The Harrogate district reached the grim milestone of 200 covid-related deaths today.
The figures published by NHS England show the 200th death was recorded yesterday at Harrogate District Hospital.
A further 95 covid cases were reported in the district, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 25,095.
The district’s seven-day covid rate has increased slightly to 455 infections per 100,000 people.
Across the county, the average stands at 418 and the England rate is 489.
Harrogate District Hospital currently has 12 covid-positive patients – a figure which has fallen from 25 over the last month.
Read more:
- Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate reopens for vaccines today
- Still no omicron infections in Harrogate district as rate drops
Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground reopened yesterday as a vaccination site.
The showground was due to close on December 22 but it now looks set to continue until March, although this has yet to be confirmed, as the government aims to speed up the vaccination programme.
Those eligible can book appointments on the NHS booking site here.
Harrogate woman buys cauliflower the size of egg from AldiA Harrogate woman was reduced to laughter when she discovered the cauliflower she had planned to cook for dinner was in fact the size of an egg.
Sarah Stead visited the Aldi store in Harrogate on Thursday to do her usual weekly shop but got a surprise when she started to prepare her meal that night.
When she began peeling away the numerous leaves she discovered the vegetable itself was in fact as small as an egg.
She said:
“It was in the offer section for 59p but still I didn’t expect to be this small! I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it.”
She said it looked like a normal cauliflower in its packaging.
She added:
“I hope no one else has one in their house they’re yet to cook with. They’re going to get a shock.”
Ms Stead had hoped to cook cauliflower cheese for dinner but had to change her plans.
She returned to the store next day and received a full refund. She added she found the situation more amusing than annoying and thought it was a funny story to tell.
Aldi had not responded to our request for comment by the time of publication.
Read more:
- Starbeck mum hoping to grow Solo Mamas support network
- Woman ‘horrified’ at £100 parking fine outside Harrogate pharmacy
Knaresborough’s Dower House sold for undisclosed fee
The Dower House and Spa in Knaresborough has been acquired by The Inn Collection Group for an undisclosed figure.
The 15th century, Grade II listed building on Bond End has 38 bedrooms, a spa and swimming pool along with several bars, lounges and function areas.
It becomes the seventh site in Yorkshire owned by the expanding pubco, whose portfolio also includes Ripon Spa Hotel, Dean Court Hotel in York and the Black Swan in Helmsley.
The group owns 26 estates in total across the north of England and plans to begin refurbishing Dower House next year.
It said this would include a sympathetic restoration and remodelling in order to “enhance its environment, improve accessibility and align the site with The Inn Collection Group’s quality, food-driven pubs with rooms offer”.
The Inn Collection Group’s managing director Sean Donkin said:
“We are excited to be growing our foothold in Yorkshire with the addition of The Dower House and Spa. It is a tremendous site, steeped in character and history in a stunning destination location.
“We’re looking forward to investing in the team and site and realising Dower House’s full potential while preserving the heritage and charm it holds.”
Read more:
- Former Victorian hotel in Harrogate to become modern co-working space
- ‘The Grantley effect’: Property boom near luxury hotel
Charity Corner: at the forefront of mental health support during covid
The mental health charity Mind in Harrogate district has had two years like no other, with lockdown causing more people to reach out for additional support.
The charity is affiliated with the larger national charity Mind and was founded in 1973.
It offers counselling, a telephone befriending service and numerous group workshops for people suffering with their mental health.
The main aim of the charity is to be the place people come to if they are struggling. Its befriending and counselling services will continue throughout December although during the week between Christmas and New Year, it will only be available for telephone support.
Helen Greensit, centre development manager, said:
“Over the last two years referrals have been constant. I wouldn’t say that the Christmas period has been any busier than the rest of the year but certainly there are no signs of the referrals slowing down.”
This week alone the charity has received five referrals for support, which included telephone support, registration requests to join group activities and referrals to the counselling service.
Read more:
- Chocolate donations wanted for Harrogate district people in need this Christmas
- Local Fund for the Harrogate District awards £85,000 to 29 community groups
Ms Greensit also said lockdown had increased the number of people struggling with social anxiety. She said people coming to the charity were still struggling to go out because they lacked the motivation to do so.
She said:
“With covid, we have seen a lot more people struggling with loneliness and isolation. Other main reasons for referrals are depression and anxiety.”
The charity has nine members of staff and numerous volunteers who help with the befriending service, which works to reach some of the most isolated in the district. Ms Greensit said:
56 covid cases reported in Harrogate district as rate falls slightly“Within the last two years the charity has diversified in order to meet the growing needs of our community.”
The Harrogate district has reported a further 56 covid cases, according to today’s government figures.
In the district the covid rate now stands at 455 infections per 100,000 people.
In North Yorkshire, the average stands at 408 and the England rate is 468.
No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.
Read more:
- Great Yorkshire Showground vaccine site to reopen for just two weeks
- Great Yorkshire Showground vaccine site starts taking booster bookings
The number of first dose vaccinations given in the Harrogate district stands at 133,402, for second doses it’s 123,304 and 59,167 booster doses have been administered.
Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground will reopen as a coronavirus vaccination centre on Monday.
The site is aiming to give 20,000 covid booster jabs in two weeks.
The showground clinics are being run by Yorkshire Health Network, an organisation that represents GP practices in the Harrogate district.
Image Gallery: Christmas markets bring festive cheer to the districtA bumper weekend of Christmas markets in the Harrogate district got underway today.
The smell of mulled wine and hot dogs filled the air in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Masham today as visitors flocked to each town’s festive stalls.
In Harrogate, stalls lined the streets in the town centre for day two of Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which opened yesterday. It lasts for 10 days.
Today was also the start of a two-day event in Valley Gardens that featured about 50 local, artisan stalls in the Sun Colonnade.
Festive markets also returned to Knaresborough, as stalls selling sweets, crafts, clothes and food and drink filled the market square.
Father Christmas made a trip to Masham today to visit the town’s Christmas market and craft fayre.
In Knaresborough …
Read more:
- Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district
- Traders and visitors give thumbs-up to first Harrogate Christmas Fayre
In Harrogate’s Valley Gardens …
In Harrogate Town Centre …
In Masham …
Thank you to Cllr Ian Johnson for sending over some photos of today’s events in Masham.
Harrogate district prepares for bumper festive market weekendThe Harrogate district is preparing for a bumper weekend of festive events with numerous Christmas markets and fayres over the next few says.
We’ve pulled together a handy guide to the festive markets and events from Harrogate to Masham.
Yesterday, Harrogate’s Christmas market kicked off with people arriving from 10am to walk around the stalls and enjoy a mulled wine or two.
Here’s some information on the events this weekend:
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Around 50 local stalls will be in place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent until December 12.
It is open 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.
There is also a carousel and ferris wheel at Crescent Garden and a helter skelter at the war memorial to add to the festive offering. All rides cost £3 for a ticket.
Harrogate Christmas Artisan Market
This is the first for the town, a market for 60 local, small traders based in Valley Gardens.
Organised by Little Bird Made, the market will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.
The festive road train will also pass by the entrance and stops on nearby Crescent Road.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Based on the town’s Market Square across weekend, Knaresborough Christmas Market is making its comeback.
There will be almost 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts and locally sourced produce. There will also be live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.
Although a lot of the stalls accept cards, market organisers have urged visitors to bring cash with them in case the town’s two remaining cash machines run out.
It will come to a close with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre starts this weekend: here’s the lowdown
- Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district
Masham Christmas Market
Similar to the one held last month, this weekend the town’s Market Place will host numerous stalls plus a visit from Santa himself.
Many of the usual monthly stallholders will be in attendance, plus others, so visitors can expect hand bell ringing and folk music as well as a wide variety of craft and food and drink stalls.
There is also a craft fayre in the town hall, both are open on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Ripon Christmas Market
This year the festivities are back.. On Sunday, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children’s fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.
There will be a selection of stalls from local traders, arts, crafts, food, an outdoor bar and live music.
Knaresborough Xmas Market visitors urged to bring cashVisitors to Knaresborough Christmas Market are being urged to bring cash with them amid concerns the town’s two cash machines could run out of money.
Chair of the organising committee, Hazel Haas, has said the availability of cash in the town is an ongoing issue. But due to the closure of the Halifax bank this year the situation has become more concerning.
With just two cash machines remaining at Tesco and Sainsburys, there is real concern they will run out of money due to the number of visitors.
Ms Haas said the committee had contacted both supermarkets who said they had filled the machines to their maximum in preparation. However, she said even in previous years, even with four cash machines, there had still been a shortage.
Ms Haas said:
“It’s an ongoing problem. The reality is we’ve been running out of cash for years, some bank should really take it up and sort out the problem. We’ve done all we can and spoken to the two supermarkets. We can’t do anymore other than ask people to bring cash with them.”
Around 50 stalls will be in place on the town’s Market Square this weekend. Most will take card payments but some of the smaller traders would still prefer cash.
Ms Haas has urged visitors to come with cash rather than relying on local ATM’s.
Read more:
The loss of the Halifax bank, on Market Square, has left businesses having to bank in other nearby towns or queuing at the Post Office.
Talking about the Christmas markets returning after last year’s cancellation, due to covid, Hazel Haas said:
“I’m really looking forward to it, there’s a real buzz about the town already. People need something to their spirts and I think the market and the fireworks will add to the festive spirit, definitely.”
The market is open 10am to 5pm Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.
It will culminate with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.
North Yorkshire Police launches Christmas drink and drug drive campaignNorth Yorkshire Police has launched its Christmas campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.
The campaign, which runs until January 1, will see traffic officers conduct around the clock patrols and breath testing.
Every year, about 1,400 people are arrested across the county for drink and drug driving. The number increases during the festive period.
Sergeant Andy Morton said:
“A lot of people think police are just interested in catching and arresting as many people as possible for drink or drug driving over the festive period. And whilst this is true to an extent, the main priority for us is to keep people alive.
“We want to catch people who take serious risks by breaking the law in this way. Drink and drug driving kills. It’s that simple. We want you to live and be at home with your loved ones this Christmas.”
According to a police press release, there are often misconceptions about how much you can legally drink and drive. The legal limit is different for everyone, depending on factors such as age, size and the type and amount of alcohol being consumed.
In England, the blood limit is 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. But police advise people not to drink and drive at all.
Read more:
- Knaresborough’s Zoe Metcalfe pledges to be ‘people’s commissioner’ in £74,000 crime role
- Appeal for missing man last seen in Harrogate
York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership is working with the police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies to warn motorists of the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:
“It’s very easy to misjudge if it’s safe to get in the car and drive after doing so. Just one large glass of wine or a pint of beer can take at least two hours to leave your body before it’s safe to drive again. Please don’t put yourself or your loved ones at risk.
“We encourage people to stay safe by leaving the car at home and arranging alternative means of transport or designating an alcohol-free driver for the evening.”
Good morning and happy Friday. I’m here for the final time this week giving you regular updates on any road or public transport delays.
Today is the first day of the Harrogate Christmas fayre, with stalls throughout the town centre, so be aware there could be a little more traffic than normal.
If there’s anything I’ve missed, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197.
These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.
9am – Full Update
That’s it from me this morning, Connor will be back from 6.30am on Monday. Have a lovely weekend.
Roads
Traffic hotspots:
- Wetherby Road around Sainsbury’s – six minute delay
Traffic is building here:
- Knaresborough Road, both ways, through Starbeck to Empress roundabout
- Skipton Road heading towards Empress roundabout
- Leeds Road coming up the hill into Harrogate
- Otley Road near Pannal Ash Road – due to roadworks
- Bond End heading onto Knaresborough high street
- Pannal traffic lights near MNW Stratstone
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage – due to roadworks
- Burn Bridge Lane – due to roadworks
- Ripon city centre
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
8.30am – Full Update
Roads
Traffic hotspots:
- Wetherby Road around Sainsbury’s – eight minute delay
Traffic is building here:
- Knaresborough Road, both ways, through Starbeck to Empress roundabout
- Skipton Road heading towards Empress roundabout
- Otley Road near Pannal Ash Road – due to roadworks
- Bond End heading onto Knaresborough high street
- Pannal traffic lights near MNW Stratstone
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage – due to roadworks
- Burn Bridge Lane – due to roadworks
- Ripon city centre
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- 8.30 Harrogate to Leeds – three minute delay – 8.33
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
8am – Full Update
Roads
Traffic is building here:
- Wetherby Road around Sainsbury’s
- Knaresborough Road, both ways, through Starbeck to Empress roundabout
- Otley Road near Pannal Ash Road – due to roadworks
- Pannal traffic lights near MNW Stratstone
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage – due to roadworks
- Buttersyke Bar roundabout coming from the A658 North Rigton
- Harewood
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- 8.21 Harrogate to York – five minute delay – 8.26
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
7.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are starting to get busier now, but only in the usual spots. Keep an eye out for more updates.
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
7am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are still looking quiet at this time of the morning. No hotspots to report yet.
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
6.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.
Road closures:
- Market Place, Castlegate and Chapel Street, Knaresborough, closed for the Christmas market
- Weeton Lane, coming off Harrogate Road, past Wharfedale Grange – road closure
- Kirkby Lane, just outside of Kirky Overblow, Kearby – road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Leeds Road, near the roundabout, stop and go boards
- Burn Bridge Road at the junction with Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge
- Whinney Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lupton Bank just before Wilsill near Pateley Bridge
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds