There were long queues on the roads into Harrogate this morning as a seven-week programme of roadworks got underway.

Four-way traffic lights and lane closures at the junction of Parliament Street and Crescent Road caused the main blockage.

Traffic heading into town on Ripon Road and vehicles heading in the opposite direction on Parliament Street were caught up in the disruption.

On Ripon Road, traffic backed up all the way to New Park roundabout and beyond, with queues almost as far back as Killinghall. Skipton Road was also even busier than usual.

Traffic approaching New Park roundabout this morning.

Here’s what motorists can expect in the weeks ahead.

Crescent Road lane closure and traffic lights 

A lane closure will be introduced on Crescent Road and Ripon Road along with four-way lights at the junction of Crescent Road, Parliament Street, Ripon Road and Kings Road for two weeks. The existing lights will be bagged, and temporary traffic lights will be in operation from 7am to 7pm.

Montpellier Road (roundabout) & Montpellier Hill Lane closure

A lane closure will be implemented on Montpellier Road (roundabout) and Montpellier Hill Lane for two weeks.

Cold Bath Road traffic lights and parking suspensions

Multiple two and three-way lights will be introduced on Cold Bath Road for five weeks starting from Monday.

Read more:

• Harrogate district Wetherspoons to host 12-day real ale festival
• Railings put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion

Wellington Square Road closure

A road closure will be implemented on Wellington Square for two weeks.

Northern Gas Networks saud traffic lights will be manned seven days a week between 7am and 7pm “to ensure a smooth flow of traffic”.

Trains passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough will be fitted with water jets this autumn to blast leaves off the line.

Fallen leaves frequently cause delays this time of year by sticking to rails and reducing trains’ grip.

Rail operator Northern said the trials on five trains operating on the line between Leeds and York, which runs through Harrogate and Knaresborough, could prevent this.

The trial, which will also take place on routes between Liverpool, Wigan and Manchester, is being funding by Network Rail’s performance innovation fund.

The technology, called Water-Trak, is based on the discovery that leaf-coated rails only become slippery if damp, noting that trains still stop safely in heavy rain.

Water-Trak creates rainy-day conditions on the rail surface by spraying a small amount of water from the train onto the track when a slippery rail is detected. This cleans the rail and makes the conditions better for braking.

Rob Cummings, seasonal performance improvement manager at Northern, said he hoped it would lead to a more reliable service.

By next autumn, a further 11 trains will have the Water-Trak system fitted.

John Cooke, co-founder at Water-Trak, said:

“Slippery rails are a massive problem for the rail industry, and we hope to play a big part in resolving this issue.

“We’re hoping that by working with Northern we can make autumn disruption a thing of the past.”

Read more:

• Harrogate passengers to get more seats on direct London trains
• Knaresborough’s first pop-up shop to open tomorrow

Councillors have approved a plan to convert former homeless hostel Cavendish House in Harrogate into six apartments.

The hostel on Robert Street was operated by Harrogate Borough Council from 1983 until its closure in November 2021.

In 2021, the council opened a new homeless centre called Fern House in Starbeck.

Cavendish House had nine bedsits which will be converted into six self-contained flats and sold by the council through shared ownership schemes.

A-two storey flat roof extension to the rear of the building will be demolished under the plans.

The application from North Yorkshire Council was considered by councillors on the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee last week.

Air source heat pumps will be fitted to the building but Paul Haslam, the Conservative councillor for Nidd Gorge and Bilton, said the council could do more to make it energy efficient for residents.

He said:

“We need to add a condition so that this is retrofitted to the highest standard, particularly as we own it”.

However, Cllr Haslam was told by council planning officer John Worthington that internal alternations were not planning matters.

Read more:

• Metal fences put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion
• Specialist menopause clinic to open in Harrogate

The decision to fit UPVC windows was criticised by Hannah Gostlow, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East, who said she would prefer them to choose wood.

But John Mann, the Conservative councillor for Pannal and Oatlands, said UPVC windows were cheaper and more effective than traditional windows.

He said:

“We do need to save the planet and try and reduce emissions. In my experience, what people are looking for is warm homes that save electricity and don’t cost a fortune to heat.

“One of the advantages of UPVC windows is they are really warm if they’re double-glazed and save on electricity bills. Wooden windows cost a fortune and they’re not very warm.”

The plans were approved by six votes to none with Cllr Gostlow abstaining.

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate marketing agency has appointed a new head of social media.

The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, has hired James Pilkington to the position.

Mr Pilkington, who brings with him 10 years’ experience of working in specialist social media roles, will oversee the strategic direction of social media platforms and content for the firm’s clients.

Nicola Stamford, the company’s owner and founding director, said:

“I am delighted that we have attracted James to join the business, especially as he contacted us to see if any opportunities were available.

“His primary focus will be on ensuring we continue to look after, add value to and nurture our client base when it comes to their social media presence and how they are perceived online.”

Harrogate insurance firm launches rebrand

A Harrogate insurance company has rebranded.

A-Plan, which is based on Princes Square, will now be renamed Howden Insurance as part of the rebrand.

The company said the move marks the next chapter for the branch – and over 100 of its counterparts on high streets across the country – after joining the Howden Group two years ago.

Chris Bishop, Manager at Howden Harrogate said: 

“We’re so excited to mark this new chapter with our new name – and new look and feel of our branch.

“That’s why we’re hosting our own launch events during October, open to all in our community to attend.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
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Harrogate personal trainer Chloe McEwen has been crowned Miss Yorkshire and is now set to compete in Miss England.

Chloe, 21, was chosen by the judges at The Earl of Doncaster Hotel last night. 

The level 3 fitness trainer hopes to use the title to inspire others facing mental health issues to embrace fitness and a healthier lifestyle.

Chloe McEwen

At the age of 16, Chloe was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and her weight soared by almost four stone during an eight-month spell in hospital.

But by embracing a healthier lifestyle, the former Rossett School pupil regained control of her life and now helps others to use fitness to overcome their problems.

Read more:

• Miss Yorkshire contestant from Harrogate hopes to inspire others
• Specialist menopause clinic to open in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police said today a missing man from Harrogate had been found “safe and well”.

Police issued a description and appeal yesterday for help locating the 27-year-old from Starbeck, who had not been since since Friday night.

But the force issued a statement today, which said the man had been found.

It added:

“North Yorkshire Police would like to thank members of the public and the media for sharing the appeals.”

Read more:

• Police officer bumps into shoplifting suspect in Knaresborough McDonalds toilets
• Man fined for fly-tipping in Harrogate district

Council officials have said no timeline has been set on proposals for land at Cardale Park in Harrogate which was purchased to provide care services.

The three-acre site on Beckwith Head Road in Harrogate was previously owned by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, which runs mental health services in the district.

North Yorkshire County Council, which has now been replaced by North Yorkshire Council, completed a £1.8 million purchase of the land last year.

At the time, the authority said it had bought the site in order to progress a “scheme to assist with social care market development in the Harrogate area”.

In February, the council said it was “examining the best options” for the site.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council whether it had any timescales for bringing forward a proposal for the site.

Richard Webb, the council’s director of health and adult services, said:

“We cannot at this stage provide you with a timeline as we are still in the process of examining the best options for meeting the community’s needs and will bring forward a scheme in due course.”

The land was previously given approval for a 36-bed mental health facility on the site, following the closure of Harrogate District Hospital’s Briary Unit, which helped adults with mental illness.

However, those plans were dropped in 2019 and inpatients on the unit were sent to Foss Park Hospital in York instead.

Read more:

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• Council ‘examining best options’ for £1.8m Cardale Park land

A new charity shop and café is to open at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate next week.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is opening the shop and café at its new centre on Hornbeam Square West.

Income will fund services such as the charity’s health and wellbeing programme for people with cancer called Active Together, which will be available at the same centre from November.

Tony Graham, director of retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Our beautifully stocked shop will offer a unique experience where people can purchase high quality pre-loved fashion, accessories, home-ware, books and records.

“Thanks to supporters’ kind donations, the shop offers a range of desirable products – from vintage collectables and high-end labels to nearly-new fashion.”

The new Café Hornbeam

Staff and volunteers celebrate the opening of the shop and café.

The charity said its Café Hornbeam will serve healthy breakfasts as well as waffles, sandwiches and salads. Harrogate-based bakery Baltzersen’s will provide the pastries and cakes.

The shop will open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

The café will open from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Read more:

• Man fined for fly-tipping in Harrogate district
• Charity boxer pledges to tattoo logo of highest donating business on her leg

Seven weeks of roadworks are due to get underway in Harrogate town centre today.

Some of the main routes in town are likely to be subject to traffic lights and delays.

Parliament Street, Ripon Road, King’s Road and Cold Bath Road are among the roads affected.

The disruption will enable gas distributor Northern Gas Networks to replace metal pipes with plastic pipes.

Cold Bath Road could be the worst affected route, with “multiple lights” operating for five weeks.

The roadworks are the second phase of delayed works  that were “paused” a year ago.

Here’s what motorists can expect.

Crescent Road lane closure and traffic lights 

A lane closure will be introduced on Crescent Road and Ripon Road along with four-way lights at the junction of Crescent Road, Parliament Street, Ripon Road and Kings Road for two weeks. The existing lights will be bagged, and temporary traffic lights will be in operation from 7am to 7pm.

Montpellier Road (roundabout) & Montpellier Hill Lane closure

A lane closure will be implemented on Montpellier Road (roundabout) and Montpellier Hill Lane for two weeks.

Cold Bath Road traffic lights and parking suspensions

Multiple two and three-way lights will be introduced on Cold Bath Road for five weeks starting from Monday.

Read more:

• Harrogate district Wetherspoons to host 12-day real ale festival
• Railings put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion

Wellington Square Road closure

A road closure will be implemented on Wellington Square for two weeks.

Northern Gas Networks saud traffic lights will be manned seven days a week between 7am and 7pm “to ensure a smooth flow of traffic”.

North Yorkshire Council is set to hire a contractor to expand Springwater School and refurbish Oak Beck House in Harrogate.

The authority will take on the procurement exercise over the next six months.

It comes as senior councillors backed plans to increase the capacity at Springwater School in Starbeck by 45 pupils in February this year.

According to a council report, the work is earmarked to start in August 2024 and is due to be complete by May 2025.

It says:

“The scheme will create additional teaching space at Springwater School, Harrogate and adaptations and refurbishment at Oak Beck House, Harrogate.”

No cost for the work is included in the report.

Springwater School, which is based off High Street, teaches children aged two to 19 with “profound and multiple, severe or physical difficulties”.

At a meeting in February, the council said the move would help to provide “more local, quality in-house special school places” within the county.

As part of the plan, the council intends to spend £3.1 million from its High Needs Provision Capital Allocation, which is granted by government.

Meanwhile, the council also intends to carry out refurbishment work to Oak Beck House on Electric Avenue.

Read more:

• Starbeck special needs school set to get another 45 pupils
• Children at Starbeck school plant new community garden