Residents and businesses are continuing the clean up in the wake of Storm Franklin which left many areas across the Harrogate district flooded.

Storm Franklin left many areas under water yesterday as heavy rain hit the district.

Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.

2.40pm – River level in Boroughbridge

A picture posted by James Wilkinson on social media shows the current level of the River Ure in Boroughbridge.

2.35pm – Bewerley Recreation Park under water

Our reporter has captured these pictures this afternoon of Bewerley Recreation Park near Pateley Bridge flooded.

2pm – Road closures across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire County Council has released a list of road closures, including some in the Harrogate district.

The roads are listed as closed or passable with care.

(2/4) – A168 near Thornton le Street
– B1223 The Fleet, Ryther

Closed:
– Road into Kirby Wiske
– Sandhill Lane (road to Holme on Swale from B6267
– Eldmire Lane
– Dalton Lane
– Occany Lane, Farnham
– East Farm to Grey Gables, Laverton/Ripon
– Catttal Moor Lane, Cattal pic.twitter.com/SpwSjRAMfm

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022

(4/4) Closed:
– Morton on Swale Bridge
– Little Langton
– B1257 Golder Square to Stockings Lane
– Intake Lane, Beal
– Raw Lane/New Lane, Ulleskelf
– New Road Ulleskelf
– B6160 between Linton Crossroads and Threshfield highways depo pic.twitter.com/RA8Pc7bWOD

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022

1.47pm – Knaresborough residents assess Storm Franklin flood damage

Knaresborough residents and business owners have begun to assess the damage caused by Storm Franklin after many were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding.

The storm brought heavy rainfall to the area over the weekend and caused the banks of the River Nidd to break, leaving many houses in the surrounding area at risk.

You can read more here.

1.10pm – Dishforth Road water levels beginning to subside

Water levels on the flooded Dishforth Road near Ripon are beginning to subside and some motorists are now attempting to pass through the road.

Meanwhile, a blue Audi which was abandoned on the road earlier is still awaiting recovery.

12.55pm – Plea for better drains in Pateley Bridge after floods

Businesses and residents are calling for the drains to be improved in Pateley Bridge after the town flooded again yesterday.

Pateley has flooded frequently in recent years and the bottom of High Street was under water again in the early hours of Sunday

You can read more here.

12.45pm – Pateley Bridge devastated by flooding

Our reporter Suzannah Rogerson has been on greenwood Road in Pateley Bridge, which was hit hard by Storm Franklin this past weekend.

You can see the current situation in the town below:

12.06pm – Marigolds Cafe in Knaresborough. hopes to reopen tomorrow.

Justine Connolly, who co-owns Marigolds Cafe on Waterside, was forced to close the cafe on Sunday morning just as Storm Franklin was approaching the district.

She tells the Stray Ferret she hopes to reopen tomorrow. You can read more here.

11.40am – Ure expected to peak at midday as Boroughbridge bridge remains closed 

Boroughbridge Emergency Response Team update has issued a flood update. It says:

“The Ure has burst its banks and is currently at 15.3m and holding steady, but not due to peak until midday today. The road is closed.

“That said people are still driving through causing great problems for home owners that are flooded. It is illegal to ignore a road closure and those that do will be reported.

“Yorkshire Water are in the car park to prevent flooding there. We have just witnessed a huge tree crashing down at the side of the river so if you are out walking take care.”

10.15am – Knaresborough resident speaks of being evacuated from floods

Margaret Pearson, a resident at Nidderdale Lodge caravan park, has been speaking to the Stray Ferret this morning about her experience of the flooding yesterday.

You can watch the interview below.

10.05am – Copgrove Lane flooded

Copgrove Lane in Knaresborough is currently flooded. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

9.35am – Advice from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

Harrogate Fire Station has issued advice this morning to avoid flooded roads as water is still coming down from the hills.

9.23am – Ripon flooding footage

A Stray Ferret reader has shared this footage from Urebank Terrace in Ripon this morning, which has been hit hard by the floods.

9.18am – Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey all closed

The Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey at Ripon are all closed this morning due to the devastating floods yesterday.

National Trust park rangers are at the entrance to advise would-be visitors of the temporary closure.

9.10am – B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning

The B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning, which is closed due to flooding.

B6275 at Boroughbridge currently closed due to flooding pic.twitter.com/obQ7nZaN9M

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 21, 2022

8.55am – Pictures of the River Nidd this morning

Here’s how the River Nidd and Nidderdale Lodge caravan park at Knaresborough look this morning.

Earlier, the Environment Agency said river levels on the Nidd had “peaked”.

8.39am – Reports of tree down at Mother Shiptons

Stray Ferret reader Nicola Johnson has shared an update that a tree is blocking the road near Mother Shiptons in Knaresborough.

If you have any further information on this you can email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on Facebook.

8.30am – Bridge in Boroughbridge closed

The bridge in Boroughbridge has closed to traffic. River levels on the Ure have increased and traffic is being turned around in both directions.

8.20am – Flooding in Hampsthwaite

A Stray Ferret reader has sent this footage from flooding in Hampsthwaite yesterday.

8.05am – Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge closed

Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge, near Ripon Racecourse, is closed after the River Ure burst its banks.

It leaves routes into and out of Ripon limited, however traffic is still flowing on the bypass and the route to the A1 remains clear.

7.55am – Pateley Bridge bus services cancelled

Harrogate Bus Company has had to cancel some services to Pateley Bridge this morning due to flooding.

⚠️ Due to flooding in Pateley Bridge, the following journeys on the 24 are unable to run:

07.40 – Harrogate to Pateley Bridge
09.00 – Pateley Bridge to Harrogate

ℹ️ next buses – 2 hours

Our apologies for any inconvenience caused

@northyorkscc

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 21, 2022

7.45am – Environment Agency: River Nidd levels “have peaked”

The Environment Agency has said this morning that river levels on the River Nidd have peaked.

However, a flood warning remains in place

River levels have now peaked in the upper catchments of the #Wharfe and #Nidd and our focus is turning to #York and #Tadcaster where levels will peak tomorrow morning. Check your flood risk now https://t.co/j6ls7uqAIb pic.twitter.com/bYfgvMygMp

— Environment Agency – Yorkshire & North East (@EnvAgencyYNE) February 21, 2022

7.35am – Drivers urged to avoid Dishforth Road near Ripon

Drivers are urged to avoid Dishforth Road due to flooding near to the Ripon bypass.

One driver has had to abandon their car due to the flood.

7.22am – Police urge drivers to avoid low-lying roads

North Yorkshire Police has urged people to avoid low-lying roads and footpaths as Storm Franklin continues to cause disruption.

https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1495653258169401350

7.20am – Yellow weather warning of strong wind

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong wind in the Harrogate District.

The warning is in place until 1pm today and may cause disruption on the roads and to public transport.

7.15am – River Nidd flood warning remains in place

A flood warning remains in place for the River Nidd at Knaresborough this morning.

The Environment Agency has warned that river levels have fallen since yesterday, but remain higher than normal.

The Environment Agency adds on its website:

“Areas at risk are locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Riverside properties situated along the Waterside, Abbey Road, Spital Croft and Monskwell Park including part of Manse Lane Industrial Estate.”

Flooding is causing major problems in the Harrogate district today. Many roads are treacherous and police are urging motorists to think carefully before setting off.

Here are some of the main stories so far today:

• A rest centre may be set up tonight in Knaresborough for flood evacuees.
• Pateley Bridge High Street was flooded first thing this morning but has cleared.
• Residents in Pateley have been battling to get hold of sandbags to protect their properties.
• The water gardens at Fountains Abbey near Ripon have been ‘totally devastated’ by floods.
• Travel conditions are hazardous — police are urging motorists not to risk driving through flooded streets.

Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.

9.52pm: Rooms available in Knaresborough for genuine flood victims

9.47pm: Boroughbridge road predicted to flood overnight

It’s been a busy day for a lot of people but there are signs that things are starting to calm down. However:

⚠️River levels are still very high

⚠️B6265 Boroughbridge predicted to flood overnight

⚠️A Yellow wind warning is in place until 13:00 tomorrowhttps://t.co/bY84nwKX5L

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 20, 2022

9.21pm: A658 south of Huby closed

Harrogate traffic constable David Minto has just tweeted a traffic update. We understand several cars have broken down after encountering the pot hole and are awaiting recovery.

https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1495508329787006978

9.18pm: Storm Franklin bringing high winds tonight

Winds of up to 51mph are expected overnight as Storm Franklin continues the wild weather in the Harrogate district.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow.

It will be a very windy start to Monday due to #StormFranklin

Bands of rain & showers will also be sinking south during the rush hour, & combined with the strong winds may make travel difficult in places

Warnings are in force throughout the morning so stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/wtfn5NI9NF

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 20, 2022

8.57pm: River Ure at Boroughbridge close to record high

The Ure has also shot up today to near-record levels, as this graph shows.

According to the River Levels website, it was at 14.4 metres at 8.15pm tonight. The record is 15.79m, reached on September 26, 2012.

8.34pm: Video shows flooding in Pateley Bridge

8.19pm: Dramatic video shows Cattal flooding

8.10pm: River Nidd at Knaresborough near record level

This graph shows how rapidly the water level has increased today. The latest reading, at 7.30pm this evening, of 2.1m is only just below the highest ever, which was recorded on December 26, 2015 at 2.33m.

A typical level is between 0.43m and 0.63m.

However, the site says the river level is falling — it is 0.012m down on the reading 15 mins earlier.

7.41pm: 36 bus misses stops

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495482851747414022

7.30pm: Leathley road ‘only passable by 4×4’

#StainburnClose #B6161 at #Leathley only passable by 4×4 due to floodwater.
If you are not sure of the depth STAY OUT.
Please do NOT attempt to drive through floodwater.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

7.28pm: A61 at Harewood Bridge closed

#A61 #HarrogateRoad #HarewoodBridge at #Dunkeswick is closed to ALL traffic due to flood water.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

7.01pm: Ripon’s River Ure bursts banks

Thanks to reader Paul Smith, who has sent us these cracking photos of the Ure bridge at North Road in Ripon, which he took at 5pm today.

6.21pm: Busy day for firefighters in Nidderdale

Today’s North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident log is unusually long. It reveals the key role firefighters have played in the flood effort today. Call-outs include:

10:28 Mill Lane, Spofforth. Crews assisted with flood water in basement of property. Crew pumped water out of a basement using two light portable pumps.

14:49 Summerbridge. Crews assisted with diverting flood water away from residential properties. Small tools and sandbags used.

14:51 King Street, Pateley Bridge. Crews assisted several domestic properties with flood water. Crews pumping out.

15:25 Dacre Banks. Crews assisted homeowners in the area that had been affected by flood water. Crews used light portable pumps to alleviate water levels.

15:38 Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge. Crews responded to a property that had water ingress affecting their electrics. Crews used a light portable pump to remove water from property.

15:40 Knaresborough. Crews assisted several residents to evacuate due to high levels of flood water. Crews used water rescue equipment

6.15pm: Naturist club reports damage

https://twitter.com/ValleyClubHgate/status/1495458782817787907

6.12pm: Video shows dire state of A61 at Harewood bridge.

6.07pm: Will rest centre for evacuees in Knaresborough be set up?

The Ready for Anything service, which is a group of volunteers co-ordinated by North Yorkshire County Council, is reporting on social media that Chain Lane community centre and the town hall are being considered as possible sites for a rest centre for flood evacuees.

The message adds Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge are also being ‘closely watched’.

6pm: Pets rescued from Knaresborough caravan park

We reported earlier that firefighters were rescuing some residents. It seems they’ve gone back for the pets!

https://twitter.com/russjenks999/status/1495451705231790082

5.56pm: Avoid A61 between Harewood and Pannal

We are receiving reports the road is totally flooded and should be closed.

5.02pm: Firefighters rescue residents in Knaresborough

https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1495440197638623238

4.53pm: Knaresborough street flooded

Thanks to Michael White for this photo of Rowan Close in Knaresborough, which he says floods frequently due to heavy rain and blocked gutters.

4.45pm: Latest flood alerts and warnings

There appear to be 17 flood alerts and flood warnings active in the Harrogate district. Eleven are along the River Nidd.

4.41pm: Firefighters called to Pateley Bridge

Kevin Wood has sent us this photo from Pateley Bridge. e says:

“Looks like the rain is with us for the rest of the day. Hope the rest of Pateley is OK as we can’t get out.”

4.32pm: Sections of The Stray in Harrogate under water

The Stray is no stranger to puddles of water but even so, the current situation isn’t looking too great.

4.29pm: Leak on Hollins Lane in Hampsthwaite

Be careful driving in Hampsthwaite.

4.17pm: Update from Knaresborough

Some great photos have been added to the Knaresborough Photography Facebook page.

3.45pm: Sandbag problems?

Thanks again to Louise Kendall in Pateley Bridge, who sent this photo of a home trying to withstand rising floodwater.

Louisa says:

“This is the result of the local council refusing to give us sandbags as they say the river is dropping however its the drains causing the problem.

“I messaged them and they said apparently sand bags are not being released at the moment as the river is going down.”

UPDATE: Louise messaged later to say: “They have given in after a lot of hassle and given us several.”

3.38pm: Update from Ripon

Our Ripon reporter Tim Flanagan has sent this update from the city.

The River Skell rages past the Water Rat – a popular gastro pub overlooking Alma Weir and Ripon Cathedral, that is owned by Rick Jones. The pub was inundated in the floods of June 2007.

As river levels rise in the downpour, the ford at the Firs Avenue crossing near Farmison was overwhelmed when the banks burst.

Ripon’s main River, the Ure is also rising fast and can be seen here at Hewick Bridge near Ripon racecourse.

The Skell between the Iron Bridge and Bondgate Bridge passes the children’s playground in full spate.

3.31pm: Cancellations and delays at Leeds rail station

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1495419704076292099

3.29pm: Weather update: rain expected to continue

The latest Met Office forecast for Harrogate is for more rain until 9pm tonight but it could ease after 5pm. Don’t forget, a yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow, when this grim period of weather should finally abate.

3.20pm: Flooding at the Studley Royal water garden at Fountains Abbey

The National Trust has released this video of flooding that has ‘totally devastated’ the water gardens at Fountains Abbey today. You can read more here.

3.04pm: 24 bus route cancelled

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495412109710082052

2.54pm: River Nidd in Knaresborough

Thanks to Michael Ward for this picture of the River Nidd in Knaresborough, where it has burst its banks and partially submerged some trees.

2.45pm: Latest in Pateley Bridge

Thanks to reader Louise Kendall for these photos taken in the last few minutes, Parts of the town remain under water but Louise tells us the flood has subsided on the High Street thanks to Lee from the Spar shop cleaning the drains. “Greenwood road is worse now,” she says.

Anyone from Knaresborough able to update us on the situation there? The caravan parks are close to the Nidd.

2.43pm: Police issue warning to drivers

Please be aware there are a number of flooded roads throughout the county. Pleas DO NOT drive into floodwater. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will not recover vehicles.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

2.34pm: Pateley Bridge still badly affected

The bottom of the Nidderdale town was flooded this morning after the River Nidd burst its banks. Many nearby roads are also affected. Let us know the latest situation by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

If the UK is going to seriously have a go at meeting its net-zero emissions target by 2050, the government says air source heat pumps in our homes will need to become a necessity.

SolarPlus Yorkshire is a Boroughbridge-based business owned by Mark Houldsworth, a renewable energy engineer who has been installing solar panels and air source heat pumps since 2010.

Mr Houldsworth said since the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November, he has seen a sharp increase in calls from customers in the Harrogate district looking to replace their gas boilers with heat pumps.

According to innovation charity, Nesta, greenhouse gases emitted by a typical gas boiler in the UK are equivalent to 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per year, roughly the same as taking seven flights between London and New York.

Everyone is talking about rising energy prices too, which is not helped by the UK’s reliance on imported gas from Europe.

Heat pumps are still powered by electricity but are seen as a way for homeowners to reduce their exposure to price fluctuations seen with gas.

Mr Houldsworth said:

“Lots of people are calling about wanting to reduce their bills but since COP26 more people are ringing about the environment, they want do their bit. That’s really positive.”

How do heat pumps work?

A heat pump is a machine that is fitted to your home and absorbs heat from the air, ground or water around a building.

They suck in air from outdoors and pass it over tubes containing refrigerant fluids that produce heat.

They are not cheap to install and can cost up to £18,000.

In November, the government announced a new £5,000 grant to help pay for one.

The government has announced it will ban new homes from being fitted with gas boilers from 2025.

But green campaigners in the district have regularly voiced their dismay at Harrogate Borough Council who are still waving through planning applications with homes that are reliant on gas.

Read more:

• Green Shoots: What it’s like to own an electric car in Harrogate
• Green Shoots: The Harrogate wind farm that powers 8,000 homes
• Green Shoots: Harrogate Town’s vegan footballer who is passionate about environment

Maintaining heat

Mr Houldsworth says air source heat pumps are particularly useful for people who work from home as they are good at maintaining the same temperature throughout the day.

But critics say they are not suitable for drafty, older homes.

Mr Houldsworth said there are other factors to take into account when getting one installed, such as your radiators that may need to be replaced.

He said it’s a misconception that heat pumps don’t work well in the winter.

“Tell that to people in Sweden and Germany where heat pumps are popular and the temperature goes to -20.”

An environmental obsession

Mr Holdsworth said he launched his business after becoming interested in the technology of solar panels, rather for than for environmental reasons.

But he says the cultural shift in recent years towards the environment has inspired him.

The grandad said doing his bit for the environment is now “an obsession”.

“The gamechanger for me was that BBC David Attenborough documentary. I was shellshocked.

“Greta Thunberg, too, who’d have thought she’d be seen all over the world on her school’s steps”

“I also saw the images of the Koala bear going into the flames in Australia. The fires killed billions of animals. How can that be possible?

“I live eat and breathe this now, I’ve become obsessed with it. Installing solar panels and heat pumps, it does feel like you’re doing your bit.”

A Boroughbridge walking group has announced its annual Easter walking festival will return in April after a two-year hiatus due to covid.

The Boroughbridge and the Lower Ure Valley Walks group is made up of volunteer walking enthusiasts helping to share local walks. The group also organises an annual festival which includes a long walk for people to enjoy together.

This year’s walks include a 16-mile river walk and will take place across four days, April 15 to 18.

The festival has been going since 2008 and will this year feature a new walk from Whixley to a grade II listed church in Allerton Mauleverer.

The walk is in conjunction with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Boroughbridge. The battle, between Edward II and his cousin the Earl of Lancaster, who was in collusion with the Scots, involved several thousand soldiers. The majority supported the king.

Read more:

• Plans revealed to mark 700th anniversary of Battle of Boroughbridge
• Historic 37-room Boroughbridge pub and hotel sold

The festival includes a walk, a tour of the town and a visit to the Devil’s Arrows- four standing stones with the highest almost seven metres tall.

The festival had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to various covid restrictions.

The full festival guide will be available here shortly.

Boroughbridge High School has maintained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating — but the schools inspector indicated the grade “might not be as high” if it had carried out a full inspection.

The 446-pupil school’s Ofsted report was published this week following a short inspection on January 11 and 12.

The school received a ‘good’ grading in its last full Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Schools assessed to be ‘good’ do not receive graded judgements on their next visit.

Instead they are subject to short inspections and if Ofsted finds evidence that they would now receive a higher or lower grade, they are told they will receive a full inspection next time — which is what happened in this instance.

The school was commended for its approach to tackling bullying. Pupils said they know adults will help if it occurs and it is “very rare”. The school was also praised for creating a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe.

The report added leaders have coped well with the pandemic and have adapted the curriculum to ensure pupils have time to catch-up on missed work, such as science lessons.

Enrichment opportunities and the focus on individual pupils’ needs also earned praise. Safeguarding was deemed “effective”.

Classroom disruption

But the report raised concerns around an ‘inconsistent approach to dealing with low-level disruption’ — a view shared by parents.

It also said ‘teachers do not always make their expectations clear’ and ‘plans to develop pupils’ love of reading are not well embedded’.

Inspectors will return to the school within two years for a full inspection.

The report says:

“In some lessons, some pupils lack engagement. Teachers do not always have high enough expectations of pupils’ behaviour in lessons.  Staff do not consistently apply expectations around uniform. Consequently, pupils’ attitudes are variable.

“Governors do not challenge leaders about standards of behaviour, to ensure that what leaders tell them is accurate.”

Kathryn Stephenson, the school headteacher

Read more:

• Moves to close Woodfield School in Bilton to begin next week
• Foundation to run sports clubs for disadvantaged children in Harrogate

Sixth form closure

School governors decided this month to temporarily close the sixth form in the summer due to issues with funding and declining student numbers.

The Ofsted report says there are currently only 12 sixth form students.

All courses and pastoral support will transfer to King James’s School in Knaresborough. The two schools federated last year.

A flood warning has been issued for Boroughbridge as rain continues to fall in the Harrogate district.

The warning for the Upper River Ouse was issued at 10.10am this morning at the start of what is expected to be a week of storms and rain.

Currently the main threat is just to the east of Boroughbridge but the situation is expected to worsen this afternoon.

The bad weather over the weekend has impacted river levels across the UK. 2 flood warnings have been issued, one in Boroughbridge and another in the Lake District. There are 28 other flood alerts.

Check here: https://t.co/ueaxxWzWWI#Flood #LakeDistrict #Boroughbridge pic.twitter.com/ew5DbhuLhN

— FloodAlerts (@FloodAlerts) February 14, 2022

It is one of two flood warnings nationally, the other one being active in Cumbria.

Less severe flood alerts were removed this morning for the Lower Nidd catchment area and the Lower Ouse but water levels remain high following days of persistent rain.

The government’s flood alert service says of the situation affecting Boroughbridge:

“Flooding of roads and farmland is expected. Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads and riverside foot and cycle paths.

“We expect levels on the River Ouse to rise through Monday and to peak late on Monday afternoon.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast and checking and operating defences as required.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads or carparks near rivers, which may be flooded.”

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Harrogate is riding roughshod over Knaresborough with this unwanted new pool

Thank you for the report on Ripon’s issues with Brimhams Active. We in Knaresborough understand that Harrogate Borough Council officers have recommended that Harrogate Borough Council’s plans to demolish the pool and build from scratch be approved despite all the carefully prepared plans for more sustainable, more attractive, more appropriate — and cheaper — proposals.

This means Harrogate Borough Council is, as usual, riding roughshod over the views of the residents of another ancient market town.

Knaresborough Civic Society and many others have objected strongly. Many people are concerned that public land, given to the people of Knaresborough, is being commandeered by the private company Brimhams Active who will then charge inordinately high prices.

The excellent free play area will be built over and may never be replaced, leaving whole year groups of children and families without this valuable resource – possibly forever. About 20 mature trees will be chopped down. The embodied carbon cost of a new build and removal of the current pool would be immense as a pool needs enormous quantities of concrete.

The proposed new build even includes gas heating, which in the context of a climate crisis is an unforgivable gratuitous use of fossil fuels.

Knaresborough wants something to be proud of which gives the right messages, not an inappropriate building tying us in to last century’s costly and dangerous habits. A very big question is who will Brimhams Active be accountable to when Harrogate Borough Council vanishes? Who will own the building and the land? Who will profit?

This is not the time to demolish a perfectly good pool. It could remain open whilst work was done to build around and above it to add facilities such as a treetop cafe and fitness suites.

Nobody asked for a new pool; the concept appeared out of the blue, so the question must be asked — who are the real beneficiaries of these expensive and unsustainable plans? The people of Knaresborough are having free access to green spaces stolen from under their noses.

Shan Oakes, Knaresborough

Read more:

• Knaresborough Civic Society urges councillors to reject leisure centre plans
• Boroughbridge High School agrees to close sixth form
• School leavers ‘totally unprepared’ for work, says Ripon firm

Boroughbridge school governors need to rethink

As three-times ex-Mayor and a school governor in Ripon for many years, I am appalled and concerned that sixth form provision is proposed to be removed from Boroughbridge High School, especially with the present addition of many new houses in the town.

How can this make sense to the governing body when students will have to travel into Knaresborough, increasing the carbon footprint of St James’ School? Surely governors should be wanting to reduce the carbon output by students in Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

However, the greatest threat is to the young people of the town. Removing the great opportunities for students that sixth form life offers is unforgivable, unacceptable and unbelievable; the governors need to rethink their action.

Michael Stanley, Ripon

Econ boss is right — we need more apprenticeships instead of third-rate degrees

I wholeheartedly agree with Econ Engineering‘s Jonathan Lupton’s observations about the need for more apprenticeships.

I could rant on, but shall refrain from so doing, about youngsters almost being conned into enrolling at third-rate universities and emerging with commercially worthless degrees.

Apprenticeships for those with A-levels and similar have always been quite readily available. However, the same cannot be said for those who leave school with no qualifications, either because they are not academically inclined or for a variety of other reasons.

It is these youngsters who desperately need to be able and to have the encouragement to get qualifications through apprenticeships. Unfortunately that window has virtually disappeared in this country. I am sure that is not so in the likes Germany, the Netherlands and many of the eastern European countries.

Richard Goldstein, Harrogate

An electrical fault is being blamed for a crane fire that caused the closure of a main Harrogate district road for most of yesterday.

The driver, believed to be from Ripon, escaped unharmed when the blaze started shortly before 7.30am yesterday on Arkendale Road, Ferrensby, which is between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.

The crane was not moving at the time of the incident. Two other cranes were required to remove it.

Firefighters from Knaresborough, Harrogate and Ripon used hose reels, breathing apparatus, a thermal imaging camera and a triple extension ladder to fight the blaze, which severely damaged the cab and engine compartments.

Arkendale Road remained closed until last night.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement:

“The crane was in transit and not in operation at the time of the fire.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical.

“No injuries were reported.”

Read more:

• Harrogate district road closed as crane catches fire
• North Yorkshire fire service ‘struggling to buy the basics’ says union

A main road in the Harrogate district was closed this morning when a crane caught fire.

The incident happened on the A6055 at Ferrensby, which is almost midway between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.

The fire was extinguished but no further details are currently available.

The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, which does not have a phone number for media inquiries, to request further details.

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Two drug pushers who were caught with 14 kilos of cannabis worth £140,000 have been jailed for two years.

Silvio Kondi, 30, and Flamur Saliasi, 45, were travelling in a Mercedes E-Class which was stopped on the A1(M) at Boroughbridge on September 30 last year, York Crown Court heard.

A search of the vehicle revealed a huge cannabis stash with an estimated street value of £140,000 and about £1,300 cash.

Kondi, from Leeds, and Saliasi were charged with possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply.

They admitted the offences but on the basis that they were only couriers. This was rejected by the prosecution at the plea hearing in October and the case was adjourned for a Newton hearing, or trial of issue, today (Tuesday, February 8).

However, the case proceeded straight to sentence after the prosecution and defence counsel agreed that Kondi and Saliasi’s role in the drugs racket was more likely to be “significant” rather than “leading”.

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The prosecution contended that both men had close ties to the “original source” of the supply chain and therefore played a “significant” role.

Annie Richardson, for the Crown, said the Mercedes was stopped in the middle of the afternoon but only for a routine check.

She added: 

“Police found various items including vacuum packs of cannabis, uncounted cash and mobile telephones.”

There were 14 vacuum packs weighing one kilo each. A drug expert estimated the total street value to be £140,000.

Albanian interpreter

The cash found included £1,186 in pounds sterling, just over £111 in Euros and small amounts of Macedonian, Albanian and Czech currency. 

The two men were hauled in for questioning but refused to answer police questions. They appeared for sentence on Tuesday accompanied by an Albanian interpreter. 

Robert Mochrie, for Kondi, asked the judge to take account of his client’s timely guilty plea.

Kelleigh Lodge, for Saliasi, said her client had only arrived in the UK last year – just months before his arrest. 

Since then, his wife had returned to their native Albania and Saliasi was “extremely keen” to join her once he had been released from prison.

Ms Lodge said Saliasi had already signed forms with immigration authorities for his deportation.

Kondi, of Tong Road, and Saliasi, of no fixed address, were each jailed for two years. They will serve half of that sentence behind bars before being released on prison licence.