The York Brief ⏰ Wednesday, November 05, 2025

Morning York! From heritage buildings crying out for repairs to Game of Thrones stars on Colliergate, it’s been quite the week. Let’s dive into what’s making headlines...

🌤️ YORK WEATHER TODAY

High 16°C / Low 9°C | Partly cloudy with possible showers | Winds SW 9-17 mph

🚧 TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE

🚂 Station Gateway hits December milestone - York Station Gateway project continues to transform the station frontage, with the latest phase set to move forward in December. The £25.7m scheme is reshaping the arrival points to the station, with contractor John Sisk & Son working on highways improvements. The temporary Queen Street diversion road is in place while work progresses, and special care continues to protect the historic City Walls throughout construction. Read more about Station Gateway on York.Gov

🚧 Haxby Road closure coming for roadworks - Part of Haxby Road in York is set to close for roadworks, causing disruption for commuters and residents. The council has announced the temporary closure to allow essential maintenance work. Diversions will be in place. See the Full Schedule on City of York Council Website.

🛣️ Fossway in Heworth closed for works - Part of Fossway in Heworth will be closed for roadworks, the council has confirmed. The closure is necessary for essential repairs and improvements to the road surface. Local residents have been notified of alternative routes. Update on Yahoo News.

🌉 Footbridge fury: Residents fight Network Rail timeline - Rose Lane residents are pushing back against Network Rail’s plan to demolish their pedestrian footbridge before the new road bridge is ready. The footbridge - their only link over the Leeds railway line - is scheduled for removal as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Residents say Network Rail’s own approved plans promised the footbridge would stay until the replacement opened. Full story on York Mix.

💼 BUSINESS & NETWORKING

🤝 Making Connections: New networking group launches in York - A new networking group called Making Connections (MC) has launched in York, offering business professionals fresh opportunities to build relationships and grow their ventures. The group aims to create a supportive community for York entrepreneurs and business leaders. York Press with the Update.

🎮 Locker Space York reports ‘brain rot’ Halloween - Locker Space York has reported on this year’s Halloween celebrations, highlighting the “brain rot” themed events that drew crowds to the popular entertainment venue. The zombie-themed festivities proved a hit with York residents looking for spooky thrills. York Press

🏥 HEALTH & WELLBEING

🏥 York Hospital Trust paid £11m in maternity claims - York Hospital Trust has paid out approximately £11 million in maternity-related claims, new figures reveal. The payments highlight ongoing concerns about maternity services at the trust, which has faced scrutiny from regulators. The trust says it takes all claims seriously and works with NHS Resolution to ensure fair outcomes. Gazette and Herald.

💉 Ripon treatment centre to be upgraded

The minor injuries treatment centre in Ripon is set for a major upgrade, bringing improved facilities for patients across the region. The investment will modernize equipment and expand services for local residents who rely on the centre for urgent care. York Mix with the Update.

🦅 Avian flu confirmed near Thirsk - third case - A third case of avian flu has been confirmed in the county near Thirsk, health officials have announced. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have implemented containment measures. Poultry owners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. More News on Gazette and Herald, Gov.UK

🏫 EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

👶 St Paul’s Nursery in Holgate seeks past pupils - St Paul’s Nursery School in Holgate is reaching out to past pupils as part of a special reunion project. The only nursery school in York wants to reconnect with former students and celebrate its rich history serving the community. Anyone who attended is encouraged to get in touch. Update on Yahoo News.

⚽ SPORT

🏉 Unsung hero Kieran Buchanan signs new York Knights deal - York Knights have secured the future of “unsung hero” Kieran Buchanan, who has signed a new deal with the club. The hardworking forward has been praised for his consistent performances and commitment to the team. Knights fans will be delighted to see him stay on. York Press.

⚽ Adam Hinshelwood addresses York City axe speculation - York City manager Adam Hinshelwood has addressed speculation about his future amid rumors of the axe. Speaking candidly about the club’s recent struggles, Hinshelwood insisted he remains focused on turning results around and securing the team’s position. York Press.

🏛️ LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HERITAGE

🏰 York seeks £50m to save crumbling historic treasures

York is launching an ambitious bid to attract £50 million in funding to repair historic buildings suffering from leaks and decay. Council officials warn that York’s medieval timber-framed buildings and collections of historical artefacts are at risk without significant investment. The city estimates the strategy could boost visitor numbers by 5%. Details on heritage funding

🎨 Micklegate Bar art gallery plans approved - Plans for an art gallery and shop at York’s historic Micklegate Bar have been approved by planning officials. The Grade I listed medieval gateway will house a new cultural space, bringing contemporary art to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The project aims to make the gatehouse more accessible to visitors. Update on BBC News

🎄 Christmas Market access debate continues - The opening time of York’s Christmas Market could be pushed back to 10:30am (from the usual 10am) to give Blue Badge holders more time to access the city centre in the morning. A council report proposes the delay, plus converting a Duncombe Place loading bay into Blue Badge spaces and providing £5,000 to Shopmobility charity to support free mobility aid hiring. The moves follow concerns about Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order restrictions during the six-week event (Nov 13-Dec 21) that limit vehicle access - including for disabled residents. York Christmas Market access plans

🎓 York St John announces honorary graduates 2025 - York St John University has unveiled its list of honorary graduates for 2025, celebrating outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. The prestigious awards recognize achievement in areas from arts and education to business and community service. Update on St John University York.

🏢 York Business Festival urges firms to get involved - York Business Festival is calling on local businesses to get involved in this year’s program of events. The festival offers networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars designed to support York’s thriving business community. Organizers are encouraging companies of all sizes to participate. York Press.

🎬 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

📽️ Game of Thrones star brings Christmas magic to York

Filming continues this week on Colliergate for major new Christmas comedy Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, starring John Bradley (Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones), Richard E Grant, Celia Imrie, and Karl Pilkington. The crew has transformed 5 Colliergate into ‘The Miniature World of Wonders’ for the shoot. Bradley’s character Aubrey Flint has a deep disdain for Christmas until he’s sentenced to community service directing a chaotic retirement home production of A Christmas Carol. Producer Andy Brunskill said they picked York “for its sheer beauty” - and we’ll get to see it on screens at Christmas 2026! Filming updates

🚨 CRIME & SAFETY

🚴 Violent gang steals e-bike in York attack - North Yorkshire Police are investigating after a man in his 20s was attacked by a group who deliberately rode into him on their bikes, hit him on the head, and stole his electric cycle. The shocking incident has sparked concern about gang-style robberies in the city. Police are appealing for witnesses. Crime report

🎆 Fireworks probe: Disturbing Tang Hall incidents - North Yorkshire Police are investigating disturbing firework incidents in the Tang Hall area where fireworks were deliberately set off near homes. Officers are treating the incidents seriously and appealing for information from residents who may have witnessed the dangerous behavior. Report on BBC

⛽ Fuel theft investigation: York and Harrogate hit - Police are investigating a series of fuel thefts across York and Harrogate, with multiple reports of drivers filling up and leaving without payment. Officers are reviewing CCTV and urging station owners to report incidents. Report on York Press.

🚆 REGIONAL IMPACT

🦸 York MP praises LNER heroes after train knife attack

York Central MP Rachael Maskell has paid tribute to LNER staff and York-based signallers following Saturday’s horrific knife attack on a train to London. She’s written to LNER Managing Director David Horne offering support and thanking the York signallers who helped divert the train to Huntingdon where armed police could respond. Maskell is pushing for her amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would provide greater legal protections for transport workers who face increased risk of assault. LNER employee Samir Zitouni, 48, remains in critical condition after his heroic actions saved many lives. MP’s statement

📊 Community Noticeboard

🎅 Christmas Market: Opens Nov 13, runs until Dec 21 🎬 Film crews: Active on Colliergate/Fossgate through this week 🚧 Roadworks: Multiple schemes ongoing - check york.gov.uk/roadworks 💙 Blue Badge access: Review your options at york.gov.uk/BlueBadgeAccess

GOT A STORY? Email us your York news tips and we’ll share them in tomorrow’s Brief.

That’s your Tuesday sorted, York! Stay dry out there!