did not estimate the total structural deficits that the seven second tier authorities, including Harrogate Borough Council, would have accumulated by the time the new council is launched in April, he said it was believed it would be “substantial”.

It has been estimated the combined ongoing deficits of the district and borough councils could be in the region of £10 million.

In addition, ahead of the recent increasing inflation rate the county authority had been prepared to cover a deficit of up to £20 million.

With inflationary pressures, which include the council’s gas and electricity bill rising by some £3m, it is believed the total deficit could nearly reach £50 million.

Cllr Dadd said at the time:

“That is a frightening figure, but nonetheless, I think we are right to raise that at this stage.”

Met Office issues weather warning for rain in Harrogate district

The Harrogate district is braced for heavy rain today as a weather warning has been issued.

The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for rain across much of northern England until midnight.

It says that the adverse weather may affect public transport and possibly cause flooding.

The warning says:

“There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

“Should flooding occur, delays or cancellations to train and bus services are likely.”

The warning covers much of the district including Harrogate, Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Heavy rain and a moderate breeze is forecast throughout the day in the district.

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Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

Drivers are urged to take care on the roads this morning as a yellow weather warning for rain is in place.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across the Harrogate district this morning.

It means that adverse weather may affect driving conditions and could cause flooding in areas.

Motorists are urged to take care on the roads during the morning commute.

Meanwhile, drivers should be aware Northern Powergrid is carrying out work on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The company is undertaking emergency maintenance work near to the football ground.

Drivers should be also aware that traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 near Goldsborough continue to cause delays for drivers during rush hour.

The three-way lights at the junction with the A658 has seen queueing traffic for motorists over the last few weeks.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out work to lay a new water main for a housing development.

According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, the work is due to remain until November 27.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Trains and buses

This morning, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting no cancellations on its services this morning. You can get updates here.

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Harrogate’s showground vaccination site to close next week

Harrogate’s covid vaccination centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground will close next week.

The site is set to shut after two years of operation.

More than 250,000 vaccinations have been carried out at the centre, 30,000 of which have come during the autumn booster campaign.

The vaccination site will close on Wednesday, November 23.

Cath Dixon, clinical lead at the Yorkshire Health Network which runs the clinics, said:

“This has been a monumental team effort by all concerned over the last almost two years. We are extremely grateful to the staff at the events centre for their support and flexibility especially when events returned and they continued to support the vaccination programme while also delivering business as usual. They have been amazing partners during this whole process and we can’t thank them enough.

“We also owe huge thanks to our army of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep the site operational in all weathers including the pouring rain and significant falls of snow, always willingly and cheerfully.”

Vaccinations will continue to be offered to those eligible until November 23.

The site will be open from 8.15am until 5.30pm each day, apart from Sunday when it will be closed.

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People aged 50 and over, pregnant women, carers, frontline health and care workers, care home residents and people of all ages who are vulnerable are eligible for a covid booster jab now.

However, first and second doses will also be available. A clinic for those aged five to 11 will be held on Friday after school and all day Saturday.

Those aged between 12 and 17 will also be offered vaccinations this Saturday afternoon until 5.30pm.

Those eligible for a vaccine can book via the NHS website or walk-in appointments are available.

Ms Dixon added:

“We are here till 23 November and would encourage anyone who has been invited to have a covid vaccination but has not yet come forward to book a jab before the site closes. 

“Covid is still circulating in our communities and we still have people in hospital with this virus so please take advantage of the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and stay well this winter.”

Consultation into new Harrogate district town after legal threat

Harrogate Borough Council has extended a consultation into a planned new town the size of Thirsk.

The proposed new town, called Maltkiln, would be built in the Cattal and Green Hammerton area in the east of the district.

Council officials launched a six-week consultation on October 3 into its draft new settlement development plan document, which sets out a 30-year vision and policy framework on how the town is designed and developed.

However, Cllr Arnold Warneken, who represents Ouseburn on North Yorkshire County Council, called for an extension to the consultation amid concern that the planning process was being rushed ahead of the new North Yorkshire Council coming into being.

He issued the plea after it emerged the consultation documents had been changed midway through – without people being told.

The council has since agreed to extend the consultation until November 25.

On its website, the authority said:

“After carefully considering requests from the local community and parish councils, we have extended the Maltkiln DPD consultation until midnight on Friday 25 November to provide more opportunities for the community to engage in the new settlement process.

“Comments received after that date will not be considered ‘duly made’.”

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The move follows Cllr Warneken submitting a letter to Janet Waggot, transition lead for North Yorkshire Council, and Richard Flinton, current chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, on behalf of local parish councils.

In the letter, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, he called for the consultation to be extended in the interests of transparency.

Cllr Warneken added that, while the parishes did not wish to go down the route of a judicial review, residents frustration should not be underestimated.

He said:

“As you will appreciate, use of that sort of terminology starts to take us into legal areas such as judicial review.

“We have no wish to go there. If nothing else, it would be a huge waste of public money. However, please don’t underestimate the level of frustration of local residents.”

You can take part in the consultation over the new town here.

Business Breakfast: New business networking group set up in Harrogate

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A new networking group has been set up for businesses in Harrogate.

1 and 3 Networking was founded by local businessmen Steve Simmonds and Graeme Fountain to help connect business owners and develop contacts across the district and beyond.

The networking group holds informal breakfast meetings at Oakdale Golf Club, Harrogate, on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Mr Simmonds, who is a data specialist, said:

“We have set out to launch a simple networking proposition for businesses in and around Harrogate. There are no membership fees and businesses simply register online and pay £10 for each session they would like to attend. 

“The idea is to help businesses of all sizes make new contacts at the meeting and develop business connections.”

Graeme Fountain, a local business consultant, added: 

“Business people who come along to 1 and 3 Networking are invited to provide an informal presentation, for a couple of minutes, on who they are and what they do as a business. 

“They also explain how other members of the group can help them, by providing introductions to suitable clients or potential business partners. 

“We know that local businesses want to help others thrive and this is the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Businesses wishing to attend pay £10 for each session, which includes a light breakfast and coffee.

For more information, visit the 1 and 3 Networking website here.

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Econ Engineering manager celebrates three decades in post

A senior Econ Engineering manager has been recognised for this long service to the business, which has so far spanned three-and-a-half decades.

Colin Thewitt was 16 when he joined the Ripon company as a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) trainee. 

He started in the in the drawings office, making detailed drawings of the parts needed to create Econ’s legendary gritters.

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering.

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering.

Now, he was made factory manager in 2020 and is in charge of a team of 140 people.

Colin said: 

“When I joined Econ I had no idea I would still be here 35 years later and still enjoying it.

“Engineering is a fantastic career as every day is different. I was lucky to start as a trainee, which is different to being an apprentice.

“I would certainly recommend a traineeship, as being a trainee you learn more specific skills relevant to the job you are doing and industry you want to work in.”

Jonathan Lupton, Econ Engineering director, said: 

“It was my father who took Colin under his wing as he clearly saw something in him – and I’m very glad he did.

“Colin is a key part of our business and is highly regarded by his colleagues. And as you would expect from someone who has been here 35 years, he knows the business inside out, and gladly shares his knowledge with those keen to learn from him.”

Teen denies stealing bikes from Harrogate school

A teenager is set to stand trial after being charged with stealing multiple bikes in Harrogate, including from St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before youth court held at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday on a string of charges.

He denied stealing two bikes from a secure bicycle unit at St Aidan’s on Oatlands Drive on October 8.

He also pleaded not guilty to stealing a bike from The Matrix on Hornbeam Park on October 4 and another bike from Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on October 16.

The teenager denied a charge that he dishonestly undertook or assisted in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods in relation to the bike stolen from The Matrix.

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A trial date for the charges was set for January 19, 2023.

Meanwhile, the teenager also denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards another boy in McDonalds, Boroughbridge Road, in York on November 3.

He is set to stand trial on January 30, 2023, in relation to the charge.

However, the teenager admitted to failing to comply with a youth rehabilitation order imposed by the court on September 5 in relation to a separate charge.

The teenager had failed to attend statutory appointments, returned home late for curfew twice and on two occasions failed to connect a GPS enabled device to electricity supply as required by the court.

The court adjourned the matter until December 9 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Developer tables plan for 55 retirement homes in Kirk Hammerton

A developer has lodged plans to create 55 retirement homes and a community hub in Kirk Hammerton.

SageHaus Living, which is based in the Isle of Man, has submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council for land off Station Road in the village.

It would see 55 park homes built, which the developer said would be “sustainable modular retirement bungalows”.

A hub would also be built, which would be open for the community to use for meetings and other activities.

The developer said in documents submitted to the council that scheme would help bring more retirement accommodation to the district, while also being environmentally friendly.

It said:

“SageHaus Living are introducing a new concept for eco retirement living to overcome the lack of supply of age appropriate retirement options for the elderly population of Harrogate.

“The development will deliver a retirement lifestyle that is focused on community and independent living whilst being carbon net zero.”

A visual of the community hub planned for the Kirk Hammerton site.

A visual of the community hub planned for the Kirk Hammerton site.

The proposal comes as SageHaus acquired the land, known as Carlton Fields, back in 2021.

In a statement on its website, the company said the nine acre site would help to provide a “peaceful community”.

Simon Westray, managing director of SageHaus Living: 

“Our first site exemplifies our business model; a rural but sustainable site that is very well connected (both Harrogate and York are only 10 minutes by rail) where we can provide a peaceful community for our residents. 

“We very much look forward to working with Harrogate Council to deliver much needed elderly and truly sustainable accommodation in the district.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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