Major roadworks will not affect Ripon’s Remembrance Sunday marchFree bus vouchers offered as biodiesel mix-up causes travel chaos

Bus passengers across the Harrogate district were made late for school and work today, after dozens of cancellations were caused when vehicles were filled up with the wrong type of fuel. 

At least 56 services were scrapped on six routes, leading to one of the worst days for disruption so far this year for The Harrogate Bus Company. 

The company’s website stated there were numerous cancellations of the 36 service between Ripon and Leeds via Harrogate, the 1, 1A, 1B and 1D between Harrogate and Knaresborough, and the 3 from Harrogate to Jennyfield. 

This morning, it also tweeted that the S2 school bus from Bilton to Rossett School was being delayed by up to 30 minutes due to what the Harrogate Bus Company said was “a vehicle-related issue”. 

After receiving reports from readers, the Stray Ferret asked The Harrogate Bus Company about the disruptions. Operations director Vitto Pizzuti said:

“We apologise to our customers for the issues on some of our routes today. Since summer 2023, all our diesel buses have been running on a blend of biodiesel, leading to reduced emissions: the proportion of biodiesel in the fuel blend is normally higher in summer, and lower in winter.

“Unfortunately, it seems our fuel supplier delivered a higher bio blend to our depot last week, which meant that some of our buses were unable to run in the low temperatures over the weekend and this morning. Our supplier, Argent, is currently investigating what happened and has assured us that any necessary lessons will be learned.” 

He said the company’s engineers were working through the affected vehicles and normal levels of service were expected to resume by tomorrow (Tuesday, December 5).  

He added: 

“In the meantime, our advice to customers is to check before travelling on the free Transdev Go app and if your service is cancelled today, please let us know and we will send you a voucher for a free trip next time.” 

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Harrogate district rail strikes to hit half-term holiday travel

Rail services across the Harrogate district look set to be hit by cancellations over the half-term holiday as trade union members go on strike over pay and conditions.

The strikes are set to effect services to Harrogate and Knaresborough between Leeds and York.

Industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions will hit the region’s train services on three days next week. ASLEF, which largely represents train drivers, will stage its action on Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3. Customers are advised to avoid travel on those days.

The RMT union, whose 20,000 members work as caterers, train managers and station staff, has announced its own action on Friday, June 2. On that day, customers are advised to check revised timetables before they travel as only a limited service will be in operation.

Train operator Northern said that early-morning and late-night services on Thursday, June 1 would also likely be affected, due to the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement.

In a press release about the national industrial action, ASLEF said:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and, with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Graphic showing which days over the half-term holiday will be hit by RMT and ASLEF rail strikes.

Travellers are advised to check revised timetables before leaving home.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider. Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.”

Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect at the weekend. While most services will run as normal, the train operator is urging people who make regular trips on the same trains to use the Check My Timetable feature on its website to see details specific to their local station.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASELF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

“This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people’s opportunity to explore the region during the half-term holidays. It’s understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

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Three months of roadworks between Ripon and Harrogate start tomorrow

Three months of nighttime roadworks are scheduled to begin tomorrow on the main road between Ripon and Harrogate.

The A61 will be dug up as part of fibre optics company City Fibre‘s £46 million digital infrastructure upgrade in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

Traffic lights are scheduled to be in place until July 13.

Kim Johnston, regional partnership director at City Fibre said:

“Works will take place 7pm to 6.30am, Monday to Friday, with the road returned to two-way traffic every morning.”

A City Fibre spokesperson added “there may be a small amount of weekend work, subject to confirmation with highways”, adding:

“If this is the case, City Fibre will actively avoid any weekend with a major local event like Harrogate Flower Show.”

The entire length of the A61 between Ripon and Harrogate will be affected, including some residential areas.

Asked whether people could expect drilling and other noise at nights, a CityFibre spokesperson said it “working closely with the council and managing disruption as best they can”.

City Fibre is installing next generation full fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the area.

Ms Johnston added:

“This is a major undertaking, which is why we work closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to manage disruption as best we can and ensure works are delivered quickly, and always to our high standards.”

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No normal service on Harrogate and Knaresborough trains until January 9

Rail operator Northern has warned of ongoing disruption until January 9.

The company, which operates the Leeds to York line that passes through Harrogate and Knaresborough, has published a calendar highlighting its travel guidance to customers over Christmas and the New Year.

It shows the next day of normal service is not for another 21 days.

Northern has blamed the situation predominantly on the RMT union, even though it only has strikes planned from January 3 to 7. However, an RMT national overtime ban from December 18 to January 2 has also affected services.

The union has accused the government of interfering in negotiations with Network Rail to reach a settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“The main cause of the disruption remains industrial action by the RMT union and we can only apologise to our customers for the inconvenience it will cause to their journeys.”

Northern’s new timetable came into effect just before this extended period of disruption, so it is advising customers to use the new Check My Timetable feature on its website to see the changes specific to their local station.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

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Update: Main Harrogate road at North Rigton reopens following major incident

Rail and road travel has been disrupted this afternoon between Leeds and Harrogate.

Police say one lane of the A658 at North Rigton has now reopened, however officers remain at the scene.

Traffic was diverted through North Rigton when the incident happened earlier today.

Police at the scene.

Officers advised motorists to use the A659/A61 or the B6161 as an alternative while emergency services attended.

Meanwhile, Northern Rail tweeted at 1pm that all train services between Harrogate and Leeds have been cancelled or delayed.

A statement on their website said:

“Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Harrogate and Leeds all lines are blocked.

“Trains running through these stations will be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes. Disruption is expected until 7.30pm.”

Calls to tackle construction vehicles who cause ‘misery’ in Harrogate

A councillor says more should be done to tackle construction vehicles that are making people’s lives a ‘misery’ in residential areas.

There has been an unprecedented levels of housebuilding in the Harrogate district in recent years, which has resulted in an increasing number of trucks, lorries and other construction traffic going to-and-from sites.

At a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last night, Conservative councillor for Old Bilton, Paul Haslam, queried what more the council could do to support residents dealing with disruption.

When a development receives planning permission, conditions are attached that stipulate how housebuilders will minimise the impact of issues such as noise and dust.

But Cllr Haslam said he and other councillors had received complaints from residents that the council’s planning enforcement team was not ensuring that conditions were being upheld.

Cllr Haslam said:

“I’m very concerned at the moment about some building work that’s going on in Harrogate, where it’s close to existing properties. [The housebuilders] have been given permission to build, not to make their lives a misery.

“How can we help officers enforce conditions to ensure that development is conducted in a safe and healthy way?”

He added:

“I have potential building on the edge of my area at the moment. The people who live next to it will have 10 years of disruption.”

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In response, Conservative councillor for Killinghall and Hampsthwaite, Michael Harrison, suggested council officers should meet with the directors of housing companies so they can better understand “how much work they need to do” to support people who live next to building sites.

Conservative councillor for the Washburn ward, Victoria Oldham asked Cllr Haslam if he thought HBC’s planning enforcement team was acting on complaints from residents “in a timeous manner”.

Cllr Haslam said he was concerned that enforcement officers “don’t have enough support”. He said:

“Quite clearly, guidelines are being flaunted by the developers. We need to make sure we are seen to protect our residents.”

Green Shoots: Harrogate care provider buys electric bikes for staff

A Harrogate and Knaresborough care provider has bought a fleet of electric bikes to reduce emissions, avoid congestion and boost the mental health of its staff.

My Homecare offers at-home care to around 40 clients in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Carers can be driving to people’s homes from 7am to 9pm, clocking up “absolutely loads of miles’ and contributing to local air pollution, says Sarah Kemp, care manager at the company.

Visits have also been disrupted over the past few years due to the seemingly endless number of roadworks linked to new housing developments in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Ms Kemp said:

“Harrogate is quite a big town when you realise how many people you are visiting. We go everywhere from Bilton, Jennyfields and the town centre.

“But if you need to visit people multiple times the miles soon rack up.”

Holly with one of the bikes

More responsive

The Cycle 2 Care initiative began with seven bikes. It will be trialled in Harrogate and Knaresborough and could be rolled out to other My Homecare locations in other parts of the country if it’s successful.

Ms Kemp added:

“Electric bikes will help us be a lot more responsive.”

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Recruitment boost

Recruitment problems in the care sector have been well documented.

It’s estimated there are around 1,000 jobs available across North Yorkshire, with providers struggling to fill roles.

My Homecare Harrogate believes electric bikes can help persuade carers to come on board and work for them.

It also currently has a small number of carers that don’t have a car, so the bikes will help them get to clients more quickly.

Ms Kemp said she brought up the electric bikes at a recent job interview, and the candidate was impressed.

“The person who we interviewed said no other providers have offered this.

“Nobody is using electric bikes as a recruitment tool the way we are.”

Kim and Clare

‘Greener way of delivering care’

Each carer will have a full induction on how to use the bike and will be provided with a helmet, lights and a lock.

Ms Kemp hopes will not only improve the environment but improve the mental health and wellbeing of staff too.

She added:

“This hopefully will be a greener way of delivering care.”

Otley Road in Harrogate to face six weeks of roadworks

Two-way traffic lights will be installed on Otley Road, between Harrogate and Beckwithshaw, from Monday until Friday May 6.

North Yorkshire County Council will put the lights next to Persimmon Homes’ Harlow Hill Grange development whilst roadworks take place.

According to the council’s website, works include installing new street lights and signs, connecting gullies to a ditch and building a new footpath.

Motorists using the section of Otley Road closer to Harrogate have faced over a year of disruption due to the construction of the Otley Road cycle path. Phase two is set to start later this year.

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Storm Malik: Strong winds cause disruption across Harrogate district

Storm Malik caused travel disruption, closure of major attractions and forced one business to close in the Harrogate district today.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds was in place across the district and drivers were urged to take care when out and about.

Catch up on our live coverage of today’s storm below.

2.40pm – Harrogate business forced to close as roof crashes in

One Harrogate business has been forced to close as strong winds saw its roof fall in.

The roof at Bubblerun Hand Car Wash and Valeting Centre, Harrogate Road, crashed in at around 11.30am this morning.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and staff managed to get outside when the crash happened.

The business has reported that it is now closed until the roof can be fixed.

Damage to the roof of Bubblerun car wash, Harrogate Road. Picture: Sarah Tayan.

Damage to the roof of Bubblerun car wash, Harrogate Road. Picture: Sarah Tayan.

1.15pm – Harrogate landscape boss tells of lucky escape from fallen tree

Jason Kirk, the owner of a Harrogate landscaping company, had a lucky escape on Woodfield Road today when a tree came crashing down during Storm Malik.

He told the Stray Ferret how he avoided being crushed by the tree in Bilton. You can read more here.

Jason Kirk next to his van on Woodfield Drive, Bilton.

Jason Kirk next to his van and the fallen tree on Woodfield Drive, Bilton.

12.16pm – Fallen tree causing problems on Woodfield Road

A fallen tree on Woodfield Road is causing problems for drivers this afternoon.

Drivers are being forced to mount the kerb in order to avoid the tree, which is obstructing the road.

The tree has yet to be moved and drivers are urged to avoid the area.

12.07pm – Reports of power cut in Hampsthwaite

Residents in Hampsthwaite are reporting a power cut in the village.

One resident told the Stray Ferret that properties have had no power all morning.

According to Northern Powergrid, a power cut has been reported in the HG3 and HG2 areas. The loss of power has affected 590 properties, the company said.

It said on its website:

“The power cut affecting your property has been caused by an unexpected problem with the cables or equipment that serve your area.”

11.30am – Strong winds delay 59 bus

Harrogate Bus Company is reporting delays on its 59 service to Skipton due to windy conditions.

⚠️Due to windy conditions, the 59 is experiencing delays

We apologise for any inconvenience

@northyorkscc @MetroTravelNews

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 29, 2022

11.27am – Tree down on Woodfield Road

A Stray Ferret reader has got in touch to report a tree has fallen on Woodfield Road in Bilton.

The tree fell around 11am and drivers are urged to avoid the area.

11.16am – RHS Harlow Carr to fully close

RHS Harlow Carr has confirmed that it will fully close today.

It said the decision was for the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

**CLOSED SATURDAY 29th JANUARY*
We have made the difficult decision to fully close the garden today due to the worsening weather. The safety of all visitors, staff and volunteers is paramount.

We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to reopen tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Er7k0R9Bwd

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 29, 2022

10.52am – Wetherby Road clear despite fallen tree

Wetherby Road near Harrogate Town football ground is clear, despite a fallen tree.

The tree is chopped up and not affecting traffic.

10.25am – Hole in road on Stray Rein

Strong winds have left a hole in the road exposed on Stray Rein after barriers were blown over.

Cyclists, walkers and drivers are urged to take care in the area.

9.52am – Parts of Harewood House site closed

The Harewood House Trust has warned visitors that parts of its site will be closed due to high winds today.

Those travelling to Harewood are urged to check the trust’s website for more information.

9.47am – B6161 at Beckwithshaw reopen

The B6161 between Beckwithshaw and Penny Pot Lane is now reopen after a fallen tree blocked the road.

Contractors have removed the tree. Police have urged people to take care out on the road.

https://twitter.com/OscarRomeo1268/status/1487358679150211074?s=20&t=oSEoRRGn3u78LHKP_KcX_A

9.41am – Weather warning in place until 3pm

The Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds is expected to remain in place until 3pm.

Delays are expected on roads and possibly to public transport. The Met Office adds that “some short term loss of power and other services is possible”.

9.23am – Crowberry Drive now clear after fallen tree

A fallen tree on Crowberry Drive in Jennyfields has now been cleared.

The road was blocked earlier this morning.

9.15am – Harrogate Park Run cancelled and Fountains Abbey closed

Harrogate Park Run announced this morning that it was cancelled today.

Meanwhile, Fountains Abbey will also be closed due to Storm Malik. Its park run is also cancelled.

We're sorry to disappoint anyone planning a visit tomorrow (Saturday 29 January) but for the safety of all we've made the decision to close the entire estate due to the forecast weather.

Park Run is also cancelled. pic.twitter.com/pqcyE7sHva

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 28, 2022

9.10am – RHS Harlow Carr closes parts of gardens

RHS Harlow Carr has confirmed that parts of its gardens will be closed today due to strong winds forecast.

In a tweet, it said that it apologised for inconvenience caused.

Unfortunately due to the forecast of high winds today (Saturday 29th January), parts of the garden will be closed.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is paramount.#winterwalk #welcometowinter #winter2022 pic.twitter.com/FDzeDrBagj

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 29, 2022

9am – Travel disruption expected in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police have urged drivers to take care on journeys today.

A fallen tree blocked the B6161 between Beckwithshaw and Penny Pot earlier this morning. A warning remains in place to expect delays on road and public transport.

The #B6161 between #Beckwithshaw and #PennyPot near #Harrogate remains closed due to a fallen tree. Please use an alternative route whilst we await @northyorkscc and take care if you are out and about pic.twitter.com/X9yuXs7BjZ

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) January 29, 2022