THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Monday, 17 November 2025
📍 Storm Claudia eased, York’s flood defences held, key roads face works, Fishergate earns School of Sanctuary status, local landmarks win awards, and festive events kick off across the city.
🌤️ Good morning, York!
Storm Claudia eased, York’s flood defences held, key roads face works, Fishergate earns School of Sanctuary status, local landmarks win awards, and festive events kick off across the city.
Weather Update:
Cloudy and chilly today in York: expect daytime temperatures of roughly 5–6°C (feels like about 3°C), light chance of showers, breezy spells with gusts up to ~23 mph, and overnight lows around 0–2°C. The Met Office notes visibility is generally good and the region is set to turn much colder later in the week. Source: Met Office forecast for York. Met Office
There is also an active UKHSA cold-health alert covering Yorkshire & The Humber from 08:00 Mon 17 Nov → 08:00 Fri 21 Nov - so please remind vulnerable people to keep warm and check on neighbours. UKHSA Dashboard
📰 NEWS
🌊 Storm Claudia: River levels peaked, city breathes easier - York’s flood defences came through Storm Claudia like champions over the weekend. The River Ouse peaked Sunday morning after hitting 3.33 metres on Saturday evening – just above the flood risk threshold of 3.00m. King’s Staith and riverside areas from Lendal Bridge to Millennium Bridge saw the worst of it, with Terry Avenue temporarily closed and some spaces in St. George’s Field Car Park affected.Read more on YorkMix and Gazette & Herald
🏗️ High Petergate works dragging into December - If you’ve been dodging scaffolding near the Minster, prepare for another month of it. City of York Council’s extended the High Petergate closure until December 13 for ongoing Bootham Bar restoration. The project’s been underway since June and workers recently discovered a time capsule from 1979 left by former plumber Mick Colley – complete with cigarette packet and handwritten note! Scaffolding should come down late November if all goes to plan. Details on Gazette & Herald
🏫 Fishergate Primary named York’s first School of Sanctuary - Big congratulations to Fishergate Primary School – they’ve been officially recognized as York’s first School of Sanctuary! The school joins a nationwide network of 600+ schools supporting asylum-seeking families, developing parent translators, and building a culture of kindness. Headteacher Tina Clarke says they’re “genuinely inclusive” and recognize the rewards of living in our multicultural city. Full story on Gazette & Herald
🏛️ Two York attractions scoop prestigious national awards - York’s punching above its weight again! Fairfax House won The Collections Award at the Historic Houses Awards for its spectacular Georgian collections and innovative curation. Meanwhile, Castle Howard bagged The Restoration Award for bringing the Tapestry Drawing Room back to its 18th-century glory after that devastating 1940 fire. The room’s original tapestries are finally home again after 85 years! Coverage on YorkMix
🚦 More double yellow lines coming to York roads - Parking about to get trickier in Dringhouses and Woodthorpe. City of York Council’s proposing new double yellow lines at seven locations including Nelsons Lane, Hunters Way, The Grove, Wains Road, Nidd Grove, North Lane, and Moorlea Avenue. Got opinions? Email the council by November 21. Read more on YorkMix
❄️ Cold health alert issued for York - UKHSA has issued a cold health alert for York and North Yorkshire as temperatures drop. Vulnerable residents, especially elderly folks and those with health conditions, should keep warm and check on neighbours. The alert runs through this week as winter properly settles in. More on York Press
🎼 York Minster opens admissions for young choristers - Fancy hearing your child sing in one of the world’s most famous cathedrals? York Minster is now accepting applications for young choristers to join its renowned choir. It’s a fantastic opportunity for musically gifted youngsters to be part of a 1,000-year tradition. Details on York Press
🚨 CRIME
🚔 Police cordon off Lady Peckett’s Yard in city centre - Forensic teams were working Sunday in Lady Peckett’s Yard off Pavement after a serious incident. The narrow alleyway between York Gin shop and Fossgate was sealed off with police tape at both ends, with officers and crime scene investigators combing the area. North Yorkshire Police haven’t released details yet – we’ll update when we know more. Report on YorkMix and York Press
🚗 TRANSPORT
🚧 Monks Cross roundabouts closed overnight for roadworks - Night owls heading to the retail park, take note: Two busy Monks Cross roundabouts are shut for highway maintenance works between 8pm-5am through Tuesday, November 18. Affected routes include Jockey Lane near Monks Cross Tiles and Bathrooms, and Monks Cross Drive at the Travelodge roundabout. Details on Gazette & Herald
🚂 Bootham crossing to close overnight next week - Railway maintenance alert: The Bootham level crossing on Wigginton Road will be shut between 11:35pm Monday, November 24 and 6am Tuesday, November 25. Diversions will run via the A1237 ring road, Haxby Road, and the Link Road. More on Gazette & Herald
🏥 HERO STORY
🦸 LNER hero Samir Zitouni released from hospital - Brilliant news for the LNER staff member who saved lives during that horrific train stabbing. Samir Zitouni has been discharged from hospital after suffering critical injuries protecting passengers during the November 1 attack on the Doncaster-London service. Coverage on York Press
“While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead and we would now like to be left in privacy to care for him as a family.”
👥 COMMUNITY
🎖️ York Outer MP visits Clifton Moor vets - Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, visited veterinary practices at Clifton Moor last week to discuss challenges facing the veterinary sector and animal welfare concerns. The visit highlighted issues around vet access and costs for pet owners across York. Story on York Press
😡 Scout leader anger over Haxby playing field vandalism - A scout leader has expressed frustration after repeated vandalism at Haxby playing field damaged equipment used by local youth groups. The incidents have disrupted activities and cost money that could’ve been spent on the kids. Anyone with info should contact North Yorkshire Police. Details on York Press
🏡 PROPERTY
💰 Fancy a penthouse with Minster views for £1.2 million? - Someone with deep pockets can now live like royalty in Ryedale House. A stunning three-bedroom penthouse on the seventh floor has hit the market for £1.2 million, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic York skyline views, and three ensuite bathrooms. Currently operating as a successful holiday let – imagine the AirBnB income! View listing on Gazette & Herald
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK
🍖 Fancy Hanks York delivers Deep South flavours - Craving some proper American BBQ? Fancy Hanks on Goodramgate continues to serve up bold Southern flavours with slow-cooked BBQ, crispy fried chicken, juicy burgers, and cocktails inspired by America’s Deep South. The vibrant restaurant in the Minster Quarter brings New Orleans vibes right to York’s historic streets. Check them out on Goodramgate
💼 BUSINESS
💡 York Business Festival explores Artificial Intelligence - York Business Festival turned its spotlight on AI last week, bringing together local entrepreneurs and tech experts to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming Yorkshire businesses. From automation to customer service innovations, York’s business community is embracing the future. Full story on York Press
🎄 WHAT’S ON
🎅 Goodramgate festive trail launches - Goodramgate Traders Association has launched a festive trail to celebrate Christmas in one of York’s most charming streets. Pop from shop to shop discovering seasonal treats, special offers, and festive cheer. Perfect for supporting independent traders this Christmas! Details on York Press
🧝 York festive elf run returns - The York festive elf run is back with family fun and great prizes! Don your best elf costume and join hundreds of others for this jolly Christmas charity run. It’s become a proper York tradition and brilliant for getting into the festive spirit while supporting good causes. More on YorkMix
🏃 SPORT
🏉 Taylor Pemberton signs new deal to stay at York Knights - Great news for rugby league fans! Taylor Pemberton has signed a new deal with York Knights, committing his future to the club. The signing shows the Knights’ ambition to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season. Story on York Press
⚽ Stuart Maynard reacts to York City’s 4-2 win over Morecambe - What a result! York City manager Stuart Maynard was delighted with his team’s 4-2 victory over Morecambe. The win keeps City’s promotion push on track and gives fans plenty to cheer about heading into the winter months. Match report on York Press
That’s your York Brief for today!
Got a story tip or spotted something interesting around York? Hit reply and let me know.
