THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Good morning! Bit grey out there today but at least we're not dealing with another skip fire in Acomb (you'll see what we mean). From tribunal battles at the Guildhall to axe-wielding thieves at Clifton Moor, here's everything that matters in York.

🚂 TRANSPORT

🚆 Rail passengers warned of major disruption - York services affected; York passengers face significant travel disruption throughout February and into March as Network Rail carries out major improvement works. From February 14-22, Manchester Piccadilly works will affect services, while weekends from February 14 to March 8 will see NO trains between Leeds and York or Leeds and Selby for the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Hourly replacement buses will run, but journey times will be extended by approximately 45 minutes. Additional disruption continues from works between Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds and York (February 2-6), with multiple LNER weekend closures between Peterborough and King's Cross affecting London connections. Check journey planners before travelling.

"The improvements, including renewing track and switches and crossings as week as progress with the Darlington station upgrade and East Coast Digital Programme, are important steps towards an even more modern, greener, safer and more reliable railway.

💼 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

⚖️ Council ordered to pay ex-director £360,500 total; City of York Council's been hit with a £360,500 bill after a tribunal ruled they failed to offer former corporate director Neil Ferris a suitable alternative role during a 2024 restructure. Ferris left in August after his corporate director of place role was axed. He'd turned down a "director of city development" position, calling it a non-job cobbled together to avoid redundancy costs. The tribunal agreed with him. Council's considering an appeal.

📉 Yorkshire insolvencies fall but businesses still under pressure; Yorkshire businesses showed resilience in 2025 despite tough trading conditions, according to R3's annual report. Jodie Wildridge, R3's Yorkshire deputy chair, noted that companies are navigating higher costs, weak demand, and policy uncertainty. The message to struggling firms remains clear: seek professional advice early. Personal insolvencies also rose, driven by cost-of-living pressures affecting households across the region.

💷 Employers urged to hire local talent with wage subsidy scheme; Businesses in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to provide fully-funded placements through the Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress (LEAP) programme. The scheme offers three-month placements of at least 16 hours per week for people who've been out of work due to long-term sickness, disability, or caring responsibilities. Employers get grants covering wages and National Insurance with no additional costs.

Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “North Yorkshire is home to a wealth of untapped talent including people with skills, potential and ambition who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves out of the jobs market.

🛍️ RETAIL

👠 Moda in Pelle opening Britain's largest concession at Browns; Big retail news: Women's shoe brand Moda in Pelle is opening its largest concession partnership in Britain at Browns in Davygate within weeks. The shoe department's currently closed for a full refurb. Owner Nicholas Brown says it's part of Davygate's wider redevelopment alongside Breitling, Tag Heuer, Mappin & Webb, and Betty's. Moda closed their Low Petergate shop back in November (bailiffs secured that one), so this is their York comeback.

🚪 Cello by Collectables closing Church Street shop; The gift and homeware store at 4-5 Church Street is shutting its doors on Sunday, February 22. Cello's already launched its closing sale. The landlord's converting the premises into a restaurant (planning's approved), so they're actively hunting for another York site but it's tight. Area manager Lynn Dickinson says they've loved being in York and really want to stay. Stock clearance is the priority now.

“It’s with much regret that we are closing this store on the 22nd of February. Management are currently looking for another property so we might see you again in the future.

🎗️ Yorkshire Cancer Research opening superstore at Foss Islands; Yorkshire Cancer Research is opening its biggest ever shop in the former Kutchen Haus unit at Foss Islands retail park in March. The 13,000 square foot superstore across two floors will offer ladies', men's, and children's clothing, homewares, electricals, toys, books, and records. The charity is funding £75 million worth of research and new cancer services across Yorkshire. This superstore marks a significant stride towards having a presence on every high street in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Cancer Research on Instagram: “Yorkshire’s voice has been heard 💙 During a visit to Barnsley yesterday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a new £200 million fund for under-resourced areas, including many across Yorkshire. The new Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund aims to reduce inequalities in cancer screening and increase the number of cancers found at an early stage. Many of the challenges highlighted in this announcement reflect findings from Yorkshire Cancer Research’s White Rose Cancer Report. Last year, nearly 3,000 people across Yorkshire joined together to send symbolic white roses to London, calling for the region’s needs to be recognised in the National Cancer Plan. This announcement shows the power of that collective effort. By standing with Yorkshire, supporters across the region have helped ensure our voice has been heard in Westminster 🌹”

38 likes, 1 comments - yorkshirecancerresearch on January 30, 2026: “Yorkshire’s voice has been heard 💙 During a visit to Barnsley yesterday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a new £200 million fund for under-resourced areas, including many across Yorkshire. The new Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund aims to reduce inequalities in cancer screening and increase the number of cancers found at an early stage. Many of the challenges highlighted in this announcement reflect findings from Yorkshire Cancer Research’s White Rose Cancer Report. Last year, nearly 3,000 people across Yorkshire joined together to send symbolic white roses to London, calling for the region’s needs to be recognised in the National Cancer Plan. This announcement shows the power of that collective effort. By standing with Yorkshire, supporters across the region have helped ensure our voice has been heard in Westminster 🌹”.

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🏥 HEALTH & WELLBEING

🔬 University of York gets £2.5m for blood cancer research; York researchers have landed £2.5 million from Cancer Research UK – announced today on World Cancer Day – to advance pioneering blood cancer work. The funding supports the Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN), which tracks 3,000 people diagnosed with blood cancers across Yorkshire every year.

💜 Deputy Mayor tackles violence against women and girls; Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, met with York Central MP Rachael Maskell and City of York Council Leader Claire Douglas at York Women's Centre to discuss the new national strategy to halve violence against women and girls. Coles emphasised that tackling the issue requires everyone's involvement – from police and criminal justice agencies to local authorities, businesses, transport partners, and the voluntary sector.

David Skaith, the Mayor and I are determined to make our region a safe place for everyone. To do that we all need to do so much more to ensure every woman and girl in our region is kept safe. If you can help us to deliver our mission, please get in touch.

🚨 CRIME & SAFETY

⚡ Axe-wielding thief nicks EV cables at Clifton Moor; North Yorkshire Police are hunting a bloke who cycled off with multiple electric vehicle charging cables and a large axe from Clifton Moor Industrial Estate last night around 8:30pm. Yes, you read that right – he left on a pedal bike carrying an axe. If you've got dashcam footage or saw anything suspicious, call 101 quoting reference NYP-030220260490.

🏛️ LOCAL GOVERNMENT

🚽 Public toilet charges paused across North Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Council's pressed pause on plans to charge 50p for public toilets after a backlash. The executive was expected to approve charges and facility closures this morning, but Conservative councillor Keane Duncan's "Free to Pee" campaign forced a rethink. Council leader Carl Les postponed the decision to properly consider the impact. The council runs 90+ public loos – more than any other in the country – costing £1.2m a year.

🏗️ HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT

🏠 Former labourer now managing luxury Fulford housing; Josh Hall, 27 from Pocklington, has been appointed site manager at Urban Renaissance in Fulford – four luxury homes on the grounds of Grade II-listed Ousefield House. He started as a labourer at Mulgrave Properties, worked his way to trainee assistant site manager, and qualified properly in 2023. One property's already reserved. The remaining three include The Duke (5-bed, 4,510 sq ft), The Dragoon (4-bed, 3,199 sq ft), and The Wellington (4-bed, 3,885 sq ft). All come with energy-saving tech and luxury finishes.

🌾 Agricultural waste plant planned for former airfield near Thirsk; An anaerobic digestion plant that recovers renewable biomethane from agricultural waste is set to be built at the former Skipton-on-Swale Airfield near Thirsk. North Yorkshire Council councillors will consider the application next week. The facility would process up to 144,000 tonnes of agricultural waste per year, generating renewable biomethane, recovering heat, producing nutrient-rich digestate, and capturing carbon dioxide.

🎺 COMMUNITY

🎺 York brass band up for national inspiration award; Shepherd Brass Band's been nominated for an inspiration award after Sean Chandler spent years helping young deaf musicians master brass instruments. The inclusive York band's recognition comes from their work making music accessible to everyone. The awards ceremony's coming up soon.

Shepherd Brass Band on Instagram: “Despite the wet weather, it was a thoroughly inspiring morning as Shepherd Brass Band hosted its first Community Band Project rehearsal of 2026. Under the experienced direction of Richard Wilton and Garry Hallas, and with support from members of the Shepherd Brass Band, around 50 local players took on the challenge of this year’s regional test pieces for the 4th and 2nd Sections: Indian Summer by Eric Ball and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Philip Harper. The band produced an impressive and powerful sound throughout the session, and there was a fantastic atmosphere in the rehearsal room, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. 🎺🎺🎺 The next Project Band rehearsal will take place in February—details will be announced soon.”

29 likes, 0 comments - shepherdbrassband on January 18, 2026: “Despite the wet weather, it was a thoroughly inspiring morning as Shepherd Brass Band hosted its first Community Band Project rehearsal of 2026. Under the experienced direction of Richard Wilton and Garry Hallas, and with support from members of the Shepherd Brass Band, around 50 local players took on the challenge of this year’s regional test pieces for the 4th and 2nd Sections: Indian Summer by Eric Ball and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Philip Harper. The band produced an impressive and powerful sound throughout the session, and there was a fantastic atmosphere in the rehearsal room, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. 🎺🎺🎺 The next Project Band rehearsal will take place in February—details will be announced soon.”.

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