Welcome to the Latest Council News From North Yorkshire

Spring is properly springing across North Yorkshire, and with it comes a whole load of fresh opportunities and important local news. As of 31st March 2026, there’s a lot to get your head around, from amazing chances to see massive music stars to some serious news about the roads you use every day. If you’re looking for ways to keep the children entertained this Easter, or maybe fancy a bit of a healthy reboot for yourself, there’s something happening. There's even a brilliant competition up for grabs. At the same time, the council leader has some stark warnings about the county’s highways, and there are changes to local services to be aware of over the Easter break.

Keeping the little ones busy this Easter

Anyone with children knows that the Easter holidays can feel... long. That two-week stretch can be a real challenge when it comes to thinking up new things to do. Well, there's some good news. The FEAST programme of holiday activities is back, and it's designed to stop the dreaded "I'm bored!" from ever being uttered. This isn't just about kicking a ball around in a field, either. The programme has a fantastic reputation for putting on a wide range of things to do that keep children active and entertained.

A healthy fresh start for spring

It’s not just the kids who get to have all the fun. Spring often feels like a time for a fresh start, a bit like a mini New Year. If you've been thinking about getting a bit healthier, the Healthy You programme might be just the ticket. It’s a scheme running across the county’s health and wellbeing hubs, aimed at helping people transform their lives for the better. And it really works. There’s a truly inspirational story from one man who took part in the sessions and saw his life change in a big way.

A warning for North Yorkshire's highways

Now for the more serious stuff. You know that pothole on your street that you try to swerve around every single day? Well, there might be more of them on the way. The council leader has issued a pretty stark warning about the future of the region’s roads after a whopping £20 million was cut from the highways budget. That’s a huge chunk of cash that would normally be spent on maintaining the thousands of miles of roads across North Yorkshire.

A cut like this will have a big impact on essential road maintenance services. Think about it – that money is for filling potholes, resurfacing worn-out roads, and generally keeping the highways safe and driveable. The council leader has made it clear that a budget reduction of this size will severely affect the work needed to keep the county’s roads in a decent state. It’s something that will affect pretty much everyone, from the school run to the daily commute. There's an open invitation for residents to have your say on local issues, and this is certainly one that hits close to home.

Win tickets to see music stars in Scarborough

Alright, on to something a bit more cheerful! Fancy a night out watching some massive music stars perform live by the sea? A brilliant competition is running right now to win tickets to see either pop superstar Anastasia or indie legends The Kooks in Scarborough. This is a fantastic chance to catch an incredible gig at one of the best seaside venues in the country. Imagine singing along to your favourite tunes with the sea air in your hair – what could be better?

Whether you're a fan of Anastasia's powerful pop anthems or The Kooks' catchy indie hits, this competition is one you won't want to miss. It’s a great opportunity for music lovers in North Yorkshire to see some top international talent right on their doorstep in Scarborough. Make sure you get your entry in for a chance to win.

A trip down memory lane with local farming

North Yorkshire has a deep and rich history, and so much of it is tied to the land. The county’s connection to farming goes back centuries and has shaped the communities we know today. For anyone interested in how things used to be, the local archives have been opened up to show how agriculture has been a cornerstone of life here through the decades. It’s a fascinating look at our rural heritage, from the tools they used to the crops they grew.

Easter services and what you need to know

With the Easter bank holiday weekend coming up, it’s a good idea to know about any changes to local services. Bin days, for example, can get a bit confusing. There will be some changes to recycling collections and general waste pickups over the Easter period, so it’s worth double-checking your schedule to avoid a pile-up of rubbish. Nobody wants to miss their collection day!

It’s not just the bins, either. Opening times for other council services, like the health and wellbeing hubs, might be different over the long weekend. A quick check beforehand can save you a wasted trip. Planning ahead for these small changes makes for a much smoother and more relaxed Easter break for everyone. For more ideas on what to do, don't forget to visit North Yorkshire's official listings for events and inspiration.