THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Friday, February 6, 2026
📍Crime wave hits York streets and buses; PM apologises over the Mandelson scandal affecting the nation; Ice Trail kicks off tomorrow; and local businesses face a major payroll shake-up.
✨ MORNING, YORK! Right then - bit of a heavy one today. Three violent incidents across our streets this week, the PM apologising to the nation over that Mandelson shambles, and York businesses are facing a massive payroll overhaul. But it's not all doom and gloom! Tomorrow's Ice Trail kicks off with 36 frozen masterpieces, a beloved Sicilian restaurant's up for grabs after 13 successful years, and our futsal captain's representing England TODAY. Here's your Friday briefing...
Cloudy and breezy with rain continuing throughout the day - might even turn to sleet or snow over higher ground later. Temperature hovering around 6°C. Not ideal for Ice Trail prep, but that's February in Yorkshire, isn't it? Keep the waterproofs handy. Met Office
🚨 CRIME
🚔 Woman hospitalised after York Station toilet assault; A woman needed hospital treatment after being pushed in York Station toilets on January 31st, hitting her head on a wall around 10:15 am. British Transport Police released CCTV of a woman believed to have travelled from Newcastle who they want to speak to. YorkMix
🔪 Del Pyke stabbing - two suspects still at large; A woman was stabbed in the stomach at 10 pm and a man suffered hand cuts after a disturbance on Del Pyke around 10pm on February 1st. A man in his 40s was arrested but released on bail. Police believe at least two other people were involved and were seen running northwards from the Townend Street junction.
🚌 Boy hospitalised after bus attack; A young lad was taken to hospital with facial swelling and bruising after being assaulted by a man on the 5A First York bus near Haley's Terrace stop around 8 pm on January 31st. Police are hunting a black male suspect in his 40s, about 6ft tall, wearing a dark green fleece. YorkMix
🏛️ POLITICS
🇬🇧 PM apologises to Epstein victims over Mandelson appointment; Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized yesterday to Jeffrey Epstein's victims "for having believed Mandelson's lies" after appointing him UK Ambassador to the US. New documents show Mandelson allegedly leaked market-sensitive government information to Epstein in 2009-2010 while serving as Business Secretary. Labour MPs are furious, a criminal investigation is underway. Starmer admitted he knew about the Epstein friendship during vetting but said Mandelson "lied repeatedly" about the depth of the relationship. ITV News | CNN
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Let's have a confidence vote now to see whether Labour MPs have any confidence in the prime minister, so the government can get past this one way or the other and start focusing on the change our country needs."
💼 BUSINESS
📊 Free seminar for York businesses on massive payroll changes - Feb 24th; York employers, heads up! Azets and Ware & Kay are hosting a FREE seminar on February 24th at Truine Court, Monks Cross Drive, covering major payroll shake-ups hitting April 6th. The new Fair Work Agency gets powers to swoop on premises, demand records, and impose fines. All businesses must now keep holiday entitlement records centrally for SIX years. Plus day-one rights for paternity leave and SSP kick in. With 900,000 UK workers annually having holiday pay withheld (£2.1bn worth), compliance is critical. Gazette & Herald
“This seminar will allow us to play our part by providing valuable support and advice to help them navigate the latest payroll and HR changes. We look forward to seeing many employers from the city at the event.”
🍝 Trinacria Sicilian restaurant up for sale after 13 years; The "fabulous" Trinacria Sicilian Ristorante on Bishopthorpe Road is on the market for £139,950 after 13 successful years. Owner built it from scratch with a TripAdvisor local following - last year's turnover hit £663,500 (up from £533k in 2023). Rated 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor with diners praising its "fabulous family friendly food." Recent refurbishment and pizza oven installation boosted trade beyond pre-COVID levels.
🛒 Savers expanding into vacant Acomb Farmfoods; Budget retailer Savers on Acomb's Front Street is taking over neighbouring Ordsal House (former Farmfoods, closed December 2024). Plans approved for shopfront redecoration, outside staircase, roller shutters, and full Savers branding. Metal stairs are replacing concrete ones at the rear for better access. Council officers reckon it'll "uphold the general character of the area."
🏪 Yorkshire Soap Company wins approval for Monk Bar shop; The historic Monk Bar building - former home of Richard III Experience - will become a Yorkshire Soap Company shop after planning approval. The Grade I-listed gatehouse will use free-standing fixtures that don't alter the building's medieval fabric. Owners also run The Imaginarium on Blake Street and the Society of Alchemists in the Shambles.
💼 North Yorkshire firms urged to offer funded work placements; Employers across York are being encouraged to offer fully funded three-month placements through the LEAP programme. The scheme provides grants covering wages and National Insurance for people returning to work after long-term sickness, disability, or caring responsibilities - at no cost to businesses. Minimum 16 hours/week, funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
🔬 First UK installation of spectral flow technology at York Science Park; Swift Analytical Ltd at York Science Park has facilitated the first UK installation of the CytoStellar spectral flow cytometer at the University of York's Bioscience Technology Facility. The Chinese-manufactured instrument offers advanced analytical capabilities for bioscience research, reinforcing York's status as a centre for world-class innovation. Gazette & Herald
🎃 WHAT'S ON
❄️ York Ice Trail tomorrow - 36 sculptures across the city!; The big day arrives tomorrow (Feb 7-8, 10:30am-4pm) with 36 spectacular ice sculptures taking over the centre under the theme "An Enchanted City." Bradley's Jewellers' Yorkshire Rose sculpture inspired by their exclusive collection is the must-see. New for 2026: Ice Village on Parliament Street with traders, food, and ice carving masterclasses where you can learn to carve a polar bear! Visit York
📚 Jupiter Cloud Book Festival coming February 28th; First-ever Jupiter Cloud Book Festival lands at St Saviourgate Venues on February 28th (11am-5pm) with 25+ authors and bookish businesses. Founded by Romy Morgan, author of LGBT romance series 'Fallen Feathers' set in York. All genres, from romance to true crime to children's books. Tickets just £3, free for under-16s. First 25 visitors get free goody bags! Gazette & Herald
🎨 YorKAOS children's art exhibition opens February 17th; Calling all young artists aged 5-11! The YorKAOS exhibition opens at SPARK on February 17th at 11am, showcasing artwork from York primary schools. Founded by 8-year-old Ada Jobling, last year's exhibition featured 220 artists from 40 schools and raised £1,800 for charity. Each piece priced at £10. Drop off your masterpiece at Explore York libraries by February 15th! YO1 Radio
🚗 TRANSPORT & PARKING
🚫 Osbaldwick parking restrictions spark fierce debate; Proposals for double and single yellow lines in Baysdale Avenue, Cavendish Grove and Tranby Avenue head to council decision Tuesday (Feb 10). Supporters say restrictions needed to stop University of York students dumping cars in residential streets; objectors worry about elderly residents and property values. "A massive inconvenience," say some locals who reckon it'll force residents to park streets away.
“We are not necessarily against the proposals, but do think there needs to be mitigation for the obvious result that the parking issues will spread elsewhere, particularly when the restrictions affect such a geographically small area.”
🏃 SPORT
⚽ York Futsal captain Jed Devine earns England call-up; Proper proud moment! Jed Devine, captain of York Futsal Vikings, represents England against Germany in Stuttgart TODAY (6 PM ). After 13 years with York, Devine said it's "a privilege to inspire the next generation." York Vikings return to action February 15th vs Loughborough at University of York.
🏉 York Knights announce squad for Barrow Cup clash; Knights head to Craven Park this weekend (Feb 6-8) to face Championship side Barrow Raiders in Challenge Cup third round. Mark Applegarth named his 21-man squad featuring new signings Jordan Lipp, Sam Wood, Paul Vaughan, Josh Griffin, and Denive Balmforth. Crucial preparation ahead of Super League opener against Hull KR on February 12th. York won both Championship fixtures against Barrow last year (36-12 away, 26-12 home).
👥 COMMUNITY
🏥 MP visits York Against Cancer's Leveson Centre; York Central MP Rachel Maskell visited The Leveson Centre at York Community Stadium ahead of World Cancer Day and the Government's National Cancer Plan launch yesterday. The Centre, run by York Against Cancer charity, provides welcoming support for cancer patients and families including weekly coffee mornings, welfare support, and therapy sessions. YO1 Radio
Maskell said: "The Leveson Centre gives all residents the time to process their diagnosis and access holistic support."
🚪 Grand York doorman Wayne Brady celebrates 10 years; Wayne Brady, doorman at The Grand hotel since 2016, has been celebrated for a decade of welcoming guests. Named Splendid Family Member of the Year in 2016.
General Manager Adam Dyke said: "Wayne is truly the heart of The Grand. His warmth and welcoming nature make him the perfect first impression."
🗑️ Hull Road shop owners urged to tackle litter problem; Letter writers have called out Hull Road shop and takeaway owners for litter piled around trees outside Matmer House despite a council bin being nearby. "Shop owners should clear this rubbish and set an example rather than complaining all the time about parking charges or rates," writes frustrated resident.
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Stay safe out there,
