North Yorkshire Council has said it wants to build a £20 million bypass in Killinghall to alleviate congestion.

The authority published a report this week that offers updates into three transport projects in Harrogate, including a bypass in Killinghall, which has been mooted for years but is yet to move forward to a firm proposal.

An unpopular relief road scheme near Nidd Gorge was scrapped by North Yorkshire County Council in 2019 following widespread public opposition.

But the problem of congestion has not gone away and the council’s Harrogate Congestion Study in 2019 suggested a village bypass in Killinghall still had a level of support among residents.

At the time, the council’s Conservative-run executive said that it would consider developing the project further to see if it might be able to win government funding so it could be built.

Since then, officials working on the bypass have looked at a number of possible routes to reducing the impact of traffic in Killinghall.

The latest report does not offer details on possible routes, but the county council previously said the route which offered the best value for money would be one that bypasses Killinghall to the east and connects the B6161 south of the village to the A61 above it.

Several new housing developments have been built in or near Killinghall in recent years and traffic going between Harrogate and Ripon has to pass through the village.

There have also been safety concerns around the B6161/A61 junction that the council thinks the bypass could help improve.

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In the report, the council argues that due to “the more rural nature” of Killinghall there are fewer opportunities to create active travel schemes that promote walking or cycling.

The report recommends that the public is asked their opinion on the bypass and that a route is eventually recommended.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport and Conservative mayoral candidate, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he believes a Killinghall bypass is “absolutely critical” to tackling congestion and improving road safety in the village.

Cllr Duncan said:

“We still need to confirm the best route, but the principle of delivering new road infrastructure here is absolutely right.

“It is the only real solution to the serious safety issues raised in the recent audit of the B6161/A61 junction in the heart of the village.

“I am fully committed to delivering this long-awaited bypass and the fair deal the people of Killinghall so desperately deserve.

“Devolution gives fresh hope of finally delivering this project and if elected as North Yorkshire’s first mayor I will seek to secure the £20m needed.”

A safety audit at a notorious Killinghall junction has ruled out introducing traffic lights.

North Yorkshire Council, which conducted the audit after a pedestrian was badly injured in February, has also rejected installing a mini-roundabout.

Instead it has recommended repainting the yellow box junction and investigating other measures, such as shortening the length of the Ripon Road bus shelter to create more space for cars going in and out of the Tesco car park.

Councillor Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, updated residents in a recent email.

Cllr Harrison instigated the safety audit after February’s accident heightened longstanding concerns about the Ripon Road and Otley Road junction.

The new Tesco has added another dimension to the issues facing motorists and pedestrians in the centre of the village.

His latest email said the council discovered about 4,600 vehicles exited the B6161 Otley Road junction every 24 hours. of these, 90% turn left to Ripley. A third of the right-turning traffic then go to Tesco.

Cllr Harrison’s email concluded that “we know this junction is not ideal, but working out what to do about it remains a challenge”.

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Villager Tom Beardsell remains in favour of traffic lights. He said:

“I feel a fully smart signalised junction is the most sensible and safe before there is a fatality at this junction.

“There is far too much going on around that junction especially now the Tesco connivence store is in full swing.

“Re-painting the road markings and yellow box area will help initially, but it doesn’t distract from the fact there is limited visibility from the Tesco carpark in both directions especially when a bus is at the stop.”

The Ripon Road entrance to the Tesco car park.

Mr Beardsell added he didn’t see any benefit in widening the Tesco entrance and would prefer to see the bus stop moved elsewhere.

He said:

“I first reported the issues at this junction in late January this year, eight months later we are here and there continues to be incidents. How long will it take to make the solution clear and be implemented?”

Asked by the Stray Ferret what he would like to see done, Cllr Harrison said:

“I would like to see a bypass for Killinghall – that is the only solution to remove all of the issues.”

North Yorkshire Council has rejected plans for nine new homes in Killinghall.

Newett Homes, which is based in Wetherby, submitted a planning application for a site north of Skipton Road, near to the junction with the B6161 Otley Road.

The proposal would have seen a mixture of three, four and five-bedroom houses.

However, council officials have refused the plan on the grounds that it fails to provide an appropriate mixture of housing and concerns over surface water flooding.

In a decision notice, Trevor Watson, assistant director of planning at the council, said:

“Parts of the site are identified as being at risk of surface water flooding. No sequential test has been submitted as part of the application. 

“Therefore, it has not been demonstrated that there are no reasonably available alternative sites appropriate for the proposed development that would be at lower risk of flooding.”

The council added that it had not been demonstrated that the site would be “all sources of flooding for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere”.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the council, Killinghall Parish Council said residents had concerns over access to the site from Skipton Road.

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Killinghall Cricket Club has applied to demolish its current “dilapidated” clubhouse and build a new two-storey pavilion that it says will be fit for the sport in the 21st century.

According to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the current 1970s-era structure was made with single-skin brickwork and has poorly insulated single-glazed windows.

It has led to expensive running costs for the club, which plays in the Nidderdale league.

There are two small changing areas with communal showers, which offers little privacy and has discouraged players from using them.

Female cricketers and umpires have nowhere designated to get changed, so have to use communal areas, the toilets or come already changed.

The current pavilion in Killinghall.

The club submitted plans to build a larger pavilion in January but following feedback from a planning officer that it would be too large and overbearing, they have decided to submit a new application for a smaller building.

The latest plans, designed by KPP Architects, include a main function room that is connected to the kitchen, toilets and bar. A disabled toilet and shower will also be built on the ground floor.

The first floor will have two large changing rooms as well as a scorer’s board.

The previous design for the pavilion at Killinghall.

The current facilities for the scorers on match days are currently inside a wooden hut, which the club says is neither attractive nor very comfortable to sit in.

A players’ balcony will also be created for teams to watch the match.

Planning documents state the new pavilion will help grow the sport in Killinghall and offer a social space for villagers.

It says:

“The proposal brings improvements to the existing facilities beyond the applicant’s vision. The current clubhouse was built in the early 1970s, which is very evident when visiting. The proposal will provide exceptional changing and hosting facilities for visiting teams, which would be of the best in the current Killinghall teams leagues.

“There is a hope to introduce junior cricket back to the cricket club, that used to be a vibrant and engaging part of the local community. The introduction of these new facilities will help facilitate the introduction of this and hopefully attract them to the club.”

The council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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Drivers have been hit by significant traffic delays through Killinghall on the A61 today as new roadworks have been put in place.

Work has started on the A61 Ripon Road between Ripley and Killinghall.

One Stray Ferret reader contacted us to say they’d left Markington for Harrogate at 12.30pm and had only got as far as the second roundabout in Ripley where the works just over an hour later.

Drivers have also reported being stuck in long queues through Killinghall.

According to OneNetwork roadworks map, temporary traffic lights are in place as Quickline Communications, which is a broadband company, carries out “utility asset works” at Ripley roundabout.

This is due to remain in place until Wednesday, July 26.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area due to long queues.

Meanwhile, queuing traffic has also been reported at New Park roundabout in Harrogate.

According to the roadworks map, Northern Gas Networks has started repair work on Skipton Road near to New Park Academy. Temporary traffic lights are expected to be in place until August 25.

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A headteacher at a village primary school near Harrogate is retiring this week after 13 years in the position.

Sarah Bassitt, who began teaching 36 years ago, became headteacher of Killinghall Church of England Primary School in 2011.

At the time, the school was struggling financially and accommodated 83 students.

The number has more than doubled to 180 in the decade since, during which Ms Bassitt has overseen major developments at the school, including three new classrooms, a library and a larger playground.

The school was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted at its most recent inspection last year.

However, Ms Bassitt said:

“My vision for the school has never been about grades and judgements, it’s been driven by creating positive opportunities that mean that children can thrive and be happy.”

During her time as head, she also helped the school through many challenges, such as an asbestos roof fall in 2013, covid and a flood last year which left some classrooms out of use for months.

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A leaving day was held last week to celebrate Ms Bassitt’s time as headteacher, at which parents and pupils at said their goodbyes and wished her luck.

Ms Bassitt said:

“I feel privileged to have worked with the staff, governors, parents and pupils of Killinghall CE Primary School – they have been my life for over 13 years and I will miss them all”

“I will still be involved in education, as I intend to maintain my position on an education board for a local federation of schools. Playing golf and walking will fill my time, as well as holidays in term time!”

She also expressed her gratitude to business manager Helen Potter and Elouise Foster, the first staff member she appointed in 2011, who were also leaving and said:

“The vision for the school has been theirs, not just mine, and they have supported me every step of the way.”

Is a long-serving teacher retiring at your local school this week? Let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Plans have been lodged to built four new commercial units in Killinghall.

The proposal, which has been tabled by IB Planning Limited on behalf of Mr and Mrs JG Bellerby, would see the units constructed on Manor Dairy Farm on Crag Lane in the village.

According to documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the units would be open plan in order to “provide maximum flexibility for future occupiers”.

The plans would match the current units in terms of appearance.

Developers said in documents to the authority:

“The proposed development would be complimentary with the surrounding land use and would be a more efficient use of the site which is in a sustainable location.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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A village doctors’ surgery near Harrogate is to temporarily close on afternoons due to “staff issues”.

The Killinghall practice is one of three operated by Moss Healthcare Harrogate, which also has sites on King’s Road in Harrogate and in Jennyfields.

It announced on social media the practice on Ripon Road in Killinghall would be affected from next week. It said:

“Please can all patients note that due to staffing issues, from Tuesday 30 May we will be having to temporarily close our Killinghall branch site in the afternoon from 1pm onwards.

“During this time, if you need any assistance then please call: 01423 560261 or visit our King’s Road or Jennyfield Health Centre sites.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

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Killinghall’s last remaining peacock looks set to be re-homed outside the village.

Roaming peacocks have been a common sight in Killinghall for about 50 years.

But about a dozen are believed to have been killed last winter by a disgruntled villager annoyed by their screeching.

It left just one peahen, which has prompted concerns she is lonely and would be happier elsewhere.

One of the missing Killinghall peacocks

Now a resident has contacted Lucie’s Animal Rescue in Thirsk about rehoming her.

The rescue centre has agreed to help and a group of villagers are trying to work out the best way to capture the peacock, which has its own Facebook page.

The resident leading the campaign, who asked not to be named, said:

“When I read there was only one female left I felt upset for her. It didn’t feel right that she was all alone.

“There is nothing Lucie won’t do for an animal so I know if our girl goes to her she will have the best care for the rest of her natural life.”

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The villager said the end of bird flu restrictions made it a good time to act before winter sets in.

Lucie has suggested somebody regularly feeds the peacock so she keeps going back, which would make her easier to capture.

But peacocks are big and strong and difficult to catch so some residents have found a large cage they hope to entice her into. The resident said:

“It would be good to avoid rugby tackling her if we can but I suspect that might be the only way.

“So far only a small group of ladies have come forward with offers of help and ideally we may need a couple of strong guys to help – if it comes down to rugby tackling her! Then the plan would be to drive her to Lucie at Thirsk.”

The village peacocks roosting in a tree before their disappearance.

Like many villagers, the resident was incensed by the peacocks’ mystery disappearance. That so many vanished overnight and no remains have been found suggests they were slaughtered.

The resident said:

“I was really angered by what happened to the others. They were doing nothing wrong, just living their lives as a family group.

“I used to love hearing the males calling across the village when I was in my garden.”

Peter the Peacock, who was regularly seen in Bilton, was re-homed in 2021 after getting injured.

It’s difficult to think of a bigger star from Harrogate right now than England footballer Rachel Daly.

Daly was part of the England Lionesses team that won Euro 2020 last year and is this season’s Women’s Super League leading scorer.

She also has 328,000 followers on Instagram so it was little surprise hundreds of football fans gathered at Killinghall Moor this afternoon to greet her homecoming.

Daly was back where it all started — Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club — to open the Nomads Daly Brew cafe named in her honour.

She arrived with friends and family, not to mention dog Dexy, shortly after midday to a chorus of ‘She’s Coming Home’ and after a few quick speeches and media interviews signed autographs non-stop for more than hour.

Alongside her mural

Many fans turned up wearing shirts bearing Daly’s name.

Sitting in the cafe bearing her name and mural, people queued with balls, shirts, boots and bits of paper for her to sign. Many wore England or Aston Villa Women shirts bearing the name ‘Daly’.

She obliged them all and flashed her megawatt smile for selfies until everyone had got a memento. Mum Louise, who still lives in Harrogate, looked like she would burst with pride.

Some fans queued for over an hour to meet Daly.

Posing with current Killinghall Nomads players

Daly played for Killinghall Nomads from under-eight to under-15 level before moving on. Her brother and father also represented the club. Dad Martyn, who died two years ago, set up the under-15 girls team.

This was her first trip to Harrogate since Christmas and the event provided a chance to catch-up with some old friends as well as fans.

She was impressed by the building’s transition to a cafe and humbled by the decision to name it in her honour. She said:

“I spent every waking second of the day on these pitches, hitting a ball against this wall so to be here today is a great honour.

“It’s always important to remember your roots. When I was last here it was a meeting room with just a kettle!”

Simon Walker, vice-chair of the club, told the crowd that Daly continued to inspire others, which was evident by the number of girls and boys who turned out.

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David Terzza, women and girls’ football lead at the club, said it now had about 150 females on its books.

He emphasised how much Daly had contributed to its growth by sponsoring kit, arranging for some of the junior players to watch the Lionesses train at the St George’s Park national football centre and taking part in a zoom question and answer with girls during covid.

She said:

“Nomads will always have a special place in my heart. If it wasn’t for this place, where I played on every blade of grass and broke every piece of fence, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s such an honour.”

Her classy display on the day ensured Daly will also have a special place in Harrogate’s heart too. Time for a statue?

Here are some more photos from today’s event.