Storm Arwen: Travel warnings and events cancelled in Harrogate district

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

LNER has encouraged any customers booked to travel from today, Friday 26 until the end of service on Sunday 28 to defer their travel if possible.

Tickets will be valid on LNER services on the following dates: Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November including Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Network Rail has imposed emergency speed restrictions as the extreme weather conditions begin to impact the East Coast route.

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

North Yorkshire Police added:

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

North Yorkshire music festival receives £120,000 government grant

Deer Shed music and arts festival in Topcliffe has received £119,708 from the government’s cultural recovery fund (CRF)

The government launched the £1.57 billion fund last year to support cultural and heritage sectors from the economic impact of covid.

The festival offers live music, comedy and arts across a weekend in Baldersby Park, which borders the Harrogate district. It has not been able to run a full festival for the last two years. However, it has run a smaller event on the site called Base Camp.

In November 2020, Deer Shed received a grant of £238,000 from the CRF.

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The festival tweeted that the money will help ensure its survival:

“Grateful to have been given support from DCMS in the 3rd round of the CRF. These have been difficult times having been unable to host a full Deer Shed for over two years, this helps ensure our survival alongside the support of our brilliant Deer Shed audience.”

Deer Shed will run next summer from July 29-31 and has announced headliners John Grant, Nadine Shah and Django Django.

Scale of Harrogate’s climate change challenge revealed

The scale of Harrogate’s climate change challenge has been revealed in new figures published as part of a latest consultation.

Residents and businesses have until January 2 to have their say on Harrogate Borough Council’s new carbon reduction strategy which sets out how the district will play its part in cutting emissions to try avoid the devastating effects of global warming.

CO2 emissions have fallen by 32% in the district since 2005, however, it is still producing over one million tonnes per year with a combined annual energy bill of over £400m.

And if the district continues at this current rate, it will have used up its carbon budget – which allows a maximum of 9 million tonnes of CO2 between now and 2050 – 20 years before that end date under national targets.

These figures are why the council’s new strategy says “big and rapid changes” are now needed, not just by local and national leaders, but by everyone.

It said:

“Climate scientists, observing real life data, are clear that the UK is already experiencing disruptive climate change.

“2020 was third warmest, fifth wettest and eighth sunniest on record. No other year has fallen in the top 10 for all three variables in this country.

“Achieving net-zero and meeting our local carbon budget must involve the joint efforts of local authorities, businesses and industry, individual consumers and the rest of the public sector and national government.

“By pulling together partners and strategies, we can deliver a bigger impact than if we act alone.”

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This urgent need for action was brought into even sharper focus in October when Harrogate’s first Climate Action Festival was launched in the run up to the COP26 summit.

Organised by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, the festival highlighted what can be achieved on a local level by residents and businesses before world leaders put forward their pledges at the summit in Glasgow.

Making houses more energy efficient was an important target that came out of COP26 and this will be key for Harrogate which for many years has used more gas and electricity than regional and national averages.

Carbon emissions per person in Harrogate are also higher than the national average.

Domestic energy consumption accounts for 34% of the district’s carbon footprint, while transport emissions account for 31%.

The fumes from diesel and petrol vehicles are a particular area of concern as unlike other declining emissions, the numbers are on the rise.

This is why council officials are pushing ahead with plans to reduce car use through projects such as the £10.9m Harrogate Gateway, the Otley Road cycle path and other active travel schemes which give greater road priority to pedestrians and cyclists.

There is also an aim to get 10,000 electric vehicles on the roads by 2023 ahead of the ban on the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars seven years later.

Out of all the districts in North Yorkshire, Harrogate has seen the largest increase in electric vehicles. However, the council’s strategy says there is still much work to do as most motorists are making the switch from diesel to petrol cars, not electric.

It said:

“An area of concern in the district is road transport emissions which are not declining like other sectors.

“A significant cause of this is likely to be the swing away from the use of diesel vehicles towards higher-CO2 petrol, with the increasing take up of ultra low emission vehicles not yet counteracting this move away from diesel.

“It’s essential the local people and businesses know the direction we are taking.

“We will work closely with the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition to champion carbon reduction measures and raise awareness and simulate action.”

The new carbon reduction strategy will replace the current version which was adopted by the council in October 2019.

To have your say go to www.harrogate.gov.uk/consultations-engagement

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Connor back with you this morning for the final time this week. I am here to update you with travel alerts to keep your journey moving.

I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.

If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this week. I hope this blog has helped your journey this morning. I am heading over to the news desk now, my colleague Suzannah will be back with all your latest travel news next Monday.

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The roads are starting to become busy in places this morning, particularly around Wetherby Road and Knaresborough Road in Harrogate as well as Ripon Road around Ripley.

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7am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

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Harrogate nightlife institution Montey’s celebrates 25 years

Montey’s has been a favourite haunt of Harrogate night owls looking for quality cocktails and alternative music for 25 years.

The bar was opened by owner Jay Smith on this day in 1996. Back then, The Ginnel was a quiet back street and not one of the town’s most popular food and drink spots.

Montey’s took over a unit that was previously a pine shop, but Mr Smith said he saw the potential the area had.

He said:

“[The Ginnel] was dramatically different. I had looked around the town centre trying to find where hospitality could get driven to, in terms of available space, The Ginnel seemed to fit that brief.”

After working for Tesco in his early 20s, he followed his dream of opening a bar of his own. He combined savings with a loan from John Smiths brewery to open Montey’s as a jazz bar with a strictly over-25s policy.

But it struggled to attract punters during the week, so to save the business, Mr Smith scrapped the policy, recruited as many former Jack and Danny’s and Jimmy’s cocktail bartenders as he could find and shifted towards rock music.

“The over 25’s policy became a millstone around the neck of the business.

“So we went back to licencing at the council and asked them to remove the conditions or it will go up in smoke.”

Mr Smith said the best nights in Montey’s have been themed nights such as Halloween, New Year and whenever live bands perform, although his memory of the 90s is blurry after one too many lemon drops.

He said:

 “We’ve always done live music, we love it.”

Over the years Montey’s has developed a reputation for cocktails delivered with flair and fun.

“Flair bartending is where you’re throwing bottles around like Cocktail. It became popular and recognised bartending as a career and a skill.”

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Many businesses have come and gone around Parliament Street since 1996, including some massive chains such as Jamie Oliver and Ministry of Sound who pumped millions into venues that failed.

Mr Smith said it’s the independents that have been built to last.

“After 25 years in Harrogate there’s been an astonishing amount of bars, some with huge budgets who thought they could stroll into the town.

“A lot of them were in just massive, very expensive buildings.

“But if you look at long-term successful businesses in Harrogate, it’s places like Drum and Monkey, Will and Vics and G23.

“The indies are supported here. It’s a testament to the attitude of the people of Harrogate.”

Mr Smith still runs the bar today alongside his “partner in crime” and director of the business Colin Speirs, who was the first bartender he hired back in 1996. They hope to have a party next summer to celebrate their birthday.

He added:

“25 years is exactly half my life as I was 25 when it opened. I basically grew up in there.

“I’m genuinely proud and astonished we’ve suddenly arrived at 25 years.”

CCTV footage shows Harrogate killer’s final movements

Police have released CCTV footage of convicted murderer Daniel Ainsley’s final movements before he killed Mark Wolsey.

Ainsley was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for murdering Mr Wolsey, 48, on Mayfield Grove on March 5.

Following sentencing, North Yorkshire Police has released footage used to prosecute Ainsley.

The three-minute clip, which can be played below, shows the 24-year-old going into Asda supermarket on Bower Road to purchase a set of kitchen knives with his own bank card.

He later goes outside the store to dispose of all but one of them before walking back to 38 Mayfield Grove where he stabbed Mr Wolsey multiple times.

At Leeds Crown Court last month, Ainsley pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility but admitted manslaughter.

However, Mark McKone QC, prosecuting, said the CCTV footage demonstrated that Ainsley knew what he was doing and that the killing was premeditated.

He told Leeds Crown Court:

“There can be no doubt that the defendant intended to kill Mark.

“The defendant knew exactly what he was doing and did it in a calm and calculated way.”

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The defence’s case that Ainsley was suffering from a personality disorder which “impaired his ability to form a rational judgement” did not convince a jury.

He was convicted of murder on October 22 and sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison yesterday.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, head of crime at North Yorkshire Police, said: 

“I am pleased with today’s sentence and that the court previously agreed with the prosecution that this was clearly a case of murder, and nothing less.

“My thoughts remain with Mark’s mother, children and his wider family who have had to sit through the trial and listen to the horrific details of his death. Nothing can bring Mark back, but I hope that his loved ones can take some comfort in the knowledge that justice has now been done.”

Country Living Christmas Fair returns to Harrogate

The Country Living Christmas Fair is back in Harrogate today, with thousands of interior-lovers set to get into the festive spirit at the four-day event.

Held at the town’s convention centre, the popular event, which was cancelled last year due to covid restrictions, features a programme of talks, demonstrations and workshops.

It also supports small businesses, with more than 300 stalls from artisan makers.

Marketing executive Harriet Hayes said:

“From the practicalities of sourcing one-of-a-kind gifts and the latest trends in home interiors, to inspiration for your festive feast. The fair offers it all under one roof.”

The event, which takes place from 10am to 5pm from today until Sunday, will offer a selection of interiors, handcrafted gifts and food stalls, which will include local produce. There will also be a champagne bar.

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Alongside the exhibition, there will also be a live programme in the Country Living theatre and Christmas kitchen. Festive advice and inspiration from leading professionals and cooking experts will be on offer.

Chefs include BBC Masterchef 2021 winner Tom Rhodes and Rudding Park demi chef, Ben Wright.

Harriet added:

“From Christmas canapés to showstopper desserts, in the Country Living kitchen our celebrity chefs will share their top tips and festive favourites for you to make at home or pick up inspiration.

“On the stage, there will also be advice on seasonal trends, how to decorate the perfect Christmas tree, festive wreaths, the Christmas dinner table and much more.

“You will also be able to roll up your sleeves and get creative in one of the many hands-on workshops sessions hosted by crafting experts and makers, who will lead you through a range of interactive sessions.”

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Connor back with you this morning to update you with travel alerts to keep your journey moving.

I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.

If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning, I am heading over to the news desk now. Hopefully you have found the blog helpful. I will be back from 6.30am tomorrow.

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

Harrogate Scouts group could close after 68 years unless new leaders found

Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts says unless new Scout leaders come forward, one of its Harrogate groups that has been running for 68 years could close after Christmas.

Scouts is an adventurous program where children develop skills, earn badges and awards, and have fun in the outdoors.

The 15th Harrogate Scouts, which is based at St Paul’s Church opposite Harrogate Library, has 15 young people aged 11-14. It could close in the new year due to a lack of leaders to organise trips and train the youngsters.

Mark Edwards, the Scouts county commissioner for North Yorkshire, appealed for new leaders to volunteer for the cause.

He said:

“We’re going to keep it going until Christmas, it would be a shame to close it.”

Since covid restrictions eased, Harrogate Scouts has been inundated with applications for new members but Mr Edwards said it does not have enough Scout leaders to cope with the demand.

The organisation has also seen some leaders leave to focus on their jobs and others have left due to illness.

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Mr Edwards said being a Scout leader has many benefits and is about “giving back”.

“Scouting for adults is good for you. You’re giving back to young people and gaining skills for life.”

He said Scout leaders at 15th Harrogate should be able to offer around two and a half hours a week of their time.

If you’re interested in becoming a Scout leader, contact Mr Edwards at cc@nys.org.uk

Masterchef finalists to launch pop-up restaurant in Harrogate

Two Masterchef quarter finalists are teaming up to launch a Christmas pop-up restaurant in a tipi at a Harrogate hotel.

Jo Mills, from Leeds, who appeared on the BBC cooking show in 2021, met Chris Hale from the 2016 series on a Facebook group for former MasterChef contestants.

The two chefs will take over Cedar Court Hotel’s Tipi on the Stray for two weeks from Thursday, December 9.

Chris, from Wakefield, who runs his own catering company, and helps Masterchef contestants to gain experience in cooking for events, said:

“We just wanted to do something different really in Harrogate.

“I do a lot of pop-up restaurants, so we turn venues, like cathedrals, into restaurants. So the tipi is aligned with what we do. For me it’s not just about the food, it’s about the whole experience. It will feel cosy and relaxed and I’m all about the chill vibes.”

Festive tapas, including turkey and sage bon bons with cranberry dip and mini nut roasts with candied carrots, will be served from 2pm to 10pm from Thursday to Saturday in collaboration with Magic Rock and Harrogate Tipple. On Sunday it’s a two-course bottomless brunch and on Monday to Wednesday, afternoon tea.

Then on December 20, 21 and 22 Afternoon Tea with Elsa, the character from Disney’s Frozen, will take place for families.

Chris said:

“I think we have got a really nice balanced menu. I like tapas because you can get as much or as little as you want.

“The desserts are particularly theatrical. For me it’s the end of the meal, and it’s the bit people take away with them.

“There is an edible Christmas wreath, which is our festive take on an Eton mess, with meringue, ginger, cinnamon, pomegranate and molasses.

“We are also doing a panettone tiramisu garden, which will be presented as a snowy garden scene and will feature meringue mushrooms and edible snow and flowers. Those are the two that are probably the most Instagrammable.”

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The December residency will offer additional dining options at the busy hotel and is aimed at Harrogate residents, as well as guests.

The tipi, which can hold up to 38 people, opened on July 4 last year as a result of covid dining restrictions, and has now become a permanent fixture due to its popularity.

The Tipi on the Stray at Harrogate’s Cedar Court Hotel.

Jo, whose passion for tapas has inspired the menu, said:

“Tapas has been my kind of thing or a long time. When friends come over it’s just nice to have one of those sociable ways to eat, so it’s something I have always cooked. We thought it would be fun as it’s a nice casual atmosphere in the tipi. It lends itself really well to that style of dining.”