A Harrogate computer engineer has spent the last year crafting an incredible Christmas display unlike any other in the district for charity.

Dale Hughes, who lives on Norwich Drive in the Jennyfields area of town, is hoping to raise spirits and £1,000 for Martin House Hospice.

Instead of heading to the supermarket to grab the usual fairy lights, he has painstakingly installed and individually programmed 24,000 low-energy LEDs.

From 5pm until 7.30pm his house will light up and will play a loop of around 20 songs over an hour.

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Mr Hughes has earned a reputation over the years with his displays, particularly at Halloween. This is his biggest job yet but he hopes to add to it further in time for Christmas 2022.

Donate to the Martin House Hospice fundraiser by clicking or tapping here. Visitors will also notice posters with QR codes for donations on the trees close to the display.

Mr Hughes told the Stray Ferret:

“We have a great community here around the Jennyfields area. We love putting on these shows so people can come here and have some fun.

“People have had a tough time over the last two years so hopefully this can put a smile on some faces.

“I love for my kids to come and enjoy. It’s great for the kids who live around here too. Sometimes we will come outside and have hot chocolate and minced pies for the show.”

Residents are being invited to attend a meeting on December 2 to discuss the gas leak that affected 3,500 homes in Harrogate.

Northern Gas Networks has organised the meeting, which will take place at the Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields.

The centre became an emergency hub from October 15 to 17 when NGN sub-contractors damaged an underground pipe on Ripon Road where roadworks were taking place.

Gas supply to homes in the HG1, HG2, HG3 and HG4 areas was cut off and thousands of electric heaters and food vouchers were handed out.

An NGN statement said:

“While incidents such as this are rare, it’s important that we reflect on what went well, and what we could have done better, so that we continually improve the service that we provide to our customers.

“During the session we’ll give a brief overview of how the incident unfolded, what support Northern Gas Networks provided to minimise disruption, and what we are now doing to make sure that an incident like this does not occur again.

“There will be then be an opportunity to discuss a number of key areas, including communication, support services and working with others.”

NGN said the meeting was aimed at residents, business owners, councillors, MPs, emergency workers and community groups.

To attend, you must register here by November 26.

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Northern Gas Networks is to hold a public meeting to discuss the recent leak that left 3,000 Harrogate homes without gas for 48 hours.

Discussing the cause of the leak for the first time, the company said in a statement that sub-contractors had damaged the underground pipe on Ripon Road in Jennyfields, where roadworks were taking place.

Gas supply to homes in the HG1, HG2, HG3 and HG4 areas was affected for two days from October 15 to 17. The Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields was converted into an emergency hub where residents could collect electric heaters and food vouchers.

The statement added the company had informed the Health and Safety Executive, the government agency responsible for workplace safety, and “instructed an internal investigation to understand the full circumstances”. No further details have been released.

It said:

“While the internal investigation is still ongoing, Northern Gas Networks can confirm that the gas pipe was damaged during essential gas mains replacement work which was being carried out by a specialist sub-contractor working on behalf of Northern Gas Networks.

“In the coming weeks Northern Gas Networks will be hosting a public meeting and inviting customers and stakeholders to join Northern Gas Networks colleagues to reflect on the incident and take a deeper look at the events of that weekend.

“The purpose of the meeting is to give customers the opportunity to share their feedback and for Northern Gas Networks to gather valuable insight to enable them to continue to improve their response.”

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John Richardson, customer operations director at Northern Gas Networks, said:

“The safety of our engineers and members of the public is our priority and we are supporting the teams and contracting partners involved to ensure that we learn from what happened and put the appropriate measures in place so that safety is never compromised.”

Traffic lights on Ripon Road, which had been in place since early September while Northern Gas Networks completed engineering work to upgrade metal gas mains, were removed last weekend.

Northern Gas Networks has yet to reveal what caused a huge gas leak in Harrogate that left 3,000 homes without supplies for two days.

The company, which distributes gas, opened an emergency hub at Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields on Saturday to help people without hot water or cooking facilities.

It gave away thousands of electric heaters and hot plates and distributed £10 meal vouchers.

The company’s rapid response earned praise from locals but it has yet to say what caused Friday’s leak, which could be smelt for miles around.

John Richardson, director of customer operations at Northern Gas Networks, said:

“We will be carrying out a full investigation into the cause of the escape in Ripon Road, and it is not possible to comment further at this time.

“Our priority right now is to get the remaining properties reconnected to the gas.”

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Temporary lights have been in places near the Hydro on Ripon Road since September 9. The work was scheduled for four weeks so it had already overrun before Friday’s incident.

People were evacuated from the Hydro on Friday.

Asked what the works were for, why they were delayed and when it would finish, a Northern Gas Networks spokeswoman said:

“This is essential gas mains replacement works to modernise the gas network.

“The scope of works changed after the project began, which extended the duration of the work.

“We’ll advise on a completion date as soon as possible, but traffic management is likely to be in place for another couple of weeks.”

Gas is starting to be restored to 3,000 Harrogate homes affected after a pipe was damaged on Friday afternoon.

The leak, which is believed to have occurred on Ripon Road, left many homes, especially in Jennyfields, without heating and cooking facilities.

The Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields has operated as an emergency hub, providing free electric heaters and hot plates as well as food vouchers.

Email your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

You can catch up with yesterday’s developments here.

4.55pm – Resident celebrates with three baths

There was striking good humour and community spirit at the emergency hub in Jennyfields today as people queued for electric heaters and food vouchers, and that spirit is continuing.

On my third bath.

— SeanoStar (@SeanoSays) October 17, 2021

Northern Gas Networks have earned praise for its swift emergency response. But question remain about what caused the leak – no reason has been given yet.

4.15pm – Emergency hub closes as gas returns

Northern Gas Networks has closed its emergency hub at the Styan Community Centre in Jennyfields.

In a 4pm update, the company said the restoration of gas supplies was “going well” and that food vouchers would still be valid until 7pm tonight.

It said:

“The restoration of gas supplies in Harrogate is going well and we have now closed our customer support centre in Gateley Drive.

“However, the hot food vans will remain on site there until 7pm to honour any outstanding food vouchers which have not yet been redeemed.

“Northern Gas Networks engineers are still on site supporting people in switching on their gas and will be visiting everyone to make sure they are safely reconnected to the supply.  Please bear with us as we continue this important work. We will get to everyone.

“Everyone in the affected areas should now have received their letter outlining the correct procedure (detailed below) for switching their own gas supply back on safely. If you need help with this, please contact our Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 followed by option 3.”

3.45pm – Hydro ‘back to normal’ tomorrow

Gas has been restored to the Hydro but it will take some time to get the pool back to temperature.

We’ll be back open as normal tomorrow morning.

Thanks for bearing with us! https://t.co/pEzhFj1h4V

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) October 17, 2021

2.55pm – Jennyfield residents report gas returning

People in Jennyfield have started saying on social media that their gas is working again – almost 48 hours after the major leak occurred.

It comes shortly after Northern Gas Networks issued an update saying engineers have “restored the gas pressure in the mains network in Harrogate and are ready to start switching people’s gas back on”.

The company added:

“This could take a little time as we need to visit everyone but you can start using gas again straight away by following the step-by-step instructions below. These explain how to safely turn your own gas supply back on yourself.

“Our engineers are on site and will be carrying out door-to-door checks to make sure everyone’s gas supply is back to normal.

“You will also receive a letter containing these instructions. If you need help − contact us on 0800 040 7766 followed by option 3.

Further information is here.

2.50pm – Council ‘hopeful’ Hydro will open tomorrow.

Harrogate Borough Council has just tweeted an update about the Hydro.

The Hydro will remain closed for today but we're hoping it'll be fully open from tomorrow.

We also expect Little Explorers nursery to open as usual tomorrow.

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) October 17, 2021

2.35pm – ‘We’ve just put a few extra jumpers on!’ – Jennyfields residents react calmly to gas loss

Jennyfield residents seemed phlegmatic about the situation when the Stray Ferret visited today.

Emma Nicholson, who lives on Hartwith Drive, said her gas went off at about 3pm on Friday and she hadn’t had any gas or hot water since.

“We’ve been very lucky. The weather has been quite nice and the response at the community centre has been good. We’ve just put a few extra jumpers on!”

Maurice Doe, who lives in Bramham Drive, was similarly relaxed.

He said it had been “slightly chilly” at home but cooking rather than cold was the main problem.

“It’s been a little bit awkward, but these things happen and it’s good that Northern gas Networks have responded as they have. “

About 2,000 electric heaters and hot plates have been handed out this weekend but Mr Doe said he didn’t take one.

“If I get cold I just put my dressing gown on.”

2.10pm – Chip shop says thanks

1.40pm – Gas supplies ‘starting to be restored’

Northern Gas Networks has just tweeted to say it has started restoring gas. Let us know if yours is back yet. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We are starting to restore gas supplies in #harrogate. Our engineers will visit very house in person but here are some simple safety guidelines for people to switch their own gas on themselves sooner, plus details of how to contact us https://t.co/YEIIvRbohQ @HBCPrepared

— NorthernGasNetworks (@NGNgas) October 17, 2021

12.25pm – Hydro to remain closed all day

Gas supplies in #Harrogate have started to return but the Hydro will remain closed for the time being while we restore heat to the pool.

We’ll have a further update shortly.

Thanks for bearing with us. https://t.co/ZTZN0KDC45

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) October 17, 2021

12.02pm – Emergency hub at Styan Community Centre busy

The Stray Ferret visited the Styan Community Centre about half an hour ago. Fan heaters are still being distributed and food is still available from the Co-Op.

There are also £10 food vouchers for two food vans next to the community centre: Grill Time and the Nippy Chippy.

Northern Gas Networks staff said they hope gas will return later today.  You can watch our interview with Tim Harwood, programme manager director at the company, here.

10.56am – Northern Gas Networks ‘getting ready to start restoring supplies’

The company that distributes gas has just tweeted…

We have repaired the gas pipe in #harrogate and are getting ready to start restoring supplies. Advice, support and hot food is available from our customer support centre. A reminder of what to do https://t.co/62Y1U4MZ1U @HBCprepared

— NorthernGasNetworks (@NGNgas) October 17, 2021

10.20am – Gas could return this morning — but residents need to act

In its first update today, Northern Gas Networks has said “engineers are preparing the network so they can start work to begin to restore supplies this morning”.

But it adds those affected must complete the safety checks outlined last night.

Details of what you need to do, and the streets affected, are here.

10.15am – Free showers at Rossett Sports Centre

Rossett Sports Centre on Pannal Ash Road is offering free hot showers to anyone affected by the gas leak.

No need to call in advance or book. Just turn up before it closes at 6pm today. The postcode is HG2 9JP. The number 6 bus stops outside.

10am – Food vouchers go down a storm

Last night’s food vouchers appear to have been a big hit, judging by the queues. People waited outside in the cold for 90 minutes at The Wharf fish and chip shop on Skipton Lane and there was also a roaring trade at Freddie’s on Grantley Drive, next to Styan Community Centre, when the Stray Ferret drove by early evening.

Pizza Parada on Station Parade in Harrogate was also accepting vouchers until midnight.

9.15am – Styan Community Centre reopens as emergency hub

The council-owned building on Grantley Drive, Jennyfields provided free electric heaters and hot plates yesterday, as well as food vounchers. It was due to re-open this morning.

Thanks #harrogate and to all the volunteers for your patience and help today. We're working through the night and our customer centre will re-open at 8am. Food vouchers can still be used at Pizza Parada in Station Parade which is open until about midnight https://t.co/DNpKC5Bg6l

— NorthernGasNetworks (@NGNgas) October 16, 2021

There was praise for yesterday’s emergency response by reader Gemma Bradley, who emailed us to say:

“I just wanted to say that the staff at Jennyfields community centre are fantastic. In the midst of frustrated pensioners’ worries about cats and holidaying neighbours, the team are still smiling and helping as many people as quickly as possible.

“The supply of electric heaters and food items has been set up quickly and confirmation of engineers coming to houses to ensure the gas supply is safe, once supplies return is reassuring.”

8.58am – Hydro closed this morning

Harrogate Borough Council has said the Hydro will be closed until at least midday.

The Hydro in #Harrogate will remain closed until midday tomorrow at the earliest due to the on-going gas issue in the local area… ⬇️ https://t.co/OS7RbPjD8I

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

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More roadworks are coming to Harrogate after Yorkshire Water announced it will carry out essential work on Jenny Field Drive next month.

The work will begin on August 2 and last until the 29th — the day before the August bank holiday Monday.

Delays are likely as the company carries out work to construct new pipework.

A short diversion will be in place on the area of Jenny Field Drive, close to the playground, to allow engineers to complete the project.

The full extent of the road closures isn’t yet known.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“We are making investments in the local water network to ensure that we can continue to provide high quality drinking water to our customers.

“In order to carry out the work, we will need to temporarily close part of Jenny Field Drive to ensure that our contractors can work safely.”

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North Yorkshire Police has arrested a third man in connection with a late night assault on two men in the Jennyfields area of Harrogate.

The 47-year-old from Harrogate was arrested yesterday evening and has since been released on bail.

Officers were called to the Grantley Drive area by the ambulance service at 11.20pm on Tuesday after two men were found with head injuries and cuts to their bodies.

Two other men were arrested on suspicion of wounding in the early hours of the following morning and have been released while under investigation.

A police helicopter was used to search the area to find the two men.

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A woman who found blood on a walk with her daughter near a crime scene in the Jennyfields area of Harrogate today has spoken of her shock.

Two men suffered head injuries and cuts to their bodies following a disturbance in the Grantley Drive area late last night. The police helicopter was deployed and two other men were arrested on suspicion of wounding.

Police cordons remained in place this afternoon on the footpath opposite the Co-op store on Jennyfield Drive, with officers on site.

The Stray Ferret went to Jennyfields and spoke to a resident who requested anonymity. She said:

“It was quite a shock. When I went out earlier with my daughter they had cordoned off part of the path because there was blood.

“Then my daughter and I found blood on the path. So we put a chair there and told officers, who have cordoned it off.”

The circumstances surrounding last night’s incident remain unclear. The woman said:

“There was a lot of commotion. There was a guy outside at around 8pm who was screaming down his phone.

“It’s just sad if it is someone who has been badly hurt but I don’t know what happened.”

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Officers were called to Grantley Drive by the ambulance service at 11.20pm.

North Yorkshire Police arrested two men aged 51 and 44 at about 1am on suspicion of wounding.

The 51-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs.

A North Yorkshire Police statement this afternoon said both men remained in custody. It added:

“The victims were taken to hospital for treatment, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

More pictures from the scene:

Police on the footpath next to Jennyfield Drive and Bramham Drive. Officers were called to the Grantley Drive area last night.

Police have released a rather grainy image of two suspects they’d like to speak to after jewellery thieves broke into a Harrogate home.

The incident happened in the Norwich Drive area on Jennyfields between 5.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday.

The suspects broke the lock on the front door before stealing sentimental and valuable items, including wedding rings, necklaces, Gucci watches, a Givenchy bag and Dior Air Trainers.

North Yorkshire Police said today they would like to speak to the two people in the image, who were in the area at the time, and appealed for any information that could help to identify them.

Anyone with information can contact the force on 101. Select option two and ask for Elizabeth Estensen. You can also email elizabeth.estensen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210070785.

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A Harrogate man has spoken of his despair at being one of 1.7 million people told to shield again for another five weeks.

Scott Lambert, 35, has a rare autoimmune disease called behçets syndrome and is classed as clinically extremely vulnerable.

He received an email from the government yesterday advising him to extend shielding from February 21 to March 31.

Mr Lambert told the Stray Ferret he was vaccinated three weeks ago at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground and, after spending much of last year shielding and all of this year, thought the end was in sight.

So to receive the news out of the blue yesterday was “beyond unfair”, he said, adding:

“We were told the vaccine was the way out of this. Yet a week before the review date we have been told it’s a further five weeks minimum.

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He said shielders were “the forgotten people in the pandemic” and he wanted to highlight their situation. He added:

“We have been locked away far more than many people over the coronavirus pandemic. It’s taking a huge strain on each and every one of us.

“Being a shielder isn’t lockdown. It’s next level lockdown. You’re constantly thinking of how transmission could occur and make you seriously ill. Yet an email is all the government felt was enough to put us through this for a further five weeks.

“We thought the vaccine was the way out. The government achieved the target of vaccinating all of the clinically extremely vulnerable and we thought we would be able to rejoin society in the new normal.”

Mr Lambert, who lives in Jennyfields, said the showground vaccination programme was well run. He added a Facebook group called Shielders Support had been extremely helpful to local shielders. But yesterday’s news came as a “shock to all”.

The email urged him to “stay at home as much as possible”, adding:

“Whilst the national lockdown has been effective and cases of covid are now falling, the levels of infection in the community remain high and the virus continues to pose a high risk to people across the country.

“The risk remains particularly high for those considered clinically extremely vulnerable. Therefore, the government strongly advises you to continue to follow the shielding measures that were introduced in January to help you protect yourself.”