The York Brief ⏰Thursday, 11 December 2025

✨ Morning, York .

The rivers are restless again, Storm Bram’s left half the city on edge, and firefighters have spent the day pulling cars from floodwater. But there’s change on the rails, shifts in City Hall, and fresh sparks in business and community. Grab a brew - here’s what you need to know today.

🌤️ TODAY’S WEATHER
A mild but unsettled day ahead: cloudy with scattered light rain through the morning, turning breezy with heavier patches after lunchtime. Temperatures reach 11–12°C, dipping to around 7°C tonight. Expect gusts along riverside paths and lingering surface water. (Met Office / AccuWeather, 11 Dec 2025)

📰 NEWS

🌊 Storm Bram: Five flood warnings active across York - The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings in York and North Yorkshire following Storm Bram, with the River Ouse reaching 3.56 metres at Viking Recorder. Properties and businesses along the river have been affected by rising floodwater. Warnings are in place for the River Ouse at York, River Foss at York and surrounding areas. Residents are advised to prepare for flooding and move valuables to safety. MORE: Yahoo Live | York Press |

🚒 Three rescued after driving into floodwater - Firefighters responded to three separate incidents today where motorists drove into floodwater. At 7.32am, Acomb crews rescued a driver stuck on their car roof in Cattal, with water halfway up the door. At 11.08am, a passing member of the public rescued a driver in Bishop Monkton before fire crews arrived. At 1.49pm, crews rescued an elderly occupant and their dog from York Bridge Road. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service urged drivers to avoid flooded roads. MORE: YorkMix

🚄 Major rail timetable changes coming Sunday - Rail passengers face the biggest service improvements in over a decade starting Sunday, December 14. LNER will add more than 60,000 extra seats weekly with improved connectivity between Yorkshire, the North East, Scotland and London. TransPennine Express is increasing Newcastle-Edinburgh services from five to eight daily trains, adding 2,000 seats per day. Journey times will be reduced to just over four hours London-Edinburgh and just over two hours London-Leeds. The £4 billion East Coast Main Line upgrade enables the expanded timetable. Passengers are advised to check schedules as journey times will change. MORE: Network Rail | York Press

🅿️ Council to decide on HMO parking permit changes - Plans to abolish separate parking permits for houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) are set for decision next Tuesday, December 16. The proposals would move HMOs onto the standard ResPark system where permit costs rise by amount and properties are limited to three vehicles. First permit holders would pay £115 annually (down from £213), but second and third permits would cost £264 and £550 respectively. The changes would give HMO residents access to all ResPark spaces within their zone. MORE: York Press

🗳️ Anna Perrett selected as Labour candidate for Heworth - Labour has chosen Anna Perrett as its candidate for the Heworth ward by-election on January 23, 2025. Perrett will contest the seat left vacant by former councillor Aisling Musson, who resigned citing pressure from national government policy conflicts and local council matters. The by-election will see Labour defend the seat against opposition candidates. MORE: Gazette & Herald

🧱 York Handmade Brick in administration over government policies - York Handmade Brick has gone into administration, with chairman James Powis blaming government policies including employer national insurance increases and inheritance tax changes affecting family businesses. The company, which employed around 120 staff at its Alne factory, cited challenging trading conditions exacerbated by recent Budget measures. The administration highlights concerns about policy impacts on manufacturing businesses in the region. MORE: Insider Media

💰 Mayor defends tourist tax in BBC interview - York’s directly-elected mayor David Skaith defended his proposed tourist tax in a BBC interview, arguing it would fund essential services and infrastructure improvements in the city. The levy would charge visitors staying in York’s hotels and accommodation, with revenue earmarked for tourism-related services and city centre enhancements. The proposal has sparked debate about impacts on the hospitality sector. MORE: BBC

🚔 CRIME

⚖️ Bradford gang jailed for running York drugs operation - Five members of a Bradford-based drug gang have been jailed for using a York Airbnb as their supply base. York Crown Court heard the operation distributed drugs across the city, with gang members described as coming “from good families.” The convictions follow a police investigation into county lines drug dealing in York. MORE: Gazette & Herald

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

🎄 Beaverbrooks hosting festive fundraiser TODAY - Beaverbrooks in York is hosting a special Christmas fundraising event today (Thursday) featuring festive activities and supporting local charitable causes. The jewelry retailer’s event includes seasonal entertainment and opportunities for customers to contribute to community projects while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. MORE: Gazette & Herald

🏥 HEALTH

🎉 Care worker celebrates 25 years at Meadowbeck - A dedicated care worker at Meadowbeck Care Home in York has reached the remarkable milestone of 25 years of service. The anniversary celebrates the staff member’s long-term commitment to providing care for elderly residents in the York community. MORE: York Press

💼 BUSINESS

🧼 Yorkshire Soap Company opens Monk Bar shop - Yorkshire Soap Company has opened a new retail location at Monk Bar in York city centre. The expansion brings the company’s range of handcrafted soaps and beauty products to one of York’s historic gateways, adding to the city’s independent retail offering. MORE: Gazette & Herald

🏇 York Racecourse plans accommodation expansion - York Racecourse is moving forward with plans to expand its accommodation facilities. The development aims to enhance visitor experience and increase capacity for racegoers attending fixtures at one of Britain’s premier racing venues. MORE: York Press

⚽ SPORT

🏉 York Knights extend Will Dagger contract - York Knights have secured the future of fullback Will Dagger with a new contract extension. The deal keeps the talented player at the LNER Community Stadium, providing continuity in the squad ahead of the new rugby league season. MORE: York RLFC | Yahoo Sports

🤝 COMMUNITY

🏋️ York RI appeals for sports centre fundraising support - York Rugby Union & Athletic Club (York RI) is launching a major fundraising campaign for essential sports centre improvements. The club is seeking community support to upgrade facilities that serve hundreds of local athletes and sports participants across multiple disciplines. MORE: Prolific North

🛝 Skelton playground gets accessible equipment upgrade - A playground in Skelton has received new accessible equipment designed to ensure all children can enjoy outdoor play. The upgrade includes specialized equipment suitable for children with disabilities and additional needs, improving inclusion in the local community. MORE: York Press

🏆 OCAY receives volunteering quality mark - Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) has become one of the first organisations to receive the new York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark. The recognition celebrates OCAY’s commitment to providing high-quality experiences for its 15 volunteers, who come from diverse backgrounds including healthcare, teaching, and social care. The charity, which completed a full assessment covering accessibility, recruitment, volunteer support and governance, plans to double its volunteer numbers over the next year. MORE: York Press

The York Brief is compiled from trusted local sources including York Press, Gazette & Herald, YorkMix, BBC, Network Rail, and other verified outlets.

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