The Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee met this morning meeting. Congestion on Wetherby Road and Skipton Road, and the otley Road cycle route, were among the topics discussed.

• The 15-person committee, which is controlled by the Liberal Democrats, advises North Yorkshire County Council, which is controlled by the Conservatives.
• Today’s agenda included 20mph speed limits, Harrogate transport improvements, climate change and culture.
• You can watch the meeting here.

Here’s what happened.

12.31pm: ‘Nightmare’ and ‘flawed’: Harrogate’s Otley Road cycle path under further fire

A lively debate about the Otley Road cycle path took place at today’s meeting. You can read a full report of the discussion here.

12.22pm: Culture report criticised

A lengthy report on a cultural framework for North Yorkshire is widely criticised by all parties for having ‘gaps’ and not consulting enough with groups in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The report cost £20,000 of which £10,000 came from the county council and £10,000 from Arts Council England.

11.50pm: Call for congestion action on Wetherby Road and Skipton Road

Liberal Democrat leader Pat Marsh (pictured left) questions the focus on Leeds Road. She says the busiest roads are Wetherby Road and Skipton Road. She adds: “It’s chronic. How are you going to introduce safe cycling?”

Talking about Wetherby Road, she adds: “The traffic tails back so far it’s unbelievable. It’s there day and night. Why that road is not being looked at, I do not know.”

Cllr Marsh adds there is also potential for a park and ride at the Great Yorkshire Showground just off Wetherby Road.

She then suggests building a new secondary school in the New Park area. “Harrogate’s secondary schools are all on the same side of town.”

Green councillor Arnold Warneken says it took him 40 minutes to drive from the Kestrel roundabout to today’s meeting at the council office at Knapping Mount.

Liberal Democrat Philip Broadbank expresses exasperation at the slow speed at which active travel schemes progress. “There is so much consultation.”

The officer’s report is merely ‘noted’, after numerous protests of frustration at the rate of change.

11.40pm: Call for action on Harrogate transport schemes

Conservative councillor Paul Haslam says “I’d like to see more action rather than more process” after an officer gives an update on phase two of the Harrogate Transport Improvement Programme.

The officer says the programme is an evolution of the Harrogate Congestion Study, which received more than 15,000 responses in 2020 and showed support for a park and ride bus service plus more active travel. The A61 Leeds Road was identified as the area for potential of the greatest improvements.

The officer says work on the second phase began in July, and she expects to have further details by end of 2022, promoting Cllr Haslam to say the issue is getting bogged down by process.

He also says a train station at Claro Road would ease traffic congestion.

11.15 Call for pilot 20mph zone approved

Nine vote in favour, two against and one abstain from Cllr Warneken’s motion to introduce a 20mph pilot.

But that doesn’t mean it will happen – it will now go to the county council executive, which will decide whether to act on the outcome.

11.01 Should there be a pilot 20mph scheme?

Green councillor Arnold Warneken calls for a pilot 20mph scheme. Several councillors speak in favour of reducing speed limits but Cllr Michael Harrison, a Conservative, says he is against it.

He says he admires the 20’s Plenty campaign for trying but says enforcement and capital spend are problems. He says there are highways issues in his division that have been hanging around for a while, which he would prefer to see dealing with.

10.53am £1m cost of implementing 20mph limits

Asked how much introducing 20mph limits would cost, council officer says the figure would be “looking at something north of a million pounds”, and would take at least 12 to 18 months to implement.

10.43am: Call for default 20mph speed limit

Cycling campaigner Malcolm Margolis (pictured) is reading a statement on behalf of 20’s Plenty calling for a default 20mph speed limit in towns and villages in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

A council officer says the county council recognises the benefits 20mph limits can bring and wants to make the roads as safe as possible and will continue to consider all options.

10.30am: Parish councillor calls for ‘kick up the backside’  

Howard West (right)

Councillor Howard West of Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council says nothing in the Harrogate Transport Improvements Programme, a report which is due to be discussed today, satisfies residents that plans are in place to prevent ‘gridlock’ in Harrogate’s western arc when thousands of new homes are built.

He says the council should “shelve the Maltkiln survey” until it has solved what’s happening now in the west of Harrogate. Cllr West said today’s recommendation is to ‘note the report’, adding:

“Our recommendation is for members to effect the equivalent of a kick up the backside and for meaningful action to get immediate results now rather than for procrastination and excuses.”

10.21am: Cycling group’s frustration over cycling schemes

Kevin Douglas, chair of Harrogate District Cycling Action, expresses concerns about the slow pace of the various cycling schemes.

The council officer says: “We accept there has been a delay” on the Otley Road scheme and cites “numerous design issues”. She adds consultation on phase two of the scheme is “due imminently”.

She also says plans public engagement on new plans for Oatlands Drive are “due to start this month”.

10.07am: Residents’ group criticises ‘nightmare’ Otley Road cycle path.

A statement is read by a members of Harrogate and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association saying consultation with residents about the Otley Road cycle path had uncovered comments such as it being “fundamentally flawed”, “a nightmare”, “an accident waiting to happen”.

He asks for a full, meaningful and proper consultation for the remainder of the Otley Road scheme “before designs are firmed up”. he adds:

“The general feeling is the scheme will do v little, if anything to offset the huge housing growth for thew west of Harrogate.”

A council officer says it plans to stage a “meet the designer event to make it possible to have those meaningful conversations going forward”.

A Harrogate police officer has said there is “no perfect solution” to town centre anti-social behaviour after businesses asked for help.

A Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting on Monday heard concerns about behaviour on Bower Street and outside McDonald’s restaurant in Harrogate, as well as at Knaresborough castle.

Chief Inspector Alex Langley and Superintendent Theresa Lam started by giving an overview of police issues in Harrogate in which they said Parliament Street was “the busiest ward” in the county for incidents.

A delegate said one business had already been forced to close on Bower Street because of persistent anti-social behaviour and asked whether the police could do anything to prevent people “milling around”.

Chief Inspector Alex Langley

Ch Insp Langley said police had an input on street design but admitted there was little they could do in trouble spots such as Bower Street and outside McDonald’s. Talking about the area outside the restaurant, he said:

“It’s been a problem since I started 19 years ago and will continue to be because it’s the perfect place to sit.

“There’s no perfect solution for moving on people that aren’t committing crimes.”

He said if the problem was tackled in one area it would only move to another.

A Knaresborough businesswoman said late night drinkers congregated in the castle grounds at Knaresborough because the lack of streetlighting made it an “ideal place to go”. But she said they often left broken glass, which was then a problem for dog walkers and tourists the next day.

Chf Insp Langley said he would report the issue to the police neighbourhood awareness team.

He urged businesses and people to report crimes, saying the police could only act if they were aware of problems.

Read more:

• Police start two-week speeding crackdown in Harrogate district
• Business Breakfast: Crime Commissioner and senior police officers to face Harrogate business leaders

The main routes into Harrogate, such as Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road, appear to be flowing normally in the approach to rush hour.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

Drivers heading towards Wetherby should be aware of temporary traffic lights still in place on the A661 Harrogate Road near Spofforth.

The lights are in place while Northern Gas Networks carries out maintenance work and are now due to last until October 18.

Elsewhere in Harrogate, 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.

Montpellier Road remains closed until tomorrow as Northern Gas Networks carries out maintenance work.

Stop go boards are due to be in place on John Street today and tomorrow.

Roadworks on the Boroughbridge Road at Scriven are likely to cause delays for motorists travelling between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.

Looking ahead, work is scheduled to begin on Monday to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, which suffered a landslip during storms in  February 2020.

The scheme requires the road to be closed from October 17 to December 9. A diversion will be 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

Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

The Harrogate Bus Company is not currently reporting any cancellations but you can get updates here.

Read more:

• Gasworks on Cold Bath Road rescheduled until Monday
• Harrogate district businesses ask police for help tackling anti-social behaviour

Train operator Northern has announced a flash sale of £1.50 return tickets from Harrogate and Knaresborough to Leeds this week.

The ticket drop, which is expected to be sold out by about 5pm today, is timed to help people get to and from the Light Night Leeds, a free event showcasing art in the dark.

As part of its Go Do Your Thing after work campaign, Northern is offering more than 2,000 £1.50 advance purchase tickets.

Passengers on the Harrogate line, which also includes Knaresborough, Starbeck, Hornbeam Park, Pannal, Weeton and Cattal, are eligible for the deal.

Tickets are available for journeys into Leeds between 4pm to 6pm and departing Leeds 8pm to 10pm on Thursday’s opening night.

The promotional fares are available only through Northern’s website and app.

Light Night Leeds features are and performances by artists across the city.

Light Night Leeds

Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said:

“Light Night Leeds is a highlight in the region’s cultural calendar. The £1.50 ticket drop is our way of helping our customers go do their thing after work, with fares that will get you there for less.

“Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis – so those looking to take advantage should book early to avoid disappointment. When they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Read more:

• Some Harrogate train tickets sold for £1 in Northern ‘flash sale’
• Northern’s new timetable includes early Harrogate to Leeds trains

Leading football clubs in Harrogate and Knaresborough are considering whether to kick-off earlier on Saturday afternoons over winter to save money on floodlights.

Rising energy bills mean the cost of lighting up matches is expected to soar this season, especially after the clocks go back on October 30.

Bringing forward the traditional 3pm Saturday afternoon kick-off could save those clubs in the district with floodlights — Harrogate Town, Harrogate Railway Athletic and Knaresborough Town — thousands of pounds over the season.

For the district’s only professional club, Harrogate Town, any change seems unlikely. A club spokesman said:

“We have no plans to move our kick-offs at this stage.

“It was discussed at an English Football League meeting with all clubs last week and the overriding feeling was that it would be detrimental to attendances.”

Read more:

• Junior football club created to meet growing demand in Knaresborough area
• Hospital ‘not anticipating’ service cuts due to energy price surge

But the issue is less clearcut for semi-professional teams, which attract smaller attendances.

Michael Edwards, chairman of Harrogate Railway, who play in the Northern Counties East League Division One, said it was one of many teams in the league pursuing the idea. He said:

“It could save hundreds if not thousands of pounds over a season and every little bit counts.”

He said Harrogate Railway were looking to start some matches at 1.30pm or 2pm from November onwards — but any change has to be agreed by both teams three weeks in advance.

Clare Rudzinski, secretary of Knaresborough Town, who play in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, one tier above Harrogate Railway, said the issue would be raised at a committee meeting next week.

Floodlights will continue to be used at midweek matches, when the evening kickoff times make floodlights essential.

A woman pedestrian suffered serious injuries when she was involved in a collision with a Land Rover at St James Retail Park in Knaresborough today.

The woman, in her early 60s, was injured at about 12.15pm near the McDonald’s roundabout.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital by ambulance with a serious leg injury.

There has been extensive traffic disruption while the emergency services worked at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police is asking witnesses to make a report via its website or by calling 101. Quote reference NYP-07102022-0176 when providing details.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Police says it won’t work with online vigilantes
• Police seize suspected cocaine in Ripon house raid

One of the Harrogate district’s leading attractions has closed for the day because of strong winds.

Winds have been stronger than expected today, which along with heavy rain has made conditions across the district hazardous.

Mother Shipton‘s tweeted at about 11.30am that the site, which is surrounded by trees near the River Nidd, had decided to shut.

https://twitter.com/Mothershiptons/status/1578330752697004032

The Stray Ferret is unaware of any other organisations affected by today’s weather, but if you know of any email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Rain is forecast to move away this afternoon, giving way to a pleasant weekend, with temperatures around 15 degrees centigrade.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1578331885922557953

Read more:

• Knaresborough gets into the spirit of Halloween with spooky window displays and scarecrow trail
• Business is booming in Knaresborough as empty shop units continue to fill

Roads

Temporary traffic lights are due to arrive today on Harrogate’s busy Cold Bath Road for five weeks as Northern Gas Networks carries out maintenance work, according to North Yorkshire County Council’s live roadworks map. This is likely to cause considerable delays.

Roadworks are also taking place on nearby Victoria Road, where a diversion is in place.

Elsewhere in Harrogate, 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.

Montpellier Road remains closed until October 12 as Northern Gas Networks carries out maintenance work.

Roadworks are also due from 9am to 7pm today on Leadhill Crescent.

Drivers should expect the usual Friday morning rush hour delays on key routes, such as Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road but it is the first Walk to School day this term, which may reduce congestion slightly.

At Blossomgate in Ripon, work is due to take place to replace and reset the kerb and improve the road.

Further afield, anyone travelling eastbound on the M62 this morning should be aware of early morning problems.

2 lanes (of 3) remain closed on the #M62 eastbound in #WestYorkshire between J29 (for the #M1) and J30 (#Rothwell) whilst recovery is ongoing for a lorry involved in a collision.

There's just over 2 miles of congestion on approach so allow extra journey time this morning. pic.twitter.com/RKU3rvh5XP

— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) October 7, 2022

Trains and buses

No rail strikes today, but another day of strikes is expected tomorrow.

Northern, which operates services through Harrogate and Knaresborough, has urged passengers not to travel on strike days.

As for today, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

But rail passengers on Harrogate’s LNER services have been warned to expect disruption until the end of the weekend..

Major engineering works in the Newcastle area by Network Rail will affect many services on the LNER route during this period.

Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is not reporting any problems this morning.

You can check service updates here.

Read more:

• Harrogate hospital’s performance remains ‘well below’ national standard
• Knaresborough gets into the spirit of Halloween with spooky window displays and scarecrow trail

Knaresborough businesses are gearing up for Halloween with a spooky-themed scarecrow trail and window decoration competition.

Scary displays are already starting to appear in shop windows in the historic market town, including Sid Horner and Son and Claro Hairstyles.

The competition, organised by the Knaresborough Business Collective, is being run alongside the Halloween scarecrow trail, which starts on October 21.

Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, who launched the not-for-profit business group with Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, said:

“We are running the competition following the huge success of our spring and jubilee window competitions.

“It is aimed at making the town look amazing for our exciting scarecrow trail. The trail will feature 28 scarecrows around Knaresborough, which people can find on a map.

“They are all sponsored and made by businesses and they will all be themed based on what would suit their business. For example, we have a hairdresser doing an Edward Scissorhands scarecrow.”

The entrance to Sid Horner and Son, which has an impressive spooky Halloween window display.

Ms Horner and her team have been working on a Halloween window at Sid Horner and Son for the last few weeks and is inviting people to have a look.

She said:

“We are a bit tucked away on Finkle Keep. It is made from old printer parts and has lots of little surprises.”

Read more:

• Greggs to open shop in Knaresborough
• Business is booming in Knaresborough as empty shop units continue to fill

The Liberal Democrats could take Harrogate and Knaresborough off the Conservatives at the next general election if people vote tactically, a poll suggests.

The New Statesman published an article today about the impact of tactical voting at the next election.

The findings are based on questions put to 2,500 voters a week ago by polling company Redfield & Wilton Strategies.

It forecasts tactical voting would lead to a Labour landslide and reduce the Conservatives to just eight seats in northern England — with Mr Jones among the victims.

Data by New Statesman and Redfield & Wilton Strategies

The article says Conservative Andrew Jones is currently set to win in Harrogate and Knaresborough for the fifth consecutive time, taking 35% of the vote compared with 32% for the Liberal Democrats and 25% for Labour.

But with tactical voting, the Liberal Democrats would win with 42% compared with 37% for Mr Jones. Labour’s vote would slump to 13%.

The figures are extrapolated from YouGov polling in May, which revealed 50% of Labour voters would consider voting for the Liberal Democrats — but just 13% would consider voting for the Conservatives. The article says:

“Tactical voting would see some voters switch to the Conservatives, without doubt, but the overwhelming majority who would change their vote would change it against them.”

Applied nationally, both for Con-Lib marginal seats and Con-Lab marginal seats, three to four dozen seats would change hands.

The Conservatives would win just 117 seats overall, the Liberal Democrats would win 41 and Labour would end up with 408 seats.

Read more:

• Sir Ed Davey: Lib Dems will target Harrogate and Knaresborough as key seat
• Andrew Jones MP launches ‘non-political’ fact-checking service

The article warns:

“These types of polling questions come with a health warning about hypothetical data, but they can aid us in modelling the next election.

“They let us look at seats where the Lib Dems are in second and gauge how many Labour voters might switch to help them over the line.”

The Liberal Democrats upgraded Harrogate and Knaresborough to a target seat this year, which prompted the selection process for its next prospective parliamentary candidate to be restarted.