Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In November, MPs and their second jobs came under close scrutiny as Conservative MP Owen Paterson resigned after coming under fire for breaching parliamentary standards.

Meanwhile, all Harrogate district MPs voted for a controversial new Health and Social Care bill, which saw some Conservative backbenchers rebel against the government.

We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

• Mr Jones did not post any news on his website in November.
• He spoke eight times in the House of Commons this past month.
• Among his contributions was to welcome to the government’s integrated rail plan on November 18. This came despite previous comments by Mr Jones in February 2019 when he described the potential scrapping of the eastern leg of HS2 as a “betrayal of the north”.
• He later posted a statement on his Conservative-run website describing the plan as “very positive”.
• On November 22, Mr Jones voted with the government on the Health and Social Care Bill. Some Tory backbenchers raised concern that the government’s proposal will see the poor pay more towards their care.
• Mr Jones’ Twitter account is for ‘retweets only’.

Read more:

• MPs watch: Sweary outbursts, animal testing and Bilsdale

• Ripon residents give their views on MP Julian Smith’s £144,000 consultancy work

• MPs watch: Sewage dumps, commissioner resignations and David Amess

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

• Mr Smith did not update his website during November.
• He tweeted eight times last month. Among his social media posts were tweets congratulating Zoe Metcalfe on being elected North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
• During November, Mr Smith’s extra jobs came under scrutiny in the wake of the Owen Paterson affair. Mr Smith earns £144,000 a year from three advisory roles in addition to his £81,932 MP’s salary.
• Mr Smith voted with the government on its Health and Social Care bill on November 22.
• He did not make any spoken contributions in the House of Commons during November.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

• Mr Adams tweeted four times in November.
• He posted once on his website on November 18 about Prime Minister Boris Johnson visiting his constituency during the launch of the government’s integrated rail plan.
• On November 4, Mr Adams voted for the Leadsom amendment during the Owen Paterson affair. The amendment proposed not suspending Mr Paterson, despite breaching parliamentary standards.
• Mr Adams voted with the government on the Health and Social Care bill on November 22.
• He appeared in the House of Commons four times during November to make both spoken contributions and to answer questions as a government minister.

Helen Mackenzie was crowned the winner of Harry’s Heroes yesterday after beating five other finalists for the accolade.

The Stray Ferret launched the competition in partnership with Harrogate Spring Water and former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration to find the people in the Harrogate district doing exceptional things to help others in the community.

Ms Mackenzie received the most votes in recognition of her work to help families in Ripon.

In 2019, she started a project called Back to Basics (B2B), which gives families ingredients and instructions on how to make meals.

Throughout the pandemic, she has fundraised, shopped, collected donations, packed and delivered food, along with electrical goods and other items, to families in need.

More than 20 people were nominated for exceptional work in their communities. This list was then narrowed down to the final six; Cath Wilson, Greta Knight, Helen Mackenzie, Lauren Doherty, Mark Oldfield and Susie Little.

Read more:

• Harry’s Heroes: listen to inspiring stories and vote for your hero
• Harrogate Christmas lights switched on by ‘Harry’s Heroes’

Once all the 1,300-plus votes were counted, Ms Mackenzie came out top.

Harry Gration visited Ms Mackenzie yesterday to give her the good news.

You can learn more about each hero by listening to their podcasts here.

This article is sponsored by Wolseley.

The UK’s largest plumbing and heating merchant, Wolseley, is recruiting to fill a number of roles in its Ripon support centre and store branches.

The firm specialises in bathrooms and heating as well as infrastructure solutions and cooling products.

Wolseley offers great benefits to all of its staff, with life insurance, an employee assistance programme (including counselling) and flexible working options, on top of the competitive salary, great holiday entitlement, and fantastic pension contribution scheme you’d expect.

Michelle Henstock has worked at the Ripon support centre for more than forty years, and is now payroll and benefits manager. She recalls starting work there in 1981:

“Wolseley, or Yorkshire Heating as it was, was the employer of choice in the Ripon area at the time – everyone wanted to get a foot in the door. Whenever a vacancy cropped up, you wanted to grab it!”

She added that those in her team have always felt like family:

“I think I’ve been really blessed in that respect. I’ve always worked in good teams and with good colleagues that have worked well together and got on. I’ve remained friends with many former colleagues, and I’ve gained new ones too.”

Supporting your wellbeing

The company places a family ethos at the heart of its culture, and wellbeing is a priority. With trained mental health first aiders across the business, there’s always someone there to support you.

Colleagues can also sign up to the special ‘Wolseley Wellbeing programme’, a comprehensive 12-week course that covers exercise, nutrition, sleep, positive psychology, and stress management.

Wolseley recognises how important staff engagement is to wellbeing, so you’ll be able to have your say on how the company is doing and where it’s going.

Pay matters

When you’re looking for work, pay is important. Wolseley wants to attract the very best talent, and pays people a wage that means they want to stick around.

Wolseley always pays above the National Living Wage; what they call the Wolseley Wage is well over £500 more per year than the Living Wage for those aged 23 years and over. The gap is even wider if you’re under 23 years old (where the recommended pay is lower), as they don’t believe someone’s wage should be determined by their age.

To see the roles currently on offer at Wolseley, visit www.wolseleycareers.co.uk

Harrogate Borough Council has said “categorically” that a delay to the opening of Ripon’s new swimming pool is not linked to ground stability issues and the threat of sinkholes.

The six-lane pool on Dallamires Lane was due to open on December 8 but the council said on Friday this had been delayed because a fault with the lining of the pool had been found during testing. The pool is now due to open in January but no precise date has been confirmed.

A council spokesman said pool manufacturer Myrtha would be carrying out additional work to fix the problem, at no extra cost to the council.

A swimming pool liner is a vinyl surface that is attached to the walls and floor of a pool to help keep in the water.

There have been long-standing concerns about sinkholes on the land the pool has been built on. But a council spokesman said the two issues were not linked.

“We can categorically confirm that this issue is related to the lining of the pool and not a ground stability issue.”

Harrogate Borough Council closed Ripon Spa Baths last month in anticipation of the new pool opening. The delay to the Dallamires Lane pool means there is nowhere to go for a swim in Ripon until the new year.

Read more:

• BREAKING: Ripon pool opening delayed until January after fault found
• EXCLUSIVE: Ripon leisure scheme racks up additional £1m cost

Concerns have again been raised recently that the site could be permanently plagued by the threat of sinkholes.

This month, a council-commissioned report by engineering company Stantec outlined measures to mitigate the effects of a void that was detected last year.

Dr Alan Thompson, a geologist and director of Cuesta Consulting in Somerset, called for the council to postpone a decision on the measures and give greater consideration to finding an alternative site.

Senior councillors voted to press ahead with plans to carry out further work while opening most of the site.

The Stray Ferret revealed last week that Ripon’s new leisure project is now more than £4m over budget.

A further £212,000 of refurbishment works have been approved at Ripon Community Hospital.

NHS Property Services, which owns the building, is carrying out works to the hospital site in an effort to “bring it up to standard”.

The organisation has commissioned Middlesborough-based Maval Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd to carrying out an upgrade to the hospital’s generator.

NHS officials confirmed that the move, which is a £212,262 contract, comes as part of a five-year investment into the site.

As previously reported, the hospital is already in line for a £161,000 refurbishment.

Read more:

• Ripon hospital to undergo £161,000 refurbishment
• Harrogate district Conservative MPs back controversial social care plan
• Ripon homes in danger of collapse are fenced off

The move will include upgrading some of the 30-year-old flooring, roofing and a range of electrical units for the building.

Health bosses added that the work had been designed with the input of staff and that the nurses’ station will be refurbished along with new kitchen facilities and a staff breakout area.

Martin Salmon, senior construction manager at NHS Property Services, told the Stray Ferret previously:

“NHS Property Services is committed to a 5-year investment plan that aims to bring Ripon Community Hospital up to the very best of standards, providing first-rate facilities for staff and patients.

“We are pleased that once these improvements have been made, they will help the NHS to deliver excellent patient care.”

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

• Don’t lose your trampoline down the street! We often get calls in relation to unsecured trampolines ending up in neighbour’s gardens or on nearby streets so please keep yours fastened down.
• Put garden furniture in storage or ensure it is secured so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged.
• Take care if you’re driving or walking anywhere as high winds could mean falling trees and debris.
• If you’re by the coast don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls and remember if you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast or the fire service if you’re inland.

North Yorkshire Police added:

• When you’re driving or walking, please be vigilant for falling debris.
• Check before you travel for any road closures or updates.
• If you’re by the coast, don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
• If you see a fallen tree or any other debris which is causing a road obstruction, here’s what to do:
  • If the obstruction poses an immediate danger on a busy road then call us on 999
  • If the obstruction does not pose an immediate danger, call the council and ask for the highways department
  • Please don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove road debris on a busy road

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

The Stray Ferret can reveal that Ripon’s new swimming pool and leisure centre has racked up another £1 million in cost.

According to a freedom of information request obtained by Ripon resident and chartered civil engineer Stanley Mackintosh, the council agreed a budget of £14.5 million for the scheme back in September.

The Stray Ferret previously reported that the scheme was already £3.3 million over budget.

The new figure was revealed after Mr Mackintosh successfully appealed a decision by Harrogate Borough Council to refuse disclosing the information on commercial grounds.

Following an internal review, the council overturned its previous refusal and disclosed the total sum of its budget in September.

In its full FOI response to Mr Mackintosh HBC said that:

• Money already paid for construction and associated works is £12,936,235.55.
• A further £619,427.06, is allocated for payment.
• The total sum of the councils budget is £14,590,665.00.

This means that the authority’s budget is £4 million more than a previous contract agreed for construction.

The original 17-month contract signed with construction company and principal contractor Willmott Dixon was for £10.2 million, with a completion date of May this year.

However, the move was delayed and the pool is expected to open on December 8.

Read more:

• Sinkhole experts urge councillors to consider new site for Ripon pool
• Ripon’s delayed leisure scheme more than £3m over budget
• Conservative councillor says Ripon leisure scheme is poor use of public money

Mr Mackintosh told the Stray Ferret that he felt the site is unstable and that “things were bound to go wrong” with the site.

He said:

“I do not think it [the site] has long term stability. Nobody can know how long it will last.”

The morning, Conservative Cllr Nigel Simms said he stood by his view that the choice of Dallamires Lane for the new pool was a poor use of public money.

Cllr Simms told the Stray Ferret:

“Nothing has happened to change my mind, the geology of the site with its sinkhole issues, means it’s the wrong place.

“I’m all in favour of new leisure facilities for Ripon, but a more stable area should have been selected.”

Further concern of the pool site was raised earlier this month after a council-commissioned report by engineering company Stantec outlined measures to mitigate the effects of a void that was detected last year.

Dr Alan Thompson, a geologist and director of Cuesta Consulting in Somerset, called for the council to postpone a decision on the measures and give greater consideration to finding an alternative site.

However, senior councillors voted to press ahead with its plan to carry out further work while opening most of the site.

Students from a Ripon primary school kids were visited by police officers to talking about the dangers of knife crime and taking drugs.

North Yorkshire Police‘s school liaison team and author Christina Gabbitas visited Holy Trinity Junior School last week to show children the dangers of getting involved in crime and how to avoid it.

Visits were also make to other schools across the county, including Scarborough and York.

Concerns about crime in Ripon have grown in recent months with some residents “scared to go out”. The police has promised more visibility in the city in an attempt to crackdown on crime.

Ripon has seen incidents in recent months involving knives; one in August left a boy in tears when he was told at knifepoint to take off his trainers and hand over his phone and jewellery.

The visits were in conjunction with a national campaign to tackle knife crime, Op Spectre. The students watched a video which showed young people getting drawn into the world of drug dealing which resulted in one of them being stabbed.

They were also given a ‘No more knives or county lines’ work booklet at the end of the session.

Sergeant Heidi Lewis of the schools liaison team said officers were there to build relationships with the children and answer any questions:

“Education at an early stage is crucial to steer children away from falling into a criminal lifestyle and becoming exploited.

“Some young people think it’s safe to carry a knife in case they need it for self-defence – but this could not be further from the truth. Any knife in the hands of anyone can cost lives and that’s what we hope the children we have engaged with this week have learned”.

Read more:

• TV acting school for children opens in Harrogate
• Ripon Grammar BMX rider earns place in world championships

Christina Gabbitas said:

“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for us to educate children at a young age about these issues and dangers. If we can get children to recognise the signs at an early age, we have a better chance to prevent them coming to harm.

“I am always so impressed with how engaged the children I speak to are. They are so keen to learn about these issues and because it’s done in a safe environment amongst peers, the children are very open and always ask a lot of questions.”

To reports concerns for the safety of a child, contact the police on 101.

Good morning, it’s Al with you this morning, here to update you with any travel alerts to keep your journey moving.

I’ll let you know about roadworks, delayed trains and any traffic hotspots that could cause you delays.

If you spot anything, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197 and we can help other commuters too.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is slow in these areas:

• Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
• The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
• Boroughbridge Road and High Street through Knaresborough
• Otley Road around Killinghall
• Through High Street, Starbeck
• Skipton Road around Dragon Parade
• Wetherby Road near the event centre, and along Hookstone Drive
• Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
• Leeds Road around Pannal

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• 09:14 Knaresborough to Leeds – two minute delay

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is moving more slowly in these areas:

• Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
• The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
• Boroughbridge Road and High Street through Knaresborough
• Otley Road around Killinghall
• Through High Street, Starbeck
• Skipton Road around Dragon Parade
• Wetherby Road near the event centre, and along Hookstone Drive
• Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
• Leeds Road around Pannal

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• 08:30 Harrogate to Leeds – two minute delay
• 08:31 Knaresborough to York – five minute delay
• 08:45 Harrogate to Knaresborough – three minute delay

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

8am – Full Update 

Roads

There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.

Some traffic is starting to build in some areas:

• Around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M) and along the A59
• The A6055 from Ferrensby to Knaresborough
• Otley Road around Killinghall
• Through High Street, Starbeck
• Skipton Road either side of Dragon Parade
• Wetherby Road near the event centre
• Otley Road between the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
• The A655 into Pannal
• If you’re heading to Leeds, traffic is heavy through Harewood

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• 08:01 Knaresborough to York – two minute delay
• 08:21 Harrogate to York – four minute delay
• 08:21 Knaresborough to Leeds – two minute delay
• 08:30 Harrogate to Leeds – two minute delay

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Most roads seem to be clear so far this morning. There are a number of new road closures and temporary lights today though, so do check the list below as delays will likely increase as more people get out and about.

Some traffic is starting to build around the Flaxby junction of the A1(M), and on Otley Road around Killinghall.

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• The 07:42 Harrogate to Knaresborough train is delayed, now expected to arrive in Harrogate at 07:44. It should arrive in Knaresborough on time at 07:53

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road: Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• The 07:09 Harrogate to York train is delayed and expected at Harrogate at 07:13 and Knaresborough at 07:22
• The 07:14 Knaresborough to Leeds train is also delayed, expected at Knaresborough at 07:17 Harrogate at 07:27

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
• Also in Starbeck, The Avenue, Camwall Road, and a number of smaller streets nearby are closed for resurfacing
• Harlow Moor Road at the junction with Otley Road – temporary one way system 
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
• Leadhall Lane, Harrogate – road closure
• Between Otley Road and Pannal Ash Road, Cundall Way, Southway, Rossett Way, Arthurs Avenue, Arthurs Close, Richmond Road and Richmond Avenue are all closed for road resurfacing
• Hill Top Lane and Hill Foot Lane, Burn Bridge, Harrogate – road closure
• Sharow Lane, near Ripon – road closure

Temporary lights:

• Ripon Road just south of Ripley
• Ripon Road at junction with Otley Road, Killinghall
• Otley Road near Pharmall Ltd
• Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
• Green Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the Kia Garage
• Lackton Bank, Birstwith
• Woodfield Road, near Bilton
• Dragon Road, near Smiths the Rink
• Langcliffe Avenue East, Harrogate
• Spring Lane and Westminster Drive, Burn Bridge
• Studley Road and Clotherholme Road, Ripon
• Palace Road, Ripon
• Hutton Grange to Kendal View, Ripon

Trains

• The 06:41 from Harrogate to York is expected at 06:46; it’s also expected five minutes late in Knaresborough

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds
• Harrogate Electrics 3 and the 36 are diverting in both directions, Harrogate to the Hydro via Springfield
• Due to road closures, the 2B is currently unable to serve stops along Crab Lane and Hill Top Avenue. The bus will be diverting down Bilton Lane to Richard Taylor School then resuming the normal route
• The 36 won’t be serving the stop on Fulwith Mill Lane in Pannal both directions due to temporary lights. Passengers are advised to use the Mallinson stop instead for the time being

Ripon Farm Services managing director Geoff Brown has seen huge changes in farming machinery over the past 60 years.

Mr Brown began his career in 1961, back when tractors still ran on petrol and were not even four-wheeled drive.

This year the company showed the world’s largest combine harvester at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Mr Brown started as a 16-year-old apprentice at car and agricultural machinery dealers Glovers of Ripon.

He worked for the Appleyard Group as its John Deere demonstrator before forming Ripon Farm Services in 1982 alongside local businessmen Maurice Hymas and Bill Houseman.

World’s largest combine harvester at this year’s GYS.

The company has grown to become one of the biggest in Ripon, employing 260 employees people and having a turnover of over £100m.

It is now the UK’s largest John Deere dealership with 11 depots and groundscare machinery departments.

Read more:

• Ripon hosts first farming memorial service

• Green Shoots: Is the future of farming in the Washburn Valley?

Mr Brown said:

“I’ve seen many changes, both in the world in general and in farming in particular, but the values that I’ve followed throughout my career – hard work and an unwavering commitment to the very best customer service – have remained the same. Many of our customers are also long-standing friends.

“I’ve taken great pride in the success of Ripon Farm Services, which I founded with friends and fellow businessmen in 1982. I’ve watched the company grow from a small concern to one of the biggest employers in the Ripon area, with some 260 staff and a turnover of more than £100m.

“This gives me tremendous pleasure, but I would stress that the success of Ripon Farm Services is down to the loyal and committed staff we have employed over the years. They have been the bedrock of this company and their dedication and expertise is second to none.”