Harrogate man who ‘deliberately breached the law’ jailed after waste site blazeVolunteers sought to form group to improve River Ure water qualityRiver Nidd will probably not improve ‘for several years’, says campaigner

Water quality in the River Nidd will probably not improve “for several years” despite having been granted bathing water status, according to the chair of the Nidd Action Group, which successfully campaigned for the designation. 

As we reported ahead of yesterday’s official announcement, Knaresborough Lido is one of 27 new bathing water sites named by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) ahead of the 2024 bathing season, which runs between 15 May and 30 September. 

The status means that the Environment Agency will now test river water at the site regularly and have a duty to act if water quality does not come up to the required standard. 

Defra’s approval of the status has been hailed a victory for campaigners, who were led by NAG and enjoyed heavyweight support from Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough. 

But David Clayden, chair of NAG, said that although he was pleased with the result, it did not mean the matter had been settled, or that the river had been cleaned up yet. He said: 

“I’m certainly happy that we’ve established the Lido as safe bathing water. It’s a good move for the town, for people who use the Lido, and for the river in general. 

“I would suggest, though, that we won’t see any improvement for several years.” 

He said that the Environment Agency would now be testing river water at the Lido every week for the next 30 weeks, after which it will decide on the basis of the data collected what classification the Lido will have: ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’.  

Mr Clayden said: 

“I suspect it will be ‘poor’. The Environment Agency will then have to present a plan to improve the river’s water quality and work with Yorkshire Water and others to make it happen. 

“NAG’s actions now will be to keep on their tail, pressing, checking and challenging to make sure water quality does actually improve.” 

The lido for yesterday’s ministerial visit.

The campaign to have Knaresborough Lido designated as a bathing site came in response to long-standing concerns that the water in the River Nidd was dangerously polluted. 

In 2020, every section of the Nidd in the Harrogate district failed Environment Agency water quality tests, in part due to pollution from raw sewage. Since then, tests have consistently found high levels of harmful E.coli bacteria in the water.

E.coli in water is a strong indicator of faecal contamination and ingesting it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, or even lead to more severe illnesses.

Nidd Action Group was set up by concerned residents and fishing enthusiasts in October 2022 and last year organised an army of volunteers to test water quality at sites along the river. They found that E.coli concentrations were strongest downstream of Oak Beck’s confluence with the Nidd and peaked in August, after wet weather caused Yorkshire Water to discharge untreated waste into the river. 

Earlier this year, a report from the Angling Trust found the Nidd to be among the UK’s most polluted rivers. 

The granting of bathing water status has been claimed as a victory for Mr Jones, who said: 

“Whilst I was quietly confident we would be successful I am delighted that we did it!” 

‘We deserve much better’

But his adversary Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, said that although the move was a “step in the right direction”, the government needed to do more. He said: 

“The government needs to go much further and stop sewage being pumped into the River Nidd and all swimming sites. Conservative ministers allowed disgraced water firms to spill sewage into the Nidd for a staggering 17,229 hours last year, a 113% increase on 2022.

“No swimmer should have to fear raw sewage making them sick. 

“Whilst the announcement is a step in the right direction, we deserve so much better. “

Mr Gordon said water companies would face punitive fines under Lib Dem plans to create a blue flag scheme for the Nidd. He added:

“Today the Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to make water companies criminally liable for their sewage pollution. I am urging Andrew Jones to back this and finally get tough on these firms.”

Rivers minister Robbie Moore and Andrew Jones MP at Knaresborough Lido yesterday.

Shan Oakes, the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said yesterday’s announcement came as “no surprise”, adding:

“As soon as we saw photos, some months ago,  of Andrew Jones MP posing with a minister, we knew that bathing water status would be conferred – because the Conservative Party wants Mr Jones to win here at the next election.

“This is laughable because it is Conservative policy which has led to the exponential destruction of our river habitats.”

Ms Oakes said bathing water status meant “very little in fact” because the Environment Agency, which will be responsible for monitoring water quality, “has been reduced  by the Tories to a tiny fragment of its original size” and “will have difficulty in carrying out this added responsibility”.

“To actually improve water quality, there needs to be a fundamental change in ideology.  That change is to stop depending on  ‘the market’ to run things. We need government to put back real dynamic regulation or to bring these public services back into proper public control.”

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River Nidd at Knaresborough granted bathing water status

The River Nidd has been granted bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido.

Environment minister Robbie Moore is expected to announce the news this morning.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs received 27 applications for bathing water status this year.

Decisions were expected in spring and well placed sources have told us that the application for the Nidd, which was submitted by Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is among those approved.

It means the Environment Agency will be obliged to undertake measures to improve water quality at the Lido, which will impact the rest of the river.

Andrew Jones (right) and Environment Secretary Steve Barclay discussing the bid.

As part of the Defra submission, Mr Jones’ office ran surveys last summer on the number of bathers using the Lido, which revealed the venue attracted 276 bathers a day on average during summer.

Water sampling work was carried out along the river by Nidd Action Group, which was formed by fly-fishermen concerned about water quality and now also includes academics, charities and volunteers.

River Nidd water sampling

Volunteers involved in water sampling.

Achieving bathing water status will mean that during the bathing water season from May to September, the Environment Agency will test the Lido for pollutants and designate it either ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’.

If it is not rated highly, the government agency will create a plan to tackle the sources of pollution.

Only two rivers, including the Wharfe at Ilkley, currently have bathing water status and the water quality of both is currently rated ‘poor’ so there are concerns about how effective designation is.

The state of the Nidd came under sharp focus last year.

Nidd Action Group sampling revealed high levels of the faecal bacteria E.coli.

Last year Knaresborough Bed Race competitors were advised to keep their heads above water to avoid the risk of swallowing water containing sewage.

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Environmentalists respond to Nidd and Ure sewage spill figures

Two environmental groups have responded to the news of sewage spills more than doubling in the River Nidd and Ure last year.

It comes after the Environment Agency last week revealed sewage discharge figures for all water and sewage companies in England, including Yorkshire Water.

The Stray Ferret analysed the data for the two main rivers in the Harrogate district and found sewage spills not only more than doubled in 2023, but also saw a total of 27,838 hours of spills.

Investment into infrastructure ‘coming too late’

We contacted Nidd Action Group (NAG), which spearheads the iNidd campaign for improved water quality, about the recent figures.

The group appear less than impressed about the significant increases.

David Clayden, the chair, last week told the Stray Ferret:

“From NAG’s quick look at the Nidd data, there seems to be at least 30% more spills this year for almost double the hours of spilling sewage than last year.

“Bear in mind that Yorkshire Water’s plan, determined by the government, is to reduce the average number of spills per asset to less than 10 per year by 2050 (quicker for Knaresborough if we get Safe Bathing Water Status). Yorkshire Water’s considerable investment in infrastructure is coming too late and won’t get the safe bathing and ecological balance in our river right for many years.

“The numbers are going the wrong way. NAG is looking for reduction year-on-year — not upward blips!

“Of course, it has rained a lot this winter but we need to be prepared for changed weather patterns, not just hoping for the best.”

Mr Clayden said the group will “continue to scrutinise what is being planned and what is being achieved for the Nidd”.

NAG will also press Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency for effective and rapid ways to reduce this tide of sewage, he added.

Rivers trust says figures are ‘distressing’

We also contacted the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust (YDRT), a charity that works to protect local rivers, about the data.

Charlotte Simons, catchment partnership manager for YDRT, said the figures come as “distressing news” to the organisation, adding:

“As our population grows and we experience more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, the frequency of these discharges will only increase, unless action is taken. We want to see an end to the practice of discharging raw sewage into our rivers.

“We want to be able to swim, paddle, fish and play in our rivers without risk of getting sick. We want to give our native wildlife a chance to recover, and see our rivers full of life.

“Yorkshire Water has pledged investment over the next five years to tackle this problem. Now we need the government to play their part and approve that spending, to hold Yorkshire Water to account, and to ensure that good decisions are made for long-term environmental and societal benefit.

“This means working with nature as much as possible, looking for integrated solutions that tackle the sewage problem along with other sources of pollution, and deliver more benefits to society too.”

The Stray Ferret reported on the Nidd and Ure statistics last week, which also recorded a total of 2,799 counted continuous spills between the rivers.

Political rivals Andrew Jones MP and Tom Gordon also shared their rather opposing views on the figures at the time.

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Sewage in Nidd and Ure: local politicians react to increase

Leading Harrogate and Knaresborough politicians have reacted to the news that sewage spills in the River Nidd and River Ure more than doubled last year.

The Environment Agency published sewage discharge figures for all the water and sewage companies yesterday. The Stray Ferret analysed the data to discover the amount of recorded incidents had more than doubled for the Nidd and Ure.

Water quality is likely to be a key issue at the next general election.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has led a campaign to achieve bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido on the Nidd.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has attacked the government for its record on pollution and called for a ban on water company directors’ bonuses.

The rivals gave different reactions to yesterday’s figures.

‘A complex picture’

Mr Jones told the Stray Ferret sewage “isn’t the only cause of pollution in rivers – particularly the Nidd”, adding run-off from farmlands also contributed to the issue.

Mr Jones said:

“The combined storm overflows are designed to discharge the contents of sewers into waterways when the sewers are blocked or overloaded.  In 2023 there was exceptionally heavy rainfall which meant the overflows operated more often, stopping sewage backing up into our properties. We need solutions that mean the storm overflows operate less and I am pleased that significant investment is happening and I am pushing for more.

“This shows the importance of a joint effort between water companies, the Environment Agency, house builders and many others to ensure that rainwater run-off into our sewer system is lessened through tree planting, on-site water storage on new estates and separation of clean water and wastewater sewage streams.

“Water quality is a complex picture and to tackle it we need to tackle all the underlying causes.  This underlines the importance of gaining bathing water status for the Nidd. This will mean a five-year plan is developed encompassing all the causes of pollution and engaging all partners in finding a solution.  That is what I have been championing with the local community and I hope to learn the outcome of our bid soon.”

‘A complete scandal’

Mr Gordon went on the front foot by attacking the Conservative’s record on pollution.

The party yesterday claimed the Conservative MPs have “consistently voted against measures which would have helped to tackle the crisis – including Andrew Jones”.

Mr Gordon told the Stray Ferret:

“It is a complete scandal that filthy sewage is being pumped into our River Nidd. Despite our Conservative MP claiming to be campaigning on sewage we have seen the total number of hours of sewage dumped into the Nidd skyrocket, more than doubling.

“It’s beggars belief that Conservative MPs have allowed water firms to get away with this environmental vandalism. Local people are furious that Conservative politicians blocked tougher action on these disgraced firms.

“Here in Harrogate and Knaresborough we have a Conservative MP who has consistently voted against measures to stop the sewage scandal, local residents deserve better. Local residents and our precious environment need actions not words.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for tougher action to stop sewage being dumped in local rivers/beaches including replacing Ofwat with a regulator that has real teeth to clamp down on these polluting firms. We have also called for a ban on bonuses for water company fat cats whose firms have pumped filth into our waterways.”

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Sewage spills in Nidd and Ure more than doubled in 2023

The Environment Agency has published its annual storm overflow spill data for 2023 – and the two main rivers in the Harrogate district saw significant increases.

The agency today released its event duration monitoring data, which shows the frequency and duration of sewage spills as a result of storm overflows in England.

It includes data from the nation’s 10 water and sewage companies, including Yorkshire Water.

Yorkshire Water recorded the second highest number of storm overflow spills. Its 77,761 figure was surpassed only by United Utilities, which released sewage on 97,537 occasions.

The Stray Ferret has been looking at the data for storm overflows that affect the River Nidd and the River Ure.

The Nidd flows through Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough and its tributaries, such as Crimple Beck and Oak Beck, run through Harrogate.

The Ure flows through Masham, Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Nidd and Ure data

The Nidd saw a total of 16,226 hours of sewage spills in 2023, which is a 120% increase from the year prior (7,380 hours).

The data also shows the total number of spills using the Environment Agency’s 12-to 24-hour count method, which records spills according to their duration.

Any discharge in the first 12-hour block is counted as one spill. Any discharge in the next 24-hour blocks are each counted as one additional spill.

This method is used to ensure very long, continuous spills over multiple days are not counted as one spill.

Using this method, the number of counted spills in the Nidd in 2023 was 1,561, compared with 1,010 in 2022 (a 55% increase).

The Ure saw a mammoth 11,612 hours of sewage spills in 2023 – a 166% increase from 2022’s 4,370 hours.

Using the 12-to-24-hour count method, the Environment Agency recorded a total of 1,238 spills in the Ure in 2023, compared to 880 in 2022.

Yorkshire Water ‘disappointed’ by figures

We contacted Yorkshire Water for comment on the number of spills.

A spokesperson for the firm said it was “disappointed about the number of discharges in 2023”.

They added:

“This increase is due to the wet weather experienced in the 12-month period, which included 11 named storms. The weather experienced in the region in 2023 included a very wet summer and prolonged heavy rainfall towards the end of the year resulting in groundwater infiltration into the sewer network.

“Overflows operate during prolonged or heavy rainfall and multiple storms in close succession can lead to increased discharges due to the storm capacity being used up.

“Our teams worked hard throughout 2023 to reduce discharges as part of our commitment to improve the operation of our network. As a result, our modelling indicates investment in our network and changes to our operations since 2021 equate to an improvement of 12,980 discharges when normalised against rainfall.”

The spokesperson added Yorkshire Water was “making headway” with a £180 million programme to reduce discharges across the region by April 2025.

They continued:

“Work is in progress on 62 projects, including some on the Nidd and Ure, that will reduce discharges from some of the most frequently operating overflows, with more to follow later in the year.”

National picture

The Environment Agency revealed a 54% increase in the total number of sewage spills in 2023 compared to the year prior, and said there were 14,318 storm overflows during the calendar year — up from 13,313 in 2022.

A total of 100% of storm overflow networks are now fitted with event duration monitors in line with the government target, the agency added, which enables it to collect data.

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the agency, said:

“Whilst it is disappointing that water companies have reported an increase in sewage spills in 2023, it is sadly not surprising. We are pleased to see record investment from the water sector, but we know it will take time for this to be reflected in spill data – it is a complex issue that won’t be solved overnight.

“No other country has the level of monitoring we do, with 100% of storm overflows in England now fitted with a monitor. We are better placed than ever before to hold water companies accountable.”

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Knaresborough duck race cancelled due to high river level

Knaresborough’s traditional New Year’s Day duck race will be held online for the second consecutive year due to high river level.

Knaresborough Cricket Club, which organises the event, posted on social media today that it had acted on safety grounds.

It said the event will instead take place virtually rather than by releasing toy ducks off High Bridge on the River Nidd.

The club said:

“It is with a heavy heart that we need to tell you all that the duck race has been cancelled on New Year’s Day 2024 due to safety reasons.

“The river is very high, and with rain last night and heavy showers forecast our partners on the river think that the river will be much too high to have boats in the river and it will be unsafe for all.

“Thanks to all that have purchase tickets. The race will GO AHEAD ONLINE. A link will be posted on here. The race will start at 2.30pm, or why not join us in person at Knaresborough Cricket Club from 2pm.”

It added that all prized will be delivered and funds will go to the club’s junior cricket section and local disability charity Henshaws.

After a wet few weeks, Environment Agency flood alerts remain in place for the Lower River Ure and the River Nidd at Hunsingore in the Harrogate district.

The latest update for the Ure this morning said:

“Areas most at risk include low-lying land, including agricultural land, and local roads in the areas around Boroughbridge, Aldborough, Bishop Monkton and Aldwark.”

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River Nidd bursts its banks as Storm Gerrit hits Harrogate district

A Met Office weather warning for rain and strong winds was active in the Harrogate district from 3am to 6pm today. Here’s a look back at how the weather affected the district.

5.26pm: Flood alert issued for River Ure

Until today, all the local flood alerts were for areas alongside the River Nidd. But at 4.48pm this afternoon the Environment Agency issued one for the lower River Ure. The alert is for a wide area, including Ripon. It says:

“Areas most at risk include low-lying land including agricultural land and local roads in the areas around Masham, Boroughbridge, Aldborough and Bishop Monkton.”

5.10pm: Harrogate trains affected by flooding at Horsforth

Rail operator Northern has announced rail replacement transport on Harrogate services due to flooding at Horsforth. It posted the following information on X:

Further rail replacement transport has been sourced:

17:00 Harrogate – Leeds (York Pullman)

17:40 Harrogate – Leeds (J&B)

18:40 Harrogate – Leeds (J&B)

19:00 Leeds – Harrogate ( York Pullman)

4.37pm: It’s go for Glow at Harlow Carr

The Royal Horticultural Society has posted on social media that its Glow event at its Harlow Carr gardens is going ahead. The charity said:

“RHS Glow is going ahead tonight.  Sorry for the uncertainty the weather has been causing us! But following Met Office advice, we understand the weather is due to clear so Glow can proceed.”

3.54pm: Strong wind alert

The Met Office weather warning for rain is due to end at 6pm today. At precisely the same time, a separate warning will become active for winds.

Gusts of up to 45 mph are forecast locally overnight. The wind warning is active until 3am tomorrow.

3.06pm: Council issues flood advice amid road closures

How are the roads looking where you are? An awful lot of rain has fallen — do let us know by emailing information and photos from where you are to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk so we can update this live blog.

North Yorkshire Council has posted on social media that the A684 between Aysgarth and Worton and Bruntacres Road at Hawes have been closed due to rising river levels. Neither is particularly close to the Harrogate district but the council has nevertheless urged anyone worried about the storm to get information on issues such as requesting sandbags and protecting your home to visit here.

2.35pm: Nidd bursts banks at Knaresborough

The Nidd at Knaresborough. Pic: Andrew Pinder

Andrew Pinder took this photo by the footbridge over the Nidd, looking upstream, in Nidd Gorge. Mr Pinder said:

“Whilst the Nidd appears to have burst its banks, on Waterside it was still contained. When the photo was taken, the level was about 1.2 metres above normal.”

1.39pm: New flood alerts issued

The Environment Agency has added flood warnings on the middle and lower reaches of the Nidd to go with the one already in place on the upper Nidd.

The middle Nidd flood alert area includes land around the middle Nidd and its tributaries including Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike.

The yellow lines indicate the areas at risk of flooding alongside the Nidd.

The lower Nidd alert says area includes land around the lower River Nidd and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter.

11.10am: RHS expects Glow event to go ahead tonight

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has posted on social media to say:

“The garden is open as usual today, and we expect our Glow event can go ahead tonight. We are nevertheless keeping a close eye on the weather, so please check back in case anything changes.”

9.56am: Flood alert issued for Crimple Valley

A second flood has been issued locally by the Environment Agency. This time it is for the River Crimple, The areas most at risk include land around the River Crimple and its tributaries, including Horn Beck, Clark Beck, Hookstone Beck, Rud Beck, Toad Hole Beck and Park Beck.

An Environment Agency map showing the area at risk of flooding.

The alert says:

“Flooding is possible from 11:30am on Wednesday. Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area.”

7.52am: River Nidd flood alert

A flood alert has been issued for the upper River Nidd catchment area as Storm Gerrit hits the Harrogate district.

At 7.01am this morning, the Environment Agency issued its first flood alert for the district.

It said flooding is possible on land around the upper River Nidd and its tributaries, including How Stean Beck, Blayshaw Gill, Ramsgill Beck, Lul Beck, Foster Beck, Fosse Gill, Fell Beck and Darley Beck in the Pateley Bridge area of Nidderdale.

An Environment Agency map of the area at risk of flooding.

The alert added:

“Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days and into the weekend. Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not walk or drive through floodwater. Please consider putting your flood plan into action.”

The ice rink in Harrogate announced on social media it will once again be closed for the day due for the day.

We will bring any further storm updates throughout the day.

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Village floods as Harrogate district warnings remain

Eight flood alerts and warnings remain in place across the Harrogate district this morning after hours of persistent rain.

Many roads and large swathes of land were flooded last night, leading to treacherous conditions.

Last night also saw firefighters deployed sandbags at Killinghall Primary School after some of the building was flooded.

Driving on the A61 between Harrogate and Ripon was particularly dicey, with the bridge dividing Ripley and Killinghall deep in water.

Bishop Monkton, which is between the two locations, was among the worst hit areas as the beck flooded.

Bishop Monkton. Pic: Helen Bagnall 

Bishop Monkton is subject to a flood warning, which was updated by the Environment Agency at 1.30am this morning to say further rainfall is forecast this afternoon and over the weekend.

It added:

“We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area. Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.”

Flood warnings, which are more severe than flood alerts because they indicate flooding is expected and people should act, are also in place on the River Ure at Boroughbridge camping and caravanning site and on the River Nidd at Hunsingore, which is between Cattal and Kirk Deighton.

The Hunsingore warning, updated at 2.20am this morning, says:

“Areas most at risk include The Old Cornmill at Hunsingore. Further rainfall is forecast over the weekend. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings.”

The Boroughbridge warning says:

“River levels are expected to remain high into the weekend, where further heavy showers are possible. We are closing locks and flood gates in the area.”

Less severe flood alerts are active on the Lower River Ure, the Upper River Nidd catchment area, the Middle River Nidd catchment area, the Lower River Nidd catchment area River Crimple.

Rain died out overnight but the wet weather is forecast to return this afternoon and tomorrow.

Let us know of flooding in your area, Please send updates and photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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