A Durham company wants to build a new asphalt plant in the Harrogate district.
Tynedale Roadstone Limited hopes to build the plant next to the Allerton Waste Recovery Park, near Knaresborough.
According to an environment scoping report submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the development would be 22.5m tall and operate for five-and-a-half days a week.
Asphalt plants mix aggregates which can be used for construction projects, such as building roads and car parks.
Documents sent to the council reveal the company expects the plant to operate between 6.30am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 11am on a Saturday or Sunday.
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Around 90 heavy goods vehicle movements are anticipated during those times.
Although a full planning application has yet to be submitted, the developer said that, if approved, construction of the site would begin in the middle of next year.
It added in its planning documents that the site, which is just off the A168, was “strategically placed to serve demand”.
The company said:
“As part of the site searching process alternative sites have been considered and discounted with this development site being chosen based on location adjacent to the strategic road network.”
A full proposal for the asphalt plant is expected to be submitted to the local authority at a later date.
Knaresborough’s Zoe Metcalfe pledges to be ‘people’s commissioner’ in £74,000 crime roleThe third North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner this year has said on her first day in the £74,000 job that she is confident of being able to handle the intense scrutiny that comes with the role.
Zoe Metcalfe said she wanted to be “very visible” and would use her experience as a North Yorkshire county councillor and as deputy mayor of the Harrogate district to become “the people’s commissioner”.
Both of Ms Metcalfe’s predecessors faced severe criticism over their communications with both their own staff and residents, despite having backgrounds in public relations.
Philip Allott resigned last month after making controversial comments about women. The overwhelming majority of his 32-strong team of staff signed a letter saying they had no confidence in him, accusing him of making “sexist and misogynistic comments” towards female colleagues.
Julia Mulligan, who stepped down from the role in May, accepted a recommendation to regularly survey her staff about bullying and be supported by a mentor in the “challenging and difficult role” after being accused of levelling “constant criticisms” and “humiliating” comments.
Since Ms Metcalfe was elected on Friday, opposition councillors have questioned how she would deal with the pressure of the role, particularly as she had been “almost invisible” at the county council.
County council opposition leader Cllr Stuart Parsons said:
“Zoe is an unknown quantity. When I read on an election leaflet that she was a county councillor I had to look her up because I had not heard her in any debates, apart from obeying the party line. She has been in a public forum for a number of years, but nobody knows who she is or what she is.
“She could be one of those people who has hidden her light under many bushels and she may come out and surprise us, but it is quite difficult to understand how she is going to fulfil the role because all her leaflet said was only women matter. I understand the focus on women, but it would appear all men in North Yorkshire don’t fit into her plan.”
At a media briefing, Ms Metcalfe highlighted how the first appointment had been to meet with victims’ support groups at the force’s Northallerton headquarters, even before meeting with the chief constable and chief fire officer.
She said:
“I want to be very visible. I will be on the market squares and in the supermarkets, visiting residents and getting their views.”
Top priorities
The Conservative Knaresborough councillor said her first actions would be to bolster victims services, crime prevention work with schools and further action to aid those suffering domestic abuse.
She said:
“I have been a district and county councillor since 2015, I’ve stood for two general elections, I’ve been deputy mayor of Harrogate District for two years and a governor of Harrogate Hospital, so I‘m quite happy with scrutiny. I want to work in a very transparent way and very much have an open-door policy.
“My style is getting out and talking to people. I want people to feel I am very approachable. It’s about embracing the role, taking it forward and making sure people trust in the role to deliver for them.
“I am very firmly here as the people’s commissioner. I am here to represent the residents of North Yorkshire and York when we are having those conversations and will hold the public services to account, but working with them too to achieve their goals is really important.”
Ms Metcalfe said she would be meeting her staff this week and would remain a district and county councillor until the May elections as she did not want public money to be spent on a by-election.
Family moves to Rudding Park to escape minus one degree homeA Beckwithshaw family has booked into Rudding Park hotel to escape its freezing home after two days without power.
Sylvia Skipper’s home was among thousands in the district to lose electricity when Storm Arwen struck late on Friday.
Power has returned to most but about 800 properties in the Harrogate district are still affected, according to a live map by Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the electricity distribution network across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.
Ms Skipper, who lives on Shaw Lane, said her family had been without power since 9.20pm on Friday. There has been no hot water or heating, despite the freezing conditions, and they have been unable to cook. She said:
“Our house yesterday afternoon was minus one degrees.
“We couldn’t take any more and are now staying at Rudding Park. We have no idea whether power will be restored today.
“This is inhumane. We have lost faith as we have been forgotten about.”
Northern Powergrid’s live map shows 660 homes are without power in the Summerbridge and Bishop Thornton area, along with 60 in Spofforth, 30 in North Stainley, 20 in Pannal, 20 in High Birstwith, 20 in Kirkby Malzeard, fewer than 10 in Knaresborough, fewer than 10 in Greenhow Hill.
Ms Skipper said:
“The communication from Northern Powergrid has been dreadful.
“Until this afternoon we didn’t even have a phone signal on top of this so we had to venture in the car so that we could communicate with Northern Powergrid.
“I have seen their Twitter updates about providing hot drinks and support to numerous areas in the North East yet there has been absolutely nothing for us or our neighbours.”
Read more:
- Storm Arwen: More than 700 Harrogate district homes still without power
- Harrogate mum who struggled to feed kids wants to break stigma
Steve Crisp, whose home between Beckwithshaw and Leathley is also without power, said:
“I keep trying to access Northern Powergrid but the website is unreliable and this morning when I rang and confirmed I would like to wait to speak to someone the system just cut me off.
“Patience and Dunkirk spirit being stretched!”
He and his wife were luckier than some because they had a log burner, which provided heat and a means to cook beans on toast.
‘One of worst storms for 20 years’
Northern Powergrid’s latest update at 11pm last night said it had restored power to around 208,000 of the 240,000 customers. About 100 engineers from other power companies had been drafted in to help. It added:
“The scale of damage in some locations is so extensive that in some cases, large sections of overhead lines will need to be rebuilt in order to restore supplies.
“Where it can, Northern Powergrid is deploying temporary fixes that get customers back on supply whilst its teams coordinate the necessary permanent repairs to get the region’s power network back to full strength.
Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid’s major incident manager, added:
Knaresborough Bed Race to return next summer“The impact from Storm Arwen has been one of the worst we’ve experienced in the last 20 years.”
Knaresborough Bed Race is set to make its comeback next summer after organisers announced plans are in place for it to return.
The event has been cancelled for the past two years due to covid but is due to return on June 11, 2022.
Around 30,000 people line the streets of Knaresborough to watch the bed race, which sees teams complete a 2.4 mile course whilst pushing a bed.
People from across the town get involved by volunteering, dressing up or making one of the famous beds.
The themes for decorating the beds and runners’ costumes change each year. For 2022 it will be ‘The Environment: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’.
Kevin Lloyd, chairman of Knaresborough Lions’ organising committee, said:
“Teams can even reuse and recycle decorations from previous years. As ever, the accent is on fun for what is a tremendous family day which has caught the imaginations of people all over the world.
“We get plenty of interest and bed racing in Knaresborough has spawned similar events in many countries.
“We will ensure that it remains one of the finest, funniest and fiercest encounters of the annual sporting calendar in Yorkshire.”
The organising committee said it didn’t plan to change too much from the original 1966 format and hoped next year’s event would be memorable after covid led to its cancellation this year and last year.
The course runs through parkland, along Waterside through the Nidd Gorge, up Castle Ings, through the cobbled street of the town, down Bond End to High Bridge, through McIntosh Park, and finishes with a 35 yard swim through the cold River Nidd.
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In previous years, the fastest team has completed the course in under 14 minutes, the slowest around double that. There are prizes for fastest teams in different categories, for best dressed beds and for entertaining teams.
It costs about £30,000 for the event to be staged, which involves charges for road closures, crowd barriers and licenses. The costs are covered through sponsorship, advertising and income from spectators entering Conyngham Hall fields.
Any additional funds go to charities chosen by the Lions.
Entry forms will go live on the Bed Race website on January 1. Teams have to enter before the end of February. The race field is for 90 teams and their beds and if needed a public lottery will be held in March to decide the final race card.
Harrogate Swedish-inspired cafe to expand into KnaresboroughFi-K is set to open a Swedish cafe concept on Knaresborough Market Place.
Fi:K opened its first cafe in August at Montpellier Gardens in Harrogate. It sells Swedish-inspired open sandwiches, salads, artisan pastries and smoothie bowls.
It’s named after the Swedish term for cafe “Fi:K” and the Swedish ideal of “fika” which considers making time for family, friends and colleagues every day as essential.
Fi-K posted on its Facebook page that it will open next door to its sister business Reuben & Grey on 33 Market Place in Knaresborough, with an expected opening date to be announced in the next few weeks.
Read more:
- Swedish-inspired cafe concept launches in Harrogate
- Knaresborough petrol station to reopen after 10-week refurbishment
It says it will offer an “exciting, unique concept” of selling coffee during the day and wine in the evening.
Storm Arwen: Travel warnings and events cancelled in Harrogate district“Following the success of our Harrogate FI:K, we’ve decided to embark upon a new venture to the beautiful town of Knaresborough, only a stones throw away from the famous castle grounds.
“This comes with an exciting, unique concept; coffee by day and wine by night with our sister business Reuben & Grey located next door.
“Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for our opening announcement.”
There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.
Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.
3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow
The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.
2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys
LNER has encouraged any customers booked to travel from today, Friday 26 until the end of service on Sunday 28 to defer their travel if possible.
Tickets will be valid on LNER services on the following dates: Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November including Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Network Rail has imposed emergency speed restrictions as the extreme weather conditions begin to impact the East Coast route.
2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council
North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.
The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:
“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.
“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.
“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”
1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running
The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.
Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.
A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.
1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice
North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.
Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:
- Don’t lose your trampoline down the street! We often get calls in relation to unsecured trampolines ending up in neighbour’s gardens or on nearby streets so please keep yours fastened down.
- Put garden furniture in storage or ensure it is secured so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged.
- Take care if you’re driving or walking anywhere as high winds could mean falling trees and debris.
- If you’re by the coast don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls and remember if you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast or the fire service if you’re inland.
North Yorkshire Police added:
- When you’re driving or walking, please be vigilant for falling debris.
- Check before you travel for any road closures or updates.
- If you’re by the coast, don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls.
- If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
- If you see a fallen tree or any other debris which is causing a road obstruction, here’s what to do:
• If the obstruction poses an immediate danger on a busy road then call us on 999
• If the obstruction does not pose an immediate danger, call the council and ask for the highways department
• Please don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove road debris on a busy road
12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district
A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.
Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.
The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
- Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close
Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.
The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.
A spokesperson said:
“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.
“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors
The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.
It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.
The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said:
“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.
“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.
“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.
“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”
Knaresborough petrol station to reopen after 10-week refurbishment
A petrol station in Knaresborough is set to reopen its doors after a 10-week long renovation.
Co-op petrol station on Boroughbridge Road will open tomorrow with a new look and a much bigger emphasis on the food store.
The convenience retailer has almost doubled the size of the food store which now covers more than 2,600 square feet. The filling station also has new pumps and and a new canopy.
Due to the renovation there are vacancies for up to four staff. In total the new-look site will support 12 jobs.
Inside the store customers will find a bakery, hot food, a Costa coffee dispenser, more fresh, healthy products as well as food-to-go, wines, ready meals and everyday essentials.
A new addition to the site includes a recycle unit for “soft plastics” which currently covers Co-op’s own food packaging.
Read more:
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Scott Wilson, Co-op store manager, said:
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Knaresborough.
“The investment has enabled Co-op to provide a new, improved and larger food store, create new local jobs and, overhaul the petrol filling station – to better serve our community.
“We have worked to develop the range, choice, products and parcel collection services to create a really compelling offer to serve the community with its food and fuel needs, conveniently.”
Michael Calvert, Co-op area manager, added:
ATM outage frustrates Knaresborough stallholders“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.
“We also want customers to know that they can become a member of the Co-op.
“In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers, Co-op donates to community causes when members swipe their membership card.
“So by shopping at the Co-op our members are helping to make good things happen in their community.”
Stallholders have vented their frustration over an ATM outage in Knaresborough’s town centre where there is no longer a bank.
Both the cash machines at the Tesco Express and the Sainsbury’s Local on the High Street are out of service today. They have reportedly been out for the past five days.
Anyone in need of cash either have to queue up at the busy Post Office in the town or head out for a 40 minute round walk to the ATM at the Co-op petrol station on Manse Lane.
Halifax closed its Knaresborough branch in March 2021. Halifax blamed changing customer habits for the closure, which left the town’s 15,000 residents without a bank.
The lack of cash availability has been felt particularly keenly today at the Knaresborough market. The market is held every Wednesday from 7.30am to 3pm in the market square.
Read more:
Ted Wray, who has sold jewellery and old cash at his stall for the last three years, told the Stray Ferret:
“I think it has put people off buying things at the market today. Some of my potential customers ask if I take cards but it’s not possible when I am selling items for a couple of pounds.
“It has been very difficult. All of us in the market who do not use card machines have felt this as an issue.”
Paul Greene, who runs a fruit and vegetable stall under the name Paul Veg Man, also added:
“The ATMs have been out since Saturday. Customers have also been complaining about it, the machines don’t have any cash in them.
“It has been putting a lot of people off. We have no banks and only one post office where everyone has been sent.”
Jared Clark, who runs a bakery stall on the market with a card machine, said:
“We have had a few customers who have said they can’t get any cash, so it is not ideal. The only place is the Post Office where people often have to queue.
“Footfall is down at the moment so it is not great. Knaresborough deserves better, we need more cash points or a bank.”
The Stray Ferret asked both Tesco and Sainsbury’s why their ATMs are currently out of use. We had no response by the time of publication.
Update: A Tesco Bank spokesperson said:
Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel“We are aware of an issue affecting the ATM at Tesco Knaresborough High Street that has caused the machine to be temporarily out of service. We are working hard to fix this and expect to have the ATM available for use again later this week. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused our customers.”
Good morning, it’s Al with you this morning, here to update you with any travel alerts to keep your journey moving.
I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.
If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.
These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.
9am – Full Update
Roads
Traffic is slow in these areas:
- Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
- The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
- Boroughbridge Road and High Street through Knaresborough
- Otley Road around Killinghall
- Through High Street, Starbeck
- Skipton Road around Dragon Parade
- Wetherby Road near the event centre, and along Hookstone Drive
- Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
- Leeds Road around Pannal
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- 09:14 Knaresborough to Leeds – two minute delay
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
8:30am – Full Update
Roads
Traffic is moving more slowly in these areas:
- Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
- The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
- Boroughbridge Road and High Street through Knaresborough
- Otley Road around Killinghall
- Through High Street, Starbeck
- Skipton Road around Dragon Parade
- Wetherby Road near the event centre, and along Hookstone Drive
- Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
- Leeds Road around Pannal
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- 08:30 Harrogate to Leeds – two minute delay
- 08:31 Knaresborough to York – five minute delay
- 08:45 Harrogate to Knaresborough – three minute delay
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
8am – Full Update
Roads
There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.
Some traffic is starting to build in some areas:
- Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
- The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
- Otley Road around Killinghall
- Through High Street, Starbeck
- Skipton Road either side of Dragon Parade
- Wetherby Road near the event centre
- Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
- The A655 into Pannal
- If you’re heading to Leeds, traffic is heavy through Harewood
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- 08:01 Knaresborough to York – two minute delay
- 08:21 Harrogate to York – four minute delay
- 08:21 Knaresborough to Leeds – two minute delay
- 08:30 Harrogate to Leeds – two minute delay
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
7:30am – Full Update
Roads
Most roads seem to be clear so far this morning. There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today though, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.
Some traffic is starting to build around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M), and on Otley Road around Killinghall.
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- The 07:42 Harrogate to Knaresborough train is delayed, now expected to arrive in Harrogate at 07:44. It should arrive in Knaresborough on time at 07:53
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
7am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- The 07:09 Harrogate to York train is delayed and expected at Harrogate at 07:13 and Knaresborough at 07:22
- The 07:14 Knaresborough to Leeds train is also delayed, expected at Knaresborough at 07:17 Harrogate at 07:27
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
6.30am – Full Update
Roads
The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.
Road closures:
- Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
- Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
- Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system
- Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
- Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
- Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road, Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
- Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge, Harrogate – road closure
- Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure
Temporary lights:
- Ripon Road just south of Ripley
- Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
- Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
- Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
- Green Lane near Ashville College
- Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
- Lackton Bank, Birstwith
- Woodfield Road, near Bilton
- Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
- Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
- Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
- Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
- Palace Road, Ripon
- Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon
Trains
- The 06:41 from Harrogate to York is expected at 06:46; it’s also expected five minutes late in Knaresborough
Buses
- Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
- Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
- Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
- The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being
A less-than-ideal Christmas in 2020, many of us want to mark the festive season as early as possible this year.
And what better way to get into the festive spirit than to wrap-up warm and wander around a Christmas market with a cup of mulled wine.
While some events have been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, there are still plenty going ahead across the district.
And just like buses, three events have come all at once in Harrogate following the cancellation of the town’s original Christmas market.
Knaresborough’s popular Christmas market is also back!
Here is our guide to the festive markets taking place across the district this year:
Christmas Market Weekend at Crimple, Harrogate
We kick off with the Christmas Market Weekend, which will feature more than 20 food and craft stalls at the brand spanking new Crimple food hall and restaurant.
It comes after Brian Dunsby, co-organiser of the original Harrogate Christmas Market, has worked with some of the stallholders to get them a new venue.
There will be music all day, including performances from the Chris White Jazz Trio, Tewit Youth Band and local busker Freddie Cleary.
There will also be plenty of children’s activities, including a festive animal farm, face painting and Christmas treasure trails, as well as wreath-making demonstrations.
November 27 and 28, Crimple, Leeds Road, from 8am to 7pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity’s (HHCC) Outdoor Pop-up Christmas Market
In the true spirit of Christmas, this NHS charity event is being held at Harrogate Railway Athletic Football Club for an extremely good cause.
Visitors are invited to “soak up the festive atmosphere” at the outdoor market, while browsing a selection of stalls. The big man himself will also be making an appearance, with a chance to visit Santa.
There will also be a licensed bar, “merry donkeys” and live music.
Tickets are available for a donation of £5 per adult (aged 14 and over), £2 for children over the age of 3 and under 3s are free.
Tickets include and entry drink on arrival, a mince pie and a visit with Father Christmas – an absolute bargain! And what’s even better, is the proceeds from the event will go towards making life changing differences in the town’s hospital and wider community.
November 28, Harrogate Railway Athletic FC, Station View, Harrogate, 1pm to 7pm.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Market Place Europe is taking on the main event in Harrogate, but instead of Montpellier Hill, this new market will take place across the town centre over 10 days.
There will be a mixture of local and European stallholders on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.
The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will feature around 50 traders, which will spaced out wider than usual to encourage social distancing.
December 3 until December 12, Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent, Monday to Wednesday – 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 9pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm
Read more:
- Harrogate Christmas lights switched on by ‘Harry’s Heroes’
- Your guide to Harrogate’s three Christmas markets
- Knaresborough Christmas Market returns in two weeks
Harrogate Christmas Artisan Market
Little Bird Made, which has carved out a name for itself across North Yorkshire with its artisan markets, is set to hold a special two-day Christmas event in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.
More than 60 local traders and producers will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery, as well as locally-produced food and drink.
This is a new addition Harrogate, set to complement the town centre’s Christmas Fayre, with organisers working with Harrogate Borough Council.
December 4 and 5, Valley Gardens, Harrogate, 10am to 3pm

Photograph: Charlotte Gale Photography
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough Christmas Market is back with an actual bang – yes there are fireworks – after last year’s cancellation.
With the organising committee promising a “Yorkshire experience to remember”, there will be over 50 stalls selling decorations, gifts and locally-sourced produce.
While visitors sip their mulled wine, they can also enjoy live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.
As in previous years, the market will culminate with a fireworks display over the town’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.
December 4 and 5, Market Square
Boroughbridge Christmas Market
This is another festive artisan market by Little Bird Made, which is being held the same weekend as the event in Harrogate.
This one is taking place at Langthorpe Farm Shop and promises “a Christmas shopping bonanza, mulled wine and some special surprises”.
There will be an assortment of handmade gifts and stalls will include arts, crafts, plants, clothes, jewellery, candles, soaps, coffee and gin. For the foodies, there will be cheese, pies, flapjack, biscuits, preserves, cakes and street food.
December 4, Langthorpe Farm Shop, Leeming Lane, from 10am to 3pm

Ripon Christmas lights
Ripon Christmas Market
Last year the covid lockdown meant that the city and its traders were unable to capitalise fully on the £65,000 spent on a major expansion of Christmas lights and displays.
However, this year the festivities are back! And so is Little Bird Made, with another Christmas market in the district, this time in partnership with Ripon City Council.
On December 5 and 12, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children’s fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.
There will be a selection of stalls from local traders, arts, crafts, food, an outdoor bar and live music.
December 5 and 12, Ripon Market Square, 10am to 3pm