Knaresborough’s 15,000 population will be left without a bank on Monday when the final branch closes.

The Halifax said it was closing its Market Square branch because of changing customer habits.

The branch was meant to close in May but stayed open to support the town during the pandemic.

This decision means the nearest banks for townsfolk will be in Harrogate and Ripon, although they can withdraw money or check their balance, as well as pay in cheques and money, at the town’s High Street post office.

A Halifax spokesperson said:

“We have made the difficult decision to close Knaresborough on March 1 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which means the branch is being used less often.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”

News of the bank’s closure prompted 1,200 people to sign a petition to keep it open.

Kala Timson, who runs children’s shoe shop Stomp in the market place, said the closure would be a “big loss” to Knaresborough. She said:

“We don’t use that branch for the business but I use it for my personal banking. We now have to use the post office.

“It’s overstretched as it is and over the pandemic they’ve worked so hard but queues have been going down the street. It will affect an awful lot of people.”

Read more:

• Current retail landscape forces Harrogate lingerie shop to close.
• Harrogate businesses react to lockdown roadmap announcement. 

The Halifax cash machine will also be removed, leaving the town with only two other cash points in the town centre.

Harrogate Borough Council ran a consultation until January 7 to gather views on Knaresborough banking services. The results are yet to be published.

The outcome will inform discussions between the council, community leaders and banking providers.

Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:

“Sadly, we can’t stop them closing and we can’t promise anything in the future, but what we can do is put pressure on banking providers and show them that there is a need in the town.”

Good morning and happy Thursday, we’ve nearly made it to the end of the week. If you’re up early with me keep an eye on this blog for updates every 15 minutes on how the roads and rail lines are looking.

It’s Suzannah on the travel desk this morning, so send me any updates via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Also, make sure you’re following our ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ Facebook group for updates.

If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then I will let you know. Stay tuned until 9am this morning for your morning updates and have a lovely day.

Full Update – 9am 

This is it from me today, I’m heading back over to the news desk. I’ll be back again tomorrow morning from 6.30am.

See you then, have a great day.

Roads

• Construction works are continuing to cause traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is particularly heavy here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough
• Traffic is also heavy in these areas:
• Yew Tree Lane, near Ashville College
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Pannal
• Harewood
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north in Ripley
• Palace Road and North Street in Ripon
• Leeds Road, Harrogate

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning, instead of three.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.45am

• 11 minute delays are being reported along A59 near to Harrogate gold club.
• Construction works are continuing to cause traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is particularly heavy here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough – two minute delays here
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is building here:
• Pannal
• Harewood
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Palace Road near Ripon
• Wetherby Road, Boroughbridge, near the high school
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.30am 

Roads

• Construction works are continuing to cause traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is particularly heavy here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Traffic is also building here:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north to Ripley
• Wormald Green, along Ripon Road
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way
• Bondgate and Studley Road in Harrogate

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.15am 

Roads

• Severe delays are being reported on Wetherby Road, between Mill Road and Spofforth Lane. Could be up to 30 minutes.
• Construction works are continuing to cause traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is particularly heavy here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is building here:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north to Ripley
• Otley Road, near Cold Bath Road, in Harrogate
• Pannal
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way
• Palace Road, Ripon

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8am

Roads

• Heavy traffic is being reported along Skipton Road due to the construction works.
• As more drivers join the daily commute, traffic is building in these areas too:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north to Ripley
• Yew Tree Lane, near Ashville College
• Pannal
• Harewood
• Other construction works are increasing traffic as well, these are:
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.45am 

Roads

• Heavy traffic is being reported along Skipton Road near the construction works.
• Other works are increasing traffic as well, these are:
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is building here:
• Kings Road, Harrogate
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Harewood
• A658 heading onto the roundabout for Pannal
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north to Ripley
• Morrisons roundabout in Ripon
• Low Skellgate, Ripon
• York Road, Boroughbridge, around the primary school

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.30am 

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build in a number of areas, including:
• Harewood – construction works here are ongoing
• A658 heading onto the roundabout for Pannal
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Construction works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is building here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 7.23 service from Harrogate to Leeds will only have two coaches this morning instead of three.
• The 9.07 service from Harrogate to York will also only have two coaches this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.15am

Roads

• Construction works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic is building here
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is slowing here:
• Junction at the bottom of Parliament Street, Harrogate
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• A61 around Pannal
• Harewood – construction works here are ongoing
• Palace Road, Ripon
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way

Trains

• The 7.23 service from Harrogate to Leeds will only have two coaches this morning instead of three.
• Other services on the Harrogate to York and Harrogate to Leeds lines, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7am

Roads

• Construction works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – leading onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Traffic is also increasing in these areas:
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield and further north to Ripley
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Low Skellgate, Ripon

Trains

• The 7.23 service from Harrogate to Leeds will only have two coaches this morning instead of three.
• Other services Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.45am 

Roads

• Construction works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, the roads look to be clear looks so far.

Trains

• The 7.23 service from Harrogate to Leeds will only have two coaches this morning instead of three.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.30am 

Roads

• Construction works at Woodlands Junction are already causing delays this morning. Temporary traffic lights are in place.
• Works are ongoing on Skipton Road, Knaresborough Road – near the Empress roundabout – and Knaresborough High Street. These are likely to cause delays.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic looks to be moving well so far.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Harrogate District Diving Club is planning to resume training in April following this week’s government roadmap out of lockdown.

Outdoor pools and lidos can reopen from March 29.

Indoor pools can reopen for individual use or within household groups from April 12. Indoor children’s activities, including diving club sessions for under 18s, can also resume from this date.

But organised indoor adult sport, including diving, is not allowed to resume until May 17.

This means divers aged up to 18 will be jumping back into the pool from April 12.

Leanne Jalland, the club’s chair, said lockdown had highlighted the club’s mental health benefits and members were looking forward to returning.

She said:

“One of the most important things we have learnt from this pandemic as a club is how diving as a sport benefits both the mental and physical wellbeing of our divers.

“Therefore, we are keen to bring those benefits to others in our community and make diving accessible to all.”

The club hopes to introduce a disability diving squad in April.

It ran, in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council, one of only two disability diving schemes in England but these haven’t taken place since March last year.

Read more:

• Roadmap announcement means more bookings for local campsites. 
• Birstwith Show set to return this summer. 

The diving club is working with Brimhams Active, which is the new company brought in by the council to run leisure facilities, to ensure diving has a future in the district.

Mark Tweedie managing director of Brimhams Active said:

“We are working with our clubs to produce a long term development plan for aquatics.

“This plan will ensure we make the most of the opportunity presented by the multimillion pound council investments to improve the district’s leisure centres over the next three years.”

Bookings have surged at Harrogate district campsites since the government’s ‘roadmap’ announcement, raising hopes of a staycation summer.

After almost 12 months of opening and closing, the campsites welcomed the clarity provided on Monday about when they could welcome holidaymakers once again.

When restrictions were lifted last summer, there was a staycation boom locally, with several campsites saying there had been an influx of people wishing to holiday closer to home.

They now hope for a repeat this year.

Marie Laverick manager of Woodhouse Farm caravan park, said the phone “has been ringing off the hook” since the announcement. She said:

“The phone hasn’t stopped, so many people are either booking their pitch or rearranging dates for the new restrictions.

“We are gutted about Easter; we lost it last year too and we’ll lose the first May bank holiday but it looks good going forward. We had 50 bookings overnight!”

Phil Brierley director of York House Leisure, which owns four holiday parks in North Yorkshire including sites in Boroughbridge and Ripon, said it was important for the industry to continue to be supported by government.

He said:

“We are very happy that there’s a plan in place and there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s great news but it’s bittersweet because the parks industry was originally shut down in March so this year will be the second Easter in a row that we have missed. We have effectively experienced a year-long winter so there’s an awful lot of ground to make up.

“We have certainly seen an increase in enquiries at our parks since the announcement. We would hope as an industry to see continued aid from the government, such as 5% VAT, extended business rate relief and the furlough scheme.”

Woodhouse Farm Caravan Park. Photograph: Facebook

The roadmap allows caravan parks to open on April 12 but without any facilities such as toilet blocks. On May 17 the sites can fully reopen.

Similarly in Great Ouseburn, Burrows Park has seen an increase in bookings. Co-owner Richard Kay said:

“Assuming the government roadmap targets for easing covid measures are met we will have a full opening on May 17. We look forward to welcoming back all our regular site users and to a very busy summer. We hope that the weather is with us and all our guests enjoy their time!”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Police say it is preparing for “influx” of visitors once lockdown is eased.
• Harrogate businesses react to covid roadmap.

Richard Flinton, chair of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, said at the county’s weekly media briefing yesterday:

“We are optimistic in terms of what the future is for our hospitality sector. People can start booking and should enquire about refunds should they not be able to go ahead.

“This is a real opportunity for us. We do look forward to welcoming people back to our beautiful county.”

Good morning, it’s Suzannah here with you again this morning. I’ll be keeping you up to date, every 15 minutes, on how the roads and rail lines are looking this morning.

I’ll be here from 6.30am to 9am, if traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then I will let you know.

Let me know what’s going on near you via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk. Also, make sure you’re following our ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ Facebook group for updates.

Thank you for keeping an eye on the blog, I hope you have a great day.

Full Update – 9am 

Thank you for your help this morning, I’m jumping back over to the news desk for the rest of the day.

I’ll be back tomorrow morning at 6.30am, have a great day.

Roads

• Constructions works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – traffic is slow onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is slowing here:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Wetherby Road, particularly around Woodlands Junction
• Green Lane, near Ashville College
• Harewood
• Ripon city centre – North Street, Palace Road and Studley Road
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.45am 

Roads

• Slow traffic is being reported along Skipton Road in Harrogate due to constructions works.
• Constructions works, elsewhere, on Knaresborough Road and Knaresborough High Street are also causing delays.
• With more drivers coming onto the roads, traffic is also building in these areas:
• Leeds Road Harrogate
• Wetherby Road, particularly around Woodlands Junction
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Green Lane, near Ashville College
• A61 around Pannal
• Palace Road, Ripon
• A6055 through Minskip

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.30am 

Roads

• Constructions works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – traffic is slow onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is slowing here:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Woodlands Junction, Wetherby Road
• Ripon Road, around Jennyfield
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Palace Road, Ripon
• A61 around Pannal
• Harewood, construction works are ongoing

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.15am 

Roads

• With more drivers coming onto the roads, traffic is building in the following areas:
• Harewood
• A658 towards to roundabout for Pannal
• Wetherby Road
• Ripon Road around Jennyfield Drive
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Palace Road, Ripon
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way
• Constructions works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – traffic is slow onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8am

Roads

• Slow traffic is being caused by some construction works this morning including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – traffic is slow onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Other areas of the district are seeing traffic as well, these include:
• Harewood, construction works are ongoing
• A59 around Blubberhouses
• Palace Road, Ripon
• High Bridge in Knaresborough, near Henshaws
• Leeds Road, Harrogate

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.45am 

Roads

• Constructions works around Skipton Road, Harrogate are causing five minute delays
• Works on Knaresborough High Street are causing two minute delays
• Other works along Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout are also slowing traffic.
• Elsewhere in the district traffic is slowing here:
• Burn Bridge Road
• Harewood, construction works are ongoing
• Along the A658 heading towards the roundabout for Pannal
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Palace Road, Ripon

Trains

• Despite previous delays, the rest of this morning’s services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.30am 

Roads

• Constructions works are increasing traffic around some areas including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout – traffic is slow onto Starbeck high street
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district traffic is slowing here:
• Wetherby Road
• York Road, Knaresborough
• Harewood
• North Road and Palace Road, Ripon
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall

Trains

• Despite previous delays, the rest of this morning’s services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.15am

Roads

• Construction works are causing slow moving traffic again this morning around:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Other areas of the district are seeing traffic as well, these include:
• Wetherby Road
• A59 around Blubberhouses
• Palace Road and Bondgate, Ripon

Trains

• The 6.42 service from Harrogate to York is delayed by 18 minutes. It will arrive in York at 7.32.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7am

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build in a number of areas around the district including:
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Woodlands Junction, along Wetherby Road in Harrogate
• Harewood, construction works are ongoing
• Construction works are causing slow moving traffic again this morning around:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 6.42 service from Harrogate to York has been delayed by 18 minutes due to engineering works not being complete. It is due to leave Harrogate at 7am.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.45am 

Roads

• Construction works are causing slow moving traffic again this morning around:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Traffic also looks to be building elsewhere:
• Woodlands Junction, along Wetherby Road in Harrogate
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Thorpe Road heading into Masham
• York Road in Knaresborough, near to Swallowtail Way

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.30am

Roads

• Traffic is looking clear so far this morning.
• Be aware of continuing roadworks that are likely to cause delays as more drivers come onto the road. These areas are:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

A Harrogate mother has crowdfunded money for breast reduction surgery after “suffering for years”.

Kelly Michaud only set up set a gofundme page five days ago and has since raised over £10,000.

Her aim was to raise the sum for private surgery but, after surpassing her target, she wants to use the extra cash to help campaign for breast reduction surgery to be more accessible.

Kelly’s fundraising page has gathered so much attention she has started working with an agency to handle all the media requests.

Ms Michaud, 26, only weighs 10 stone but has size 34H breasts, which have caused back and shoulder pain. Her bra has caused sores around her breasts.

She has received unwanted attention from a young age and had to change several outfits to avoid “showing them off”.

After years of being refused surgery on the NHS, and losing almost two stone in an effort to reduce the size of her breasts, she decided as a last resort to go private.

Ms Michaud says she can’t wait to have the operation, adding “It is going to have a huge impact on my life”.

She said she has been “blown away” by the response, not only by the amount raised but also by the number of women who have come forward with similar stories.

She said:

“I didn’t expect this, I didn’t think I would raise anything. It’s also helped to raise awareness for others, I want to help other women. I don’t think people understand the impact.”

Read more:

• Ripon’s community diamond winner is announced.
• Junior football club from Harrogate raise money for school defibrillator. 

Ms Michaud hopes to reduce to a DD cup size but has yet to have a consultation. She says the reduction would change her life in so many ways and allow her to play with her children without feeling pain.

She added:

“I have also set up a petition to campaign for breast reductions to be more accessible.

“I understand getting it fully on the NHS might not work but even just some financial support to cover it would help lots of women.”

Firefighters from Harrogate rescued a cat called Loki when he got stuck 20 metres up a windy tree in Ripon.

A member of the public alerted the RSPCA on Sunday when they noticed the eight-month-old grey cat struggling to keep his balance on the branches of the tree on Wayne Tarbard Close in Ripon.

Loki’s hind legs kept slipping off branches as they shook in the wind.

When an RSPCA officer was unable to tempt Loki down, extra help was required.

A fire crew from Harrogate rushed to the scene and used a 10.5 metre ladder to attempt the rescue.

But Loki kept climbing higher, and was soon out of reach from even the ladder.

Another crew from Harrogate was summoned, and with the help of an aerial ladder platform was able to bring the furry animal safely back to ground.

@NorthYorksFire attended a cat stuck up in a tree with Insp Little in Ripon. Unfortunately after multiple attempts using every trick in the book they had to call upon the Ariel ladder. Working together they managed to reach Loki and bring him down to safety. @RSPCA_official (64) pic.twitter.com/HvVyKvhUKJ

— RSPCA Frontline (@RSPCA_Frontline) February 21, 2021

Read more:

• RSPCA comes to the rescue after an unlucky fox finds itself stuck in netting on Harrogate school field.
• Stray Pets Rescue Club – could you give one of these adorable animals a home?

After being checked by the RSPCA officer, Loki was reunited with his worried owners.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little said cats were usually adept at finding their way down trees and could be coaxed with strong smelling food like fish. But Loki’s circumstances were different. Ms Little added:

“This poor cat had become well and truly stuck in the tree during quite windy weather.

“RSPCA officers are trained to use ladders, which they carry for rescues like this, however, in situations where we are still unable to reach the animals, we may ask the fire service to help and they often use animal rescues as a vital training aid.

“The fire service tried everything from ladders, reach and rescue poles and eventually they used the aerial platform to bring little Loki down to safety.”

Good morning and happy Tuesday, I’m back with another morning of 15 minutes updates on how the roads and transport links near you are looking.

Keep an eye on this blog to keep up to date. It’s Suzannah on the travel desk this morning, so send me any updates via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees. Take care this morning.

I’ll be keeping you up to date with roads and rail lines this morning with 15 minute updates. If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then I will let you know.

These morning blogs are designed to keep the Harrogate district moving.

Full Update – 9am 

Thank you for getting involved in the blog this morning, I’m jumping back over to the news desk for the rest of the day.

Please get in touch with any updates as you see them. I’ll be keeping an eye out on the roads and rail lines too.

Roads

• Construction works are slowing traffic this morning with delays increasing around:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Traffic is also being reported in these areas:
• Wetherby Road
• A6055 Boroughbridge Road, north of Knaresborough, temporary lights are in operation
• A61 around Pannal
• Harewood
• Ripon Road, near the Royal Hall and up towards Jennyfield Drive
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Low Skellgate and Water Skellgate in Ripon
• Along York Road in Knaresborough

Trains

• Due to a fault on the train, the 9.07 service from Harrogate has been delayed until 9.21.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.45am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Traffic is continuing to build in areas across the district, including:
• A6055 Boroughbridge Road, north of Knaresborough, temporary lights are in operation
• Wetherby Road
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Otley Road, near Harlow Carr
• Harewood – temporary lights are expected to stay in place until the end of the week
• A61 around Pannal
• Construction works are slowing traffic this morning with delays increasing, these areas include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 9.07 service from Harrogate has been delayed, no rescheduled time has been given.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.30am 

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Construction works are slowing traffic this morning with delays increasing, these areas include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district traffic is building around these areas:
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Wetherby Road
• A61 around Pannal
• Harewood – temporary lights are expected to stay in place until the end of the week
• Ripon Road heading into Ripley
• Low Skellgate and Water Skellgate in Ripon

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.15am 

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Traffic is building in a number of areas, these include:
• A6055 Boroughbridge Road – temporary lights are in operation
• York Road near to Swallowtail Way in Knaresborough
• Wetherby Road
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Harewood
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Construction works are also slowing traffic this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Construction works are slowing traffic this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• With more commuters coming onto the roads, traffic is building in other areas. These include:
• Wetherby Road, Harrogate
• Ripon Road, near the Royal Hall
• Leeds Road, Harrogate

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.45am 

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Construction works are slowing traffic this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Elsewhere in the district traffic is building around these areas:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Harewood
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Water Skellgate in Ripon

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.30am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build in a number of areas as drivers join the daily commute. These include:
• Parliament Street and Crescent Road corner, Harrogate
• Along the A61 heading into Pannal
• Harewood
• North Road and Palace Road in Ripon
• Wetherby Road, Harrogate
• Construction works are also slowing traffic this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.15am 

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build in a number of areas as drivers join the daily commute. These include:
• Ripon Road, near the Royal Hall
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• A658 towards the roundabout into Pannal
• Harewood
• Starbeck High Street
• Construction works are also slowing traffic this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate – traffic here, particularly, is slowing down
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• Traffic is building on the A658 towards the roundabout into Pannal and roads around Killinghall.
• In Knaresborough, traffic looks to be building along York Road near to Swallowtail Way.
• Continuing construction works are likely to cause delays again today, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.45am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• A number of construction works are already causing delays this morning, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Temporary traffic lights are causing traffic to build up in Harewood as well. These works are expected to be in place until the end of the week.
• Traffic is building on the A658 towards the roundabout into Pannal and Otley Road, close to Killinghall.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.30am

• Gritters were out overnight with some road surfaces said to have dropped to zero degrees, take care.

Roads

• The roads are looking clear this morning, except for congestion caused by construction works around Harrogate’s town centre.
• Continuing construction works are likely to cause delays again today, these include:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• Services on the Harrogate to York line, including Knaresborough, look to be on time this morning.

Buses

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

Four Harrogate district fire crews battled a blaze in an outbuilding in North Rigton this morning.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters were at the scene for three hours after being summoned at 6.26am.

Two crews from Harrogate, one from Knaresborough, one from Ripon fought the fire with the aid of a Boroughbridge water bowser, which is a large water tank on wheels.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service told the Stray Ferret at 12.40pm that a fire investigation officer remained at the scene to identify the cause of the blaze.

The 10 metre x five metre outbuilding is next to a property on High Moor Road, driving towards Beckwithshaw.

Read more:

• Fire service urges residents to have their chimney cleaned after an increase in chimney fires.
• Fire crews attend fire in Langthorpe after dog bed overheats in microwave.

Good morning everyone we have another week of live traffic and travel updates, from 6.30am to 9am, designed to keep the Harrogate district moving.

It’s Suzannah on the travel desk this morning, so send me any updates via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk. Also, make sure you’re following our ‘Harrogate district traffic and travel’ Facebook group for updates.

I’ll be keeping you up to date with roads and rail lines this morning with 15 minute updates. If traffic is moving well or it’s at a standstill then I will let you know.

Thank you for keeping an eye on the blog, stay tuned until 9am this morning for your morning updates. Have a lovely day.

Full Update – 9am 

Thank you for sticking with me this morning, I’m moving back over to the news desk now. Make sure to get in touch if there are any travel developments near you. I’ll be here again tomorrow morning.

Roads

• There are reports of heavy traffic along Ripon Road with tailbacks to New Park roundabout.
• Delays of up to eight minutes are reported along Skipton and Knaresborough Road as constructions works continue to slow down traffic.
• Constructions works around Knaresborough High Street are also causing delays.
• Delays are continuing around the Harrogate district as many drivers come to the end of their commute this morning. Areas affected include:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Ripley, along Ripon Road
• A lane has reopened on the A1 (M) between Junction 50 and 51 near Ripon. All lanes are now open.

Trains

• Harrogate to York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.45am

Roads

• There is heavy traffic around construction works on Skipton Road, this traffic is is spreading on to Knaresborough Road and Starbeck.
• Construction works are also causing delays around Knaresborough High Street.
• Traffic is beginning to build around the Harrogate district as drivers join the daily commute including:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Harewood, along the A61 – temporary lights are causing heavy traffic in the area.
• B6165 heading into Summerbridge
• A lane has reopened on the A1 (M) between Junction 50 and 51 near Ripon. All lanes are now open.

Trains

• Harrogate to York and Knaresborough services are on time.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.30am 

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build around the Harrogate district as more drivers join the daily commute including:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Ripon Road, near Jennyfield Drive
• Harewood, along the A61 – temporary lights are causing heavy traffic in the area.
• A658, Harrogate Road
• There are a number of construction sites also slowing traffic down this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• One lane remains closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• The 7.52 service from Harrogate to York was delayed by a couple of minutes this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8.15am 

• There are a number of construction sites beginning to slow down traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• Traffic is beginning to build around the Harrogate district as more drivers join the daily commute including:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Harewood, along the A61 – temporary lights are causing heavy traffic in the area.
• One lane remains closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• The 7.52 service from Harrogate to York was delayed by a couple of minutes this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 8am

Roads

• Traffic is beginning to build around the Harrogate district as more drivers join the daily commute including:
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• Wetherby Road
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Harewood, along the A61 – temporary lights are causing heavy traffic in the area.
• A658, Harrogate Road
• Traffic is also building around a number of continuing construction sites including:
• Skipton Road is moving slowly this morning due to the four-way traffic lights.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• One lane remains closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• The 7.52 service from Harrogate to York was delayed by a couple of minutes this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.45am 

Roads

• Traffic is building in a number of areas around the Harrogate district:
• Harewood, along the A61 – temporary lights are causing heavy traffic in the area.
• Leeds Road, Harrogate
• York Place, Harrogate
• Traffic is also building around a number of continuing construction sites including:
• Skipton Road is moving slowly this morning due to the four-way traffic lights.
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• One lane remains closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• Harrogate to York and Knaresborough services are on time.
• A number of services on the Leeds to Bradford route, both ways, are delayed this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.30am

Roads

• Four-way lights on Skipton Road, in the construction area, are causing delays and traffic this morning.
• Traffic is building in a number of areas around the Harrogate district:
• Otley Road heading into Killinghall
• Starbeck high street, both ways, is slow moving this morning.
• Low Moor Lane, north of Knaresborough.
• Traffic is also building around a number of continuing construction sites including:
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• One lane is still closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• Harrogate to York and Knaresborough services are on time.
• A number of services on the Leeds to Bradford route, both ways, are delayed this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7.15am

Roads

• Traffic looks to be building along around Jennyfield Drive and further north in Ripley.
• Elsewhere in the district, traffic is building around a number of construction sites including:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.
• One lane is still closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.

Trains

• The 6.42 train from Harrogate to York was delayed by a couple of minutes this morning. It looks like it will arrive in York at 7.21.
• A number of services on the Leeds to Bradford route, both ways, are delayed this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 7am

Roads

• One lane is still closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.
• Traffic looks to be building along Starbeck high street heading into Harrogate town centre and along Ripon Road near Jennyfield Drive.
• There are a number of construction sites beginning to slow down traffic this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• The 6.42 train from Harrogate to York was delayed by a couple of minutes this morning.
• A number of services on the Leeds to Bradford route, both ways, are delayed this morning.

Buses

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

Full Update – 6.45am

Roads

• One lane is closed on the A1 (M) southbound between J51, Bedale, and J50, Ripon. This is due to a lorry having a tire changed. Traffic is reported to be coping well.
• There are some construction sites likely to cause delays this morning:
• Skipton Road, Harrogate
• Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout.
• High Street in Knaresborough.

Trains

• A number of services on the Leeds to Bradford route, both ways, are delayed this morning.
• The 6.42 train from Harrogate to York is delayed by a couple of minutes this morning.

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 this morning, except for congestion caused by construction works around Harrogate’s town centre.
• Watch out on Wetherby Road, traffic is building up there.
• There are construction works continuing on Knaresborough Road, near to the Empress Roundabout, Skipton Road near Kings Road and also Knaresborough High Street. Those works are likely to cause delays.
• The trains are running well this morning. There are currently no cancellations that we can see for the Harrogate district.