Harrogate motorists have been avoiding the closure of Beech Grove by driving over the Stray.

The road closed to through traffic yesterday but already some vehicles have taken the law into their own hands by mounting the kerb and cutting across the Stray, leaving behind mud and tyre tracks.

A chaotic first night saw most motorists, confronted by road blocks for the first time, performing u-turns. But the Stray Ferret has photographic evidence, as well as verbal reports by witnesses, that some engaged in illegal manoeuvres.

Besides driving on the Stray, motorists also drove through the car parks attached to the residential apartment blocks on Beech Grove. They also drove the wrong way along the one-way street that connects Beech Grove and Victoria Road to avoid a detour.

North Yorkshire County Council, the highways authority, is now considering ways to prevent motorists taking the law into their own hands.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret:

“I am very sorry that motorists have decided to drive across the Stray to avoid the road closure on Beech Grove.

“That is extremely poor behaviour. They are also committing a driving offence.”

Read more:

• Cars could make way for cyclists on another Harrogate road
• Controversial Harrogate road closure starts today

Judy D’Arcy Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, told the Stray Ferret:

“It is outrageous that cars are being driven onto the Stray. We understand drivers’ frustrations as they are probably unaware of the closure until they have actually entered Beech Grove.

“However, this does not excuse angry and potentially dangerous driving.

“The hideously ugly planters appear to have been placed well into the route to avoid the increased flooding which now occurs on West Park Stray, spreading as it does across the road.

“As always our concern is for the protection of the Stray and we are engaged in conversation with both North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council about this.”

Beech Grove will be closed to through traffic for six months before North Yorkshire County Council, which is consulting on the scheme, decides whether to make it permanent.

It is hoped the move will encourage pedestrians and cyclists. It will link to the new Otley Road cycle path, work on which is due to begin in spring.

Residents, refuse collections and emergency services will still have access to the area.

Harrogate District Hospital has unveiled a rainbow tunnel to celebrate diversity and bring smiles to people walking through it.

The decorated tunnel connects the main hospital building to the Briary Wing and was revamped in time for LGBT+ History Month, which runs throughout February.

Rainbow symbols put in windows to show support for the NHS at the start of the coronavirus pandemic inspired hospital staff to add some colour to the tunnel.

https://twitter.com/harrogatehcc/status/1361695147243810823

Last year the hospital created a rainbow crossing to welcome LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and staff.

Read more:

• Harrogate hospital unveils LGBTQ+ rainbow crossings
• Harrogate hospital gets £14 million to reduce carbon footprint

Steve Russell, chief executive at Harrogate District Hospital, said:

“We love our new rainbow-styled tunnel linking the main Harrogate District Hospital building to our Briary Wing.

“The idea for having a rainbow in the tunnel came about at the time when members of the public were painting and drawing fantastic rainbows to put in their windows at home to show support for the NHS.

“Walking through the arches of the tunnel, we thought it would make a great location to bring those rainbows from the community into the hospital.

“The rainbow is a lasting landmark within the hospital, a symbol for equality and diversity, and as a space to walk through when you need some colour in your day.

“Most importantly – We hope it brings a smile to faces that walk through it!”

Good morning and welcome once again to our traffic and travel service for the Harrogate district.

Whether you travel by car, bus or train we will keep an eye out for any possible disruption to your journey.

It’s Connor again back on the travel desk from 6.30am. Spotted an accident or a road closure? Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then we will let you know with our updates every 15 minutes.

Full update – 9am

Thanks to everyone who has been getting involved in this traffic and travel blog. I am switching over to the news desk now but will be back from 6.30am tomorrow.

Roads

• Accident on A59 near Green Hammerton has now cleared.
• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes but now easing.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive. Reports of drivers performing u-turns to avoid traffic.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.45am

Roads

• Accident on A59 near Green Hammerton has now cleared.
• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes but now easing.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive. Reports of drivers performing u-turns to avoid traffic.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.30am

Roads

• Accident on A59 near Green Hammerton causing delays, with heavy traffic around Station Road.
• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes but now easing.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.15am

Roads

• Accident on A59 near Green Hammerton causing delays, with heavy traffic around Station Road.
• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes but now easing.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8am

Roads

• Accident on A59 near Green Hammerton causing delays, with heavy traffic around Station Road.
• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes but now easing.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.45am

Roads

• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of six minutes. Inrix reporting heavy traffic here.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.30am

Roads

• Beech Grove in Harrogate is now closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.15am

Roads

• Beech Grove in Harrogate is closed to through traffic as part of a cycle scheme.
• Traffic is building up on the roads this morning with much of the congestion around the following construction sites.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7am

Roads

• The roads appear clear so far today except for around construction sites, particularly in Harrogate:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.45am

Roads

• The roads appear clear so far today. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.30am

Roads

• The roads are looking clear bright and early this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Ripon Road, at the junction with Jennyfield Drive.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

A £280,000 upgrade of Harrogate Borough Council-owned Phoenix Business Park in Ripon has begun.

The funding will help to create more space, refurbish the three units and install new electric vehicle charging points.

The council awarded Dalebuild Limited, a Harrogate-based construction firm, the contract for the work after a tender process.

This project follows a similar £500,000 investment at the council-owned Conyngham Hall business centre in Knaresborough, which was completed in October last year.

Read more:

• Ripon construction worker died from head injuries, inquest told
• Parents launch petition for more police in Ripon

The council believes, even with the shift to more home working, there continue to be demand for office spaces in the Harrogate district.

Councillor Graham Swift, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:

“We want to ensure Harrogate district businesses have the space around them to grow and expand as their business does.

“This investment at Phoenix Business Park will do just that, by creating flexible spaces with leases designed around their needs. As well as providing them with modern, energy efficient accommodation with high-speed digital connectivity.”

Good morning everyone and welcome back to our traffic and travel service for the Harrogate district.

Whether you travel by car, bus or train we will keep an eye out for any possible disruption to your journey.

It’s Connor again back on the travel desk from 6.30am. Spotted an accident or a road closure? Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then we will let you know with our updates every 15 minutes.

Full update – 9am

Thanks to everyone who has been getting involved with this new traffic and travel service. Good to read that people are finding it helpful. I am moving over to the news desk now but will be back with renewed vigour tomorrow morning at 6.30am. Connor.

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate:
• New: Ripon Road at the junction with Jennyfield Drive works causing delays.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of four minutes.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout. Delays of four minutes from Starbeck.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• New: Crash on the A59 at New Road on the way to York causing delays .

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time after the earlier cancellations.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.45am

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of four minutes.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout. Delays of four minutes from Starbeck.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time after the earlier cancellations.
• The 8.09am Knaresborough to Leeds service which was delayed to 8.56am has been cancelled.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.30am

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of four minutes.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout. Delays of four minutes from Starbeck.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time after the earlier cancellations.
• The 8.09am Knaresborough to Leeds service which was delayed to 8.56am has been cancelled.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.15am

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of seven minutes.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout. Delays of four minutes from Starbeck.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 8.18am service Harrogate to Leeds is cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.
• All other services are expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8am

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Delays of seven minutes.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout. Delays of four minutes from Starbeck.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 8.18am service Harrogate to Leeds is cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.
• All other services are expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.45am

Roads

• The roads are starting to slow this morning as more cars get on the road. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and St George’s Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 7.41am service Harrogate to Knaresborough has now been cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.
• The 8.18am service Harrogate to Leeds has now been cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.
• All other services are expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.30am

Roads

• The roads are still looking fairly clear this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout, near to St Mark’s Church.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations. Harrogate to York services are on time.
• The 7.41am service Harrogate to Knaresborough has now been cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.
• The 8.18am service Harrogate to Leeds has now been cancelled. Due to a broken down train earlier.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.15am

Roads

• The roads are still looking fairly clear this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout, near to St Mark’s Church.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations. Harrogate to York services are on time.
• The 7.41am service Harrogate to Knaresborough is currently expected at 7.55am. Delays have been increasing since 6.30am.
• The 8.18am service Harrogate to Leeds is currently expected at 8.22am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7am

Roads

• The roads are still looking clear this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout, near to St Mark’s Church.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.
• The 7.41am service Harrogate to Knaresborough is currently expected at 7.53am. Delays have been increasing since 6.30am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.45am

Roads

• The roads are looking clear this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout, near to St Mark’s Church.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.
• The 7.41am service Harrogate to Knaresborough is currently expected at 7.43am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.30am

Roads

• The roads are looking clear bright and early this morning. There are some construction sites likely to cause delays, particularly in Harrogate, but congestion has not yet built up in those areas:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout, near to St Mark’s Church.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds, York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

A construction worker who died on a building site in Ripon has been named at the opening of an inquest today.

Dean Christopher Myers, 56, died on January 13 at the site on the corner of Whitcliffe Avenue and Harrogate Road.

The inquest at Northallerton heard that Mr Myers, from Scotton, is suspected to have died from a severe head injury.

John Broadbridge, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire and York, said:

“While in the course of his work as a ground worker for a construction company, he was struck by a moving bucket on a digger.

“The cause of death, which is yet to be fully determined, was provisionally found to be a severe head injury and blunt force trauma.”

Read more:

• Man dies on Ripon building site
• Parents launch petition for more police in Ripon

The inquest, which will determine the cause of death, was adjourned until a later date.

North Yorkshire Police issued a brief statement the day after the incident saying:

“Police were called to a report of an industrial incident in Ripon at about 10.30am on Wednesday.

“A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing jointly with the Health and Safety Executive.”

Good morning everyone and thanks for getting involved in this new traffic and travel service for the Harrogate district.

It’s Connor again back on the travel desk from 6.30am. Spotted an accident or a road closure? Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We will keep across the roads and rail lines. If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then we will let you know with our updates every 15 minutes.

Have a lovely day and keep on top of traffic and travel right here on the Stray Ferret.

Full update – 9am

Thanks for getting involved everyone. I am heading over to the news desk now but will be back again tomorrow morning.

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Causing delays of four minutes and increasing.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout and from Knaresborough. Delays of six minutes and increasing.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Harrogate Road at the junction with the A659, Harewood.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds are expected on time.
• The 9.07am Harrogate to York service is expected at 9.11am.
• The 9.37am Harrogate to Knaresborough service is expected at 9.45am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.45am

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Causing delays of four minutes and increasing.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout and from Knaresborough. Delays of six minutes and increasing.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Harrogate Road at the junction with the A659, Harewood.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds are expected on time.
• The 9.07am Harrogate to York service is expected at 9.12am.
• The 9.37am Harrogate to Knaresborough service is expected at 9.45am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.30am

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Causing delays of nine minutes and increasing.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout and from Knaresborough. Delays of six minutes and increasing.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Harrogate Road at the junction with the A659, Harewood.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds and York are expected on time.
• The 9.37am Harrogate to Knaresborough service is expected at 9.45am.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8.15am

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Quite heavy in both directions.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout and from Knaresborough.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Harrogate Road at the junction with the A659, Harewood.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 8am

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Harrogate Road at the junction with the A659, Harewood.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.45am

Roads

Traffic is building around the following construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate – particularly on the way into the town centre.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.30am

Roads

• Congestion is starting the build this morning, particularly from Knaresborough into Harrogate, Leeds Road into Harrogate and on Skipton Road.
• Traffic is building around the following construction sites:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7.15am

Roads

• Congestion is starting the build this morning, particularly in Harrogate
• Traffic is mainly building around construction sites in Harrogate and Knaresborough:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 7am

Roads

• The roads are still looking clear around the Harrogate district this morning. We have had no reports of road closures or crashes so far.
• Construction sites are already causing congestion in Harrogate and Knaresborough:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate’s services to Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all expected on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.45am

Roads

• The roads are still looking clear around the Harrogate district this morning. We have had no reports of road closures or crashes so far.
• Construction sites are already causing congestion in Harrogate and Knaresborough:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Buses

• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Full update – 6.30am

• The roads are looking clear around the Harrogate district this morning. We have had no reports of road closures or crashes so far.
• Construction sites are likely to cause congestion in Harrogate and Knaresborough:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and Leeds Road Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• The trains are running well this morning with no cancellations or delays. Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.
• Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations.

Cars could soon make way for cyclists on another major route in Harrogate under proposals to make Oatlands Drive one-way.

Road closures have become a hot topic in Harrogate lately.

Beech Grove was due to close to through traffic today as part of plans to encourage more cyclists and pedestrians by creating a low traffic neighbourhood.

North Yorkshire County Council wants to create another low traffic neighbourhood in a yet-to-be specified part of Bilton, which could see further restrictions on vehicles.

Now the council is consulting on plans to make Oatlands Drive one-way southbound.

It also wants to limit the speed to 20mph, widen the existing footpath and create a new segregated cycleway.

Four parallel crossings, which combine pedestrian and cycle crossings,  are planned, along with one-way filters that would affect the junctions with St Winifred’s Drive and St Hilda’s Road.

The £215,000 Oatlands project is one of three cycling schemes the council opened consultation on last week.

The two other schemes would see cycle tracks created on Knaresborough Road between High Bridge in Knaresborough and Harrogate Golf Club, as well as on Victoria Avenue between Princes Square and Station Parade.

Read more:

• Controversial Harrogate road closure starts today
• Consultation launched for three Harrogate cycling schemes

The Department for Transport awarded £1,011,750 for the schemes after a successful funding bid by the council.

Of the three schemes, vehicle movements would only be restricted on Oatlands Drive.

‘Ridiculous idea’

One local resident, Mr Brown, told the Stray Ferret some local people were “fuming”.

He said he cycled as well as drove and questioned how forcing vehicles to make longer journeys into town along Wetherby Road would ease congestion and improve the environment.

Mr Brown said many of the roads named after saints were already clogged up by cars parked by Harrogate District Hospital staff. He added:

“To me this seems ridiculous. There are not that many cyclists and the ones I have seen are the Saturday morning groups who respect other road users and are competent cyclists.

“This is just going to cause havoc for the saints area. The real problem is lack of parking at the hospital and parents dropping their children off.

“I personally agree there should be a crossing by the Stray on Oatlands Drive so walkers can continue along the path but to make it one way for a few cyclists seems ridiculous and a waste of taxpayers money!”

Beech Grove is due to close for six months and, depending on the results of a public consultation, could become permanent.

Work to install the signage, bollards and planters will take three days from today, weather permitting.

You can take part in the Oatlands Drive consultation by clicking or tapping here.

Garages in Harrogate have said they are experiencing a rise in demand for pothole-related repairs despite the national coronavirus lockdown.

It comes as the government announced today £51 million in funding to repair roads in the Yorkshire and Humber region over the next year.

This is the second instalment of a national £2.5 billion “potholes fund”, which Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed in last year’s Budget.

However, it seems there are plenty of holes for North Yorkshire County Council to fill locally.

The council currently has 781 potholes on its reporting system for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge. Ripon and Masham have 175.

Read more:

• Harrogate district traffic and travel updates – every weekday morning
• Controversial Harrogate road closure starts today

While not all the reports require action from the council, those numbers can be a good indicator of the demand it is currently facing.

The recent cold weather has also caused more potholes. When water enters the road and freezes, it expands and creates holes in the surface. Traffic then exacerbates the problem.

Harrogate’s garages then deal with the consequences of damage caused by vehicles driving over potholes.

Finlay Bunce, the manager at Universal Tyres Harrogate, told the Stray Ferret that it recently repaired 10 cars on one day due to potholes:

“People should not be travelling as much but we are still seeing quite a few cars with pothole-related damage.

“One woman last week had only driven 160 miles in her brand new car when she drove over a pothole. She needed two new tyres.”

Sam Burton, manager of Just Tyres in Harrogate, said it had seen a 15% increase in pothole repairs since early January when the country went into lockdown. He said:

“We have had quite a few people complain about Otley Road in Harrogate. I drive down it regularly and it looks as if someone has lost control of a jackhammer. It all needs to be resurfaced.

“Some cars are so badly damaged as a result that we cannot even do a repair. Wagons and cars are driving all over the roads to avoid the holes.”

Good morning and welcome to our new traffic and travel service, designed to keep the Harrogate district moving in a morning.

It’s Connor on the travel desk from 6.30am. Send in any updates you have by sending an email to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We will keep across the roads and rail lines. If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then we will let you know with our updates every 15 minutes.

Thanks for your interest in our live blog. Have a lovely day and keep on top of traffic and travel right here on the Stray Ferret.

Full update – 9am

Thanks for getting involved this morning. I am now heading over to the news desk for the rest of the day but will be back bright and early tomorrow morning.

Roadworks have been the story of the day. They have been causing delays around the Harrogate district, with a new site being set up this morning at the Leeds Road Roundabout in Harrogate.

• Northern Powergrid is setting up a four-way traffic light system on the Leeds Road Roundabout, which will be in place from today until February 26.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall – High Street in Knaresborough.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations. Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Full update – 8.45am

As more people start to get onto the roads the traffic is slowing around the Harrogate district. Traffic is slow around construction sites:

• There are new roadworks being set up on the Leeds Road Roundabout this morning. Northern Powergrid is setting up a four-way traffic light system, which will be in place from today until February 26.
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall – High Street in Knaresborough.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations. Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Got any updates to share? Send an email to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Full update – 8.30am

• The roads look clear, except for congestion caused by construction works.
• Watch out on Skipton Road, Harrogate in particular. It is part-closed due to gas line repairs.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout as well as Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and the High Street in Knaresborough also have ongoing construction works.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.

Full update – 8.15am

As more people start to get onto the roads the traffic is slowing around the Harrogate district. Traffic is slow around construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall – High Street in Knaresborough.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations. Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Full update – 8am

Traffic is moving well around the Harrogate district, except for around construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall. All have construction ongoing.
• The trains still appear to be running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district. All Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Full update – 7.45am

As more people start to get onto the roads the traffic is slowing around the Harrogate district. Traffic is sluggish on Wetherby Road around construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall. All have construction ongoing.
• The trains still appear to be running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district. All Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Traffic is slow around construction sites. Photo: Inrix

Full update – 7.30am

As more people start to get onto the roads the traffic is slowing around the Harrogate district. Knaresborough Road into Harrogate town centre is slow all the way from Knaresborough. Traffic is also sluggish around construction sites:

• Skipton Road, Harrogate – Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall. All have construction ongoing.
• The trains still appear to be running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district. All Harrogate to Leeds services are on time.

Full update – 7.15am

• The roads look clear, except for congestion caused by construction works.
• Watch out on Skipton Road, Harrogate in particular. It is part-closed due to gas line repairs.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout as well as Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and the High Street in Knaresborough also have ongoing construction works.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.

Full update – 7am

• The roads appear fairly clear this morning, except for congestion caused by construction works. Watch out for:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate. Traffic is particularly difficult there.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall.
• The High Street in Knaresborough.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.

Full update – 6.45am

• The roads are still looking clear this morning, except for congestion caused by construction works around Harrogate’s town centre.
• Watch out on Skipton Road, Harrogate. Traffic is already building up there from both directions.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout as well as Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and the High Street in Knaresborough all have ongoing construction works.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.

Full update – 6.30am

• The roads are looking clear this morning, except for congestion caused by construction works around Harrogate’s town centre.
• Watch out on Skipton Road, Harrogate. Traffic is already building up there, particularly on the southbound side of the road.
• There are also construction works on Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout as well as on Leeds Road, near to Crimple Hall and on the High Street in Knaresborough. Those works are all likely to cause delays.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.