Storm Otto hit the Harrogate district with a vengeance this morning.

The Stray Ferret provided live coverage as tree after tree fell, causing widespread travel disruption and damaging cars. Thousands of homes also lost power.

Here’s a look back at what happened.

2.21pm Power slowly being restored

Northern Powergrid is reporting a far lower number of homes are without power across the Harrogate district this afternoon.

It says power has been restored to many in Nidderdale and areas around Ripon, though engineers are still working to reconnect several dozen homes in the area.

The National Trust said Fountains Abbey will remain closed this afternoon as it is still without power.

❗️UPDATE❗️ Friday 17 Feb 2023: Due to the high winds, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is without power and will remain closed today.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2023

Several hundred homes around Goldsborough, Spofforth and Follifoot are still cut off this afternoon, with expected reconnection times varying between 7.30pm and 1.15am.

2.14pm RHS Harlow Carr reopens

With the weather warning now lifted, conditions have improved significantly across the Harrogate district.

After a delayed opening, and then parts of the gardens remaining closed, RHS Harlow Carr confirmed it has now fully reopened.

https://twitter.com/RHSHarlowCarr/status/1626576626376138752

2.09pm Fallen trees at Ripon Rugby Club

David Uffindall has sent us photographs of three large trees that have fallen around the pitch at Ripon Rugby Club.

One in the first picture even appears to be scoring an impressive try between the posts.

The second team is due to play at the Mallorie Park ground tomorrow afternoon, against Harrogate Pythons.

The club members have already been out to begin the clear-up operation now the winds have died down.

The extent of the storm damage this morning. Big thanks to the team that is tackling the clear up operation at the moment. pic.twitter.com/IwI7bGfeiH

— Ripon Rugby Club (@RiponRugby) February 17, 2023

12.58pm: Police alerted to 20 fallen trees in two hours in Harrogate district

Harrogate police station

North Yorkshire Police has it has been “inundated” with storm-related 999 calls this morning — especially from the Harrogate district.

It said in a press release that the force control room dealt with three times the usual volume of calls between 7am and 10am.

It received 80 emergency calls and 136 non-emergency calls between between those hours today compared with 22 and 51 yesterday.

Many were notifying them of fallen trees. The release added:

“The Harrogate district was one of the worse affected areas with over 20 reports of fallen trees in two hours. Officers in Harrogate didn’t have to travel far before they found a fallen tree as one even came down in the police station car park.

“A private car was damaged, but thankfully no one was injured.”

Officers have also dealt with five incidents involving heavy good vehicles on the A1(M). Three HGVs overturned, one lost its roof and one shed its load.

An overturned vehicle on the A1

12.01pm Some attractions ready to open this afternoon

Now the weather has taken a turn for the better, tourist attractions are beginning to open their doors.

RHS Harlow Carr, which had remained closed this morning because of the high winds, says its gates will be opened to the public from 1pm, though some areas will remain closed.

⚠️ Garden opening update – Friday 17th February ⚠️

The garden will reopen at 1pm today, apart from the Woodland, Alpine House and Play Area. pic.twitter.com/tYD8sGboek

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 17, 2023

However, other attractions have said they will not be reopening just yet.

Fountains Abbey is affected by an extensive power cut across Ripon and the surrounding area, while Birchfield Farm in Nidderdale is also without power.

The latter had made the decision to stay closed today but intends to be open as usual over the weekend, assuming power has been restored.

11.28pm Another fallen tree

A tree is blocking Wood View in the Duchy area of Harrogate.

It has fallen from the garden belonging to a house that was visited by Liz Truss last summer, as part of her successful campaign to be elected as leader of the Conservative party.

11.15am Bins in the wind

With recycling collections due in some areas today, there is plenty of debris blowing around.

Expect to see rogue black recycling bins skidding across the road and blue recycling bags caught in trees and hedges when you’re out and about.

One resident has had a bit of trouble with her wheelie bin too…

https://twitter.com/G_Stockdale/status/1626536380372246533

11.10am Extensive power cuts across Harrogate district

Northern Powergrid’s live map shows extensive problems across the Harrogate district.

Much of Nidderdale is experiencing a power outage, with one area showing 170 homes are currently without power between Darley and Lofthouse, and another showing 140 have been cut off around the Hampsthwaite area.

Ripon and surrounding villages are also experiencing disruption, with 1,050 homes affected. Separate problems are affecting 410 properties around Copt Hewick and 940 homes to the north of Ripon.

Around Spofforth, Follifoot and nearby villages, there are further power cuts to 240 properties.

The estimated times for restoring power are between 7pm and 9pm, with Northern Powergrid saying it is dealing with extensive problems this morning.

Is your home or business affected by the power outage? Get in touch to let us know how you’re managing.

10.54am Power cut at Fountains Abbey

Because of a power cut in the area, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal will remain closed for now.

17 Feb 2023: Due to the high winds, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is without power and is currently closed to the public. We're assessing whether we can open the property today. Please check back for updates.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2023

The National Trust said yesterday it planned to open around noon once the high winds had subsided, but that won’t be possible until power is restored.

Northern Powergrid is dealing with an unplanned power cut to just over 1,000 properties in the area and its current estimated time for reconnection is 7pm.

10.34am Rail disruption continues

There are likely to be service disruptions on the York-Harrogate-Leeds line for some time this morning.

This video from LNER shows some tarpaulin caught in overhead power lines at Leeds station.

The route out of Leeds is currently closed and passengers are advised they can use tickets to board alternative services.

However, there are also reports of a fallen tree on the tracks between Harrogate and Knaresborough, causing disruption to the timetable.

10.26am Changes to bus services

There is disruption to bus services around the Harrogate district because of the weather.

As well as the 8 and the 3 services being unable to serve stops on parts of their routes because of fallen trees, the 1 services to Knaresborough have had changes made to their departures from Harrogate bus station.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1626527369547612160

10.17am: Knaresborough firefighters make sign safe

Knaresborough Fire Station has posted the following on its Facebook page.

“This morning, Knaresborough Fire Crew were called out to a sign hanging perilously over a public area on the High Street due to the high winds. Crews made the structure safe

“Take care if you are travelling this morning – there are a lot of fallen trees across roads in our area.”

10.10am: The sunken Porsche 

We’ve been speaking to Zenya Dunn, seen here standing next to her partner Michael’s Porsche 911 on Granby Road in Harrogate. Look our for more on this story soon.

10am: Tree down on Ripon Road in Harrogate

The main northbound route out of Harrogate is blocked by a tree,

9.48am: Severe travel problems on Leeds Road due to tree

A fallen tree is blocking almost all of Leeds Road near M&S. The road is only passable southbound, so cars travelling northbound are having to wait for a gap in the traffic to get through. Larger vehicles like the 36 bus are having to go onto the pavement to get past.

It has fallen from a neighbouring garden right across the carriageway. Traffic is queuing in both directions and surrounding roads as people look for alternative routes.

9.41am: Delays on Leeds Road into Harrogate

Traffic has generally been lighter this week due to half-term. But there is currently very heavy traffic coming into Harrogate on Leeds Road. We have been told a tree is down near the M&S foodhall.

9.37am: Tree blocking popular Valley Gardens walking route

Tree down on the path from valley gardens to Harlow carr just over the road. Can walk round but if you are coming this way with a wheelchair or pushchair maybe consider going up Otley road #harrogate pic.twitter.com/W1ReEpDowY

— Robbie Duncan (@robbie_duncan) February 17, 2023

9.34am: Cherry tree down on the Stray

Thanks to Ann Leathley for alerting us to this fallen cherry tree on the Stray.

https://twitter.com/HarrogateAnn/status/1626512854412103680

9.31am: Tree problems on main road near Pannal

A fallen tree is blocking the lane approaching Harrogate on the A61 near Pannal, just past the Costa drive-through. The road is wide enough at that point for vehicles to pass without much difficulty.

9.26am: Tree down near Harrogate Borough Council offices

Thanks to Hayley Jayne for sending us this photo of a tree down on the junction of King’s Road and Springfield Avenue, near the council headquarters. Please let us know how the storm is affecting you by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

9.20am: Tree crashes through roof of car in Harrogate

We have been sent a photo of a tree that has fallen into the roof of a car on Granby Road in Harrogate.

9.16am: A1 partially reopens at junction 51

#A1M in #NorthYorkshire has re-opened north between J51 #Leeming & J52 #Catterick following an overturned heavy goods vehicle.

Lane 2 & 3 (of 3) remains closed. Lane 1 is open past the scene.

Please take extra care when travelling today due to very strong winds in the area. pic.twitter.com/SQuhfyY4p7

— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) February 17, 2023

9.11am: Leeds Road disruption cleared

A tree down on Leeds Road near the junction with Stone Rings Lane was partially blocking the road this morning but it has now been moved.

9.10am: RHS closes Harlow Carr

⚠️ Garden closed this morning – 17th Feb ⚠️

Unfortunately due to a yellow weather warning of very strong winds, the garden will be closed this morning. This is to ensure the safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers. We will review at midday and may open this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/JBVEGiaksk

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 17, 2023

9.07am: Tree down in Burn Bridge

A tree is down on Foot Lane out the back of Burn Bridge. The large pine tree is partially blocking the road

9.01am: Tree down at Wormald Green

Thanks to a reader for notifying us of a tree down on Station Lane in Wormald Green. They said:

“Tree gone in the wind, finding it impossible to contact anyone to remove it. Harrogate refers to North Yorkshire, out of hours here refers to 101. 101 on hold.”

8.58am: Tree down on Pannal Ash Road in Harrogate

There is a fallen tree near the junction with Pannal Ash Drive. It’s not blocking the road but part of it is sticking out so cars are having to pull out to go around it. Again, would be causing a lot more problems on a school day! Looks like someone has already been out and chopped it a bit.

8.46am: Harrogate picture frame still intact despite fallen tree

Our reporter has been on the Stray to see the impact of the fallen tree on the picture frame where tourists pose for pictures and it appears to have withstood the impact of a fallen tree,

8.42am: Tree down on the Stray

8.37am: Tree down on Green Lane in Harrogate

A tree has fallen on Green Lane, close to the junction with Ashville Grove and is blocking a driveway, though the road is largely clear. Fortunately as it’s half-term so Green Lane doesn’t have the usual volume of traffic.

8.31am: Tree down on Bilton viaduct

This has been posted on the Bilton Community Group Facebook page showing a fallen tree on the bridge where Paddington 2 was filmed.

8.22am: Tree overhanging the A61 Ripon Road

Reports of a. overhanging tree on the Ripon Road between Ripley and Ripon.

8.15am: Tree down in Pinewoods

https://twitter.com/PinewoodsHgt/status/1626493951740977152

8.13am: A1 northbound closed at junction 49

The second report of an overturned HGV on the A1 this morning.

https://twitter.com/HighwaysYORKS/status/1626494665510854657

8.09am: Harrogate picture frame takes a hit

The Harrogate picture frame on the Stray, where tourists pose for photos, has taken a hit from a tree.

8.05am: Power cuts hit Harrogate — homes could be off until 7.30pm

#Powercut is affecting HG3 1 & HG5 8 postcode area.

We are expecting the supply to be restored by 7:30 pm.

Report your power cut online to be kept updated – https://t.co/wpHlPZBeOy pic.twitter.com/nGkYa75sgn

— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) February 17, 2023

8.02am: Bus services in Jennyfields affected

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1626491876265140225

7.49am: Train lines between Harrogate and Knaresborough down

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1626488179871166466

7.41am: Tree down in Knaresborough

Reports of a tree down on the road on the hill down to Mother Shipton’s pub in Knaresborough coming down from Calcutt, cleared much as we could

7.33am: Lorry overturned on AI

National Highways says a lorry has overturned just south of Leeming Bar at junction 51. It isn’t clear if it is due to the wind but it is adding to the morning problems.

Lane 1 (of 3) is closed on the #A1(M) in #NorthYorkshire southbound within J51 #Leeming due to an overturned heavy goods vehicle. @NYorksPolice are in attendance.

Please take care on approach, thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/BFAvoZ1cEV

— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) February 17, 2023

7.15am: Power cut in Ripon

About 1,300 homes in the HG4 postcode area have suffered power cuts as Storm Otto hits the area.

Northern Powergrid has said it doesn’t expect services to be restored until 7pm tonight.

HG4 covers Ripon and surrounding villages.

#Powercut is affecting HG4 postcode area.

We are expecting the supply to be restored by 7 pm.

Report your power cut online to be kept updated – https://t.co/SDLE6r1xel pic.twitter.com/BeOKP7dqc8

— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) February 17, 2023

A yellow weather warning is in place for the Harrogate district until 2pm today.

According to the Met Office, winds are due to peak at about 9am at around 65mph.

The Dynamic Leader Award is sponsored by Succession Wealth.

Succession Wealth offers premium financial advice  clients across the UK.

The firm aims to provide clients with peace, clarity and financial well-being.

This award is designed for those in the Harrogate district who are driving progress and change within their organisation, even during hardships.

Finalists

Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store:

Ian Baker is the Founder and Managing Director of The Soundproofing Store.

Ian Baker has led The Soundproofing Store to become the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK.

Ian’s employees say, “his style of leadership is instrumental in the success of the business and solutions offered to customers”.

Ian Baker said:

“I am deeply grateful to be recognised among such a talented group of individuals, especially as my team nominated me without me knowing. I feel very humbled to have made the shortlist.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my team for their hard work, dedication, and support, without whom this recognition would not be possible. Their contributions and efforts have been instrumental in making our company what it is today”.

Sarah Jones, Full Circle Funerals:

Sarah Jones is the founder of Full Circle Funerals.

The company aims to raise the standards and expectations of funeral care across Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching Full Circle, Sarah has collaborated with university academics to research the long-term effects funerals can have on people’s well-being, using the results to improve her own company.

Sarah has led Full Circle to become the first funeral director in the UK to be listed as a B Corp organisation.

Sarah Jones said:

“It is incredibly humbling to be recognised in the context of leadership and I hope that my actions and those of others around me will inspire and create positive change, particularly in relation to sustainability and wellbeing”.

Danny Wild, Harrogate College:

Danny Wild is the principal of Harrogate College.

Danny places sustainability at the top of Harrogate College’s agenda, hoping to become a centre of green excellence and a net zero facility by 2035.

Danny has led the College be the first in North Yorkshire to achieve a ‘College of Sanctuary’ status. The accolade recognises colleges that support refugees and people seeking asylum.

Harrogate College recently celebrated an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Features’. The provision for adults and personal development of students were both graded ‘Outstanding’.

Danny Wild said:

“I feel very proud to be nominated for this award. This nomination gives me an opportunity to reflect on the work of my colleagues at Harrogate College, who work hard every day with people to change their lives through education.

“My view of being a dynamic leader is being attuned to the needs of the people you work with by listening and responding in a way that allows people to succeed”.

Suzanna Prout, Xenonex:

 Suzanna Prout is the Founder and Managing Director of Xenonex.

Xenonex offers leadership coaching and development programmes.

During covid, Suzanna shifted Xenonex to be entirely online. This included online training and bespoke portals where users could access resources and track progress.

Suzanna also led the business to win the CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award for ‘Management Training Specialist of the Year – UK’.

Suzanna’s colleagues say, “her door is always open to provide support”.

Suzanna Prout said:

“I am delighted to be a finalist in the dynamic leader award. Being recognised is a wonderful way to reflect on all it takes to build a business from the ground up, to build a fabulous team and to work with some amazing clients.

“This could not be possible without the ongoing commitment and contributions from the fabulous team at Xenonex who inspire me every day. Dynamic leadership is about constant change, boundless energy and a positive outlook even when times are tough. For me, it’s all about being one step ahead and for delivering a level of service to our clients that exceeds expectations”.

Andrew Meehan, Harrogate Family Law:

Andrew Meehan is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrogate Family Law.

Andrew has led the firm to be consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

Andrew dedicates a significant amount of time to all his employees as a mentor, intending to create premium standard lawyers and great career progression.

Andrew is empathetic to the emotional pressure family law can bring, and provides external coaching and counselling services to his staff when needed.

Andrew’s employees describe him as “charismatic and loved by all”.

Andrew Meehan said:

“I feel flattered to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Award for Dynamic Leader. I was surprised to be nominated by my team, but am delighted to have been shortlisted, especially given the quality of the other shortlisted nominees.

“I wish them all the very best of luck on the night.”

Alastair Taylor, NYnet:

Alastair Taylor is the CEO of NYnet, a broadband connectivity company in Harrogate.

Since taking on the role of CEO in 2022, Alastair has rebranded the company and launched a new website in preparation for expansion into the private sector.

Alastair oversaw the rollout of free town centre WIFI to 20 towns in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate.

Alastair’s employees say, “Alastair recognises the importance of inspiring his team and motivating them to achieve the goals he has for NYnet”.

Alastair Taylor said:

“It means a great deal that this is a local award, in the region where my colleagues and I are engaged in improving connectivity and the digital economy. I feel fortunate to work with a fantastic senior management team in a field that is dynamic by nature, where technology is always generating change and new opportunities.

“One of the bonuses of this is being able to share the knowledge we gain here in Yorkshire with technology leaders much further afield.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Read more:

• Best Independent Retailer
• Rising Star Under 30
• Inclusivity Award
• Digital Marketing Campaign
• Unsung Hero Award
• Sustainable Business Award
• A prize fit for a president

Nurses at Harrogate District Hospital will stage another 48-hour walk-out next month.

The Royal College of Nursing has announced further nationwide industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The strike, which will include nurses at 128 NHS hospitals, will take place from Wednesday, March 1.

Speaking following the announcement, Pat Cullen, chief executive at the RCN, said:

“It is with a heavy heart that I have today asked even more nursing staff to join this dispute.

“These strikes will not just run for longer and involve more people but will leave no area of the NHS unaffected. Patients and nurses alike did not want this to happen.

“By refusing to negotiate with nurses, the Prime Minister is pushing even more people into the strike. He must listen to NHS leaders and not let this go ahead.

“I will do whatever I can to ensure patient safety is protected. At first, we asked thousands to keep working during the strikes but it’s clear that is only prolonging the dispute. This action must not be in vain – the Prime Minister owes them an answer.”

Read more:

• Harrogate ambulance striker: ‘Nobody wants to wait three hours to offload patients’
• Harrogate care home plans to increase to 60 bedrooms

The move comes as nurses in Harrogate have staged two walkouts since January.

Staff staged the industrial action outside the hospital on Lancaster Park Road.

Meanwhile, on February 6, nurses walked out alongside ambulance workers from Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

A pre-school in Pannal has received praise from Ofsted for its “welcoming” setting and care for its children.

Busy Bees Pre-school, based in the grounds of Pannal Primary School, retained its ‘good’ grading in the report published this month.

Inspector Amy Whiting, who visited the setting in January, said:

“Children are happy and enjoy spending time in this warm, welcoming setting. New children settle quickly and soon become familiar with their surroundings.

“Staff are attentive to children’s needs. Children show they feel comfortable with the staff. For example, they climb onto staff members’ knees during play, and seek out staff for cuddles.”

She also praised the way the manager leads the team of staff, offering support and mentoring to new and more junior people, with relevant online training.

Ms Whiting said staff had “high levels of well-being and feel supported”, and there was a clear plan for improving the pre-school.

She highlighted the “effective” development of children’s maths skills, and use of additional funding to bring in teachers for extra activities such as yoga and rugby. She said children were encouraged to take turns at activities, but instructions could be clearer so they always know what is expected of them.

The report also praised the manager’s understanding of the safeguarding and referral process, saying anyone left in charge in her absence was suitably knowledgeable, and all staff had regular safeguarding training.

But Ms Whiting added:

“However, in some cases, staff’s understanding of, and confidence to talk about wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and ‘Prevent’ duty [relating to terrorism], is not fully developed.

“Similarly to this, plans for staff’s continued professional development in this regard are not yet fully developed.”

The report and grading have been welcomed by the pre-school, which cares for 30 children aged between two and four.

Pre-school manager Tina Morley said:

“We feel the inspection went very well and I couldn’t be prouder of my amazing team.

“The inspector commented during the feedback meeting how confident and well-settled the children were and how the staff seemed genuinely passionate about their care, education and welfare.

“We were delighted to retain our Good grading across all aspects of our provision.

Read more:

• Harrogate pre-school wins Ofsted praise for care and teaching
• ‘Kind and caring’ staff draw Ofsted praise for Harrogate nursery

North Yorkshire bus routes may avoid financial ‘cliff edge’, says transport boss

Bus services in North Yorkshire may avoid a “cliff edge” over funding next month, according to the county’s transport boss.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire County Council, had previously warned that up to 79 services faced reduced frequency or ceasing altogether when central government funding comes to an end in March.

It comes as a drop in passenger numbers and increased costs for operators has put some routes at risk.

Some services, such as the 24 service in Pateley Bridge, have been secured for another year.

However, in a statement to next week’s full council meeting, Cllr Duncan has suggested others may be saved.

He said:

“North Yorkshire’s bus network remains in a fragile position, with lower passenger numbers and increased costs continuing to affect the profitability of several services.

“However, there are positive signs that the council’s close cooperation with operators will allow us to avoid the feared March ‘cliff edge’ when post-covid government funding is expected to end.”

Read more:

• Bilton bus services to merge under new route changes
• Public control of North Yorkshire bus network ‘not realistic’, says transport chief
• 24 bus from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate saved

Cllr Duncan added that the county council intends to focus on securing funding for other services after recently securing bus routes in Selby and Scarborough.

He said:

“Our focus now shifts to other parts of the county. 

“It is our hope that we can find funds to protect services here too until at least 2024.”

The comments come as the county council negotiated funding to secure the 24 bus route between Pateley Bridge and Harrogate until April next year.

Transdev, which operates the service, had initially planned to withdraw most services on the route.

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club!

The second in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is an After Work Drinks event on February 23 from 5.30pm. Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district, get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

Three independent businesses in Harrogate , Husk beer emporium, Thug Sandwich Co and Pizza Social, have decided to collaborate to help each other out.

Customers at Husk beer emporium can get food delivered from Thug Sandwich Co or Pizza Social to enjoy in Husk’s James Street store.

The scheme is expected to be particularly popular on Wednesday’s quiz nights, where teams will be able to get pizzas delivered to eat while they compete in the quiz.

Husk’s location on James Street, just round the corner from Thug Sandwich Co, led to the two independents getting in touch and deciding to work together.

The three businesses discussed the idea over social media before putting the plan into action.

Danny James, co-owner and manager of Husk, said:

“With the Increasing energy bills, looming rising prices across the board etc we’ve recently teamed up with Thug Sandwich Co and Pizza Social…

This supports all 3 indies by increasing traffic to our bar whilst providing Thug and Pizza Social more remote seating at our place and hopefully more orders for their very awesome food offerings!”

Read more: 

• Stray Ferret Business Awards: Sustainable Business
• Business Breakfast: Award for Harrogate carer

Harrogate BID reaches final of national In Bloom competition

Harrogate BID has reached the finals of the 2023 RHS Britain in Bloom UK competition.

The business organisation has been selected for its Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration, and will compete in the BIDS, Town Centres & City Centres category. Harrogate BID was named regional winner in the category last year.

Installation part of the floral summer of celebration

The summer of celebration featured a floral trail, an indoor exhibition, and a shop window competition. This was in addition to the 200 barrier baskets, shop doorway planters and hanging baskets around the town centre.

Harrogate BID Manager, Matthew Chapman, said:

“Harrogate is famed as a floral town, and over the years has won many accolades – regional, national and international. Our floral campaign, delivered by BID Project Manager Jo Caswell, was designed to celebrate our floral heritage.

It was brilliant to partner with a number of different businesses and organisations, including Blamey’s Florist, Harrogate Theatre, The Turkish Baths, Harrogate Library, Harrogate in Bloom and Harrogate Spring Flower Show, all of whom contributed to its success.”

The winners of the In Bloom awards will be announced at a ceremony in October.

North Yorkshire Police has said it is stepping-up patrols in a Harrogate suburb after a woman was robbed and sexually assaulted last night.

The woman was attacked while walking in the Bogs Lane area, which is off Knaresborough Road.

She sustained facial injuries and is receiving support from specially trained officers.

A police statement today said:

“It happened at around 8.30pm when the victim was approached by a man on a lane near to the tennis field who stole her jacket and mobile phone and sexually assaulted her.

“The suspect is described as tall and was wearing dark coloured clothing including black jogging trousers, a black puffa jacket, brown boots and had a large ring on his finger. Following the assault he ran off in the direction of Starbeck High Street.”

The statement added officers were “carrying out extensive enquiries including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries”. It added people may see an increased police presence in the Bogs Lane area.

Police are also appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious people to contact them.

They urged anyone who lives in Bogs Lane, Allotment Gardens, Hillbank View or the approaches to Bogs Lane who has doorbell or private CCTV cameras that may have captured the suspect or the incident to get in touch.

Dial 101 and ask for Harrogate CID, quoting reference number 12230028839.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Read more:

• Two men jailed after dealing cocaine in Harrogate
• Starbeck special needs school set to get another 45 pupils

People across the Harrogate district are being warned to be prepared for strong winds overnight and into tomorrow’s morning rush hour.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, with wind speeds expected to reach around 65mph between 7am and 9am as Storm Otto arrives in the UK.

The National Trust has already said both Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks will be closed tomorrow morning because of the forecast.

The Swinton Estate is closing its parklands and gardens, as well as its bivouac woodland, from tomorrow morning until Monday.

RHS Harlow Carr also said it may also have to restrict access to its site during the high winds.

⚠ Potential partial closure – Friday 17 February ⚠

Please be aware high winds are forecast for Friday 17th Feb, therefore some areas of the garden including the Woodland, Arboretum and Alpine House may need to close for safety reasons. Please check before you travel. pic.twitter.com/QTliEBeCVf

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 16, 2023

The winds are expected to ease from lunchtime, dropping to around 20mph until the weather warning ends at 2pm.

The National Trust said Fountains Abbey could re-open at noon, while Brimham Rocks will only re-open later in the afternoon once tree safety checks have been completed.

In its warning, the Met Office said:

“Very strong winds developing through Friday morning associated with Storm Otto may bring disruption to travel.

“Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. High-sided vehicles may be particularly prone in this set-up. Some roads and bridges may close.

“Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.”

Power cuts

Meanwhile, Northern Powergrid has urged customers who might be vulnerable during a power cut to register for its free priority services membership. It is aimed at older people, those with disabilities or additional medical or communication needs, families with young children, and anyone in a vulnerable situation.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Our electricity network is operating as normal, however, we wanted to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the weather across our operating areas, and our teams are ready and prepared to respond if this weather has any impact on our network…

“If you have additional needs due to your medical or personal circumstances, and are not part of our Priority Services Membership, you should consider joining for free.

“It will help us to support you during a power cut including regular updates on the situation and considering alternative needs such as food and accommodation.”

Power cuts can be reported by calling 105, or via the Northern Powergrid website, which also has a map of known problems.

The Stray Ferret will report any problems caused by the high winds over night and tomorrow morning. Keep checking our website and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest updates.

To tell us about the impact of the storm, send us an email.

Read more:

• Weather warning for wind issued for Harrogate district on Friday
• Four crews deal with barn fire in village near Harrogate

Work on a major realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill has been further delayed as the scheme awaits sign off from government.

North Yorkshire County Council had earmarked work on the scheme to finally start in January.

The project will see a diversion built west of Blubberhouses on a stretch of road blighted by a history of landslips.

The scheme has faced numerous delays and following tender returns, the estimated cost of the scheme increased by £7.2 million to £68.8 million, which the council attributes to inflation affecting constructions costs.

In a statement to full council next week, Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, will say:

“We are almost ready to begin construction work to realign Kex Gill, which is amongst the council’s biggest ever infrastructure projects.

“The council has awarded preferred bidder status to John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd, a family-owned international civil engineering and construction contractor with a strong track record.

“We are in the final stages of completing land acquisition processes ahead of a decision on our full business case which was submitted to the Department for Transport in August.

“A decision is expected very soon to coincide with a planned start on site.”

Read more:

• Council warns of ‘high risks’ as Kex Gill cost soars to £69m
• Council sets aside £11m for A59 Kex Gill contingency funding

The project is due to be funded by a £56.1 million grant from the Department for Transport, with the council covering the rest from its reserves.

A further £11 million has been factored into the £68 million budget to cover any issues with ground conditions or bad weather.

It comes as senior county council officials have warned about the risk involved with the authority’s major projects amid soaring inflation.

Gary Fielding, the council’s director for strategic resources, warned previously that the “burden of risk” for major projects, such as the realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill, will fall on the authority amid soaring inflation.

The A59 at Kex Gill, near Blubberhouses, is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton. Since 2000, the route has been closed 12 times following landslips.

The estimated completion date for the scheme is May 2025.

A Harrogate woman who had a stroke when she was just 18 years old is running the London marathon to raise money to help others.

Millie Carrington was a healthy teenager when she suffered a stroke during a weekend job at a supermarket in Harrogate 10 years ago.

She had just finished A-levels at Harrogate Grammar School and did not imagine someone so young and healthy could be affected by such a serious condition. Millie said:

“I had many of the telltale signs – the right side of my face fell, I was weak down one side, I had issues speaking and understanding conversation.

“I vividly remember thinking to myself, ‘this feels like I’m having a stroke’. Yet due to my age, both those who witnessed it, as well as myself, didn’t think I was actually having a stroke. I instead put it down to a particularly bad migraine.

“It would take three more days of screaming headaches, trouble walking, problems speaking, writing and communicating, and constant sleeping before I went to a hospital where doctors diagnosed a blood clot in my brain. After many tests, they concluded that the cause was due to a previously undetected hole in my heart, which I later had surgery to close.”

Millie pictured a few months after her stroke.

Millie says she was “incredibly lucky” to make a full recovery after speech and occupational therapy, and heart surgery to fix the cause of the stroke.

In 2015 she and a friend hitchhiked from Edinburgh to Paris to raise money for the Stroke Association, which supports stroke survivors.

Read more:

• New Look in Harrogate to close
• Weather warning for wind issued for Harrogate district on Friday

Now she is attempting to raise £2,000 for the same organisation by completing the 26-mile route through the capital on April 23. She also wants to reach out to young people.

She said:

“I especially want to use this opportunity to raise awareness that a stroke can happen to anyone, of any age. I was very lucky to recover in full, but this doesn’t happen for a lot of people.

“Seeking medical attention in the first three hours often means the person receives crucial medication that gives them the best chance of survival and recovery.”

Millie has already raised nearly half of her £2,000 target. You can support her charity run here.