THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Thursday, October 30, 2025

Good morning, York! ☁️ Another cloudy one today - keep that coat handy. Here’s what’s happening in and around our city.

A changeable autumn day ahead with early sunshine giving way to clouds and possible showers later. Temperatures around 17°C but feeling cooler in the breeze. Perfect excuse for some cozy half-term indoor activities!” 🌤️☁️

🚨 CRIME

🐕 Dog owner hit with £1,098 fine and three-year criminal order – Andrew Bartle’s bull terrier Lola repeatedly escaped control and attacked other dogs, leading York Magistrates to issue a Criminal Behaviour Order. Despite a Community Order in January requiring the dog be muzzled and on a lead, Lola strayed five more times in 18 weeks - twice more just days before sentencing. Councillor Michael Pavlovic warned:

“We do not tolerate irresponsible dog owners who do not micro-chip their dogs or keep them under proper control.”

🏬 Man arrested after burglary at luxury York shop – Police made an arrest following a break-in at a high-end retailer in the city centre, according to local reports. Read on York Mix

📰 NEWS

🚗 A165 shut near Dotteril roundabout after serious crash – The road was closed both ways following a serious collision. Emergency services attended and diversions were put in place while investigations continued. More on Gazette and Herald

🏛️ Riccall councillors push for A19 speed limit change – Selby and Ainsty Area Committee unanimously backed a 40mph limit on the A19 at Riccall, where former councillor John Duggan died in August while campaigning for the very safety measures he’d fought for. His daughter Judy told councillors: “Making necessary safety improvements now will save lives in the future.” Selby MP Keir Mather hopes the executive board will adopt it by March. Read More on Gazette & Herald

🏊 Olympian Tom Dean partners with Prince and Princess of Wales – The triple gold medallist opened York’s first northern Tom Dean Swim School at The Mount School earlier this year. Now his Royal Foundation partnership will provide 1,000 young people across the country—who wouldn’t otherwise have access—with 10-12 swimming lessons each, focusing on water safety and self-rescue skills.

💧 Harrogate Spring Water expansion decision deferred – North Yorkshire councillors postponed their decision on controversial plans to expand the bottled water factory, with local opposition citing environmental concerns. More on York Press

💼 York BID renewed for third term – Local businesses voted 91.4% in favour of continuing the Business Improvement District until March 2031. The BID delivers York’s winter lights, Restaurant Week, and cultural events that bring millions into the city economy. Chair Michael Hjort called it “a resounding vote of confidence.”

🎓 University of York research reveals human cost of MoD Afghan data leak – A study shows 49 people reported a colleague or family member killed as a direct result of the 2022 breach, with 87% experiencing personal threats. The Ministry of Defence took nearly two years to notify affected Afghans after becoming aware of the leak. Professor Sara de Jong said: “Not only did the Ministry of Defence leave Afghan applicants for UK resettlement in the dark about the breach... there was no central contact point for them to report threats.”

🚌 York and North Yorkshire to become rural bus franchising trailblazer – The region is set to pioneer new bus service models, according to Yorkshire Post reports.

🚌 First Bus offers free travel for armed forces personnel – Service members can now travel without charge on First Bus services across York. More on Yahoo News

🔥 Smoking heater in York home spotted by thermal cameras – Fire crews used thermal imaging technology to detect a dangerous heating fault that could have led to a house fire. Update on North Yorkshire Fire and rescue Service.

🕷️ Critically endangered spider found for first time in UK – A rare arachnid species was discovered in what conservationists are calling a significant find for British biodiversity. Report on ITV News.

🎨 ARTS & CULTURE

🎬 Aesthetica Film Festival 2025 hailed as global event – The 15th edition transforms York into the UK’s largest screen and media festival from 5-9 November. This BAFTA-qualifying event brings industry giants including Aardman, BBC, Film4, and Ridley Scott Associates to 15 city centre venues. Peter Straughan (Conclave) and Alex Lawther (The End of the F***ing World) headline masterclasses. The UK Film Production Summit at The Grand gathers 150 leading production companies, while the festival’s VR Lab, Games Lab, and Podcasting Lounge push beyond traditional cinema. Make it York

🎨 New arts and exhibition space in York blueprint for 2032 – Major plans revealed for a cultural venue in the heart of the city as part of long-term development strategy. Updates on York Mix

🎪 Early success for York Festival of Social Enterprise – The inaugural festival celebrating social enterprises and community businesses has been deemed a success by organisers. More on YorkPress

🏃 SPORT

City’s nine out on loan players - how are they faring at their new clubs? - NOVEMBER is approaching with York City’s nine out on loan players continuing to earn minutes elsewhere. More on York Press

🍽️ FOOD & DRINK

🍴 York Restaurant Week reveals boost for city – The October 2025 edition ran for two weeks (13-26 October) with over 225 offers from 100+ venues. March 2025’s event generated £579,770—a 46% jump—with over 32,000 vouchers downloaded. The campaign has delivered more than £2.4 million to York’s hospitality sector across 11 events since 2019.

🥪 First Bite: Salt Pig, Fossgate – York’s new sandwich shop – The Italian-inspired sandwich shop opened at 39 Fossgate (formerly Hairy Fig Deli) on Halloween. Founder Tim Jervis uses fresh Schiacciata bread baked in-house, with fillings like mortadella with pistachio cream and nduja with salami and hot honey. York Press Has more Updates.

🏆 York’s Shambles Market in Great British Market Awards 2025 – The city’s only permanent outdoor market is competing for ‘Best Outdoor Market’ at the National Association of British Market Authorities awards. Dating back to 700 AD, the market underwent a transformation in 2014 and now hosts 69 covered stalls plus the Shambles Food Court. Voting closes midnight, December 12.

🍺 Fox Inn in Stockton on the Forest reopens after takeover – The much-loved village pub opens Friday (31 October) at 3pm following a year-long closure. Friends and residents Kate Starkey and Philippa Myers bought the Fox after villagers feared it would be lost to developers. The refurb includes sanded floors, restored original features from the 1866 building, a new beer cellar, and kitchen—all done with local tradespeople.

🎃 WHAT’S in York This Today?

Bee’s Khraw Pop-Up - I’m so excited to be cooking at the Pop-Up at SPARK York! Thai food is at its best straight from the pan or wok, and I can’t wait for you to try a selection of authentic, freshly prepared appetisers, curries, and stir-fries.

• Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
• Thu 30 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
• 10am – 5pm
• More info

📊 COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

York Residents: Don’t forget to vote for Shambles Market in the Great British Market Awards! Voting closes December 12.

Aesthetica Film Festival: November 5-9 across 15 venues – tickets from £7.50, with 25% discount for York residents. Tickets

The York Brief is your daily digest of what’s happening in and around York. Compiled with care for our city.

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