Northern Gas Networks issues Saturday night gas update

A gas leak is continuing to cause problems in Harrogate.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks have successfully stopped the leak and are now working to safely restore gas supply to around 3,000 homes.

Follow our live updates below for the latest on the incident.

6.55pm – Northern Gas Networks issues new safety advice

Northern Gas Networks has issued some new safety advice for the 3,000 people affected by the loss of gas.

The update says engineers will work through the night and supplies should start to return tomorrow. It adds:

“To make the process of restoring supplies as quick and safe as possible, engineers are now asking people who have been affected to take some important safety steps.”

Detailed information on what to do, and which homes and streets should do it, is available here.

6.35pm – Huge queue for fish and chips after voucher deal

A queue of close to 100 people has formed outside The Wharfe fish and chip shop on Skipton Road after Northern Gas Networks offered vouchers to those affected by the gas leak.

The queue snaked around the corner onto Knapping Hill as people attempt to end a bad day on a tasty note.

Wharf fish and chips

The start of the queue.

4.30pm – Housebound residents urged to call helpline

Residents who cannot leave their homes due to covid or other reasons have been asked to call Northern Gas Networks customer care team on 0800 040 7766, choosing option 3.

NGN will arrange for somebody to deliver an electric heater and food to their home.

3.50pm – Gas supply not likely to be back on today

The Stray Ferret visited the Styan community centre in Jennyfields again this afternoon. We were told by Northern Gas Networks that the gas supply is not likely to be back on for residents until tomorrow, and it could even be Monday.

Engineers are currently working to safely turn the supply back on for 3,000 homes after they identified the leak this morning.

More electric heaters and hot plates were being delivered to the centre for residents to collect.

Food vouchers are available from the community centre.

3pm – Council deploys volunteers to help effort

North Yorkshire County Council has deployed its Ready for Anything volunteers to help affected residents in Harrogate. The council has a database of volunteers who it contacts in times of emergency.

1.15pm – Food vouchers offered

Northern Gas Networks has posted an update on its website to say that food vouchers can be collected from Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields and redeemed at The Wharf Fish and Chip Shop on Skipton Road, which is open until 8.30pm today.

It says it is working to restore gas supply “as soon as possible”

It has also asked residents to minimise their use of electrical appliances to prevent the electricity network from becoming overloaded:

“Minimise the use of appliances and switch off or unplug any electrical equipment that you do not need and heat only essential rooms, stagger the use of high-demand electrical appliances such as cookers, heaters, kettles, immersion heaters, electric showers, dishwashers, tumble driers and washing machines.”

11.40am – Hydro closed all day

Harrogate Borough Council has tweeted that the Hydro swimming pool will remain closed all day due to the gas leak.

Due to the ongoing situation with the gas supply in #Harrogate, the Hydro will remain closed today. We'll have a further update in due course. https://t.co/HjSBBvZxnz

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) October 16, 2021

11.30am – Jennyfield Styan Community Centre set up as emergency hub

Will Brewster, site manager for Northern Gas Networks, gave an update to the Stray Ferret at the Jennyfield Styan Community Centre this morning. The centre has been set up as an emergency hub for residents to collect electric heaters until the gas supply is back on.

Mr Brewster said:

11.30am – Northern Gas Networks stops leak

Northern Gas Networks has issued a statement on its website to say engineers have stopped the gas leak and are working to get the gas supply back on safely.

The company has asked residents to not try to use central heating, and avoiding taking showers if you have a combi boiler, until further notice.

Incident manager Andy Rodda said:

“We are very sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this is causing and are doing all we can. It is a complex operation because this is a large pipe which needs some specialist deep excavations to enable the repair work. Repairs will probably take most of today, after which we will need to steadily re-introduce gas into the local supply system in a controlled manner before people’s supplies can be fully restored. Safety is absolutely paramount and there are no short cuts, I’m afraid.”

10.50am – Gas leak having big impact on people’s day

Thanks to all the readers who have contacted the Stray Ferret to tell us about how the gas leak is affecting them. You can continue to do that by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Amy Barker in Jennyfields said:

“Daughter is in covid isolation so we can’t go anywhere else for heat either.”

Margaret Gorman on Exeter Crescent said:

“No heating or hot water. My husband has Alzheimers keeping him in bed to keep warm.”

Sally Jenkins said:

“I’m right up the back of Jennyfields in Primrose Close. We have no gas so no hob or heating, but fortunately we have an immersion heater for the water and our own electric radiator. I see it as a good excuse for a takeaway tonight!”

10.10am – No official update in 12 hours

The Stray Ferret spoke to Northern Gas Networks on the phone but they were unable to give an estimated time the problem will be fixed and when the gas supply will return to homes. They said engineers have been working throughout the night where the leak occurred on Ripon Road.

9.30am – No gas around Ripon Road and Jennyfields

The Stray Ferret spoke to Mark Hunter who lives near the Co-op on Ripon Road.

He said:

“This morning when I got up at 6am the boiler was on blink and nothing was working. It’s my birthday today. My parents are down this weekend and we had all these big plans. It depends if the restaurants are open. I’m supposed to take my boys swimming, but that’s not opening.”

Sarah Gentle is babysitting on Heather Way in Jennyfields. She says there is no gas for heating or hot water.

“Apart from being a little chilly (kids not complaining) we are OK. Obviously, if it doesn’t get resolved soon could be more of a pain”.

Rian Campbell Lewis works for Knaresborough-based MJ Ryder Limited, which installs boilers. She said their phoneline has been going “crazy” all morning.

8.40am – Reports of boilers not working in Ripon Road area

The Stray Ferret understands some people’s boolers are not working this morning and they don’t have any hot water. Problems seem to be worst in the Ripon Road / Jennyfields area, near where the leak occurred.

Let us know how the gas leak is affecting you by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

10.40 pm – Avoid showers and central heating, says Northern Gas Networks

People living in the HG1, HG2, HG3 and HG4 areas of Harrogate are being urged to temporarily minimise their gas use.

Northern Gas Networks issued another update at 10.30pm tonight as the stench of gas continues to permeate across large parts of Harrogate.

The update said:

Northern Gas Networks says the incident in Ripon Road is affecting the normal gas pressure in some parts of the town and, by avoiding all non-essential use, people can help ensure there is enough gas in the system to go around everyone.

That means trying not to use central heating, and avoiding taking showers if you have a combi boiler, until further notice. The situation is likely to last into tomorrow.

Operations manager for Northern Gas Networks Stuart Armin apologised for the inconvenience and said engineers would be working 24/7 until the situation was safely resolved.

“Our top priority is to keep people safe and restore normal service as quickly as we can. There is still a smell of gas in the air. I’d like to reassure people that we are safely managing the issue but if they have any concerns at all they can call us. The National Gas Emergency Number 0800 111 999 is open 24-hours for advice and assistance if necessary.”

As a precaution, businesses along Ripon Road past the junction of Jennyfield Drive remain evacuated, including the Co-Op petrol station, Shell garage and the Hydro leisure centre.

A temporary road closure is also in place in Ripon Road and motorists are advised to find alternative routes.

8.45pm – Major gas leak now affecting supplies across Harrogate district

The leak on Ripon Road is now affecting gas supplies in homes across the Harrogate district. This is the latest update from Northern Gas Networks:

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks remain on site at Ripon Road in Harrogate this evening as they deal with a large gas escape.

The incident is temporarily affecting gas supplies to properties in the HG1, HG2, HG3 and HG4 postcodes. There is also a strong smell of gas in the air, although this is expected to dissipate shortly as preparations get under way to start repair work.

As a precaution, businesses along Ripon Road past the junction of Jennyfield Drive have been evacuated, including the Co-Op petrol station, Shell garage and the Hydro leisure centre.

A temporary road closure is also in place to allow the repairs to be carried out as quickly and safely as possible. Motorists using Ripon Road are advised to find alternative routes as this is likely to impact journey times.

Operations manager for Northern Gas Networks Stuart Armin said the situation was being kept safely under control but apologised for the temporary interruption some people were experiencing with their gas supplies, and for the strong smell.

“We realise how inconvenient this must be for people. I’d like to reassure them that the situation is being monitored and we are doing everything we can to restore normal service as soon as we possibly can.

“Hopefully the smell of gas in the outside air will begin to ease shortly but if anyone remains concerned for their safety, please give us a call on the 24/7 National Gas Emergency Number 0800 111 999 for advice and assistance if necessary. That’s what we are there for.

“Until the repairs are complete and everyone’s gas is back to normal, we’ll be working round the clock. We have also instigated our emergency procedures to provide support locally.”

5.50pm – Northern Gas Networks issues update

This is the latest on the incident from Northern Gas Networks:

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are carrying out emergency repairs to a medium pressure gas main on Ripon Road in Harrogate this evening.

As a precaution, businesses along Ripon Road past the junction of Jennyfield Drive have been evacuated, including the Co-Op petrol station, Shell garage and the Hydro leisure centre.

There currently no effect on gas supply to local homes and businesses however there is a strong smell of gas in the area.

To protect teams and members of the public, a temporary road closure has been introduced to allow the repairs to be carried out.

Motorists using Ripon Road are advised to find alternative routes as this is likely to impact journey times today.

5.30pm – Gas leak unlikely to be fixed tonight

The Stray Ferret understands that the gas leak, which is from a gas main, is unlikely to be fixed tonight.

Engineers are in the area and will be working to fix the issue for as long as necessary.

During a Facebook live we recorded from the scene earlier you will be able to hear a loud hum in the background, which is the sound of the gas pouring out the pipe.

4.55pm – Harrogate Hydro to remain closed

Harrogate Borough Council has confirmed that the Hydro swimming pool will remain closed this evening due to the gas leak.

The pool was evacuated earlier today. It is unclear at this stage if it will be able to reopen tomorrow.

4.50pm – Photo gallery from the road closure

It is unclear when it will be fixed.

Drivers are being diverted away from the area.

Gas engineers are in the area.

The road is closed near the Co-Op petrol station.

4.35pm – Reader’s picture

A reader has shared a picture of Hydro being evacuated this afternoon.

4.30pm – Engineers repairing “medium pressure gas main”

Northern Gas Networks has confirmed that engineers are repairing a “medium pressure gas main”.

The company said in a statement:

“There is no effect on gas supply to local homes and businesses.

“To protect teams and members of the public, a temporary road closure has been introduced to allow the work to be carried out.

“Motorists using Ripon Road are advised to find alternative routes as this is likely to impact journey times today.”

4.10pm – Traffic being diverted away

The road is closed from The Claro Beagle pub and traffic is being diverted down Coppice Avenue away from the works.

4.00pm – Hydro closure

Harrogate Borough Council’s emergency planning department confirms that the Hydro and Little Explorers Nursery have been closed while the work is carried out.

⚠️Road Closure at Ripon Road, Harrogate:

Due to a gas escape, Ripon Road has been closed near The Hydro.

For safety, The Hydro and Little Explorers Nursery have been closed until work is complete. https://t.co/vL0hexzYiv

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) October 15, 2021

3.40pm Section of Ripon Road closed

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are on site near the Co-op petrol station trying to fix the problem but it is unclear how long this will take.

Drivers are being warned to avoid the area if possible.

Northern Gas Networks has been working on that section of road for the last month. The works had been delayed but were due to finish on October 22.

 

Breaking barriers at ‘hidden gem’ Harrogate home art gallery

With an expert eye for beautiful pieces, a portfolio of exciting artists and a lovely Harrogate home to pull it all together, this hidden gem of a gallery is breaking down barriers in the art world.

Sarah Collier set up Silson Contemporary in October 2016. Five years later, on a dull, grey day, a beaming Sarah opens the door and her bright, colourful space has immediate impact.

At first it took a big advertising effort to get artists and potential buyers through the door. But these days things are different: people are queuing up to get a glimpse at Sarah’s latest finds.

A home and an art gallery in one.

What started off in the dining room has spread to the living room and reception area. Some pieces are even making their way up the stairs at Silson Contemporary, which can be found on Harlow Oval.

Read more:

While Sarah enjoys working from home, it does mean that she has to always keep the space spotless. It also means that she has to love the pieces she exhibits because she lives with them.

It’s not just paintings at Silson Contemporary.

“It was just a little seed in my head. I wanted to set up a gallery and we had this beautiful room with big bay windows, high ceilings, hanging rails. It just went from there.

“People love coming in and seeing art in the home because that is where they are going to put it. This really gives people ideas about how they can display their art.

“The gallery does seem to be a bit more recognised now. I love how the business has grown. We are hidden so word of mouth has been really important.”

The entrance hall is covered from ceiling to floor in art.

There’s a common perception that art is just for people who have a lot of money. That is something that Sarah has been trying to push back against since she started.

“I think that’s a myth that has been perpetuated by the art world because it suits them. But it’s absolute rubbish.

“When I have been to galleries sometimes the staff look you up and down and if they don’t think you are rich they are not interested.

“Art is for everybody, absolutely everybody. I have work here that is expensive and I have work is that is inexpensive.”

Sarah studied art but when she was young she decided not to follow that interest.

However, when she was a radiographer at Harrogate District Hospital she decided to take up an MA in art history. That was the push she needed to get into the art industry and open her own gallery.

She says it was the “best decision she has ever made”. So as someone who loves art, would she ever sell her own pieces?

The artists are from all over the UK.

“No I am rubbish. I love the academic side and I love art but I overthink. All the artists I speak to encourage me but I can’t.

“Though I think that makes me appreciate what these artists do more. How can they know when to stop? How can they know that one extra line makes something special? It’s inspiring.”

Silson Contemporary has just opened an autumn and winter show, which runs until December 23. The gallery is open by appointment only on Fridays and Saturdays.

This is part of the Stray Ferret’s ‘hidden gem’ series. We are trying to highlight small independent businesses. They need to be tucked away but growing in popularity with an eye-catching and unique product or approach. Send us an email with your nominations.

Training and wellbeing tips to keep you going through winter

Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts can have a tough time in winter.

Cold days and long nights make it hard to get out of bed, let alone get the body moving, but there are some simple ways to stay motivated and train smart when the cold weather hits.

Personal trainer Liv Metcalfe is a coach at F45 Training Harrogate and is also assistant manager at the town’s Sweaty Betty branch.
She said:
“The goal is to remove as many obstacles as possible and make small changes that can make staying active easier until the warmer weather returns. At this time of year, exercise can also help to cope with seasonal depression.”

Here are Liv’s top training and wellbeing tips to keep you going in winter:

1. Layer up

When you train outside in cold weather, it’s really important to wear the correct clothing to stop you overheating or getting too cold.

We aren’t always great at dressing for the weather when it comes to training in this country. If you are too cold your muscles will seize up and you can injure yourself, but then if you get too warm that obviously isn’t great either.

So for example if you go running, I would recommend breaking it down to a fitted base-layer. Then you want a nice cosy mid-layer, which you want to be still quite fitted so it locks in the heat, but is still breathable. Then finally you want an outer-layer, which is water resistant but still light and breathable. You can then take it off if you are too hot and put it back on when you get cold. Layering is essential.

2. Stay safe

Wear reflective or bright coloured clothing when you train in the dark. Don’t wear black. Even just a hint of brightness would be better than a dark colour. For example wear a hat or headband that would stand out. Or gloves and trainers which are reflective.

3. Keep nourishing your body

It’s so easy in winter, with the dark, cold nights and mornings to just stuff your face with any old rubbish. But try nourish and fuel your body as much as possible. So for example go for something warming that will keep you full for longer, like porridge or overnight oats.

Also make sure you get your Vitamin D in, which we get from sunlight and obviously lack in this country in the winter months. So this could be in a supplement or from another source of food or drink. Also remember to stay hydrated, which can be easy to forget when the weather is colder.

4. Keep moving

In winter it’s so easy just to hibernate and think oh I’ll just wait for summer. But the best thing you can do for your health – both physically and mentally – is to keep on moving.

So when it’s cold, layer up, get yourself outside. Fresh air is always good for you no matter what the weather is like. Go for a run or a walk – even just 20 minutes will do you the world of good. You don’t have to exercise for hours, even if you just do 10 minutes of something, it’s better than just vegging out on the sofa in front of Netflix. It’s 10 minutes more than you would have done and once you have, I guarantee you will feel better as a result.

5. Make time for you

In winter it can feel harder to fit in training. It is often a busy time of year in the run-up to Christmas and life can get a bit crazy. Your exercise regime can soon end up being put to the back of the queue. When you get home after a busy day at work and it’s dark and cold, it’s difficult to motivate yourself. Equally it’s tougher getting out of bed on dark mornings.

But then we aren’t necessarily doing the things that make us feel good. So it’s about making sure you still make some time to prioritise yourself.

Don’t be afraid to take some time to step back from training if you need to, but use your time wisely.

Even if you don’t feel like training, rather than just getting home and binging on chocolate in front of the TV, get your coat on, get warm and go outside and see your friends for a hot chocolate instead. Make that time for you.

Liv’s top 3 Sweaty Betty winter picks for outdoor training

1. Glisten Seamless Long Sleeve Top

In winter it’s all about layers and I love this top. It keeps you warm but it’s still breathable. It’s made from natural bamboo and it has antibacterial properties so you don’t smell sweaty after you train.

2. Pathfinder Packable Gilet

I like it because it’s very lightweight but still warm – made with recycled feather down – and you can pack it away. It comes with a little bag, like a bumbag, so you can roll it up. You obviously can’t tie it around your waist if you get too hot while you’re out running, but you can put it in the little bag. Perfect for that layering!

3. Power Boost Reflective Workout Zip Through and Power High-Waisted Reflective Gym Leggings

They are breathable and have sweat-wicking, as well as being made with four-way stretch fabric. So they are fitted and still give you shape, but you can move really freely. What I really like about them is they are reflective. So there is that safety aspect for the darker nights.

 

Harrogate women call for action after recent drink spiking cases

Two Harrogate women have called for police officers and bar staff to take more action after recent drink spiking cases in the town centre.

Both wanted to speak out about the issue after hearing from friends and staff at Harrogate District Hospital that many others had been through similar experiences.

One of the women experienced the drink spiking first hand while out for a drink at a bar during the day on Sunday afternoon.

She wanted to remain anonymous but told the Stray Ferret:

“I did not quite understand what was happening at first. I really did not feel right so I went to the bathroom to sort myself out.

“It didn’t quite make sense. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me, I was slurring my words and I was all over the place so my son took me to hospital.

“The nurse told me to report it to the police because she had seen a lot of drink spiking cases recently. Luckily I came round after four hours on a drip.”

Read more:

The hospital took a blood test which found tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in her system. It is a component of cannabis which paralyses people and causes hallucinations.

Just a week before, a mother said her daughter had a similar experience at a different bar in Harrogate. She also wanted to remain anonymous but added:

“It does seem to be rife in Harrogate at the moment unfortunately. Both my children and their friends have had all similar experiences in the past couple of months.

“Luckily they had other people to help them but drink spiking is completely vile. My daughter walks around with her keys in her hand, a rape whistle and a wristband to test her drinks.

“She should not have to do any of that, it’s really scary. I just want to get the message out there, this is not normal.”

The Stray Ferret has raised the concerns of the two women with North Yorkshire Police. The force has not yet commented.

Harrogate businesses come together to target net-zero emissions

Harrogate’s business community met today to discuss how to meet the challenges of climate change and net-zero emissions.

The Business Net Zero Conference is being held all day at the Harrogate Convention Centre and has been organised by Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition.

It’s part of the Climate Action Festival that is taking place all month in the district in the run up to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

Today’s speakers included representatives from Techbuyer, Transdev, Yorkshire Water and Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate.

‘A sign of hope’

The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, opened the day by challenging business people in the room whether their goal was profit “at all costs” or developing a social and environmental mission.

She said:

“Today’s conference is a sign of hope but we shouldn’t underestimate the challenges.”

Harrogate-resident Professor Piers Forster, from the University of Leeds, offered a scientific grounding to the debate during his speech.

Prof Forster sits on the UK government’s climate change committee and will be heading to the COP26 summit to help negotiate ambitious climate targets with other governments.

He showed a video of frightening wildfires in Canada caused by greenhouse gas emissions. However, he emphasised that he is optimistic that change can happen if businesses get on board.

“It’s within our power to change where we end up together.”

Read more:

Decentralisation of energy

Jennifer Woodhall, marketing director of Harrogate firm Chameleon Technology also spoke. The company is a Harrogate success story as its smart meters are in seven million homes across the UK.

Ms Woodhall said decentralisation of energy was essential to avoid the volatility that is currently engulfing the market.

“We can’t rely on a few, large sources of power.”

Paul Haslam, a Conservative councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, as well as a Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition member, told the Stray Ferret he hoped the conference would become an annual event.

“It’s great we’ve got to this point. I’m delighted and we’ve got some fantastic speakers. It will be bigger and better next year.”

Pictured are: (from left) Jemima Parker, Cllr Paul Haslam, Prof Neil Coles, the Bishop of Ripon, Jennifer Woodhall, Cllr Phil Ireland, Jade Boggost, Kirsty Hallett, Prof Piers Forster

Ferris wheel, carousel and road train part of huge Harrogate Christmas offering

A Ferris wheel, Victorian carousel, helter skelter and road train will be among the highlights of Harrogate’s festive offering.

Harrogate Borough Council announced a raft of new initiatives today to bring festive cheer this year.

The festivities will last from November 15 to the first week of January.

A road train will operate around the town centre from December 3 until December 12, which coincides with the dates of the new Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

It’s all part of the council’s drive to get people into the town centre to support the new fayre and the artisan market in the Valley Garden, which will also stimulate high street businesses.

The Stray Ferret asked where the attractions will be placed and what the cost will be but a council spokesperson said those details were yet to be confirmed.

To encourage footfall to town centres across the Harrogate district, a magical window trail will also be unveiled.

Funded by the government’s Welcome Back Fund, the window trail will feature 12 festive depictions that have been designed by local people.

Read more:

Gemma Rio, head of destination management at Harrogate Borough Council, said Harrogate would be “an absolutely unmissable destination for a festive day trip or weekend away” this Christmas.

She added:

“We have been working hard to ensure festivities return this year in order to drive visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs.

“This latest announcement confirms that Christmas is well and truly set to return to Harrogate town centre and I’m really excited about what we’re due to bring.

“We are also about to launch the biggest Christmas marketing campaign in Visit Harrogate history to ensure all towns enjoy the benefits the additional footfall brings.”

Free parking

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate Business Improvement District manager, said it promised to be “one of the most impressive festive offerings Harrogate has seen in many years”.

He added:

“In addition to supporting the Harrogate Christmas Fayre and co-funding the Ferris wheel, Victorian carousel, and helter skelter, in just a few weeks our Christmas lights will be illuminating more streets than in previous years.

“We are again partnering with the Rotary Club of Harrogate for the annual Christmas Shop Window competition and Harrogate International Festivals for their North Pole post office. And on Monday (18 October), we will officially take the Christmas wrapping off our Father Christmas experience.

“We have also been working with Harrogate Borough Council to offer shopper’s free parking in Victoria multi-storey car park at set times during the month of December. Retailers are expecting us to pull out all the stops this Christmas, and I don’t think they will be disappointed.”

Christmas markets

Christmas market operator Market Place Europe have also announced this week that Harrogate Christmas Fayre will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

The market will take place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent and will be a great place to pick up some last minute and unique gifts along with mouth-watering treats for people to enjoy as they wander around taking in the sights and sounds.

Around 50 traders from Yorkshire will take part in the fayre.

In addition, Little Bird Made is set to hold a festive artisan market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, with times to be confirmed.

The artisan market will feature approximately 60 local and regional traders and producers who will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“More than 100 traders, as well as our high street businesses, will bring a first-class offering to Harrogate town centre this December that will truly get people in the festive mood.

“With the absence of a number of Christmas markets across the region this year, I have no doubt visitors will arrive by the coach load to see what Harrogate has to offer.

“Whether that’s our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions or hotels and B&Bs, I hope everyone will see the benefit this town centre offering will bring.”

Harrogate’s Victoria Road scheme delayed due to bin wagon concerns

A scheme to stop vehicles in Harrogate turning from Victoria Road onto Otley Road has been delayed because bin wagons will find it difficult to turn.

North Yorkshire County Council was due to introduce the initiative before the end of September as an 18-month trial to improve safety for cyclists using the forthcoming Otley Road cycle route.

A barrier would have been placed at the junction, and one-way only and no entry signs installed.

However, the scheme has been delayed while the council draws up a new design that accommodates turning bin wagons. The council does not know when the project will now be introduced.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager at the council, said:

“The original design needs to be amended to accommodate the safe turning and manoeuvring of bin wagons and making sure the proposed one-way filter lane doesn’t have any other impacts on waste services.

“We anticipated this design stage to be concluded by the end of September.

“We are currently working with Harrogate Borough Council to agree a revised design before the introduction of the 18-month trial of a one-way filter lane on Victoria Road.

Read more:

The council wants the Victoria Road scheme to join up with other active travel schemes in the town, including the nearby Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood, the scheduled new cycle path on Victoria Avenue, and the Harrogate Station Gateway project.

Construction on the much-delayed Otley Road cycle route began last month.

There are still uncertainties over when the project will be completed due to negotiations with the government and the Duchy of Lancaster – the landowners of the Stray – over the use of grass verges protected by law.

Derelict workshop near Harrogate Asda to be converted to flats

A derelict former workshop opposite Harrogate’s Asda supermarket will be converted into six flats.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved an application this week from TRG Developments to convert the building on Back Dragon Parade, which is visible as you drive into the supermarket from Bower Road.

The flats will provide rental accommodation for care staff working for Vida Healthcare, which the applicant is associated with.

The building was previously used by ironmongers Beardmore Dobson and Sons, which ceased trading in 2017 after 82 years.

In 2015, the council approved an application to demolish several commercial buildings on Back Dragon Parade and convert them into 14 flats.

Read more:

 

Boroughbridge pub fears energy bills could increase seven-fold

A pub landlord in Boroughbridge has said he fears his energy costs could increase seven-fold overnight amid concerns over the future of Harrogate-based energy firm CNG Group.

The Stray Ferret reported this morning that CNG is to stop supplying gas to energy customers, amid record wholesale gas prices.

It has also been reported that there is a deadline of tomorrow for organisations to submit bids to buy CNG’s small and medium-sized enterprises arm, which directly supplies gas and electricity to more than 40,000 SMEs.

One of those is the Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge. Owner Simon Wade told the Stray Ferret the move would have a major impact on his business.

Mr Wade is three years into a five-year contract with CNG, which provides gas to heat the pub at a rate of 5p a unit.

However, if the company collapses, he has been told by his energy broker that he will be placed on an emergency tariff that could be as much as seven times higher than what he currently pays.

He said:

“I’m facing a massive hike and it’s nothing to do with us. It’s a major concern”

“We’re completely shackled and it’s put us in a bad position”.

Read more:

Mr Wade said the pub had a good reputation and has been busy since reopening after lockdown but he was concerned that sky-high energy bills would eat into his takings.

He urged businesses to check their contracts or get in touch with their energy brokers to see if they are with CNG and, if so, make contingency plans, such as moving towards renewable energy.

He added:

“If you have an old building that relies on gas it eats into your budget.

“We’re backed into a corner, but we’re small fry.

“A lot of people will suffer and it’s not any of our doing.”

The Stray Ferret asked CNG for details of its current situation but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

‘Irreplaceable’ Harrogate Theatre pantomime director Phil Lowe dies

Phil Lowe, who directed and co-wrote Harrogate Theatre‘s hugely popular pantomime, has died unexpectedly.

Mr Lowe, who had been instrumental in the success of the pantomime since he took charge in 2007, died yesterday.

He was an associate director, pantomime director and co-director at the theatre.

The theatre issued a statement today saying it was “devastated” by the news but that this year’s production of Cinderella will continue in his honour.

The statement said:

“Phil was an integral part of what makes Harrogate Theatre special, both to work at and visit.

“Our pantomime has truly sparkled since he came to the helm in 2007. He is irreplaceable.

“In his memory Cinderella will continue this Christmas. No one wanted to bring the party back to Harrogate Theatre more than him.

“Our thoughts are with Phil’s wife, Caroline, their beloved boys, family and friends.”

Harrogate Theatre has set up a Just Giving page on Mr Lowe’s behalf with a £1,000 target. All of the money raised will go towards Harrogate District Hospital and its cardiac care unit.

Read more: