New Year celebrations cancelled over wind warning

Fireworks and live entertainment were planned for Ripon's Market Square on New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve celebrations have been cancelled in a North Yorkshire city amid weather warnings for high winds and flooding for the county.

Ripon City Council said a firework display and entertainment to welcome in 2025 in the Market Square would no longer take place.

In a statement, council leader Andrew Williams said: "We cannot possibly risk people's safety, but would urge those wishing to celebrate to visit Ripon's fantastic offering of pubs, bars and restaurants."

The cancellation came as the Met Office issued yellow warnings for wind until 23:00 GMT on Tuesday across Yorkshire, while the Environment Agency issued flood warnings for other areas, including two warnings for Scarborough.

The flood warnings in place for the seaside resort were for Sandside and Foreshore Road.

The Environment Agency also said there were flood alerts in other parts of North Yorkshire, including along the coast from Whitby to Filey.

'Seriously adverse'

In his statement over the cancellation of events in Ripon, Mr Williams said it was "deeply regrettable" the New Year celebrations could not go ahead.

However, he added that the decision was based on "seriously adverse weather warnings".

Elsewhere in the county, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon were also closed on Tuesday due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.

A statement on its website said: "We are very sorry to disappoint those who were hoping to visit."

The Met Office said in its warning that wind gusts of 50 to 60mph were expected, potentially even reaching 70mph in some parts, which it said could lead to travel disruption.

The A66 in North Yorkshire was closed in both directions on Tuesday morning to high-sided vehicles.

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