Harrogate District Hospital has apologised after cancelling patients’ planned surgeries with less than 24 hours’ notice during the Christmas break.

One patient, who asked not to be named, said she was due to have essential orthopaedic surgery last Friday, December 30.

However, she received a call at lunchtime on Thursday to say there had been a leak and the operating theatre was out of use.

Due to go into hospital at 7am the next day, she instead had her surgery cancelled and no new date provided.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“The not knowing is really uncomfortable. I understand that these things happen, but why can’t they reschedule the surgeries out to other hospitals or get us some more information?

“The problem was discovered last week. They’ve had a week to make arrangements and it’s still not sorted.”

Read more:

• Harrogate hospital nurses to go on strike next month
• 500 Harrogate hospital staff apply for cost-of-living hardship fund

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the last-minute cancellation was down to a water leak the basement, near the air handling units for the operating theatre.

A spokesperson said:

“Whilst the leak was quickly repaired and minimal damage occurred, the basement needed to be dried and the air handling units inspected by a specialist engineer to ensure they were safe to use.

“Unfortunately, as the air handling units provide ventilation and filter the air within our main operating theatres, it was necessary to cancel some, but not all, elective surgery that had been planned for that day.

“We are committed to providing the best possible healthcare for our community and as a priority we have now re-arranged the non-critical operations that were cancelled. We contacted all those affected, but we would like to reiterate our apologies for having to re-arrange their surgery.

“The air handling units have been inspected and passed checks, and planned activity in our operating theatres has been taking place this week.”

The patient, who is self-employed and works in the wedding industry, said she had been waiting for the last year to get a date for her surgery.

She had been offered a slot in the summer but, as it was at the height of the season, she had to turn it down or face losing all her business for the year.

She was then offered the December date around eight weeks ago. The new date had been ideal, she said, as it would give her the required time to recover before this year’s wedding season began in spring.

She said:

“It’s 12 weeks’ recovery – that’s why it has such a big impact when it’s postponed, because you have got to rearrange your whole life.

“Our season starts in April. I have a very physical job and I need to be able to move around.

“My husband had taken time off work. He’s a solicitor and hadn’t booked in any appointments this week so he could be at home to help me.

“Cancelling like this has massive implications for people’s lives.”

People in the Ripon area have woken up to a water outage for the second time in a week.

North Road in Ripon is flooded, with pictures of it on Blow Your Horn Facebook page prompting comments by people in Ripon, Melmerby, Dishforth and Sharow they have no water.

Ripon and surrounding villages were hit by an outage last Thursday after a pipe burst on North Street.

In Harrogate, a burst main in Otley Road has cut water to some homes in HG2.

Follow our live coverage below.

5.45pm – Engineers ‘recharging the system’

The Stray Ferret asked a Yorkshire Water spokesperson if the burst main could leave some households without water into tomorrow.

He was unable to give any timescales but said engineers are working to ‘recharge the system’ which should restore the water supply. However, he said this needs to be done carefully to manage water pressure.

The spokesperson said he expects water will be ‘back on soon’.

5.20pm – Still no water for parts of Ripon

There is still no water for some properties in Ripon following this morning’s burst water main on North Street.

Yorkshire Water has arranged a bottled water station in Market Place, where anyone is free to come and collect bottles of water.

2.00pm – Yorkshire Water pumping water into Ripon network

Yorkshire Water is currently pumping water into its network via tankers. It’s so the city centre remains with water whilst engineers work to fix the burst main. No time has been given for when water will return back to normal.

The company is also looking for somewhere in the city for customers to collect bottles of water.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“We are on-site fixing the issue and working hard to restore water supply as soon as possible.

“Our teams are delivering bottled water to customers on our priority service register, additional vulnerable customers and care homes. We’re also working with our partners to deliver bottled water to rural communities and set up a bottled water collection point for customers in Ripon. We will update as soon as we have a location for that.

“We’ve also put measures in place – such as tankering into our network – to make sure we can restore supply to as many customers as possible, as quickly as possible.”

12.05pm – Water restored in Harrogate, but Ripon awaiting a fix

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson has said the burst water main in Otley Road, Harrogate has now been fixed with customers back to their normal supply.

However, in Ripon engineers are still working to fix the burst pipe on North Street. It happened because last week’s burst, also on North Street, weakened another part of the pipe today causing it to burst.

Bottled water is being delivered to vulnerable customers and a bottled water station will be set up soon.

“Last week there was a burst on a 12-inch main on North Street, Ripon – we fixed the issue on the same day, but unfortunately it weakened another area of the pipe, which burst this morning. The new burst is around 20m away from the original burst.

“We’re on site working on the fix this morning – with temporary traffic lights and the same diversion still in place. We’re currently delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers, care homes and those on our priority services register. We will be setting up a bottled water station for other customers shortly.”

10.05am – Works on Otley Road

This is the current scene on Otley Road near to the junction with Pannal Ash Road where work is being carried out to restore water in the HG2 area.

9.55am – Ripon residents pitch in to prevent flooding

Barry Dolan, who helped to clear the drains.

A group of residents of North Road whose houses are beyond the clock tower junction when heading out of the city, ensured that their gardens and those of neighbours across the road, were not flooded for long, as they worked to unblock drains full of straw debris and fallen leaves. 

Barry Dolan (pictured) said: 

“The reason that the gardens were flooded by the water from the burst main, was because of the blocked drains (see photo) that get jammed up with straw that comes off passing trailers whose loads get caught by overhanging branches.

“When we woke to see what had happened a number of us joined in to clear the blockages and the water subsided.”

One of the blocked drains on North Road, Ripon.

Mr Dolan added: 

“Because the drains are not cleared out regularly, we also get flooding along this section when there is heavy rain.”

9.45am – Ripon retirement apartment manager hopes water can be restored quickly

Yvonne Mulholland, outside McCarthy and Stone’s Dawson Grange.

For the second time in four days, Yvonne Mulholland, the manager of McCarthy and Stone’s Dawson Grange retirement apartments on North Street (pictured) had to call Yorkshire Water for an emergency supply of bottled water. 

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We have residents in 28 apartments, some of whom are vulnerable and needing to keep hydrated. 

“Yorkshire Water were very good last week and supplied us with 40 bottles to give to residents and I have spoken with them again this morning. 

“With the burst main immediately outside our premises, I just hope that the problem can be sorted out quickly and with the minimum of disruption to our residents and neighbours.”

9.40am – Temporary lights on Pannal Ash Road

Temporary lights have been put in place between the junction of Pannal Ash Road and Pannal Ash Drive.

Yorkshire Water said this morning that technicians were on site to carry out repairs and return water to residents.

8.45am – Water could be off for up to six hours

Yorkshire Water is reporting on its social media that water in Ripon could be off for between four to six hours.

The company added that it will “aim to get the water back as soon as possible”.

https://twitter.com/YWHelp/status/1561596914608619521?s=20&t=a4N3hfvun0oDwQWv6NjV-g

8.20am – Technicians on Otely Road

Yorkshire Water has confirmed that technicians are on site at Otley Road to try and get water back on for residents.

https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1561608712887930880?s=20&t=RJa7hFCYZHV6nTLeUeZ1tQ

8.10am – Pictures from North Street

This is the current scene at North Street in Ripon, where a burst pipe is causing a water outage for residents in the area.

7.55am – Yorkshire Water confirms burst pipe

Yorkshire Water has tweeted this morning to say a burst pipe on North Street is causing the outage in Ripon.

⚠️ #HG4 #Northstreet ⚠️ I am sorry to inform. Customers may have low pressure or no water due to a repair of a main needed due to a burst pipe. Apologies for any inconvenience. Updates to follow. -Laura pic.twitter.com/jAqfVMoKmr

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) August 22, 2022

7.52am – Ripon resident: ‘This is ridiculous’

One resident in Ripon has got in touch with the Stray Ferret to report the outage.

They said:

“The burst water main in North Street has gone again, this morning it’s flooding the road again. We live on a residential park on Palace Road and had no information the first time.

“This is ridiculous, how are pensioners supposed to carry four litres of water to their homes.”

7.48am – Bishop of Ripon reports outage

The Bishop of Ripon, Helen-Ann Hartley, tweeted to Yorkshire Water:

“No water in Ripon again. Any idea how long this time? Will more bottled water and information be forthcoming, especially to outlying villages please?”

7.45am – Reports of water outage

Reports have come in from Harrogate and Ripon of a water outage and low pressure in the areas.

Yorkshire Water said on its website:

“Customers may have no water or low pressure due to a burst main. We are working to restore supplies back to normal as soon as possible.”

In Harrogate, a burst main n Otley Road has cut water to some homes in HG2.

One person affected received the following response from Yorkshire Water:

“Our technicians are on site dealing with the repair, however it could be 4-6 hours before the water comes back on and when it does it may be a little cloudy and discoloured.”

Read more:

• Water returns to some properties in Ripon

• Ripon area hit by water outage

The 10th anniversary of the Harrogate district’s first community library will be marked this weekend.

Bilton and Woodfield Community Library opened its doors in May 2012, after more than a year of planning and preparation.

The volunteers decided to take it on when North Yorkshire County Council said it could no longer afford to staff and run the library.

While they have support from the council, they have had to raise up to £9,000 a year just to cover running costs.

Greta Knight, who has been involved in organising and running the library since the beginning, said:

“I realised the other day that since we took on running a community library, in total we have raised in excess of £100,000 to keep it running.

“It’s not a huge sum, but that has got to be raised by us each year by us as an organisation.”

The funds are collected from fines for overdue books, as well as selling second hand books. The library also offers printing and photocopying and is a member of the Harrogate Local Lotto.

St John’s Church supports the library too, such as with a fundraising coffee morning being held later this month.

Greta Knight

Alongside the challenges of raising money, the last 10 years have brought numerous changes for the library — and some less than welcome surprises.

After just a couple of years in the Old Vicarage on Bilton Lane, the library moved to new premises on the site of Woodfield Primary School, adjacent to the children’s centre, on Woodfield Road.

In 2017, the building suffered a catastrophic flood thanks to a faulty boiler, which left it unable to open for more than two months.

This year, a second flood happened thanks to a burst pipe in the children’s centre. Ms Knight said:

“I found it – I saw the reflection of the books in the water on the floor and I just burst into tears.

“It does cause lots of problems. You have to make arrangements so people’s books aren’t accruing fines when they can’t return them.

“They had to move everything and remove all the carpeting – there were drying machines in for several weeks because it had soaked right down and come up the walls too.”

Once the building was dry, repairs were carried out and the volunteers were finally able to get back in to put all the furniture and books back in place.

Flooding at Bilton and Woodfield Community Library.

Adding to two years of closures and disruption through the pandemic, it was a very unwelcome setback – but the volunteers have worked determinedly to enable it to reopen fully again.

Now, as well as books, the library is offering its popular schedule of events each week. They include a scrabble club, children’s story time and a monthly coffee morning.

Today’s celebration

Tomorrow, however, the coffee morning makes way for an event to celebrate 10 years of the community library. From 10am tomorrow, visitors can read display boards about its history, meet some of the volunteers, and see decorations made by children in a craft session last weekend.

The cake will be cut by Pat Webber, wife of the late county councillor Geoff Webber, who was very supportive of the library and even suggested the location of its current home.

While the anniversary is a chance to reflect on how far they have come, the volunteers are not content to sit back. They have plans for more activities in future – including reintroducing visits for local primary schools from September – and are always on the look-out for new people to join their team.

Despite the uncertain future of the neighbouring Woodfield Community Primary School, Ms Knight said the library is in safe hands and will continue to open its doors to the community for many years to come.

Read more:

• Ripon library to close for refurbishment
• Bilton has ‘sufficient primary places’ if Woodfield school closes

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.

After storms on Friday and snow yesterday, the Harrogate district faces severe flooding problems today.

Sixteen flood alerts and more serious flood warnings are currently active in the district. Travel is difficult and the water gardens at Fountains Abbey have been “totally devastated”

Eleven of the flood warnings and alerts are for the River Nidd, with the government’s flood alert service saying:

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside properties at Nidderdale Lodge and Alder Avenue, Knaresborough Caravan Parks and Goldsborough Mill Farm.

“Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action.

“You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Further heavy rain is forecast during Sunday and levels are expected to continue rising.

A warning is in place for the Upper Nidd. It says:

“Areas most at risk include low lying 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.”

A full list of alerts and warnings is available here;

The National Trust has emailed to say Fountains Abbey is staying closed today and tomorrow after the water garden was “totally devastated by flooding” today, according to a spokeswoman.

She said:

“We’re sadly seeing the devastating effects of the ongoing extreme weather today in the water garden.

“It’s too soon to tell what the overall impact of the storm will be but we are assessing any damage when it’s safe to do so. If you’re planning a visit please check our website before you set off as we’re likely to have some periods of closure to parts of the estate. We will remain closed tomorrow.”

Streets in Boroughbridge have been left under water this evening as flash floods hit the Harrogate district.

After a balmy day, the forecast storms arrived by late afternoon.

Loud thunderclaps were heard in Harrogate but it was Boroughbridge that felt the full brunt of the weather.

Springfield Drive (pictured) and Springfield Grove were both left treacherous.

Springfield Drive

Local resident Mandy Lambert, who took the photo above, said the state of the drains was a long running source of concern among residents.

“It’s ridiculous how flooded we get.

“The council won’t do anything unless it goes into the residents’ houses.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place in the district for thunderstorms tonight until 11pm.

Read more:

• Boroughbridge sunflower field opens in memory of BBC radio presenter Dom Busby
• Hotel Chocolat to open cafe in Harrogate

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.”

Heavy rain tonight could cause the River Nidd to flood, with Pateley Bridge most at risk.

The government’s flood information service issued a warning at 8.22pm this evening as Storm Bella struck.

The warning said river levels in the upper Nidd were forecast to rise in the next few hours, adding:

“Consequently, the risk of flooding of property/roads and farmland in the majority of locations is expected to be overnight from 00:30, tomorrow morning.

“Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads around Pateley Bridge. We are closely monitoring the forecast and flood warnings may be needed.

“Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

The flood information service is expected to issue an update in the morning.

Alerts are also in place for the lower and upper River Wharfe and the upper River Ure.

Nationally, 155 flood alerts are in place, along with 77 flood warnings and two severe flood warnings, where lives could be in danger.

Read more:

• Harrogate district floods: homes, cars and cows rescued
• River Nidd flooding set to hit Knaresborough today