Richard Edwards

North Yorkshire Council has asked the UK government for £89.3m to replace Selby Toll Bridge and repair the A63 bypass bridge, bringing the total projected cost to about £92m including local funding. The toll bridge, damaged when a boat struck it, may require traffic to stop up to 1,250 times a year while ships pass underneath, while the bypass bridge cannot currently open because its hydraulic, electrical and control systems have deteriorated. Council leaders say both bridges urgently need work to protect road users and maintain Selby’s connectivity, although Labour group leader Steve Shaw-Wright has questioned the near-tripling of the estimate from £30m. The Department for Transport is expected to decide on the funding application in autumn.

Business owners, residents and councillors in North Yorkshire are urging visitors to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to take litter home, park responsibly, control dogs and avoid disposable barbecues, campfires and discarded cigarettes. Tourism is described as essential to local businesses, villages and seasonal employment, but irresponsible behaviour has contributed to litter, risks to wildlife and livestock, and serious moorland fires. A recent North York Moors blaze burned for more than 40 days, while a separate fire at Chop Gate destroyed eight acres before firefighters, farmers and gamekeepers contained it. Supporters say responsible tourism is welcome, but visitors must help protect the parks and their communities.

Businesses, residents and councillors in North Yorkshire are urging summer visitors to enjoy the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors responsibly. They highlight littering, careless parking, uncontrolled dogs and disposable barbecues as threats to wildlife, livestock and public safety, particularly amid dry conditions and recent devastating moorland fires. Tourism remains essential to the local economy, but campaigners argue that visitors should take litter home, avoid naked flames and help protect the national parks for future generations.

North Yorkshire councillors have approved a £30m funding bid to repair Selby’s A63 bypass bridge and potentially replace the ageing toll bridge. The structures suffer from significant wear, with the bypass bridge unable to operate since 2022 and the toll bridge nearing the end of its lifespan. Officials emphasise the bridges’ importance to local transport, services and economic activity. If approved by the Department for Transport, the work—estimated at £25m for replacement of the toll bridge and £5m for repairs to the bypass bridge—must be completed by March 2030.

A policy limiting free school transport to a pupil’s nearest school has raised concerns in North Yorkshire about potential declines in enrolment and funding at Settle College, as pupils in nearby areas may switch to a closer school eligible for free transport. Education figures warn the shift could disrupt long-standing feeder patterns and intensify financial pressures on schools. A council motion seeking reversal of the policy was blocked and referred to a scrutiny committee, prompting criticism from parent groups who argue the council is avoiding accountability.

North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith announced a 10‑year rural action plan focused on supporting countryside communities through 5,000 new rural homes, expanded affordable housing measures and improved digital and mobile connectivity. The plan includes working with councils, developers and housing providers to unlock stalled sites and promote long‑term affordability while backing local authority efforts to curb second‑home ownership. Skaith also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including partnerships with technology firms to eliminate persistent connectivity gaps. Representatives from the National Farmers’ Union welcomed the focus on housing, rural services and crime, stressing longstanding concerns about poor connectivity, fuel poverty and lack of support in rural areas.

A decision on plans to build more than 200 homes on high‑quality farmland in Brayton has been deferred again after Redrow Homes requested time to reconsider the scheme’s design following new feedback from council officers. Despite earlier recommendations for approval, the delay frustrated local councillors and residents, who raised concerns about traffic, pressure on local services, loss of agricultural land and impacts on the surrounding landscape. Redrow said the development would include affordable housing and infrastructure contributions, while continuing discussions with the council to address objections.

York is introducing an 18‑month trial restricting key city‑centre streets to buses, taxis and emergency vehicles to improve journey times and reduce congestion. The City of York Council unanimously backed the £2.3m Rougier Route scheme amid evidence of prolonged bus delays and increasing travel times. Supporters, including bus operators and campaigners, say the changes will encourage greater bus use, while opposition councillors highlight potential unintended consequences but remain open to the plan. Initial enforcement will involve warning letters rather than fines.

Residents near the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse base voiced unease over renewed government consideration of housing up to 1,200 asylum seekers on the site, citing its scale, poor communication, limited local infrastructure and impacts on wellbeing. Several villagers said uncertainty and lack of information had created stress and fears about daily life in the small community. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued the location was unsuitable. The government said discussions remain preliminary and subject to planning and assessments, including community engagement.

Residents in Scarborough raised concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour linked to two hotels used as emergency accommodation, citing disturbances, safety fears and rising police call‑outs. Homemore Ltd, which runs the hotels, defended its work, arguing it provides essential support for vulnerable adults and prevents higher public costs. Councillors expressed sharply differing views, with some calling for closure and others warning that rejecting the accommodation would leave people without support. Local councillors were split on whether to back applications to formalise the hotels’ use, leaving the final decision to North Yorkshire Council.

York plans to introduce an 18‑month trial bus gate from January, restricting access on key streets to buses, taxis and emergency vehicles in an effort to improve travel times and support walking and cycling. Changes following public consultation include exemptions for blue badge holders and additional ANPR cameras to prevent diversion through nearby streets. Labour councillor Kate Ravilious said the timing allows the scheme to bed in, while Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen Fenton said his party will examine the plans, warning of possible traffic displacement and arguing that dualling the outer ring road remains the best long‑term solution. The project follows previous decisions to scale back ring‑road expansion due to funding shortfalls.