Harrogate commuters set for fewer ‘leaves on the line’ delays?
Rail operator Northern is fitting new technology to its trains to combat leaves on the line, which can cause autumn frustration for commuters.
Leaves stick to damp rails and are compressed into a smooth, slippery layer, reducing the trains’ grip.
This can delay services so Northern is fitting what it describes as ‘leaf-busting’ technology to 16 of its 170 passenger trains operating between Leeds, Harrogate, and York.
Routes between Sheffield, Doncaster, Hull and Scarborough will also be upgraded. The locations were chosen because they are some of those most affected by leaves.
The technology – Water-Trak – creates rainy-day conditions on the rail surface by spraying a small amount of water from the train onto the track when a slippery rail is detected.
While this might appear counter-intuitive, researchers discovered that leaf-coated rails only become slippery when damp, and that trains stop safely in heavy rain.
Rob Cummings, seasonal improvement manager at Northern, said:
“This is the next step in finding a solution to tricky autumn conditions. One of the biggest risks to our performance during October and November is leaves on the line, but by helping to develop new innovative technology we aim to deliver the very best service for our passengers.”
Two of Northern’s Class 319s fitted with Water-Trak have been successfully operating in passenger service since late October 2021. The trials with Northern are being run thanks to funding from Network Rail’s performance innovation fund.
John Cooke, co-founder at Water-Trak, said:
“We are really excited to be working with Northern to show how Water-Trak can help to solve the age-old problem of leaves on the line.”
Firefighters and councillors make calls to improve Starbeck crossing
Firefighters and councillors have called on Zoe Metcalfe, the Conservative police, fire and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire, to tackle the long-running issue of Starbeck crossing holding up emergency vehicles.
As many as nine trains an hour can pass through Starbeck Station heading to Leeds or York.
It means when the barriers are down there are waits of several minutes for all vehicles, including fire engines, police cars and ambulances.
At a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last night, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hookstone, Pat Marsh, asked Ms Metcalfe if she’d had feedback from firefighters about the problem as she believes delays could potentially be costing lives.
Cllr Marsh said:
“It worries me, that a five minute wait can be the difference between doing something and not.”
In response, Ms Metcalfe said the problem has been raised to her by both firefighters at Harrogate and Knaresborough fire stations.
However, she said firefighters “know exactly what times trains come and go” and can also use other routes to avoid the crossing.
Ms Metcalfe said:
“I went back to the fire service and they quite rightly said that out of Knaresborough fire station you can also turn left out of the fire station and go into Harrogate via Morrisons. They can also go into Starbeck and can turn right into Bogs Lane.
“There’s not just one way into Harrogate. Even if they did get to a crossing they can call ahead (to Network Rail) to let them know they are coming down.”
Her response didn’t please fellow Conservative and councillor for Old Bilton, Paul Haslam, who also chairs Transport for the North‘s scrutiny committee.
Cllr Haslam told Ms Metcalfe he was “a little disappointed that you weren’t upset about the crossing at Starbeck”, particularly as it’s an issue that was raised to her by the firefighters themselves.
He added:
“I’ve tried for five or six years to get Network Rail to improve technology that would reduce waiting time to two minutes but they’ve refused to do it at the moment.
“I feel if your firemen had been upset that could have been leverage. I’m concerned about it for lots of reasons. The cars are just idling.
“Network Rail have told me all the reasons they can’t do it but they’ve also told me what technology they need.”
Ms Metcalfe promised Cllr Haslam that she would raise the issue with Network Rail.
64 homes at former Knaresborough factory set for approval
A 64-home development on the site of a former factory in Knaresborough has been recommended for approval.
Developer Countryside Properties has earmarked the former Trelleborg factory on Halfpenny Lane for the houses.
The site is not allocated for housing in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan, which describes where development can take place. But it is included on the council’s Brownfield Land Register, which identifies locations considered to be appropriate for redevelopment for residential use.
The original proposal was for 77 dwellings. However, a group of mature trees on the site recently received tree preservation orders, which prompted the developer to reduce the number of homes. Twenty of them would be classed as ‘affordable’.
“These houses are not needed, as sufficient house building is allocated elsewhere in the Local Plan and is being delivered.”
Network Rail also raised concerns about how close the homes will be to an operational railway crossing.
However, council officer Graham Smith backed the scheme, saying it would bring a derelict site back into use whilst boosting housing in the town.
He said:
“The proposal would contribute towards ensuring the district’s housing needs are met, including the provision of 20 affordable dwellings as well as properties that are designed to be accessible and adaptable.”
New Harrogate market and popular attractions hit by looming Storm Eunice
A new market due to be held in Harrogate on Sunday has been cancelled as the district prepares for another storm.
Yellow weather warnings are in place for snow and wind in the Harrogate district tomorrow.
Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, was due to host its first market in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens on Sunday.
But tomorrow’s impending arrival of Storm Eunice has prompted organisers to cancel it.
A statement from Real Food Markets said:
“We are sorry to announce that our market for February 290will not take place due to dangerous weather conditions.
“Our first Real Food Harrogate will therefore take place on March 20. We sincerely hope to see you there. 10-3pm, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.”
Network Rail is advising people not to travel by train in Yorkshire and the north-east tomorrow.
Matt Rice, north and east route director for Network Rail, said:
“We have extra workers out on the network at key locations, ready to react quickly to Storm Eunice and repair the railway wherever it’s safe to do so.”
RHS Harlow Carr announced on social media today that its gardens will be closed tomorrow.
⚠️ CLOSED Friday 18th Feb: Unfortunately, due to the forecast of more high winds, we've taken the decision to close the garden tomorrow. This is for the safety everyone.
We will be monitoring the situation and hope to open on Saturday, so please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/Cl8KhpJI8Z
Fountains Abbey said its deer park will close, along with higher paths in the water garden.
The Abbey and Water Garden are open on Fri 18 Feb for quick walks 10am-12pm only. Car parks will close at 1pm. Studley Deer park is CLOSED all day. Visitor centre restaurant (reduced menu) and the shop open 10am-12pm. The higher paths in the water garden are closed all day. pic.twitter.com/KWlUY50zKa
— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2022
The Stray Ferret will bring you up to date with Storm Eunice developments tomorrow. Keep us informed with developments near you by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Improved Harrogate to London train service delayed
Concerns over infrastructure and rolling stock have delayed the introduction of improved direct train services between Harrogate and London.
A new timetable, with an earlier direct service to London King’s Cross, was due to be implemented in May 2022.
The shake-up was announced by LNER in June last year as part of wider changes to services on the east coast main line.
LNER said times between Harrogate and London would be about 10 minutes faster as part of the new timetable, which included:
A service to leave Harrogate earlier, at 6.35am rather than 7.34am.
A new seventh daily train would leave Harrogate at 6.35pm. On the current schedule, the last train departs at 5.36pm.
In the opposite direction, from London direct to Harrogate:
Trains would start almost an hour earlier (6.40am rather than 7.33am).
The final service back would also be earlier, at 4.39pm rather than 5.33pm.
However, the improved services will now not be introduced after Network Rail recommended that the Department for Transport, which has the final decision on the timetable, delays the implementation.
The organisation said it had “concerns around infrastructure, rolling stock and performance and stakeholder feedback” with the changes.
Simon Leyshon, industry programme director for Network Rail’s east coast route, said it hoped to implement the changes as soon as possible.
He said:
“Postponing the new timetable change for the east coast main line allows us to dedicate more time to considering the views passengers and stakeholders shared with us during the consultation process last year.
“We’re now working closely with train operating companies and the wider rail industry to develop a timetable that meets passenger’s changing travel patterns and makes the most of the increased capacity on the East Coast main line following the £1.2 billion East Coast upgrade.”
Network Rail also pointed out that Harrogate had already seen an additional Northern service introduced on the Leeds to York line in December 2021.
Harrogate train line boost with extra service every hour
Northern has introduced an additional service on the Leeds, Harrogate and York line, meaning there will now be two trains every hour.
The train provider held a launch event yesterday at Knaresborough station, which is one of the stations to benefit from the extra capacity.
“This investment in local rail is much-needed and welcomed.
“The signalling upgrade and the improvement project will see more and faster services operating between Leeds, Harrogate and York.
“This is one more in a long list of improvements in our rail services which have seen more direct services to and from London and improved rolling stock on the local line.
“It is fantastic news that we have been able to double the capacity on this section of the line.”
North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:
“This timetable improvement, which owes much to the county council’s £10m track and signals upgrade scheme of last year, complements our transport priority of improving east-west connectivity across the county and region.
“The enhanced timetable is another step towards encouraging people to use public transport rather than their cars. It also supports the visitor economy and anticipates growth in residential and commercial development along the A59 corridor.”
Pictured are: (left to right) Andrew Jones MP, David Dickson (chair of York and North Yorkshire LEP), Cllr Don Mackenzie (North Yorkshire County Council), Tony Baxter (Northern regional director) and Wallace Sampson (Chief Exec at Harrogate Borough Council).
Starbeck railway signaller carries on centuries old tradition
Network Rail signaller Ian Roberton is carrying on a Starbeck tradition that dates back to when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
The railway first came to Starbeck in 1848 and its signal box plays a crucial role in the safe and efficient running of each train on the York to Leeds via Harrogate line.
Signalling is a complex traffic light system for the railway. The levers at Starbeck operate a mix of mechanical and electrical colour light signals which tell the train driver when it’s safe to proceed and what route their train will take.
Mr Roberton communicates with neighbouring boxes at Harrogate and Knaresborough to make sure trains remain a safe distance apart.
He also controls the barriers that stop cars from crossing whilst trains leave and enter the station.
The signaller uses a wide array of mechanical levers to communicate.
A traditional signal box
The Starbeck box is as traditional as a signal box can come. Mr Roberton pulls cast-iron levers that connect through a cable to the track.
With as many as nine trains passing through the station each hour, he’s busier than you might think.
Mr Roberton, who is 40, began working for Network Rail at Starbeck in February this year after working in aviation. He is one of three signallers that work in the box and he works a combination of mornings and afternoons.
He was surprised at how complex and technical the job is.
“I had a wake-up call. You’re marrying technology that’s 100 years’ old with newer innovations.”
Whilst the Starbeck crossing can be the bane of motorists who are hurrying up and down Knaresborough Road, Mr Roberton emphasised its importance in keeping people safe.
He said he’s seen a few frustrated car drivers beep their horns at him but “it’s part of the job.”
Emergency situation
There was a recent emergency when a tree had fallen on the track towards York.
Mr Roberton was forced to stop the whole line until the tree was safely removed. He said seeing a situation to a safe conclusion is one of the most satisfying parts of the job.
“It emphasised whilst efficiency is important, safety is absolutely critical. It’s not just corporate spiel, safety is the number one mantra for Network Rail.”
The signaller’s view of Starbeck.
Being a signaller might be a dream job for a trainspotter, but Mr Roberton said he enjoys the technical aspect of it most of all.
“My dad used to work for the railways. He has a train set at home! And there are some diehards with a traditional veiwpoint about the railway.
“Most people either love trains or think they are always late. The truth is the railway has been the backbone of our country for two centuries.”
Despite technology replacing the need for some signal boxes, Mr Roberton believes there will always be a need for a signaller at the Starbeck crossing to think quickly in times of emergency.
Safety fears over Nab Bridge near Harrogate
Temporary two-way traffic lights on Nab Bridge on the A658 Harrogate Road could be in place for some time yet due to safety fears.
They both have concerns about debris falling onto the railway tracks below.
40mph speed signs were placed on moveable frames by the side of the road but they were stolen so NYCC said it is now waiting to erect the speed signs on steel posts concreted into the ground.
It has also commissioned consultants to look at the best long-term solution for the bridge.
Melisa Burnham, North Yorkshire County Council area highways manager said:
“Temporary two way traffic lights are currently in place until a temporary 40mph can be introduced.
“The speed signs, and then the traffic lights, were introduced as a necessary safety measure to slow vehicles down in order to repair the vehicle restraint barrier (VRS) protecting Nab Bridge.
“Although the barrier and a blocked gully from recent flooding have both been repaired, there has been no further damage to the barrier since the lights have been in place.
“Clearly we have to make sure safety is a priority as we cannot allow the risk of vehicles breaching the VRS and falling onto the main railway line below. Network Rail has placed additional concrete blocks on their land to supplement the VRS barrier. We are now working with Network Rail to find a better long term solution at this location.
“We have commissioned our consultants to look at preliminary designs and costings for safety improvements. We are also in consultation with local residents, including the Nab Bridge riding school about any potential improvements.”
King’s Cross weekend closure causes disruption for Harrogate trains
No trains will run to or from London King’s Cross today, tomorrow or Sunday April 25 due to upgrade works.
If you have any trains booked for the weekend it may be best to check before leaving the house. The weekend upgrade to the signalling system is expected to cause changes or cancellations to a number of trains.
For today, any LNER trains to and from the north of England and Scotland will now start and end at Peterborough or Stevenage, where passengers can go on to the Thameslink train service or St Pancras.
Any Hull trains have been cancelled today.
Tomorrow and Sunday changes have been made so any LNER trains to and from the North of England and Scotland will start and end at Peterborough or St Neots.
A replacement bus service is in place between St Neots ad Bedford to get to the Thameslink train services and St Pancras.
Any Grand Central and Hull trains will not run.
Railway company Network Rail is asking passengers to check with their train operator before they travel.
Stray Views: Harrogate’s army college brings discipline and opportunities
Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. See below for details on how to contribute.
Harrogate’s Army Foundation College saves young people
I used to work at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. People need educating on what takes place there. Some of these children don’t have great home lives, some want to make a career for themselves and do them and their families proud.
Education there is fab and does the world of good for the students that hated school and gives them a second chance. They leave there and go to phase two. Not one of them would go from there to a war zone!
I’m so glad people saw sense and kept it going as some of the junior soldiers may have gone down the wrong path without being able to join up. It creates a sense of achievement being able to join up at a young age, the proof is in the amount that join and stay in.
It’s a college with extra fitness and a little more discipline, what’s wrong with that?
Mrs Smith, Harrogate
Network Rail has questions to answer about tree felling
Your journalist reports that ‘some trees have been felled’ at Hornbeam Park. As a Harrogate resident living on Tewit Well Road, I want to report that all the trees have been felled. Tell it as it is, please.
We now have a situation where residents are having to prevent some of the young people of Harrogate putting themselves at risk and using this newly cleared area for their own purposes. When the line had mature trees, we may have the occasional leaf on the line, but we certainly didn’t have youngsters jumping over to sunbath, party etc.
I’m afraid Network Rail has a lot to answer for here. A poor ecological management decision has left local residents policing an area that was once a mature habitat for local wildlife.
Who was the ecologist who advised Network Rail? Are they not accountable for the habitat decimation that we have been left with? How can they say anything other than recovery will take years? Is Network Rail pleased with the result?’
Not impressed.
Charlie McCarthy
Local resident
Questions that need answering about Beech Grove
As a resident and local business owner of 11 years, I and many others strongly believe the Low Traffic Neighbourhood experiment on Beech Grove creates more congestion, longer car journey times and increased carbon emissions on surrounding roads.
Otley Road currently has major road works and the planned 20-week cycle lane construction will cause further disruption and congestion.
There are many unanswered questions for North Yorkshire County Council:
What is the overall aim of this Low Traffic Neighbourhood?
In the latest council meeting we were told that the cycling groups are being consulted to make these decisions. Why are the cycling groups being consulted and the residents and businesses, who pay taxes and rates, not consulted?
How do you measure success or failure?
What data are you collecting and where from?
Which company are you using to analyse this?
Did you count how many cyclists and motorists use the roads, before you closed them?
Is information collected during the same months of the year, so you can directly compare activity in all seasons and weather?
Is it the best time to do this during a lockdown?
Why did NYCC approve all the housing developments, each with 2-3 cars, when 84% of people expressed that Harrogate was congested in the 2019 survey?
What’s the projection of people who will swap their cars for bikes and what is this based on?
Far more people walk than cycle and yet the pavements are shocking, they are left for months after the Autumn leaves fall without being cleared and go untreated in ice and snow. How does this encourage people to walk?
Where is the evidence that there is an appetite for more cycling?
I have spoken to many residents and businesses and cars are critical for the school run, appointments, visiting relatives, holidays, tourism but, most importantly, to access businesses.
Cars are the lifeblood of many businesses and thousands of jobs depend on them. Banning them cannot be the only solution.
Lucy Gardiner, Harrogate Residents Association
Why is government spending so much on roads?
Why does this article about cuts to rural roadworks contrast that with the funding provided for the Station Gateway and active travel schemes?
It looks to me like it’s deliberately giving the impression that the former is being sacrificed in order to pay for the latter, which is completely untrue. The two things have nothing to do with each other.
I suggest it would be altogether more relevant to point out the government is spending over £27 billion on new roads, which will increase car use, development, destruction of the countryside and pollution (to which electric cars are at best a partial solution) while allowing our existing road network to fall into an ever worse state of disrepair.
Malcolm Margolis
Rossett, Harrogate
Got an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.
