The number of people killed in road collisions in North Yorkshire increased last year from 32 to 37, according to the county’s latest annual report on road safety.

The report, released yesterday by North Yorkshire County Council, compares statistics from 2018 and 2019.

Although fatalities increased, the number of people seriously injured saw a nine per cent reduction from 329 to 298.

The total number of people injured in road collisions also decreased from 1,750 to 1,445 — a fall of 17 per cent.

Road collisions have been on a downward trend since 2002.

The report also reveals there was a 27 per cent decrease in the number of children injured in collisions. The number fell from 111 in 2018 to 81 in 2019. No children were killed in road accidents in 2019.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

“Each death on the county’s roads is one too many, so it is sad to see an increase in the number of people killed in collisions and highlights the importance of all of us taking responsibility for travelling safely.

“We have been consulting on plans for a series of works to be financed by the Government’s safer roads fund, which seeks to address issues on the 50 A-roads identified as being the most dangerous in the country.”

Read more:

• Roadworks are set to continue throughout the third lockdown.
• North Yorkshire Police has said it will continue to challenge people breaking travel restrictions during the lockdown.

“Our officers have already delivered a range of improvement projects on those roads in the county which qualified for investment and have been reviewing your feedback on other proposals which we are hopeful can come to fruition soon. We are confident these improvements would have a positive effect on future road collision statistics.”

Cllr Mackenzie acknowledged the 2020 statistics may have been affected by reduced traffic levels due to covid restrictions but he added the council was confident of continuing the downward trend in accident numbers.

Schools were encouraged in 2020 to take up national and local campaigns, such as “be safe, be seen” and mobile phone pedestrian safety.

A Harrogate charity has been described as “the club you never want to be a part of”.

Yet Our Angels offers vital support for many families across the district after the loss of a baby. It was set up by Emma Lofthouse in 2009, after she lost her son Charlie 35 weeks into her pregnancy the year before.

Losing Charlie came as a huge shock to Emma, who already had two children. She said she wanted something to put her energy into and a way to keep talking about her son.

Our Angels started as a support group for anyone affected by baby loss, whether that is an early miscarriage or a neonatal death.

Mrs Lofthouse said:

“I was astonished there was no support in Harrogate. I felt lost and alone.”

Every year the charity gets families together to send bubbles into the air in memory of their loss. Photograph: Our Angels

The charity now fundraises thousands of pounds for Harrogate District Hospital’s maternity ward and training for midwives across the county.

Mrs Lofthouse said she believes it’s important for midwives to be trained to support the family straight away, as the midwife is often the first person there when they lose their baby.

Along with the trustees, Mrs Lofthouse runs monthly meetings at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate where families can come to talk about their babies and get emotional support.

Read more:

• A Knaresborough charity offering toys to every child.
• A local fund of £200,000 gave Harrogate district charities a well-needed boost.

Mrs Lofthouse said:

“We can’t stop this happening but we can offer support after it does.

“People don’t want to talk about baby loss because it is heart breaking, but it is also so much more common that people think. It shouldn’t be a taboo subject.”

In October 2020, work was completed on the newly renovated and renamed Bluebell Suite at Harrogate Hospital after the charity donated £45,000.

The suite is a place where parents go after losing their baby. The charity wanted to ensure parents had everything they needed as they spend precious time with their child.

The charity also provides memory boxes to the hospital which are given to every set of parents. The box was one of the first things Mrs Lofthouse began fundraising for.

She added:

“When I left hospital I had nothing tangible to hold in his memory. This was one of the first things I wanted to fundraise for.”

The memory box is a way for the charity to tell families they aren’t alone. Photograph: Our Angels

The box includes a blanket the family can wrap their baby in and then take photographs. This way they have as a keepsake when they leave hospital. It also contains a leaflet about the charity, giving parents and other family members the option to get in touch for extra support.

Mrs Lofthouse says she will always be grateful for Our Angels giving her the chance to keep talking about her son Charlie almost 12 years on. She says she is honoured to offer families support after losing someone so precious.

To learn more about Our Angels you can find their website here or get in touch with them on Facebook, just search ‘ Our Angels charity and support group’.

Ahead of another night of snow forecast for this evening, we asked our readers to photograph what they could see from their doorsteps.

We had people sending images from across the Harrogate district, here are some of the highlights.

In Harrogate and Beckwithshaw …

Mark Pallant captured the Stray just before dawn today.

Sylvia Skipper sent us this photo from Beckwithshaw.

The snow was still think outside of Martin’s house this morning. Photograph: @FIRSTmarty on twitter.

Elsewhere in Harrogate, Patrick Dunlop captured this image of the snow settled on rooftops.

There was still plenty of snow on Harrogate stray this morning.

On another part of the Stray people were enjoying a walk in the wintry conditions. Photograph: Victoria Purdy

Another photo of Harrogate Stray was sent to us by Megan Hatfield.

Andy Flockhart sent us this picture from Church Avenue in Bilton.

In Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale …

Joyce Liggins sent us this photo overlooking Pateley Bridge this morning.

Greta Knight sent us this image of the Nidderdale Greenway near Bilton today.

Susan Wrightson took this from the viaduct over the river nidd along the greenway.

Menwith Hill just outside of Darley still had plenty of snow today. Photograph: Sue Barlow

Elsewhere in the district …

Alison Fitzpatrick took this photograph in Summerbridge today.

These were the views from Charli Walker’s garden in Stainburn today.

Hannah Inglis captured this in High Birstwith this morning.

The Met Office has put a yellow warning for snow and ice in place from midnight tonight until Saturday evening meaning the Harrogate district could see snow once again.

Yesterday’s snow is continuing to make travel and opening schools difficult today with many of the district’s roads still covered in ice.

North Yorkshire County Council pounded the roads with gritters overnight but insists icy conditions cannot be avoided and people should only travel if essential.

Keep refreshing this live blog for updates throughout the day for school closures and road conditions.

4pm – Road closure to fix water problems in Harrogate

Yorkshire Water is planning to close Crescent Road in Harrogate to fix a burst main.

Resident in the HG1 area of town have had issues with water for most of the day as a result of the burst.

The water company expects to fix the problem by late afternoon.

#CrescentRoad #HG1 #Harrogate

Sorry to all our customers that are experiencing issues with their water due to a burst main. We are presently awaiting for traffic management to arrive before we can continue further with repairs, and will update as we receive further information. pic.twitter.com/8Su3HXJ6lb

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

3.30pm – Harrogate council suspends waste and recycling collections

Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections for today and tomorrow.

In a tweet, the authority said:

“Where we can, we will do our best to collect any outstanding household waste next week.

“Unfortunately, any outstanding recycling won’t be collected until the next scheduled recycling collection date.”

Use bags and cardboard boxes to store any additional recycling you may have as a result of the delays.

2.30pm – Covid vaccines rescheduled due to the snow

Covid vaccinations due to be given at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate tomorrow will be rescheduled because of the weather.

The snowfall forecast for tonight is forcing North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to reschedule all its appointments for the same time on Sunday.

12.43pm – Harrogate Town match postponed

The team’s fixture against Exeter City was due to kick off tomorrow at 3pm. Following a pitch inspection by an ERL referee today it has had to be postponed.

Harrogate Town has said the pitch is currently under heavy snow and with tomorrow’s forecast looking to get worse the decision has been made to postpone the game.

❌ | Tomorrow's @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture against @OfficialECFC has been postponed following a pitch inspection

Due to the recent snowfall, it has been decided the pitch will not be playable by 3pm Saturday#ProudToBeTown

— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) January 15, 2021

12.14pm – Knaresborough 1B bus returns to full route 

The Harrogate Bus Company is now able to run its full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield.

To find out if your local service is running check the Transdev app.

Good news! 1B is now able to run it's full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield

Thank you for your patience during this time, keep up to date through our app Transdev Go here https://t.co/PxPTgD0hZI pic.twitter.com/jc0HBEJ3sz

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021

12.04pm – Harlow Carr remains closed tomorrow

RHS Harlow Carr and its garden centre will remain closed tomorrow due to the snow forecast overnight.

Unfortunately due to continued heavy snowfall and icy conditions, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will remain closed on Sat 16th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/hYrds63E5s

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 15, 2021

11.46am – A59 is open but police warn of black ice

North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has answered local enquiries about the conditions on the A59. It says it is open and passable but warns drivers to take care of the black ice.

The force is once again insisting it is only to be used for essential travel.

*WEATHER UPDATE*We are receiving enquires regarding the road conditions around #Craven area#A59 is open and the road is passable with care. Due to low temp (-6)there is black ice in places so drive carefully & leave space from the vehicle in front.

Only travel if essential. pic.twitter.com/zOFtgFR3Ja

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021

11.26am – Met Office warns of more snow tonight

The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for snow and ice overnight. The warning is in place from midnight until 6pm tomorrow.

The Harrogate district has been covered by this warning, meaning a band of “heavy snow” could return tonight.

The Met Office warning covers the district. Photograph: Met Office

11.01am – A59 near Harrogate ‘slippery in places but passable’

North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has said the A59 section near Harrogate is passable but still icy and slippery.

The police force have encouraged people to only travel if essential whilst the wintery conditions last.

A59 between Harrogate & Skipton is icy and slippery in places but passable. Lots of snow on higher ground.

A56 Broughton into Lancashire is clear and not much snow & ice.

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021

10.57am – London to Harrogate trains cancelled 

Signalling failures around Harrogate are continuing to cause mayhem for scheduled trains. LNER has released a list of those trains disrupted.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350027023176101888

10.54am – Harrogate HELP reminds people it is there for them whilst stuck indoors

Harrogate HELP has reminded people, via its twitter, that whether its the snow or coronavirus restrictions keeping you indoors it is there to help.

The charity has said the snow is heightening anxiety for some people and it wants to offer them support.

Whilst this snow is picturesque, it's also adding to anxiety for some local residents struggling whilst having to stay at home. A reminder that we're here for you on both a practical & emotional level at this difficult time.#Harrogate #Ripon #HereToHelp pic.twitter.com/4LFDvaTHvk

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) January 15, 2021

10.42am – Updated School closures 

A number of schools have already announced they will remain closed to all today, including the children of key workers, as a result of the snow.

All have said the road conditions make it unsuitable to open.

• Admiral C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
• Beckwithshaw Primary School
• Bilton Grange Primary School, Harrogate
• Birstwith C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Boroughbridge Primary School
• Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
• Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Dishforth C of E Primary School
• Dishforth Airfield Primary School
• Follifoot C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Killinghall C of E Primary School
• Markington C of E Primary School
• Nidderdale High School
• North Rigton C of E Primary School
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
• Pannal Primary School
• Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
• Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
• Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
• Spofforth C of E Primary School
• Springwater School, Starbeck
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
• St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Scotton Lingerfield Primary School
• Summerbridge Community Primary School
• The Forest School, Knaresborough

10.40am – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to stay closed through tomorrow 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has announced it will close tomorrow due to the weather.

It said customers who have booked to visit the grounds will receive an email.

Due to the ongoing snowy and icy weather, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – including the deer park – will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 16 January. If you have booked to visit, you will receive a cancellation email shortly. Please check the website for further updates.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 15, 2021

10.08am – Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has closed recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon today due to the snow.

⚠️Household waste recycling centres.⚠️#Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon, West Harrogate, #Catterick Bridge, #Skipton, #Leeming Bar and #Northallerton household waste recycling centres are closed.

Other sites are open, but please only use them if essential. pic.twitter.com/AHmmd8uJD8

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 15, 2021

10.01am – Faulty signalling in Harrogate causes delays to LNER services

A signalling fault in Harrogate is causing delays to the LNER services. The train operator has said trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes, cancelled or revised.

LNER has also said its services are not running between Leeds and Harrogate. The operator has told commuters to use Northern services instead.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350002497553883136

09.54am – Harrogate College closed today

Students will be working online today as Harrogate College closes for the second day in a row.

College will be closed again today. Online learning will continue as normal.

— Harrogate College (@HarrogateColl) January 15, 2021

09.48am – Harrogate book shop suspends click and collect

Imagined Things Bookshop has said it will be suspending its click and collect service today due to the snow. It hopes, if the weather improves, to bring it back tomorrow.

Our apologies, we’ll be CLOSED for Click&Collect today. Weather permitting, we will be back for Click&Collect tomorrow from 10am-2pm. If you need to get in touch please email us at books@imaginedthings.co.uk pic.twitter.com/8mYeFKl9bV

— Imagined Things Bookshop (@ImaginedThings) January 15, 2021

09.22am – Recycling bins won’t be collected today

Harrogate Borough Council has responded to a resident’s tweet to say recycling won’t be collected today due to the snow. The council has said recycling with be collected on your next collection date.

Hi Matt. Unfortunately, after assessing conditions this morning, rounds have been stood down. We will collect any additional recycling on your next scheduled recycling collection. Sorry for the delay. ^James

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 15, 2021

08.42am – Harrogate buses run with a limited service

The Harrogate Bus Company has updated its twitter to explain the routes that are able to continue today. Some have had to be limited due to the snow.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349999540879958019

08.32am – County Council says avoid travel 

North Yorkshire County Council has used its twitter to plead with people against travelling today and over the weekend.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for tomorrow too, meaning road conditions could become dangerous once again.

https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349997278707261442

08.19am – Local police officer warns against using travel

A North Yorkshire police officer has used his twitter this morning to urge local residents to only travel if essential. The district’s roads remain icy.

https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1349992880505556993

08.09am – Yorkshire Water updates residents on burst pipe

Yorkshire Water has said, via twitter, that the burst pipe has been located on Crescent Road in Harrogate but has warned repairs could take longer than normal due to the weather.

The repair team are yet to arrive, keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.

We have located the burst in #HG1 on #CrescentRoad this morning. Further updates to follow, once the repair team arrive on site. Due to weather conditions this morning, this may take slightly longer than usual. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/ySDK6ww2UX

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

08.07am – Harrogate High School to open

Harrogate High School has let its pupils know it will remain open today. It has encouraged those who get a lift into school to study from home today, if possible, and avoid the icy roads.

HHS is open today, but would advise any student that gets a lift to school, to work from home today, where possible, given the icy conditions on the roads.
Please take care.
Mrs Clarke

— HarrogateHighSchool (@HarrogateHigh) January 15, 2021

08.02am – Western Primary School to open later today

Western Primary School in Harrogate posted on its twitter this morning to say the school plans to open at 10am today.

It says it is to give staff and pupils more time to travel. Its turquoise nursery, for 2 year olds, will remain closed.

Parents who feel it is not safe to travel with their child today can call the school and use online learning instead.

We will be open today but not until 10am.
Please note the following:
School will not be open for 2-year-old provision (Turquoise nursery)
School will not be open to pupils until 10.00 a.m. in order to give staff, parents and pupils more time to make their journey safely
Cont…

— Western Primary School (@PrimaryWestern) January 15, 2021

07.58am – Burst water pipe on Crescent Road, Harrogate

Yorkshire Water has said it is investigating reports of a loss of water and low water pressure in Harrogate on its twitter this morning.

The water provider responded to a resident’s comment to say a pipe had burst on Crescent Road and the repair team were on their way.

We are aware some customers may have no water or low pressure this morning in the #HG1 area. We are currently investigating this, further updates to follow. Many Thanks

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

07.50am – Henshaws College to close

Henshaws announced on its twitter today that it has had to close the specialist college due to the snow.

We can report that the weather in #Harrogate is only slightly better than the blizzard we experienced last Friday! As you can see, the levels of snow were unprecedented, and we had no choice but to shut @HenshawsCollege for the day to ensure safety for all. #SnowDay2021 pic.twitter.com/J7AOVseRbk

— Henshaws (@Henshaws) January 15, 2021

07.42am – Bus services limited due to road conditions

The Harrogate Bus Company has had to amend a number of its services due to road conditions making some areas inaccessible.

The number 1 bus is running between Harrogate and Knaresborough but will avoid the Knaresborough estates.

The 2A service to Harrogate to Bilton and Dene Park is continuing but cannot reach stops on Dene Park.

The 2B route from Harrogate to Bilton and New Park continues its normal route as far as Bachelor Gardens. Stops will be missed at The Knox and Skipton Road. Buses are using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.

The 21 for Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge is still running but will not cover small villages this morning.

⚠️ Due to snow and ice, The 21 will run direct between Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge, we're currently unable to reach our stops in the villages. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. pic.twitter.com/q8OFFMApUw

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021

To get up-to-date information check the Transdev app.

07.30am – Weather disrupts rail line

Train operator Northern has told commuters the service between Harrogate and Leeds faces disruption today due to weather conditions. Services have been reduced to one per hour in each direction this morning.

A tree fell on the line and the operator says essential works to the line continues.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349965598328033280

Temperatures are forecast to fall to minus 4 degrees centigrade tonight in the Harrogate district, leaving many minor roads and pavements treacherous tomorrow.

Snow is expected to turn to sleet this evening before drying out as temperatures plunge.

They are not forecast to rise above freezing at all tomorrow so ice is likely to persist even though gritters and snow ploughs have been out today.

A Met Office yellow warning for ice is in place until 10am tomorrow.

That might not be the end of the cold snap: a further yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Saturday, from 3am until 9pm.

Train operator Northern tonight warned of ongoing disruption affecting services between Harrogate and Leeds that will continue tomorrow.

No further services are running tonight and there will just be one per hour tomorrow morning.

Here’s how today’s weather affected the district.

7.05pm – Oatlands Infants School to stay closed tomorrow 

Zoe Anderson, the headteacher, has said the school will remain closed tomorrow due to the weather making travel unsafe.

4.50pm – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urge public to only call in a “serious or life-threatening emergency”

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has asked the public to only call in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency as crews tackle snowy conditions.

Mark Millins, strategic commander at the trust, said:

“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, they should call 999 immediately. For anyone with less serious illnesses and injuries, our NHS 111 service is available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

“Please take extra care when out driving or walking and, where possible, avoid travelling at all in snowy or icy conditions. If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. Also, please stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and well.”

4.30pm – Snow to continue into the evening

The Met Office has forecast snow for the Harrogate district into this evening until 9pm.

A yellow warning for ice remains in place for tonight into tomorrow morning. Temperatures in the district are expected to plummet to -4 degrees overnight.

The Met Office said rain, sleet and snow dying out will leave “a risk of icy surfaces and difficult travel conditions” tomorrow morning.

4.20pm – Young farmer helps stranded lorries near Pannal

A young farmer has come to the aid of stranded lorries to help them up the A658 near Pannal. Photographer Giles Rocholl shot this video:

3.10pm – Harrogate 36 bus back running

Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted that the 36 bus running to Leeds from Harrogate, as well as between Harrogate and Ripon, is back up and running.

❄️ #The36 is now back to running through to Leeds from Harrogate as normal, as well as between Harrogate and Ripon

Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3sxUI pic.twitter.com/ZUjnadzZPP

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021

2.45pm – Home carers won’t let clients down

Care workers across the Harrogate district have been doing their utmost to keep to schedule today, despite the challenging conditions.

Staff at St Margaret’s Home Care are among those who have fought through the snow to ensure their clients got the help they needed.

One even had to abandon her car in Pannal, complete her round on foot and then walk home to Jennyfields.

Manager Vicky Clark sent us some photos and said:

“A day in the life of a carer! Our amazing care workers have done their best to get to our clients today, unfortunately getting stuck in the snow and having to abandon their cars and walk. Please could you say a massive well done to all care workers out there.”

Carers from St Margaret’s Home Care have battled through the snow today to help clients. Photos: Vicky Clark

2.10pm – Northern advises rail passengers not to travel

Northern has advised people not to try to use the rail line between Harrogate and Leeds.

Heavy snowfall and a fallen tree have led services to be cancelled on the route this afternoon. They are unlikely to be reinstated until at least 4pm. A spokesperson for Northern said:

“The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services, particularly in Yorkshire where heavy snow continues to fall.

“We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers not to travel on the specified routes until further notice.”

2.07pm – Jennyfield bus service suspended

The number 3 bus service in the Jennyfield area of Harrogate has been suspended because of the continuing snowfall.

❄️ Our buses on the 3 are temporarily paused due to heavy snow

Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/vFMhuGl84J

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021

Meanwhile, staff members from The Harrogate Bus Company are hard at work clearing paths around the town centre bus station. IN last week’s heavy snow, they were out on the roads helping to spread grit and keep traffic moving.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349717545008459777

2pm – Rail line still blocked

The fallen tree on the railway line between Leeds and Harrogate is expected to continue causing disruption until at least 4pm.

Train operator Northern reports one of its trains hit an object on the line between Headingley and Horsforth. Services are currently unable to run, with Network Rail en route to remove the tree.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349705276073635841?s=20

1.50pm – Essential food deliveries still getting through

Among those battling through the weather are people delivering essential food to vulnerable people across the district.

Sue Cawthray, of Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association, posted a photo take from a car as key workers continue to do their best for clients.

The Food Angels meals on wheels service has become a Snow Angels delivery for one day only, ensuring nobody who relies on it will go without the vital service.

Food Angels has become Snow Angels today. Photo: Sue Cawthray

1.37pm – Gritters on the roads

Road conditions are still poor around the district, by North Yorkshire County Council gritters continue to operate.

Harrogate and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association (HAPARA) spotted one making its way up Otley Road in Harrogate this afternoon.

Interesting on Otley Rd – especially uphill….

….but help on the way! pic.twitter.com/Xt5XYM4f5q

— HAPARA (@HaparaHgt) January 14, 2021

1.30pm – Bus stranded near Spofforth

A number 7 bus has got stuck in the snow as it tried to reach Harrogate from Wetherby.

The bus has become stranded as it attempted to come up the hill into Spofforth on the A661.

Photo by My Homecare

The Harrogate Bus Company has kept many of its services running today. The 24 to Pateley Bridge has been suspended, as has the 8 to Calcutt and Wetherby, and the Flyer A2 to Leeds-Bradford Airport.

The number 1 from Harrogate to Knaresborough is running, but missing out stops between Starbeck and Knaresborough as well as the Knaresborough estates. The 2A is missing out stops on Dene Park, while the 2B is missing stops between The Knox and Bar Chapel, using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.

1.22pm – Businesses battle through snow

Local business owners across the district have been fighting on despite the weather and poor road conditions.

Regal Fruits on Kings Road reminded its customers and other locals that they can still get essentials from nearby, even in heavy snow.

Great day to shop local #positivity #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #Snowing #snow pic.twitter.com/LvF19q5X6c

— Regal fruits (@regalfruiterers) January 14, 2021

However, for Paradise Foods at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, the snow defeated their attempts to get to the food wagon and open up.

The team is hoping to return to normal service from tomorrow, when it is open from 10am to 2pm.

1.10pm – Bin collections suspended

Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections across the Harrogate district as snow continues to fall.

The authority says bin crews will try to collect household waste over the coming days, but recycling collections will be completed on the next scheduled date.

Collections were already a day behind after heavy snow last week interrupted the schedule. HBC said crews will be working on Friday and Saturday as they try to catch up.

As you’ve probably seen, it is continuing to snow quite heavily across the Harrogate district. ❄️

Our crews have been doing their best they can this morning but with the conditions getting worse, waste and recycling collections have now been stood down. pic.twitter.com/vGDCOO1YXX

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 14, 2021

1.03pm – Fallen tree blocks railway line

The rail line between Harrogate and Leeds has been blocked by a fallen tree, causing disruption to services.

National Rail reports delays and cancellations are expected until 2pm.

⚠️NEW: #Harrogate – Disruption between Leeds and Harrogate expected until 14:00

ℹ️ https://t.co/9M8cl0yDEY

— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) January 14, 2021

12.55pm – Police urge people not to travel unless necessary

North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning people not to travel unless they really need to.

Having dealt with more than 20 crashes already today, the force’s Roads Policing Group is asking people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.

While the Harrogate district is contending with continuing snowfall, flooding is affecting roads elsewhere around the county.

12.15pm – Updated list of school closures

• All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
• Beckwithshaw Primary School
• Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
• Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
• Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Forest Moor School, Darley
• Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
• Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Killinghall C of E Primary School
• Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
• Nidderdale High School
• North Rigton C of E Primary School
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
• Pannal Primary School
• Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
• Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
• Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
• Rossett School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
• Springwater School, Starbeck
• Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
• Summerbridge Community Primary School
• The Forest School, Knaresborough
• Western Primary School, Harrogate
• Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate

11.55am – Disruption to household waste services

Harrogate Borough Council says its bin collection services are continuing despite the weather, but it may not be able to reach all the homes on today’s routes.

The council was already working to catch up on services missed during last Friday’s heavy snowfall.

Meanwhile, all three household waste recycling centres in Harrogate have been closed by North Yorkshire County Council because of the snow.

The county council’s website shows gritters were out on priority one routes over night, after a weather warning was issued by the Met Office.

#Skipton, #LeemingBar, #Northallerton, #Catterick Bridge, #Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon and West Harrogate household waste recycling centres are closed due to #snow. pic.twitter.com/5A9oMVocc2

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021

11.30am – disruption on bus routes to Leeds and Pateley Bridge

The Harrogate Bus Company has suspended its 36 service beyond Pannal to Leeds because of the condition of the A61.

It continues to operate between Ripon and Harrogate, and on to Pannal.

The 24 service between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge has been suspended, but the number 6 service to Pannal Ash has been reinstated after being stopped earlier in the morning.

Buses are now running on the 6 Harrogate-Pannal Ash

Unfortunately we're not able to reach any of our stops Between Pannal & Leeds on #The36. Were running as normal Ripon-Harrogate and Harrogate-Pannal.

Keep up to date with us here or at https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/p45X6JvhGR

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021

10.35am – ‘Treacherous road conditions’ in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police control room has shared a video of Harrogate onto its twitter this morning warning people to stay off the road unless it’s essential.

It may look very pretty, but it’s treacherous road conditions. Please only travel if it’s essential and absolutely necessary. This picture was taken in Harrogate. pic.twitter.com/Cf4oWg9v85

— NYP Control Room (@NYPControlRoom) January 14, 2021

10.22am – Snow prevents buses getting to Knaresborough

The Harrogate Bus Company has said it is unable to reach any of its stop to or around Knaresborough this morning.

The number 1 service is currently still running between Harrogate and Starbeck. Make sure to keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.

❄️ Our buses on The 1 are running between Harrogate and Starbeck, but we're currently unable to reach any more stops to or around Knaresborough.

Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/CC2hOsxn32

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021

10.14am – School closures

Schools across the Harrogate district are closing to all, including the children of key workers as a result of the snow.

• All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
• Beckwithshaw Primary School
• Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
• Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
• Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Forest Moor School, Darley
• Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
• Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Killinghall C of E Primary School
• Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
• Nidderdale High School
• North Rigton C of E Primary School
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
• Pannal Primary School
• Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
• Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
• Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
• Rossett School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
• Springwater School, Starbeck
• Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
• Summerbridge Community Primary School
• The Forest School, Knaresborough
• Western Primary School, Harrogate
• Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate

10.07am – Recycling collection continues in some areas

Harrogate Borough Council has replied to a tweet from a local resident to say that recycling collection is continuing today in most areas. The council has said some areas that are difficult to get to may not be reached today.

Residents have been asked to leave their recycling outside for the time-being.

10.01am – Cars stuck in snow at Kex Gill

Multiple vehicles are reportedly stuck in the snow and ice near Kex Gill this morning.

The North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has tweeted to say the A59 at Bolton Abbey is closed.

*TRAFFIC UPDATE* The #A59 at #BoltonAbbey is currently closed due to multiple vehicles stuck nr #Kex Gill in the snow & Ice.

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 14, 2021

09.46am – Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres closed

North Yorkshire County Council has made the decision to close recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon.

Due to the #snow, #Catterick Bridge, #Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon and West Harrogate Household Waste Recycling Centres are not open. pic.twitter.com/NR5pGXv3tH

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021

09.18am – Some Harrogate bus services suspended

The Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted about further disruption due to the snow. It has said the 36 service is still running between Harrogate and Pannal but it cannot run through Harewood.

The 24 service from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge and number 6 between Harrogate and Pannal Ash have been suspended.

The snow is causing a few issues on the roads again this morning.

We're running buses on #The36 between Harrogate & Pannal, and between Leeds & Alwoodley. We're unable to run through Harewood.

Buses on 24 Harrogate-Pateley Bridge and 6 Harrogate-Pannal Ash are not able to run. pic.twitter.com/WGc7ssjVsG

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021

09.10am – Kettlesing Primary School to close 

Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School has contacted the Stray Ferret to confirm it has made the decision to close the school.

It had previously hoped to open for pupils at 10am.

09.03am – Ripon market remains open

Ripon market is still open today despite the snow. The essential stalls open today include two fruit and vegetable stalls and a fishmongers.

08.44am – Beckwithshaw Primary School to close 

Beckwithshaw Primary School has now said it will close due to the snow.

It had previously planned to open at 10am.

08.25am – Ripley Primary School to close

Ripley Endowed Primary School has made the decision to close the school today due to the weather.

It had previously planned to open the school at 10am.

08.15am – Buses between Leeds airport and Harrogate disrupted

The A2 service from Bradford to Harrogate bus station, going via the airport, has been disrupted due to the snow.

Flyer Buses has reported, on its twitter, that it is unable to get into Harrogate due to a block in the road at Pool Bank.

Further updates can be found on its website.

https://twitter.com/FlyerBuses/status/1349626771017244672

08.05am – Only travel if essential says North Yorkshire County Council

The county council has reminded local residents of the yellow weather warning in place on twitter this morning. It has asked people to only travel if essential.

The gritters were out overnight in an effort to limit disruption.

A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm today. We have gritted priority roads. Please only travel if essential and take extra care.

You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/CLUnA8AVNY

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021

07.30am – Some schools remain open

In a twitter post, Harrogate High School has said it will remain open today.

It has advised its pupils who get lifts to school to work from home if possible and avoid the roads.

HHS is open today, but would advise any student that gets a lift to school, to work from home where possible, given the weather forecast of snow all day.
We will review the situation throughout the day.

— HarrogateHighSchool (@HarrogateHigh) January 14, 2021

07.10am – Harrogate Bus Company says buses are still running

In a twitter post, Harrogate Bus Company has left commuters know their services are still running despite the snow.

It said those using them for essential services should keep an eye on the Transdev app for any updates.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349615061002805248

Snow has been falling throughout the day in the Harrogate district.

The weather has forced schools to shut, even to the children of key workers, as roads and pavements became treacherous.

Cars and lorries have found themselves stuck and police and council officials have urged people to only drive if it is essential.

Readers from across the district have sent their photos of the snowy scenes. Here are some of the highlights:

In Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge …

Henry the llama (left) and Basil the alpaca (right) are loving today’s wintery conditions in Nidderdale. Photograph: Nidderdale Llamas

St Mary’s Church in Pateley Bridge surrounded by snow. Photograph: Ben Derrick

These two photos of snowy Pateley Bridge were sent to us on Twitter. (Left) by @suzehu on and (right) the B6265 down towards Pateley Bridge by @juliatetley.

In Ripon …

Ripon Cathedral stood out against the snow.

The obelisk in Ripon.

In Harrogate …

The Stray Ferret captured this image of Harrogate this morning as some braved the conditions.

Someone was able to enjoy the snow on the Stray today. Photograph: Samantha Armitage.

Sylvia Skipper, a reader, sent these snowy photos of Beckwithshaw.

Harrogate town centre was quiet today as many people stayed indoors.

The Pinewoods in Harrogate looked like something out of a film. Photograph: @PinewoodsHgt on twitter.

Sean Rutter sent us this photo of Harrogate Grammar School in the snow today.

In Knaresborough …

This pup enjoyed its morning walk in the Knaresborough snow this morning. Sent by Mark Hook on Twitter.

This stunning picture of Knaresborough viaduct was sent in by Sharon Colgan on Facebook.

Elsewhere in the district …

Spofforth in the snow sent on Facebook by Rory Ffoulkes.

The snow in Kettlesing was heavy today. This was sent by reader @Kettlesingbob on Twitter.

One of our readers sent us this shot on Markington today. Photograph: Tracie Kay

A new radio station covering the Harrogate district’s community news, weather and travel is set to begin broadcasting in March.

Your Harrogate Radio is being launched by the website Your Harrogate and will be available online, on smart speakers and through its app.

Former Stray FM presenter Nick Hancock, who set up Your Harrogate last year, said he received countless requests to launch a radio station.

He said:

“So many people have messaged me or come up to me in the street and said they really miss having their own local radio station and asked me to do something about it, so now I have!”

“I know from being on air during the first lockdown how many people use the radio for company and to cheer them up a bit during such challenging times”.

Read more:

• Take a look back at the most popular stories in the Harrogate district in 2020.
• Harrogate conservative peer says local radio license should be re-advertised to maintain local coverage.

Mr Hancock, who will host the breakfast show, said listeners will hear a broad range of music from classic tunes of the 80s and 90s to modern day.

He said the heavy snowfall last Friday was another sign that the district was in need of a radio station providing live coverage.

Stray FM was rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio in September.

Scammers pretending to be police officers are targeting local residents for money.

North Yorkshire Police said today it had received reports from people who had been called by a man claiming to be a police officer.

The bogus officer told the people they called that one of their relatives was in police custody and that this person was in possession of their bank and credit cards.

The victims were then asked to immediately call their bank or the police on 911 to verify this was genuine, using the same phone and without waiting for a dial tone.

Fake officer names have included Detective Matthews, DI Stevens and DC Winston.

Six cases have been reported to the police and so far none have resulted in a loss of money.

Read more:

• Police appeal for help after fraudsters steal from elderly woman in Summerbridge. 
• Police ask residents to be vigilant following reports of a scam involving delivery fraud.

Police are urging people to hang up if they’re suspicious and to use a different line if they need to call the police or bank.

They added that officers and banks would never contact people to move or transfer money.

Last year North Yorkshire Police financial abuse safeguarding officer, Andy Fox, released the following statement about a similar scam:

“Everyone believes they won’t fall victim to a scammer but these individuals are experienced professionals who know every trick in the book to gain your trust.

“A police officer will never get in touch and advise you to move, transfer or pay money and neither will a bank or building society. If you receive a call out of the blue offering money or security advice, be very suspicious and do not give the caller any personal or account details.

The police have encouraged anyone caught out by this scam to report it to the force on 101.

The bid to create a Knaresborough museum will take its next step this week with the launch of a crowdfunding appeal for £35,000.

Knaresborough Museum Association, which was set up last year, hopes the museum will open by the end of the year.

It will be based on the ground floor of the former Castle Girls’ School, near Knaresborough castle.

The crowdfunding page will launch on Thursday to raise money for the site’s renovation, disability access, toilets and museum equipment, such as display cabinets.

Plans for the museum were submitted in October. The building will tell the story of the historic town and its people.

This artefact is on loan to Knaresborough Museum Association from the town’s Trinitarian Priory.

The museum is also applying for charitable status. Education and community engagement will be at the centre of its work.

Kathy Allday, chair of the association, said:

“There is still a lot of work to do but we are very excited. We have a lot of ideas for exhibitions.

“After all the depressing news in 2020, I feel Knaresborough is going to have a great year this year and what could be better than establishing a new museum that celebrates the town and its people?”

Read more:

• Council approves plans for the museum.
• Sixteen historic sites across the district find themselves on the Historic England’s ‘at risk’ list.

The museum has already received a £5,000 donation from local businessman Sir Graham Hall, who said in a statement he thought the museum could make a “significant difference” to the town.

The association has plans to stage exhibitions on World War Two and the Trinitarian Priory, as well as recordings of local people talking about their town.

The group has said the museum will be more than a few artefacts: there are plans to include interactive display boards, films and sound effects.

Contributions to the crowdfunding appeal can be made here although the link is not due to go live until Thursday.

A Harrogate teacher is supporting calls by a union to ensure teachers are vaccinated alongside other frontline workers.

Sharon Calvert, teacher and the national executive member of NASUWT for the Harrogate area, believes teachers need to be vaccinated for their own health and to ensure schools can safely reopen.

The government has said 88% of all covid fatalities are from vulnerable groups making it necessary to prioritise the vaccine for those most at-risk.

When schools reopened in September many introduced a bubble system to reduce contact between students and staff. Some age groups were told to wear face masks in corridors.

Ms Calvert supports her union’s campaign ‘Vaccinate to Educate’. The union launched a petition which has reached almost 460,000 signatures and is set to be debated in parliament tonight.

Ms Calvert said:

“Teachers are frontline workers! We have seen whole year groups sent home and many in the schools in the Harrogate area struggle to maintain a safe environment. It would be prudent for all educational staff to be tested and prioritised to be vaccinated to ensure that staff will be protected.”

Read more:

• Harrogate headteacher says children won’t be abandoned during exam season amid covid concerns.
• Harrogate facebook group and tech business join forces to offer laptops to local kids.

Many teachers are still heading into school to teach vulnerable or key worker children.

Ms Calvert said specialist schools are also open and, due to the children’s needs, teachers are unlikely to be able to maintain a safe distance or wear face coverings:

“Special schools are still open to all students. Staff at these schools are working with vulnerable young adults who may need personal care, certainly a two meter distance is not achievable so the staff need to be prioritised as caregivers as well as teachers.

“This will also protect those vulnerable students.”