The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.
Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.
5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall
Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.
4.10pm – Met Office storm warning
A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.
The Met Office says:
“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”
4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use
Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.
The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.
Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.
Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:
“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”
3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits
We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.
Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.
1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens
Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.
Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.
Staying in the shade
Brollies up to shield from the sun.
12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day
Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.
A post on its Facebook page says:
“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”
12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate
A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.
Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:
“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”
11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2
On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,
⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt
— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022
11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day
The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.
In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.
10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd
The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.
Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.
10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall
Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.
Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.
9.50am – Businesses close during the heat
Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.
KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.
Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.
Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.
9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots
North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.
It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.
Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.
If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park consideratelyGet #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/rAYqnilVAs
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022
8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea
Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.
It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.
https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233
8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon
Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.
Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.
8.20am – Northern: Do not travel
Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.
Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594
8am – Amber weather warning in place
The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.
7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat
Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.
Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.
Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.
Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:
“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”
Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.
The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:
“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”
Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.
7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier
Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.
It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.
⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.
Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022
7.20am – School closures amid heatwave
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
7am – LNER cancellations
No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.
LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ
£1 billion plan to dual A66 takes a step closer to constructionA £1 billion plan to dual one of the busiest roads in northern England has taken a step closer.
National Highways, formerly Highways England, wants to dual the remaining parts of the A66 between the M6 at Penrith and A1 at Scotch Corner.
The road is used by thousands of drivers in the north of England each day to travel between the north east and Cumbria and on to Scotland.
Now, proposals have taken a step further after the government’s Planning Inspectorate approved a development consent order from National Highways.
Lee Hillyard, National Highways’ A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project director, said:
“We are pleased that our DCO submission has been successful and accepted by the Planning Inspectorate and this marks another significant milestone for this important project.”
Should the Secretary of State for Transport give the final go-ahead for the scheme, construction will start in 2024.
Read more:
‘No option’ but to close Woodfield school, says council
North Yorkshire County Council has “no option” but to press ahead with plans to close Woodfield Community Primary School in Harrogate, local authority officials have said.
Senior county councillors on the executive today agreed to publish formal closure notices from September 2022 ahead of a final decision to close the school from December 31.
Stuart Carlson, director of children and young people’s services at the county council, said although it was “regrettable” that it had to close the school, the authority had no alternative.
He said:
“It is regrettable and with heavy hearts that we come to this decision.
“But there is no further options available to us now other than to move to the recommendations.”
Mr Carlson added that a “thorough consultation” was carried out into the closure and that it had exhausted all options available to it.
He denied that the executive of the council would be “ignoring” parents by going ahead with the closure plans.
Mr Carlson said:
“I don’t think we have done [ignored parents]. We have conducted a thorough consultation, we have looked at all the proposals that have been put forward and we have indeed tried our hardest working with the governing body and other schools to find a solution.
“But they are no longer available to us.”
Read more:
- Woodfield school parents ‘frustrated and upset’ after merger U-turn
- Woodfield school closure ‘an absolute disgrace’, says union
Liberal Democrat councillor Monika Slater, who represents the Bilton Grange and New Park division, said she believed pupils at Woodfield should have been given greater priority for places as she also urged the council to learn lessons for the future.
She said:
“Part of the issue comes down to the fact neighbouring schools have been allowed to become oversubscribed.“
“And I was disappointed to hear that children were going to be treated the same as any other child in the area who wished to move given their situation is somewhat different when we are potentially looking to close the school.
“I really feel these children should have been given a higher preference on their choices.”
Conservative councillor Paul Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on the county council and is also a governor of the school, called for a “post-mortem” into the downfall of Woodfield school.
A motion from Harrogate Borough Council asking to keep the school open was also considered.
But councillors said they had no other option but to move ahead with the closure plan.
Failure to find academy
The school was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2020 and placed into special measures.
The rating meant the school had to become a sponsored academy, but it failed to find a backer.
A proposed merger with Grove Road Community Primary School fell through this year, prompting the county council to open a consultation on closing the school in the next academic year.
The school is also faced with a cumulative deficit of £229,000 in 2023/24 due to low pupil numbers.
Union bosses in North Yorkshire previously described the move to close Woodfield as an “absolute disgrace”.
The publication of the statutory notices will include a four-week period for objections to be made to the council by October 6.
Should a final decision to close the school be approved in October 2022, it would include expanding the catchment area of Bilton Grange and Grove Road Primary Schools to cover the Woodfield area.
New Harrogate podiatry clinic aims to tackle growing need
This story is sponsored by Stray Podiatry.
A new podiatry clinic has opened in Harrogate aimed at tackling a growing need for the service in the area.
Stray Podiatry, which is located on Wetherby Road, was opened by Maxine Wrightson and Katie Bradley earlier this year.
The pair, who are both fully qualified podiatrists and have a background in the NHS, set up the business after spotting a need for podiatry in the town.
Both Maxine and Katie had different routes into the industry, but share the same passion to offer patients a quality service.
For Katie, it was after suffering with plantar fasciitis and a painful crack on her heel. She went on to see a specialist podiatrist, who inspired her to enter the industry.
Meanwhile, for Maxine, a career in healthcare stemmed from watching her family receive great care while ill and realising “what a difference it can make”.
She said she settled on podiatry after seeing the “real improvement” she could make to a person.
She said:
“I decided on podiatry because there is a lot of variety in the role and you can make a real improvement to a person’s comfort and mobility, often after just one appointment.”
Providing gold standard care
As a result, the pair came up with the idea to set up their own clinic and Stray Podiatry was born.
The clinic, which is just off the Woodlands junction on Wetherby Road, is newly renovated with modern facilities.
Katie Bradley and Maxine Wrightson, founders of Stray Podiatry in Harrogate.
There is free parking and new patients are being taken on daily.
Maxine and Katie said the goal of the clinic is to offer gold standard care, as well as excellent aftercare.
“We are a newly established, rapidly growing practice, who are continuously adding new services and committed to providing the gold standard of care for our patients.
“We both work as a team, bringing different strengths and complimenting each other. We are passionate about patient education and providing excellent aftercare for our patients.”
Stray Podiatry offers a range of services, including nailcare, corns, verruca treatment, ingrowing toenails, nail surgery, biomechanical assessments and orthotics.
Both Maxine and Katie also offer home and care home visits.
All are welcome to arrange an appointment. There is no waiting list and all new patients receive a free foot health check.
Book your appointment on the Stray Podiatry website. Alternatively you call them on 07874141634, message them on Facebook or send an email to straypodiatry@gmail.com.
Harrogate Grammar School closed tomorrow due to heatwaveExtreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.
It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.
In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:
“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.
“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.
“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.
“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.
“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.
“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave
HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.
5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours
National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.
1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed
Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.
It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.
Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022
3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow
LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.
The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840
2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough
The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.
Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.
2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge
Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.
The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.
Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said:
“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”
1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun
It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.
We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.
Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.
12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge
According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.
12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees
It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?
11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat
Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.
The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h
— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022
11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun
It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.
11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other
North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.
Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.
Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.
The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.
Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022
10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match
Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.
The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.
https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185
10.50am – Convention centre issues advice
Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.
The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.
The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw
10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave
Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.
The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.
Ann, a resident said:
“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”
9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.
The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.
Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:
“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.
“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”
9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled
Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.
LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.
Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.
9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat
If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.
It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.
You can read the advice here.
9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match
Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.
The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.
The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.
9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate
Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.
The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.
9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather
Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.
With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.
You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.
8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance
With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.
In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.
He said:
“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.
“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”
Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.
8.40am – Amber weather warning
The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.
The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”
It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.
Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.
8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary
Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.
It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234
Harrogate Grammar School unveils new £1.3m building and gardenHarrogate Grammar School has unveiled its new McHugh building and garden, which were built as part of the school’s expansion.
The development consists of three new classrooms, an atrium and garden.
The elevated ‘classrooms on stilts’ have also created space underneath for students to meet.
The stilts are steel pillars, inscribed by children of key workers and vulnerable students who attended school during the pandemic.
The £1.3 million project was built during the pandemic to accommodate the 2,000-pupil school’s growing numbers.
The McHugh building takes its name from Jim McHugh, of the Red Kite Learning Trust, which oversees the school.
His history with Harrogate Grammar School began in 1975 when his wife Pat started teaching there. He became a governor in 2004 and later became chair of governors.
Read more:
More recently, Mr McHugh was integral in establishing the Red Kite Learning Trust as its chair.
He said:
“I was speechless when I found out new building was being named after me. It’s a wonderful 70th birthday present.
“Above all, it’s so rewarding to see the amazing improvement here at Harrogate Grammar School. Not only with an outstanding Ofsted report, but also in creating such a lovely space for students to meet, to learn together and communicate.”
An aerial shot of the new student garden at Harrogate Grammar School.
Neil Renton, headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, added:
“Jim and Pat McHugh stand for commitment to children, for collaboration and positivity, so this is a fitting tribute to them both.
“This whole project also shows what happens when we come together with a vision to provide the very best for children. To achieve this, especially in the middle of covid, is something we are immensely proud of.”
Unveiling the plaque
The interior of The McHugh Building.
Police are investigating after two quad bikes were stolen from the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate last week.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information on the bikes (pictured above), which are believed to have left the show in the direction of Wetherby Road.
Police said the theft happened between 3am and 4am on Wednesday, July 13.
Officers said they were appealing to the public to establish the “full circumstances surrounding the incident”.
A North Yorkshire Police statement added:
“In particular, we are appealing for anyone who has information or who witnessed anything suspicious around the area at the time of the theft.
“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email chloe.kinnear@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option two, and ask for PC 1606 Kinnear.
“If you’d prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111. Please quote reference 12220121553.”
Read more:
- Local firm averts traffic danger at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
- Man arrested after early morning Knaresborough crash
- Former Pateley Bridge police station sold for £297,000
Nigel Adams: By-election could be called amid peerage reports
People in parts of the Harrogate district could be set for a by-election amid reports that MP Nigel Adams is in line for a peerage.
According to The Observer, Mr Johnson is planning to award peerages to both Mr Adams and culture secretary Nadine Dorries. Both are regarded as key allies.
The awarding of a peerage would trigger a by-election, which could prove an early test for Mr Johnson’s successor.
Mr Adams, whose Selby and Ainsty constituency includes Spofforth, Follifoot, Huby and Weeton, is currently a minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
Read more:
- Harrogate district MP Nigel Adams to step down at next election
- Nigel Adams MP’s £33,000 donation from former Russian businessman back in spotlight
Mr Adams has already announced he will be standing down at the next general election, which is due to take place in 2024.
He was first elected in 2010 and has defended the seat in three subsequent elections.
He currently holds the Selby and Ainsty seat with a majority of 20,137.
The Stray Ferret has approached Mr Adams for comment.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district travel disruption amid extreme heatAmid the weather warning for extreme heat, those using trains in the Harrogate district are urged to only travel if necessary.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Drivers should expect the usual traffic on Wetherby Road and Skipton Road this morning during the rush hour.
National Highways has also issued advice to drivers who are planning to travel during the extreme heat. You can find out more information here.
Meanwhile, long term roadworks are in place on Station Road in Goldsborough. The road will be closed until September 19, 2022, as Stonebridge Homes installs a foul water and surface water pipes to connect to the sewer system.
A diversion route is in place in the village.
Trains and buses
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for extreme heat for today and tomorrow.
As a result, Network Rail has urged passengers on trains to only travel if necessary.
Northern has warned that its services are subject to short notice changes amid the extreme heat.
Meanwhile, LNER has cancelled its direct services from Harrogate to London Kings Cross due to the heat.
However, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
The Harrogate Bus Company is reporting that its 21 service will not be able to reach Goldsborough village due to the ongoing roadworks in the village.
There are also cancellations on the 1A, 1C, the 7 and the 36 this morning. You can find out more details on the disruption here.
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Spofforth housing developer requests £23,000 in council appeal costs
A developer has asked Harrogate Borough Council to pay £23,000 in costs after it won a planning appeal against the authority.
Yorkshire Housing Ltd took the council to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after it refused a proposal for 72 homes on Massey Fold in Spofforth.
The developer already had outline permission to build on the site, but councillors turned down an application that finalised the appearance and landscaping details in November 2020.
At the time, councillors said the plan would have a “detrimental urbanising impact upon the character and setting of Spofforth”.
A planning inspector sided in favour with Yorkshire Housing and gave the go-ahead for the scheme in October 2021.
Now the council has confirmed that the developer has submitted a request for costs totalling £23,278 for the appeal.
Read more:
-
Call for government to reject controversial Spofforth homes plan
- Government approves controversial 72 homes in Spofforth
The developer sought costs from the council after it said the authority had “unreasonably delayed” the housing development.
Council officials asked the inspector dismiss the request. But the government awarded costs against the authority.
Local concern
The decision to approve the scheme followed concerns from local residents over the design and that the housing would not be in keeping with the village.
More than 300 local people and organisations, including Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, raised concerns about the development.
Shirley Fawcett, chairman of Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council, wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson appealing for help in challenging the development.
However, Siobhan Watson, the government planning inspector, said she found the council’s reasons for refusal “vague and illogical”.
She said:
“Given the site’s planning history, I find the council’s refusal of the application and subsequent defence of the case to be both vague and illogical.
“I consider that the development should have been clearly permitted and that the council produced vague and generalised assertions about the proposal’s impact which are unsupported by objective analysis.”