The New Year will bring new challenges for key council services and major projects in the Harrogate district.
But 2022 will be a year like no other.
It will mark the beginning of the end for Harrogate Borough Council which will enter its final full year before it is abolished and replaced with a new North Yorkshire-wide authority.
Elections to the new council will take place in May and are set to be one of the most intriguing campaigns yet as political parties fight for control over a drastically reduced number of councillor seats at what will be a crucial time for the future of local government.
Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper said while he would reflect on the end of the authority’s 47-year history with sadness, now was a time for planning ahead for the transition to the new council structure.
He said:
“The transfer of services to a new council is a complex process.
“Thorough planning is needed to ensure a smooth transfer for residents and staff too.
“It isn’t just Harrogate Borough Council combining with North Yorkshire County Council to form a new council; it is six other district councils combining into the new council too.
“So that is eight different ways of doing things – collecting the litter, supporting council housing, running leisure services and so on – combining into one new council on the same day.”
Cllr Cooper, who will stand down as a Conservative after 24 years of service when the new authority is created, added:
“Harrogate Borough Council will cease to exist in April 2023. I am sad about that, and sad that I will stop being a councillor at that time.
“However, how I feel as a councillor isn’t important. Like the vast majority of people reading this I am a local resident so I want the new council to deliver the services upon which I, my neighbours and friends – all of us – rely.
“What is important is making sure that the services the borough council runs are transferred efficiently to the new council and that they are run equally well or better than now.
“I am particularly concerned that our homelessness support services continue being supported.
“The poorest in society should not fall through any cracks in the process.”
Read more:
While Harrogate Borough Council’s time may be coming to a close, the authority has shown no signs of slowing up and has a number of major projects either underway or in the pipeline.
These include the £10.9m Gateway project, the new Ripon Swimming Pool, plans for a new Knaresborough Leisure Centre and a potential £47m redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre which councillor Cooper said will be a key economic driver for the district’s future.
The projects will be seen as a lasting legacy for the authority which is also pushing for the creation of a Harrogate Town Council to retain control of some services under local government reorganisation.
This comes as there are still lingering questions over what will happen to several council-owned buildings – not least to mention Harrogate Borough Council’s new Civic Centre headquarters.
Under the next stage of the councils shake-up, a structural change order will be approved by central government and act as the blueprint for reorganisation.
It will drastically cut the number of councillors representing the area, with the future of the Harrogate district set to be made up of around 20 councillors compared with 57 under the current structure.
Although they have yet to be announced, Cllr Cooper said he was confident the Conservatives had a strong selection of candidates to stand in the May election when the party will aim to keep its tight grip on the district.
He said:
“Elections are always challenging and we live in unprecedented political times. However we have a set of excellent candidates who work hard in their local communities.
“I am confident in the ability and application of our candidates and I hope that, when it comes to polling day, people will vote for those who have a track record of action for residents irrespective of any party political concerns.”
This sense of optimism is one that is shared by Cllr Pat Marsh, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, who said a loss of trust in central government and election victories elsewhere in the country showed the party is “on the up”.
She said:
Harrogate drug dealer jailed for supplying heroin and cocaine“We hope our local residents will think very carefully about what their present Conservative-dominated councils have delivered for them over two decades.
“As the opposition group, we will keep pushing to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
“With the Gateway project we would like a more holistic approach and that this scheme is not just looked at in isolation, but fitting into a wider town centre master plan.”
“A Harrogate Town Council needs to be in place quickly so Harrogate residents have the same local governance as the rest of the district.
“The new town council should have the powers to take control of places such as the Valley Gardens, the Royal Pump House Museum and any other assets that Harrogate residents feel needs local decision-making on, rather than a remote North Yorkshire council.
“We need to ensure our district has a strong voice on the council and that any area committees are balanced to ensure our area, with many residents, has a strong voice.”
A Harrogate heroin and cocaine dealer has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.
Mark Richard Bowden, 47, was sentenced at York Crown Court today after pleading guilty to seven drug supply offences earlier this month.
North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite County Lines Team watched Bowden sell heroin from his car near his home address on Cheltenham Crescent on December 20 last year.
Bowden, who has numerous previous convictions for dealing Class A drugs, was arrested the following day and a year-long investigation began.
Police searched his home and found heroin and cash worth more than £1,500.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Bowden was arrested again on November 30 this year. Officers found heroin, cocaine and cash again worth around £1,500.
Bowden was also told by York Crown Court to hand back £1,500 which is believed to be from the sale of heroin on the streets of Harrogate.
Read more:
- Car ploughs into Masham Bridge and almost ends up in river
- Police respond to gun reports near Dishforth to find long-lens camera
PC Michael Haydock, who led the Operation Expedite County Lines Team investigation, said:
Harrogate hospital will be open for vaccinations on Christmas“The criminal actions of Bowden and other drug dealers like him are truly deplorable.
“Motivated only by greed to make cash through the exploitation of often young and vulnerable drug-users, they think they can operate without impunity or just receive a ‘slap on the wrist’ from the authorities if caught.
“Well, for Bowden, he can now think again. This substantial custodial sentence will hopefully hit him with an equally substantial dose of reality of the repercussions of dealing Class A drugs in our neighbourhoods.
“We will not tolerate it and will act on any information or intelligence about such activity to tackle the scourge of drugs, which can cause so much harm to individuals and to communities as a whole.”
With the government calling for everyone to “get boosted now”, we’re running this regularly-updated blog to let you know where you can get your jab in the Harrogate district.
Besides the GP-run sites at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground and Ripon Races, numerous pharmacies are also now offering boosters and covid vaccines. Some also have an option for under 18s.
If you work at one of these sites, or have recently visited for your own vaccination, please let us know about any update,s such as queues and supply issues.
Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Where to get your vaccine:
Harrogate
- Harrogate Showground – walk-ins and appointments available at the site
- Harrogate Pharmacy, Haywra Crescent, Harrogate – Currently full until New Year but staff said people can ring on the day to see if there are any available slots due to people not turning up.
- Harrogate District Hospital, St Lukes Avenue – appointments available on NHS website
- Cohens Chemist, King Edwards Drive, Harrogate – currently full until New Year
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Leeds Road, Harrogate – appointments available on the NHS website
- Well Pharmacy, Wetherby Road, Harrogate – appointments available on the NHS website
Knaresborough
- Chain Lane Community Hub, Knaresborough (run by Homecare Pharmacy) – Open for walk-ins and appointments. Check below for times.
- Chain Lane Pharmacy, Knaresborough – appointments only
- P R Naylor Chemist, Market Place, Knaresborough – appointments only
Pateley Bridge
- Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall, Pateley Bridge – appointments are available on the NHS app for Saturday December 18 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Tuesday December 21st 8am-1pm and Thursday December 30 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
Ripon
- Ripon Racecourse – open all day today for walk-ins as well as appointments
Friday, December 24
9am – Get a jab at Harrogate showground this morning only
The vaccine centre in Harrogate will be open until 12.30pm today. It’s the last chance to get a jab until the New Year.
Walk-ins are available. First, second, third primary and boosters available for all ages over 12.
Ripon Racecourse is closed as a vaccine centre until the New Year.
8.30am – Harrogate hospital open for jabs on Christmas
Harrogate District Hospital is open for booked appointments only over the Christmas period, including Christmas Day, as other centres close temporarily.
There are no walk-ins available at the hospital.
Thursday, December 23
4pm – Last chance for jabs before Christmas
Knaresborough Chain Lane Hub is open for walk-ins until 8pm today. It will then reopen on December 28 at 8am.
Harrogate Showground has now closed for walk-ins today, some appointments remain until 5pm. It will reopen tomorrow for the morning until 12.30pm. It won’t reopen until January 4.
Ripon Racecourse also closes today at 5pm and won’t reopen until January 4.
10am – Walks ins available today ahead of Christmas
There are still walk-ins available today across the Harrogate district ahead of the Christmas break when vaccine centres will close.
The Yorkshire Event Centre site is experiencing a “very quiet morning” so those running it will be able to welcome walk-ins, including those under 18.
The site at Ripon Racecourse is open today for both booked appointments and walk-in patients for those over 12. It will be open until 5pm.
Knaresborough’s vaccine centre at the Chain Lane Community Centre is also open for walk-in patients until 8pm today.
Wednesday, December 22
9am – Christmas opening hours in Harrogate
The vaccine centre in Harrogate, which reported no queues all day yesterday, has revealed its Christmas opening hours.
The schedule for today and tomorrow is:
Booked appointments 08:30 – 16:55
Walk-in 18 and over 09:00 – 16:00
Walk-in 12-17 year olds 09:00 – 16:00
Christmas Eve is open to all patients 08:30 – 12:30.
Then the vaccine centre will be closed until 2022 with clinics starting up again for appointments on January 4.
8.45am – Ripon Racecourse open for vaccinations
Ripon Racecourse is open today for both booked appointments and walk-in patients. All age groups 12 years and above. It is the same tomoroww until 5pm.
Tuesday, December 21
2.20pm – Great Yorkshire Showground reporting quiet queues
Staff at the Great Yorkshire Showground vaccination site are reporting quiet queues for walk-in and pre-booked appointments.
The site is also accepting under-18s for walk-in vaccines all afternoon.
1.15pm – Harrogate District Hospital vaccination site to be open on evenings
Hospital bosses have confirmed that Harrogate District Hospital’s vaccination site will be open on an evening for pre-booked appointments.
Those wishing to have a vaccine at the site have to book through the NHS national booking service. No walk-in appointments are available.
The vaccination centre, which offers up to 24 appointments an hour, will be open daily Monday to Friday 4pm – 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am – 2pm and selected bank holidays 8am – 2pm.
However, the site will be closed from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day and on New Years Eve and New Years Day. It will also be closed on January 3.
A spokesperson for the hospital said:
“We are very proud of our colleagues who are supporting this as part of the huge national drive to ensure everyone can be boosted to protect themselves and others.”
8.15am – Ripon Racecourse open all day for appointments and walk-ins
Ripon Racecourse vaccine centre is open until 4pm today for booked appointments and walk-in patients.
All age groups over 12 are welcome.
8.10am – 1,700 vaccinations delivered at Harrogate Showground yesterday
- Booked appointments 8.30am to 4.55pm
- Walk-ins for those aged 18 and over 9am to 4pm
- Walk-is for 12-17 year olds 9am to 12.30pm
8am – More clinics for 12-15s in Knaresborough
Monday, December 20
11am – Knaresborough vaccine centre aims to give out 1,500 jabs today
Homecare Pharmacy Services, which runs the vaccination centre at Chain Lane Community Hub, is planning to give out 1,500 jabs today.
Walk in sessions will be available from tomorrow 8am to 8pm and then again at the same time on Wednesday.
The vaccine team has asked for people to be patient if they have to queue and to bring their NHS number to speed up the process.
9am – Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground offering walk-ins for children today
The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate is accepting walk-in patients and booked patients for booster jabs this week.
Children aged 12 to 17 will also be able to turn-up for walk-in vaccines at the showground from 1.30pm to 4.30pm today and from 9am to 12.30pm tomorrow.
Ripon racecourse, which was not open yesterday. re-opens today.
Saturday, December 18
2.15pm – Queues expected to remain quiet at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Showground
Vaccine staff at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground are expecting queues for walk-in booster jabs to remain quiet for the remainder of the day.
The site is still accepting walk-ins. Those looking to turn up at the showground without an appointment for a vaccine have until 4pm to do so.
12.30pm – Pateley Bridge vaccination centre reaches milestone
Today, Pateley Bridge’s vaccination clinic is expecting to have seen its 10,000th patient.
The centre, which is run by Pateley Bridge pharmacy, was recognised by the mayor of the town for the efforts of vaccination staff, admin staff and volunteers.
10.15am – No queues at Yorkshire Showground
There are no queues for walk-ins at the Great Yorkshire Showground, according to staff at the site.
Those wishing to get a booster vaccine today are urged to attend the site before 4pm.
8.30am – Harrogate vaccine sites prepare for another day of boosters
Booster vaccine walk-ins are available at the Yorkshire Showground and at other sites, as listed above.
The showground site is fully booked for appointments and has advised people to have booking references ready. The site will be offering Moderna today.
For those deciding to walk-in, people should have their NHS number with them. Capacity for walk-ins has increased, so officials expect a “first thing” rush before queue times decrease.
Those planning for a walk-in booster vaccine are urged to get to the site before 4pm.
Friday, December 17
1.50pm No queues at showground for walk-ins
The lunchtime rush is over at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, according to staff on site, and any walk-ins this afternoon can expect to be seen quickly.
12.50pm Harrogate Hospital on NHS booking site for boosters
Harrogate District Hospital has appeared on the NHS booking site this afternoon for booster appointments.
It looks as if appointments are available from Wednesday, December 22.
12pm Knaresborough centre opens up for walk-ins
The vaccine site at Chain Lane Community Hub has said it has additional capacity today and will open as a walk-in.
It is open until 6pm.
9.15am Ripon vaccine site open for walk-ins
Ripon Racecourse has reopened as a vaccine centre and will operate a walk-in service alongside its appointments today and tomorrow.
People can head there for a booster throughout the next two days. Staff ask people have their NHS number to hand.
9am Harrogate Showground expecting another day with minimal queues
Staff at the Showground vaccine centre has said following a rush this morning the centre has quietened down.
It is expecting another day with minimal queues and encourages as many people as possible to get their booster before Christmas.
7.30am Knaresborough vaccine centre to offer walk-ins next week
The Chain Lane Community Hub vaccine site will begin offering walk-ins at certain times next week.
Run by Homecare Pharmacy, the centre will offer walk-ins on:
- Monday, December 20 6pm and 8pm
- Tuesday – Thursday, December 21 to 23 8am to 8pm
People may need to queue.
Read more:
- The Harrogate pharmacies at the forefront of the booster campaign
- Harrogate district booster vaccines take-up reaches 80,000
District pharmacies offering vaccines and boosters
- Chain Lane Community Hub – run by Homecare Pharmacy Services
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Thursday December 16 and Friday December 17 8am-6pm, Saturday December 18 8am-3pm, December 20 to 23 8am-8pm, December 28 to 30 8am-8pm and December 31 8am-3pm.
*Some of these dates have been extended today so new appointments are now online to book.
- Pateley Bridge Pharmacy – based at the Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Saturday December 18 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Tuesday December 21st 8am-1pm and Thursday December 30 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
- Chain Lane Pharmacy, Knaresborough
Appointments are available on the NHS app for Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5.45pm
- P R Naylor Chemist, Market Place, Knaresborough
Appointments are available on the NHS app Monday to Sunday 9am-1pm, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-6.30pm
- Harrogate Pharmacy, Haywra Crescent, Harrogate
Currently full until New Year but has staff said if people don’t show up for their appointment they can offer it to someone else. They advised people to ring on the day to see what’s available.
- Cohens Chemist, King Edwards Drive, Harrogate
Currently full until New Year
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Leeds Road, Harrogate
No information available at the time
- Well Pharmacy, Wetherby Road, Harrogate
No information available at the time
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Westgate, Ripon
Waiting on vaccine supply, keep an eye on our covid coverage for more information.
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Market Place, Masham
Waiting for official approval then clinic appointments will be made available online. Keep an eye on our covid coverage for more information.
Harrogate jewellers Fattorini sets closing date after 190 yearsA well-known Harrogate jewellers which designed the FA Cup and has been in the same family for 190 years has set a date for its closure.
The Stray Ferret revealed in November that A.Fattorini The Jewellers was due to close when the current manager Anthony Tindall retires.
In the months following Fattorini held a closing down sale to clear the remaining stock before Christmas.
There are still some pieces left which Mr Tindall hopes to sell before he closes the shop for good on January 8.
If the jewellers have not sold everything by that date he plans to take whatever remains to an auction house.
Read more:
- Harrogate jewellery store to close after 190 years of trading
- Campaigners vow to fight on to save Kirkby Malzeard pub
It is unclear what will happen to the iconic building where Fattorini has been based since 1884 when it closes.
Mr Tindall, whose great, great grandfather Antonio Fattorini founded the business in 1831, hopes to find a buyer or tenant. He told the Stray Ferret:
“Ever since we said we were closing the response has been fantastic but I am certainly looking forward to that closing date now. I suppose you could say I am getting demob-happy.
“Ideally a buyer could take on the shop and continue the Fattorini name, but that would take a lot of trust. I have lots of special memories here.”
While there have been a couple of interested buyers, Mr Tindall believes the latest wave of coronavirus driven by Omicron has forced them to be a little more cautious.
Live: Harrogate district traffic and travelA very good morning to you and welcome back to the traffic and travel live blog designed to help you avoid any disruption on your journey.
If you spot anything, let me know on 01423 276197. Let’s help everyone have a smooth journey today.
These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.
9am – Full Update
That is all from me this morning. I will be back bright and early with all your traffic and travel news from 6.30am tomorrow on Christmas Eve.
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning but there are a few hotspots to watch out for:
- Busy on Wetherby Road between Hookstone Chase and the Empress roundabout
- Busy on Skipton Road between Bilton Lane and Grove Road
- Busy on Knaresborough Road between Forest Lane and the Empress roundabout
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
8.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning but there are a few hotspots to watch out for:
- Busy on Wetherby Road between Hookstone Chase and the Empress roundabout
- Busy on Knaresborough Road between Forest Lane and the Empress roundabout
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
8am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning but there are a few hotspots to watch out for:
- Busy on Wetherby Road between Hookstone Chase and the Empress roundabout
- Busy on Knaresborough Road between Forest Lane and the Empress roundabout
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
7.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning with not many out driving so far. Keep checking back for more updates but here is a list of places to avoid.
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
7am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning with not many out driving so far. Keep checking back for more updates but here is a list of places to avoid.
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
6.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are running well so far early this morning with not many out driving so far. Keep checking back for more updates but here is a list of places to avoid.
Road closures:
- Multiple closures across Bilton due to road resurfacing
- Green Way, Harrogate, off Green Lane near Ashville
- Calder Road, Harrogate, behind The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road
- Saint Helen’s Road, Harrogate, off Hookstone Drive near St John Fisher
- Poplar Grove, Bilton
- Sleights Lane near Menwith Hill and Crow Trees Equestrian
- Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton – emergency road closure
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
- A1(M) junction at Flaxby – road closures on all slip road roads. Work is now set to overrun by at least six months due to the discovery of great crested newts
- Westerns Lane, Markington
- Pinfold Lane, Norwood near Swinsty reservoir
Temporary lights:
- Numerous sets of lights on A168 heading north alongside from J47 to J48 of the A1 (M)
- Apron Lane, heading into Burton Leonard
- Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
- Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
- Spring Lane, Pannal, near Pannal Primary School
- Burn Bridge Road, just before the roundabout with Pannal Methodist Church
- Bar Lane, Roecliffe
- Main Street To Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield
Trains
- All trains on the Harrogate line are running well so far this morning.
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
Plans have been submitted to convert a former Harrogate working men’s club into apartments.
The National Reserve Club, East Parade, formally closed in July following an unanimous resolution from its members last year.
The organisation had been registered as a working men’s club since July 11, 1913, when it was known as the Harrogate Battalion National Reserve of the West Riding of York Club.
Now, documents submitted by ID Planning to Harrogate Borough Council propose converting the building into two apartments.
According to the proposals, a three bedroom and two bedroom apartment would be built.
Read more:
- Two Harrogate district village pubs to be turned into housing
- End of an era: Harrogate working men’s club folds after 108 years
- Plans to convert former Lower Dunsforth pub into flats
ID Planning, which has submitted the plan on behalf of Ashleigh and Caroline Wells, said in its plans that the scheme would help a viable use for the building.
It said:
“The proposed development offers an opportunity to secure a long-term, viable use for the building while delivering two dwellings in a highly sustainable, brownfield location.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
Although the closure of the National Reserve Club represented the end of an era, the district is still served by working men’s clubs.
Clubs are registered with the Club and Institute Union, which represents more than 1,600 societies across the country.
According to the CIU website, nine clubs are affiliated with the union in the Harrogate district.
You can read an in-depth history on working men’s clubs in Harrogate written by historian Malcolm Ness for the Stray Ferret here.
Thieves steal wrapped Christmas presents from Harrogate homeThieves have stolen wrapped presents from a Harrogate home just days before Christmas.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the burglary on East Parade, which took place yesterday between 2pm and 5.30pm when the residents were at work.
As well as the presents, several other high-value items were stolen and police believe they may have been carried away in a duvet cover, which was also missing.
A police statement added:
“We are appealing for information about any sightings of someone in the immediate vicinity carrying these items, items possibly concealed within a bedsheet or any relevant CCTV.”
Anyone with information on the incident should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Katie Jacobs. You can also email katie.jacobs@northyorkshire.police.uk
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The NHS Trust running Harrogate and Ripon’s hospitals has said visitors will only be allowed onto wards in exceptional circumstances due to the threat of the Omicron variant.
Officials at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the “highly transmissible” nature of the variant has meant it must bring in new measures.
The new rules will come into place on December 23 and will mean visitors will only be allowed onto wards in certain circumstances.
The exceptions are:
- If the patient is receiving end of life care
- Carers of a patients with a learning disability or severe cognitive impairment such as dementia
- Parents or carers of a children
- Birthing partners
The changes also apply to people coming for outpatient appointments. Patients won’t be bale to bring someone with them unless it is they are a parent of a child or a carer.
Emma Nunez, executive director of nursing, midwifery & allied health professionals at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This decision has not been taken lightly. We understand that this will be disappointing for people who have a loved one in our care, and we apologise for any upset that this will cause, but we have had to take this difficult decision to protect both our patients and our staff.
“We will be reviewing our visitor arrangements regularly and we will look to relax visiting restrictions at the earliest opportunity.”
Read more:
- Vaccine updates: Christmas opening hours for Harrogate vaccine centre
- Disabled Harrogate woman threatened with Christmas eviction from care home
The hospital has had to make this decision before in previous covid peaks and says, once again, it must make the safety of patients and staff a priority.
The trust also emphasised the need for everyone to get behind the vaccine and booster roll-out. It said nearly 90% of its staff have had a first and second dose.
A vaccination centre has been set up at Harrogate hospital as part of the acceleration of the booster vaccine programme. Appointments can be booked on the NHS website.
London estate agent returns home to Harrogate to open new firmA new estate agents is opening in Harrogate after its owner, Libby Watt, decided to leave London to return home.
After more than 20 years in the capital working for firms such as Featherstone Leigh and Manors, Ms Watt said she chose to move back home to be closer to her parents and set up a new firm, Barclay Watt Estates.
The new agency will cover all of Harrogate and surrounding towns.
Ms Watt said she is hoping her London contacts and love for property will help her stand out among the numerous well-established Harrogate agencies.
She said:
“I’m obsessed with property and never ever tire of visiting clients and seeing other peoples houses.
“I am always friendly, always fair, but will fight to the death to get my clients the best deal, and ensure their transaction is pushed along to a swift and satisfactory conclusion.”
Initially, Ms Watt was planning to buy a second home to be closer to her parents and commute regularly but said it was her experience with local agents planted the seed to set up her own firm.
“After registering with pretty much all the agents, only three made contact with me. I also made an offer on two properties – one I never heard back from, and the second emailed about five days later.
“I was genuinely shocked, after all, clients give you their properties to sell/let in good faith and to me it is just not acceptable to not get back to people, or not to act in your clients best interest. I discussed setting up on my own with friends here, who had been left frustrated when buying or selling properties here, and they thought it was a great idea – so here I am.”
Read more:
- Harrogate’s former registry office demolished ahead of rebuild
- Harrogate hotel suffers £100,000 cancellations due to Omicron
Ms Watt has said she will be focussing on sales, lettings, management and property acquisitions. In London, she said it is common for agents to close deals on homes before they hit the market she is hoping to offer the same in Harrogate.
She is currently working alone but said she hopes to hire more staff in the future.
Ms Watt said she is also in the process of securing an interior designer to work alongside her and will also offer a national, and international Global Relocation service.
Two men charged with murder at Mayfield Grove flatTwo men have been charged with murder after a man was found dead at a flat in Mayfield Grove, Harrogate.
Police arrested the men, 36 and 38, on Monday night after receiving a report at around 11.30pm that a man had died there.
The two men are due to appear at York Magistrates Court.
A third man arrested in connection with the incident has been released with no further action.
DCI Jonathan Sygrove, of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:
“I’d like to thank local residents for their patience and support while we carry out enquiries. I can reassure people that this was an isolated incident, and officers will remain in the area to provide ongoing reassurance and support to the community.”
Read more:
- Mayfield Grove residents react to ‘absolutely shocking’ suspected murder
- Men suspected of murder after body found in Harrogate