New Harrogate market and popular attractions hit by looming Storm Eunice

A new market due to be held in Harrogate on Sunday has been cancelled as the district prepares for another storm.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for snow and wind in the Harrogate district tomorrow.

Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, was due to host its first market in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens on Sunday.

But tomorrow’s impending arrival of Storm Eunice has prompted organisers to cancel it.

A statement from Real Food Markets said:

“We are sorry to announce that our market for February 290will not take place due to dangerous weather conditions.

“Our first Real Food Harrogate will therefore take place on March 20. We sincerely hope to see you there. 10-3pm, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.”

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Network Rail is advising people not to travel by train in Yorkshire and the north-east tomorrow.

Matt Rice, north and east route director for Network Rail, said:

“We have extra workers out on the network at key locations, ready to react quickly to Storm Eunice and repair the railway wherever it’s safe to do so.”

RHS Harlow Carr announced on social media today that its gardens will be closed tomorrow.

⚠️ CLOSED Friday 18th Feb: Unfortunately, due to the forecast of more high winds, we've taken the decision to close the garden tomorrow. This is for the safety everyone.

We will be monitoring the situation and hope to open on Saturday, so please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/Cl8KhpJI8Z

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 17, 2022

Fountains Abbey said its deer park will close, along with higher paths in the water garden.

The Abbey and Water Garden are open on Fri 18 Feb for quick walks 10am-12pm only. Car parks will close at 1pm. Studley Deer park is CLOSED all day. Visitor centre restaurant (reduced menu) and the shop open 10am-12pm. The higher paths in the water garden are closed all day. pic.twitter.com/KWlUY50zKa

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2022

The Stray Ferret will bring you up to date with Storm Eunice developments tomorrow. Keep us informed with developments near you by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

‘End this farce’: Kirkby Malzeard wall to finally be rebuilt

Harrogate Borough Council has approved plans to repair and rebuild a church wall in Kirkby Malzeard that has been blocking the highway for nearly two years.

Residents and parish councillors urged the council at a planning meeting yesterday to end the “farce” of the St Andrew’s Church wall, which collapsed in February 2020 due to heavy rain.

The council will now rebuild the retaining wall and carry out stabilisation work to its other sections.

Cllr Peter Saxon, of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council, told the borough council’s planning committee yesterday:

“Kirkby Malzeard as a community is no stranger to controversial planning decisions. This is not one of them.

“Speaking as the parish council, we presented a unanimous view, as with every resident I have spoken to, to ask you to please, please end this farce.

“It’s been almost two years to the day since this wall collapsed.”

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Cllr Saxon added that the road on Church Street is often busy with children as it is next to the primary school and it was therefore fortunate that the wall collapsed at night.

He added:

“It is very easy to imagine what would have happened. That road is normally full of children walking home.”

Risk of further collapse

Jonathan Dunk, executive officer for property and major projects at the borough council, told the meeting that there was still concern that the remaining wall could collapse.

He said:

“Our view is that it would be sensible to repair the wall as set out in the application at the same time as rebuilding the section that has collapsed. It is sensible to do that.

“Our view is that there remains a risk that the part of the wall that remains standing now could collapse in the future.

“If that were to happen it would cause a risk to public safety and may cause further road closure.”

Mr Dunk added that the council would look to start the works on the wall in the Easter holidays.

‘Smart bins’ to be trialled in Harrogate from this month

“Smart bins” which use sensors to send alerts when they need emptying are to be trialled in Harrogate from this month.

The joint project by Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will see sensors fitted in up to 87 public bins on streets around the Valley Gardens area of the town.

The sensors will measure how full the bins are, as well as their temperature and whether they have become damaged.

Cllr Andy Paraskos, cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling at Harrogate Borough Council, said the sensors will help make the best use of resources and staff time.

He said: 

“Understanding when a bin needs emptying or whether it might need inspecting will enable us to make the most efficient use of our resources.

“These sensors will allow us to use the data and focus on those that need to be emptied more often.

“As a result, we’d expect to see a reduction in travel, meaning a saving on fuel costs and a reduction in carbon emissions.”

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The sensors are being funded using cash from £3.6 million awarded to York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership from the government’s Getting Building Fund.

North Yorkshire County Council said the trial is a first for the county as well as an early example of studies into how new technologies can be used in public areas for other purposes.

This will include sensors being used to capture live air quality data and monitoring traffic flow.

Sensors will also be used for people counting in town centres to identify busy times and locations to help businesses plan.

Cllr Greg White, executive member for customer engagement at North Yorkshire County Council, said: 

“The smart bins pilot will enable us to assess the time and money saved and any other benefits.

“If it is successful, we will look to extend the scheme to other suitable locations.

“We are at an early stage of the ‘smart places’ project, working alongside borough and district colleagues, but the possibilities of the so-called Internet of Things – embedding sensors in everyday objects to enable them to send and receive data – are hugely exciting.

“These early studies with our partners will help to reveal the potential for systems that can improve the environment, support health and wellbeing and enable more effective delivery of public services.”

Traffic and Travel Alert: Delays expected due to Army Foundation College parade

Motorists should expect delays around the Army Foundation College in Harrogate as it holds its annual passing out parade.

Delays are expected around the college today from 8.30am to 10am and 1pm to 2pm on Rough Road and Penny Pot Lane.

The Stray Ferret has changed the way it offers Traffic and Travel alerts.

We will now notify you instantly through app notifications and flash tweets when there is an urgent alert. This could include heavy traffic, dangerous weather and long delays or cancellations of public transport.

The alerts are sponsored by The HACS Group.

Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd as Storm Dudley continues

An amber weather warning is in force across the Harrogate district this evening as Storm Dudley brings rain and strong winds.

A Met Office amber weather warning means residents can expect more disruption to roads and public transport and there’s an increased risk of power cuts and fallen trees.

Gusts of up to 50mph are expected. Follow all the latest updates below.

20.11 – Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd

The River Nidd flood alert has been extended to the Lower and Middle Nidd in the last 10 minutes.

Heavy rainfall this afternoon means flooding of low lying land is expected tonight and tomorrow.

The flood alert area in the Middle Nidd includes land around the Middle River Nidd and its tributaries including Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike.

For the Lower Nidd, it includes the Lower River Nidd and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter

The alert says:

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

19.22 – Flood alert issued for Upper Nidd around Psteley Bridge

The government’s flood alert service has issued a flood alert this evening for the Upper Nidd. It says:

“Flooding of low lying land is expected on Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday.

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Areas most at risk include land around the Upper River Nidd and its tributaries including How Stean Beck, Blayshaw Gill, Ramsgill Beck, Lul Beck, Foster Beck, Fosse Gill, Fell Beck and Darley Beck.

Flood alert Upper Nidd

17.54 – Strong winds expected all night

Although reports of serious disruption in the Harrogate district appear rare so far, the storm is far from over. The Met Office forecast is for winds to remain close to 50mph throughout the night.

The district’s amber weather warning remains in place until midnight, when it will be replaced by a less severe yellow warning. But another amber warning is in place from 3am Friday until 9pm the same day. Things should start to calm down then.

17.05 – LNER warns of train disruption

London North Eastern Railway is operating a reduced timetable and implementing speed reductions over the next two days.

A reduced timetable will be in place across parts of the route on Friday. The company said in a statement:

“People who are booked to travel in either direction between York and London King’s Cross or Leeds and London King’s Cross are being advised not to travel on Friday but where possible, make their journey tomorrow, Thursday 17 February.”

Refunds are available.

Network Rail has introduced speed restrictions on the East Coast route with possible damage to infrastructure as a result of the anticipated conditions.

16.31 – Power cuts in HG3 and HG4

According to Northern Powergrid’s live updates of power cuts,180 homes are currently without power in HG3 and nearby LS21. Power should be restored by 5.45pm. Also, fewer than 10 homes are currently without power in HG4 but they should be back on by 6pm.

16.26 – Police issue warning

North Yorkshire Police is urging people to be careful as Storm Dudley continues to rage across the Harrogate district. It says there are reports of several fallen trees in Craven.

What’s the situation like in the Harrogate district? Send us your updates at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The wind & rain is picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

Please take care if you are out & about. Be aware of fallen debris and flood water.

We currently have reports of several fallen trees in the #Craven area across several routes.
#drivetoarrive pic.twitter.com/BDCFOO95Si

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) February 16, 2022

15.38 – 100mph gusts in north Yorkshire 

The situation may be bad in the Harrogate district, bit other parts of the county are faring worse. Hawes has just recorded a gust of 100mph.

How badly is your area affected by the storms? Let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The second 100mph + gust so far this storm season here in #NorthYorkshire Incredible!. 😬💨 @Hudsonweather @Petagna @weathertrending @aidanweather @UKWX_ @SimonLeeWx https://t.co/EFxIwnuyko

— NorthYorksWeather (@northyorkswx) February 16, 2022

1.10pm – Amber warning to come into place in the next hour

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the Harrogate district from 2pm with winds forecast to reach 50mph.

The forecast also shows the heaviest rain is set to fall between 2-4pm. Amber warnings mean the likelihood of more fallen trees and power cuts is likely.

The amber warning is in place until midnight tonight when it moves down to a yellow warning for tomorrow.

Amber warnings are in force for Storms Dudley and Eunice, bringing strong winds and the potential for snow.

Check out our press release 👇 and download the @metoffice app for the latest forecast. #StormDudley #StormEunice #TwoStorms

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 16, 2022

11.13am – Fountains Abbey reopens Studley deer park

Fountains Abbey has confirmed that it has reopened Studley deer park this morning, but higher paths at the water garden have no access.

***Update at 11am – Studley deer park has now reopened as well as the abbey and water garden. There is no access to the higher paths in the Water Garden. ***

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

10.23am – Tree down in Starbeck

Strong winds have brought a tree down on the cycle path on Nidderdale Greenway at Starbeck.

9.21am – Fountains Abbey opening update

Fountains Abbey in Ripon has issued an update on its opening hours ahead of forecast strong winds today.

Update at 9:14am – The abbey and water garden will open at 11am today (16/02) through the visitor centre and West Gate entrances. Studley deer park remains closed until further notice.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

9.10am – Tree down on Stray

A tree has been blown over on the Stray and is blocking the footpath next to the Prince of Wales roundabout.

However, it is not on the road and traffic is moving freely.

9am – RHS Harlow Carr closed

RHS Harlow Carr will be closed today due to strong winds caused by Storm Dudley.

In a tweet, RHS Harlow Carr said the decision was made in the interests of the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

⚠️ CLOSED Wednesday 16th February

Unfortunately, due to high winds today we've taken the decision to close the garden. This is for the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.

We hope to re-open the garden soon, please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/GpSHz9eLOr

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 16, 2022

8.30am – County council urges care during Storm Dudley

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers to take care on the roads following the amber weather warning in place today.

The winds are picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

The @metoffice has issued an amber #weather warning for very strong & disruptive winds.

Please take care if you are out & about & be aware of fallen debris on the roads.

More: https://t.co/nyJZTWirOP pic.twitter.com/4kUStzQnfi

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 16, 2022

8.10am – RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey opening hours

As previously reported, both RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey in Ripon have adjusted their opening hours today due to the forecast strong winds.

Due to the forecast of high winds, the woodland (including play area) and glasshouses will be closed Weds to Fri this week.

We apologise for any inconvenience, but the safety of everyone is paramount. We will continue to monitor the situation, please check for further updates. pic.twitter.com/2CBsh0gMVT

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 15, 2022

It's likely we'll be opening the mains site & deer park later tomorrow (Wed 16 Feb) to allow the worst of Storm Dudley to pass and make the site safe.
Our team will make a decision on opening in the morning so please check in with our website for the most up to date information. pic.twitter.com/Rltps8lVCC

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 15, 2022

7.45am – Power cuts in Beckwithshaw

Residents have reported power cuts in Beckwithshaw following the storm this morning

Northern Powergrid is reporting cuts in the HG3 and LS17 areas.

According to the company’s website, around 70 properties have been affected and power is expected to be restored at 9.15am.

This morning, Northern Powergrid said in a statement that it expected Storm Dudley to cause disruption “above typical levels”.

A spokesperson said:

“We expect that the storm will create levels of disruption that are over and above typical levels.

“If it does, we will be applying the lessons learnt from Storm Arwen in relation to keeping customers updated on our progress. In the early stages, we will give longer estimates of likely restoration times that reflect the fact that we won’t know the extent of the damage to the network.”

7.38am – Met Office updates amber weather warning

The Met Office has updated its weather warning to amber for parts of the Harrogate district. It means disruption to public transport, roads and power cuts are likely.

The warning is in place from 4pm today until midnight.

However, a yellow weather warning remains in place until tomorrow.

Find the latest on the Met Office warning below.

7.25am – Tree down on Pennypot Lane

A Stray Ferret reader has got in touch to report a tree down on Pennypot Lane near to the bridge with Harlow Moor Road.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

Picture: Kimberley Harness.

Harrogate man fined for damaging train

A man from Harrogate has been fined for causing £1,093 worth of damage to a stationary train at Harrogate Station last year.

Michael Anthony Burke, 56, pleaded guilty at York Magistrates Court on Monday to causing criminal damage to a LNER train.

The incident occurred on June 11 last year.

Burke, of Nydd Vale Terrace, was fined £120, ordered to pay a victim’s surcharge of £85 and to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

He also pleaded guilty to trespassing on the railway lines.

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Burke also pleaded guilty to attempting to enter Crampton Moore Electronics on Commercial Street, as a trespasser with intent to steal.

The court issued a further community order to Burke for the final two offences.

788 Harrogate hospital patients were sent back to care homes without covid test

Almost 800 Harrogate District Hospital patients were allowed to return to their care homes without being tested for covid, it has been revealed.

Figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service provide the clearest picture yet on how patients were moved between the hospital and care homes – a practice which is believed to have fuelled infections amongst the most vulnerable.

The figures show a total of 788 patients were discharged into care homes without being tested between March 2020 and November 2021.

But the hospital says it has followed national guidance on when to carry out tests and that “patient health and safety is our primary concern”.

It also said the figures will include patients who were tested before arriving at the hospital, although it added “we do not record this information”.

Russell Nightingale, chief operating officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“During the covid pandemic, steps were taken to ensure patients could continue to be looked after in a safe environment – this was especially important for vulnerable and elderly people.

“A policy was introduced on April 15, 2020, requiring inpatients who were being discharged from hospital to a care home to have a covid test.

“Only patients who had received a negative covid test were discharged.

“If they tested positive, infection prevention measures were put in place for the individual to prevent the virus from spreading and so that the patient could be treated appropriately.

“They would remain in hospital for the required period before they were discharged.”

However, this approach did not apply to patients attending appointments or the emergency department who were allowed to return to their care homes without being tested.

And crucially, the testing of inpatients was only introduced by the government in April 2020 – almost three months after the first covid case was detected in England and when there was no protection from vaccines.

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It is thought covid was transmitting at a much quicker rate than was known at these early stages in the pandemic, and once inside a care home it often spread to residents with devastating consequences.

410 care home deaths in North Yorkshire

Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 410 covid deaths have been reported by North Yorkshire care homes which have had to deal with PPE and testing shortages, as well as ever changing government guidance on visiting restrictions.

Harrogate hospital said it was not impacted by the testing shortages.

But Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said the government did recognise there were “challenges” with testing as he also praised staff at the hospital for their efforts during the pandemic.

Mr Jones said: 

“It seems clear to me that the staff at Harrogate hospital sought to deal with patients in the safest and most practical way during the pandemic.

“This must have been extremely difficult for them particularly in the early days of the pandemic when the world was fighting against something new and about which medical science knew little but could see it was deadly for many.

“There were also challenges with protective equipment supply, testing capability was still limited and hospitalisation rates were high.

“The description they have given about their testing regime would seem to most people to be practical and credible with patient safety at its heart.

“I want to again put on record my thanks to the clinical staff and also to the non-clinical support staff for ensuring the highest standards of patient care in unprecedented circumstances.”

£1.4m Georgian house owner threatens legal action over Ripon homes

The owner of a £1.4 million Georgian house in Ripon has warned Harrogate Borough Council it could face legal action as the authority passed plans for 30 homes nearby.

James Mortimer said “significant harm” would be caused to his Grade II-listed Prospect House as a result of the housing plans for land off Springfield Close.

He also criticised the designs from developers Newett Homes and said he believed there was an “error of law” in a council report that could lead to a judicial review.

Mr Mortimer told a council planning meeting on Tuesday:

 “We contest the officer’s report which indicates that harm was mitigated to less than significant.

“We have also taken legal advice and believe there is an error of law on sufficient grounds in the officer’s report to request a judicial review.”

Prospect House is listed for its special architectural or historic interest, which includes its use as an officers’ mess for soldiers en route to the Somme during the First World War.

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Mr Mortimer complained that the housing development would be in “full view” from the rear of the five-bedroom property which dates back to 1835 and sits around 120 metres away from the site.

Screening concerns

His complaints were backed up by Ripon councillor Sid Hawke who said trees between the two sites would provide little screening.

Cllr Hawke said: 

“When you go into Prospect House and stand in his bedroom you can see that site completely.”

An agent for Newett Homes told councillors that several changes had been made to the plans since they were refused in June 2020.

This included a reduction in the number of homes from 38 to 30 and design changes such as imitation chimneys to try to make the development in keeping with the area.

The agent also said the homes were repositioned to reduce the impact on Prospect House “as much as feasibly possible”.

The plans were approved by councillors with nine votes for and one against.

Decision delayed on £13m Knaresborough Leisure Centre after residents not invited to speak at meeting

A decision on a planned £13 million leisure centre in Knaresborough has been delayed after a “technical error” meant residents were not invited to speak at a meeting.

Harrogate Borough Council was due to make a decision on its own plans yesterday, but this has now been pushed back to a “later date”.

A council spokesperson said: 

“Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen issue, the notification to advise interested parties of the opportunity to speak at today’s planning committee about the Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre proposals, was not sent.

“We will ensure this issue is resolved and interested parties will be notified as soon as a new decision date has been arranged.

“We apologise for any confusion caused and to those residents who unfortunately were unaware of the deferral and attended the committee meeting.”

The proposed leisure centre includes a six-lane pool and exercise studios, and has been hailed by the council as a “fit-for-purpose” facility to meet growing needs.

However, several concerns have been raised since the plans were first revealed two years ago, particularly as the proposals involve building over a play area and the demolition of the existing Knaresborough Swimming Pool at Fysche Field.

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There are also concerns over the environmental impacts of demolishing a large building to replace it with another.

Knaresborough Civic Society has called on councillors to reject the plans in favour of rival proposals from the ‘Not on Fysche Field’ campaign group which has produced designs to upgrade the 30-year-old swimming pool.

A civic society spokesperson previously said: 

“Knaresborough Civic Society urges the planning committee to reject this short-sighted recommendation in favour of an alternative solution which will not result in the loss of mature trees, vital outdoor play facilities and green space.

“We have played an active role in campaigning for a more considered approach to this project and have made our views clear that building on the existing site – as was promised at the public consultation – should be the preferred option.”

The public consultation on five potential locations for the leisure centre referred to locating it “on the site of the existing pool”.

However, it was only several months after this that the council revealed it wants to build the facility over a play area behind the existing swimming pool.

The other locations previously considered included Knaresborough House, Hay-a-Park, Conyngham Hall and a plot of land at Halfpenny Lane.

Ripon padel tennis courts given the go-ahead

Plans for two new padel tennis courts in Ripon have been given the go-ahead.

The proposal will see the new courts, plus canopies and flood lighting, built at Ripon Tennis Centre on Park Lane.

The centre will become the latest padel venue in the Harrogate district as the popularity of the sport increases.

Ripon Tennis Centre said in documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council that the proposal would help to improve facilities.

It said:

“Ripon Tennis Centre are keen to provide these facilities as part of the ongoing improvement to the club which will be enjoyed by all age ranges and can be played on throughout the year.”

Boom in popularity

Padel tennis has seen a boom in popularity in recent years, including in the Harrogate district.

The sport is played between four players on reduced sized tennis courts. Competitors use paddle racquets and can bounce the ball off walls.

As well as the Ripon centre, a court is planned for Hornbeam Park which is earmarked for six dedicated courts.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road saw an increase in demand for the sport during the first covid lockdown.

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The local boom has been reflected across the country.

With more than 6.000 padel players in the UK, according to the Lawn Tennis Association, the sport is one of the fastest growing in the country.