Planners this week approved a new Tesco supermarket for Harrogate.

The proposal will see the new store, a petrol station and 209 car parking spaces built on the site of the former gasworks off Skipton Road.

But, the scheme also brought up wider issues over the supermarket.

Here are five takeaways from this week’s decision.

‘No guarantee’ over Jennyfields centre

One major concern raised since the plans for Tesco were first tabled was its impact on the Jennyfields local centre, which includes a Co-op, medical centre and Post Office.

Residents and councillors on Harrogate Borough Council fear that the new supermarket will impact on the areas viability.

The Co-op even submitted its own objection and said it would cut takings at the store by 15%.

The local centre in Jennyfields, Harrogate.

Tesco has suggested it will make “reason endeavours” to replace the Jennyfields store should it be closed – though councillors described the term as “vague”.

However, Martin Robeson, Tesco’s planning consultant at the meeting on Tuesday, said he felt the centre acted more as a “community centre” than retail.

He added:

“This is an interesting local centre because it has a community centre, it has a medical centre and it has a large and popular public house.

“It is a community hub more than it is a retail hub. At the moment, the other retail units are a charity shop, two takeaways and a gentlemen’s barbers. I don’t believe the Co-op acts as an anchor to those other shops.”

Mr Robeson added that a “Tesco Express offer” or “OneStop offer” could be set up in its place.

Meanwhile, when asked how the pharmacy and Post Office would be replaced, Andy Boucher, of Tesco, said the company could make “no absolute guarantee” as they did not know what the “health of the Post Office” would be in five years time.

Gas pipe and the petrol station

One technical issue raised by Cllr Tom Watson was the prospect of building a petrol station on a gas main.

Cllr Watson said he did not feel the plan was “acceptable”.

However, Tesco said it had spent “several months” in discussions with Northern Gas Networks last year over the pipeline.

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Mr Robeson said the concerns raised were “important”, but Tesco had always been aware of the issue since acquiring the former gas site.

He added that detailed risk assessments will be carried out to ensure the site is safe.

Replanting miles away

Some concern has been raised that replacement trees from the site would be planted seven miles away.

Mr Robeson said at the meeting that Tesco had been put to “extreme task to tick all the boxes” in order to replace the trees.

However, the answer was not sufficient for Cllr Stuart Martin who questioned why it had to be so far away.

He said:

“My question was why does it have to be around 10 miles away? Why can’t that biodiversity gain be nearer to the site where it is lost?

“Nobody is going to tell the animals using the habitat that it’s 10 miles away, are they?”

The gates at the former gasworks site off Skipton Road.

Cllr Martin asked whether a condition could be imposed to require it to be closer than 10 miles away. However, a council officer says it would be difficult because of land availability issues.

The site being considered is near Stainburn, just outside Beckwithshaw, and is provided by a company called the Environment Bank under agreement with landowners.

Tesco congestion

Unsurprisingly, traffic was also raised during this week’s meeting.

The move to build the Tesco off Skipton Road is feared to increase congestion on one of Harrogate’s busiest roads.

There is also a plan to create a new roundabout at the site entrance, where the A61 Ripon Road and A59 Skipton Road meet at New Park.

Cllr Pat Marsh, a committee member, raised the issue over congestion on Tuesday.

She said:

“This is not the best site for this supermarket at all. If you were on that road today all you heard was a constant movement of traffic.

“You put a roundabout in there and it backs up to the one at Skipton and Ripon Road.

“The impact this is going to have on the people on Electric Avenue is huge.”

Layout for the new Tesco site, as published in January 2022.

Cllr Marsh pointed to the Lidl on Knaresborough Road as an example of people driving to supermarkets, rather than walking.

“The car park is full all the time.”

Cllr Tom Watson pointed out that heavy goods vehicles already use the nearby New Park roundabout due to a weight limit through Killinghall village.

‘Lack of public consultation’

Tesco officials were asked how and when consultation had been held with local residents over the matter.

The question came as objectors claimed that there was “a lack of public consultation” over the new supermarket.

But, Mr Robeson said that the supermarket giant had carried out sufficient consultation with both residents and council officials.

He said:

“Consultation directly with local residents took place through a process during lockdown, unfortunately, so it could not be like we are today.

“That was well advertised and well attended.”

The response that the public consultation was held during the covid lockdowns was met with groans from the public gallery.

However, Mr Robeson added that he felt that a wide consultation process had been held.

“There has been engagement with the officers and the technical officers here who perhaps you might say indirectly represent the community.”

The results of the consultation held by Tesco were revealed by the Stray Ferret in January last year.

According to documents submitted by the company to the council, 187 people responded. Of those, 74% said they wanted to see the derelict site gasworks brought back into use.

A total of 62% said they supported proposals for a new Tesco supermarket at the site.

Sixteen respondents “expressed concern that providing access via a roundabout was inappropriate due to the existing roundabout at Skipton Road / Ripon Road”.

A total of 43 respondents also raised the issue of highways and traffic on the local area.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has described criticism of his record on sewage as “ridiculous”.

Mr Jones was one of 265 Conservative MPs who voted to stop Amendment 45 to the Environment Bill in October 2021, which would have forced water companies to reduce the amount of sewage they discharged and pay for its environmental damage.

He subsequently supported a government amendment to make water companies provide “costed plans” on how to reduce the amount of sewage.

This has led to claims, especially from the Liberal Democrats, that he and his party are allowing too much sewage to pollute rivers.

Mr Jones said on his Community News website that “the recent spate of US attack-style campaigning over sewage in water… stands the truth on its head” and needed challenging.

He said untreated sewage had been discharged into waterways when sewers were overloaded since Victorian times.

He added overflows were happening more frequently due to severe weather and more items like wet wipes being flushed down drains and the focus should be on changing this. He said:

“If we shut the overflows today sewage would have nowhere to go when sewers are overloaded and would back up into our homes. To suggest that we should do so and I should have voted for that is ridiculous.

“Do you want your sewage and that of your neighbours backing up the pipes into your home? Of course not.”

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Mr Jones said removing the overflows would cost up to £593 billion — the equivalent of closing the NHS for over three years. He added:

“These are the reasons why reducing the use of storm overflows must be part of a costed plan. The proposition that storm overflows can be closed today is just false.

“Portraying my support for this costed plan as voting to continue dumping sewage in our rivers is nonsense. It is the stuff of political game-playing and that isn’t something that interests me.”

Mr Jones with the owner of Knaresborough Lido on the River Nidd.

Mr Jones also highlighted his campaign to have the River Nidd in Knaresborough designated as bathing water as evidence of his willingness to tackle water quality.

The Stray Ferret asked the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats if it wished to comment but has not had a response.

The Award for Best Employee Development is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

Jones Myers deal exclusively with the family sector, including civil partnerships, divorce and child protection.

The legal firm consistently ranked top in Yorkshire by the influential Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

 Finalists

Continued Care

Continued Care provides people with complex health issues the support needed to move back into their homes.

All training for new employees begins in the on-site classroom. New carers will only begin working with people once their training is entirely complete and they feel confident in their role.

Continued Care offers funding towards qualifications. There is no limit on training and staff earn a bonus when they achieve qualifications, including NVQs.

Samantha Harrison, Director and Nominated Individual of Continued Care, said:

“We feel very honoured to be recognised within the category. We believe working sector it is important that everyone can develop their career and attain qualifications.

“Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge is hugely important to us as a company”.

Howard Conrad

Howard Conrad is Yorkshire’s leading independent Apple repair service.

Howard Conrad developed a bespoke training website for all its new starters.

The company also supports employees in undertaking external training courses that teach staff skills that can be used in-house.

Howard Conrad also encourages employees to trial any new ideas to develop new skills and services.

Tom James, Technician at Howard Conrad, said:

“Employee development is very important to use. For us to grow as a company and achieve our goals, the team needs to grow with us.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award. It shows that the hard work from every single member of the team is now paying.”

Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel and wellness retreat near Ripon.

Team members of Grantley Hall are trained at its on-site training facility, Grantley Academy.

Grantley Hall offers staff live-in accommodation, free meals, wellbeing support and a complimentary gym.

Staff can also access training from senior staff members and even Michelin-Starred Chef, Shaun Rankin.

Grantley Hall has a bespoke training website, developing skills that are used within a job role and to advance employees’ careers.

Andrew McPherson, General Manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Employee Development award at The Stray Ferret Business Awards. Here at Grantley Hall, we are passionate about employee development in order to strengthen our team in their careers.

“Our Grantley Academy is a core pillar of our business, which ensures that our team of more than 350 is trained and equipped to provide the five-star service that our guests know and love.”

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

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Harrogate on Film returns to the Odeon cinema in March after two sold-out screenings last October.

The additional showings are a second chance to see a 90-minute programme put together from footage held at the Yorkshire Film Archive in York.

The film was commissioned by the Harrogate’s Civic Society and FIlm Society. It includes a mix of amateur and professional footage, featuring rare shots from the opening of the Odeon Cinema and the filming of an Agatha Christie movie in the 1970s.

Audiences will also view clips from the 1937 and 1953 Coronation celebrations, the Great Yorkshire Show, the Harrogate Spa in 1930s and rail-travel in the 1960s.

The film combines footage from major events with scenes from everyday life. A sneak peak is available through the Yorkshire Film Archive website.

Stuart Holland, chair of Harrogate Civic Society, said:

“There is so much passion shown by residents of both Harrogate and Knaresborough to learn more about our history, and I know this screening will not disappoint”.

There will be two showings on March 27, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are available through the Harrogate Film Society website, with discounts for Harrogate Film Society members, as well as members of Harrogate and Knaresborough Civic Societies.

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Storm Otto caused widespread disruption across the Harrogate district this morning.

By the time strong winds forecast by the Met Office had eased off by midday, at least 20 trees had fallen across the district.

The A1 was closed after three vehicles overturned; homes suffered power cuts and a Porsche driver discovered a tree had smashed into the rook of his vehicle.

Here are some pictures from this morning’s storm.

Firefighters deal with a perilous sign in Knaresborough.

A fallen tree blocks almost all of Leeds Road near M&S.

An overturned vehicle on the A1 during the strong winds

A fallen tree on Montpellier in Harrogate crashed onto the picture frame.

North Yorkshire County Council’s highways teams arrive to deal with a tree that crashed onto a Porsche in Harrogate.

Tree down outside Harrogate police station.

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A man has been arrested in connection with an alleged robbery and sexual assault on Bogs Lane in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police said last night a woman had sustained facial injuries while walking in the Bogs Lane area, which is off Knaresborough Road, in an incident on Tuesday night.

in a brief update this afternoon, police said the man, who is aged in his 20s, was arrested today and remains in police custody for questioning.

Officers said yesterday that people in the Bogs Lane area might see an increased police presence as inquiries were carried out.

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• Harrogate couple’s dismay after tree crashes on Porsche for second time
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A Harrogate couple have been left dismayed after a large branch from a tree crashed onto their Porsche during Storm Otto today.

Zenya Dunn, who lives on Granby Road, told the Stray Ferret that her partner Michael woke this morning to go to work, only to find his car underneath the fallen tree.

She said it’s the second time this has happened to the couple and that the council had been informed about the dangerous tree numerous times.

Ms Dunn said:

“I woke up and he asked me if he could borrow my car. It was the car he always wanted.

“It’s the second time something like this has happened. My partner has rung the council about the tree before.”

Ms Dunn added that the tree had almost hit the front window of their house.

It also narrowly missed her Range Rover, which was parked next to the Porsche 911.

North Yorkshire County Council’s highways teams arrived to deal with the tree this morning.

Workers from North Yorkshire County Council’s highways team were on scene this morning to deal with the tree.

It comes as Storm Otto caused widespread disruption across Harrogate this morning.

On Montpellier, a tree fell onto a picture frame where tourists pose for pictures. However, the frame appeared to have withstood the impact.

Meanwhile, fallen trees caused disruption for motorists on Leeds Road, Ripon Road and on the A61 near Pannal.

You can recap all of today’s storm news in the Harrogate district here.

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The government has announced that a cap on single ticket bus fares will be extended for three months.

The move means single bus fares will be capped at £2 until the end of June 2023.

It could be good news for passengers of the Harrogate Bus Company and Connexions Buses, which are among more than 130 transport firms taking part in the current £2 fare cap supported by government funding.

It was introduced at the start of January and was due to finish at the end of March. But the Department for Transport announced today it was providing £75 million to extend the scheme until the end of June.

It added that details of the bus operators which are continuing the £2 fare cap scheme would be confirmed in “due course”.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Harrogate Bus Company and Connexions to confirm whether it will be continuing the scheme.

The £2 cap has reduced the cost of a 29-mile journey from Ripon to Leeds on the 36 bus by 73 per cent from £7.50 to £2, while the cost of a ticket from Harrogate to Bradford on the Flyer A2 has fallen by 63 per cent from £5.40 to £2.

Ministers hope the initiative will reinvigorate bus services amid fears many routes will be cut when funding runs out.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“I want to make bus travel affordable for all, that’s why we’re continuing to cap fares at £2 and protecting local routes, ensuring we have a modern and efficient network that’s accessible for everyone.

“Getting more people onto reliable and affordable buses will strengthen communities and help grow the economy – connecting people to jobs, driving pensioners to see friends and family, and helping people attend medical appointments or access education.”

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Meanwhile, the government also announced a further £80 million in bus recovery grants.

The grants are designed to help to support commercial bus operators in England due to the ongoing impacts of coronavirus and drop in passenger numbers.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

“Travelling by bus remains the most popular option for commuters and families across the country, but the sector is still trying to recover after the end of the pandemic.

“We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes – helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.”

A Harrogate police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a property in North Yorkshire.

Joseph McCabe, 27, had only been married six weeks when the incident occurred in 2021.

The victim, who was not in a relationship with McCabe, “froze in fear” after the officer “stroked” her on the arm arm and then badgered her for sex, York Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Richard Blackburn said when the victim rejected McCabe’s advances, he grabbed or “yanked” her hair and dragged her off a bed, before demanding she had sex with him.

He said that McCabe, a devout Roman Catholic who had drunk about seven pints that night, placed his hand on the woman’s inner thigh and on her back and then lifted her onto a bed, before lying next to her and staring at her. Mr Blackburn said:

“He took hold of her arm and began to stroke it.”

When the woman asked him what he was doing, McCabe made no reply.

Mr Blackburn said the woman was scared and made it clear she didn’t want to have sex.

About 30 minutes later, McCabe started shouting, “Get into…bed now”, added Mr Blackburn.

She again spurned his advances.

McCabe, who had been in his policing job since early 2020, later apologised for his behaviour, telling the woman he had “reverted back to being my teenage self” and had made an “ill-judged, romantic” advance. However, he denied his actions were sexual in nature.

The woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, later reported the incident to police.

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McCabe, of Kingsley Park Road, Harrogate, was brought in for questioning and gave police a prepared statement claiming he was drunk at the time. He admitted lifting the woman and putting her down on a bed but denied his behaviour was sexual.

He said he thought that “matters were developing” between them during the incident in the early hours of the morning, and that he had “stupidly” tried to kiss the woman. Mr Blackburn added:

“He said she made it clear that was not what she wanted and he then apologised.”

McCabe, who was suspended by North Yorkshire Police pending the outcome of the trial, denied pulling the woman’s hair and demanding that she get into bed with him, and said he fell asleep after she made it clear she didn’t want sex.

He was charged with one count of sexual assault but denied the offence. At the trial, which resumed today after the prosecution opening in October last year, McCabe, wearing a smart suit, took to the stand to state his case.

‘Wholeheartedly’ denied allegation

He said he “wholeheartedly” denied the allegation and had done nothing more than try to kiss the woman.

The victim said McCabe picked her up and placed her on a bed and that “nothing was said, which I found quite creepy”. She added:

“He laid on the bed next to me and then he took hold of my hand and (his hand) went up my arm in a stroking motion.”

She said McCabe was moving his hand towards an intimate part of her body, but no contact was made. She said:

“At first I was a bit shocked and couldn’t work out what he was doing.

“I said, ‘What do you think are you doing?’ I perceived that he was trying to have sex with me.”

She said she pointed to the Crucifix that McCabe was wearing and said:

“Aren’t you meant to be religious? What are you doing?”

“I turned away from him at that point because I didn’t want him to think I was interested in him.”

However, she then “felt my (hair) bun get pulled and I was ragged to the floor”.

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She said she was “shouting and swearing” and telling him “don’t touch me”. She added:

“I remember shaking a lot and I didn’t know what to do.

“I just froze in fear. I was in shock.”

She said that during the “horrible” incident, McCabe had “terrified” her and at one stage she feared she might be raped.

Mr Blackburn said the victim “couldn’t get over what happened” and that McCabe had placed her on the bed as a “prelude to something else”.

McCabe’s barrister Kevin Baumber read out character testimonies from friends of McCabe, one of whom was his sports coach.

One of McCabe’s gym friends described him as a “hard-working, kind-natured individual” who took “great pride” in his work.

His sports coach and best friend said McCabe was a “fun guy but has always been serious and sensible, someone I would go to in a crisis”.

He said McCabe had always been “respectful” towards women “for as long as I’ve known (him)”.

Evidence ‘not credible’

But district judge Tan Ikram shot down McCabe’s claims that the victim had been lying or “reimagining” the events.

He said although McCabe was otherwise a “man of good character” and that there was “nothing to suggest you have done anything like this (before)”, there was “always a first time”.

Mr Ikram pointed to inconsistencies in McCabe’s own evidence, including his claim that if the victim had consented to a kiss he had no idea “where it could have ended up”. Nr Ikram added:

“That to me just did not seem credible.

“You have a woman in a bed and have no idea where it would end up? Your evidence today has not been credible.

“You can give no credible explanation as to why (the victim) would make up such a serious allegation. She was telling the truth about what happened that night, I’m sure of that.

“On the other hand, (you) were cautious in your answers (having had) plenty of time to think about it. You have elaborated to try to make innocent sense of what you did.

“I’m sure that your intentions throughout were sexual.”

The judge said he believed the victim’s account that there were “several incidents that night beyond the original attempt to kiss her”.

He told McCabe:

“She never consented and you knew she didn’t and you certainly knew in relation to the encounters where you dragged her by the hair and demanded that she get into your bed, and for those reasons I find you guilty of the offence.”

McCabe sobbed uncontrollably as the judge delivered his verdict.

Sentence was adjourned to March 31.

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.