THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Thursday, February 5, 2026
💡Council faces £500k tribunal bill, Drax cuts 350 jobs despite £281m profit, York gets spades ready for £12.1bn projects, Moda in Pelle opens UK's largest concession at Browns, and York City duo nominated for awards after unbeaten month.
Morning, York! A lot is happening in our city in the last 24 hours, Stuart Maynard and Ollie Pearce got nominated for national awards after an unbeaten January, Drax announced 350 job cuts, sparking union fury, and the council's tribunal mess could hit half a million quid. From £12.1bn worth of shovel-ready projects to Flying Scotsman's return and grotesques wandering our streets this summer, here's your Wednesday briefing – no fluff, just what matters in our city.
Evening: Dropping to 3°C
Feels like: 0°C (proper brass monkeys!)
Conditions: Mostly cloudy with occasional showers
Wind: 6.9 m/s from the southwest – fresh and blustery
Humidity: 83%
Classic February weather – layer up, grab your brolly, and don't let that 7°C fool you. With the wind chill, it'll feel freezing. A waterproof jacket is recommended if you're heading into town. (Source: Met Office)
📰 NEWS
🏗️ York gets 'spades in ground' ready for £12.1bn worth of projects; Twenty-two major York projects - including a new arts and culture space - have taken a significant step forward after council analysis showed they could generate £12.1 billion in social, economic and environmental value. The schemes require a combined £1.2 billion in public and private investment, but Council Leader Claire Douglas says York is now "ready to put spades in the ground" if they can attract backers.
⚡ Drax 'betrays' workforce with 350 job cuts, union claims; North Yorkshire energy giant Drax is consulting on cutting more than 350 jobs across the UK and US - about 10% of its 3,250-strong workforce. Trade unions GMB and Unite are furious, with GMB calling it a "betrayal" of workers and communities. The company, which made £281m profit in the first half of 2025, says the restructuring is necessary for "long-term success" and the energy transition. But unions aren't buying it: Read more: Yorkshire Post
🏛️ Council faces £500k bill after losing employment tribunal; York Council's been ordered to pay £10,500 to former corporate director Neil Ferris after an employment tribunal ruled against them - but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Lib Dem opposition reckons the total cost including legal fees and pension liabilities could hit half a million quid. The tribunal found the council acted unlawfully when making Ferris's role redundant last year, ruling that the alternative job offered was actually a demotion. Council's considering an appeal, but taxpayers are already footing a hefty bill for what opposition councillors are calling an "entirely avoidable" mess. Read more: YorkMix
⛪ Minster celebrates 800 years of St William; York Minster has opened a new exhibition celebrating the 800th anniversary of St William of York's canonisation. The "St William: Life and Legacy" display features fragments of his medieval shrine - recovered from around the city after Henry VIII ordered all shrines demolished in 1541. Using 3D scanning technology, the fragments have been digitally reconstructed in a cinematic experience beneath the cathedral. St William, who died in 1154 after performing the miracle of saving citizens from a collapsing Ouse Bridge, was one of Yorkshire's most important medieval saints. The exhibition runs throughout 2026.
🏗️ Luxury housing planned for York site following £2.25m acquisition; Helmsley Group and Mulgrave Properties have completed the purchase of Barleyfields and Ashbank on Shipton Road in York for £2.25m. The property, located just one mile north of York city centre in the Clifton area, comprises the former Barleyfields sheltered housing scheme and the adjacent Victorian villa, Ashbank. The joint venture intends to undertake a refurbishment of the historic Ashbank building and the redevelopment of the redundant Barleyfields flats, transforming the site into a high-end residential scheme of 14 luxury homes.
🌞 Health concerns raised over massive solar farm near York; Council planners are questioning the impact on residents' physical and mental health of one of the UK's largest solar schemes. North Yorkshire Council says developers of the 500MW Light Valley Solar project haven't properly assessed health consequences for people living near the planned network of seven solar farms on 1,020 hectares between Escrick, Monk Fryston, Hambleton, Chapel Haddlesey and South Milford. The authority also raised "significant concerns" about using good quality agricultural land.
🎭 Minster's grotesques to come alive across York; York Minster's stone gargoyles and grotesques are getting a summer makeover - they'll be wandering the streets! Well, sort of. The Watchers of York event planned for nine weeks from 29 June to 31 August will feature large whimsical sculptures inspired by the Minster's quirky carved figures installed across the city. Each sculpture will capture the unique personality of its Minster grotesque counterpart, with local and national artists creating contemporary interpretations. It's giving Edinburgh Fringe energy, but make it medieval Yorkshire. Read more: YorkMix,
They stated: “For centuries, these stone guardians have watched silently over the Minster. This project celebrates their quirky charm by allowing them to step off the stonework and wander the streets of York.”
🚆 Train services disrupted then restored after signalling failure; Morning commuters faced delays and cancellations after a signalling failure and level crossing barrier problems between Brough and Hull affected services through York. Northern Trains routes between Rotherham, York, Bridlington and Scarborough were impacted, along with TransPennine Express services and Hull Trains to London. Rail replacement buses were requested in Leeds and Hull. The problems, first reported around 9am, were cleared by noon and services returned to normal.
📊 Survey reveals many unaware of obesity-cancer link; A new survey suggests significant numbers of people remain unaware of the link between obesity and cancer risk. The findings highlight a gap in public health awareness that health professionals say needs to be addressed through better education campaigns. While not York-specific, the research has implications for public health messaging across the region.
💼 BUSINESS
👠 Moda in Pelle opening largest UK concession at Browns; Women's shoe brand Moda in Pelle is set to open Britain's largest concession partnership at Browns in Davygate within weeks. The store is currently undergoing a major refurb of its shoe department to accommodate the new partnership. Owner
📉 York Christmas Market footfall drops 24%; Last year's York Christmas Market saw footfall plummet by almost a quarter year-on-year, with 961,730 visitors compared to 1.24 million in 2024. But there's a silver lining - visitor satisfaction shot up from 50% to 92%, according to Make It York's survey of 390 attendees. People loved the festive atmosphere but wanted more variety in stalls, better crowd management, and the event spread out more. The drop comes after controversial Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Orders restricted Blue Badge holder access, though the market still drew visitors from as far as Los Angeles. Council's reviewing how future markets operate. Read more: YorkMix
💼 Funded work placements to bring people back into employment Businesses across York and North Yorkshire are being offered fully-funded three-month placements to help economically inactive residents return to work. The LEAP (Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress) programme, run by North Yorkshire Council for the Combined Authority, targets people aged 18+ who've been out of work due to long-term sickness, disability, mental health issues or caring responsibilities. Employers get grants covering wages and National Insurance for part-time roles of at least 16 hours per week. Mayor David Skaith says the initiative aims to help 1,500 jobseekers in its first year, working with 150 businesses. Read more: Gazette & Herald
🚨 COMMUNITY
🚗 Drivers warned of 'potholes and craters' on major route; Motorists are being warned about dangerous road conditions on Moxby Lane between Sheriff Hutton and Easingwold. Multiple reports describe the stretch as riddled with potholes and craters that could damage vehicles. North Yorkshire Council hasn't yet commented on repair timelines, but drivers are advised to take extra care on the route.
🎓 STUDENT LIFE
🗳️ York SU sabbatical officer roles cut from seven to five; University of York students will elect just five sabbatical officers instead of seven for the 2026/27 academic year. The Equality & Inclusion Officer and Union Development Officer roles are being retired following an independent governance review. The changes aim to embed equality and inclusion across all officer roles rather than siloing them, though current E&I Officer Abi Harrison called the decision "bittersweet." The new structure includes a renamed Community & Inclusion Officer role taking on volunteering and sustainability responsibilities. Elections kick off in March.
🎨 ARTS & CULTURE
🎵 York Community Choir Festival celebrates 10 years with biggest programme yet; The York Community Choir Festival is marking its 10th anniversary this March with a record-breaking lineup. Forty-seven choirs will perform across nine concerts at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from 1-7 March 2026 - the largest edition in the festival's history. Expect everything from classical and contemporary to world music, pop, and musical theatre.
🚂 WHAT'S ON
🚂 Flying Scotsman returns to York this spring; Railway fans, mark your calendars - the world's most famous steam locomotive is coming home. Flying Scotsman will be on display at the National Railway Museum from 28 March to 24 April 2026 as part of its UK tour. The 1923-built loco will also visit heritage railways across the country throughout the year, with stops including the East Lancashire Railway in June and Locomotion in Shildon over summer. The National Railway Museum, which has owned Flying Scotsman since 2004, expects tens of thousands of visitors just as they saw during previous displays. Read more: YorkMix, Gazette & Herald
💡 Spectacular light show transforms Clifford's Tower and Castle Museum York's Colour & Light spectacular launched last night and runs until 22 February, lluminating both Clifford's Tower and York Castle Museum simultaneously for the first time. The free 10-minute show runs on loop from 6-9pm nightly, telling stories of York's rogues, rebels, and legendary characters through mesmerising projections. Last year's Minster display drew 100,000 people, and this year's dual-building canvas is expected to smash that record. The final hour each evening features a quiet hour with reduced noise for those who need it. No tickets required - just turn up at the Eye of York. Read more: Gazette & Herald
💃 Dirty Dancing concert heading to York Barbican The iconic soundtrack of Dirty Dancing is coming to York Barbican in 2026. The concert will feature live performances of the beloved film's music. It's part of the Barbican's packed entertainment schedule for the year ahead. More details and booking information will be available soon.
⚽SPORTS
⚽ York City duo nominated for January awards after unbeaten month; Stuart Maynard and Ollie Pearce have both been nominated for the Enterprise National League's January awards. Manager Maynard, who won Manager of the Month in November, is in the running again after guiding the Minstermen through an unbeaten January. Striker Pearce, who also claimed Player of the Month in November, registered five goals in January including a late equaliser against Southend, the winner at Sutton United, and a hat-trick in the 5-0 demolition of Braintree Town at home. York completed January unbeaten with four wins and a draw, setting a new club record of six consecutive league away wins and three straight clean sheets. The pair face competition from Rochdale's Jimmy McNulty (manager) and Halifax's Will Harris (player), among others.
📣 YOUR CITY, YOUR STORIES
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Local events, fundraisers, new business openings, community achievements – if it matters to York, it matters to us. Help us make tomorrow's briefing even better.
See you tomorrow.
