A few days of heavy rain and snowmelt has exposed a flooding issue at a new housing estate in Boroughbridge.

Residents on Hockley Croft noticed flood water creeping onto the north side of the estate earlier this week, which soon turned into a small river.

Yesterday morning some woke up to a wider problem. What had been driveways and a park for children to play had become a lake of water.

Read more:

• Boroughbridge care home, garage and homeowners fight floods
• Football club’s fury at plans to axe Harrogate sports pitch for housing

Residents claim the developers, Harron Homes, had not mentioned the possibility of flooding and also claim council surveys failed to raise the issue.

This week saw some very heavy rain but some Boroughbridge residents fear their homes could be flooded if the weather is more severe in future.

We spoke to some of the residents on the estate who wanted to raise the issue anonymously.

Some had spent around £300,000 to more than £600,000 for a brand new house. They told the Stray Ferret:

“When the searches were done this wasn’t listed as a floodplain, there were no flooding issues raised. I guess that water is from the excess rain and maybe a lack of drainage.

“The flood water is quite close to the house. We don’t want these problems every time it rains.

“The weather has not really been much worse than normal so the drainage needs to be sorted out.”

A second person, who has lived on the estate for 18 months, also told the Stray Ferret:

“The flood water is running like the river near our house. Last night we were really scared, we thought the water was going to come up to our house.

“We weren’t warned about the flooding issues so it was a bit of a shock really.

“Funnily enough we have had to gravel our garden because it is so wet. It was like a flood in our garden last winter, so we had to dig it all up and re-do it all again.”

A spokespers​on for Harron Homes Yorkshire said:

“There has been unprecedented rainfall from Storm Christoph that has impacted many previously unaffected parts of the country.

“The adjacent open land at our Hockley Croft development in Boroughbridge has passed water on to the site which we are investigating with the land owner.

“We have helped our customers affected by the water from the fields by deploying a pump that has reduced the water levels and the situation is now under control with very little consequence and inconvenience to our customers.”

In the planning application from a couple of years ago Harrogate Borough Council said it had concerns about the surface water discharge rates.

“The applicant has stated that surface water from the proposed development is to be discharged directly to the River Ure via an attenuation pond.

“However they have not indicated how this will be achieved.

“Nevertheless the Environment Agency is responsible for administering surface water discharge from the new development to Milby Cut.”

A spokesperson for the council also told the Stray Ferret:

“Proposed development sites may need to carry out a flood risk assessment.

“A risk assessment, carried out by specialists, was considered as part of the planning process for this site.

“Relevant consultees raised no objections to its conclusions or proposed mitigation measures it contained.”

A Boroughbridge care home, garage and homeowners have been fighting against the floods with pumps and mops today.

Persistent rain from Storm Christoph caused water levels to rise, which caused particular problems for people living near the River Ure and Milby Cut Canal.

The level of the Ure peaked last night at about 15 metres as concerned residents watched on powerlessly.

Stephen Jenkins (pictured above), who owns the Riverside Court care home, has had water pumped out of the basement today. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve been here since 1989. When Boroughbridge flooded in 1991 the care home was protected. But in 2000 the Environment Agency opened up this third arch of the bridge.

“Ever since then the water starts seeping out underneath the patio. If they don’t put that pump in it starts to flood. Unfortunately I can’t do anything about it now.

“My main concern is the boilers. Obviously being a care home we need to keep the central heating running at all times. We also have all of our fridges and freezers on pallets permanently.”

Malcolm Angus, who owns Canal Garage in Boroughbridge.

Flooding is also a long-running source of frustration for Malcolm Angus, owner of Canal Garage in Boroughbridge.

Read more:

• Eight flood alerts and warnings remain active
• Tense night ahead as worst of storm approaches

Mr Angus and staff have been mopping the floor today. He told the Stray Ferret:

“We have been lucky this time, the water has come up further before. There’s a burst water main up the road, which is bringing the water down.

“It pools at that junction and then comes across to the garage, that’s causing the problem at the moment, not the canal.

“Cars go through the water on the road and it flows down to us. We get no help. In terms of the canal I have lived here since 1995 and it has not been dredged once.”

Pumps have been out in force today.

On the nearby Milby Cut Canal, Nigel Crowther owns a home looking over the water. He remains calm about the situation:

“I have been keeping track on the Environment Agency website. It doesn’t matter what is happening in Boroughbridge, it’s about what is happening further up the catchment.

“So when you know it is going to be heavy rain for a sustained period you have to get ready so we have put up gates and we have a flood wall around our house.

“The levels peaked at about 10pm last night and it sustained that level for four hours before it started to drop off slowly.”

Residents in the Harrogate district woke today to more flood warnings after days of heavy rain.

Keep refreshing this page to get the latest updates on weather and travel.

Help to keep our live blog up to date by sending pictures and information about flooding to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

4.30pm – Boroughbridge residents fight the flood

People in Boroughbridge have been fighting hard to keep their homes and businesses dry as the river and canal spill over.

We sent a reporter to the town to see how people were coping with the floods.

Read our report here: https://thestrayferret.co.uk/boroughbridge-care-home-garage-and-homeowners-fight-floods/

3.07pm – Met Office yellow warning for ice tonight

Storm Christoph may be abating but weather problems are likely to persist, according to the latest Met Office update. It says river levels could continue to rise “for a little longer” and colder weather is on its way.

A yellow warning for ice is in place for the Harrogate district tonight. Temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus one degree centigrade tonight and sub-zero nighttime temperatures are forecast until Monday.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1352269742548115456

2.35pm – York-Leeds trains cancelled for today

The train operator has said the weather is causing some issues on its lines meaning services between York and Leeds will be withdrawn for the rest of the day.

Northern added it was working with Network Rail to recover the tracks following the bad weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1352247289629257728

1.35pm – Number of flood alerts and warnings reduces

Is the situation improving? There are now eight flood warning and alerts in place in the Harrogate district, compared with 11 last night. Areas near Boroughbridge seem to be experiencing the main threat now.

Flood warnings, which are more severe, remain active for:

Swinney Beck in Masham

River Ure at Roecliffe caravan park

River Ure at Milby Island

River Nidd at Hunsingore

Flood alerts are in place for:

Upper River Nidd catchment

Lower River Nidd catchment

Lower River Ure

Lower Dunsforth Access

12.39pm – Fountains Abbey affected by storm damage

Fountains Abbey has withstood some tumultuous times but Storm Christoph has left a scar.

1/2 The arrival of storm Christoph has caused some dramatic affects here this morning.
More frequently occurring extreme weather events are a direct result of climate change and are the single biggest threat to the precious landscapes cared for by the National Trust. pic.twitter.com/bHUGTeTBVj

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 21, 2021

11.36am – Warnings over travel on A59 at Whixley

North Yorkshire County Council has issued a warning to drivers travelling between Harrogate and York.

It says the A59 at Whixley is only ‘passable with care’ thanks to water on the carriageway.

Other roads affected are Tockwith Road in Long Marston and Spofforth Lane in North Deighton.

A full list of road closures and affected routes can be found on NYCC’s website.

10.53am – List of roads affected by weather

North Yorkshire County Council has just published seven tweets listing which roads in the county have been affected by weather.

Many are not in the Harrogate district but the east of the district, around Cattal and Bishop Monkton, features prominently.

New Row, between Darley and Birstwith, is also on the list.

(1/7)A number of roads in #NorthYorkshire are effected by #flooding or #snow.

Closed
•C32 Fleet Moss
•Unclassified Askrigg East and West Moor
•Unclassified Redmire Moor
•Kirby Wiske, Maunby
•Dalton lane at Cod beck Blenders
•Cowlands Lane, Holme-on-Swale pic.twitter.com/vHPQjNmeYc

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 21, 2021

10.20am – Homes may flood in Masham

The government’s flood information service has updated at 10am to say homes may flood in Masham today.

“River levels have risen as a result of heavy rainfall associated with Storm Christoph.

“Consequently, flooding of property is possible. Areas most at risk are properties along Westholme Road.

“No further significant rainfall is expected today. We are closely monitoring the situation.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast.

“Please put your flood plan into action and activate any property flood protection products you may have.”

10.15am – Firefighters pump water from flooded Harrogate home

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue pumped flood water from a basement in Harrogate this morning.

The incident summary for the night details how the crew used a light portable pump at the property on Lancaster Road at 8.30am.

A crew also attended a property in Nun Monkton surrounded by floodwater and gave advice to the homeowner.

10am – More than 100 flood warnings and alerts

There are currently 65 flood warnings and 52 flooding alerts across North Yorkshire and the surrounding area.

North Yorkshire County Council has warned people to only travel if the journey is essential and to not drive through flooded roads.

The government’s flood alert system is currently a sea of orange and red warnings across the UK and North Yorkshire.

https://twitter.com/KnaresPolice/status/1352194198800371712

9am – Close call for Knaresborough caravan park

Residents living at the Nidderdale Lodge Park in Knaresborough had a close call with the river Nidd’s water levels last night.

This picture below shows just how high the water is this morning. The resident said the blue bench (pictured) was submerged last night but it has not reached the same levels as in 2015.

Photograph: Margaret Pearson

8am – River Nidd flowing fast in aftermath of Storm Christoph

Our reporter captured this video of a fast-flowing river Nidd near Killinghall this morning.

Storm Christoph now appears to have passed but many residents in the district will have to keep a close eye on the rivers near them.

How the river Nidd is looking today in the aftermath of Storm Christoph. Follow our live blog here: https://t.co/Fc0lNqw4cb pic.twitter.com/I5H7GCgXd6

— The Stray Ferret (@thestrayferret) January 21, 2021

7.30am – Boroughbridge river levels peak at 15 metres

The river Ure in Boroughbridge reached 15 metres over night and appears to be on the way down.

According to the Gauge Map, the river levels topped off at around 2am last night.

While still high, the river lowered to 14.8 metres at around 7am this morning.

On 21/01/21 at 01:15 the river level was 14.93mAOD and above its typical range. pic.twitter.com/KlSi0455I8

— Boroughbridge (@riverlevel_1874) January 21, 2021

7am – Harrogate district through worst of heavy rain

The Met Office no longer has any weather warnings in place for the Harrogate district after days of heavy rain.

Forecasters are predicting some showers to hit around midday but only for around a couple of hours.

Friday and the weekend is set to be largely dry, providing relief for rivers running at high levels.

6.40am – Several flood warnings in place

The government’s flood information service added more flood warnings to the Harrogate district last night.

Swinney Beck in Masham and the Bishop Monkton Beck are the latest to be added to the list of places expected to flood.

Warnings also remain in place for Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Low Laithe.

Flood warnings are more sever than alerts and mean that “flooding is expected,” with “immediate action required.”

Flood warnings and alerts are in place throughout the Harrogate district tonight after another day of persistent rain from Storm Christoph.

With a Met Office amber rain warning in place tonight, many low-lying areas are in danger. Some land and roads have already flooded.

Here’s a look at how today unfolded.

You can check flood warnings near you on the government’s flood information service website, which is maintained by the Environment Agency. Click here.

9.12pm – ‘Flooding of property, roads and land in Knaresborough is possible’

The updated Environment Agency flood warning for the River Nidd at Knaresborough caravan park and Goldsborough Mill farm makes sombre reading.

It says Knaresborough caravan park is the area most at risk.

Flooding is also ‘expected’ at Roecliffe caravan park and Milby Island near Boroughbridge on the Ure, according to further updates this evening.

We will sign off now but will be back early tomorrow with more flood updates. Please send any flood photos or news to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

8.33pm – Environment Agency issues new flood alert and warning

The Environment Agency has activated a new flood alert and new flood warming this evening.

The alert is for the Lower Dunsforth Access near Boroughbridge, and says:

“The current level at Boroughbridge is 14.8m and levels are forecast to peak this evening. Further heavy rain is expected until Thursday and we expect river levels to rise accordingly. Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not drive through flood water.”

The more severe flood warning is for the River Ure at Aldwark Bridge to Cuddy Shaw, on the fringes of the district. The alert says ‘flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected tonight’ and homes in Aldwark Bridge were most at risk.

8.11pm – Pateley Bridge feels the impact

Sinead Cregan took these photos of Pateley Bridge today. The Nidderdale town often bears the brunt of high water on the upper Nidd and further flooding of roads and farmland is expected, according to a flood warning that is currently in place.

6.58pm – Amber rain warning tonight

There is still a way to go before the wet weather relents and indeed conditions could worsen tonight and tomorrow as rain continues to fall on saturated land.

The Met Office has an amber warning in place for the Harrogate area until 6am tomorrow, which says there is a ‘good chance’ of some places being cut off, as well as power cuts.

5.45pm – Gritters out as wintry showers threaten high ground

Although flooding is the primary concern tonight, North Yorkshire County Council has said it will be gritting main routes in areas that may see some wintry showers.

We'll be #gritting some priority roads, particularly on higher routes, in parts of #NorthYorkshire overnight.

There's a chance of wintry showers, to high routes in particular, with road temperatures close to or below zero with an ice risk.

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/E7CoDn5zWB

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 20, 2021

5.05pm – Nidderdale Lodge Park on watchlist as river levels rise

Residents on the Nidderdale Lodge Park will be watching water levels closely overnight as the River Nidd continues to rise.

One of the residents has said it is currently at around 1.4m and says if it reaches 2m some residents may have to evacuate. She said it doesn’t look like it will reach 2m but the town’s response group is ready to step in to help if it does.

4.50pm – Motorists warned not to drive through floodwater.

https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1351934965945139202

3.15pm – Fire services quiet so far

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is usually busy during bad weather but today’s rain hasn’t caused too many problems — so far.

Thankfully we've attended very few flooding related incidents so far today.

Please do keep following the advice, only travel if you really need to, check details of road closures and don't be tempted to drive through flood water- find another route.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) January 20, 2021

3.17pm – 21 bus route affected by flooding

Unfortunately, due to flooding the 21 is unable to reach stops Coneythorpe, The Old Barn and Moor Farm in both directions.

The nearest stops are Arkendale and Flaxby

We will let you know once we're back to normal pic.twitter.com/vyKsmijMIj

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 20, 2021

3.06pm – Fog on A59 at Blubberhouses

Lots of flood warnings and alerts in place, with people holding their breath that the situation doesn’t deteriorate before the storm passes tomorrow. To add to the weather issues, Julie Benson has warned of fog on the A59 between Blubberhouses and Bolton Abbey.

https://twitter.com/JB10MILLION/status/1351901290562023425?s=20

2.05pm – Environment Agency on site in Boroughbridge

The Environment Agency and Boroughbridge Emergency Response Team are keeping a close eye on the River Ure as water levels continue to rise.

Water levels are already close to those forecasted for tonight so both teams will be monitoring the river closely.

Water levels rise beneath the main bridge in Boroughbridge. Photograph: Peter Phillips

1.05pm – Knaresborough caravan park preparing for heavy rain

The Stray Ferret has been told the Nidderdale Lodge Park, in Knaresborough, hasn’t flooded yet but with heavy rain forecast for the rest of the afternoon the town’s flood response team is keeping an eye on the area.

A flood warning is currently in place for the River Nidd by the Knaresborough caravan park.

12.27am – 10 flood alerts and warnings currently in place in Harrogate district

There are currently five alerts and five warnings. Warnings are more severe. Warnings are in place for:

River Ure at Milby Island

River Ure at Roecliffe caravan park

River Nidd at Low Laithe

River Nidd at Knaresborough caravan parks and Goldsborough Mill farm

River Nidd at Hunsingore

Alerts are in place for:

Lower River Ure

Upper Nidd catchment area

Middle Nidd catchment area

Lower Nidd catchment area

River Crimple catchment

11.45am – River Ure at Milby Island expected to flood property and roads

The warning, issued this morning, says the level of the Ure is forecast to peak late evening at about 14.7m to 14.9m,

“Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected today. Areas most at risk are properties on Milby Island.

“Avoid walking or driving through flood water.”

11.35am – Boroughbridge emergency response team “prepared”

The Boroughbridge emergency response team, headed by local resident Pauline Phillips, are ready to take action if water levels in the River Ouse rise. The team says at 15 metres it comes on to the road, it is currently at 14.7m.

The team wanted to assure residents it has plans in place if the river does breach its bank. Yorkshire Water is also monitoring the town’s car park which has previously flooded after underground pipes burst.

She added:

“We are prepared to respond if the town does flood but of course we hope we aren’t needed”.

11.20am – Flooded fields near River Ure

The River Ure has burst its banks near North Bridge. Currently, there are no reports of properties being flooded.

The rising waters of the River Ure are reported to be close to the Yorkshire Water waste pumping station located at Sharow on the Dishforth Road at Ripon.

Flooded fields near Ure Bank Top.

10.50am – Rainfall levels expected to peak tomorrow

10.15am – Nidd and Ure burst banks

Images of flooded fields are beginning to appear as the extent of the overnight rain on saturated land becomes apparent.

Julie Benson took these photos of the Nidd at Ripley and Ure at Ripon.

The Nidd at Ripley… Fields are full @northyorkswx pic.twitter.com/xZK1sTAIgG

— JB (@JB10MILLION) January 20, 2021

The Ure at Ripon…. Burst banks… Sorry about the pic quality… All taken as a passenger @northyorkswx pic.twitter.com/72FWlUTbBc

— JB (@JB10MILLION) January 20, 2021

Alex Smith took this image of flooding in Cattal, close to the site of a proposed new 3,000 home settlement.

Nine flood alerts and warnings are in force this morning across the Harrogate district as persistent rain causes river levels to rise to dangerous levels.

Notorious flooding location Knaresborough caravan park and Goldsborough mill farm were put on the more severe ‘warning’ level during the night.

The warning says “flooding of property, roads and land in Knaresborough is possible today” as Nidd river levels are expected to continue to rise. It adds:

“Areas most at risk are riverside land at Knaresborough caravan park. Please activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers, and stay away from fast moving water.”

Roecliffe caravan park, near Boroughbridge, is identified as the most vulnerable location in an overnight warning for the River Ure, which says:

“Flooding of property/roads and farmland is expected imminently. Please put your flood plan into action, and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and stay away from fast moving water.”

Ure near Ripon

An alert was put in place for the lower Ure, just east of Ripon city centre, overnight. An update just before 4am this morning says:

“Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible today,”

An alert was also activated overnight for the River Crimple, near Follifoot, and its tributaries including Horn Beck, Clark Beck, Hookstone Beck, Rud Beck, Toad Hole Beck and Park Beck.

It warns flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible.

Nidd risk

There is widespread risk along the River Nidd.

Alerts were issued yesterday afternoon for the river just above and below Pateley Bridge. Last night a warning was put in place for around Hunsingsore and Cattal.

Alerts for the lower and middle catchment areas of the Nidd also remain in force.

More heavy rain is expected today and tomorrow morning.

If you are affected by flooding, contact us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

15,000 sandbags deployed in North Yorkshire as storm arrives

Communities across the Harrogate district are on stand-by for flooding as Storm Christoph continues to bring persistent rain to the region.

With water levels set to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, home owners and organisations are watching to see whether rivers will rise enough to burst their banks and inflict damage on property.

In Boroughbridge, the Emergency Response Team (BERT) is ready to take action if the River Ouse rises above the predicted peak. Group leader Pauline Phillips told the Stray Ferret:

“At the moment, it’s just a watching brief. We can look at the telemetry online, which is very helpful, and I go down to the river and check the level as well.

“It’s looking like it will peak tomorrow morning at about 14.5m. We know if it gets to 15m it starts to come onto the road.”

The volunteers at BERT are standing ready to act if needed, and awaiting any warnings from Harrogate Borough Council’s emergency planners. Anyone in need of help can visit the Boroughbridge Town Council website.

Sandbags deployed

North Yorkshire County Council has deployed more than 15,000 sandbags – double the usual amount – and its highways team has been clearing drains and gullies.

Cones, barriers and signage for road closures have been distributed across the region and are ready to be used when necessary.

Highways staff are monitoring key routes, including Kex Gill and Blubberhouses.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson urged motorists not to take chances driving through flood water, adding:

“Just 60cm of standing water and 30cm of flowing water can be enough to float/move your vehicle. So please don’t take the risk!”

A yellow weather warning is in place across the Harrogate district, lasting until Thursday lunchtime. An amber warning for heavy rain which could result in damage to property or even danger to life applies to the southern and western edges of the district, including parts of Nidderdale.

On stand-by

The community in Pateley Bridge, which was hit by flooding last February, will also be watching levels on the River Nidd over the coming hours. The Environment Agency issued a flood warning and a flood alert for the river this afternoon.

Town councillor Ian Skaife, who leads the Community Resilience Committee, said this afternoon he did not expect there to be any major problems — but he will be watching the weather and river levels overnight.

“There’s plenty of capacity in the river at the moment. The unknown factor is what rain is coming down further up the dale. With the snow melt from the weekend, all three reservoirs will be full to capacity.”

Cllr Skaife said the amount of rainfall today should not be enough to overwhelm the rivers, but he and fellow members of the resilience committee will remain on stand-by in case they are needed as the storm continues.

Meanwhile, residents in Knaresborough will also be waiting anxiously to see whether the heavy rain causes the lower River Nidd to rise. Those living on the caravan park at Archers Meadows, just off York Road, are watching again as waters rise, after repeated flooding on the site over recent years – including water getting into several homes on Boxing Day in 2015.

Flood prevention measures have been introduced in the area, but residents have questioned their effectiveness as the water continues to rise rapidly in heavy rainfall.

Read more:

• Flood alerts issued as heavy rain forecast for Harrogate district
• ‘Clean your chimneys’, urges fire service after two fires near Ripon yesterday

A Harrogate man has been jailed for breaking a police officer’s leg and terrorising his ex-partner.

Shane Povey, 38, started berating officers when he turned up at an incident in Boroughbridge.

As officers were breaking up a fight between two men, Povey – who knew one of the warring parties – turned up in a friend’s car, got out and started shouting and swearing at police, York Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Stephen Littlewood said:

“Mr Povey was remonstrating with police, asking who had reported the incident.”

Police told him to leave the scene, whereupon Povey, who was drunk, walked back to the vehicle, hurling a volley of abuse as he did so.

When police tried to arrest him, Povey grabbed two of the officers by the arm and shoved them away. One of the officers lost his balance, fell to the ground and felt his ankle crack.

Povey was restrained by other officers using pepper spray. The injured officer, who was lying “in agony” on the ground, suffered a broken ankle, fractures to his shin bone and ligament damage.

He needed two operations for his broken leg and was left with severe mobility problems and relying on crutches.

The incident had left deep psychological scars and the officer suffered lost earnings due to absence from work and restricted duties thereafter. He had been receiving ongoing orthopaedic treatment and was still unable to run.

Making threats

Povey, of Dene Park, Harrogate, was released on bail following the incident on August 1, 2019, but on January 17 last year he decided to seek out his ex-partner.

The victim, a mother-of-one who was named in court, had ended the relationship a few weeks before, but Povey bombarded her “throughout the day” with unanswered phone calls and a flurry of text messages “demanding money from her”.

In the evening, he turned up at her home in Boroughbridge and started banging at her door and windows, shouting dire threats and threatening to “do her car in”.

The victim – who had ended the relationship with Povey “because of concerns over his behaviour and the way he was treating her” – was in the living room “shaking” and refused to answer the door. She called police but then heard a “smash” and the car alarm going off.

Povey eventually left, but when she went outside, she found that all four tyres on her three-day-old Audi A1, a special mobility vehicle, had been slashed and were completely flat. Her front door had also been damaged.

The victim found a kitchen knife on the ground near her vehicle. Subsequent police analysis showed that the knife bore Povey’s DNA.

He was charged with criminal damage, putting his partner in fear of violence, causing serious injury to the officer, albeit without intent, and possessing a knife.

Previous convictions

After his initial denials, Povey ultimately admitted three counts including the attack on the officer and possessing a knife. One other charge was allowed to lie on file.

The court heard that Povey had six previous convictions, mainly for drug offences including production of a Class B drug.

Ian Cook, for Povey, said his client had only taken the knife to the scene to slash the tyres and not to use against the victim. He said his life had been marred by drug and alcohol abuse which had exacerbated mental health issues.

Povey had been “greatly distressed” following the break-up of his relationship with the victim, but he had never been violent to her nor any other women previously, added Mr Cook.

Judge Simon Hickey said although he recognised that Povey wasn’t habitually violent and was remorseful for his actions, he had no option but to send him straight to prison due to the seriousness of the offences against his ex-partner and the attack on the police officer which had had an “extreme” effect upon him.

The judge also noted the “significant damage” caused to the woman’s Audi and the fact she was “terrified” during the incident.

Povey was given a two-and-a-half year jail sentence but will only serve a tiny fraction of that because of the time he had already spent on remand in Hull Prison. He was also slapped with a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex-partner or entering the road where she lives.

Read more:

• Police appeal after man left with broken nose during assault in Ripon
• Do you recognise these people? Police issue plea for help

Pubs and restaurants in the Harrogate district have spoken of their frustration at the abrupt move into tier three just hours before their “biggest day of the year”.

Hospitality venues across the district would usually be buzzing with excitement on New Year’s Eve.

But instead most venues are closed, with only takeaways possible.

All the restaurant and cafe owners the Stray Ferret spoke to today agreed with the need for stricter restrictions but insisted more notice should have been given, as they have been left with unused stock.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group whose properties include the Fat Badger, White Hart Hotel and the Yorkshire Hotel, said:

“I agree stricter restrictions are needed to get a grip on the virus but giving us such little notice is unacceptable. It’s a kick in the teeth for the biggest day of the year taken away with just a few hours notice.

“Frustration — that would be the word I use to sum up the year.”

Mr Cotton said food would be wasted this weekend as charities are unable to make use of perishable items at such short notice.

Many businesses have been trying to use up stock.

The Smiths Arms in Beckwithshaw posted on Facebook it would donate to the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

The Little Ale House micropub in Harrogate said it would be selling cask and keg beers at reduced prices.

Read more:

• Much-loved Harrogate pub, The Woodlands, is getting a face lift and a new name.
• Christies Bar landlord describes his “horrible” year of covid restrictions.

The Dining Room restaurant in Boroughbridge changed its business model this year by moving to daytime-only trade during the week and saving its fine dining for Friday and Saturday evenings.

The owners will continue with their plans to serve takeaways this evening but said yesterday’s announcement would have a major impact on trade. Co-owner Chris Astley said:

“Luckily we won’t waste stock because we can still go ahead with our takeaways but it doesn’t make the past year easier.

“I am relieved because when you have people turning up, clearly from different households, it is very difficult to manage. We just have to keep going.”

The Dining Room in Boroughbridge will go ahead with its plans to offer takeaway food tonight.

Sarah Williams, runs Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms in Knaresborough, said she was expecting the announcement:

“It’s not unexpected especially when you look at the data. Of course it’s not what you want to do but it is the right thing to do.

“We had a successful summer and have received grants, which mean we are surviving and aren’t in any danger of closing but not everyone has been so lucky.”

Fire crews were called to Langthorpe last night after a dog bed warmer was left in a microwave for too long.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said two crews attended the incident at the village near Boroughbridge at about 10.30pm last night.

The incident filled the kitchen with smoke, making it difficult for the crew to pinpoint the source. A thermal imaging camera was used to overcome this problem.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement the microwave had overheated because the dog bed warmer had been left in the microwave for too long.

No details of the extent of the damage were given although it is believed to be purely smoke-related.

The crews ventilated the kitchen before leaving the address in the evening.

Read more:

• A barn fire in Knaresborough this week is thought to have been started deliberately. 
• Plastic toaster placed in oven causes fire in Harrogate.

A caravan park in Great Ouseburn could double in size if planning is approved by Harrogate Borough Council.

The Burrows Park currently hosts 60 pitches for campers and caravaners but if plans were approved it would have capacity for approximately 100 pitches.

The park’s co-owner, Richard Kay, said this year had been “challenging” but over summer the park saw an influx of visitors as the staycation trend grew.

The 4 acres of land signposted for planning is already owned by the caravan park and currently used as an overspill area.

The plans include 57 further pitches, improved access, a toilet and shower block and a reception building.

The park said it has many eager people waiting to book a holiday and hoped this planning would allow it to facilitate everyone.

Mr Kay said:

“We’ve been talking about the plans for two years, my daughter only has one year left at college and she’s eager to get involved in the site so it seemed like the right time. Once it’s done it should look great and it’ll offer a mixture of seasonal and touring pitches.”

“We had a very busy summer especially with new caravaners which was great to see. But it has been a challenging year too, so we will just have to see how next year goes.”

Mr Kay has co-owned the site with his wife for seven years. As an avid caravaner himself he hopes the plans will bring more visitors to boost the local area.

Read more:

• Planning for an old site in Ripon has been refused due to the impact on local heritage. 
• Plans for a new business park in Knaresborough could support 2,000 jobs.