Olivia Richwald

A major refurbishment funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund has reopened Ripon Workhouse Museum, restoring its historic Grade II-listed building and unveiling areas such as the original cellar for the first time since 1930. New sound effects and revamped rooms aim to immerse visitors in the harsh realities of Victorian workhouse life. Staff and volunteers described the work as vital for preserving history and supporting education. The project forms part of a wider £3.3m programme focused on conservation, interpretation and youth engagement.

A family in Ripon faces a no‑fault eviction served two days before such evictions were banned under the Renters' Rights Act, prompting a petition that has gained over 33,000 signatures. Linsey Reeves and her husband say they have nowhere to move and describe the instability caused as their 1 July deadline approaches. The Holy Trinity Properties Trust issued the Section 21 notice based on advice from its letting agents, while local supporters, including former mayor John Richmond, call for the decision to be reversed. The trust and the letting agents maintain they acted within legal requirements as community pressure builds for a reconsideration.