Yorkshire Water parking charges to make reservoirs safer and more enjoyable
This article is sponsored by Yorkshire Water.
Yorkshire Water is planning to introduce car parking charges at three reservoirs in North Yorkshire – Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross – on a trial basis.
Since making the announcement this morning Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor, wanted to explain the proposed charges, why they are being implemented and what it is hoped the trial will deliver:
“Yorkshire is blessed with fantastic outdoor spaces, including reservoirs owned and operated by Yorkshire Water.
“Over the last two years, people looked for outdoor spaces to enjoy time with their family and friends when permitted. So we’ve welcomed more people to our sites than ever before.
“Unfortunately, this period also saw an increase in anti-social behaviour at our sites. Instances of fly-tipping, the lighting of disposable barbecues, littering, vandalism are on the up.
“All of these hindered the enjoyment of our sites for visitors and posed safety risks.”
As a result, Yorkshire Water decided to introduce its first ever in-house ranger team. A total of ten rangers will be recruited to patrol, manage and maintain the reservoirs.
The rangers will be able to provide information to visitors and enhance their experience. They will also be able to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Parking charges will fund new ranger team
To fund the rangers, Yorkshire Water is trialling car parking charges at Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross. Parking charges will also be introduced at Langsett in South Yorkshire.
Mr Harvey added:
“We have thought long and hard about the introduction of these charges.
“We believe we’ve catered for all types of visitors we see. Whether they are looking for a day out or to visit every day to walk their dog.
“As well as improving security and safety at our sites, the parking charges will also be used to fund a variety of conservation, community, and facility improvement projects.
“The funds will help us increase our work with charities and community groups. It will also help wildlife to thrive on our sites.
“All of this will ensure the money visitors spend on parking is invested directly into the sites they use to further improve their experience.
“Ultimately, we hope that during the trial we will see incidents of fly tipping and antisocial behaviour decrease; making these sites safer and more enjoyable for people, and more wildlife friendly too.
“Likewise, we hope that the charges will encourage people to at least consider travelling via public transport, cycle paths, and walking routes rather than by car.”
Yorkshire Water already sponsors the Dales Bus Service, which provides a specific bus route through the Washburn Valley, on Summer Sundays and Bank Holidays.
If planning is approved for the parking meters, charges will start at £1 for an hour, £2 for 2 hours, £5 for all-day parking of £30 for an annual pass.
Yorkshire Water introduces parking charges at Fewston, Swinsty and ThruscrossYorkshire Water has revealed plans to introduce parking charges at four of its reservoirs, including Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross in North Yorkshire.
The water company has said it will apply for planning permission for parking meters this month and, if approved, they will be installed for a trial period later this year.
The proposed tariffs will be one hour at £1, two hours at £2, six hours at £3, an all day pass for £5 and an annual pass for £30.
Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross are popular with walkers and dog walkers in the Harrogate district.
The company said income raised from the charges would be “reinvested across Yorkshire Water’s sites” on nature conservation projects and improvements to facilities.
Fewston Reservoir
The charges will also contribute towards the first ever in-house Yorkshire Water ranger team. The nine rangers will help visitors enjoy their stays, do maintenance jobs and tackle anti-social behaviour that poses a threat to people, wildlife and the environment.
Alastair Harvey, lead countryside advisor at Yorkshire Water said:
“We know how important our sites are to local communities and visitors alike. We have thought long and hard about the way people use our sites before implementing this trial, as well as considering approaches at similar sites around the country.
“We believe a small parking fee and increased security will help to dissuade anti-social behaviour, such as fly-tipping, at our sites but also have a long-term positive impact in terms of the projects we can deliver in the future.
“We are collaborating with local authorities and local stakeholders to ensure the introduction of these tariffs causes minimal disruption and we will be working hard to ensure all our visitors are aware of the charges before they arrive at our sites.”
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Bransby Wilson Parking Solutions, based in York, have been appointed to operate the parking meters. ANPR cameras will be installed at the sites and visitors will be able to pay via card payment on site, the RingGo app and by telephone.
Those without means to pay with them can call the phone line later in the day to pay.
Swinsty reservoir
Mites will be released into Rossett Nature Reserve in Harrogate in a bid to tackle the growth of an invasive species of water weed.
The crassula mites attack Crassula helmsii — also known as New Zealand pygmyweed — an invasive non-native species which is causing problems for the wastewater network.
It grows on the arms of filter beds, stopping them functioning properly, and can become dominant in wetland areas which then poses a threat to the breeding habits of native species, including the protected great crested newts.
The release of the mites is a joint trial project between Yorkshire Water, Harrogate Borough Council, the Centre of Agriculture and Bioscience International and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Dr Steph Bradbeer, invasive species and biosecurity advisor at Yorkshire Water, said:
“Invasive non-native species pose a very real risk to Yorkshire’s environment and wildlife. They can also impact on our ability to treat and distribute water to homes and return wastewater safely to the environment.
“Crassula is one such species and we hope this trial will provide an environmentally friendly way of tackling it in the environment and at our wastewater treatment works.”
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The mites have been quarantined and tested extensively to ensure they will only tackle Crassula helmsii and will not attack other species of Crassula, such as stonecrops, which are attractive plants that brighten up stone surfaces in the summer.
The announcement of the trial coincides with Invasive Non-native Species Week, which began on Monday and aims to raise awareness of and prevent the spread of invasive plants.
Invasive non-native species not only impact on the environment, but also have a large economic impact, costing the UK economy an estimated £1.8 billion per year.
Councillor Andy Paraskos, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
“This is a new approach for us in the Harrogate district and we welcome this opportunity to work with Yorkshire Water and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – and of course the Crassula mites – to use a practical solution to help tackle this non-native weed at Rossett Nature Reserve.”
Water voles thriving in new Nidderdale homeTwo hundred water voles released in Nidderdale are thriving in their new habitat, surveys have discovered.
Yorkshire Water released two groups of the endangered animals in 2020 and 2021 at Timble Ings Wood in the Washburn Valley.
Recent surveys suggest they are settling in well to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with signs of the animals up to 1km away from the original release site.
Surveys of the area have found burrows, droppings, and signs of feeding, such as piles of nibbled grass. There have also been regular checks for the water vole’s main predator, the American mink, which has not been spotted.
Philip Tennyson, recreation coordinator at Yorkshire Water said:
“While this is a successful project, water voles are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and the good work we’ve done so far can easily be lost.
“We would urge visitors to Timble Ings Woods to stay on the paths and keep dogs on a lead away from the ponds and watercourses to protect the fragile water vole population.”
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Water voles are classed as an endangered species, and have been identified as one of Britain’s fastest declining mammals.
They have been named as a priority species for protection in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, and conservation efforts like the one in Nidderdale are crucial in preventing their extinction.
The project is part of Yorkshire Water’s Water Works for Wildlife initiative, which aims to enhance biodiversity in 15 local wildlife sites.
Environment Agency called to investigate potential Ripon pollutionThe Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water are being called upon to investigate a foaming discharge into the River Ure in Ripon.
There are fears the discharge could be potentially harmful to humans, aquatic life and water fowl.
The Stray Ferret contacted the EA incident line after seeing the discharge yesterday and understands that the stretch of river near the Duchess of Kent Bridge on the A61 Ripon bypass has been affected since the weekend.
James Thornborough, an internationally-recognised authority on spillage on land and water, reported the incident to YW and said it would be normal practice for them to share the information with the EA.
The expert, who lives in nearby Sharow, told the Stray Ferret:
“I pass this part of river, which can be seen from the Dishforth Road, on a regular basis and on Sunday noticed the foaming on the water coming from a drainage outlet that feeds into the Ure.
“In my opinion this is not normal occurrence for this part of the river and that is why I reported it.
“It certainly warrants scrutiny by the EA to find out what exactly is being discharged and whether it is benign or potential harmful to people and animals.
“If it is discovered to be harmful, urgent remedial action will need to be taken.”
The drainage outlet (top right on the photograph) has been the source of the white foaming substance.
Mr Thornborough added:
“The EA, as the national competent authority for protecting the natural environment of the UK, is bound to assess any reported pollution incident and I would urge anybody who witnesses something like this, that looks out of place, to report it as soon as possible.
“Rivers collect water naturally from the atmosphere (rainfall), surface drainage (run off), ground waters, and underground aquifers.
“Unfortunately rivers must also cope with Industrial waste. Controlled industrial discharges are subject to license conditions. Uncontrolled industrial discharges occur due to operating controls failures, accidents or deliberate intention (criminal behaviour).”
What can the Environment Agency do?
Mr Thornborough said he expected the EA to analyse water samples. He added:
“Industrial pollution can reduce the concentration of bio dissolved oxygen in the water phase which can cause fish kills.
“At the very least, the biodiversity of the River Ure in the surrounds of this foaming event, has likely been impacted and microscopic marine organisms will have been killed upsetting the food chain.
“With this in mind, all stakeholders – from business operators, to the public and compliance organisations such as the EA, have a role to play in ensuring that our precious water resources are safeguarded.”
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Yorkshire Water urges caution around reservoirs over Bank HolidayYorkshire Water is urging visitors to their reservoirs to act with caution ahead of future bank holidays.
They are asking people to follow the Countryside Code and not to take risks by using disposable barbeques or swimming in the water.
A number of moorland fires in 2022 have been linked to disposable barbeques.
Gaynor Carpenter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said:
“With half-term upon us and a number of Bank Holiday weekends ahead, it is important that visitors to our reservoirs do not take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water. We’ve recently seen the very real dangers fires caused by barbecues pose to our moorland, which can take hundreds of years to recover.”
Disposable barbeques are not permitted on any of Yorkshire Water’s sites, and some of its areas are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), which means people could face on the spot fines if they are found using one.
Firefighters recently battled a large fire at Brimham Rocks, with the fire service urging people to be careful about putting out cigarettes and barbeques.
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Gaynor added:
“It is also important visitors to our sites remain vigilant around the water, particularly parents with children who may be tempted to enter the water.
“We work hard to ensure our sites can be enjoyed by visitors from the region and beyond and it is important people leave the sites as they found them. Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, keep dogs on leads and park considerately will all help to make visits to our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone.”
If visitors do see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.
Residents on Harrogate’s Duchy Road lose water after pipe burstsPeople living on Harrogate’s Duchy Road were without water today after a pipe burst.
Yorkshire Water was carrying out planned work to repair a section of pipe.
But a Yorkshire Water spokeswoman explained things didn’t go entirely to plan. She said:
“During that repair, an unexpected burst happened nearby. This was then repaired live by the guys on site already there.
“It’s unclear how many houses were affected but I can tell you we had five calls from customers.
“This issue should now be resolved, customers may experience low pressure as their water comes back on.”
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Swinsty Reservoir walking route reopens todayThe circular walking route around Swinsty Reservoir has reopened today, three months ahead of schedule.
Yorkshire Water closed the circular route around the reservoir In November 2020 to allow it to undertake £6 million safety works that were due to be completed in the summer.
The company introduced a temporary footpath, which drew some complaints for being too muddy.
https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1512387717430136845
The reservoir in the Washburn Valley is a popular location for families and dog walkers in the Harrogate district.
Alastair Harvey, lead recreation advisor at Yorkshire Water, said:
“Swinsty is one of our most popular reservoir sites, so it’s fantastic to have the full circular route open once again. We’re grateful for the patience of our visitors and local residents whilst the work took place.”
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Call for urgent remedy to Ripon residents’ flooding issueRipon City Council is calling for urgent action and a detailed investigation led by the Environment Agency after Storm Franklin brought unprecedented flooding to Hillshaw Park Way last month.
The owners of 11 affected properties, who are still dealing with insurance claims, a clean up operation and months of misery and disruption ahead, are seeking answers about the causes of the flood amid concerns that the drainage infrastructure serving their area is not fit for purpose.
Residents were invited to an extraordinary meeting of the council called by Mayor and ward councillor Eamon Parkin and fellow ward councillor Sid Hawke.
Irwin Blenkiron and his neighbour Andrew Jarvis spoke on behalf of all residents to highlight their concerns and seek remedial action to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.
Irwin Blenkiron (front, centre) and Andrew Jarvis (checked shirt) spoke on behalf of residents of Hillshaw Park Way at the extraordinary meeting.
Mr Blenkiron, an 80-year-old retired civil servant, told the meeting about an urgent pre-dawn phone call he received from a neighbour on February 21, warning that flood water was rapidly rising in the street in front of his home.
With the need for him and his wife Carol to evacuate their bungalow growing by the minute, cars were moved from the drive to higher ground and friends unaffected by the flood who live further down the street, welcomed them into their warm and dry home.
After the council meeting, Mr Blenkiron told the Stray Ferret:
“My wife and I have lived in the street since 1985 and we have never experienced anything like this before.”
Linda Beck, who has lived in the Hillshaw Park Way for 14 years, has written on behalf of affected residents to Yorkshire Water, expressing doubts about the pumping station and associated drainage infrastructure serving the area.
Yorkshire Water’s pumping station, which serves Hillshaw Park Way and Priest Lane.
She and neighbours believe it is no longer able to cope with increased capacity of water caused by more frequent stormy weather. exacerbated by run-off water from developments, including the nearby St Michael’s Retail Park at Rotary Way and the adjacent Cathedral Meadows residential development.
Linda Beck had to throw away items from her garage after they were saturated by flood water.
Her letter was sent to the developers, along with North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, and Ripon’s MP Julian Smith.
The pressure of water, caused by the February 21 flood, blew the cover off one of a series of storm drains located on land to the rear of Mr and Mrs Blenkiron’s home.
Ms Beck, whose garage, drive and back garden were flooded, said:
“I haven’t suffered the same degree of damage that other neighbours have experienced, but it’s a mess, massive inconvenience and I could have done without this.
“We certainly don’t want to have to put up with this again and it is clear to us that action is required.”
Andrew Jarvis, like other neighbours, is facing months of misery ahead as he waits for his home to dry out.
Those views are shared by Mr Jarvis, who who has lived in Hillshaw Park Way for 30 years. He pointed out:
“We need the causes of the February flood to be sorted out before the next storm arrives.
“The flood waters were totally unexpected and rose so quickly that there was no way of keeping them out of my house and garage.
“Now, along with Mr and Mrs Blenkirion, Linda and other neighbours on the street, I’m having to deal with the clean-up operation, with dehumidifiers around my home on virtually all the time making it hard to sleep.
“I even had to find a temporary home for my tropical fish, because it’s not suitable to have the aquarium here in these conditions.”
Yorkshire Water’s response
In response to the the letter sent by Ms Beck, Anthony Sumner, Yorkshire Water operational complaints champion, said that the flooding in Hillshaw Park Way occurred after the River Ure burst its banks and “the main surface water line out of Ripon had nowhere to go”.
Mr Sumner added:
“We were called to the sewerage pumping station as we had a report from a customer who thought the flooding was as a result of our asset failing.
“We met with a customer and showed that the sewerage pumping station was pumping as normal (by lifting both pumps and checked (sic) the rising main discharge point) .The issue as far as the pumping station was concerned was that it was taking on flood water and surface water (and) as such therefore couldn’t cope.
“There has never been any question for needing to increase capacity at this pumping station under normal conditions.
“Regarding increasing the size of the pumps, when the system was designed it was determined that the size of the pumps would meet the needs of the area, as has been shown under normal circumstances our pumps meet the requirements they were designed for.
“We would not look to increase the size or capacity at this time. Increasing the capacity of the pumps would detriment (sic) residents and communities further down the system especially during exceptional rainfall and severe storms similar to the ones we have recently experienced.”
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Call for investigation by the Environment Agency
Cllr Hawke said:
“The problem with this response is that weather events like Storm Franklin and before that Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice, are becoming the norm and are occurring more frequently.
“Once you add in the additional waste and drainage water generated by new housing and other developments in Ripon, it is clear that capacities are going to be stretched on a more regular basis.
“That is why we want the Environment Agency, as the rivers authority, to head the investigation into what happened at Hillshaw Park Way in February, so that urgent improvements can can be made.
Harrogate Lib Dems call for sewage tax to clean-up riversHarrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats have called on the government to introduce a sewage tax to raise money to clean rivers.
The party said a 16% tax on water companies would help to create an emergency fund to improve rivers which had sewage dumped into them.
The Stray Ferret reported in November that Yorkshire Water released raw and untreated sewage into Harrogate district rivers and becks on 3,800 different occasions in 2020.
The worst affected local river is the River Nidd, prompting health concerns from wild swimmers that use the river in Knaresborough.
Water companies are legally allowed to release sewage through overflow pipes when the sewage system becomes too full, which can happen during increased rainfall.
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The Liberal Democrats highlighted that Yorkshire Water made an operating profit of £241 million last year.
Hannah Gostlow, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Scriven Park in Knaresborough, said:
“Rivers should be safe for sustaining wildlife, swimming and leisure. They are a precious source of drinking water for some.
“So why are they filled with raw sewage and human waste, destroying them for decades to come?
“It is disgraceful to see a company which pollutes our local rivers with sewage make so much money last year. I think Yorkshire Water should pay to clean up the mess they make here. This Conservative government is once again too slow to act and doing nothing to protect our local rivers.”
The Stray Ferret contacted the Conservative leader of Harrogate Borough Council, Cllr Richard Cooper, to ask for his response to the proposal. He referred us to the council press office. We await a response.