How Harrogate’s snow day unfolded and caused chaos

Heavy snow across the Harrogate district has caused chaos on the roads and for schools today.

We kept track of school closures, kept an eye on the roads and updated this story as we went along.

The snow started at around 8am this morning and did not stop for a moment until after sunset.

It seems that ice will follow the snow, after a Met Office warning over freezing temperatures from midnight until 11am tomorrow.

5.15pm – Gritters head out onto Harrogate district roads

Gritters will be out overnight and tomorrow morning trying to clear the snow and ice from the Harrogate district’s roads.

North Yorkshire County Council said its team has been out on “priority roads” today.

We've been #gritting priority roads throughout the day and will continue to do so overnight and tomorrow morning.

Please only travel if essential and take extra care if you do. Remember, gritting does not guarantee an ice or snow free surface.

More ⬇️https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/0q8bKPhqoU

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 8, 2021

5.10pm – Harlow Carr to remain closed after snow

RHS Harlow Carr has confirmed that it will remain closed tomorrow due to the heavy snow.

Anyone who has booked tickets for Saturday has been urged to send RHS an email on harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk.

**Closed Saturday 9th January **

Unfortunately due to today’s heavy snowfall, RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed on Saturday 9th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk for a refund. pic.twitter.com/ozwwrJ2jIK

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 8, 2021

5pm – Harrogate district buses start running again

The Harrogate Bus Company has now confirmed that its number 36 buses are now able to run from Leeds, to Harrogate and onto Ripon.

That covers the full route so it is back to normal but the bus company has not yet revealed the return any of its other routes just yet.

Our buses on #The36 are able to run between Harrogate and Ripon now as well as to Leeds, so we're back along the whole route.

If you're joining us on the bus this evening, track your bus on our app #TransdevGo, to make sure you know when it's coming – https://t.co/p6IyPgyQvx pic.twitter.com/P5biQVE5zS

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 8, 2021

4.45pm – Public toilets closed across Harrogate district

Harrogate Borough Council has closed down the district’s public toilets due to the “adverse weather conditions”.

When questioned by a resident on Twitter the authority explained that it was because workers are unable to clean them.

4pm – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal close

The heavy snow has forced Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to close its doors tomorrow.

It may also have to close on Sunday, but it will make that decision on Saturday depending on how the weather condition progress.

*Important Notice* Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal will be closed on Saturday 9 January due to heavy snowfall. If you have booked a ticket to visit that you'd like refunded please call 0344 2491895.
We'll be making a decision on opening on Sunday 10 January tomorrow.#staylocal pic.twitter.com/u2u5kg0Wsq

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 8, 2021

2.30pm – Ice to follow snow in district

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice from midnight tonight until 11am tomorrow.

North Yorkshire County Council has told people to only travel if essential and urged people to take extra care on icy surfaces.

⚠️ The @metoffice have issued a yellow #weatherwarning for #ice form midnight tonight until 11am tomorrow.

Please only travel if essential and if you need to go out take extra care on icy surfaces.

Keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/mYeNomwbja pic.twitter.com/0C6j8P6o3D

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 8, 2021

2pm – Volunteers brave the snow

Volunteers have braved the snow today to take care of vulnerable people, including a homeless man in Harrogate.

The Resurrected Bites team said its team of helpers have kept up with its deliveries of food to those that need it most.

“I just want to let you know what heroes we have. We have called all of today’s customers to see if they can wait until Monday and those that can’t have had food delivered on foot.

“One of them has also been out to get food to the homeless man and his dogs on Montpellier Hill. I couldn’t ask for a better team. I am so grateful for all of them.”

1.45pm – Waste and recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed that some of its household waster recycling centres have closed.

The local authority said that the Harrogate and West Harrogate centres needed to close because of the snow.

12.30pm – Harrogate hospital praises staff in snow

Harrogate District Hospital has praised the efforts of its staff who are battling the snow to keep it running today,.

“Thank you to Matthew from Estates, James from Car Parking and the rest of the team from our Harrogate Integrated Facilities who are busy battling the elements to keep the hospital site safe.

“Well done and thank you to all colleagues for efforts to get in today. And to patients for making it in too!”

We’ve got a fair bit of snow in Harrogate today! Huge thanks to Matthew and James & the rest of the team who are busy battling the elements to keep the hospital site safe. Well done & thanks to all colleagues for your efforts to get in today. & to patients for making it in too! pic.twitter.com/Dfcj4D3fHI

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) January 8, 2021

11.50am – More school closures across district

If we have missed any school closures off our list then please get in touch through email on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

11.40am – Bus company starts gritting roads

The local bus company has started to grit roads in Harrogate to try and rescue its buses and other vehicles.

Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev, tweeted today that “we appear to now be The Harrogate Gritting Company.”

We appear to now be The Harrogate Gritting Company to help rescue our buses and other vehicles on the roads. pic.twitter.com/UylVYml6SG

— Alex Hornby (@alexhornbybus) January 8, 2021

11.05am – Traffic ‘at a standstill’

Roads in all directions around Harrogate are at a standstill because of the heavy snowfall.

Traffic on the A61 north of Harrogate at Killinghall, and south towards Pannal, has ground to a halt. Conditions are also reported to be poor on other roads, including Otley Road and Jenny Field Drive.

North Yorkshire County Council said it was gritting all priority one and two roads in the district overnight, which includes bus routes. However, it is advising people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Traffic on the A61 in Killinghall

Traffic on the A61 in Killinghall

10.40am – RHS Harlow Carr closes gates

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has closed to visitors today because of the weather conditions.

With Otley Road reportedly difficult to navigate, the RHS said anyone who has booked tickets can get in touch for a refund.

10am – Harrogate Bus Company pauses buses

The Harrogate Bus Company has paused all of its buses that are currently out on the road this morning due to the snow.

It said in a tweet this morning that the buses will get running again “once the very heavy snow has cleared”.

“So we can keep everyone safe in this weather, we’re pausing our buses that are currently out on the road.

“We’ll confirm when we’re able to get back up and running again, once the very heavy snow has cleared.

“If you need any help, just send us a message here.”

10am – Council calls off waste and recycling collections

Harrogate Borough Council has called off its waste and recycling collections this morning due to the snow.

The local authority said it would do its best to catch-up in the coming days but said the safety of its crew is paramount.

As you’ve probably seen, it is now snowing quite heavily across the #Harrogate district. Waste and recycling collections have now been stood down as the safety of our crews is paramount. We will do our best to catch-up in the coming days, where we can. pic.twitter.com/NA1oMfaEUS

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 8, 2021

9:45am – School closures

Schools across the Harrogate district are closing to all, including the children of key workers as a result of the snow.

9.30am – Trouble on the roads

The snow is causing major issues on the roads around the Harrogate district this morning.

A brief update on the roads throughout North Yorkshire. Please take care if you are out & about, drive to the conditions & check in on elderly & vulnerable neighbours pic.twitter.com/h3DkE8A5IO

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) January 8, 2021

Traffic reports on Google Maps is showing heavy congestion around Harrogate and Knaresborough.

 

Weather warning issued for snow and ice tonight

Weather warnings are in place for snow and ice tonight in the Harrogate district as temperatures are set to plunge to minus four degrees centigrade.

The Met Office warning says some disruption to travel is possible due to icy stretches and snow falling.

North Yorkshire County Council gritters have been out but untreated roads could be hazardous.

The council warned in a tweet today the lockdown could make conditions worse;

“Although we’re gritting roads whenever needed they might still be icy. Salt needs traffic to activate it – less traffic during lockdown means gritting isn’t as effective and icy conditions may last longer than you would expect.”

A yellow warnings is in place from 5pm today until midnight tomorrow. Yellow warnings are less severe than amber and red warnings.

Tonight’s forecast. Credit: Met Office

The district has been in the grip of a cold snap since Christmas, which has seen occasional heavy snowfall in places, such as the A59 at Blubberhouses and Kex Gill.

Although it is forecast to stay cold, temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the weekend, bringing some respite from the freezing conditions.

Read more:

 

Harrogate dog groomer to judge on primetime BBC show tonight

An award-winning dog groomer from Harrogate will be one of two judges on a new BBC One show tonight.

Pooch Perfect, which aims to find the nation’s best dog groomer, will broadcast its first episode at 8pm.

Verity Hardcastle, who has lived in Harrogate all her life, is one half of the judging team tasked with finding a winner.

Ms Hardcastle discovered her love of dogs at the age of 19 when she got a Doberman called Angel, who won numerous awards including second in class at Crufts in 2009.

She has showed dogs at various competitions and also competed as a groomer and says that after working in the industry for 11 years she’s familiar with what it takes to find a winner.

Perfect Pooches was filmed in August and took about a month to film.

Verity Hardcastle and her three dogs.

Verity Hardcastle on a local walk with her three poodles Lily, Olive and Alice.

Ms Hardcastle said:

“I really wanted to be a part of it. It is the biggest thing to happen in the industry ever. I’m very excited but also a little nervous, months of preparation and now it’s going to be out there.”

Sixteen professional dog groomers take part and each week they will be set a new challenge.

The show is hosted by actress and dog lover Sheridan Smith. Ms Hardcastle’s fellow judge is Colin Taylor, who has been in the grooming industry for 35 years.

Read more:

She said:

“Dog grooming is essential for dogs but owners may not understand the skill that goes into grooming. This show presents it perfectly. It’s a perfect warm entertainment show for the whole family and we had a great time making it.

“I’ve got a bottle chilling in the fridge ready for 8pm tonight.”

Ms Hardcastle continues to operate her business Verity Hardcastle Grooming and Training in Harrogate and also competes at shows with her three miniature poodles Lily, Olive and Alice.

Harrogate council to spend £165,000 on tourism website

Harrogate Borough Council has said it will spend £165,000 revamping its tourism website Visit Harrogate  — after previously refusing to reveal the sum.

The council awarded the contract two months ago to a company from Ipswich in a private meeting without undertaking a competitive tender process.

It told the Stray Ferret at the time that coronavirus had created an “economic crisis” that forced it to bypass competitive tendering.

Read more:

A report prepared for the meeting said it would take six months for a “full procurement process” and the site needed to be ready for the 2021 tourist season.

The council acquired the Visit Harrogate site last year.

The authority believes the site has suffered from “historic underinvestment” and “visually no longer meets the user requirements or expectations”.

Jacob Bailey Group won the four-year contract to create what the council called a new destination management system.

Yesterday the council revealed the £165,000 sum in response to a question on Twitter.

A council spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:

“This new destination management system will allow our destination management organisation to effectively attract new leisure and business visitors to the district through the work of Visit Harrogate and a new conference bureau. This is vital in order to support the recovery of the Harrogate district’s visitor economy.

“This destination management system is a comprehensive set of tourism management tools and functionality, including databases of marketing information for accommodation, businesses and visitor attractions; reporting and evaluation; event and booking services; news and blogging functions; visitor planning tools; integration with review sites such as Trip Advisor as well as integration with Visit Britain’s flagship tourism exchange.”

120-home Knaresborough development to begin this month

Work is set to begin this month to build 120 homes in Knaresborough after Yorkshire Housing purchased the site from Gladman Developments.

The 18-acre site on Boroughbridge Road is allocated for development in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan and planning permission was granted in August last year, despite objections.

Yorkshire Housing, which is a housing association, hopes the two, three, and four-bedroom homes will begin to be ready in January next year.

Andy Gamble, director of development at Yorkshire Housing, said:

“The 120 new homes will be mixed tenure and will provide homes for shared ownership, affordable rent, rent-to-buy and market sale.

“We want to continue creating new communities that bring more, much-needed homes to Yorkshire where our customers are proud to live and call home.”

Read more:

Scriven Parish Council said the homes would result in “saturation” for Knaresborough and its facilities when the plans were submitted.

The objection said:

“Knaresborough is under tremendous pressure and the historic market town, which all the residents recognise and enjoy, is being destroyed by over development.”

Library books still available during lockdown

Libraries in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough will continue to provide books during lockdown through the select and collect service.

The select and collect service, which was introduced last year in response to the pandemic, enables customers to phone or email their library to request books and collect them from the entrance of the building.

North Yorkshire County Council, which manages the libraries, is also continuing to operate its home library service, which sees volunteers deliver books, DVDs and CDs to customers who are unable to visit a library.

The council is also allowing pre-booked library computer sessions for essential use, such as accessing services and benefits. But they must be booked in advance by phone or email.

County councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said:

“We know how beneficial a connection to their library can be to people’s wellbeing and how many people rely on free library computers to access services and benefits and to apply for jobs.

“I am pleased that we are able to continue to provide that connection to some degree through our select and collect service and to support the most vulnerable with the home library service and computer access.”

To use the select and collect service or to book a computer session, contact your library or visit here.

Scheme to donate laptops to Harrogate pupils

A community group in Harrogate is at the forefront of a drive to donate laptops and tablets to pupils studying from home.

Schools were preparing to reopen after the Christmas break for face-to-face learning until the third national lockdown caused a last minute U-turn this week.

This has left some students, especially from poorer backgrounds, in need of computers for home schooling.

There was a big drive during the first lockdown to hand out laptops and tablets and some schools did not receive what they requested from government.

Consequently some pupils are now without the means to access their education.

Read more:

Stuart Carlton, the corporate director of children and young people’s services at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“All the laptops we had in March have been distributed, that was the first part of the scheme.

“There was then a second part where the government provided laptops directly to schools.

“We know there were some problems with that scheme because of the volume of requests. Not all laptops that schools wanted were given to them.”

Julie Mills, head of the Supplies for Key Workers in and around Harrogate Facebook group, has partnered with Phase 4 Computers in Harrogate to supply devices.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“People have been really good, they have been fabulous. I put up a request just yesterday and we have had plenty of donations already.

“Phase 4 Computers has offered to clean the laptops and tablets up and get them ready for schools. We are all pulling together once again.”

Anyone wishing to donate can either drop it off at Phase 4 Computers on weekdays between 10am and 4pm or get in touch with the Supplies for Key Workers in and around Harrogate group.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said in the House of Commons today the government would deliver 750,000 laptops to pupils by the end of next week.

That pledge is part of a wider commitment to deliver one million devices to students in need.

Harrogate BID pledges £60,000 to tackle homelessness

Harrogate Business Improvement District is to give the Harrogate Homeless Project £15,000 a year for the next four years.

The funding will go towards converting the lower hall at the Wesley Centre into a day centre for homeless people.

The sum is in addition to the £37,500 the church received from the National Lottery’s coronavirus community support fund.

The Wesley Centre will use the awards to install new toilets and refurbish the kitchen ready for the day centre services.

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Liz Hancock, chief executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, said it was “hugely grateful” to the BID:

“We will now be fundraising hard to realise some of the ambitions we have to extend our operating hours and expand health, wellbeing, skills and rehabilitation services.

“This significant donation will be over four years, allowing us to plan with certainty to develop this fundamental service.”

Sara Ferguson, acting chair of Harrrogate BID said:

“One of our key objectives is to make Harrogate town centre ‘safe, clean and welcoming’, and we see our partnership with Harrogate Homeless Project as a key driver in this.

“When homeless people gather in the town it can be intimidating for some people, and Springboard will offer them a sanctuary where they can go and receive the support they need.”

Lidl submits plans for first Harrogate store

German supermarket chain Lidl has submitted plans to open its first store in Harrogate.

If approved, the supermarket would create about 40 full and part-time jobs on the site of the former Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road.

The multi-million pound proposal includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.

It would open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Lidl GB said in a statement a public consultation in November revealed 87 per cent of more than 1,000 responses supported the scheme.

Harrogate Borough Council must now adjudicate on whether to accept plans to redevelop the site, which is surrounded by hoardings.

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Robert Beaumont, Lidl property director for the north of England, said:

“Following this extremely positive feedback, we have now submitted a planning application for the site to Harrogate Borough Council.

“We have been looking forward to bringing a new store to Harrogate for a while and we hope that the council agrees that this is a great location for a new supermarket to serve the local community.”

Lidl entered the UK market in 1994 and now has more than 800 stores across the country, including one in Knaresborough.

Harrogate businesses could get grants of up to £9,000

Harrogate businesses could be in line for further financial support as more grants have been announced by the government.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, unveiled a one-off top up grant of up to £9,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses amid the national lockdown.

The funding comes as part of a £4.6 billion package and the grants will be based on the rateable value of each business.

The government expects the grants will help to support more than 600,000 businesses.

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Mr Sunak also announced a further £594 million worth of discretionary funding for local authorities to target those who will not be eligible for the grant but might be affected by the lockdown.

He said:

“The new strain of the virus presents us all with a huge challenge – and whilst the vaccine is being rolled out, we have needed to tighten restrictions further.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods and today we’re announcing a further cash injection to support businesses and jobs until the Spring.

“This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen.”

It comes as businesses in the district reacted to the announcement of a further national lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening that a new lockdown would come into force, with a stay at home order.

Sandra Doherty, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said the measures would be difficult but were necessary to reduce transmission until the vaccination took effect. She said:

“It’s going to be incredibly tough for all businesses over the coming months, and sadly not all will survive into the spring.

“Until we can resume life as we knew it in pre-covid days, the Government is going to have to continue its support to businesses, and extend it to those self-employed people who have so far not received any financial help at all.”