Elderly man died in fatal Harrogate crash

An 81-year-old man who was struck by a car in Harrogate yesterday afternoon has died.

North Yorkshire Police say the victim was crossing the road from The Woodlands Hotel pub towards Hookstone Chase just before 5pm when the crash happened.

An ambulance took him to hospital, where he later died.

Officers closed off the road near to the Esso garage for several hours while they carried out their investigations on Thursday.

It reopened later at around 1am this morning.

The crash involved a grey Audi A3 that was travelling down Wetherby Road out of the town centre.

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Police say the 35-year-old driver of the Audi is assisting them with their enquiries. The force did not say whether it had made any arrests.

North Yorkshire Police has asked witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to call on 101 and quote 12210053250.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak anonymously then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal after man hit by white van in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information after a man was hit by a white van in Harrogate this morning.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at around 9am on Regent Parade.

Officers said the man was pushed into a parked car following the collision and injured his foot.

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A statement from the force said:

“Around 9am on Friday, February 5 a white van collided with a male pedestrian on Regent Parade in Harrogate. The man was pushed into a parked car as a result of the collision and injured his foot.

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, we are appealing for information about a white van that was in the area at the time.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Geeta Maharjan. You can also email geeta.maharjan2@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210053525.

‘Random road closures not solution’ to Harrogate traffic woes

Harrogate’s business groups have raised concerns over plans to close off streets in Harrogate to create a “low traffic neighbourhood”.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed that it will close Beech Grove to through traffic in less than two weeks’ time.

The experimental closure will be in place for six months from February 15 and, depending on the results of a public consultation, it could become permanent.

Residents, refuse collections and emergency services will still have access to the area. But motorists will no longer be able to get directly from Otley Road to West Park via Beech Grove.

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Now officials at the chamber of commerce and business improvement district have weighed in on the debate, arguing the struggling high street could be negatively affected by the plans.

Sandra Doherty, the chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The solution is not, and never will be, the random closing of one road or another. A fully thought out, cohesive plan, which must involve all stakeholders should be undertaken.

“We must understand that no one single group will have the perfect solution. There will have to be some give and take.”

She added:

“I am not convinced that the Government’s view of car free towns surrounded by cycle lanes and pavements is the solution to the decline of the high street.

“Now we have all got used to shopping online, towns will have to provide a more experiential offering. Banning cars or discouraging them just won’t help.”

The proposed area for the Low Traffic Neighbourhood on Beech Grove, including the planters on the junction with Lancaster Road.

The proposed area for the Low Traffic Neighbourhood on Beech Grove, including the planters on the junction with Lancaster Road.

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, added:

“We need to know what else North Yorkshire Council is planning for the town centre.

“In its letter to Beech Grove and Lancaster Road residents, the council says this initiative is part of an overall ‘package of improvements’ but fails to reveal any more details.

“If its wider strategy is to reduce traffic in the town centre, then we need to know.

“We would like to think any future plans would include the addition of a large number of electric charging points. It would encourage those with electric vehicles to visit the town and help to reduce CO2 emissions.”

Ms Ferguson also said, if any free parking is to be lost, the BID would like to see Harrogate Borough and North Yorkshire County councils work together to reduce the costs in multi-storey car parks, which she said were under-used.

Serious collision halts traffic on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road

Police and ambulances are responding after a pedestrian was involved in a collision near the Woodlands pub on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The Esso filling station at the junction with Hookstone Drive has been cordoned off and traffic is unable to head out of town on Wetherby Road.

A car has also been cordoned off.

North Yorkshire Police tweeted minutes ago to say the collision, involving a pedestrian, occurred just before 5pm.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious collision involving a pedestrian on Hookstone Chase at #Harrogate, near to the Esso garage on Wetherby Road. It happened just before 5pm. Please follow diversions and avoid area until further notice. pic.twitter.com/dTeuhtdvna

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 4, 2021

 

Numerous police and ambulance vehicles are present and traffic diversions are in place.

North Yorkshire Police has asked witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to call on 101, select option 1, and speak to the force control room. Quote reference number NYP-04022021-0279.

Collision on Wetherby Road

 

Senior councillors defend closure of Harrogate’s Beech Grove

Senior councillors have defended a controversial decision to close a Harrogate street to through traffic to encourage people to cycle and walk.

North Yorkshire County Council, which is the highways authority, wrote to residents on February 1 saying it planned to block the junction of Beech Grove and Lancaster Road with planters.

The experimental order will take effect on a six-month trial basis on February 15 as part of a scheme to create a low traffic neighbourhood in the area.

The sudden announcement generated a mixed response on social media, with many people questioning whether it would merely lead to more traffic on nearby streets, such as Cold Bath Road, Victoria Road and Queen’s Road.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said the order was one of a series of measures the authority had proposed to reduce traffic congestion.

He added views would be taken into account when a decision was taken on whether to extend the closure in six months time.

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Asked whether the changes to Beech Grove would just move traffic elsewhere, Cllr Mackenzie told the Stray Ferret:

“That tends to happen, but what we are trying to do is trying to reduce the overall vehicle numbers and encourage people not to use their cars.

“Everyone is being encouraged to travel more actively and this is part of that.”

‘Radical measures needed’

Work to install the signage, bollards and planters will take three days from February 15, weather permitting.

Designated parking bays for ambulances will be installed on Trinity Road.

The changes to Beech Road, along with the forthcoming Otley Road cycle route, could link to create a better connected cycle route into the town centre.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access at North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access at North Yorkshire County Council.

The county council will spend £9,954 of its own funds on the Beech Grove scheme.

Cllr Mackenzie said this was because the council only received about £133,000 – half of the maximum possible available – when it applied to a government fund for active travel.

Cllr Richard Cooper, the leader of Harrogate Borough Council who also represents Harrogate central on the county council, said radical measures were needed to solve traffic congestion.

“I know that some local residents are sceptical about these new sustainable transport measures. I understand that and I respect that view while not agreeing with it.

“The fact of the matter is that we cannot pretend that traffic congestion, poor air quality, a diminishing environment and climate change can be solved without radical changes to our transport infrastructure and our personal travel habits.”

Other proposed county council measures to ease traffic congestion, include a park and ride bus service, Killinghall bypass and traffic calming measures in Bilton. 

The authority was also been awarded £1 million for three cycling schemes in Harrogate, of which one will include £250,000 for cycling measures on Victoria Avenue.

Closure met with mixed response

News of the changes to Beech Grove met with mixed reaction on the Stray Ferret Facebook and Twitter accounts.

One person said:

“So how do you get to Otley Road if you are coming out of Victoria Ave junction with West Park? You’d have to go right up Cold Bath Road to the grammar school – much further.”

Another said:

“So to ease congestion, every car now has to go via Prince of Wales roundabout to Cold Bath Road junction? I’m not an expert but they’ll be the same amount of cars on the roads regardless, so I don’t get how shutting roads anywhere is the answer?”

However, others welcomed the council’s decision and said it would improve the quality of life.

“Excellent idea. Should be just the start of many of the same. Turn the Stray into a true part of the community as opposed to an island surrounded by cars.”

Abuse for Harrogate key workers increasing

Harrogate District Hospital and North Yorkshire Police staff have reported increased instances of abuse from members of the public.

The hospital tweeted yesterday that it has received “some really disappointing feedback” from volunteers offering free facemasks who say a small minority of “rude and unpleasant” people have been causing problems.

Volunteers at the hospital’s mask station are on hand to ask visitors and patients to take off the mask they are wearing and put a clean one on, which they provide for free.

A hospital spokesperson added:

“The incidences are increasing but we really want to emphasise that it is a small minority of people and that we appreciate there may be questions and concerns about why we are asking people to wear a mask we provide when in hospital.

“It is for the safety of everyone and the volunteers are very happy to help anyone who may need some further advice and guidance. We just need to ensure this is done courteously.”

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The trend was echoed by North Yorkshire Police which published figures last week that revealed 36 arrests were made in January following assaults on police, fire and ambulance personnel – an average of more than one a day. 

The figure has risen by 45% compared to the same period last year. 

They include physical assaults such as punches, kicks, biting, assaults with a weapon and spitting.

New terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport set for approval

Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans to build a bigger passenger terminal building have been recommended for approval.

The £150 million scheme would increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million and extend flight hours.

Leeds City Council will vote on the plans next week but the council’s chief planning officer has recommended approval.

If they are given the go ahead, the current building would be demolished and a new three-floor, 34,000 square metre glass building would be created on an alternative site.

Leeds Bradford Airport Limited estimates the development will support 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds City Region, as well as create 850 construction jobs while building work takes place.

The company claims the proposals would “deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings”. The current terminal building, which was built in 1968, would be demolished.

The scheme would also increase the times when flights can take place from the current period of 7am-11pm to 6am-11.30pm.

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The airport’s website says about the new terminal building:

“This will not only be more operationally efficient but will provide a gateway to Leeds and beyond and will greatly improve the passenger and employee experience and provide higher quality welcome for travellers to the city and the region.”

The proposal faces opposition from green groups, which claim it would contradict Leeds City Council’s climate emergency policy and increase CO2 emissions.

Leeds’ five MPs, who all represent the Labour Party, also object on environmental grounds.

There have also been almost 2,000 public objections, including more than from 100 people with a HG post code.

If approved next week, the redeveloped terminal building could open in 2024.

Skier trades Alps for lockdown Harrogate

It may not be the Alps but this skier is more than happy to dig out his skis and head around Harrogate in the snow.

Harrogate resident Tomas Munoz has become a familiar sight on snow days in his signature bright orange jumpsuit.

You may have seen him in videos or photos, or even in person skiing by your window as he makes his way to the Stray.

Great to meet Tomas today for @thestrayferret. He's missed his skiing holidays so when it snows in Harrogate he grabs his skis and heads out with a big smile on his face. pic.twitter.com/SBcLQ8xSwo

— Connor Creaghan (@connorcreaghan) February 2, 2021

There has been lots of snow in the Harrogate district so far this year, which means he has had plenty of opportunities to brush up his skills.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret on the Stray today, he said:

“I am a ski fanatic, I love skiing. I have been to France and Switzerland for ski trips but mostly to the United States.

“No ski trips over the last year. It’s a little bit of a let down but I get out and get my hour of exercise a day so it’s very fun.

“I am grateful every time I see snow out the window so I want to take advantage of it. For sure, I am just about as excited as the kids when it starts to snow.”

Mr Munoz, who has about 30 years of skiing experience, says kids love to see him on his skis and will often laugh and take videos.

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Snow affects schools and travel in the Harrogate district

The Harrogate district woke up this morning to a heavy covering of snow, causing travel disruption and school closures.

Gritters were out across the district last night and early this morning to help any drivers with essential travel.

Snow started before dawn this morning and the Met Office predicts that it will continue until 12pm.

From 2pm forecasters predict heavy rain, which should help clear away the snow.

Keep refreshing this page throughout the day for the latest on the snow disruption.

2.05pm – Meet St George’s snow dragon

A 10-year-old girl called Alice has been rather creative in the snow today.

She sculpted her own version of St George’s dragon out of the snow by Ripon Cathedral.

Great job, Alice!

Well done to 10 year old Alice for her fabulous snow creation of St George’s dragon! @engcathedrals @RiponDean @LeedsCofE @AilsaNewby pic.twitter.com/IFxoI2b6cB

— Ripon Cathedral (@riponcathedral) February 2, 2021

2pm – Household waste recycling centres reopen

North Yorkshire County Council has reopened its household waste recycling centres in the Harrogate district.

Ripon, Harrogate and West Harrogate sites are now open after closing for the snow this morning.

#Ripon, #Harrogate and West Harrogate household waste recycling centres are open.#Leyburn and #Skipton remain closed.

Find more information about household waste recycling centres here. ⬇️https://t.co/llRAH0z30s pic.twitter.com/sPxWsS8DOn

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 2, 2021

1.50pm – More bus services running

We have just received another update from the Harrogate Bus Company.

The 8 between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby is now running again.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1356594194840748034

1pm – Harrogate district buses update

The Harrogate Bus Company has just tweeted an update for its routes today.

It is also hoping to have an update on the 1B soon.

12pm – Harrogate district covered by two weather warnings

The Met Office currently has two yellow weather warnings in place for the Harrogate district.

The amber warning for snow has now passed on the forecaster’s map.

However, a yellow warning for rain and a yellow warning for snow and ice both remain in place.

11.30am – Otley Road at Harlow Hill ‘impassable’

North Yorkshire Police has warned that the snow has made Otley Road, Harrogate at Harlow Hill impassable for motorists.

The police have tweeted that people should avoid the road until further notice.

***SNOW DISRUPTION***

Otley Road in #Harrogate at Harlow Hill is currently impassable due to snow.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Listen to local radio for the latest traffic and travel information. pic.twitter.com/8WfknkK9Iz

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 2, 2021

11.15am – More buses running in Harrogate district

The Harrogate Bus Company has said that more of its services are running again, with some serving a reduced route.

However the 24 to Pateley Bridge and the 8 between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby are still unable to run.

11am – Recap on how snow hit Harrogate district

Schools, roads, vaccine sites and household waste recycling centres all closed today in the Harrogate district due to the snow.

Police closed the A61 in Bishop Monkton this morning after a serious crash. Officers are currently waiting for recovery.

The vaccine centres in Harrogate and Ripon closed this morning, with jabs rescheduled for another time.

As the snow eases across the district the CCG which runs the centres hopes to continue with the vaccines scheduled for the afternoon.

North Yorkshire County Council has closed the household waste recycling centres in Harrogate, West Harrogate and Ripon.

Here is the county council’s full list of school closures:

10.45am – Bishop Monkton road set to reopen

North Yorkshire Police is set to reopen the A61 in Bishop Monkton.

The force closed the road at around 8am after a serious crash. Currently officers are waiting for recovery.

It’s still unclear how many vehicles were involved or if there were any injuries.

We will now be looking to reopen the road #A61#BishopMonkton once recovery is complete. Thank you for your patience

— NorthYorksPolice RPG (@NYorksRPG) February 2, 2021

10.30am – Cedar Court in the snow

Thanks to Pam for sending in this picture of the cedar at Cedar Court Hotel in the snow this morning.

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

10.10am – Harrogate bus 36 running again

The Harrogate Bus Company is running the 36 route again after a morning of disruption.

There had been issues because of the snow between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds.

✅ We're now able to run #The36 between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds. Thanks for bearing with us. pic.twitter.com/8r1tBIDows

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 2, 2021

9.50am – Household waste recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has closed its household waste recycling centres today.

Sites in Harrogate, West Harrogate and Ripon have shut their gates due to the snow.

The following household waste recycling centres are currently closed due to #snow.

•#Catterick Bridge
•#Harrogate
•West Harrogate
•#Ripon
•#Leyburn
•#Settle
•#Skipton pic.twitter.com/szFQkSQ9Wh

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 2, 2021

9.40am – Even more school closures

North Yorkshire County Council has released its full list of school closures after a morning of heavy snow.

9.30am – Pictures of Harrogate district in snow

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Blubberhouses in the snow. Photo: Deborah P

Keith and Annette Stainthorpe taking their morning exercise on Ripon Market Square with their 5-year-old Cockerpoo, Coco, who they say, ‘absolutely adores this snowy weather’.

Harrogate snowman with binmen collecting this morning.

The Stray in Harrogate in the snow this morning.

Bishop Monkton in the snow. Photo: Cathie Hague

Kex Gill in the snow.

Ripon Cathedral sitting pretty in the white stuff.

A great early snowman. Photo: Craig Wraight

9am – Bin and recycling collections still going ahead

Harrogate Borough Council has said its recycling and bin collections are going ahead as planned today.

The crews hope to complete all their rounds today weather permitting. Last month, the council stood down its crews due to heavy snow.

Hello. Crews are out as usual this morning. We will complete all rounds weather conditions permitting. ^Andy

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) February 2, 2021

8.50am – Fountains Abbey closes due to snow

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is closed today due to the heavy snow.

The National Trust site tweeted this morning to say the surrounding roads are dangerous in the snow and ice.

Anyone who has a ticket for today will receive a cancellation email.

8.30am – Serious crash closes Bishop Monkton road

North Yorkshire Police has closed the A61 in Bishop Monkton to deal with a serious crash.

The police have not said how many vehicles are involved or how long the road is likely to stay closed.

Road currently closed #A61 #BishopMonkton due to serious RTC . Hopefully we can update you soon how long it is likely to be closed #donttravelunlessneeded

— NorthYorksPolice RPG (@NYorksRPG) February 2, 2021

8.20am – Bus cancellations across Harrogate district

The Harrogate Bus Company has stopped some of its buses across the district this morning due to snow.

8.15am – More school closures

As the snow continues to fall in the Harrogate district more schools are announcing closures. Here’s our list so far:

8.10am – Send in your pictures of the snow

There may be plenty of disruption this morning as a result of the weather but it does bring some opportunities for great pictures.

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We will share them on our social media and on this live blog throughout the day.

8am – Drive safely on roads, say police

North Yorkshire Police has warned drivers across the Harrogate district to drive safely in the snow.

The force’s traffic bureau tweeted this morning asking people to leave plenty of distance between their cars.

There is heavy snowfall across the county this morning. Please leave plenty of distance from the vehicle in front, clear your vehicle completely of snow if your travel is essential. A19 from Thirsk and York is passable but completely covered with snow at the moment.

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) February 2, 2021

7.30am – Snow forces Harlow Carr to close

RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre is closed today due to the heavy snow.

Anyone who has booked tickets should send an email to harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to request a refund.

Unfortunately due to this evenings forecast of heavy snow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd February.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/TnfHG2KTPn

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 1, 2021

7am – School closures due to snow

The heavy snow has forced headteachers to shut schools, which are open to key worker children and vulnerable learners.

Here’s the list we have so far of school closures:

6.50am – Coronavirus vaccine centres closed

The vaccination centres at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and Ripon racecourse are closed.

Only those with appoinments between 8am and 12.45pm will have to go another time.

Appointments for the afternoon are still due to go ahead as planned.

 

Can you drive to Swinsty reservoir for a walk?

It is a simple question: can I drive to beauty spots like Swinsty reservoir in the Harrogate district for exercise? But a clear answer appears elusive.

Harrogate Borough Council’s newsletter last week said:

“Driving to the other side of the district, into the Nidderdale AONB or to either of the national parks is not acceptable.  If you do, you run the risk of a fine.”

Swinsty, Fewston and Lindley Wood reservoirs — popular spots with walkers and dog owners — are all located within Nidderdale AONB and the council’s comments prompted a fierce debate on Twitter.

Some questioned whether legally people could in fact be fined.

Another person tweeted it was ‘bizarre’ that you could join ‘droves of people in Valley Gardens but a quick hop up to deserted Nidderdale is risky and the coppers might fine you’.

But others said there had been a huge increase in local walkers and supported fines.

Today the Stray Ferret attempted to get clarity.

We approached the council, which said it was simply “amplifying North Yorkshire Police’s messaging about what local means”.

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North Yorkshire Police sent us two links when we asked for clarification.

The first was a quote from Superintendent Mike Walker, who leads the force’s response to covid:

“If the officer finds that the individual has travelled multiple miles to exercise and it’s outside of their local area, where there is plenty of provision and open spaces to exercise close to home, the officer has the option to encourage adherence or enforce the regulations dependant on the circumstances.”

There is no further explanation on how far “multiple miles” is. But Superintendent Walker adds that getting “embroiled in detail” can mean we “lose focus of the real reason we are being asked to limit movement”.

The second link referred to a reply by chief inspector Charlotte Bloxham to a resident’s question about what was classed as local travel.

“In relation to travelling for exercise it’s really clear that the message is to stay local in order to do that.

“You can exercise once a day and with one person from another household but the guidance is to stay local to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Local is defined as in your village, your town, your city or locality.

“We are not trying to be the fun police and try spoil people’s activities but it is for a really important reason.”

Some Twitter comments referred to recent guidance on the stay local message from the National Police Chiefs Council, which represents police chiefs.

“UK government guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.”

Government’s coronavirus guidance states:

“Outdoor exercise should be done locally where possible. But you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.

“For example, to access an open space.”