Leading North East housebuilder announces new Managing Director
In line with International Women’s Day (8th March), Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East is putting the spotlight on its new Managing Director, Jo Ainsley. Middlesborough born, Jo brings more than 18 years of experience in the construction industry, including work at Taylor Wimpey and Vistry. Jo is now an ambassador for the leading developer, supporting the…
Andrew Jackson expands litigation and dispute resolution team amid growing client demand
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has expanded its commercial litigation and dispute resolution (LDR) practice with a series of senior appointments, reflecting growing client demand. The developments come as long-standing partner Hugh Smith prepares to retire after 37 years with the firm. Led by Nick Dean, partner, and head of the LDR practice, the team has…
City of York Council approves £4.8m Crisis and Resilience fund for the next 3 years
City of York Council has approved a new three year Crisis and Resilience Fund to support residents on low incomes who experience a financial shock, as well as to strengthen long‑term financial resilience across the city. The new scheme, approved at today’s Decision Session for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, and Equalities, will run from 1…
Teachers report limited or no training to support neurodivergent pupils, new study finds
Nearly 25 percent of teachers report receiving no training on how to support neurodivergent pupils, and most of those who did describe it as brief and limited in scope, according to new research from York St John University and the University of Surrey. Researchers surveyed 177 teachers and support staff in mainstream schools in the…
Move into a new home this spring with leading North Yorkshire developer
House hunters in North Yorkshire looking to move in for spring are encouraged to view David Wilson Homes’ Chaloners Green development. Chaloners Green offers a selection of two, three and four bedroom homes, from just £194,995, that could be ready to move into as soon as spring this year. Just two miles from Whitby town centre, it…
North Yorkshire housebuilder donates to Copmanthorpe Parish Council
Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes has donated to Copmanthorpe Parish Council to support the upkeep of Copmanthorpe cemetery. Five-star homebuilder, Barratt Homes, which is currently building at Russet Park in Copmanthorpe, has donated £300 to Copmanthorpe Parish Council. The donation is intended to go towards equipment and support for the upkeep of the cemetery nearby the development. A…
Salko UK strengthens leadership support with Executive Assistant appointment
Leading mechanical and engineering contractor, Salko UK, has appointed Kathryn Harman as Executive Assistant, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business continues to expand across the UK and Europe. In her new role, Kathryn will oversee day-to-day executive coordination, streamline internal processes and act as a central point of contact across departments to ensure smooth…
Council commits to York Cultural Strategy
City of York Council has confirmed it will adopt the York Cultural Strategy following a Decision Session today, Tuesday 3 March. The strategy, though funded by the Council thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was developed independently by arts, heritage and cultural organisations across the city. It lays out a clear…
94% York pupils get first choice of Secondary School
Secondary school admission figures for entry in September 2026 published today [2 March] show that 94% per cent of York children have been allocated their first preference of school. Parents and carers who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/SecondarySchoolAdmissions….
Sir Stephen Fry urges people to support York Against Cancer and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis in prostate cancer
In a video to York Against Cancer this prostate cancer awareness month, Sir Stephen Fry has urged people to support the charity and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis in prostate cancer. Sir Stephen Fry was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer in 2017. In a video for York Against Cancer, he…
York based construction company, William Birch & Sons celebrates the start of Women in Construction Week with Commercial Manager Appointment
William Birch & Sons Ltd, a long-established York-based contractor with over 150 years of heritage, has announced the appointment of Vicky Moss as Commercial Manager, effective 2nd March. The appointment strengthens the company’s strategic focus on commercial performance, disciplined growth and long-term sustainability. Announced during Women in Construction Week, it also reflects the increasing presence…
York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week
City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (2-6 March) by lighting up the city walls in rainbow colours. Led by charity New Family Social, this year’s campaign, Now’s the Time is calling…
Refurbished apartments to welcome returning tenants
Five completely refurbished blocks of apartments in Bell Farm are almost ready to welcome new and returning tenants. 40 apartments have been updated significantly to make them considerably more comfortable, safer and more affordable to run. While this major work was underway, tenants were moved to alternative accommodation. A number of former residents have chosen…
York seeks to tackle childhood inequalities with new Centre of Excellence for early childhood development
Proposals that would see York become a Centre of Excellence for early childhood development, helping to tackle childhood inequalities, will be considered for approval by the council’s Executive next month (3 March). The proposals reflect the authority’s ambitions to support communities and reduce inequalities in child development, including health and wellbeing, school readiness and healthy…
More, better quality affordable homes proposed
As part of the Council’s commitment to increase the quantity and quality of homes in York, it is proposing to develop 93 new affordable homes on the city centre Castle Mills site. Details are outlined in a report to Executive councillors being discussed next week. Another Executive report will outline plans to provide additional pitches…
Council asked to commit to York Cultural Strategy
City of York Council is set to consider whether to adopt the York Cultural Strategy at an Executive meeting on Tuesday 3 March. The strategy, though funded by the Council thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was developed independently by arts, heritage and cultural organisations across the city. It lays out…
City of York Council set to expand smoke control area to improve air quality and health
City of York Council is set to approve plans to expand the Smoke Control Area (SCA) to cover the entire city, in a major step towards cleaner air and healthier communities, at a meeting next week. Currently, 80 per cent of York’s households are within an SCA. The new citywide approach will ensure consistent rules…
Homebuilder prepares to unveil luxury development in North Yorkshire
Leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes prepares to unveil its Castra Park development in Huntington. Located in the popular village of Huntington, Castra Park will offer a range of luxurious, energy-efficient two, three and four bedroom homes. The development offers a great opportunity for first-time buyers and families to find their ideal home in a picturesque area on…
New measures to enable safe and accessible city centre events
Councillors will receive an update on measures to keep city centre events safe and make them more accessible to all at an Executive meeting next week (3 March). The report provides a progress update into the ongoing work led by City of York Council in partnership with a variety of stakeholders, including North Yorkshire Police,…
City of York Council to begin engagement on introducing wheeled recycling bins
City of York Council will begin talking with residents on proposals to move from kerbside recycling boxes to wheeled recycling bins, aiming to make recycling easier, safer and more efficient for households across the city. The proposed change forms part of the Council’s wider transformation of waste services. It would support future national recycling requirements,…
Castle Howard announces Vanbrugh celebration for anniversary year
Image Caption (above): Castle Howard. Photo by David Lindsay Castle Howard celebrates its creator and architect Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726) throughout 2026, the 300th anniversary of his death. Hailed as ‘The Rockstar of the English Baroque’ and ‘The original starchitect’, Vanbrugh had concurrent careers as an architect, playwright, adventurer, soldier, spy, diplomat and garden designer. Castle Howard is celebrating…
Make sure you have your say about car parking charges in Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves
Residents and businesses are being reminded that the online and paper consultation over car parking charges in Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves/East Parade ends on Friday 27 February 2026. Traders and residents in these four areas initiated a challenge to parking charges under the Traffic Management Act 2004. This followed the authority’s decision to increase charges for…
Dame Judi Dench urges people to support York Against Cancer through the “Quintessentially Bond” auction
Dame Judi Dench has urged people to support York Against Cancer by taking part in the ‘Quintessentially Bond’ auction. The timed online auction is being run by MovieManiaOnline. The company sell film memorabilia through their own auction platform and website, and has cabinets in The Antique Centre in York. Each year they sell a series…
Health Trainers take the lead in launching new Healthy Families sessions
City of York Council’s Health Trainer service is excited to launch the brand‑new Healthy Families Service – a warm, welcoming and completely free way for families in York to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing. Led by the friendly faces of Katie and Donna, the Healthy Families Service is all about supporting your whole family,…
Redefining creativity in the age of generative AI
Internationally acclaimed VFX artist and Visiting Professor at York St John University to give free lecture on how generative AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming creative practice. Professor Andrew McNamara, an award winning VFX artist, creative and technologist, will share insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities AI presents, in a special talk on Wednesday…
New ‘click before you tip’ booking system introduced at Hazel Court HWRC
City of York Council will introduce a pre‑booked timeslot system at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) from Monday 2 March, to help reduce congestion, improve safety and provide a better experience for residents and site users. Under the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ approach, all visitors – including residents, registered traders, charities and…
North Yorkshire homebuilder donates power washers to Huntington Cemetery
Five-star homebuilder Barratt Homes has donated power washers to Friends of Huntington Cemetery for the upkeep of the cemetery. Currently building at Knights Gate on New Lane in Huntington, Barratt Homes have donated power washers to a nearby cemetery. With the cemetery being close to the development, the power washers will be used to generally upkeep the…
Brides for a Cause: York Against Cancer to hold a pre-loved wedding dress sale
York Against Cancer are holding a pre-loved wedding dress sale on Sunday 1st March. The sale will take place The Leveson Centre, York Against Cancer’s cancer support centre at York Community Stadium, from 10am-4pm. Through the event, the charity hope to help cut the costs of weddings for brides to be, providing beautiful gowns, without…
International panel to share expertise on York becoming the UK’s first Dark Sky City
Cities Under Stars: Tackling Light Pollution in Cities offers an evening of discussion, performance, and reflection with leading dark-sky experts, artists, and academics. Wednesday 25 February 6.30pm to 9.00pm Creative Centre Auditorium, York St John University As part of the North York Moors Dark Skies Festival this month, York St John University is hosting an evening of discussion, live performance…
York Hospital Tiny Lives Appeal hits £50,000 – and needs help to reach £100,000
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is marking a major milestone in its Tiny Lives Appeal, after the campaign reached £50,000 in just a few weeks – halfway to its overall target of £100,000. Launched in November 2025, the appeal hit the £50,000 mark in January 2026, thanks to an extraordinary wave of support from local…
Property boom in 2026 as North Yorkshire residents given greater affordability
New data from Rightmove has predicted a stronger property market in 2026, providing peace of mind for North Yorkshire house hunters. A Boxing Day boom in visits to the property portal saw record figures surpassed. Visits to Rightmove nearly doubled (93%) between Christmas Day, the quietest day of the year, and Boxing Day, which was a bigger…
City of York Council approves challenging council budget to maintain services in 2026/27
Amid an ongoing and challenging financial outlook for councils across the country, City of York Council has approved a council tax increase of 4.99% for 2026/27 [Thursday 12 February]. The uplift will cover the increased cost of delivering services due to inflation. Whilst the annual budget setting process has been extremely challenging for the city,…
Progress continues on project to transform area near York Station
Work to improve the area to the front of York Station is progressing and there are some further changes to be aware of in the coming weeks. These changes will see significant improvements made to the pavements and public spaces, including the installation of York’s first pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer, and will require…
York free school meal pilots extended to ten additional primary schools
Over 170,000 free breakfasts will be available to primary school children in York over the next three years thanks to a major expansion of the city’s free school meals initiative. Funded by the York Hungry Minds campaign, free school breakfast pilots will be rolled out to invited children at the following schools from the summer…
City of York Council join York City to raise awareness of Fostering
City of York Council’s Fostering Team will be at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday 7 February ahead of the York City V Forest Green Rovers match to raise awareness about fostering in York. Football fans attending the match are encouraged to chat with the council’s fostering team before kick-off, where staff will be on…
An update on Lendal Bridge works
Works to repair Lendal Bridge, originally scheduled for spring of this year, have now been delayed to 2027 due to unavoidable delays on the Station Gateway project. Together, these two major projects will bring long-term benefits for everyone who lives, works and travels in the city. However, because they each have significant impacts on the…
York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the wider economy during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) next week (9-15 February). NAW shines a light on how apprenticeships are a great option for people to consider when they are looking to start or change careers. With apprenticeships…
New Business Doctor brings growth support for West & North Yorkshire Chamber members
Business Doctors is delighted to announce the appointment of Alastair Stewart as its new Business Doctor for North Yorkshire. With over four decades of experience in sales, business development, and strategic leadership, Alastair will bring deep expertise and a fresh, hands‑on approach to supporting SMEs across the region. A proven track record, now channelled into…
Resilient City Cruises York passes 200,000 passengers following 2025 growth
Passenger growth, product innovation and partnerships drive strong 2025 for City Cruises York despite a challenging year. Following a successful start to 2025, including being crowned ‘Best of York’ at the Visit York Tourism Awards, City Cruises York has reported a 14.5% year-on-year increase in passengers. The operator welcomed over 200,000 passengers for only the…
Charities and social enterprise groups offered funding and academic expertise to support community projects in Yorkshire and the Humber
Community Research Grants 2026 offer expanded opportunities from York St John University research institutes Now into its fifth year, York St John University’s impactful Community Research Grant (CRG) programme is now open for 2026. Led by the University’s Institute for Social Justice, the programme invites Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) to propose issues that…
North Yorkshire development unveils latest interior design trends in new show home
A recently launched show home at Barratt Homes’ Russet Park development in Copmanthorpe is bringing the latest interior design inspiration to local homebuyers. The show home was expertly designed and styled by award-winning interior designers, Edward Thomas Interiors, meaning homebuyers can be assured they will be up to date with the latest design trends. Barratt Homes is…
New independent report highlights the huge potential of York’s ambitious plan for growth
An ambitious strategy outlining plans for growth, with innovation, culture and heritage at its heart –could bring about £12.1bn of combined social, economic and environmental impact to the city, according to independent analysis. In November 2025, Executive members approved York’s prospectus which is designed to attract additional investment into economic and housing growth, tackle inequalities,…
Two fly‑tippers fined over £2,000 as council enforces ‘Crime – Not to Care’
Two residents found to have illegally dumped waste, have been prosecuted by City of York Council. On Thursday 22 January, York Magistrates Court ordered them to pay a total £2,190 in fines, costs, and surcharges, as the council continues to deliver its ‘Crime – Not to Care’ campaign and protect neighbourhoods from environmental harm. Jake…
York residents urged to maximise their income as part of York Talk Money fortnight
York residents are being urged to find out whether they could be eligible for extra income as part of next week’s York Talk Money fortnight (2-15 February). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to…
Council’s pledge to tackle tenants’ priorities unlocks new improvements
New approaches to tackling what tenants have told us are their priorities have been agreed today (Tuesday 27 January), which unlocks funding. The Council’s housing tenants have told us that tackling anti-social behaviour, preventing damp and mould, and improving communal areas are among their top priorities. To support them and improve the way we address…
Exciting plans for Glen Gardens play area
Children from Tang Hall Primary School and Heworth Primary School have played a key role in shaping the future of Glen Gardens. As part of City of York Council’s major investment in parks and green spaces, pupils were invited to review three different design options for the play area. Their feedback has helped determine the…
LNER London King’s Cross first class lounge to undergo refurbishment
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve station facilities along the route, the First Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station will undergo a major transformation to provide an even more comfortable and welcoming space. While we make these exciting changes, the lounge will unfortunately be closed from Monday 26 January until Spring 2026….
Unfair trading results in 10 month’s prison sentence
Following customers’ complaints and a Trading Standards’ investigation, York Crown Court has sentenced a man to 10 month’s imprisonment for unfair trading offences. Liam Wilkinson, aged 25 of Eastbourne Road, Darlington paid a total £8,095 compensation for his victims, ahead of appearing in court on 30 October 2025 when he pleaded guilty to two offences….