THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Wednesday, January 14, 2025

✨ GOOD MORNING, YORK!

Tuesday brings a sobering mix of youth challenges and infrastructure hope – a primary pupil suspended for substance misuse highlights growing concerns as 45 young people enter treatment, while York’s railway future brightens with billions earmarked for upgrades. From high street closures to crime crackdowns, here’s what’s shaping your day.

Weather Update:

Expect a cold, mostly cloudy day in York with a high around 7°C and a low of about 2°C tonight. There’s a moderate chance of rain at times, keeping the skies grey, with humidity high and visibility generally good throughout the day. Mild showers (rather than heavy rain or snow) are possible, so bring a waterproof if you’re heading out.
Source: Met Office forecast for York

🚆 MAJOR TRANSPORT

💷 York Secures Key Role in £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail; Historic news for York’s railways as the government confirms a £45 billion investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail over the next two decades. York station will receive capacity upgrades strengthening its role as a key northern hub, with phase one focusing on improved connections between Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Bradford. Mayor David Skaith called it “a strong endorsement” of the White Rose Plan for Rail, with £1.1bn earmarked for design work starting now, though construction won’t begin until after 2030.

🌊 Coast to Coast Path Upgraded to National Trail; North Yorkshire celebrates as the iconic Coast to Coast Path receives National Trail status following a £5.6 million investment. Running from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay, the route attracts 6,000+ walkers annually, generating £7 million for local economies. (Richmondshire Today)

“Walking through these landscapes is more than a journey, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, discover local heritage, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the world’s great trails.”

🚨 CRIME & JUSTICE

👮 93 Arrested in Festive Crime Crackdown'; North Yorkshire Police’s “winter of action” campaign resulted in 93 arrests across York, Selby, Harrogate, and Scarborough in just 23 days. The crackdown targeted shop theft, alcohol-related disorder, e-bike misuse, and drink spiking, with officers logging 350 hours of dedicated patrols. Twenty arrests were for theft.

⚖️ Domestic Abuser Jailed for Three and a Half Years; Michael Boyes, 40, was sentenced at York Crown Court for subjecting his former partner to “mental torture” over 20 months. Helen Duncanson bravely faced him in court, describing how Boyes attacked her, tried to strangle her with her own necklace, and left her in financial debt to fund his cocaine addiction. He’s now subject to a 10-year restraining order.

“It’s like all the anxiety has just left me all of a sudden … I’m safe,” she said. “I’m almost in disbelief.

🌿 Youths Suspected of Smoking Cannabis in Village South of York; Police are investigating reports of youths smoking cannabis in Riccall, between Selby and York. Officers say youths have been congregating at the Bothy sheltered area next to Northfield Lane in the evenings and into early hours. Anyone with information should contact police on 101.

🏫 EDUCATION & YOUTH

⚠️ Primary Pupil Suspended for Substance Misuse as 45 York Young People Enter Treatment; A primary school pupil in York was among 45 students suspended or excluded from city schools in connection with drugs and alcohol in 2023/4. The data comes as 45 under-18s – including 20 aged 15 and under – were in drug and alcohol treatment in York in 2024-5, up from 40 the previous year. Cannabis accounted for 35 cases, with 25 receiving help for alcohol. City of York Council’s public health lead Peter Roderick said the rise shows services are getting better at finding and bringing young people into treatment, mirroring regional and national trends. Of the 30 referrals in 2024/5, 15 came through education, 10 from family and friends, and five from the criminal justice system.

💰 £51,000 Boost for Childcare at Three York Schools; Three York schools are getting extra breakfast and after-school club places after a £51,000 government cash injection. Clifton Green Primary School receives £30,000 for 35 places, Dringhouses Primary School gets £15,000 for 25 after-school places, and Wheldrake with Thorganby Primary School receives £6,000 for eight places.

💼 BUSINESS

🏪 Acuitis Opticians Closes After 3.5 Years on Coney Street; European eyewear and hearing brand Acuitis has closed its York city centre location at 35 Coney Street, citing the unfavourable economic climate. The Swiss brand, which opened in York as a joint venture in mid-2022, thanked customers but said they can no longer continue operations. The closure is one of several on Coney Street as the street prepares for a major regeneration project.

🍽️ Sky Blue Chinese Restaurant Acts on One-Star Rating; The Sky Blue Chinese Restaurant on Barbican Road says it has taken measures after receiving an unexpected one-star food hygiene rating from City of York Council inspectors in November. The restaurant, which previously held five-star ratings, said issues related primarily to documentation and record-keeping rather than food quality. Management has updated food safety systems, retrained staff, and requested a re-inspection. (York Press)

⚠️ WEATHER & INCIDENTS

🌊 Flood Alerts Issued After Storm Goretti; The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the Upper River Ouse and Upper River Derwent following Storm Goretti. The River Ouse is forecast to peak at 2.35m at 8.30am today (normal range tops out at 1.9m). Locations affected include Kings Staith, Queens Staith, South Esplanade, and low-lying land near rivers.

🚗 One Person Hospitalized After A168 Crash Near Thirsk; Firefighters from Thirsk and Northallerton attended a two-vehicle crash on the A168 in South Kilvington at 3.11pm yesterday. Five occupants were out of the cars upon arrival, with one taken to hospital after suffering chest pains. Crews used small tools, cutters and spreaders to make the scene safe.

🏉 SPORT

🎓 York RLFC Unveils York College Partnership; York RLFC has announced York College as its new official partner for the 2026 season. The York College logo will feature on the back of Knights and Valkyrie playing shirts during York’s historic first Super League season. Chairman Clint Goodchild called it “a genuine investment in our players, our people, and the wider York community.”

🎽 York Knights Reveal 2026 Super League Squad Numbers
York Knights have announced their squad numbers for the historic Super League debut. New signing Paul Vaughan takes the number 10 shirt, Josh Griffin wears 11, Jordan Lipp takes 3, and Sam Wood gets 4. Toa Mata’afa moves to number 1, with Liam Harris and Ata Hingano continuing their Championship-winning halfback pairing in 7 and 6. (Total Rugby League)

🎨 WHAT’S ON

🎨 Ceramics Fair Returns to York Racecourse in March; The York Ceramics Fair returns March 7-8, featuring 72 exhibitors from across the UK, including 23 first-timers. The event will showcase functional, sculptural, and decorative ceramics with talks and demonstrations from Yorkshire artist Deiniol Williams, Ukrainian-born Jaroslav Hrustalenko, and Michelle Young-Hares from Glasgow. Timed entry tickets cost £8.50 (£7 concessions, free for under-16s). (York Press)

👗 Party Dress Day Returns January 30; York’s Alex Lloyd brings back Party Dress Day on Friday, January 30, raising money for The Good Grief Trust. The annual fundraising event, now in its fifth year, encourages people to don their glad rags to brighten up January and support bereavement services. More than £12,200 has already been raised. (YorkMix)

“I can’t wait to see all the photos and videos on the day. It creates a real sense of community and the creativity is fantastic. We’ve had people sea swimming, playing tennis, walking the dog and vacuuming in their dresses!”

👥 COMMUNITY

🚗 Driver Confidence Evening Returns February 11; Dunnington Motor Care hosts its fourth annual Driver Confidence Evening on February 11 (7-9:30pm), teaching York motorists essential car skills including engine warning lights, tyre checks, wheel changing, and basic maintenance. Originally women-only, the free workshop is now open to all. North Yorkshire Police Road Safety Team, York Advanced Drivers, and K&D Recovery will participate.

That’s your York snapshot for today - from big decisions and community action to weather that keeps us layered up. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or just out for a walk, stay warm and prepared for showers.

Have a story worth sharing or a local event we should cover? Drop us a line - this newsletter is as much about you as it is about the city. We’ll be back tomorrow with more from around our streets and communities.