Here is this morning’s update on traffic and travel across the Harrogate district.
Spotted anything else? Email us the details and we’ll add it below to help others get around this morning.
Harrogate
The long-term gas works on Crescent Road In Harrogate town centre are due to be paused this week.
Motorists are still unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction and traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right but by next week the restrictions should have ended.
Roadworks near the Harrogate Town ground on Wetherby Road in Harrogate are due to end today.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, two sets of traffic lights will be active on Skipton Road, between the Empress roundabout and King’s Road.
The top of Woodfield Road is also closed to traffic leaving Skipton Road, though open to vehicles leaving Woodfield onto Skipton Road. Those works are scheduled to end today.
Kingsley Drive remains closed between Birstwith Road and Rydal Road until November 6. There are also temporary traffic lights on Kingsley Road while work continues to create an access road to the new housing development.
Knaresborough
Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough are due to remain in place until November 11.
Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.
Kirkgate Road in central Knaresborough is closed today for works to the kerbs.
Several sets of two-way traffic lights are in place along the A6055 Boroughbridge Road between Knaresborough and Minskip.
Branton Lane in Great Ouseburn is closed until next Friday while Yorkshire Water lays a new main.
Ripon and Nidderdale
In Ripon, roadworks are due to conclude on Heckler Lane and New Road today.
Stumps Lane in Darley is closed for another week for a sewer to be connected.
Work to reconstruct the landslip-hit B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.
The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge, the B6451 Dacre, Menwith Hill Road, Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Fell Beck Bridge remains closed for works until November 6, with a diversion in place via Burnt Yates and Summerbridge.
Trains and buses
Rail operator Northern is not reporting any significant problems on the line passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough this morning but the live departure and arrival board for Harrogate shows the 7.09am Northern service to York is currently running seven minutes late.
The Harrogate Bus Company is not currently reporting any cancellations or significant delays on its services. You can get updates here.
An early warning for you: there are some changes to bus timetables on the horizon, taking effect from Sunday, November 6. Most of these are minor, but in a more significant change, the 36 will no longer offer ‘neighbourhood journeys’ from Bilton and Jennyfield to Leeds.
The bus company said this is down to low passenger numbers. Passengers can still get tickets through to Leeds if they start their journeys on the 2A, 2B or 3.
Check the full details on the Harrogate Bus Company website.
Read more:
Council to explore ‘alternative educational uses’ for Woodfield school
North Yorkshire County Council has said it will consider “alternative educational uses” for Woodfield Community Primary School‘s buildings after it closes.
Councillors confirmed this week the 56-year-old Bilton school will close on December 31.
The council claims it has “exhausted all options” to keep the school open after years of falling pupil numbers and an inadequate rating by Ofsted.
But the move has angered local families who do not understand why the school, in a densely populated area of Harrogate, needs to close.
Following this week’s decision, the Stray Ferret asked the council about the future of the site, which includes substantial playing fields as well as the school building.
We asked what discussions have taken place about the use of the school site, what the options are and what the timescale for a decision is likely to be. We also asked whether the council had ruled out using the site for housing.
Read more:
- ‘Badly let down’ Woodfield school closure confirmed\
- Starbeck and Bilton community libraries set for 10-year council deal
The council replied in a statement:
“No discussions have taken place on the future use of the site, ahead of a decision being made on the school’s future this week.
“The site is owned by the county council and also houses Bilton and Woodfield Community Library, Harrogate Bilton Children and Family Hub and Oak Beck House. All of these services remain open and unaffected by the school closure.
“The county council will be exploring whether there are alternative educational uses for the school buildings. There are controls around the reuse or redevelopment of school sites, and any alternative uses that are proposed will be the subject of consultation.”
No further details have been released.
Housing developer ‘doesn’t anticipate’ Kingsley road closure will last six monthsA housing developer has said it “doesn’t anticipate” a controversial road closure in the Kingsley area of Harrogate will last six months.
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists face a 1.4-mile detour when Kingsley Road is completely sealed off beyond the junction with Kingsley Drive up to the bridge leading to Bogs Lane.
The affected route is popular among people looking to access the shared cycle route and footpath to Bilton.
North Yorkshire County Council issued a temporary prohibition of traffic order, from November 7, lasting for up to 12 months, to enable Redrow to carry out work at its 133-home Kingsley Manor development.
David Faraday, technical director for Redrow (Yorkshire), said:
“The road closure will be in place while works to create a new junction, access road and associated services for the development are completed. This includes extensive excavation works to connect the sewers and installation of a new three-way traffic light system.
“We don’t anticipate the works will take the full six months to complete and the closure allows for a period of contingency.”
Hundreds of homes are being built in the Kingsley area.
Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley on North Yorkshire County Council, said yesterday he planned to ask Redrow if access for walkers and cyclists could be maintained for some periods while work is carried out.
Asked if this was something Redrow would consider, Mr Faraday responded:
“The road will be closed to ensure the safety of local residents and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience they may experience over the coming months.
“If it is possible to create a safe through route for pedestrians temporarily while more minor works are underway we will endeavour to do so, but a full closure will be in place while all major works are undertaken, as advised by our contractor.”
Read more:
- Harrogate road closure means 1.4-mile detour for walkers and cyclists
- Harrogate council says it can’t take action on complaints of ‘poisonous’ construction dust in Kingsley area
Asked what consultation had been carried out, he said:
“We notified local residents of the works and road closure via letter on October 19. Formal notification of road closures is the statutory responsibility of the local authority.”
An artist’s impression of how the Redrow development will look.
Mr Faraday said the two, three and four-bedroom homes would “provide a huge boost to local housing supply for a wide market” and the development “will be characterised by areas of natural green space, mature trees and varied planting, and will also feature two play areas”.
He added:
“We are making significant contributions to the local community as part of the planning agreement, including more than £540,000 towards local education, £190,000 towards open space provision, £44,600 towards traffic signals and £5,000 for a local travel plan.”
Business Breakfast: Woodland grants for Nidderdale farmers
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Farmers and landowners are being offered free advice and grants to help boost woodland creation in Nidderdale.
A partnership between the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Skell Valley Project Team aims to create new areas of woodland this winter.
Anyone with a small area of land – just over an acre or less – can access grants covering 100% of the planting costs.
Alice Crosby, woodland creation project officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:
“It might be a field corner, a shelterbelt or something bigger, it is more about making trees work for you and your farm.
“Grants can be tailored and could include new fencing, gates, buying and planting trees, tree protection, and money for ten years of maintenance, to ensure that your new woodland gets off to the best start.”
Funds are available to people living in the Skell Valley catchment area for projects this winter. The AONB is also keen to speak to people in other parts of the district who might be interested in planting next winter and beyond.
More than 400 farmers live in Nidderdale AONB, which covers more than half of the Harrogate district.
Currently 8% of the AONB is woodland, including 1,245 hectares of ancient woodland. An area of 1,872 ha is planted conifer woodland, 187 ha is mixed woodland and 2,527 ha is broadleaf.
Ms Crosby said:
“As landowners will know, trees can help improve soil health, boost animal welfare, manage water flow, cut pollution and improve energy efficiency. They are also a lifeline for wildlife.”
She added:
“It’s important to increase the number of trees planted in the AONB, but we want to emphasise quality planting, as 50% of the land in the AONB is not suitable for woodland creation. We can help identify priority areas for future planting sites, as well as help safeguard ancient woodland and other special habitats.
“It’s counter-intuitive but trees can have a negative impact on wildlife if they aren’t planted in the right spot. For some species, like wading birds and adders, woodland can be damaging. So, it is important to get advice.”
To find out more, email nidderdaleAONB@harrogate.gov.uk.
Read more:
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- Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints two managers
Fencing company in two-year sponsorship deal with football team
A Harrogate fencing company has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with a local junior football club.
Adam Healy at Harrogate Premier Fencing has provided a new team strip and training tops for Pannal Ash Whites Under 12s, who play in the Garforth junior league.
Andy Pears, from the club, said:
“We have 15 boys signed up for this season. We have won all our games, and are unbeaten in the league, currently into round three of the Leeds & District cup – we got to the final last year.
“We are also in the West Riding County Cup and are into the divisional league cup third round. So overall a really successful start to the new season.”
The team is set to move to the new training facilities at St Aidan’s on a Tuesday night after half term. The boys also play on a Sunday morning at the Pannal Ash Juniors club at Almsford Playing Field, next to Oatlands Junior School.
Calls for safer cycling on Oatlands Drive in new Harrogate surveyCalls to make Oatlands Drive safer for cycling feature prominently in the initial responses to a new survey on active travel in Harrogate.
North Yorkshire County Council opened a public engagement this week on how to encourage more people to cycle and walk in the densely populated area bordered by Wetherby Road, York Place, Leeds Road and Hookstone Drive and Hookstone Road.
It is hoped the exercise will lead to the introduction of traffic calming measures that result in fewer vehicles and more cycling and walking, especially as the area includes two large secondary schools — St. John Fisher Catholic High School and St. Aidan’s Church of England High School.
People can have their say on an interactive map, which has generated 271 responses so far in its first week.
The narrow cycle lanes on Oatlands Drive.
Oatlands Drive, which passes St Aidan’s, has attracted a strikingly high number of responses, with many focussing on how unsafe the narrow cycling lanes are. The comments include:
“The cycle lane is actually worse than having no lane as cars see it as a segregated lane and pass really close in their lane.”
“Please, please do something to stop people parking their cars at the side of this road. When I cycle on this road, I am forced to undertake potentially dangerous positional moves.”
Other Oatlands area suggestions include banning hospital workers from parking in the Saints area and better cleaning of drains to prevent flooding.
Backlash to previous Oatlands Drive plans
The survey was launched this week — more than a year-and-a-half after proposals for one-way traffic on Oatlands Drive were scrapped following a backlash from residents.
A 20mph limit and traffic filters were then proposed, however, residents were still unhappy.
Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, has urged the council to “have the backbone to deliver” this time.
Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways at the authority, said previously:
“The public engagement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring local people are involved in the design process from the outset.”
To have your say on the proposals, click here.
Rail strikes to cause six days of Harrogate district disruptionRail operator Northern has told passengers to expect six days of disruption during the next wave of strikes.
The RMT union has scheduled strikes on Saturday, November 5, Monday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 9 as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
Northern, which operates the line passing through Knaresborough and Harrogate, today advised people not to travel by train on those days.
It also warned that “services are also expected to be affected” on November 6, 8 and 10 November.
The company added disruption would occur “especially in the morning, so please check before you travel”.
The RMT previously announced a strike on November 3, however, this was cancelled and Northern said trains will be operating as usual that day.
The company said in a statement:
“On strike days, only travel by rail if necessary and if you do travel, expect severe disruption and plan ahead — especially the first and last trains of the day. Remember to check your entire journey as other train service providers may be affected.
“Advanced tickets will be withdrawn from sale, until an alternative strike timetable is in place.”
Read more:
- Picket line at Harrogate station today as rail strikes resume
- Ambulance workers in Harrogate district could be set to strike
Rainbows design road safety banner for Saltergate School
Rainbows have designed a Stop, Look and Listen banner to display on the gates of Saltergate School.
It was one of a series of activities undertaken by members of 5th Harrogate Rainbows to help them learn about road safety.
As part of the initiative, Lauren Doherty, who lives in Knaresborough and uses her own experience of a traffic accident to educate people about road safety, gave a talk to the group.
The banner was the Rainbows’ final assignment and will encourage others to take road safety more seriously.
Samantha Suttle, leader of 5th Harrogate Rainbows, said”
“We hope this will help all children and adults stay safe when crossing the road. Well done Rainbows!”
Read more:
- Pannal Ash residents call for 20mph zone for four schools
- ‘Badly let down’ Woodfield school closure confirmed
Harrogate roadworks ‘paused’ until New Year
Northern Gas Networks has paused its “slower than anticipated” gas mains replacement works in Harrogate town centre.
The company said yesterday the scheme had proved “challenging” and would be temporarily halted to avoid Christmas disruption.
It means five weeks of traffic lights on Cold Bath Road, which were initially due to take place in September, won’t happen until at least January.
Northern Gas Networks, which transports gas to 2.7 million homes in northern England through a network of underground pipes, also said it had finished long-term work at Crescent Road, near the tourist information centre.
But it added it still needed to “make good” the area before traffic and pedestrian restrictions were lifted — hopefully this week.
Scott Kitchingman, business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks said:
“Our gas mains replacement works in Harrogate town centre have progressed well, but it has been a challenging project to undertake due to the location of the main.
“The complexity of the engineering involved means the pace of the works has been slower than anticipated and that has extended their overall duration.
“We want to minimise disruption for Harrogate residents and motorists as much as possible, so rather than impact customers during the busy festive period by continuing the works now, we’ve temporarily paused the project and will return to complete it in the new year.”
Mr Kitchingman added the company’s customer care officers would keep residents and businesses updated with new dates “as soon as they are agreed with North Yorkshire County Council’s highways team”, adding:
“We sincerely apologise in the meantime for any inconvenience customers have experienced.”
Read more:
- Gasworks on Cold Bath Road rescheduled until Monday
- Harrogate road closure means 1.4-mile detour for walkers and cyclists
Uncertain future for Harrogate Tea Rooms due to ‘nightmare’ energy bills
The owner of The Harrogate Tea Rooms has said energy bills that have risen “five-fold” are having a major impact on his business.
Tony and Carrie Wilkinson have owned the tea rooms in Westminster Arcade for 10 years.
Mr Wilkinson described the price hike as a “nightmare” and said a cloud of uncertainty was hanging over the cafe’s future as a result.
He said his business was currently running at a loss and he couldn’t rule out closure if more government support was not provided. He added:
“Even with the government incentive, our energy bills have gone up five-fold.
“Last month my wife was trying to energy save and she managed to reduce the bills by 22 per cent just by not having the lights on as much and doing baking in the morning. But the bills are still five times higher than they were.
“We are having to change the menu so we are not offering things that take a long time to cook. It’s a real problem.”
It comes after a turbulent period for the hospitality industry, which is still recovering in the wake of the pandemic.
Read more:
- Harrogate businesses breathe ‘sigh of relief’ after energy bill cut
- Harrogate’s Christmas ice rink opens for bookings
Last month Ainsty Farm Shop closed due to soaring energy bills and many other businesses are struggling to cope.
Mr Wilkinson said:
“It’s a nightmare really.
“At least with covid we knew where we were and what we were doing. With this, we don’t know what’s coming tomorrow.
“We can’t pass on the costs to the customer. We are effectively running at a loss and for how long I don’t know. It has made a massive difference to us.”
‘Closure is a possibility’
Mr Wilkinson said footfall had also taken a hit due to people cutting down on spending amid the cost of living crisis.
He said:
Little Bird spreads its wings with markets across the Harrogate district and further afield“Visitor numbers are down. We are just going to have to see what happens and hopefully the shows at the Harrogate Convention Centre and the Royal Hall will help things to pick up.
“It’s a difficult time for anyone in the industry.
“Closure is a possibility if we don’t get more help and support.
“But we battle on. We offer a good service and home-cooked food. We get support from our regular customers. We just need more visitors. We hope things are going to pick up.”
This story is sponsored by Little Bird Made.
Jackie Crozier’s ambition is to make the Harrogate district and neighbouring areas a Mecca for artisan markets, where local traders can showcase and sell their hand-crafted goods and customers can find those extra special and unique items.
In the four years since she hatched a plan to hold an inaugural market in her home city of Ripon, Jackie’s Little Bird Made venture has spread its wings and now has more than ten venues in North and West Yorkshire where its events are regularly held.
Pictures above and below, from the bustling artisan markets held by Little Bird in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens last Christmas
The latest exciting addition to a fast-growing list of attractive and historic locations is Harewood House, where the talented and hard-working Little Bird team will curate a four-day Artisan Winter Market from Thursday November 3 until Sunday November 6.
Little Bird founder and managing director Jackie, said:
“This will be the largest event that we have ever staged, with more than 100 stalls each day located on the North Park Walk facing onto the magnificent 18th century country house.”
She added:
“It’s a fabulous setting for a pre-Christmas market and there will be a wonderful atmosphere for visitors and our community of traders.
“In addition to the wide-range of handmade goods and food and drink items on sale, there will be demonstrations of artisan crafts and a special letterbox where children can post a letter to Santa.”
Entry to the winter market is £5 and includes access to the grounds, but there will be no charge for Harewood members. Tickets can be booked by clicking here.
The market will be open daily from 10am until 4pm.
Jackie, who was born and bred in Ripon, launched Little Bird after being away from the city for more than 20 years, working as the Director of the Manchester Pride Festival and later as an events manager working on a number of high-profile events including the London 2012 Olympics.
The expertise that she gained in working with stakeholders including local councils, community groups, performers and suppliers, has been put to good use in developing the Little Bird business and ethos.
She said:
“Our aim is to create added value events that bring increased footfall to the marvellous market towns that we have in the Harrogate district and further afield.
“Visitors who come to our markets often stay to look around local attractions and spend money in shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, before they go home.”
Jackie, added:
“We are planning to add to our list of locations next year and believe that there will be further economic, and community benefits all round if we can make this area a Mecca for artisan markets.
“We are also always looking for local artisans who would like to join us and share in the Little Bird experience.”
Upcoming Little Bird Christmas markets
Following the Winter Market at Harewood House, Little Bird will, for the second year running, be holding Christmas Markets with 75 stalls in the Sun Colonnade at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on December 3,4,10 and 11.
Between November 12 and December 18, one day markets with up to 60 artisan traders present, will be held in Easingwold, Boroughbridge, Wetherby, Richmond, Thirsk, Leyburn, Harrogate Horticultural Nursery, Ripon, Driffield and Northallerton.