Flora Grafton, Author at The Stray Ferret

Woman rescued from muddy bog near Brimham Rocks

A woman was rescued after getting stuck in a muddy bog near Brimham Rocks last week.

Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association was called to the scene on Wednesday, March 27, at around 12.45pm.

Rick Hudson, one of the association’s volunteers at the scene, told the Stray Ferret the casualty had been walking at the National Trust-owned site and became stuck in the mud whilst on her way back to the car park, after the “weather came in quite nastily”.

Mr Hudson added:

“We received an alert from North Yorkshire Police and six team members were called to the scene.

“When we arrived, it was clear the woman was cold and distressed, and was unable to get out of the boggy area.”

Mr Hudson said the woman did not sustain any injuries as a result of the incident.

The association said on social media:

“With assistance she was brought back onto the path and walked back down the track to Fell 2.

“She was driven around to her car parked in Brimham Rocks CP and advised to wait a while before driving back to her hotel in Gargrave.”

The rescue mission took around a total of 15 minutes, Mr Hudson added.

Environmentalists respond to Nidd and Ure sewage spill figures

Two environmental groups have responded to the news of sewage spills more than doubling in the River Nidd and Ure last year.

It comes after the Environment Agency last week revealed sewage discharge figures for all water and sewage companies in England, including Yorkshire Water.

The Stray Ferret analysed the data for the two main rivers in the Harrogate district and found sewage spills not only more than doubled in 2023, but also saw a total of 27,838 hours of spills.

Investment into infrastructure ‘coming too late’

We contacted Nidd Action Group (NAG), which spearheads the iNidd campaign for improved water quality, about the recent figures.

The group appear less than impressed about the significant increases.

David Clayden, the chair, last week told the Stray Ferret:

“From NAG’s quick look at the Nidd data, there seems to be at least 30% more spills this year for almost double the hours of spilling sewage than last year.

“Bear in mind that Yorkshire Water’s plan, determined by the government, is to reduce the average number of spills per asset to less than 10 per year by 2050 (quicker for Knaresborough if we get Safe Bathing Water Status). Yorkshire Water’s considerable investment in infrastructure is coming too late and won’t get the safe bathing and ecological balance in our river right for many years.

“The numbers are going the wrong way. NAG is looking for reduction year-on-year — not upward blips!

“Of course, it has rained a lot this winter but we need to be prepared for changed weather patterns, not just hoping for the best.”

Mr Clayden said the group will “continue to scrutinise what is being planned and what is being achieved for the Nidd”.

NAG will also press Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency for effective and rapid ways to reduce this tide of sewage, he added.

Rivers trust says figures are ‘distressing’

We also contacted the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust (YDRT), a charity that works to protect local rivers, about the data.

Charlotte Simons, catchment partnership manager for YDRT, said the figures come as “distressing news” to the organisation, adding:

“As our population grows and we experience more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, the frequency of these discharges will only increase, unless action is taken. We want to see an end to the practice of discharging raw sewage into our rivers.

“We want to be able to swim, paddle, fish and play in our rivers without risk of getting sick. We want to give our native wildlife a chance to recover, and see our rivers full of life.

“Yorkshire Water has pledged investment over the next five years to tackle this problem. Now we need the government to play their part and approve that spending, to hold Yorkshire Water to account, and to ensure that good decisions are made for long-term environmental and societal benefit.

“This means working with nature as much as possible, looking for integrated solutions that tackle the sewage problem along with other sources of pollution, and deliver more benefits to society too.”

The Stray Ferret reported on the Nidd and Ure statistics last week, which also recorded a total of 2,799 counted continuous spills between the rivers.

Political rivals Andrew Jones MP and Tom Gordon also shared their rather opposing views on the figures at the time.

MPs Watch: Spring Budget, Kex Gill and Rwanda Bill updates

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In March, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the Spring Budget, which included plans to cut national insurance contributions by a further 2p, and North Yorkshire Council reported a rise in local hate crimes following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Here’s what we know about analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what found on Conservative Andrew Jones:

On March 11, Mr Jones attended Parliament’s Commonwealth 70th Anniversary Ceremony.
He also spoke in the House of Commons about the Spring Budget, which he said he “supported”, on March 12.
The Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association received a £3,000 to donation from an individual on March 13.
On March 18, Mr Jones voted in favour of all ten amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
He also met members of the Community Security Trust, Antisemitism Policy Trust and Jewish Leadership Council to discuss the antisemitic incidents report.
On March 21, Mr Jones asked the Leader of the House for a debate to discuss the Prime Minister’s announcement about apprenticeships.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent details of March engagements.

These included meeting with business leaders in Harrogate town centre, as well as asking the Health Ministers about boosting dental capacity and the role of dental centres of excellence.

Mr Jones also held an AGM for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport.

In addition, he asked transport ministers about ensuring train driver vacancies are filled and “appropriate training prioritised”.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Conservative Julian Smith:

Mr Smith made no spoken contributions in the Houses of Parliament in March.
He voted in favour of amendments one to eight of the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
On March 14, Mr Smith met with the chief executive of North Yorkshire Council about the latest closure of the A59 at Kex Gill.
He welcomed news of government funding into grassroots sports in Skipton and Ripon reaching nearly £300,000.

We contacted Julian Smith for comment, but his office directed us towards the press releases on his website.

They included visiting Ripon’s Prison and Police Museum to mark English Tourism Week.

Mr Smith welcomed a £60 million government package to help businesses create more apprenticeships, which would be delivered across his constituency.

He also supported news of more than £530,000 of funding to the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Service, which will go towards adult social care.

Mr Smith also visited Whittaker’s Gin, in Dacre, and signed a whisky cask.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes parts of south Harrogate, here is what we found on Labour MP Keir Mather:

Mr Mather updated his Facebook page nearly 30 times this month. None of the updates related to areas of his constituency which fall in Harrogate.
On March 12, he spoke at his first Budget Resolutions debate in the House of Commons. He felt the Budget failed to grasp the “economic opportunities of our time”.
Mr Mather voted against all ten amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
On March 4, he also made a spoken contribution to a debate on farming.

When we contacted Mr Mather for comment, his office sent a list of some of his March highlights.

These included visiting Kirk Hammerton Primary School to speak to students about Parliament.

He also welcomed the Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP, to speak to constituents about rural crime.

New café and bistro opens on Harrogate’s Albert Street

The latest addition to Harrogate’s hospitality scene has opened on Albert Street.

Clementine Café and Bistro, which has taken over the former Suzetta unit, opened its doors last week.

The new site serves a range hot food, including fresh fish and meat dishes, pasta, hot sandwiches and soups.

In addition, it will also offer hot and cold drinks, alcohol, desserts and cakes.

When the Stray Ferret approached Clementine Café and Bistro for comment, a spokesperson said in response:

“We are not just a cafe; we are also a bistro. We offer great lunch deals, as well as a variety of cakes and savoury bakery items.

“In the evenings, we feature a chef’s special daily. Our chef boasts experience from renowned hotel chains, ensuring that customers enjoy fresh food paired with fine wine and gourmet dishes.”

It will open Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 9pm.

Nidderdale community group issues plea to find home for refugee family

A Nidderdale community group has issued a plea for help to find a refugee family a long-term home.

Nidderdale Community Welcome (NCW), a voluntary group established at the end of 2020, took to the local parish magazine to seek accommodation for a Syrian refugee family.

The group, which helped to find the family their current Nidderdale home, raised more than £13,000 by April 2022 to fund the initiative.

However, according to a local parish magazine, the family’s tenancy is due to end “in a few months”, and they are on the hunt for a new home.

The group said:

“The children have settled in at a local school, the parents have made good progress with learning English and have been seeking employment opportunities.

“The family would like to remain in the area, where they have been warmly welcomed and have settled well.”

Nidderdale Community Welcome issued a plea to anyone that knows of local rental properties, that would be suitable for the family, to get in touch.

The group said the family is looking for a two or three-bedroom house, which will soon become available, with a monthly rent in the region of £800 to £900.

It said anyone that may be able to help should call Bill Hickson on 07831809246, or email him at wgehickson@gmail.com.

New ice cream parlour to open in Pateley Bridge

A new ice cream parlour is set to open in Pateley Bridge tomorrow (March 29).

Treats, which will take over the former Pateley Ice Treat unit, will be the latest addition to the High Street’s hospitality scene.

Owner Janet Chambers, who is originally from Liverpool but has lived in Yorkshire for 40 years, told the Stray Ferret she and her husband took over the business after it remained closed for more than a year.

She said Treats will serve Brymor ice cream, ice cream sundaes, banana splits and milkshakes, as well as vegan ice cream and sorbets, cakes and eventually hot sandwiches and soups.

Ms Chambers added:

“I am excited and nervous about opening. We are hoping to be more than an ice cream parlour and hope to collaborate with our neighbours, such as the new bookshop in Pateley, with events for both adults and children.

“As my background is in art and design I am also hoping to offer art classes and a space for children’s parties.”

Treats will serve a range of ice creams and sweet treats.

Ms Chambers also recently applied to the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, she said, but added due to working full-time she “could not put the usual time and effort into her application”. Instead, she and her husband put their savings into buying the parlour. She said:

“Long-term we are going to re-brand to be called Treats.

“I want it to be a place where people feel they can “treat” themselves, friends and family, and to offer the community something all year round.”

Ms Chamber said the parlour will open Friday to Monday this weekend, plus Tuesday if the weather permits, from 11am to 4pm. It will open Saturday and Sunday thereafter, while in its infancy.

Sewage in Nidd and Ure: local politicians react to increase

Leading Harrogate and Knaresborough politicians have reacted to the news that sewage spills in the River Nidd and River Ure more than doubled last year.

The Environment Agency published sewage discharge figures for all the water and sewage companies yesterday. The Stray Ferret analysed the data to discover the amount of recorded incidents had more than doubled for the Nidd and Ure.

Water quality is likely to be a key issue at the next general election.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has led a campaign to achieve bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido on the Nidd.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has attacked the government for its record on pollution and called for a ban on water company directors’ bonuses.

The rivals gave different reactions to yesterday’s figures.

‘A complex picture’

Mr Jones told the Stray Ferret sewage “isn’t the only cause of pollution in rivers – particularly the Nidd”, adding run-off from farmlands also contributed to the issue.

Mr Jones said:

“The combined storm overflows are designed to discharge the contents of sewers into waterways when the sewers are blocked or overloaded. In 2023 there was exceptionally heavy rainfall which meant the overflows operated more often, stopping sewage backing up into our properties. We need solutions that mean the storm overflows operate less and I am pleased that significant investment is happening and I am pushing for more.

“This shows the importance of a joint effort between water companies, the Environment Agency, house builders and many others to ensure that rainwater run-off into our sewer system is lessened through tree planting, on-site water storage on new estates and separation of clean water and wastewater sewage streams.

“Water quality is a complex picture and to tackle it we need to tackle all the underlying causes. This underlines the importance of gaining bathing water status for the Nidd. This will mean a five-year plan is developed encompassing all the causes of pollution and engaging all partners in finding a solution. That is what I have been championing with the local community and I hope to learn the outcome of our bid soon.”

‘A complete scandal’

Mr Gordon went on the front foot by attacking the Conservative’s record on pollution.

The party yesterday claimed the Conservative MPs have “consistently voted against measures which would have helped to tackle the crisis – including Andrew Jones”.

Mr Gordon told the Stray Ferret:

“It is a complete scandal that filthy sewage is being pumped into our River Nidd. Despite our Conservative MP claiming to be campaigning on sewage we have seen the total number of hours of sewage dumped into the Nidd skyrocket, more than doubling.

“It’s beggars belief that Conservative MPs have allowed water firms to get away with this environmental vandalism. Local people are furious that Conservative politicians blocked tougher action on these disgraced firms.

“Here in Harrogate and Knaresborough we have a Conservative MP who has consistently voted against measures to stop the sewage scandal, local residents deserve better. Local residents and our precious environment need actions not words.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for tougher action to stop sewage being dumped in local rivers/beaches including replacing Ofwat with a regulator that has real teeth to clamp down on these polluting firms. We have also called for a ban on bonuses for water company fat cats whose firms have pumped filth into our waterways.”

Summerbridge residents object to plans for 20 homes

Two Summerbridge residents have voiced concerns over plans to build 20 homes in the village.

The Stray Ferret reported this month Nidderdale Estates Ltd, which also built the Poppy Fields development near the proposed site, tabled proposals to North Yorkshire Council last month.

The application, which comes after plans to build 24 homes at the Braisty Woods site were refused by the former Harrogate Borough Council, outlines plans to build one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes on land just off the B6165.

However, the proposal is unpopular with some local residents.

Ros Evans told the Stray Ferret she felt “really strongly” that the plans should be rejected.

Ms Evans, along with 19 others, attended Tuesday night’s Hartwith cum Winsley Parish Council meeting, which covers the Summerbridge area, to raise concerns.

In a statement to councillors, Ms Evans said the land “should never have been included in the local plan” and feels the proposed development “will clearly cause problems”.

She also felt the plans would pose threats to the environment:

“It is an extremely wet field – as evidenced by the large patches of soft rush growing throughout and the pools of water laying on the surface, clearly visible from the footpath after rain. This means it is acting as a soak for water draining off the hillside.

“The ecological impact assessment for this development found that the southern section of the main field is ‘inundated grassland’ and that there was water ingress into all the trial pits leading to total collapse of many at 3m depth. It strikes me as odd that anyone would consider this a suitable substrate upon which to build.

“Development of the site would prevent this field from acting as a valuable flood alleviation system for the Nidd, already subject to high levels of flooding from above, and could also lead to flooding on the road and within the houses themselves, as has been the case in the Poppy Fields estate.”

Flooding at the proposed site in December 2023.

Ms Evans also cited plans to cut down a veteran tree, should the proposal be approved. She said this goes against government guidelines, adding they “clearly state they may only be removed if there are wholly exceptional reasons”.

A fellow Summerbridge resident and objector, who wished to remain anonymous, also expressed concerns at the parish council meeting.

She said the plans would have a “detrimental impact” on the character of the village, as well as “negative effects detracting from the landscapes and dark skies status”.

The resident cited the already “fast and dangerous” road on which the houses would be built:

“Highways agencies get a snapshot, which is not realistic.

“In addition to the speed, is the number of parked cars along the road as an overspill from existing properties, from service vehicles, from school drop off and collections, not to mention the overspill from the church during services.

“Add in to the frequent flooding that once came through the fields and now comes via Poppy Fields, you have a very dangerous and congested road, that not only makes it dangerous for driving, but also puts pedestrians at risk. All too often cars will mount the curb in order to keep moving.”

The resident also bemoaned the current state of the village – describing it as an “eyesore”.

She said it is already a “building materials dumping ground”, adding if plans were approved villagers would be in for “at least another five years of chaos and building sites”.

The resident said:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the status of AONB (now known as National Landscapes) in Summerbridge was revoked, as the village looks nothing like an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

Ms Evans told the Stray Ferret the parish council agreed to submit an objection to the plans to North Yorkshire Council.

The authority is yet to make a decision on the application.

Documents sent to the council on behalf of the developer said:

“The dwellings will be exemplary and provide living accommodation for modern lifestyles. The development as a whole creates a sense of place by introducing a high quality public outdoor space.

“Overall, this development will provide a special place to live in Summerbridge whilst remaining respectful to the local buildings, ancient woodland and AONB setting.”

Sewage spills in Nidd and Ure more than doubled in 2023

The Environment Agency has published its annual storm overflow spill data for 2023 – and the two main rivers in the Harrogate district saw significant increases.

The agency today released its event duration monitoring data, which shows the frequency and duration of sewage spills as a result of storm overflows in England.

It includes data from the nation’s 10 water and sewage companies, including Yorkshire Water.

Yorkshire Water recorded the second highest number of storm overflow spills. Its 77,761 figure was surpassed only by United Utilities, which released sewage on 97,537 occasions.

The Stray Ferret has been looking at the data for storm overflows that affect the River Nidd and the River Ure.

The Nidd flows through Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough and its tributaries, such as Crimple Beck and Oak Beck, run through Harrogate.

The Ure flows through Masham, Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Nidd and Ure data

The Nidd saw a total of 16,226 hours of sewage spills in 2023, which is a 120% increase from the year prior (7,380 hours).

The data also shows the total number of spills using the Environment Agency’s 12-to 24-hour count method, which records spills according to their duration.

Any discharge in the first 12-hour block is counted as one spill. Any discharge in the next 24-hour blocks are each counted as one additional spill.

This method is used to ensure very long, continuous spills over multiple days are not counted as one spill.

Using this method, the number of counted spills in the Nidd in 2023 was 1,561, compared with 1,010 in 2022 (a 55% increase).

The Ure saw a mammoth 11,612 hours of sewage spills in 2023 – a 166% increase from 2022’s 4,370 hours.

Using the 12-to-24-hour count method, the Environment Agency recorded a total of 1,238 spills in the Ure in 2023, compared to 880 in 2022.

Yorkshire Water ‘disappointed’ by figures

We contacted Yorkshire Water for comment on the number of spills.

A spokesperson for the firm said it was “disappointed about the number of discharges in 2023”.

They added:

“This increase is due to the wet weather experienced in the 12-month period, which included 11 named storms. The weather experienced in the region in 2023 included a very wet summer and prolonged heavy rainfall towards the end of the year resulting in groundwater infiltration into the sewer network.

“Overflows operate during prolonged or heavy rainfall and multiple storms in close succession can lead to increased discharges due to the storm capacity being used up.

“Our teams worked hard throughout 2023 to reduce discharges as part of our commitment to improve the operation of our network. As a result, our modelling indicates investment in our network and changes to our operations since 2021 equate to an improvement of 12,980 discharges when normalised against rainfall.”

The spokesperson added Yorkshire Water was “making headway” with a £180 million programme to reduce discharges across the region by April 2025.

They continued:

“Work is in progress on 62 projects, including some on the Nidd and Ure, that will reduce discharges from some of the most frequently operating overflows, with more to follow later in the year.”

National picture

The Environment Agency revealed a 54% increase in the total number of sewage spills in 2023 compared to the year prior, and said there were 14,318 storm overflows during the calendar year — up from 13,313 in 2022.

A total of 100% of storm overflow networks are now fitted with event duration monitors in line with the government target, the agency added, which enables it to collect data.

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the agency, said:

“Whilst it is disappointing that water companies have reported an increase in sewage spills in 2023, it is sadly not surprising. We are pleased to see record investment from the water sector, but we know it will take time for this to be reflected in spill data – it is a complex issue that won’t be solved overnight.

“No other country has the level of monitoring we do, with 100% of storm overflows in England now fitted with a monitor. We are better placed than ever before to hold water companies accountable.”

Knaresborough man jailed for racially aggravated verbal abuse

A Knaresborough man, who used racially aggravated threatening language and later dodged police custody, has been jailed.

Lee Harpin, 38, of Littondale Avenue, appeared at York Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing.

He was found guilty of two counts of using threatening language with intent to provoke violence in a racially aggravated incident when he appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court last month.

Harpin was granted unconditional bail pending sentencing but when he failed to turn-up for sentencing, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he was eventually charged with failing to surrender to custody.

He pleaded guilty to the latter charge on Monday and was handed a 26-week prison sentence for the three offences.

According to court documents, magistrates considered Harpin’s “previous record of offending” when deciding his sentence, and felt prison was the only justified punishment for offences “so serious”.

Harpin was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £154, as well as a further £620 to the Crown Prosecution Service, for the abuse offences.

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Investment into infrastructure ‘coming too late’

Rivers trust says figures are ‘distressing’

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‘A complex picture’

‘A complete scandal’

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Nidd and Ure data

Yorkshire Water ‘disappointed’ by figures

National picture

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