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Live Reporting

Andrew Barton

All times stated are UK

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  1. Goodbye: Our live coverage across the day

    Andrew Barton

    BBC Local Live, York

    That's the end of our live service for today. 

    I'll be back from 07:00 on Monday with more news, sport, travel and weather updates from around the county.

    Today I'll leave you with a few of the pics from some of today's stories.

    The WW1 graffiti at Richmond Castle, another cracking BBC Weather Watcher pic from Gary Gimmick of Clifford Tower in York (goose included), the stunning aerial view of the building of the Scarborough Leisure Village, the frightening re-opening of the York Dungeon after damage caused by flooding over Christmas and the Ryedale fracking plans which have been recommended for approval by North Yorkshire County Council. 

    Collage

    Have a good weekend, see you Monday.

  2. Stonegate paving work sparks questions - and an answer

    Sounds like work being carried out in Stonegate in York at the moment is sparking quite a lot of interest:

  3. Green campaigners 'disappointed' at Ryedale fracking recommendation

    A report by North Yorkshire County Council planners which recommends giving the go-ahead to a fracking site in Ryedale has been criticised by environmental campaigners.

    Ryedale fracking site

    Third Energy wants permission to extract shale gas near Kirby Misperton, but campaigners say they fear it would lead to the pollution of ground water and could trigger earthquakes.

    Simon Bowens, from Friends of the Earth, says: "While it's disappointing planning officers have dismissed the serious risks of fracking in Ryedale, Third Energy shouldn't be popping champagne corks yet.

    "North Yorkshire councillors have been presented with clear evidence that Third Energy's application could harm local wildlife, local business, people's health and the environment."

    The report will be considered by North Yorkshire's planning committee on 20 May.

  4. From the air: A seagull's-eye-view of Scarborough's latest leisure complex

    Andrew Barton

    BBC Local Live, York

    Three months after building work started on Scarborough's new leisure village things appear to be progressing well, as this wonderful aerial pic shows.

    A ceremony to formally mark the start of work was held on site on 28 January. 

    Scarborough Leisure Village

    When completed, Scarborough Leisure Village will be home to a 25m swimming pool and learner pool, a four-court sports hall, squash courts, a 60-station fitness suite, an aerobics studio and a new ground for Scarborough Athletic Football Club.

  5. The writing's on the walls: More graffiti pics by WW1 conscientious objectors

    Andrew Barton

    BBC Local Live, York

    Earlier I told you about graffiti drawn by conscientious objectors held in Richmond Castle during World War One, which is being preserved by English Heritage.

    In May 1916, 16 men from the north of England were incarcerated in cells at the castle.

    The graffiti features pencil drawings and inscriptions, including slogans, poetry, and portraits of loved ones.

    Here are a few more examples of the graffiti to peruse:

    Graffiti pics

    A grant of £365,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be used to protect the work and allow public access.

    Graffiti pics
  6. Traffic and travel latest: Queuing traffic in Ripon on the A61 and the 12:35 York to Southampton train delayed

    BBC Travel

    There's queuing traffic on the A61 Ripon Road, westbound, in Harrogate, between New Park Roundabout and the Knox Mill Lane junction, because of temporary traffic lights and roadworks.  

    On the trains if you're rushing for the 12:35 to Southampton Central from York, it's been delayed and is now due to depart York at 12:48.

  7. North Yorkshire weather update: A cloudy afternoon with threat of rain

    Clare Nasir

    Weather presenter, BBC Look North

    It'll be a cloudy afternoon and there could be a little drizzle, but many areas will remain dry

    Feeling much cooler with high of 13C to 14C (57F), especially with a brisk north to northeasterly wind. 

    Weather graphic
  8. Headlines: Fracking in Ryedale looks set for go-ahead, questions asked after report on Foss Barrier failure, North Yorkshire among worst affected by bank closures

    Nathan Turvey

    BBC Radio York News

    The latest headlines from our newsroom in York this lunchtime include:

    • Planning officials in North Yorkshire say an application to frack in Ryedale should be approved
    • Questions are being asked about the maintenance of the Foss Flood Barrier in York after a report by the Environment Agency said it failed on Boxing day because of a faulty joint in an underground tunnel
    • Figures obtained by the BBC show more than 600 bank branches have closed in the past year, with rural areas like North Yorkshire among the worst affected
  9. Analysis: Fracking in North Yorkshire moves a step closer

    Gemma Dillon

    Political Reporter, BBC Radio York

    The long-awaited report into fracking in North Yorkshire by the County Council's planning team was published overnight and recommends it should be given the go-ahead.

    About a year ago, Third Energy applied for permission to frack for shale gas near Kirby Misperton. This is the process of pumping water and chemicals deep underground to break open shale rock and release the gas trapped inside.

    Fracking graphic

    Planning officials conclude fracking should go ahead as they believe it'll help provide for the nation's energy needs and they say measures will be put in place to protect the environment. 

    It's worth stressing, though, that this is only a recommendation from the planning department - the final decision still rests in the hands of councillors who meet next Friday.

  10. Why I love my job: Scary people to talk to on Friday 13th!

    Joanita Musisi

    Reporter, BBC Radio York

    People of a suspicious disposition may not like the fact that it's Friday the 13th, and if you're particularly nervous you may be a little wary of the following scary news: the York Dungeon is now open again.

    It's been closed since the floods over Christmas, when the lower levels of the Dungeon were inundated by 1m of floodwater after the River Ouse burst its banks, destroying numerous displays.

    The water took nine days to recede and the repair bill was over £800,000.

    I took my life in my hands earlier, when I met Halfdan the Viking and the Black Jester...

    Halfdan and the Black Jester
    Quote Message: When you come to the Dungeon I'll say hello and have joy in my heart, I'll love you, I'll send you in and then never see you again. Most people don't make it out!" from Black Jester York Dungeon scary person
    Black JesterYork Dungeon scary person
    Quote Message: I look lovely, despite being in battle - I have a healthy glow!" from Halfdan The Viking
    HalfdanThe Viking
    York Dungeon

    All I can say is, I hope you hear from me again on BBC Radio York sometime soon!

  11. It's easier by car: Two youngsters who 'make a difference' complete whole Tour de Yorkshire in comfort

    Andrew Barton

    BBC Local Live, York

    It looks like completing the whole Tour de Yorkshire route was done with ease by two young people from North Yorkshire.

    That's because Jasmine-Katy Gordon and Jamie Lynas were special guests in the Tour de Yorkshire race car that took them from the start line in Beverley to the finish in Settle.

    Jasmine-Katy Gordon and Jamie Lynas

    Jasmine, from Filey, is a member of the Young People's Council (YPC) and was chosen to be part of the Tour de Yorkshire through her involvement with the YPC.   

    Jamie, from Spofforth, is a member of the Flying High group, which helps young adults in North Yorkshire with disabilities or extra support needs.  

    TDY cake
    Quote Message: They have helped North Yorkshire County Council within their community, so it was great that we could give a little something back to them. I am sure it was a great experience for them and one that they will never forget." from Carl Les Leader of North Yorkshire County Council
    Carl LesLeader of North Yorkshire County Council
  12. WWI conscientious objector graffiti at Richmond Castle to be preserved

    Andrew Barton

    BBC Local Live, York

    "Crumbling" graffiti drawn by conscientious objectors held in Richmond Castle during World War One is to be preserved by English Heritage.

    In May 1916, 16 men - mainly from the north of England - were incarcerated in cells at the castle.

    The graffiti features pencil drawings and inscriptions, including slogans, poetry, and portraits of loved ones.

    Graffiti by conscientious objector

    A grant of £365,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be used to protect the work and allow public access. 

    Grafiti by conscientious objector at Richmond Castle
  13. Watch: Ryedale fracking looks like getting green light

    Gemma Dillon

    Political Reporter, BBC Radio York

    Planning officials in North Yorkshire say plans to frack in Ryedale should be approved. 

    The report shows over 4,000 people responded to the County Council's consultation, with many of those objecting. 

    Video content

    Video caption: Watch: report recommends Fracking in Ryedale

    But the planning officials at the council are recommending decision makers approve the application to frack at Kirby Misperton.

    Third Energy, the firm behind the proposals, says it's pleased with the officers' conclusion.

  14. Headlines: Fracking in Ryedale 'should be approved', questions asked after report on Foss Barrier failure, North Yorkshire among worst affected by bank closures

    Nathan Turvey

    BBC Radio York News

    The latest headlines from our newsroom in York include:

    • Planning officials in North Yorkshire say an application to frack in Ryedale should be approved
    • Questions are being asked about the maintenance of the Foss Flood Barrier in York after a report by the Environment Agency said it failed on Boxing day because of a faulty joint in an underground tunnel
    • Figures obtained by the BBC show more than 600 bank branches have closed in the past year, with rural areas like North Yorkshire among the worst affected
  15. BBC Weather Watchers: Bring on the buds and blossom!

    BBC Weather Watchers

    It looks like BBC Weather Watcher weaver pete has been on an enjoyable spring wander in Cononley near Skipton.

    Buds and blossom near Skipton

    It's always a joy to receive such pics. You can send yours in via Twitter,Facebook or by email.

  16. Unions call for support for staff at Hull Uni over new partnership

    Scarborough UK

    Unions are calling on people to show their support for staff at the University of Hull Scarborough Campus by signing an online petition.

    UoH Scarborough campus

    The petition condemns the "lack of transparency and meaningful consultation" involved in the transfer of ownership of the Scarborough campus to the Grimsby Institute, and the settlement offered to the 140 staff that remain employed on the campus.  

  17. Opinions divided as report suggests Ryedale fracking should get go-ahead

    BBC Radio York

    An application to frack in Ryedale should be approved, North Yorkshire County Council officials say in a new report.

    A final decision on the site at Kirby Misperton will be made by county councillors a week today.

    Fracking site in North Yorkshire

    The report shows more than 4,000 people responded to the County Council's consultation, with many of those objecting.

    As we've been hearing on BBC Radio York this morning, it's an issue which is dividing opinion:

    Quote Message: If this goes ahead, it could be that Ryedale will not be the honeypot for tourism, but instead a honeypot for the fracking industry - and that is not absolutely what we want for this area." from Lindsay Burr Councillor, Kirby Misperton
    Lindsay BurrCouncillor, Kirby Misperton
    Quote Message: Tourism will not be ruined. What fracking would bring to the area is lots of people wanting accommodation, food, cafes restaurants, entertainment... It brings in money to the economy." from Lorraine Allanson Friends of Ryedale Gas Exploration
    Lorraine AllansonFriends of Ryedale Gas Exploration
  18. Traffic and travel update: Roads problem-free, some delays on trains

    BBC Travel

    Things are still looking fine on North Yorkshire's roads so far this morning.

    On the trains, York Railway Station's live departure board currently shows a few very short delays on several services.

    And if you're planning to travel on the 09:34 York-Edinburgh service, be aware that it's currently running about eight minutes late.

  19. Laugher secures silver at Euro Diving Championships

    BBC Sport

    Ripon's Jack Laugher has won a silver medal in the 3m springboard at the European Diving Championships in London. 

    Jack Laugher with silver medal

    Laugher had been in gold medal position after the first two rounds of six, only for injury to strike before his third effort which dropped him briefly to fifth before a strong late recovery.

    He says: "It was about clawing my way back from there, and there's a lesson - if it feels like it hurts and I can't dive, I can still claw it back to a silver medal.

    "So I'm happy with it, and this silver medal boosts my confidence going towards Rio."