A transport leader has branded the performance of trains by the Harrogate line operator as “dire”.
Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, today called on the government to urgently intervene to help end the current “unacceptable” levels of performance on the rail network in the north of England.
His comments come after new figures showed more than a third of Northern trains fail to run on time. Northern operates the Harrogate and Knaresborough line between Leeds and York.
In mid-summer, only 62% of Northern trains arrived on time. The figure increased marginally to 64% for the period from August 21 to September 17.
A press release by Transport for the North, which is a partnership of public and private sector representatives campaigning for better transport infrastructure in northern England, said services by Northern and other rail operators in the north “have been of a poor quality for far too long now”.
Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, said:
“The current situation on the north’s rail network is simply unacceptable.
“It’s completely inexcusable that communities in the north of England are having to experience such a dire level of service. It requires an urgent intervention as it’s undermining businesses and holding back economic growth.”
He added “far too many trains” were being cancelled and “too many are cancelled at short notice causing chaos for commuters and local communities”.
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Lord McLoughlin, who is a Conservative peer, added:
“We want to see the operators given the freedom to negotiate a solution to Rest Day Working by themselves, and for a rail academy for the north to be fast-tracked, and for current devolved structures, such as the Rail North Partnership Board, to be strengthened and play a bigger role working with our partners across the north.”
The Stray Ferret asked Northern if it wanted to respond to Lord McLoughlin’s comments but we did not receive a response.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update
Here is this morning’s update on traffic and travel across the Harrogate district.
Spotted anything else? Email us the details and we’ll add it below to help others get around this morning.
Harrogate
The long-term gas works on Crescent Road In Harrogate town centre are due to be paused this week.
Motorists are still unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction and traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right but by next week the restrictions should have ended.
Roadworks near the Harrogate Town ground on Wetherby Road in Harrogate are due to end today.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, two sets of traffic lights will be active on Skipton Road, between the Empress roundabout and King’s Road.
The top of Woodfield Road is also closed to traffic leaving Skipton Road, though open to vehicles leaving Woodfield onto Skipton Road. Those works are scheduled to end today.
Kingsley Drive remains closed between Birstwith Road and Rydal Road until November 6. There are also temporary traffic lights on Kingsley Road while work continues to create an access road to the new housing development.
Knaresborough
Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough are due to remain in place until November 11.
Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.
Kirkgate Road in central Knaresborough is closed today for works to the kerbs.
Several sets of two-way traffic lights are in place along the A6055 Boroughbridge Road between Knaresborough and Minskip.
Branton Lane in Great Ouseburn is closed until next Friday while Yorkshire Water lays a new main.
Ripon and Nidderdale
In Ripon, roadworks are due to conclude on Heckler Lane and New Road today.
Stumps Lane in Darley is closed for another week for a sewer to be connected.
Work to reconstruct the landslip-hit B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.
The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge, the B6451 Dacre, Menwith Hill Road, Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Fell Beck Bridge remains closed for works until November 6, with a diversion in place via Burnt Yates and Summerbridge.
Trains and buses
Rail operator Northern is not reporting any significant problems on the line passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough this morning but the live departure and arrival board for Harrogate shows the 7.09am Northern service to York is currently running seven minutes late.
The Harrogate Bus Company is not currently reporting any cancellations or significant delays on its services. You can get updates here.
An early warning for you: there are some changes to bus timetables on the horizon, taking effect from Sunday, November 6. Most of these are minor, but in a more significant change, the 36 will no longer offer ‘neighbourhood journeys’ from Bilton and Jennyfield to Leeds.
The bus company said this is down to low passenger numbers. Passengers can still get tickets through to Leeds if they start their journeys on the 2A, 2B or 3.
Check the full details on the Harrogate Bus Company website.
Read more:
Knaresborough man jailed for ‘punishment beating’ of ex-partner
A father-of-three has been jailed for subjecting his partner to a vicious “punishment beating” in which she was dragged out of her home, thrown into his car and then driven to another address where she was yanked along the street.
Alan Bell, 47, erupted in a fit of drunken rage at the woman’s home in Knaresborough where he punched her repeatedly after discovering she had recently tried drugs, York Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Daniel Ingram said the couple, who had drunk three bottles of wine together, got into an argument on Christmas Day last year after the named victim told Bell she had recently taken cocaine because she had been feeling down.
Bell, who worked for Huttons Butchers in Castlegate, Knaresborough, reacted with fury and accused her of cheating on him with another man.
The victim started talking to this man on the phone, whereupon Bell “began hitting her, punched her on the head and dragged her off the settee onto the floor”.
He then threw a pair of Dr Martens boots at her, before dragging her outside to his van, telling her that if she wanted to see the man, he would drive her to his house. Mr Ingram said:
“She begged him to stop (but) he dragged her outside to the van and threw her into the passenger seat.
“He drove to the male’s address and dragged her out of the van. He (then) punched her to the face and pushed her over.”
Taken to hospital
The victim was dragged along the ground towards the unnamed man’s house and then “dragged back (again)”.
She said she “smashed her face on the floor” after being pushed to the ground and was then kicked to the body, but Bell denied this. Mr Ingram added:
“(Bell) then moved away, leaving her lying on the floor.
“She was helped by strangers who called police and she was taken to hospital.”
The victim, who had since separated from Bell, discharged herself from hospital before she could be seen by medical staff.
When she returned home, she found her plants pots, Christmas presents and a glass candle had been smashed, and drink had been “poured all over (the presents)”.
Read more:
- Prolific Harrogate criminal jailed after hospital rampage
- Knaresborough paedophile jailed for three years
Bell had gone into her house and damaged the items as part of a “revenge” attack which lasted into the early hours of Boxing Day.
The victim also alleged that in the first attack at her home, Bell had kicked her to the body and hit her over the head with a TV remote control and her own shoes.
Bell denied these allegations but admitted punching her in the face “four or five times” before throwing her Dr Martens at her and dragging her into his van.
Mr Ingram said the victim suffered “nasty” bruising to her arms, face and body, a black eye, cut forehead and an ear injury after her earring was ripped out. He added:
“She said she was sore all over and in pain for a long time afterwards.
“She said she felt the need to hide away from others as a result of the bruising and…that at the time she thought she might die.”
Bell, of Castle Yard, Knaresborough, was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damaging property.
He admitted both offences on the basis that he didn’t kick the victim or hit her with the TV remote. He appeared for sentence today after the prosecution accepted his plea.
Never been violent before
Peter Minnikin, for Bell, said his client had led an otherwise “blameless” life.
He added that Bell, who divorced from his ex-wife in 2016, had never been violent in previous relationships.
A character reference from his employer at Huttons Butchers, where he earned a good living, described Bell as a “hard-working man”.
Mr Minnikin said Bell met the victim in 2019 but their relationship became “toxic” and they were both drinking heavily.
Judge Sean Morris branded the attacks a “disgraceful incident”. He told Bell:
“This was a prolonged incident of degradation. You dragged (the victim) out of the van and dragged her back again in the street and she’s ended up with all these injuries.
“While she is out without any shoes on, looking for help, you are ripping all (her) Christmas presents and spoiling them with drink.
“It was a cowardly offence and you were inflicting punishment which you are not allowed to do.”
Mr Morris said the violence was “just too prolonged and too serious” for anything other than an immediate jail sentence. He added:
“I know that this is going to have an effect both on your employer and your family, but these kinds of domestic assaults have to be deterred so that people know what happens if they subject their partners, wives, girlfriends, to prolonged, humiliating punishment beatings.”
Bell was jailed for 10 months and given a five-year restraining order, which bans him contacting the victim or going to her house in Knaresborough.
Rail strikes to cause six days of Harrogate district disruptionRail operator Northern has told passengers to expect six days of disruption during the next wave of strikes.
The RMT union has scheduled strikes on Saturday, November 5, Monday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 9 as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
Northern, which operates the line passing through Knaresborough and Harrogate, today advised people not to travel by train on those days.
It also warned that “services are also expected to be affected” on November 6, 8 and 10 November.
The company added disruption would occur “especially in the morning, so please check before you travel”.
The RMT previously announced a strike on November 3, however, this was cancelled and Northern said trains will be operating as usual that day.
The company said in a statement:
“On strike days, only travel by rail if necessary and if you do travel, expect severe disruption and plan ahead — especially the first and last trains of the day. Remember to check your entire journey as other train service providers may be affected.
“Advanced tickets will be withdrawn from sale, until an alternative strike timetable is in place.”
Read more:
- Picket line at Harrogate station today as rail strikes resume
- Ambulance workers in Harrogate district could be set to strike
Little Bird spreads its wings with markets across the Harrogate district and further afield
This story is sponsored by Little Bird Made.
Jackie Crozier’s ambition is to make the Harrogate district and neighbouring areas a Mecca for artisan markets, where local traders can showcase and sell their hand-crafted goods and customers can find those extra special and unique items.
In the four years since she hatched a plan to hold an inaugural market in her home city of Ripon, Jackie’s Little Bird Made venture has spread its wings and now has more than ten venues in North and West Yorkshire where its events are regularly held.
Pictures above and below, from the bustling artisan markets held by Little Bird in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens last Christmas
The latest exciting addition to a fast-growing list of attractive and historic locations is Harewood House, where the talented and hard-working Little Bird team will curate a four-day Artisan Winter Market from Thursday November 3 until Sunday November 6.
Little Bird founder and managing director Jackie, said:
“This will be the largest event that we have ever staged, with more than 100 stalls each day located on the North Park Walk facing onto the magnificent 18th century country house.”
She added:
“It’s a fabulous setting for a pre-Christmas market and there will be a wonderful atmosphere for visitors and our community of traders.
“In addition to the wide-range of handmade goods and food and drink items on sale, there will be demonstrations of artisan crafts and a special letterbox where children can post a letter to Santa.”
Entry to the winter market is £5 and includes access to the grounds, but there will be no charge for Harewood members. Tickets can be booked by clicking here.
The market will be open daily from 10am until 4pm.
Jackie, who was born and bred in Ripon, launched Little Bird after being away from the city for more than 20 years, working as the Director of the Manchester Pride Festival and later as an events manager working on a number of high-profile events including the London 2012 Olympics.
The expertise that she gained in working with stakeholders including local councils, community groups, performers and suppliers, has been put to good use in developing the Little Bird business and ethos.
She said:
“Our aim is to create added value events that bring increased footfall to the marvellous market towns that we have in the Harrogate district and further afield.
“Visitors who come to our markets often stay to look around local attractions and spend money in shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, before they go home.”
Jackie, added:
“We are planning to add to our list of locations next year and believe that there will be further economic, and community benefits all round if we can make this area a Mecca for artisan markets.
“We are also always looking for local artisans who would like to join us and share in the Little Bird experience.”
Upcoming Little Bird Christmas markets
Following the Winter Market at Harewood House, Little Bird will, for the second year running, be holding Christmas Markets with 75 stalls in the Sun Colonnade at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on December 3,4,10 and 11.
Between November 12 and December 18, one day markets with up to 60 artisan traders present, will be held in Easingwold, Boroughbridge, Wetherby, Richmond, Thirsk, Leyburn, Harrogate Horticultural Nursery, Ripon, Driffield and Northallerton.
Click here to see the full list of Little Bird Made events coming soon.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district updateThe long-term gas works on Crescent Road In Harrogate town centre are due to be paused this week.
Motorists are still unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction and traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right but by next week the restrictions should have ended.
Roadworks near the Harrogate Town ground on Wetherby Road in Harrogate are due to end tomorrow.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, two sets of traffic lights will be active on Skipton Road, between the Empress roundabout and King’s Road.
Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough are due to remain in place until November 11.
Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.
In Ripon, roadworks are due to be active on Heckler Lane and New Road today and tomorrow.
Work to reconstruct the landslip-hit B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.
The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Trains and buses
Rail operator Northern is not reporting any problems on the line passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough this morning but the live departure and arrival board for Harrogate shows the 7.37am LNER service to London is cancelled.
The Harrogate Bus Company is reporting cancellations on the 36 bus, the 9am and 10.55am Harrogate to Leeds services are cancelled, as are the Leeds to Harrogate 7.40am, 9.55am, 11.55am services and the Starbeck to Leeds 6.23am bus.
You can get updates here.
Read more:
- Otley Road cycle path could be re-routed with new traffic restrictions
- New plans to tackle traffic on Harrogate’s A61
Hairdresser’s spooktacular display wins Knaresborough Halloween contest
The spooktacular display at Claro Hair Stylists in Knaresborough has been crowned the winner of the town’s Halloween window competition.
The impressive window on the High Street includes potion bottles, cauldrons and spell books, which have been created by owner Sue Orr.
The competition, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, is being run alongside the Halloween scarecrow trail.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, who launched the not-for-profit business group with Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son said:
“Sue was thrilled to have won.
“This is our third window competition through the business collective and the turnout has been great. Lots of businesses decorated their windows in the run up to Halloween. It really creates a buzz in town and people love looking at all the displays.
They all looked spectacular, especially alongside the scarecrow trail, which has done so well and brought a lot of people into Knaresborough. We’ve sold hundreds of maps for the trail. We did have some vandalism on the first night, but since then it’s more than made up for it.”
Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough, which have been causing delays this month, are due to remain in place until November 11.
Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.
In Harrogate, roadworks on the notorious Wetherby Road in Harrogate have been causing delays all week.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, maintenance work will be carried out by Northern Gas Networks until Friday.
The map also indicates a slew of traffic lights this week on nearby Skipton Road, between the Empress roundabout and King’s Road.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Roadworks on the notorious Wetherby Road in Harrogate have been causing delays all week.
According to North Yorkshire County Council’s roadworks map, maintenance work will be carried out by Northern Gas Networks until Friday.
In Harrogate town centre, long-term work on Crescent Road means motorists are unable to turn left at the Parliament Street junction. Traffic coming the opposite way on Ripon Road is unable to turn right.
Work to reconstruct the landslip-hit B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.
The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge; the B6451 Dacre; Menwith Hill Road; Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.
Trains and buses
Rail operator Northern is not reporting any problems on the line passing through Harrogate and Knaresborough this morning. The live departure and arrival board for Harrogate doesn’t currently show any delays.
The Harrogate Bus Company is not reporting any problems. You can get updates here.
Read more:
- Otley Road cycle path could be re-routed with new traffic restrictions
- New plans to tackle traffic on Harrogate’s A61
Poppies to adorn Knaresborough castle again
Knitted poppies will be put on Knaresborough castle on Friday as the town prepares for Remembrance Sunday.
Decorating the castle with poppies has become an annual occurrence since it was first done to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice.
Brenda Pitchfork, a member of the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion, has been at the forefront of efforts.
Ms Pitchfork’s work was recognised recently when she received Knaresborough Town Council‘s 2022 community award on behalf of the Legion from outgoing town mayor Christine Willoughby.
The Knaresborough branch of Royal British Legion with their community award.
This year’s Poppy Appeal will begin in the town on Monday and there will be a fundraising stall at Knaresborough market on November 2.
David Houlgate, vice-chair of the Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion, said this year’s appeal aimed to exceed the £31,000 raised last year.
Volunteer collectors are still needed for the three main collection points at Lidl, Aldi and M&S Food. If you can help, call 07984700429.
Read more:
- Knitted poppies start to be put up around Harrogate’s war memorial
- Firefighters put up poppies as Ripon prepares for services of Remembrance
Volunteers step in to run Conyngham Hall leisure facilities
Facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough are set to reopen after community volunteers stepped in.
Chain Lane Community Hub is set to run the kiosk, 18-hole pitch and putt, tennis courts and crazy golf as part of an agreement with Harrogate Borough Council.
The borough council has offered the management of the facilities to volunteers as part of a peppercorn lease.
It will see the kiosk and other attractions open every day of the October half term holidays from 10am until 3.30pm.
Sue Vasey of Chain Lane Community Hub said:
“This is such a positive step for Knaresborough and we are delighted with the support we are receiving from all parts of the community.
“We have already recruited 12 volunteers who are working alongside the Chain Lane team to make this happen. We are still looking for more, so please get in touch if you would like to be involved.
“Over half term, as well as the usual facilities, there will be autumn themed family craft activities which includes a nature trail with small prizes for the children.
“The kiosk will be providing light refreshments at reasonable prices – an opportunity for families to come together in a fun and affordable environment.
“Equipment for the golf and tennis facilities will be available for a donation towards the upkeep and future development of the facilities and supporting our local community sector.
“We hope as many people as possible will come along and support us and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
Read more:
The move has been backed by Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, Knaresborough Connectors, local businesses, North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.
The leisure facilities at Conyngham Hall were forced to close due to staffing shortages in June.
Cllr Sam Gibbs, Harrogate Borough Council cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
“We are delighted that the community has stepped forward to bring the Games in the Park at Conyngham Hall back into use.
“It demonstrates what can be done when local authorities and community groups work together with one vision”