New 19-bed homeless centre opens in Starbeck

Harrogate Borough Council has opened a new 19-bed homeless centre in Starbeck, called Fern House.

Fern House’s bedrooms are all self-contained with en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Two of the rooms are fully accessible.

The site, on Spa Lane, cost £2.3 million to be built. It was funded from general funding into the house revenue account and a grant from Homes England.

The accommodation will also provide a support package for those finding themselves homeless. It will run alongside other hostels across the district in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough.

Fern House also provides laundry and kitchen facilities, a 24-hour reception desk, a large conference room and a meeting area.

Read more:

Emergency temporary shelters set up on Tower Street this winter

The council said that, in line with its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) requirements, part of the building will be used to provide temporary emergency accommodation for homeless people in extreme weather conditions.

Previously, the council also had shelters installed on the Tower Street car park, in Harrogate. But after nearly four months these were removed.

At the time, the council said the completion of Fern House was a reason the shelters were no longer necessary.

Harrogate hospital to recycle face masks using new machine

Harrogate District Hospital has ordered a machine that turns single use plastics, including face masks, into reusable material.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is one of eight health trusts pioneering the new technology.

Covid has forced hospital staff to use far more personal protective equipment (PPE).

But some face masks are thrown away after just a few hours.

Research from a waste company suggested the UK throws away 53 million masks every day and just 10% are recycled.

Official government guidance urges people to dispose of face masks as waste rather than recycling.

Read more:

But with so many masks going to landfill and incinerators, hospitals have turned to Cardiff company TCG Solutions’ new machine.

Called a Sterimelt, it melts down polypropylene, which is a material used in the manufacture of face masks, into solid blocks of plastic that can be repurposed and used as items such as bins.

Philip Davison-Sebry, founder and managing director of the company, said:

“What was once going out to landfill, can now be turned into new material.”

The machine, which costs £55,000, turns polypropylene into reusable plastic blocks, which can be used to make bins, chairs and other items.

Although the machine is not up and running yet in Harrogate, the trust hopes to start recycling as soon as possible.

Volvo stolen from driveway in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a car was stolen in Harrogate this week.

The electric blue Volvo V40 estate was stolen from a driveway on Hutton Gate between 10pm on Monday and 2am on Tuesday this week.

A police statement said:

“In particular, we are appealing for information about the vehicle’s movements and whereabouts, and if any suspicious activity was noticed during this time period in the area. The vehicle is believed to have traveled towards Leeds.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Kayleigh Corcoran, or email kayleigh.corcoran@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

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

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210096907.

Read more:

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and welcome back to the traffic and travel service. We have updates every 15 minutes as more people get onto the roads.

The live blogs, brought to you by The HACS Groups, aim to keep the Harrogate district moving.

Make sure to keep in touch via social media or email us on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

9am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads for lockdown easing and the return of schools. That’s all from me this morning, I am heading to the news desk now but will be back from 6.30am tomorrow.

Traffic hot spots:

  • Wetherby Road towards Harrogate town centre – nine minute delays
  • Knaresborough Road from Starbeck to Empress roundabout where traffic is slow
  • Ripon Road between Ripley and Killinghall
  • Knaresborough Road between Starbeck and Harrogate

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations after earlier problems

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

8.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads.

Traffic hot spots:

  • Wetherby Road towards Harrogate town centre – nine minute delays
  • Knaresborough Road from Starbeck to Empress roundabout
  • Ripon Road between Ripley and Killinghall
  • Knaresborough Road between Starbeck and Harrogate

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

8.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads.

Traffic hot spots:

  • Wetherby Road towards Harrogate town centre – ten minute delays
  • Knaresborough Road from Starbeck to Empress roundabout
  • Ripon Road between Ripley and Killinghall
  • Knaresborough Road between Starbeck and Harrogate

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

8.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads.

Traffic hot spots:

  • Wetherby Road towards Harrogate town centre
  • Knaresborough Road from Starbeck to Empress roundabout
  • Ripon Road between Ripley and Killinghall
  • Knaresborough Road between Starbeck and Harrogate

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.
  • The 8.44am Harrogate to Knaresborough service is expected two minutes late.

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

8am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads.

Traffic hot spots:

  • Wetherby Road towards Harrogate town centre
  • Knaresborough Road from Starbeck to Empress roundabout

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

7.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads, particularly around Wetherby Road, Ripon Road and Skipton Road.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

7.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads, particularly around Wetherby Road, Ripon Road and Skipton Road.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • The 7.30am 36 service from Leeds to Harrogate is unable to run. The next bus will be in 15 minutes.
  • The 7.31am 1 service from Harrogate to Knaresborough has also been unable to run. The next bus will be in eight minutes.

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

7.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are becoming more busy this morning as more people get on the roads, particularly around Harrogate, Knaresborough and Killinghall.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

7am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, no traffic hotspots yet.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

6.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, no traffic hotspots yet.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.

6.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, no traffic hotspots yet.

Road Closures:

  • Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road
  • West End and Hall Lane Blubberhouses
  • From 6.30pm to 11.30pm Leeds Road will be closed for repairs

Temporary lights in place:

  • Otley Road from Cold Bath Road to Harlow Moor Road
  • Whinney Lane and Pannal Ash roundabout
  • Church Lane near the Grantham Arms pub, Boroughbridge
  • Ripon Road north of Killinghall
  • Clotherholme Road at the junction for Lark Lane, Ripon
  • Stonebridgegate near Paddys Park, Ripon

Trains

  • Services on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Leeds routes look to be on time this morning.

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellations

Back to bus time table

  • The 36: Ripon – Harrogate – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable. Late Saturday night journeys to and from Leeds will return from Saturday 26 June, to support the reopening of evening venues.
  • The 1: Harrogate – Starbeck – Knaresborough: Back to pre-lockdown timetable, with weekday evening and Sunday journeys on the 1B serving Knaresborough Aldi and Nidderdale Lodge Park.
  • Harrogate Electrics 2A, 2B, 3 and 6: Harrogate to Bilton, New Park, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash: All services return to pre-lockdown timetables.
  • The 7: Harrogate – Wetherby – Leeds: Back to pre-lockdown timetable.
  • 8: Harrogate – Calcutt – Knaresborough – Wetherby: Current timetable continues.
  • 21: Knaresborough – Boroughbridge: Service continues to use current times.
  • 24: Harrogate – Pateley Bridge: Current timetable continues.
  • Flyer A2: Harrogate – Leeds Bradford Airport – Bradford: Current timetable continues.
Tribute to Harrogate man who dies of cancer aged 24

A Harrogate man has died of a rare form of bone cancer at the age of just 24.

James Hindmarsh was diagnosed with  Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma last year and recently stopped receiving NHS treatment after several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In his final weeks, James’ friends and colleagues worked together to raise over £60,000 to pay for private treatment.

Four friends pledged to complete a number of challenges to raise funds. But unfortunately, James died before treatment could begin.

Read more:

James lived in Harrogate all his life and attended Ashville College.

Today, Ian Brown, president of the Ashvillian Society, the college’s alumni organisation, said:

“We are always saddened to learn of the death of an Old Ashvillian, and our thoughts and prayers go out to James’ parents, family and friends.

“I was so impressed with the spirit James showed both before, and especially during, his illness, and it’s devastating he lost his fight against the disease.”

Harrogate Town launches football academy

Harrogate Town plans to launch an academy that enables 16 to 18-year-olds to train full-time with the club and progress into the first team.

Subject to approval from the English Football League, the academy will enable young players to develop under UEFA-licensed coaches.

Knaresborough Town manager Paul Stansfield, who used to play for Harrogate Town, will head the academy.

He will be supported by professional development phase coach Ross McKay. Phil Priestley will act as goalkeeper coach and Josh Walsh will be academy secretary.

Lee Barraclough has been appointed head of recruitment and a full-time physio and part-time doctor will be recruited.

The academy team will compete in the EFL Youth Alliance North East.

Read more:

First team manager Simon Weaver said:

“It’s vital that we launch our own academy, it’s a massive step in the right direction for the club in terms of fulfilling the vision of where we started and what we foresee being our future.

“The goal at this club has always been to produce youngsters from the first stage in our player development centre to the youth teams and see them move into the first team and beyond so this is hugely important for us.

“There’s a lot of local talent, but by having an academy we are able to spread the net farther and wider in the hope that we produce some really good talented youngsters.”

Harrogate Town’s under-19s, under-17s and under-19 alliance teams will continue to compete in their respective leagues, alongside the newly established academy.

 

‘I’m moving my family from Bilton due to anti-social behaviour’

A family has told the Stray Ferret that crime in Bilton has got so bad they are planning to move away from the area.

Last week we reported a growing fear of crime in the Harrogate suburb after a girl was assaulted.

Now one family member, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of having their property damaged, has said things have become so bad they want to leave.

The person said they had witnessed graffiti, arson and drug dealing and felt “at the mercy of luck” about being victims of crime themselves.

They added the area now has “too many unsavoury characters and not enough police presence”:

“The church is a hangout for drinkers and older kids day and night. I’ve watched many acts of vandalism such as graffiti, bottles being smashed, things set on fire and gates kicked in. When I’ve been able to reach the police nobody ever comes despite the offenders hanging around here for hours.

“Drug dealing occurs regularly outside the shops, my neighbours car was stolen, my neighbour was also mugged in the alley by the Co-op so I never let my kids walk that way now.

“Every morning I check my car to see if it has fallen victim to having the tyres slashed or paint thrown over it as many residents have had. Now there are reports of potential dog snatching so we have had to stop letting ours go in our yard unattended.”

They also said efforts to create a neighbourhood watch group had failed:

“At times it has been really stressful living here and we feel we are purely at the mercy of luck. A neighbourhood watch was set up two years ago but only a handful of us went to the meeting and I’ve heard nothing since.

“We plan to leave before summer, which is the worst time for us with drunk kids hanging outside in groups all night.”

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In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said:

“Over the past 100 days, antisocial behaviour in the Bilton area has accounted for around five percent of all antisocial behaviour reported across the Harrogate district. The majority of these reports are potential breaches of covid regulations.

“Any amount of antisocial behaviour ruins the quality of life for local people and can escalate. So it is vitally important that members of the public report incidents to us, so that we aware of them and can take action.

“The area has its own beat manager and local police community support officers who carry out regular patrols of the area and also work closely with the local Safer Harrogate community safety partnership.

“We urge members of the public to report incidents to us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report incidents online at Report it – North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police”

Harrogate’s Ashville College appoints first female head

Ashville College in Harrogate has appointed Rhiannon Wilkinson as its first female headteacher in its 144-year history.

Ms Wilkinson, who was headmistress at Harrogate Ladies’ College from 2009 until 2013, will take up the position in September.

She will become the 11th headteacher in the history of the independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged three to 18.

Richard Marshall, the previous headteacher, died in November aged 48 of cancer.

Elspeth Fisher will remain as acting head until September 1 when she will revert to her former position as a deputy head.

Ms Wilkinson said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Ashville College and returning to the Harrogate District which I always saw as my forever home.

“As a head over the last 12 years, I am confident that my versatility and commitment to serve young people and their families, whatever their background, need or ability, will enable me to succeed at Ashville College.

“Ashville is rich in heritage and remains true to its strong Methodist values, it is small enough to care but big enough to challenge both its day and boarding pupils.”

She added she hoped to “build on the successes of my predecessors, in particular the unfulfilled legacy of Richard Marshall”.

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Ms Wilkinson, who graduated in modern history at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, has taught in – and led – schools in the UK, Hong Kong and Brunei, and most recently was the founding head of Whittle School Shenzhen in China.

After leaving Harrogate Ladies College she became head at Wycombe Abbey independent school in Buckinghamshire.

A statement issued by the school today said Ms Wilkinson was the unanimous choice of the board of governors.

Jamie Search, chair of governors at Ashville, described Ms Wilkinson as “an exceptional educational leader”, adding:

“In her four years at Harrogate Ladies’ College, she did an exceptional job and is credited with transforming the fortunes of the school.

“We feel incredibly privileged to have someone of Rhiannon’s calibre and experience joining Ashville College.”

 

Harrogate firefighters help toddler with head stuck in toilet seat

Firefighters were called to help a toddler that got its head stuck in a toilet seat in Harrogate yesterday.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident at Allotment Gardens yesterday afternoon at 5pm.

According to the incident summary, the crew advised the child’s mother to use soap to lubricate the area.

She was then able to remove the seat.

No other information was available at the time of publication.

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Footfall in Harrogate will decline without change, says council leader

Footfall in Harrogate town centre will continue to decline if things do not change after the covid crisis, claims Harrogate Borough Council’s leader.

Speaking at a meeting of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Richard Cooper said the pandemic had left more people shopping online and craving an “experience” in town centres.

Cllr Cooper’s comments last night came on the day retail and hospitality reopened for the first time since the third lockdown was imposed in January.

Businesses in the district pressed the council leader on what direction the town was going in after reopening, with some expressing concern over the Station Gateway project.

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Cllr Cooper said the vision for Harrogate was one that would see more people living and working in the town centre, more events and a high street that offered an experience.

He said:

“For the past seven years that I have been leader of the council, I have heard traders talking to me about footfall going down.

“If we carry on doing things as we are doing them, footfall will continue to go down.

“We need to do something different to get people into the town centre and to support retail because anchor stores are no longer going to be there. Debenhams is gone.”

Cllr Cooper added that the pandemic had accelerated the amount of people shopping online and the town needed to adapt.

However, Graham Strugnell, a chamber member for 20 years, said he had heard some of the council’s plans “time and time again” and added that businesses often saw proposals “fall away”.

Station Gateway

Cllr Cooper was pressed on whether he would listen to concerns raised by organisations, such as Harrogate Business Improvement District, Independent Harrogate and Harrogate Civic Society, about the gateway project.

The £7.9 million project is being led by North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

It could see James Street pedestrianised and Station Parade turned into a single lane with cycle routes.

Independent Harrogate has warned Harrogate’s hospitality and retail sector is in a ‘fragile and critical state’ and has ‘serious concerns’ about the scheme’s economic impact.

William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, asked the council leader whether he would listen to the organisations’ concerns.

Cllr Cooper said he would listen to all business bodies, but would commit to whatever the outcome of the consultation on the project was.

However, he added that people had supported changes to the town centre.

He said:

“It doesn’t matter what businesses say and it doesn’t matter what councillors say, if customers have a different view about how things should develop and about the kind of town centre that they are willing to go to, then they will simply vote with their feet.”