Kevin Glenton

City of York Council approved a fresh nomination to list the Victoria Vaults on Nunnery Lane as an Asset of Community Value. The former music venue, which closed in December 2024, had previously lost that status after an earlier application was challenged. CAMRA argued that the building had significant cultural and community value, while representatives for the owners questioned the need for relisting and said the premises had been marketed without receiving leasehold offers. Supporters cited interest from multiple potential operators and possible community ownership arrangements. The council concluded that there was a realistic prospect of community use within the next five years, meaning the property cannot be sold without giving the community an opportunity to bid.

York Cycle Campaign has criticized delays in opening cycle lanes outside York railway station, saying completed sections remain blocked by plastic barriers and force cyclists to share the road with traffic. Cycle Heaven also says the works have harmed access and business. City of York Council says paving works have diverted pedestrians into the lanes, that contractor John Sisk and Son is in the final phase, and that most routes will open in stages after inspections determine a fixed date.

Vavavoom Bridal Boutique Ltd has applied to City of York Council to convert the former Dunnington Methodist Church on Common Road into an appointment-only wedding and prom boutique. The church closed after worship ended in May 2020, with its congregation reportedly merging with St Nicholas Church nearby. The proposal involves minor internal changes, display areas and fitting rooms, along with limited external signage. The applicant argues that the conversion would preserve the vacant building, provide a sustainable long-term use and bring indirect benefits to other local businesses. The council’s consultation on the application ends on August 25.

A designer cap was reportedly stolen from The Hat Shop on Pavement in York city centre on Friday, July 24. North Yorkshire Police released CCTV images of a man and a woman they want to identify and urged anyone with information to contact PC Joanne Bell, call 101, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Vitamins were reportedly stolen from a Holland and Barrett shop at McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet on June 30. North Yorkshire Police released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify and asked the public to provide information through the investigating officer, its website, 101, or Crimestoppers.

The York-born Dame Judi Dench is profiled through updates on her seven-decade career in film, television and theatre. The Oscar-winning actress is due to appear with writing partner Brendan O’Hea at York Theatre Royal to discuss her memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, following their work on Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent. Her career includes Shakespearean stage roles, leading work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, eight James Bond films as M, and acclaimed films including Shakespeare in Love, Philomena and Belfast. The Shaftesbury Theatre in London is also set to be renamed the Judi Dench Theatre in February 2027 in recognition of her contribution to British performing arts.

A man received emergency hospital treatment for several facial injuries after an alleged assault at The Moors Inn in Appleton-le-Moors, North Yorkshire, on August 1. North Yorkshire Police arrested a person in connection with the incident and released them on bail while enquiries continue. Police are seeking witnesses and information.

Andrew Wilkinson must leave the 1,676-acre Scoreby Estate near York after its sale for £14 million, ending 93 years of continuous farming by four generations of his family. The family farmed cattle and arable crops across 630 acres, while the estate was marketed by Fisher German. Wilkinson, who took over the tenancy in 2021, says leaving is not his choice and that finding an affordable home nearby will be difficult. The family’s local ties also include long-standing service on Kexby and Scoreby Parish Council.

Nine caravans were reported at Rufforth Playing Fields near York, with residents raising concerns about access to the clubhouse, bar and playground, as well as dogs roaming the area. Vehicles were reportedly parked on football and cricket pitches, forcing Rufforth and Marston Cricket Club to move a scheduled fixture. City of York Council said the encampment was on private land and that it would become involved only at the landowner’s request.

First Bus and York-based kWh Coffee have launched an espresso bar at the Askham Bar Park and Ride in York, the first coffee venture on the city’s park and ride network. The partnership aims to improve the travel experience while supporting both companies’ sustainability goals. The bar operates from a converted horsebox using renewable electricity, with kWh Coffee scheduling roasting according to periods when the UK power grid is greenest. It is open weekdays from 8am to 3pm and Saturdays from 9:30am to 5pm.

Plans submitted to City of York Council propose converting the vacant former Prestige Autocare York repair workshop at 1 Avenue Road, Clifton, into an open-air enclosed courtyard with private garages, residential storage, a boat store and three additional parking spaces. The scheme would retain much of the existing enclosure, remove the corrugated asbestos roof and make limited changes to access. Public consultation is scheduled to run until August 18.

Two vehicles crashed on the A164 Beverley Road in Watton, south of Driffield. All occupants escaped before emergency crews arrived. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service disconnected one vehicle’s battery, confirmed the other was safe to drive away, and covered spilled fuel with soil.

Readers have a final opportunity to mail votes for The York Press’s Best Pub 2026 competition after all ten finalists were profiled in print and online. The shortlisted venues include pubs and bars across York and surrounding villages, with the winner due to be announced in August.

A black-and-white Kawasaki ZR800 with green wheel trim was stolen from outside its owner's home on Surtees Road in Clifton, York, overnight from July 22 to July 23. North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the motorcycle being wheeled away and ask anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 12260140468.

The Lord Nelson in Nether Poppleton has been shortlisted by York Press readers for the 2026 Best Pub competition after winning the title in 2024. The 300-year-old pub is the village’s only public house and is known for local ales, its Yorkshire Tapas menu, live music, quizzes and community events. Nether Poppleton Parish Council has applied for the pub to receive Asset of Community Value status, which would recognise its social importance and give the community an opportunity to bid for it if it were sold. Landlord Tom Brown has been credited with helping revive the pub.

A 44-year-old man from York was arrested after an alleged air-rifle discharge outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre at 2:19 a.m. No one was injured. Police traced the silver vehicle reportedly used to leave the scene, placed a cordon around the mosque, increased patrols, and appealed for witnesses and CCTV or dashcam footage while investigating the motive.

The Knapton Lion in Knapton has been shortlisted by readers as one of 10 finalists in The Press’s Best Pub 2026 competition. Formerly known as The Red Lion and closed for several years, the pub was refurbished and reopened by owner Tom Brown, who also runs two other local pubs. It has received strong customer reviews, praise for its food, beers, service and atmosphere, and has become a busy community hub. The pub has also invested in a Le Verre de Vin system so its full wine list can be served by the glass, with the winner to be decided by reader votes.

A two-vehicle crash has closed the A170 in both directions at Wrelton Cliff Road between Pickering and Wrelton in North Yorkshire. The closure includes the Cropton Lane junction, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes while emergency services respond; police expect the road to remain closed for some time.

Fire crews from York and Tadcaster responded to four fires in a field near the A64 after smoke was reported at around 5pm on Tuesday, July 28. The largest blaze covered approximately 10 square metres, with three smaller fires also found. Crews extinguished the fires, dampened the area and used thermal imaging to check for hotspots.

The Crooked Tap in Acomb has been shortlisted by York Press readers for the 2026 Best Pub competition after winning the 2025 title. The pub is praised for its 4.4 Tripadvisor rating, Facebook recommendations, live music, sports screenings, community atmosphere and varied pop-up food and beer events. Manager Jimmy Hebbron describes the venue as a community hub, while owner Crooked Brewery operates it as a Yorkshire craft-beer taproom. Readers can vote using slips in York Press editions through August 1, with the winner to be announced shortly afterward.

A person died after being found on the tracks at Mirfield railway station in Yorkshire. British Transport Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and that a file would be prepared for the coroner. The station and railway lines were temporarily closed while emergency services attended, causing cancellations and delays of up to an hour. Some lines later reopened, but disruption continued, with replacement transport arranged for some journeys and multiple TransPennine Express routes altered or cancelled.

Ye Olde Starre Inne on Stonegate in York has been shortlisted among the top 10 pubs in The York Press Best Pub 2026 award. The Grade II-listed venue, whose history dates to the 16th century and which became known as The Starre by 1644, is noted for its historic character, food menu, bar and three beer gardens overlooking York Minster. Owner Greene King has submitted plans to update the pub's distinctive sign while preserving the building's historic features. Customer reviews generally praise the pub's atmosphere, food and friendly service, and the award winner will be announced after voting closes on August 1.

Two high-value electric mountain bikes, including a gold-coloured Focus model, were stolen from Fodder at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate at about 4:20 p.m. on July 17. North Yorkshire Police appealed for information to help recover the bikes and provided contact details and the crime reference number.

A York councillor has warned that a series of suspected deliberate fires across Acomb and surrounding areas is putting residents, firefighters, farmers, wildlife and livestock at risk. North Yorkshire Police are investigating several incidents, including fires in Foxwood Lane, Thanet Road, Bellhouse Way, Kingsway West and near Askham Lane. Police and fire officials say warm, dry conditions could allow small fires to spread rapidly, and are working with local partners and schools to educate young people and families about the consequences of arson.

Stone Roses Bar on King Street has been shortlisted among York’s top 10 pubs in The Press’s Best Pub 2026 competition. Co-owner Joel Bray credited the bar’s customer support, staff, student-friendly drinks offers, £100,000 refurbishment, strong online following and previous awards, including the 2024 Thwaites Pub of the Year. The business is also exploring opening a second venue in another city and has begun shipping merchandise internationally.

The Rook and Gaskill pub in York has been shortlisted by readers of The Press for its Best Pub 2026 competition. Owner Paul Marshall highlighted the venue’s long history, extensive beer selection, on‑site brewery, and community‑focused atmosphere as key strengths. The pub’s longstanding Thursday quiz and strong customer loyalty were noted. Voting continues through August 5, with results to follow.

Three B’s Micropub in Bridlington has relocated to larger premises in the town center following a £200,000 investment by owners Mark and Cheryl Bates. The new site includes greater capacity, an expanded beer garden, upgraded food facilities, and a wider drinks selection. The pub, recently recognized by CAMRA as joint Yorkshire pub of the year and a national finalist, has also converted upper floors into residential and future holiday lets.

A York pub, the Burns Hotel on Market Street, has been shortlisted by readers of The Press for the Best Pub 2026 competition. Known for its traditional Samuel Smith’s beers and no‑technology rules, the pub is frequently praised for its historic interior and quiet atmosphere. A City of York Council notice shows the pub has applied to serve food and drink at its frontage. Reviewers describe it as a reliable destination for quality beer and relaxation. Voting for the competition runs through August 5, with the winner to be announced soon after.

Whitby Steampunk Weekend XX will return to Whitby Pavilion with a free programme of talks, entertainment, workshops, and a large retail emporium. Visitors are encouraged to attend in costume and enjoy presentations on Victorian culture, mythology, literature, and local history, along with musical performances and evening events. Organisers highlight the event’s family‑friendly atmosphere and its growing popularity as a major UK steampunk gathering.

Readers’ votes produced a shortlist of ten popular York pubs competing for the 2026 Best Pub title, with daily profiles and postal voting open until early August. Ben Hardy highlighted the cultural and economic value of local pubs, noting several regional venues recognized by The Good Food Guide. The shortlisted pubs include The Burns Hotel, The Crooked Tap, The Knapton Lion, The Lord Nelson, The Nags Head, The Rook and Gaskill, The Ship Inn, The Stone Roses Bar, the Walnut Tree, and Ye Old Starre Inne.

Gas pipe replacement work in Pocklington will close George Street for three weeks from July 20 and sections of Percy Road from August 5, with temporary traffic lights also in place. Northern Gas Networks is replacing old metal pipes with plastic ones in coordination with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The company apologised for the disruption and emphasised the need to maintain a reliable and safe gas supply.

A deliberately started fire in a wooded area near West Bank Park in Acomb prompted a response from Acomb fire crews, who extinguished it using a hose reel jet and referred the incident to North Yorkshire Police.

Police carried out a series of coordinated raids and patrols across Whitby, Scarborough and nearby rural communities as part of Operation Tornado, resulting in nine arrests for alleged drug and retail crime offences. Officers seized drugs and cash, conducted high‑visibility and plain‑clothes patrols, engaged with rural residents, and launched drink and drug driving operations. Chief Constable Tim Forber emphasized the force’s commitment to deterring and prosecuting criminal activity across North Yorkshire.

A man who fell into a ditch beside railway lines near Rawcliffe Bridge in East Yorkshire was rescued by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service after suffering a suspected broken ankle. Network Rail staff transported him to the roadside, where he was handed to paramedics for further care.

A woman was rendered unconscious after an assault at the junction of High Ousegate and Nessgate in York. North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation and released an image of a woman they wish to identify, believing she may have information relevant to the case. The public has been asked to assist by contacting the police and quoting the provided reference number.

Police in North Yorkshire are searching for 49-year-old Christopher Clark, reported missing from the Pickering area and last seen in Helmsley on July 9, 2026. Descriptions of his appearance and clothing were released along with details of the items he may be carrying. Authorities note he is an experienced walker familiar with the local area and urge the public to call emergency services with any sightings or information.

St George’s Field car and coach park in York will close for five days to allow Environment Agency flood‑defence improvements, including work on the ramp that forms part of existing barriers. The council and agency say the project is being phased to limit disruption, with partial reopening under traffic management once initial work is complete and an apology issued for any inconvenience.

A deliberately set fire in a Selby field prompted a response from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue shortly after 3 a.m. Firefighters found an abandoned motorcycle burning and extinguished it using knapsack sprayers, water buckets and a thermal imaging camera.

A York St John University graduate, Jayden Robinson, will premiere his feature film Triesverse: Cataclysm at the Savoy Cinema in Doncaster. The latest entry in the Triesverse action‑comedy series includes a brief cameo and recorded message from actor Paul McGann. Cast members describe the film as a significant and emotionally engaging project, and a global online release is planned following the theatrical debut.

Three North Yorkshire beaches, including Whitby Sands, Boggle Hole, and Marske Sands, were named among The Times and The Sunday Times’ 50 Best UK Beaches. The guide evaluates locations through a detailed 12‑point checklist and emphasizes community engagement for the first time. Travel writer Chris Haslam praised the region’s natural beauty and highlighted wildlife sightings at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, ranked the best beach in northern England. Additional northern beaches also made the list as the guide expands to include more remote coastal areas such as the Outer Hebrides and the Isles of Scilly.