The government has given the final go-ahead for work to start on a £69 million realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill.

Officials at the Department for Transport have signed off on North Yorkshire County Council’s business case, which will see the landslip-hit road re-routed west of Blubberhouses.

The move comes as the project has been beset by delays and mounting costs due to inflation.

However, work now look sets to start in April on the scheme — three months after the council’s most recent anticipated start date.

Richard Holden, the government’s roads minister, said:

“Making journeys safer, faster and more reliable for motorists to reduce travel times and help grow the economy is vital.

“The new route at Kex Gill will benefit businesses across the North of England and local towns and villages nearby by boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity and putting an end to disruptive road closures.

“Investing in projects like this to provide long-term improvements shows how the government is committed to levelling up transport links with long-term sustainable solutions.”

Read more:

• Council warns of ‘high risks’ as Kex Gill cost soars to £69m
• Council sets aside £11m for A59 Kex Gill contingency funding

The scheme has faced numerous delays and following tender returns, the estimated cost of the scheme increased by £7.2 million to £68.8 million, which the council attributed to inflation affecting constructions costs.

The project will be funded by a £56.1 million grant from the Department for Transport, with the council covering the rest from its reserves.

A further £11 million has been factored into the £68 million budget to cover any issues with ground conditions or bad weather.

The council had previously earmarked groundworks on the project to start in January, but was awaiting sign-off from government on a full business case.

Irish civil engineering and construction firm John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd has been appointed to build the road.

Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways, said:

“It is welcome news that the government has given us the final go-ahead to begin construction. The re-alignment of Kex Gill will undoubtedly be one of the council’s most ambitious ever highways projects.

“The A59 provides a very important east-west connection in North Yorkshire and is of national significance. We remain committed to completing the scheme as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective way.”

The A59 at Kex Gill, near Blubberhouses, is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton. Since 2000, the route has been closed 12 times following landslips.

The estimated completion date for the scheme is May 2025.

Bus services in North Yorkshire may avoid a “cliff edge” over funding next month, according to the county’s transport boss.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire County Council, had previously warned that up to 79 services faced reduced frequency or ceasing altogether when central government funding comes to an end in March.

It comes as a drop in passenger numbers and increased costs for operators has put some routes at risk.

Some services, such as the 24 service in Pateley Bridge, have been secured for another year.

However, in a statement to next week’s full council meeting, Cllr Duncan has suggested others may be saved.

He said:

“North Yorkshire’s bus network remains in a fragile position, with lower passenger numbers and increased costs continuing to affect the profitability of several services.

“However, there are positive signs that the council’s close cooperation with operators will allow us to avoid the feared March ‘cliff edge’ when post-covid government funding is expected to end.”

Read more:

• Bilton bus services to merge under new route changes
• Public control of North Yorkshire bus network ‘not realistic’, says transport chief
• 24 bus from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate saved

Cllr Duncan added that the county council intends to focus on securing funding for other services after recently securing bus routes in Selby and Scarborough.

He said:

“Our focus now shifts to other parts of the county. 

“It is our hope that we can find funds to protect services here too until at least 2024.”

The comments come as the county council negotiated funding to secure the 24 bus route between Pateley Bridge and Harrogate until April next year.

Transdev, which operates the service, had initially planned to withdraw most services on the route.

Glasshouses Cricket Club has issued a plea for new players amid fears it could fold after more than 100 years.

Glasshouses was a founder member of the Nidderdale league in 1894 and has won the league on 19 occasions. But it currently only has five members ready and able to play for the new season in April.

It now has only a short time left to sign up enough players to show the league that it has the strength to fulfil fixtures. If it can’t, it will have to stand down and more than a century of village cricket will come to an end.

The club, which is in the fifth division of the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League, has good facilities and plays on a well-maintained ground in a peaceful setting two miles from Pateley Bridge.

Kites swoop overhead and the River Nidd flows by the southern boundary line.

The club’s picturesque setting

Committee member Stephen Boyden said:

“If you are a cricketer who wants friendly though competitive cricket, get in touch with the club now and save them from the saddest of endings.

“You don’t have to live in the area to join the club, all ages are welcome from 12 years old, and both men and women are welcome to join too.”

If you are interested in joining or want to find out more, contact Graham on 07740 786588.

Read more:

• 24 bus from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate saved
• Killinghall Cricket Club applies to build new two-storey pavilion

A landslip-hit road in Pateley Bridge which has undergone lengthy repairs has finally reopened.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, after storms caused a landslip in February 2020.

The route then closed to traffic in October last year when North Yorkshire County Council began a £480,000 scheme to stabilise the road, which is on the steep slope out of Pateley to Greenhow Hill.

The road was initially due to reopen on December 16 but the date was then pushed back to January 18 and then to today.

The council has now reopened the road to traffic with temporary lights in place for a further two weeks.

Chris Hawkesworth, a local resident who lives near the road, said it was a relief for those in the area.

He said:

“Everybody on the hill is much relieved.

“It was a 20-mile round trip for what would ordinarily a one mile trip.”

Read more:

• 24 bus from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate saved
• Frustration over delay completing Pateley Bridge roadworks

The authority said the £480,000 scheme had taken longer than anticipated as workers needed to “increase the depth and length of the excavation to lay the foundations” for the repairs.

The county council hired Cumbria-based Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd to undertake the work at a cost of £232,040 – though it said it had to factor in any contingencies into the final cost.

The Stray Ferret asked the county council whether the delays in completing the scheme would lead to any further incurred costs.

Melissa Burnham, highways area manager for the council, said:

“In the design process for every scheme we must account for contingencies in the final cost.

“At Greenhow Hill we are carrying out drainage works and stabilising the slope below the road and new structure. In this instance the contractor valuation came in lower than anticipated and although the scheme is still ongoing it is likely to stay under budget.”

The 24 bus route between Pateley Bridge and Harrogate has been saved until at least April next year.

The service provides a lifeline for many people in rural parts of Nidderdale, including Birstwith, Darley and Summbridge.

North Yorkshire County Council warned this month it was one of about 80 bus routes in North Yorkshire facing uncertain futures at the end of March.

But councillor Keane Duncan, the Conservative executive member for highways and transport at North Yorkshire County Council, said today:

“The 24 is a key route that many people rely on so I am pleased to announce that we have been able to step in to support this service.

“When the operator notified us that it planned to withdraw most services on this route, we secured short-term funds to cover these until April 2023.

“This allowed us time to investigate a longer-term solution. We have now secured continuation of the service until April 2024, operated by Transdev (The Harrogate Bus Company).

Read more:

• Talks to save 24 bus from Pateley to Harrogate as cull looms
• £2 cap on Harrogate district bus fares starts today

Cllr Duncan added the timetable will continue unchanged, but with most journeys now receiving financial support.

“We hope that passengers will support the 24 service and that usage will build over the coming 12 months.

“This positive outcome on the 24 is part of our efforts to support several at risk routes across North Yorkshire.

“We will continue to work closely with operators in order to protect as much of the bus network as we can through a period of unprecedented pressure.”

A Pateley Bridge road affected by a landslip three years ago is finally set to reopen on Friday.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley after storms caused a landslip in February 2020.

The route then closed to traffic in October last year when North Yorkshire County Council began a £480,000 scheme to stabilise the road, which is on the steep slope out of Pateley to Greenhow Hill.

The road was initially due to reopen on December 16 but the date was then pushed back to January 18.

Numerous local residents, including former Pateley town councillor Chris Hawkesworth, have contacted the Stray Ferret expressing frustration over the length of the works and lack of information about when it will reopen. Many face lengthy detours to get in and out of Pateley Bridge.

This week Ken Easton, who lives in Wilsill but drives to work in Grassington, said the detour was costing him an extra £150 a week in fuel.

Mr Easton also said his vehicle suffered a burst tyre and cracked wheel this week when he hit a pothole on the Two Stoops route to Grassington.

Read more:

• Talks to save 24 bus from Pateley to Harrogate as cull looms
• Frustration over delay completing Pateley Bridge roadworks

Andrew Murday, the Liberal Democrat county councillor for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale, told the Stray Ferret earlier this month he could understand people’s frustration but the project was “geologically difficult” and progress was subject to weather conditions.

North Yorkshire County Council’s highways area manager, Melisa Burnham, previously said:

“Work has taken longer than anticipated as it became clear that we needed to increase the depth and length of the excavation to lay the foundations. Final works involve reconstructing the surface of the road.”

A North Yorkshire County Council spokeswoman said yesterday:

“The recent wet weather has caused a delay and the reopening is now planned for Friday, January 27.”

Debate has continued this week over the future of Harrogate Convention Centre.

After Harrogate Borough Council‘s (HBC) bid for £20 million from the levelling up fund was unsuccessful, council leader Richard Cooper expressed his disappointment.

He said the council will look to bid again in the next round of funding, as part of plans to carry out a £49m improvement to the convention centre (HCC).

It has long been argued that the centre is vital to the economy of the Harrogate district. HBC says it brings around £30m each year to local businesses – though that has fallen from a claim of £60m before the covid pandemic.

The benefit to the hospitality businesses closest to HCC is easy enough to see: guesthouses booked up during major events, and bars buzzing at the end of each day of a conference.

Harrogate BID agrees the centre is essential to the town. Manager Matthew Chapman said:

“Harrogate Convention Centre is a vital component of the local economy, and I’m confident in saying that the vast majority of businesses recognise its importance, not just to Harrogate but the whole district.

“Its exhibitions benefit our shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, and many local suppliers.

“Annually, it brings more 150,000 visitors to the district, boosts the economy to the tune of £30m and it supports hundreds, possibly thousands, of jobs.

“Last year, Harrogate BID was happy to back Harrogate Convention Centre in its fight against the development of a rival venue in Leeds.

“Investment is needed to ensure its continued viability which will enable it to compete against venues around the country, securing Harrogate’s position as the conference and exhibition capital of the UK.”

Guesthouses and B&Bs near Harrogate Convention Centre

HCC’s impact further out into the district is less easy to measure.

The Stray Ferret spoke to Jonathan Rose, who owns Kell House B&B in Pateley Bridge with his wife, Heather.

He said:

“Nobody has used us who is visiting the convention centre in Harrogate, as far as I know. A lot of people have gone to Harrogate for different things but not specifically for that.

“I think we’re a little bit too far out if someone is visiting for for business reasons or for exhibitions and so on. There’s so much choice in Harrogate.”

The couple renovated the building in 2021, only opening for a couple of months. Last year was their first full season welcoming guests, so Mr Rose acknowledged it was too early to fully assess the impact of HCC on their trade.

However, Sarah Cannon, who owns The Old Smithy B&B on the outskirts of Knaresborough, said she does welcome some guests who have been to HCC.

Public events like the Knitting and Stitching show in November seemed to bring her more custom, she said, though she has welcomed delegates from trade fairs for groundskeepers, golfers and jewellery specialists.

She said there was also a benefit to other businesses in the area:

“I’ve got a document with all the restaurants in Knaresborough, but also the Guy Fawkes at Scotton because it’s my favourite. I’ll email that out when people book with me in case they want to book a table.

“Generally, my guests either go to the Guy Fawkes or somewhere in Knaresborough. Very occasionally, they say they have gone into Harrogate of an evening, regardless of whether they’re in Harrogate during the day.”

Every news story about HCC brings a range of responses. There are those who would see the site flattened and given over to housing, and others who say there is no option but to keep pushing through the planned redevelopment for the sake of the local economy.

The centre has run at a loss over many years. In the decade to April 2019, it only made a profit in three years: £269,215 in 2009-10, £741,000 in 2016-17, and £3,000 in 2017-18.

Its losses in the other years ranged from £212,631 to £1.2 million. Total losses for the 10 years were just over £4 million.

The question is do the benefits of the HCC outweigh the amount of tax payers’ money that props it up and would investment change that?

Read more:

• New council chief questions future of Harrogate Convention Centre
• Government rejects £20m levelling up bid for Harrogate Convention Centre

Even in a difficult week for HCC, it has had good news: Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair has confirmed it has agreed a five-year deal to remain at the venue each January. Other multi-year deals have also been done in the last 12 months.

Harrogate Borough Council continues to underpin the centre on the basis of its contribution to the district’s economy.

However, under devolution, its running will transfer to North Yorkshire Council on April 1.

Its chief executive Richard Flinton suggested last week that the new authority will not continue to support a drain on public finances and that it will “consider it again with a fresh pair of eyes”.

His comments came in response to a question from Cllr Michael Schofield, a Liberal Democrat who represents the Harlow and St George’s division on North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Schofield said he was frustrated that there was no open discussion about the future of the centre at Harrogate Borough Council, as councillors and directors “do not wish to engage”. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I firmly believe that there is an opportunity to repurpose parts of the Convention Centre that will bring them an income stream all year round and also attract visitors to Harrogate.

“HCC is a vital part of Harrogate town centre, however I fear current HBC councillors and directors are not looking at the bigger picture.

“Let Leeds push for conferences. Let’s look at re-marketing and look at the markets we can bring to Harrogate. Our offer is so strong as a town that can give the personal touch to emerging markets. The scope is huge if only HBC councillors and directors opened their eyes.

“I see it very much being in partnership with external bodies. I am having quite a heated debate with my party as I believe it can work but my HBC friends are not prepared to open their eyes.”

A judging panel made up of leaders from top local businesses and organisations have shortlisted finalists for the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, sponsored by Prosperis.

It wasn’t a simple task, with more than 100 entries across 10 categories, which highlighted the strength of the local business community.

Our four judges were Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, Black Sheep Brewery chief executive Charlene Lyons, Cloud Nine founder and chief executive Martin Rae, and James Farrar, chief operating officer of York and North Yorkshire LEP.

The judging panel met at West Park Hotel in Harrogate in the morning and debated well into the afternoon.

On Friday, January 20, the Stray Ferret will announce the shortlist for each of the 10 categories.

From growing businesses to the up-and-coming stars of the future, the categories are designed to allow businesses to showcase their strengths.

The glittering, black tie awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 9 at Pavilions of Harrogate. To book your tickets, click or tap here.

More pictures from the judging day:

There were lots of entries for the judges to get through.

Our judges enjoyed debating about each of the entrants.

Marcus Boardall of Reed Boardall and Martin Rae of Cloud Nine.

James Farrar of the York and North Yorkshire LEP and Charlene Lyons of Black Sheep Brewery.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In these final few days before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

The final category up is the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award, which is sponsored by Next Chapter.

Digital is clearly the way forward. This award recognises the work of businesses that have run incredible campaigns on purely digital campaigns.

Companies looking to enter need to provide information on the digital marketing plan, including its aims and objectives. Also provide statistical information on why the campaign was a success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close at 12pm on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Employee Development Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

Those looking to enter this award need to give details of the business values and culture that lead to the creation of the training programme and highlight employee successes that came as a result.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Best Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.