Alpacas and a Chicken vs. The Council

Hey Scarborough! Here's what's happening this week 👋

It has been a bit of a peculiar week for the local planning committee. Down in Cayton, a bid for a permanent caravan at Chelson Fields has hit a roadblock because planners aren't entirely convinced by the "security" requirements of the resident livestock. Apparently, four alpacas, three sheep, two ponies, and a single, solitary chicken don't quite constitute a high-risk security threat requiring 24-hour onsite protection. It seems the "specialised zoo" argument has failed to fly with the council, leaving the applicant in a bit of a woolly situation.

Up the coast in Burniston, the mood is slightly more serious as the village continues its standoff with the 38-meter gas drilling rig. There are fresh calls for an independent review into how the whole process has been handled, with residents rightly wondering if their voices are being drowned out by the machinery. Trust in the council is currently thinner than the North Sea mist.

To top it off, we are keeping an eye on the council's ledger regarding the fire service. There is a significant amount of cash - including £2.6 million for the Langdale fire - that remains unpaid. It is a bit of a financial mess that leaves the service in limbo while the suits sort out the paperwork; we will be watching to see if they ever actually settle the tab.

Check out the full event lineup below to see what else is happening in our corner of the world.

🎉 Ticket Giveaway Winner: Congratulations to Roger White, who has been randomly selected as the winner of 2 tickets to see The Rob Dylan Band at Scarborough Spa. We’ve sent you a Facebook message - please check your message requests and reply within 48 hours.

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🏰 Grantley Hall - A 17th Century Estate Escape

With prices often over £800 a night, Grantley Hall is not an everyday getaway. It's the sort of place you book for a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or when you want to go all in on rest and comfort without leaving the estate. Set just outside Ripon on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, it feels quiet and secluded, which is part of the appeal.

With several bars and restaurants on-site, you can simply settle in for the duration without the hassle of planning evenings around taxis and timings.

Many people come for the Three Graces Spa, where you can easily spend hours moving between pools, thermal areas, and treatment rooms.

Book now for a luxury estate getaway.

📰 Scarborough Life

🛑 Parish council loses patience over Burniston gas plans. Procedural blunders and "lost" public comments have led to calls for an independent review of the council's handling. Confidence has evaporated faster than the gas they're hoping to drill for.

🍟 Scarborough’s "Farm of the Future" starts sprouting. McCain Foods has launched a 202-hectare research site to trial regenerative spuds. Working with the University of Leeds, they’re using pig manure and high-tech sensors to save our chips.

🎭 Yorkshire towns battle for £3m culture crown. Flat caps are in the ring as Scarborough, Whitby, and others eye the UK's first Town of Culture title. It’s a proper scrap for a serious wedge of government cash to boost our local arts.

🔥 Fire service is still waiting for the government's cheque. North Yorkshire’s finest are chasing £2.6m for the Langdale fire costs. Finance chiefs have sent every single invoice, yet the central government is still faffing about. Our crews shouldn't be left out in the cold.

🍺 Brewery’s hobby "gets out of hand" on the headland. Ten years on, Whitby Brewery is smashing its targets with a 90,000-litre capacity. From home-brewing in a shed to pints with an Abbey view, it’s healthy for the soul.

🌌 New observatory opens for a proper look at Mars. The "Dark Skies Station" is officially launching at Danby Lodge this month. With a retractable roof and state-of-the-art kit, it’s a perfect spot for some inclusive stargazing.

🦙 Farmer’s caravan plan told to "hop it". A plan for worker housing near Cayton is set for rejection after officers spotted only a handful of livestock. Apparently, four alpacas and three sheep don't justify "unnecessary" development in the open countryside.

🎰 Whitby adult gaming centre hits the jackpot. Despite 500 objections and an MP’s petition, a government inspector overturned the council to allow a 24-hour arcade. Looks like Baxtergate is going all-in on the "Las Vegas of the North" vibe.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🍔 Get your fat pants ready, Scarborough. The Food and Drink Festival returns to the Open Air Theatre from 11-12 April. It is set to be tastier than ever.

💩 Scarborough's "poor" water quality under the microscope. A public meeting in March will grill experts on why the South Bay is still failing safety tests.

🚌 Huge new bus depot coming to Scarborough. Developer Good REIT Ltd has secured a £4.1m loan to build a 139,000 sq ft bus depot.

👻 Dark Tales Walking Tour: History, Folklore & Ghostly Stories

The Dark Tales Walking Tour digs into the unsettling side of Scarborough's past, with stories of murder, crime and long-held local legends tied to real streets and buildings. Led by a theatrical guide, the walk moves through the seafront, Old Town and town centre, stopping at places linked to some of the town's most infamous moments.

Book now - if you’re brave enough!!

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE for links and future events.

Monday, February 9

09:45 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:00 🪑 Exercise & Relaxation Chair Class - Beeforth's Hive, Scarborough
11:00 🪑 Exercise & Relaxation, Chair & Mat - Beeforth's Hive, Scarborough
14:00 🥋 Tai Chi classes - Filey Evron Centre
18:45 🥊 Beat Boxing Fitness - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:00 ❓ Quiz night & Social - The Star, Filey
19:30 💃 Clubbercise - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:00 🎶 Live Music: Folk Club - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Tuesday, February 10

10:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
11:15 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
13:30 💃 Line Dancing: Beginners - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 💃 Line Dancing: Improvers - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 🎨 Afternoon Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:30 ❓ Quiz Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Modern jive Lessons - Roscoe Rooms, Scarborough
21:00 ❤️ Singles’ Night - YMCA Theatre, Scarborough

Wednesday, February 11

10:30 ♟️ Chess & Conversation - Eastfield Library, Scarborough
11:00 💃 Circle Dancing - St. James Community Hall, Scarborough
13:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
16:00 🐉 Dungeons & Dragons - Level 2 - Fights And Fancy, Scarborough
18:45 🍑 Peach Squad: Workout - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:00 💪 Move Improve Fitness Class - Filey Methodist Church
19:30 💃 Clubbercise - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:30 ❓ Quiz Night & Jackpot - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 📷 Scarborough Camera Club Meet - Newby & Scalby Community Hub

Thursday, February 12

09:45 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:30 🎨 Evening Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:30 🎭 Teechers by John Godber - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Highlander Hotel, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

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📮 Community Classifieds

🔍 Murder For Two - Hilarious musical whodunit at Stephen Joseph Theatre, Mar 28 - Apr 18. Two actors, 13 characters, one piano. Tickets from £10. Book tickets

🥘 Tuesday & Wednesday Special, Cinnamon - Meal for one including any starter, any main, and rice or naan for £15.95. Dining in only. See more

💦 Alpamare Scarborough is offering low-season entry prices this winter, with heated pools, slides and spa access. Adult tickets from £10. More info

💆 Aldwark Estate has opened its new £12m wellness spa with hydrotherapy pools, saunas and relaxation spaces. Located near York. Details

🍽️ Roast dinners are served every Sunday at Sanctuary Bar Scarborough from 12 pm-8 pm. Butter-roasted beef, garlic-crusted turkey or pork shoulder. £9.99 each.

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