Parents have expressed concerns about the safety of swimming in the River Nidd after a spate of children falling ill.
There have been widespread reports on social media of young people suffering sickness and diarrhoea since they went in the river to cool down during last week’s heatwave.
Most of those affected had been in the water at Knaresborough.
Environment Agency figures revealed raw sewage was pumped into the Nidd for 16,713 hours last year. Parents say there should be more signs alerting people to danger.
Jennyfields mum Lisa Poole, whose three sons are still unwell 10 days on, said there is a public health risk that needs highlighting. She said:
“My boys went swimming at Conyngham Hall on the Sunday (July 17) and are still not right. They’ve had vomiting and explosive diarrhoea.
“At least 50 people have said on social media that the same thing happened to their families.
“My family won’t ever swim in the river again so what happens now makes no difference to us but we think something should be done to warn other people of the danger.”
The River Nidd at Knaresborough
Harrogate mum Julie Mills, who was among the first to highlight the issue on social media, agreed.
Her teenage daughter and three friends swam near Conyngham Hall last week. She said:
“My daughter is a real water baby who is used to the river but she and her friends were all ill.
“Nearly everybody we have spoken to who went into the river was ill afterwards. Something’s not right.”
David Clayden, honorary secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said there were legitimate questions about water quality considering the amount of raw sewage being pumped into the Nidd.
He said the problem was exacerbated at times when the water level is low, such as now, when the river needed a good flush.
The Stray Ferret asked Yorkshire Water, which treats water on the Nidd, if it was aware of an outbreak of sickness among river swimmers during the heatwave.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:
“The river is a natural environment and contains bacteria from a variety of sources that may cause illness if swallowed.
“We have checked the performance of our equipment in the area and have found no evidence of any discharges from storm overflows or combined sewer overflows in the days before Friday 15th, or since.
“Our wastewater treatment works have continued to treat wastewater and return it to the environment as normal.”
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council, which is responsible for public health, said it wasn’t aware of any issues.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it wasn’t aware of any recent pollution incidents on the Nidd but advised people against swimming in rivers unless they were designated bathing areas.
Four traditional pubs to visit in the Harrogate districtA new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The One-Eyed Rat is a traditional pub, famous for its old fashioned charm.
It can be found on Allhallowgate, one of the oldest parts of Ripon.
A real ale destination over many decades, the One Eyed Rat was refurbished and re-opened under new management in the summer of 2020.
A Grade II listed building set within a terrace of 200-year-old houses, its narrow frontage leads to a warm and welcoming hostelry.
The pub has a long, narrow interior with traditional seating and an open fire, and there is a large garden at the rear, including a covered area.
You can also enjoy a traditional pie and a pint.
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
Knaresborough has its share of mysteries — did Mother Shipton really predict the future and how did Blind Jack build so many roads?
Now there is a new one: how did a First World War bomb lie undiscovered in the River Nidd for so many years?
The bomb was found in the shallows beneath Grimbald Bridge yesterday by litter picker Simon Briscombe.
Mr Briscombe thought it was a gas canister until the bomb squad turned up and carried out a controlled explosion in a nearby field.
Police closed the A59 for two hours.
It seems miraculous that such a weapon could have lurked undiscovered for more than a century — and how did it get there?
Intriguingly, Kathy Allday, chair of Knaresborough Museum Association, said a British plane came down in the Nidd during the First World War, close to the area where the weapon was discovered.
The pilot was killed and debris was scattered across the river. Could it have been carrying the bomb?
It isn’t the first explosive device found in Knaresborough.
Members of Claro Community Archaeology Group discovered an unexploded shell from the Second World War in Scriven Park while metal detecting several years ago.
Mike Baxter, chairman of the group, says there was a munitions factory at nearby Farnham during the Second World War. He added.
“The Home Guard was supplied with all kinds of horrible phosphorus-type bombs in case we were invaded.”
Kevin Earl, a military history enthusiast from Knaresborough, said his gut feeling was that this was a German bomb from the Second World War and if it dated back to the 1914-18 war he could only imagine it had been disposed of in the river.
Knaresborough resident Chris Jenkins got in touch to say:
“The photo of the actual item was an artillery shell.
“You can see the soft metal drive bands on the shell. This makes more sense as I am not aware of Knaresborough being bombed in World War One.
“It’s not uncommon to find war trophies ditched near bridges. Guns and material were brought home and then ditched over the years when it was realised they were not appropriate.”
Simon Briscombe
Mr Briscombe, who stumbled across the weapon, thinks this explanation is plausible. He said:
“Judging by the state it was in when I pulled it out of the river it had obviously been there a long time.
“It’s quite probable that somebody brought it back from the war as a memento and when he died his family chucked it into the river.”
The self-employed electrician said he hadn’t managed to do much work today but was grateful to be alive.
“My phone has been ringing off the hook. I think I’m going to have to knock today on the head. But there could have been bits of me hanging off the bridge!”
Bomb squad detonates First World War bomb in Knaresborough
The bomb squad was called to Knaresborough this evening when an unexploded First World War bomb was found in the River Nidd.
Simon Briscombe, whose partner Rachel Wills owns the Watermill cafe, found what he initially thought to be a gas canister during a weekly litter pick.
But when he got home and cleaned the gunk off the item, which he found beneath Grimbald Bridge, he became suspicious.
The couple dialled 101 and after sending a photo, the bomb squad, police and firefighters rushed to their home at The Chase.
Rachel Wills and Simon Briscombe
Their house, along with about 30 others on the estate, was immediately evacuated while the bomb was taken away and a controlled explosion carried out nearby. The A59 was closed for about two hours.
Ms Wills said:
“We’re still in shock. If Simon had known what it was he wouldn’t have moved it.
“The police were horrified because he brought it home in the car and there are a lot of speed bumps in Knaresborough. But we didn’t know what it was.”
The bomb was wrapped in sandbags at the couple’s home for about an hour until the bomb squad arrived.
The bomb wrapped in sandbags at the couple’s home.
Ms Wills said:
“We do litter picks on our own every week and have found some really strange things — last week we found a sewing machine from 1898. But we’ve never found a bomb.
“In a way I’m relieved that we found it rather than a group of kids.”
Police close the road.
Reader’s photo: Mandarin duck in Birstwith
Mike White, a keen amateur photographer from Birstwith, sent us this image of a Mandarin duck he photographed on the River Nidd.
The waterbird was introduced to the UK from China and escaped captivity. A shy bird, it nests in trees. Male birds have elaborate plumage.
Mr White told us he had seen three pairs of the birds on the Nidd at Birstwith this year.
Send us your photographs of the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
The rivers beckon for paddlers from the Harrogate district
Covid lockdowns put a two-year hold on the outdoor activities of the Dales Canoe Club, but members of all ages will soon be taking to the water once more.
The multi-generational, family-focused club has 40 paddlers aged from 11-year-olds to people in their mid-70s, who come from across the Harrogate district..
They keenly await April 28, when they will head for the River Nidd in Knaresborough for their first meet of the season.
Between then and September, the Thursday evening gatherings will be held on rivers and canals throughout the Yorkshire Dales and further afield.
Winter practice at Starbeck Baths.
Fundraiser Jeremy Dunford has been involved with the club since 2015, when his son Reuben started as a novice.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“We had a boost with a successful application to the National Lottery, which brought nearly £10,000 and we have also received financial support from North Yorkshire County Council.
“The money has ensured that we are able to take all the new paddlers on the river at the same time over the summer.
“A key principle of the club is to ensure that paddling is affordable to all and the equipment can be expensive.
“We keep a certain amount of stock but this ages quickly as well as getting damaged. All our new paddlers have access to club kit for as long as they need (including kayaks and paddles).”
The club caters for people of all ages, from children to grandparents
Through the winter, members have been practicing at Starbeck Baths, but with the warmer weather and lighter nights they will be back on river banks across the region and ready to go immediately after the Easter holiday.
Mr Dunford said:
“Paddlers often use their involvement with the club as a springboard to academic progression elsewhere. One is currently studying outdoor adventure sports at uni having done, as my son did, a BTec in outdoor adventure sports at Askham Bryan and this in turn has enabled them to get places on camp in Canada.
“Some members also use the club as part of BTec course evidence, GCSE Sports Science and D of E awards evidence.
“We welcome, paddlers with conditions such as epilepsy, autism and ADHD, all of whom have had their paddling experience adjusted to ensure their needs are met.”
Members enjoy the social, as well as the sporting activities of the club.
The club started in 1976. and Maurice Young, a retired GP now in his 80s who took his sons along from day one, has been chairperson since 1978..
Dave Titchmarsh, who is the second in command, is a paddler in his 70s and has been with the club for many years as well.
One of the club’s senior members, Ted Walton, started as a teenager and is now in his 50s and leads a lot of activities.
The club, which adheres to all safety standards, currently has a full complement of members but opportunities for more people to join in September will open up as some move on to university.
Further details are available by clicking here.
No respite after flooding as Storm Franklin brings 50mph winds overnight
Flooding is causing major problems in the Harrogate district today. Many roads are treacherous and police are urging motorists to think carefully before setting off.
Here are some of the main stories so far today:
Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.
It’s been a busy day for a lot of people but there are signs that things are starting to calm down. However:
⚠️River levels are still very high
⚠️B6265 Boroughbridge predicted to flood overnight
⚠️A Yellow wind warning is in place until 13:00 tomorrowhttps://t.co/bY84nwKX5L
— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 20, 2022
Harrogate traffic constable David Minto has just tweeted a traffic update. We understand several cars have broken down after encountering the pot hole and are awaiting recovery.
https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1495508329787006978
Winds of up to 51mph are expected overnight as Storm Franklin continues the wild weather in the Harrogate district.
A yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow.
It will be a very windy start to Monday due to #StormFranklin
Bands of rain & showers will also be sinking south during the rush hour, & combined with the strong winds may make travel difficult in places
Warnings are in force throughout the morning so stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/wtfn5NI9NF
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 20, 2022
The Ure has also shot up today to near-record levels, as this graph shows.
According to the River Levels website, it was at 14.4 metres at 8.15pm tonight. The record is 15.79m, reached on September 26, 2012.
This graph shows how rapidly the water level has increased today. The latest reading, at 7.30pm this evening, of 2.1m is only just below the highest ever, which was recorded on December 26, 2015 at 2.33m.
A typical level is between 0.43m and 0.63m.
However, the site says the river level is falling — it is 0.012m down on the reading 15 mins earlier.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495482851747414022
#StainburnClose #B6161 at #Leathley only passable by 4×4 due to floodwater.
If you are not sure of the depth STAY OUT.
Please do NOT attempt to drive through floodwater.— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
#A61 #HarrogateRoad #HarewoodBridge at #Dunkeswick is closed to ALL traffic due to flood water.
— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
Thanks to reader Paul Smith, who has sent us these cracking photos of the Ure bridge at North Road in Ripon, which he took at 5pm today.
Today’s North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident log is unusually long. It reveals the key role firefighters have played in the flood effort today. Call-outs include:
10:28 Mill Lane, Spofforth. Crews assisted with flood water in basement of property. Crew pumped water out of a basement using two light portable pumps.
14:49 Summerbridge. Crews assisted with diverting flood water away from residential properties. Small tools and sandbags used.
14:51 King Street, Pateley Bridge. Crews assisted several domestic properties with flood water. Crews pumping out.
15:25 Dacre Banks. Crews assisted homeowners in the area that had been affected by flood water. Crews used light portable pumps to alleviate water levels.
15:38 Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge. Crews responded to a property that had water ingress affecting their electrics. Crews used a light portable pump to remove water from property.
15:40 Knaresborough. Crews assisted several residents to evacuate due to high levels of flood water. Crews used water rescue equipment
https://twitter.com/ValleyClubHgate/status/1495458782817787907
The Ready for Anything service, which is a group of volunteers co-ordinated by North Yorkshire County Council, is reporting on social media that Chain Lane community centre and the town hall are being considered as possible sites for a rest centre for flood evacuees.
The message adds Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge are also being ‘closely watched’.
We reported earlier that firefighters were rescuing some residents. It seems they’ve gone back for the pets!
https://twitter.com/russjenks999/status/1495451705231790082
We are receiving reports the road is totally flooded and should be closed.
https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1495440197638623238
Thanks to Michael White for this photo of Rowan Close in Knaresborough, which he says floods frequently due to heavy rain and blocked gutters.
There appear to be 17 flood alerts and flood warnings active in the Harrogate district. Eleven are along the River Nidd.
Kevin Wood has sent us this photo from Pateley Bridge. e says:
“Looks like the rain is with us for the rest of the day. Hope the rest of Pateley is OK as we can’t get out.”
The Stray is no stranger to puddles of water but even so, the current situation isn’t looking too great.
Be careful driving in Hampsthwaite.
Some great photos have been added to the Knaresborough Photography Facebook page.
Thanks again to Louise Kendall in Pateley Bridge, who sent this photo of a home trying to withstand rising floodwater.
Louisa says:
“This is the result of the local council refusing to give us sandbags as they say the river is dropping however its the drains causing the problem.
“I messaged them and they said apparently sand bags are not being released at the moment as the river is going down.”
UPDATE: Louise messaged later to say: “They have given in after a lot of hassle and given us several.”
Our Ripon reporter Tim Flanagan has sent this update from the city.
The River Skell rages past the Water Rat – a popular gastro pub overlooking Alma Weir and Ripon Cathedral, that is owned by Rick Jones. The pub was inundated in the floods of June 2007.
As river levels rise in the downpour, the ford at the Firs Avenue crossing near Farmison was overwhelmed when the banks burst.
Ripon’s main River, the Ure is also rising fast and can be seen here at Hewick Bridge near Ripon racecourse.
The Skell between the Iron Bridge and Bondgate Bridge passes the children’s playground in full spate.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1495419704076292099
The latest Met Office forecast for Harrogate is for more rain until 9pm tonight but it could ease after 5pm. Don’t forget, a yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow, when this grim period of weather should finally abate.
The National Trust has released this video of flooding that has ‘totally devastated’ the water gardens at Fountains Abbey today. You can read more here.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495412109710082052
Thanks to Michael Ward for this picture of the River Nidd in Knaresborough, where it has burst its banks and partially submerged some trees.
Thanks to reader Louise Kendall for these photos taken in the last few minutes, Parts of the town remain under water but Louise tells us the flood has subsided on the High Street thanks to Lee from the Spar shop cleaning the drains. “Greenwood road is worse now,” she says.
Anyone from Knaresborough able to update us on the situation there? The caravan parks are close to the Nidd.
Please be aware there are a number of flooded roads throughout the county. Pleas DO NOT drive into floodwater. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will not recover vehicles.
— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
The bottom of the Nidderdale town was flooded this morning after the River Nidd burst its banks. Many nearby roads are also affected. Let us know the latest situation by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
After storms on Friday and snow yesterday, the Harrogate district faces severe flooding problems today.
Sixteen flood alerts and more serious flood warnings are currently active in the district. Travel is difficult and the water gardens at Fountains Abbey have been “totally devastated”
Eleven of the flood warnings and alerts are for the River Nidd, with the government’s flood alert service saying:
“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside properties at Nidderdale Lodge and Alder Avenue, Knaresborough Caravan Parks and Goldsborough Mill Farm.
“Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action.
“You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Further heavy rain is forecast during Sunday and levels are expected to continue rising.
A warning is in place for the Upper Nidd. It says:
“Areas most at risk include low lying 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.”
A full list of alerts and warnings is available here;
The National Trust has emailed to say Fountains Abbey is staying closed today and tomorrow after the water garden was “totally devastated by flooding” today, according to a spokeswoman.
She said:
“We’re sadly seeing the devastating effects of the ongoing extreme weather today in the water garden.
“It’s too soon to tell what the overall impact of the storm will be but we are assessing any damage when it’s safe to do so. If you’re planning a visit please check our website before you set off as we’re likely to have some periods of closure to parts of the estate. We will remain closed tomorrow.”
Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd as Storm Dudley continues
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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:
“People who are booked to travel in either direction between York and London King’s Cross or Leeds and London King’s Cross are being advised not to travel on Friday but where possible, make their journey tomorrow, Thursday 17 February.”
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Strong winds have brought a tree down on the cycle path on Nidderdale Greenway at Starbeck.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.”
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.
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 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.
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.