THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Friday, February 20, 2026

🌥️Good morning, York! It's finally Friday — though the weather hasn't quite got the memo. Wrap up, watch your footing on those icy pavements, and let's get you caught up on everything that matters in this city before you've finished your brew. ☕

🚨 BREAKING & TOP STORIES

👑 Prince Andrew arrested on his 66th birthday; In a historic first, the Duke of York - Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - was arrested on Wednesday (his 66th birthday) by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest relates to allegations he shared sensitive information while serving as a UK trade envoy, linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files. After 11 hours in custody, he was released under investigation. King Charles broke his silence, saying the law must take its course. It is the first time a senior member of the Royal Family has been arrested in modern history.

⚗️ What is misconduct in public office - and why does it matter?; With Prince Andrew arrested under this rarely used charge, it's worth understanding what it means. Misconduct in public office is a common law offence that applies to public officials who wilfully neglect their duty or abuse their position in a way that amounts to serious wrongdoing. There is no statutory definition, making it broad in scope - which is why it has historically been used in cases ranging from police corruption to politicians leaking sensitive information.

💔 Two teenagers found dead at Bridlington holiday park; A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were found dead at Little Eden Holiday Park in Bridlington on Wednesday. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Investigators are exploring possible carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause. Humberside Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and East Riding Council are all involved. Our thoughts go out to the families. YorkMix | York Press

🚔 Trinity Lane was cordoned off on Thursday evening: A section of Trinity Lane in York city centre was sealed off on Thursday after around eight police vehicles and an ambulance responded to an incident at a private address at approximately 4 pm. Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed its attendance. No further details have been released at this stage. YorkMix

🏙️ CITY & COUNCIL

🏨 Tourist tax: York's hospitality bosses push back hard; Mayor David Skaith's proposed £2-per-night visitor levy - which could raise up to £52 million a year for infrastructure - is facing fierce opposition. A survey of 277 respondents showed 71% against, with hoteliers warning of job losses and an unfair burden on accommodation providers. The critical sticking point? Only 6.1 million of York's 32 million annual visitors actually stay overnight, meaning the levy falls entirely on a small proportion of the tourism economy. The Mayor insists it is a "game changer." The debate is very much alive. YorkMix

🚌 Dial-a-Ride debate leaves vulnerable passengers stranded - again; York's Lib Dems proposed £150,000 to restart the popular Dial-a-Ride service, axed in December 2023 - but Labour rejected the motion as a "sticking plaster" solution. Only £20,000 has been allocated for a feasibility study in the 2025/26 budget. For many vulnerable and elderly residents who relied on the service daily, the wait goes on.

🅿️ Parking charges rising - have your say before 27 February; City of York Council's latest consultation reveals permit and car park charges are rising again. Second ResParks permits jump to £277 (up £13), third permits to £577.50 (up £27.50), and central car parks will charge up to £5.50/hour on Fridays, Saturdays, and event days. Business permits rise to £563. Minster Badges hold at £45. The consultation closes 27 February.

♻️ WASTE & ENVIRONMENT

🗑️ Book your tip slot from 23 February - or don't bother turning up; Starting 2 March, Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre will require pre-booked timeslots under the new "Click Before You Tip" system. Bookings open from 23 February - you can schedule up to two weeks in advance online at york.gov.uk/HazelCourtHWRC/book or by calling 01904 551551. The aim is to cut congestion on James Street. Don't just rock up - plan ahead. Gazette and Herald

“We’re introducing bookings at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre to make visits faster, safer and more predictable, especially at busier times. From Monday 2 March, please don't travel to Hazel Court HWRC by car if you've not already booked a slot. By spreading demand into clear timeslots, we can reduce queues on surrounding roads and improve the experience for everyone using the site.”

🔬 RESEARCH & INNOVATION

🔬 York scientists uncover key clue in fight against bladder cancer; Researchers at the University of York's Jack Birch Unit have discovered that a protein called Connexin 32 (Cx32) plays a vital role in preventing bladder cancer from spreading. Published in Life Science Alliance and funded by York Against Cancer, the findings suggest Cx32 patterns in tumours could help clinicians identify more aggressive cases earlier. Lead author Dr Jenny Hinley and her team could be changing how this cancer is diagnosed and treated. University of York

🧠 Police and mental health services: coordination is failing; A new study from the University of York warns that while police officers are increasingly called to mental health emergencies, a lack of joined-up working between agencies is hampering proper care outcomes. The Right Care, Right Person policy - designed to divert such calls - has in some cases created new gaps, with mental health services and paramedics each describing themselves as left holding situations no other agency will handle. University of York

🏥 HEALTH

📉 Healthy life expectancy in York falls sharply; Sobering new ONS figures show that girls born in York between 2022–24 can expect just 61.4 years of good health - down significantly from 66.1 years in 2019–21. Boys fare slightly worse at 60.8 years, down from 65.1. The figures broadly track a national decline (England averages: girls 60.9, boys 60.7), but the pace of the drop in York is striking.

💼 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

🚘 Emergency vehicle firm O&H collapses with 157 jobs lost; O&H Vehicle Conversions, a Goole-based specialist in emergency vehicle conversions founded in 1988, has gone into administration - with all 157 jobs now gone. BDO LLP have been appointed administrators. Delivery delays hit the company's cash flow hard. Administrator Mark Thornton described it as a "longstanding business forced to close." A devastating blow for the region's manufacturing workforce.

☕ Starbucks set to open at former Bay Horse pub in Fulford - tomorrow; The former Bay Horse pub on Main Street, Fulford, is set to reopen as a Starbucks - after a planning appeal overturned the council's initial refusal. Signage and branding applications have been lodged, and job listings confirm the location. According to the York Press, the opening is as soon as tomorrow. A significant change for the Fulford village feel — and one that has divided local opinion.

💷 Yorkshire employers let £300 million in training funds go to waste; Yorkshire businesses reportedly missed out on an estimated £300 million in workforce development funding - around 9 - 10% of the £3.3 billion in unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds returned to the Treasury nationally between 2019 and 2022. Crispin Read, founder of York-based digital training provider

"The government is literally offering funding to build skills and close the talent gap, but if organisations don’t take advantage of it, we deepen inequality and lose potential from people who can’t afford to self-fund."

🏦 Lloyds pledges £2.5bn to Yorkshire businesses - with a York connection; Lloyds Banking Group has announced that £2.5 billion in new finance will be available to Yorkshire & Humberside businesses in 2026, as part of a £35bn national commitment. Closer to home, York-based Ryedale Group - originally a printworks - has already benefitted, using Lloyds support to launch We Play Padel Ltd, opening two new padel courts in Kirkbymoorside. Managing Director James Buffoni said the venture fills a real gap for residents and visitors between Helmsley and Pickering.

📚 EDUCATION & SKILLS

🎓 Aston University hit with £1.4m apprenticeship clawback; While based in Birmingham, this national story carries a clear warning for Yorkshire: Aston University was ordered to repay £1.385 million in apprenticeship funding after a Department for Education investigation uncovered 11 funding rule breaches between 2020 and 2024. The university has repaid the funds and committed to improvements. With Yorkshire providers under similar scrutiny, it is a timely reminder of the standards expected across the sector.

🏰 HERITAGE & COMMUNITY

🧙 Has the Shambles been Disneyfied - and is that progress?; York reader Derek Reed of Middlethorpe Drive has sparked a timely debate with his letter to The Press, recalling a Shambles of fifty years ago that housed woodturners, silversmiths, a weaver, a bookseller, a cabinet maker, leather ware, shoe repairs, and an art gallery - a world apart from today's wizards, potions, fudge, and Harry Potter memorabilia. A conversation York has been having for years, and clearly isn't done with yet.

🎭 ARTS, CULTURE & WHAT'S ON

🎬 Molly vs The Machines premieres at City Screen York on 1 March; A powerful documentary on the death of teenager Molly Russell and her father Ian's campaign for online safety is coming to City Screen in York on Sunday, 1 March at 7.30 pm. Co-written by Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff and directed by Marc Silver, Molly vs The Machines examines how algorithms and Big Tech platforms shape - and damage - young lives. Running time is 83 minutes; age guidance 15+. Essential viewing for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about digital safety.

✈️ Win return flights to Newfoundland - just by taking your seat at the Grand Opera House; York Stage and Heritage Collection Travel are offering return flights for two to St. John's, Newfoundland as part of a Golden Seat giveaway tied to the Grand Opera House's upcoming production of Come From Away (running 10–18 April). One lucky seat will be randomly selected — with the winner revealed at the end of the performance. Book your tickets — you might just land more than a great show.

🍽️ First-ever Restaurant Week comes to Helmsley and Howardian Hills; Running 23 February - 1 March, the inaugural Helmsley & Howardian Hills Restaurant Week brings over 30 venues to the table, with set menus priced between £15 and £35. Participating areas include Helmsley, Harome, Kirkbymoorside, Malton, and Easingwold. Delivered by Visit North Yorkshire with the Howardian Hills National Landscape, North York Moors National Park, and Helmsley Town Council. A great excuse for a local food adventure this weekend. YorkMix

🌿 Helmsley Walled Garden set to reopen with free entry offer; The beloved Helmsley Walled Garden is reopening with a free entry offer for visitors. Whether you're a regular or yet to visit, it's a perfect early spring outing with snowdrops and early blooms on the way. Check their website for exact dates and details.

⚽ SPORT

💛 16-year-old York City academy captain's cancer fight inspires thousands; Harry Rowntree, academy captain at York City FC and a Haxby lad of just 16, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in January. He has already raised over £5,000 for the Candlelighters Trust - smashing his original £1,000 target. The club is fully behind Harry as he undergoes treatment, with hopes of getting him back on the pitch. An absolute inspiration.

🏉 Oli Field eyes emotional return to Leeds as Knights aim to back up historic win; York Knights winger Oli Field is looking forward to an emotional homecoming when the Knights travel to Leeds Rhinos this Friday at 8 pm in their first away match of the Betfred Super League season. Field, 23, spent seven years at Leeds from the age of 14, captaining the under-19s before spells at Wakefield and Featherstone. York Press

🏉 York RUFC climb out of relegation zone with a crucial away win; York Rugby Union Football Club produced a vital performance on the road, beating Blaydon 22-19 to lift themselves out of the bottom three in Regional 1 North East. The match also marked Toby Atkin's 250th appearance for the club and Willem Enslin's 100th, while Adam Quinn's length-of-the-pitch try proved the decisive moment. Momentum is building.

🔥 PUBLIC SAFETY & NOTICES

📋 North Yorkshire Fire Service is holding a live public meeting on 26 February; York and North Yorkshire residents can put questions directly to senior fire service leaders at a live online meeting on Thursday, 26 February at 2pm, hosted by Deputy Mayor Jo Coles. Emergency response times, performance data, and progress against inspection reports are all on the table. Watch live on YouTube, Facebook Live, or the Deputy Mayor's website — and submit your questions in advance.

⚡ Keep children away from the electricity infrastructure this half-term; Northern Powergrid is urging parents across Yorkshire to talk to children about the dangers of electricity during the February half-term. The network, which powers 8 million people across the region, is warning families to keep children away from substations, overhead power lines, and other infrastructure. Gareth Pearson, director of health, safety and training, said: "It's vital they know how to play safe." A timely reminder with kids out and about all week.