Rail 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“Advanced tickets will be withdrawn from sale, until an alternative strike timetable is in place.”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

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.

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 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

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

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

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:

• Leisure facilities closed at Knaresborough’s Conyngham Hall
• Malt Shovel reopens under new owners

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”

Queues of more than an hour have been reported as motorists try to navigate roadworks on the edge of Knaresborough.

Four-way traffic lights are in place to allow Yorkshire Water to carry out work on the A59 near the junction with the A658.

However, they have been leading to long tailbacks, especially at peak times. Drivers have reported queues all the way back to the junction of the A1M and beyond.

Harrogate Bus Company said its 21 service between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge has also been caught up in the delays.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1584480023918309381

Works in the area began at the start of October, but recently moved to the roundabout.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water said the queues had eased today, adding:

“Our teams are on site laying a new water main for a new housing development.

“To allow the work to be completed safely, two-way temporary traffic lights will be in place this week.

“These will be manually controlled from 7am to 7pm to minimise disruption as much as possible during busier periods of the day.”

The works in the area are scheduled to continue until November 11.

Read more:

• Otley Road cycle path could be re-routed with new traffic restrictions
• New plans to tackle traffic on Harrogate’s A61

The Malt Shovel at Brearton is due to reopen today under new ownership.

The 16th century venue near Knaresborough forged a good reputation for traditional pub food under previous owners Charlotte and Les Mitchell.

But they decided to sell after 28 years, having leased the pub for the last 18 years before retiring to Cumbria in 2015.

The Malt Shovel

It has been taken over by Ignition Pub Management on a three-month trial, and will be managed by partners Laura Davis and James Campbell.

Both worked at the pub previously: Mr Campbell, who was a sous chef, will run the kitchen and Ms Davis, who has 15 years experience in hospitality, will be in charge of front of house.

The couple held a pre-opening for villagers and regulars last night but will open to everyone from noon today. Ms Davis said:

“I want to reassure people that we are very much keeping it the same. We don’t want to change things too much.

“It’s a great opportunity and we are very excited.”

The dining area

Ms Davis said the menu would be “very similar” although there were plans for a lower priced lunchtime menu featuring sandwiches and they were also considering introducing afternoon teas.

She added the couple also hoped to eventually spruce up the outside space.

Read more:

• Malt Shovel pub near Knaresborough up for sale
• New plans to promote cycling in Harrogate to be revealed on Monday

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Knaresborough’s potential for economic development will be the subject of a business meeting on November 9.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce has invited two senior regional business experts to the event at Knaresborough Rugby Club on Hay-A-Park Lane from 530pm to 7pm.

They are James Farrar, chief operating officer of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Alan Reiss, director of strategy for West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Delegates will have first sight of data about Knaresborough’s economic future, which has been compiled by Leeds not-for-profit organisation Open Innovations, which was commissioned by Knaresborough Connectors to provide insights and intelligence.

Peter Lacey, chamber executive member and owner of a nationwide consulting firm based in Knaresborough, said:

“Economic development is crucial for a town like Knaresborough, bringing together all the skills and opportunities across the town and local district.

“We’ve got some great companies based here, but to date there’s been little joined-up thinking about how we can all add to the wellbeing of local residents, the community and how we see the future of the town as a thriving centre of innovation and growth.”

Further details of the event, which the chamber has organised in association with Knaresborough Voice and Knaresborough Connectors. are available here.

Success for Harrogate solicitor 

The crime department at McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate has extended its ability to assist people who are interviewed under caution with the admittance of criminal law executive Kate Develly as an accredited police station representative.

It means Ms Develly can assist not only those interviewed by police but also by other bodies, such as the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC or the Environment Agency.

The accreditation scheme covers publicly funded criminal defence work and accredited representatives are usually called to a police station to advise and assist people who would otherwise have no legal representation.

Head of the crime department Peter Minnikin said:

“Kate’s accreditation brings the total number of the team who can act in legally-aided police station visits to seven and comes at a time when we have been exceptionally busy so is very welcome.”

Ms Develly joined the criminal team last year.

McCormicks was the only Harrogate firm to be ranked for general crime and fraud in the latest edition of the UK Legal 500, a leading guide to the legal profession.