After storms on Friday and snow yesterday, the Harrogate district faces severe flooding problems today.

Sixteen flood alerts and more serious flood warnings are currently active in the district. Travel is difficult and the water gardens at Fountains Abbey have been “totally devastated”

Eleven of the flood warnings and alerts are for the River Nidd, with the government’s flood alert service saying:

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside properties at Nidderdale Lodge and Alder Avenue, Knaresborough Caravan Parks and Goldsborough Mill Farm.

“Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action.

“You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Further heavy rain is forecast during Sunday and levels are expected to continue rising.

A warning is in place for the Upper Nidd. It says:

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

A full list of alerts and warnings is available here;

The National Trust has emailed to say Fountains Abbey is staying closed today and tomorrow after the water garden was “totally devastated by flooding” today, according to a spokeswoman.

She said:

“We’re sadly seeing the devastating effects of the ongoing extreme weather today in the water garden.

“It’s too soon to tell what the overall impact of the storm will be but we are assessing any damage when it’s safe to do so. If you’re planning a visit please check our website before you set off as we’re likely to have some periods of closure to parts of the estate. We will remain closed tomorrow.”

Heavy snowfall this afternoon caused widespread disruption.

Roads have been gridlocked in Harrogate town centre and Harrogate Town’s match has been postponed.

Follow live coverage below. Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

A DPD van gets stuck after going around the barrier on Beech Grove and trying to cross the Stray…

5.24pm – Knaresborough FC have fun in the snow

Knaresborough FC played an interclub game in the snow this afternoon because Hestle were unable to fulfil the fixture.

Matthew Youngson from the club sent us this photo. He said:

“We also retired our number 11 jersey for the weekend due to the unfortunate passing of a player down south last weekend.”

4.38pm – A59 now clear

https://twitter.com/northyorkswx/status/1495071961889841155

4.11pm – Things returning to normal on the roads.

The situation appears to be getting back to normal on the district’s roads.

Thanks to reader Gordon Tennant for sending these images of Leeds Road in Harrogate earlier today.

3.43pm – Transdev appeals for patience on buses

Transdev, which owns the Harrogate Bus Company, is urging people to be patient and use its app to keep up to date with journeys in the snow,

Our teams are doing their best in snowy conditions. #HarrogateElectrics 3, #Dalesbus 36 and #The 7 have started to run again.

Please follow #Transdevgo app for live departures from your stop

@northyorkscc pic.twitter.com/oeKyQwtb5o

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 19, 2022

3.18pm – Harlow Carr closes today and tomorrow

⚠️ CLOSED SUNDAY 20TH FEBRUARY
Unfortunately due to the forecast of yet more wind and heavy rain, the garden will be closed on Sunday, this is for the safety of everyone. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank all our customers for your continued understanding. pic.twitter.com/7MUv6cXGLc

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 19, 2022

3.15pm – Snow easing in Harrogate — what’s it like near you?

As forecast, snow is easing in Harrogate. Rain is forecast so the snow might not last long. What’s the situation like in higher and more rural parts of the district, like Greenhow and Blubberhouses? Is the traffic bad in other towns like Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge, or in the city of Ripon? Let us know by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.07pm – Fountains Abbey closes early

The World Heritage Site near Ripon looks glorious in snow but people will have to admire it from a distance for the rest of the day as it has taken the decision to close early.

Well… That escalated quickly!
We've had unexpected heavy snow fall here and it's now forecast to keep going until early evening.
We've made the decision to close to make sure our visitors and team can get home safely.
It's proper Yorkshire weather! pic.twitter.com/pindOjHXnm

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 19, 2022

2.50pm – Cars heading down Parliament Street in the snow

A reader has sent this footage of cars driving slowly down Parliament Street in the snow this afternoon.

2.45pm – Yellow weather warning until 3pm

The Met Office yellow weather warning for snow remains in place until 3pm.

It warns that longer journey times by road, bus and train services should be expected.

2.34pm – Gridlock in Harrogate town centre

Traffic is at a standstill on Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate town centre.

2.11pm: Traffic problems building up

Reports of long delays on many main routes in the Harrogate district – particularly around Parliament Street and  Cheltenham Parade.

1.50pm: Harrogate Town match off

Town were due to entertain Leyton Orient at 3pm.

❌ GAME OFF ❌

This afternoon’s @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture against @leytonorientfc has been postponed #ProudToBeTown pic.twitter.com/M3PS9g1lVt

— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) February 19, 2022

Heavy snowfall has covered the Harrogate district this afternoon.

Up to 4cm of snow could eventually fall although higher areas are likely to be worst affected.

It is one of three Met Office yellow weather warnings in place over the next three days.

Today’s snow warning lasts until 3pm. The Met Office says:

“Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.”

Read more:

• Dramatic photos show firefighters saving Bilton tree in storm
• Storm Eunice eases after uprooting trees in Harrogate district

A warning for rain begins at midnight and lasts until 6pm tomorrow.

“Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely/ Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer.”

There is also a warning in place for wind from noon tomorrow until 3pm on Monday.

Firefighters braved strong winds to activate an aerial ladder platform and prevent a tree in Bilton from falling during yesterday’s Storm Eunice.

The storm uprooted several trees in the Harrogate district, including one that splintered on West Park Stray at rush hour — fortunately not hitting any passing pedestrians or vehicles.

Harrogate fire station was summoned early in the evening “to deal with a tree in a precarious position”, according to a post on the station’s Facebook page.

Despite the winds, the crew took action.

A fire spokesperson said:

“The top of a large fir tree was blown at an angle into an overhead telephone cable and was in danger of snapping and falling onto a house.

“Harrogate’s serial ladder platform was used as a safe platform to work from. It involved using an electric saw to cut the tree trunk above and below the cable so that if it did blow down, it wouldn’t reach the house.”

Pic: GM Tony Peel

Read more:

• Storm Eunice eases after uprooting trees in Harrogate district
• Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd as Storm Dudley continues

A father and daughter have told of the moment they watched a tree come crashing down on a cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray in Harrogate.

Colin Reynolds and his daughter, Lauren Reynolds, had just driven around the Prince of Wales roundabout and on to West Park Stray when they noticed the mature tree splinter.

A large section of the tree, which is alongside one of the busiest streets in Harrogate, fell — fortunately in the opposite direction of the road. It damaged the roof of the distinctive green shelter

Lauren said they had just been discussing how the storm hadn’t been too bad when the incident happened.

She added:

“It was lucky it didn’t fall in the other direction or it could have killed someone.”

Read more:

• LIVE: Tree crashes into cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray
• New Harrogate market and popular attractions hit by looming Storm Eunice

The father and daughter, who live in Harrogate, pulled over to check if anybody was hurt. Luckily nobody was passing at the time.

Colin said:

“We were worried that somebody might be under the tree. There’s also a power chord in a lighting cable that was in the tree.”

The cabman’s shelter

After checking nobody was hurt, they dialled 999.

A council worker was on hand almost immediately to prevent traffic using the inside lane.

A graduation parade in Harrogate today marked the completion of training for over 400 of the British Army’s newest soldiers.

A crowd of around 2,000 family members and friends witnessed the occasion at the Army Foundation College on Penny Pot Lane.

The college provides training tailored exclusively to junior soldiers, who are all under the age of 18 when they join up.

Junior soldiers stand on parade for graduation at AFC Harrogate. Pic MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, commanding officer of the college, said:

“Those graduating today have proved equal to the test and represent the very best of our nation’s young people.

“They are now ready for their second phase of training which will hone the skills learnt here and develop those required for their chosen trade.”

Pic: MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC

Read more:

• Parents call for Harrogate army college to be closed after abuse claims
• Harrogate army college ‘outstanding’ in new Ofsted report

The event was presided over by Lieutenant General Sir Christopher Tickell, deputy chief of the general staff in the British Army.

The parade, which featured music from the British Army Band Catterick, marked the culmination of months of military training and education at the college.

Families look on at the graduation parade. MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC

A statement by the Military of Defence said:

“Through leadership development, The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme accreditation, sporting prowess, adventurous training, and education — no other military invests the time, energy, and breadth of resources into its soldiers as the British Army does through the Army Foundation College.

“The college is also one of the most effective education establishments in the United Kingdom and, as an Ofsted outstanding institution, it represents the jewel in the crown of the British Army’s training engine.”

The Old Spring Well in Killinghall will reopen as The Curious Cow of Harrogate on April 8 after undergoing a £650,000 refurbishment.

The Revere Pub Company, which is the premium arm of Marston’s, has promised a ‘brand-new premium pub, food and drink experience’, with the creation of 40 jobs.

The Stray Ferret revealed last month the pub, which was built on the site of the former Travellers Rest, was being taken up-market.

The owners have now provided an opening date and further details of the planned changes.

It said in a press release today:

“The venue will be newly reimagined with country chic inspired interiors and stripped back features, including oak flooring, open fires and contemporary finishes.

“Alongside a welcoming interior and cosy nooks, there is also an outside area to make the most of the warmer months.”

Read more:

• Old Spring Well to be renamed Curious Cow in luxury revamp
• Historic 37-room Boroughbridge pub and hotel sold
• New owners unveil Minskip pub’s fresh look

Food will consist of “an assortment of contemporary dishes alongside a variety of pub classics”, plus pizzas, steaks and other options, including Sunday roasts.

Michael Baravelli, general manager at The Curious Cow of Harrogate, said:

“We can’t wait to throw open the doors and welcome guests in to explore what we’ve created here.

“Providing quality and premium experiences that keep people coming back time and time again is so important to us, and we are looking forward to creating a beautiful space where the community can escape, switch off and enjoy what we have to offer.”

A Harrogate charity chief executive has been awarded the MBE at Windsor Palace.

Frances Elliot, who leads Harrogate and District Community Action, received the accolade yesterday from Princess Anne.

It was awarded in the 2021 Queen’s birthday honours for services to the community in Harrogate during the pandemic.

Ms Elliot said:

“It was good to have the opportunity to be able to tell her about the crucial role our volunteers and staff have played in supporting our community here in Harrogate and Ripon.

“Whilst it was slightly nerve-wracking when I first got there, I was put at ease and made to feel very welcome by everyone at Windsor Castle.”

Read more:

• Will Harrogate district charities lose funding in council shake-up?
• Harrogate jigsaw marathon to raise money for dementia charity

Ms Elliot has been involved in the district’s voluntary sector for 10 years. For nine of these years, she led HADCA’s Harrogate Easier Living Project, which offers practical support services assisting people to live safe and well at home.

In May 2020, she took over as HADCA chief executive from Karen Weaver and spearheaded the charity’s response to covid.

Proud to have been awarded an MBE at Windsor, in recognition of what we have collectively achieved during the pandemic. I feel so lucky to lead a caring & resourceful staff team @hadcacharity @HELP_Harrogate & none of it possible without our kind & committed volunteers. pic.twitter.com/o5OpomNXn8

— Frances Elliot (@FrancesElliot) February 16, 2022

HADCA supports other charities in the district as well as providing services.

It coordinated more than 250 volunteers to help local people on over 8,000 occasions with practical and emotional support when they were shielding or self-isolating during the pandemic.

Formal moves to close Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton will begin next week.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed plans in October to ‘technically close’ the school and merge it with Grove Road Community Primary School.

Now, after a two-month consultation, the wheels are to be set in motion.

A report by Stuart Carlton, corporate director for children and young people’s services at the council, recommends councillors vote to approve the closure on Tuesday next week.

If they agree, the council will issue statutory notices on March 3 proposing to amalgamate the schools from August 31 this year.

Mr Carlton’s report says:

“While it is acknowledged that the proposed closure of Woodfield Community Primary School will cause uncertainty and disruption for pupils, parents and staff, Grove Road School would work closely with parents, as both schools do now, to meet the needs of individual children.”

Read more:

• Parents vow to fight closure of ‘fantastic’ Woodfield primary school
• County council ‘would give Woodfield school more time to improve if it could’
• Woodfield primary school set to close in September

Woodfield has been unable to find an academy willing to take it on since it was rated inadequate by Ofsted in January 2020.

The council says it therefore has little option but to close it.

Walking bus between sites

Two online public meetings were held on January 10 and 17 as part of the closure consultation.

According to council notes of the meetings, concerns were raised at the meetings about problems for parents picking up and dropping off children at both sites, leadership arrangements, provision for children with special educational needs and use of the Woodfield site.

Parents rallied to oppose the closure when it was announced.

If the plans go ahead, all nursery children would be based at the current Woodfield site from September and all other children would be at Grove Road. From September 2023, reception children would join nursery children at Woodfield and eventually all early years and key stage one children would be located at Woodfield.

There are plans to organise a ‘walking bus’ between the two schools, which would see pupils move between the two sites accompanied by staff via the Nidderdale Greenway cycle route, the iron bridge and a school crossing patrol on Skipton Road.

One parent said during the consultation that children would be:

“Absolutely freezing and there is going to have to be half an hour at either end of the day to allow for walking. It doesn’t seem feasible.”

Another parent raised safety concerns.

There are plans to re-open a rear entrance to the Woodfield site to shorten the journey.

Pupil numbers fall to 41

Documents to councillors reveal that pupil numbers at Woodfield have slumped from 49 to 41 since the closure proposal was announced.

Some parents told the consultation that the closure was already a done deal, with one saying “the children will have to suffer for it”.

But another response said it provided “unprecedented” opportunities, adding:

“I believe the benefits to our current pupils and prospective ones will be enormous.”

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a man exposed himself at Harrogate’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

According to a statement by North Yorkshire Police today, the man exposed himself to members of the public in the gardens at about 2.40pm on Tuesday last week.

The gardens are frequently used by children and families.

Police described the man as white, in his 40s and having a pale complexion. They added he has an athletic build with dark/grey cropped hair. They said:

“On the day of this incident the man was seen wearing a tight fitting baseball cap, blue baggy trousers or short and dark shoes.”

Read more:

• Calls for police in Bilton to tackle ‘yobs on bicycles’
• Police seize ‘substantial amount’ of drugs in Jennyfields

If you saw the man or have any other information, you can contact the police by emailing ryan.rudd@northyorkshire.police.uk or calling 101, pressing option 2 and asking for PC 791 Rudd.

If you’d rather remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12220022840.