The full extent of the multi-million pound overspend on the junction 47 upgrade on the A1(M) remains unknown — six months after the project ended.
The scheme near Flaxby, which was originally budgeted to cost £7.7m, finished in April, seven months later than planned.
North Yorkshire County Council revealed more than a year ago that costs had increased to £10m and has not given an updated figure since.
The Stray Ferret asked the council this week when a figure would be published.
Richard Binks, head of major projects and infrastructure at the council, said:
“We are continuing discussions with our contractor over the final account agreement.
“The project was completed in summer, since then remedial and road safety audit work has been undertaken, so we are only a few months beyond substantial completion of the project.
“It is usual for final accounts to take several months to be brought to a conclusion. We are confident of reaching a conclusion shortly.”
Read more:
- Praise for A1 junction 47 upgrade — but overspend remains unknown
- ‘Use it or lose it’ warning as bus passenger numbers fall across Harrogate district
Scheme ‘unlocks growth around Harrogate’
The scheme involved widening three of the four slip roads onto and off the roundabout to increase capacity, as well as a number of junction improvements.
Traffic signals were installed on the roundabout to improve traffic flow and added to the T-junction between the A168 and the A59, a short distance from junction 47 on the York side to benefit drivers turning onto the A59 and to improve safety.
To the west of junction 47, between the A1 and the Flaxby roundabout, a lane was added for traffic travelling east, so there are now two lanes in each direction between those two roundabouts.
Officials celebrate the completion of works.
Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways, previously said the project had reduced congestion and improved road safety, adding:
“The scheme unlocks future growth in and around Harrogate, with the changes helping to manage significant residential and commercial development anticipated along the A59 corridor.”
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update
Roadworks on a main route near Pateley Bridge are set to start today which may cause delays for drivers.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Traffic is moving as normal in the Harrogate district during rush hour this morning.
However, some roadworks on key routes across the district are set to start.
Work to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is expected to start today.
The scheme requires the road to be closed and a diversion will be in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Also, lights will be installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley. The road suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020 and a weight limit has been in place since.
It was expected that the work will be carried out until December 9.
Meanwhile, roadworks are also set to be implemented on Wetherby Road in Harrogate from Monday as temporary traffic lights are put in place.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, maintenance work will be carried out by Northern Gas Networks until October 28.
Motorists should be aware of temporary traffic lights on Skipton Road.
North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out work to replace light columns on the road. According to the authority’s roadworks map, the lights will be in place until October 25.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Trains and buses
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 1B, 1C and 36 services this morning. You can get updates here.
Read more:
- Praise for A1 junction 47 upgrade — but overspend remains unknown
- ‘Use it or lose it’ warning as bus passenger numbers fall across Harrogate district
Malt Shovel reopens today under new owners
The Malt Shovel at Brearton is due to reopen today under new ownership.
The 16th century venue near Knaresborough forged a good reputation for traditional pub food under previous owners Charlotte and Les Mitchell.
But they decided to sell after 28 years, having leased the pub for the last 18 years before retiring to Cumbria in 2015.
The Malt Shovel
It has been taken over by Ignition Pub Management on a three-month trial, and will be managed by partners Laura Davis and James Campbell.
Both worked at the pub previously: Mr Campbell, who was a sous chef, will run the kitchen and Ms Davis, who has 15 years experience in hospitality, will be in charge of front of house.
The couple held a pre-opening for villagers and regulars last night but will open to everyone from noon today. Ms Davis said:
“I want to reassure people that we are very much keeping it the same. We don’t want to change things too much.
“It’s a great opportunity and we are very excited.”
The dining area
Ms Davis said the menu would be “very similar” although there were plans for a lower priced lunchtime menu featuring sandwiches and they were also considering introducing afternoon teas.
She added the couple also hoped to eventually spruce up the outside space.
Read more:
- Malt Shovel pub near Knaresborough up for sale
- New plans to promote cycling in Harrogate to be revealed on Monday
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update
Roadworks on main routes in Harrogate and near Pateley Bridge are set to start next week.
Meanwhile, drivers should be aware of works which may cause delays in Harrogate this morning.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Work to to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is expected to start on Monday (October 24).
The scheme requires the road to be closed and a diversion will be in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Also, lights will be installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley. The road suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020 and a weight limit has been in place since.
It was expected that the work will be carried out until December 9.
Further roadworks will be implemented on Wetherby Road in Harrogate from Monday as temporary traffic lights are put in place.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, maintenance work will be carried out by Northern Gas Networks until October 28.
Meanwhile, traffic is moving as normal in the Harrogate district during rush hour this morning.
Motorists should be aware of temporary traffic lights which are expected to be put in place on Skipton Road.
North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out work to replace light columns on the road. According to the authority’s roadworks map, the lights will be in place until October 25.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Trains and buses
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 7 and 36 services this morning. You can get updates here.
Liz Truss resignation: Harrogate district reactionLiz Truss resigned as Prime Minister today after just 44 days in office.
See how the Harrogate district reacted to the news this afternoon.
5.01pm – Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems still searching for candidate
The lengthy process to find a prospective parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough remains ongoing.
The local party called today for an election but as yet it doesn’t have anyone to take on Conservative Andrew Jones.
It said in June it had started the process but four months on the matter remains unresolved.
David Goode, chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems, said
“We are moving at pace to select a parliamentary candidate. It is a rigorous process for a target seat but be in no doubt we are planning to fight Harrogate and Knaresborough to win at the next election, whenever that maybe. We need a MP who will work for us, not just trot along behind the government.”
Monika Slater, a Lib Dem who represents Bilton Grange and New Park on North Yorkshire County Council, said
“Boris Johnson failed our country and Liz Truss trashed our economy.
“People in Harrogate and Knaresborough deserve better than this incompetent and chaotic government, which has sent mortgages spiralling while our NHS services are stretched to breaking point.
“The Conservative party have proven time and time again they are not fit to lead our great country.
“This country needs a general election and Andrew Jones and other Conservative MP’s cannot prop up more chaotic Governments.
“At the next election people across Harrogate and Knaresborough will be backing the Liberal Democrats to get a fair deal on the NHS and the cost of living instead of more Conservative chaos.”
4.35pm – Andrew Jones MP: Truss departure ‘inevitable’
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has published a statement on his Community News website.
Mr Jones said:
“As difficult as today is for her it has, I’m afraid, been inevitable and it is the national interest that matters.
“It was an enormous and unforced error to bring forward the mini-Budget without an assessment by the Office of Budget Responsibility and an accompanying statement on departmental spending.
“It was a mistake for her to surround herself with just supporters and not form a broader-based team.
“Ms Truss began to undo the damage with the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor who jettisoned a lot of the mistakes she had made, calmed the markets and emphasised the need for stability.
“But the personal damage to her was done and too severe for her to have any hope of recovery. It has felt in parliament that over the last week her authority had been seeping away. That is why she had to go.”
Mr Jones, who said there was “plenty to be positive about here in Harrogate and Knaresborough” when the government announced its mini-budget last month, did not reveal who he supports as a successor.
But he said whoever it is “needs to bring on board all the talents available to them, adding:
“Our politics and our country need a period of calm stability and I look forward, at last, to that being delivered.”
4.17pm – Could North Yorkshire be home to the Prime Minister by next Friday?
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak is the clear bookies’ favourite to succeed Liz Truss as Prime Minister. Oddschecker currently has him at 10/11, with Penny Mordaunt second favourite at 11-4. But the odds against third favourite Boris Johnson have been slashed to 9-2.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones and Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith both supported Mr Sunak in the leadership contest against Liz Truss.
3.50pm – Nigel Adams ‘not doing any media at the moment’
Minutes after posting that none of the local Conservative MPs had replied to us, one of them responded. But it isn’t exactly hold-the-front-page stuff.
Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams’ senior parliamentary assistant emailed to say:
“Nigel is not doing any media at the moment.”
3.41pm – Silence from Harrogate district MPs
We asked the three Conservative MPs whose constituencies include parts of the Harrogate district whether Liz Truss was right to resign and who they supported to be her successor.
We asked Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams to reply by 3.30pm today. So far none has replied.
3.06pm – Are local opposition parties ready to fight an election?
Local Liberal Democrats and Harrogate supporters have been quick to call for an election but would they be ready to fight one?
Currently only the Green Party has a prospective parliamentary candidate to take on Andrew Jones in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
We have asked the Liberal Democrats and Labour for details of their search to find PPCs and will report their responses.
2.50pm – Yorkshire Party calls for end to ‘London-centric’ politics
The Yorkshire Party says ‘Yorkshire has been left to fend for itself’.
https://twitter.com/Yorkshire_Party/status/1582825610136588288
2.33pm – Tories ‘have lost mandate to govern,’ says Green PPC.
Paul Ko Ferrigno, the prospective parliamentary candidate for the Green Party in Harrogate and Knaresborough, has added his voice to calls for an election. He said:
“The Conservatives are unable to govern themselves and have lost any mandate to govern the country.
“People are worried about the cost of fuel and the cost of energy and rising mortgage rates and rising inflation and their dwindling quality of life.
“We don’t need another week of Tory navel gazing, we need a General Election and a government that puts people first.”
2.11pm – Ripon-based Lib Dem leader in House of Lords calls for election
Dick Newby, the Liberal Democrat peer and party leader in the House of Lords, has tweeted for an election.
The Conservatives no longer have any shred of credibility left. Their MPs should do their patriotic duty and call a general election. https://t.co/i7iTru5ReT
— Dick Newby (@RichardNewby3) October 20, 2022
2.05pm – Harrogate Labour campaigner calls for election
Chris Watt, local Harrogate Labour party campaigner, has also called for an election.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“The Tory government are a shambles. They’ve trashed the economy and presided over 12 years of stagnation.
“They can keep changing their leader but we need a change of government.
“The choice is clear: more of this incompetent Tory government, which the MP here has consistently supported. Or a Labour Government led by Keir Starmer. We need a General Election now so the people can decide.”
He has also been tweeting:
The Tories can keep changing leader but we need a change of Government and a General Election now. @UKLabour stands ready to serve.
BBC News – Liz Truss resigns as prime minister after Tory revolthttps://t.co/CyaXUp9Lky
— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) October 20, 2022
2pm – Call from Liberal Democrats for General Election
Skipton and Ripon Liberal Democrats have called for a General Election following the departure of Liz Truss.
https://twitter.com/SkiptonRiponLD/status/1583077632979062784?s=20&t=yOrqpSznmcwOkHCPUYvvNA
1.55pm – Harrogate politicians reaction
Following the announcement of the resignation of Liz Truss, the Stray Ferret has contacted the Harrogate district’s three Conservative MPs for their reaction.
We have also contacted opposition parties for their thoughts on this afternoon’s news.
Heavy rain floods some Harrogate district roadsHeavy rain has led to flooding on some Harrogate district roads today
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms this morning and warned some roads could be flooded.
It proved accurate as drivers across the district, which is still under drought, struggled in many of the usual highway trouble spots for flooding.
Pic: Lynne Hardcastle
Church Lane in Hampsthwaite, pictured here, remained open despite treacherous conditions.
Pot Bridge, where there is a sharp double bend, on the B6161 was also difficult due to the conditions.
The weather warning ended at 1pm but driving conditions are expected to remain difficult this afternoon due to spray and standing water.
Read more:
- New music festival celebrates remarkable composer buried in Hampsthwaite
- Harrogate district MPs back government amid chaotic fracking vote
‘Get jabbed’ plea as ‘wave of covid’ predicted in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire health bosses are urging people to get their flu and covid vaccines ahead of the winter period.
NHS officials say they are preparing for a busy winter of respiratory illnesses, which may overwhelm hospitals.
Dr Bruce Willoughby, Harrogate GP and part of the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said he expected to see more cases of covid in hospitals in the coming weeks.
He said:
“Health and care services in North Yorkshire and York, like everywhere, are already extremely busy. We do expect to see more cases of covid in the coming weeks as people mix freely again and spend more time indoors as the weather gets colder. The risk of catching covid is highest indoors and in crowded places.
“More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the pandemic. The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before it starts spreading.
“You can help though. Your actions during the pandemic made an enormous difference and we need people to look out for each other in the same way again.”
Louise Wallace, North Yorkshire’s director of public health, added that there was also a risk of a wave of flu hitting hospitals.
She said:
“We expect to see a wave of covid in North Yorkshire during October/November and possibly another in January.
“There’s also the risk of being hit with a wave of flu cases at the same time so it’s particularly important that people take up the offer of vaccinations as soon as they can.
“Please also remember the basics – hands, face, space and fresh air. They protect against covid, flu and lots of other nasty viruses that can make you feel quite unwell.”
Read more:
- Harrogate care costs climb to £54,000 a year as ‘colossal’ price rises bite
- Hospital ‘not anticipating’ service cuts due to energy price surge
People aged 50 and over, pregnant women, carers, frontline health and care workers, care home residents and people of all ages who are vulnerable are eligible for a covid booster jab now.
Those who are able to book their vaccinations can do so via the NHS website.
Most groups are eligible for a flu vaccine and have been offered a free vaccine. People do not need to wait to be invited for a flu jab and can book at their GP surgery.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic updateDrivers should be aware of upcoming roadworks on Skipton Road in Harrogate.
Meanwhile, long term works in Harrogate town centre remain in place this morning.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Traffic is moving as normal in the Harrogate district during rush hour this morning.
However, motorists should be aware of temporary traffic lights which are expected to be put in place on Skipton Road.
North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out work to replace light columns on the road. According to the authority’s roadworks map, the lights will be in place until October 25.
Temporary traffic lights on the A61 near Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall remain in place. Drivers should expect delays in the area this morning.
The lights have been put in place by Yorkshire Water and are expected to end today.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Work to to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, has been delayed and is now expected to start on Monday (October 24).
North Yorkshire County Council said this is so the authority can “finalise legal arrangements around access across private land to facilitate the work”.
Read more:
- Council sets aside contingency ‘sum’ to cover Kex Gill costs
- Cost of North Yorkshire unitary authority’s new council tax system soars
The scheme requires the road to be closed and a diversion will be in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Also, lights will be installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley. The road suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020 and a weight limit has been in place since.
It was expected that the work will be carried out until December 9.
Details of the scheme are here.
Trains and buses
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 7 and 36 services this morning. You can get updates here.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic updateTraffic is moving as normal in the Harrogate district during rush hour this morning.
However, some roadworks remain in place in parts of the district.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Temporary traffic lights on the A61 near Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall remain in place. Drivers should expect delays in the area this morning.
The lights have been put in place by Yorkshire Water and will remain until October 20.
Northern Gas Networks is still carrying out work on the A661 Harrogate Road near Spofforth.
Traffic light signals are in place in the area, which may cause delays heading towards Wetherby and Harrogate.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Work to to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, has been delayed and is now expected to start on Monday (October 24)
North Yorkshire County Council said this is so the authority can “finalise legal arrangements around access across private land to facilitate the work”.
Work to repair the B6265 at Red Brae Bank will now start on Monday 24 October, while we finalise legal arrangements around access across private land to facilitate the work.https://t.co/qEYB3LWG9a
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) October 18, 2022
The scheme requires the road to be closed and a diversion will be in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Also, lights will be installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley. The road suffered a landslip during storms in February 2020 and a weight limit has been in place since.
It was expected that the work will be carried out until December 9.
Details of the scheme are here.
Trains and buses
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 7 and 36 services this morning. You can get updates here.
Read more:
- Council sets aside contingency ‘sum’ to cover Kex Gill costs
- Cost of North Yorkshire unitary authority’s new council tax system soars
Two excavators stolen from Knaresborough building site
Two excavators have been stolen from a building site just off the A59 at Knaresborough.
The machines were taken last night from Swallowtail Way, which is near the Trinity Fields development and Aldi supermarket.
North Yorkshire Police today appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
The machines are both yellow — one is five tonnes and the other is nine tonnes.
A police statement said:
“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“In particular, we are appealing for sightings of any suspicion people or vehicles in the vicinity of this location, or any sightings of the stolen excavators following the offence.”
Anyone with information can email Hazel.Simms-Williamson@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Hazel Simms.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220185371.
Read more:
- Police say Harrogate town centre ‘is safe’ despite highest anti-social behaviour rate in county
- Tandem stolen from Knaresborough garage