Some people in the Harrogate district may have to retune their TVs again after another interim mast at Bilsdale was activated.

Fire wrecked the original mast six months ago, causing loss of service to 500,000 homes in Yorkshire and the north-east.  Many people in the Harrogate district were affected, particularly around Ripon.

Yesterday, a second temporary mast was switched on. Arqiva, which owns the mast, said the new 80-metre mast will improve the TV signal and be more robust in bad weather.

Paul Donovan, chief executive of Arqiva, said:

“The switchover to this new mast is another important step in the huge project to restore full TV services to people across the region. Our teams have worked extremely hard in challenging conditions to complete it.

“We’re sorry for the disruption which the fire has caused, and we remain fully committed to providing help and advice to those who are affected, and especially the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

Planning permission has been approved for a new 300-metre mast at Bilsdale, which will replace the original one lost in the fire.

Mr Donovan said work on the new mast should be complete by the end of spring 2023.

Last summer’s fire left some homes without a signal for weeks. In October the first temporary mast was erected.

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How to retune

Arqiva said homes likely to have been affected by yesterday’s switchover are those relying on Freeview services. It added it had contacted residents with instructions on how to retune their TVs.

If you notice a change in your TV reception, Arqiva recommends the following:

1. Retune your TV. For most TVs you can press ‘OK’ or retune when prompted
2. If your TV doesn’t automatically retune, or if you find retuning difficult, click here or call 0800 121 4828
3. If, after a retune, you are still missing channels, then please call the helpline number above

Catalytic converters have been stolen from numerous flatbed vans along the A1(M) in recent weeks.

North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning to van drivers after numerous flatbed vans were targeted by thieves near Ripon.

Police have said over the past couple of weeks a number of flatbed, or tipper, vans have been had their catalytic converters or ignition barrels removed.

Vans parked in the Ripon A1 area in particular have been targeted.

PCSO Phil Wright, based in Harrogate, sent out a neighbourhood alert suggesting this spate of thefts is similar to those seen about six months to a year ago

PCSO Wright added:

“These vehicles are very sought after at the moment and despite security devices they have been taken.

“Please be vigilant with security of vehicles and if you have any information please contact 101.”

Read more:

• £6,000 worth of antiques and collectables stolen from Ripon shop
• Arsonists attempt to set fire to Ripon Cathedral

The Anchor Inn in Boroughbridge has reopened today after a six-figure refurbishment.

The pub, based on Leeming Lane next to the river, has been closed for three weeks to undergo work.

The pub has been redecorated inside and out. The most noticeable difference to visitors is the new cream exterior, which has replaced the grey walls in the hope of looking more inviting to locals and tourists.

Landlady Lesley Jackson has been running the Anchor for 18 months since she returned to Boroughbridge following 10 years in Spain.

The bar area has also had a facelift.

The refurb was “well overdue”, according to Ms Jackson. Built in 1860, the pub has had numerous extensions and refurbishments since then but Ms Jackson said it now looks like the “proper” pub she’s wanted it to be.

“It’s a good old-fashioned drinking pub, it doesn’t matter what age you are or who you are we don’t judge. If you want to have a chat, we’ll chat, if you want some information we can get that. It’s about being social and that’s what pubs are about.”

Ms Jackson previously ran another pub in Boroughbridge called LJ’s Bar, which closed and became flats, before moving to Spain

“I’ve got the same old people, which is fantastic but of course they’re 20 years older like me!”

A “proper old-fashioned pub” wouldn’t be complete without a pool table and darts board.

As well as fresh lick of paint and new carpet, the outdoor area is set to have a makeover when the weather improves. Ms Jackson said the south-facing garden overlooking the river is much-used during summer.

“It was definitely needed, there’s just some things that you can clean as much as you want but it never looks as good as it did. I’m so glad we’re back again, lockdown was really difficult so it’s great to swing open the doors again.”

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• New Tesco in Killinghall to open on Friday
• Harrogate distillery wins RHS branded drinks licence

The Anchor Inn is known to locals as the place to go to watch big football games but Ms Jackson said it welcomed locals and tourists alike.

Once work has finished on the kitchen, towards summer, the Anchor is hoping to start serving food as well to allow it to compete with other local pubs and restaurants in the town.

The sitting area has been completely refurbished.

The pub is owned by Red Oak Taverns, which owns more than 200 pubs.

Two people had to be cut from their vehicles in Knaresborough this morning following separate crashes.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough were initially called to a two-vehicle collision at the junction of the B6164 and A658 at 8.34am.

On arrival, all occupants from one vehicle were out of their car but a woman was unable to leave the other vehicle because of neck injuries.

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to free the woman, who was taken to hospital.

Another image from the incident on Thistle Hill. Photograph: @NorthYorkshireFire, Twitter

Read more:

• Pedestrian hit by van on busy Harrogate road
• Dramatic photos show firefighters saving Bilton tree in storm

Harrogate and Knaresborough crews were called out again at 9.44am when a single vehicle collided with a bollard on Thistle Hill.

The elderly male driver suffered neck, back and knee injuries and was unable to get out of the vehicle.

Firefighters again cut the roof of the vehicle to release the man, who was taken to hospital.

Neither person taken to hospital is believed to have suffered serious injuries.

Harrogate Borough Council has announced it will trial the use of wheelie bins for recycling, just days after appearing to pour cold water on the idea.

Recent articles by the Stray Ferret have highlighted concerns by residents about the amount of recycling left out for collection blown across streets.

They prompted many people to call on the council to introduce wheelie bins with lids.

However, a spokesperson for the council suggested this month it might not be possible. They said wheelie bins could lead to “higher contamination rates”, adding:

“Another challenge we would need to overcome is the wagons used for collection. At the moment they cater for black boxes so any change would require adaptation of the fleet.”

Last week, The Stray Ferret published a video that appeared to contradict the council’s claim.

The video showed council workers emptying recycling from black boxes into garden waste wheelie bins and then into the refuse trucks.

After showing the footage to the council, a spokesperson said it had 10 bin lorries and only two could operate wheelie bins.

This photo posted on Facebook by Christina Clarkson highlighted the problem.

Following this article, a source contacted the Stray Ferret to say the council was introducing 7,000 recycling wheelie bins in unspecified pilot areas across the district and was unsure why the council was not being upfront about this.

This was confirmed yesterday by David Houlgate, branch secretary of the public sector trade union Unison, who said the move was “long overdue”.

Read more:

• Video contradicts Harrogate council’s claim about wheelie bins and recycling
• Harrogate council responds to calls for recycling wheelie bins

Mr Houlgate said wheelie bins would be introduced for tins, cans, glass and plastic. Paper and card would still be collected in blue bags.

The Stray Ferret asked the council about this yesterday. The council did not reply but instead released a statement on social media today saying “we will be launching a trial scheme to replace black recycling boxes with wheelie bins” this year. It said:

“For some time we’ve been looking at how we could improve our kerbside scheme. We’ll be trialling the wheelie bins in certain areas with different types of properties, areas of high recycling rates, and will use the data to influence an approach later in the year.pilots are underway.”

The full statement is below.

We know you are increasingly conscious of the environment and have been recycling more year on year.

Later in the year (date to be confirmed) we will be launching a trial scheme to replace black recycling boxes with wheelie bins.

Find out more below… ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qGBxAjcLnI

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) February 23, 2022

Harrogate Borough Council has approved a long-awaited plan that aims to solve how the west of Harrogate’s roads, schools and health services will cope with 2,000 extra homes.

The West Harrogate Parameters Plan will be used to identify what infrastructure is required and to help assess the planning merits of future developments in the area.

Council officials devised the document following discussions with the county council, developers and site promoters, along with community groups, parish councils and stakeholders.

Cllr Tim Myatt, cabinet member for planning, said the plan would ensure “we have the necessary infrastructure to support these future communities on the west side of Harrogate”.

He said it included two new primary schools, four playing pitches and two new local centres for shops and health services, as well as land designated for employment, new cycle lanes, footpaths and bus routes.

Cllr Myatt added:

“A number of suggestions have helped shaped the West of Harrogate Parameters Plan and I’d like to thank stakeholders – and especially local community groups and residents’ associations – for their valuable feedback.

“This engagement has played an integral part in ensuring we have been able to produce a plan that clearly identifies what infrastructure is required, whether that’s community facilities, school provision, green infrastructure or sustainable travel opportunities, for example.

“It also sets a benchmark for future developments across the Harrogate district and ensures that we not only delivery much needed homes but also create communities that residents can be proud of to call home.”

Beckwithshaw is set to see an increase in through traffic due to new housing on Otley Road.

The council added that the document was designed to help “support the sustainable and coordinated” development of future homes in the west of Harrogate.

Council to draw up infrastructure strategy

Now the plans has been approved, the council will begin preparing a West Harrogate Infrastructure Delivery Strategy (WHIDS) that will provide more detail about infrastructure requirements for West Harrogate and the associated cost.

It will include a review of existing capacity and timings for the phasing of key infrastructure, including education provision, health and wellbeing services, water and drainage, sport and playing fields provision, highways and open space.

Read more:

• Infrastructure plan for 4,000 homes in west Harrogate ‘a missed opportunity’
• Harrogate council exceeds house-building targets by almost 1,700 homes

The plan is due to be completed in May and will also be used to inform section 106 agreements paid by developers to fund infrastructure associated with their schemes.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for access at North Yorkshire County Council, said the authority would continue to support the borough council on infrastructure.

He said:

“North Yorkshire will continue to work closely with the borough council as a key partner responsible for services like education, highways and transport.

“We will support investment in the local highways infrastructure, as is already taking place on Otley Road, but will place the greatest priority on the provision of excellent public transport and facilities for walking and cycling.”

Residents remain unhappy

However, David Siddans, secretary of Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously:

“We, along with other organisations in the area, say that the council should not be approving the parameters plan until full details of the infrastructure package is agreed.

“We understand that is not expected before May this year.

“We have no confidence that this will happen and it is likely that developers will again be given the green light with the wider infrastructure needs remaining unaddressed.”

Arsonists attempted to set fire to Ripon Cathedral this morning.

North Yorkshire Police, which was alerted to the incident at 10.40am, is appealing for information.

Nobody was injured and no damage was caused. No further details have been released.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“We were alerted to a suspected attempted arson incident at Ripon Cathedral at around 10.40am today. Thankfully there were no injuries and no damage caused.

“An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Read more:

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The cathedral, which is celebrating its 1,350th anniversary this year, was open as normal this afternoon.

A spokesperson confirmed firefighters were called this morning after smoke was smelt inside the building. The spokesperson added:

“We have been asked not to give any more details while investigations are ongoing.”

Inside the cathedral, pictured this afternoon.

Police asked anyone with information to email sarah.hargreaves@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12220031515.

People in the Harrogate district are being urged to count the stars in the sky to measure light pollution.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England is carrying out the survey from Saturday, February 26, to Sunday, March 6.

The move comes after the Yorkshire Dales joined 15 other areas as a designated dark sky reserve in 2020.

It’s possible to see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, meteors and even the Northern Lights in some areas on clear nights.

Read more:

• Yorkshire Dales joins international dark sky list
• Paddle to the stars at Nidderdale reservoir as part of Dark Skies Festival

People are now being urged to sign up on the Campaign to Protect Rural England website where they can submit their counts.

A spokesperson for CPRE North and East Yorkshire added:

“Results from Star Count will be used to help make a map of where star-spotters are enjoying deep, dark skies.

“By showing on a map where light pollution is most serious or has risen, CPRE can work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it.”

A Dark Skies Festival is currently being held in the Yorkshire Dales until March 6. It includes events across the national park area.

The new Tesco Express in Killinghall will open on Friday.

The shop is located on the site of the former Three Horseshoes pub on Ripon Road in the heart of the village.

Tesco confirmed the news today, saying the new store will provide 15 jobs and be “an exciting new addition for the community”.

It will open for the first time at 8am on Friday and then be open from 7am to 11pm every day.

The Three Horseshoes in Killinghall before it was destroyed.

Store manager Matthew Gilbert said:

“We are extremely excited to be opening our Killinghall Express store and helping to serve the local community at this difficult time.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority and we have been working hard to introduce the social distancing measures designed to keep everyone safe, whilst still offering the local community brilliant service, a broad range of products including fresh food and food to go, and we look forward to welcoming our first customers.

“We have new colleagues joining the team at the store who are from the local area and that local knowledge and experience will be so important as we look to build connections and play our part in the community.”

Read more:

• Tesco moves forward with plans on Killinghall pub site
• Nearly 200 sign petition supporting new Harrogate Tesco

A statement by Tesco said the shop will give community grants and contribute to local food banks.

Any local groups that would like to apply for grants can do so here.

Tesco has submitted a planning application to open a large store a mile away on the site of the former gas works at New Park.

The Harrogate district has been battered by wind, snow and torrential rain during 72 hours of wild weather.

Winds started picking up at around midday on Friday when Storm Eunice arrived, uprooting trees in its wake. By Saturday afternoon the district experienced its first significant snowfall of the weekend, which caught out motorists with its severity.

But worse was to come yesterday when torrential rain caused widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas near the River Nidd in Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough.

Today has been a day for residents and business owners to clear-up debris and salvage what they can.

Here’s a look back at the extreme weather.

Friday, February 18 – trees uprooted by Storm Eunice

A fallen tree on Beckwith Head Road.

Minutes later a tree splintered on top of the shelter on West Park Stray.

Harrogate fire crews used the aerial ladder platform to prune a tree in danger of falling in Bilton. Photograph: GM Tony Peel

Saturday, February 19 – Snow show

Traffic came to a standstill on Cheltenham Parade and Parliament Street in Harrogate.

This DPD van got stuck on the Stray on Saturday when it tried to avoid the Beech Grove road closure.

Sunday, February 20 – Flooding begins

The water gardens at Fountains Abbey were ‘devastated’ by flooding. Photograph: National Trust

Pateley Bridge High Street flooded.

This screenshot of a video taken by Charlotte Gale shows the state of the River Nidd.

Monday February 21 – The clean up commences

Most of Margaret Pearson’s garden at Nidderdale Lodge Park, Knaresborough, remains underwater after she was forced to evacuate yesterday.

The water level begins to subside on Greenwood Road in Pateley Bridge. It had risen as high as the wheelie bin lids.

Flood defences couldn’t hold back all the water at Marigolds Cafe, Knaresborough