A survey has been launched to assess the popularity of extending the Nidderdale Geenway to Scar House Reservoir north of Pateley Bridge.

The idea to build an off-road path between Harrogate and Nidderdale was first proposed in 1996.

In 2014, the first four-mile section of the greenway was opened between Nidd Gorge in Bilton and Ripley and it’s proved to be a popular route for cyclists, wheelchair users, horse riders and pedestrians.

Backed by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, the route follows an old railway track and extending it deeper into Nidderdale could give more parts of the area an economic boost, similar to how Ripley has benefited from the first section.

But an extension is problematic due to the fact that some of the tracks have now been built on.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale, Andrew Murday, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service discussions with landowners between Dacre Banks and Pateley Bridge revealed difficulties as it would require North Yorkshire Council to pay a a substantial amount of money up front to establish rights of way.

For example, he said creating a path along a former railway line in Upper Wensleydale is likely to cost the council several hundred thousand pounds.

He hopes the survey by action group the Hampsthwaite Pathfinders will show the public are behind the plans so it can be brought before North Yorkshire Council.

Cllr Murday said public money wouldn’t be used to built the path and that it would come from Sustrans to the tune of between £10 million to £15 million.

He said:

“I know there are economic problems in the country. People have said how can we afford to do this when people can’t afford to eat. But in my own personal view, if this exists in 30 years’ time, people will say — it’s great.”

Rob Lloyd, a member of Hampsthwaite Pathfinders, said:

“Whilst the survey will help Hampsthwaite Pathfinders to focus on improving local paths the survey is open to all who have an interest in the greenway extension and whose comments may be used to shape our input to the North Yorkshire Council steering group.”

The survey is available here and closes on September 18.

The results will be published next month.

Read more:

• Council concedes it should have held public inquiry into Harrogate Station Gateway
• Plans to create new traffic-free greenway submitted

A newly planted woodland at Long Lands Common has been named after Harrogate conservationist Keith Wilkinson.

Mr Wilkinson founded Bilton Conservation Group and has played a key role in protecting local green belt land.

He was asked to unveil a new woodland sign on Saturday and to his surprise discovered it was named Wilkinson Wood.

The 1.62-hectare site consists of 740 trees that are a mixture of nine native broadleaf trees: sessile oak, English oak, wild cherry, bird cherry, common alder, aspen, field maple, hazel and goat willow.

The honour was bestowed at the third AGM of Long Lands Common, the community-owned woodland near Bilton created on land saved from the threat of a new road.

Keith Wilkinson at Oak Beck

Mr Wilkinson played a major role in that campaign as well as the project to open Nidderdale Greenway to walkers and cyclists. He was awarded an MBE in 2013.

He said:

“I opened my speech with the Greek proverb which says that a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. I was then ready to unveil the plaque before continuing with my speech. My jaw dropped when I discovered my name was on it. What a wonderful surprise!

“We’ve also planted over 50,000 trees in Nidd Gorge, and these will all link up together with Wilkinson Wood like a mosaic, with wildlife passing freely down the corridors.

“This is such positive news in a time when wildlife is really struggling on a local and national level. We all need to play our part in helping to support nature, and I commend everyone involved and thank them for all their hard work in creating Wilkinson Wood. I feel very honoured indeed.”

Chris Kitson, secretary of Long Lands Common, introduced Mr Wilkinson to the 100 people looking on as “the man who has done more than anybody else we know to bang the drum for nature and conservation”.

Read more:

• Knaresborough Forest and Long Lands Common campaigns to join forces
• Harrogate survives mass cull of train station ticket offices

The AGM also saw Long Lands Common members elect new board members, agree a new organisational structure and formally begin its partnership with Knaresborough Forest Park.

Talking about the partnership, Mr Kitson said:

”It made perfect sense and it was the right thing to do, and completely in line with our objectives as a community benefit society — to protect the green belt and the green spaces between Harrogate and Knaresborough, and preserve them as a space for education and recreation for the people of our towns, now and for the future.”

A Harrogate councillor has outlined plans to open a train station at Claro Road.

Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on North Yorkshire Council, said the station would service up to 700 commuters daily and remove thousands of car journeys on Skipton Road each week.

Besides the environmental benefits, Cllr Haslam said it would also bring economic and social benefits to the relatively deprived Bilton and Woodfield area.

The train line at Bilton

He said the station, which would be situated somewhere near the iron bridge that links Claro and Bilton, should be accompanied by cycle storage and a small supermarket.

With the new North Yorkshire Council unlikely to be able to fund such a major scheme, Cllr Haslam suggested it could apply to the UK government for funding from a public transport decarbonisation programme or an economic development grant.

Cllr Paul Haslam

He likened it to the Harrogate Station Gateway, which is being funded with £10.6 million from a Department for Transport active travel scheme.

Cllr Haslam acknowledged the scheme was more of a “vision rather than a mapped out idea” but added:

“This simple intervention could bring massive benefits to the area both economic and wellbeing, improve local public transport, as well as do a great deal towards modal shift from car to train and reduce the volume of traffic especially on Skipton road and the A61 to Leeds.

“To me it’s a no-brainer. A lot of people who live in the Claro, Bilton and Woodfield area work in Leeds. Wouldn’t it make their lives better if they could get there by train?”

Read more:

• Harrogate councillor appointed county’s climate champion
• Harrogate Station Gateway: new report reveals financial risks

He added the station would link to the Nidderdale greenway, which would encourage cycling and walking, boost the nearby business park and benefit two nearby schools — Harrogate High School and St Robert’s Catholic Primary School.

Cllr Haslam added:

“I have already approached a provider of supermarkets about putting a small supermarket alongside and they are keen – there are no shops on Claro Road so anyone living there has to travel onto Skipton Road to access a food shop.”

Cllr Haslam was appointed as North Yorkshire climate champion last week.

North Yorkshire Council has proposed constructing a cycle priority crossing in Harrogate.

The £30,000 scheme where Bilton Lane dissects Nidderdale Greenway would give cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road priority over vehicles.

The road would be raised to make the crossing more visible to motorists.

The council has sent letters to Bilton residents to get their views. The letter says there has been an increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians using the Nidderdale Greenway cycle network. It adds:

“As part of the council’s efforts to improve accessibility and promoting active travel, we are proposing to construct a cycle priority crossing on Bilton Lane at the crossing of Nidderdale Greenway.

“The crossing is designed with a raised table making it more visible to drivers and helping to slow them down. Priority will be given to cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely without having to compete with drivers on the road.

“People with mobility issues such as those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters can cross more easily with the crossing being at the same level as the footway. Apart from improved safety, other benefits include increased accessibility, better health outcomes and environmental benefits.”

The crossing would be 7 metres long, 6.6 metres wide and 75 millimetres high.

Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on the council, said he supported the idea in principle.

But he added the Bilton Lane speed limit needed to be reduced from 30mph to 20mph and parking arrangements improved so the crossing was more visible to motorists.

Cllr Haslam also called on farmers, who often drive vehicles on Bilton Lane, to be consulted and for the car park next to the greenway and Bilton Lane to be resurfaced.

Read more:

• Publican says cycle path crackdown in Harrogate is ‘unreasonable’
• ‘Grim’ future predicted for Harrogate cycling after funding snub

The body of a man found in the River Nidd yesterday has been identified, police said this evening.

Police, ambulance and firefighters were called to Nidd Viaduct in Bilton just before 8am yesterday.

The viaduct bridge was closed while the body was recovered.

Tonight’s update by North Yorkshire Police said:

“The man has now been identified and his next of kin have been informed.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of his death.”

No further details, including the man’s name or suspected cause of death, have been revealed.

He was described yesterday as a white man who was believed to be in his 40s.

Read more:

• BREAKING: Body found in River Nidd as viaduct remains closed at Bilton
• Councillors vote to defer decision on 53 homes in Bilton

An amber weather warning is in force across the Harrogate district this evening as Storm Dudley brings rain and strong winds.

A Met Office amber weather warning means residents can expect more disruption to roads and public transport and there’s an increased risk of power cuts and fallen trees.

Gusts of up to 50mph are expected. Follow all the latest updates below.

20.11 – Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd

The River Nidd flood alert has been extended to the Lower and Middle Nidd in the last 10 minutes.

Heavy rainfall this afternoon means flooding of low lying land is expected tonight and tomorrow.

The flood alert area in the Middle Nidd includes land around the Middle River Nidd and its tributaries including Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike.

For the Lower Nidd, it includes the Lower River Nidd and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter

The alert says:

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

19.22 – Flood alert issued for Upper Nidd around Psteley Bridge

The government’s flood alert service has issued a flood alert this evening for the Upper Nidd. It says:

“Flooding of low lying land is expected on Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday.

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Areas most at risk include land around the Upper River Nidd and its tributaries including How Stean Beck, Blayshaw Gill, Ramsgill Beck, Lul Beck, Foster Beck, Fosse Gill, Fell Beck and Darley Beck.

17.54 – Strong winds expected all night

Although reports of serious disruption in the Harrogate district appear rare so far, the storm is far from over. The Met Office forecast is for winds to remain close to 50mph throughout the night.

The district’s amber weather warning remains in place until midnight, when it will be replaced by a less severe yellow warning. But another amber warning is in place from 3am Friday until 9pm the same day. Things should start to calm down then.

17.05 – LNER warns of train disruption

London North Eastern Railway is operating a reduced timetable and implementing speed reductions over the next two days.

A reduced timetable will be in place across parts of the route on Friday. The company said in a statement:

Refunds are available.

Network Rail has introduced speed restrictions on the East Coast route with possible damage to infrastructure as a result of the anticipated conditions.

16.31 – Power cuts in HG3 and HG4

According to Northern Powergrid’s live updates of power cuts,180 homes are currently without power in HG3 and nearby LS21. Power should be restored by 5.45pm. Also, fewer than 10 homes are currently without power in HG4 but they should be back on by 6pm.

16.26 – Police issue warning

North Yorkshire Police is urging people to be careful as Storm Dudley continues to rage across the Harrogate district. It says there are reports of several fallen trees in Craven.

What’s the situation like in the Harrogate district? Send us your updates at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The wind & rain is picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

Please take care if you are out & about. Be aware of fallen debris and flood water.

We currently have reports of several fallen trees in the #Craven area across several routes.
#drivetoarrive pic.twitter.com/BDCFOO95Si

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) February 16, 2022

15.38 – 100mph gusts in north Yorkshire 

The situation may be bad in the Harrogate district, bit other parts of the county are faring worse. Hawes has just recorded a gust of 100mph.

How badly is your area affected by the storms? Let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

https://twitter.com/northyorkswx/status/1493971521139785734

1.10pm – Amber warning to come into place in the next hour

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the Harrogate district from 2pm with winds forecast to reach 50mph.

The forecast also shows the heaviest rain is set to fall between 2-4pm. Amber warnings mean the likelihood of more fallen trees and power cuts is likely.

The amber warning is in place until midnight tonight when it moves down to a yellow warning for tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1493933183116759045

11.13am – Fountains Abbey reopens Studley deer park

Fountains Abbey has confirmed that it has reopened Studley deer park this morning, but higher paths at the water garden have no access.

***Update at 11am – Studley deer park has now reopened as well as the abbey and water garden. There is no access to the higher paths in the Water Garden. ***

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

10.23am – Tree down in Starbeck

Strong winds have brought a tree down on the cycle path on Nidderdale Greenway at Starbeck.

9.21am – Fountains Abbey opening update

Fountains Abbey in Ripon has issued an update on its opening hours ahead of forecast strong winds today.

Update at 9:14am – The abbey and water garden will open at 11am today (16/02) through the visitor centre and West Gate entrances. Studley deer park remains closed until further notice.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

9.10am – Tree down on Stray

A tree has been blown over on the Stray and is blocking the footpath next to the Prince of Wales roundabout.

However, it is not on the road and traffic is moving freely.

9am – RHS Harlow Carr closed

RHS Harlow Carr will be closed today due to strong winds caused by Storm Dudley.

In a tweet, RHS Harlow Carr said the decision was made in the interests of the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

⚠️ CLOSED Wednesday 16th February

Unfortunately, due to high winds today we've taken the decision to close the garden. This is for the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.

We hope to re-open the garden soon, please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/GpSHz9eLOr

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 16, 2022

8.30am – County council urges care during Storm Dudley

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers to take care on the roads following the amber weather warning in place today.

The winds are picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

The @metoffice has issued an amber #weather warning for very strong & disruptive winds.

Please take care if you are out & about & be aware of fallen debris on the roads.

More: https://t.co/nyJZTWirOP pic.twitter.com/4kUStzQnfi

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 16, 2022

8.10am – RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey opening hours

As previously reported, both RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey in Ripon have adjusted their opening hours today due to the forecast strong winds.

Due to the forecast of high winds, the woodland (including play area) and glasshouses will be closed Weds to Fri this week.

We apologise for any inconvenience, but the safety of everyone is paramount. We will continue to monitor the situation, please check for further updates. pic.twitter.com/2CBsh0gMVT

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 15, 2022

It's likely we'll be opening the mains site & deer park later tomorrow (Wed 16 Feb) to allow the worst of Storm Dudley to pass and make the site safe.
Our team will make a decision on opening in the morning so please check in with our website for the most up to date information. pic.twitter.com/Rltps8lVCC

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 15, 2022

7.45am – Power cuts in Beckwithshaw

Residents have reported power cuts in Beckwithshaw following the storm this morning

Northern Powergrid is reporting cuts in the HG3 and LS17 areas.

According to the company’s website, around 70 properties have been affected and power is expected to be restored at 9.15am.

This morning, Northern Powergrid said in a statement that it expected Storm Dudley to cause disruption “above typical levels”.

A spokesperson said:

“We expect that the storm will create levels of disruption that are over and above typical levels.

“If it does, we will be applying the lessons learnt from Storm Arwen in relation to keeping customers updated on our progress. In the early stages, we will give longer estimates of likely restoration times that reflect the fact that we won’t know the extent of the damage to the network.”

7.38am – Met Office updates amber weather warning

The Met Office has updated its weather warning to amber for parts of the Harrogate district. It means disruption to public transport, roads and power cuts are likely.

The warning is in place from 4pm today until midnight.

However, a yellow weather warning remains in place until tomorrow.

Find the latest on the Met Office warning below.

7.25am – Tree down on Pennypot Lane

A Stray Ferret reader has got in touch to report a tree down on Pennypot Lane near to the bridge with Harlow Moor Road.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

Picture: Kimberley Harness.

Harrogate Borough Council has pledged to support plans to extend the Nidderdale Greenway by up to 23 miles.

The authority has agreed to join a steering group leading on the plans, which would see the four mile cycling and walking route from Harrogate to Ripley extended through the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Scar House Reservoir.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting last night, councillor Stanley Lumley, who represents the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale Moors ward, said:

“These plans have been approached on several occasions, but this is the first time it has got real credence.

“The first part of the Nidderdale Greenway has proved to be an enormous success creating a safe cycling and walking route.

“The ambition to extend it through Nidderdale to Pateley Bridge would have great benefits for businesses and residents. It would also be a great asset to Nidderdale and the district as a whole.”

Councillor Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, added:

“Sustainable transport is a key priority of this council and opportunities such as this should be supported.

“We do need representation on the steering group otherwise we would have no input into the development and delivery of the project.”

Councils, campaigners and residents will make up the steering group which could be officially formed by this autumn.

It is being led by cycling campaigner Malcolm Margolis, who long before the greenway opened in 2013 has always held an ambition of extending the route, which is used by an estimated 200,000 people every year.

Mr Margolis worked with Sustrans, a national charity that lobbies for and helps build cycling infrastructure, to produce a feasibility study for the extension plans before the pandemic struck and caused some delays in moving the project forward.

The plan though does have its detractors with some landowners in Nidderdale calling it a “Blackway”, arguing it will urbanise the rural footpaths.

Read more:

• Ripon sinkhole site springs back to life as green space
• Harrogate businesses reject key proposals in £10.9m Station Gateway scheme

The steering group will oversee the next stages of the project, including route planning and further talks with landowners. The aim is for the route to follow disused railway lines or existing rights of way wherever possible.

Mr Margolis previously said he hoped the route would be “substantially built” within the next five years and be funded by government grants and fundraising.