Council Says No to Eastfield Aldi

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

Hi there!

We’re back with your weekly hit of Scarborough news and updates, and this one’s a proper mix of festive drama, loo talk, and retail wrangling.

First up, the Eastfield Aldi plans have hit a snag - turns out someone filled out the paperwork wrong. Now demolition is delayed, but Aldi’s still keen to spend big. A classic planning hiccup or a sign of more delays to come?

Then there’s the loo situation. A recent local poll has made one thing crystal clear: people are desperate for more public toilets. The message? No one wants to rely on cafés for a wee.

And finally, the Christmas lights. North Yorkshire Council has officially pulled its funding plug, meaning Scarborough’s new town council might have to find the cash or risk a rather gloomy December. It’s not even spring, but already the festive planning drama is kicking off.

There’s loads more going on too, from gig announcements to planning debates and cheeky food deals. Dive into the full list below and stay in the know.

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👑 Treat Yourself to a Stately Stay - Goldsborough Hall

Goldsborough Hall offers the chance to stay in a 400-year-old royal stately home. It has the feel of a private country retreat and is easy to reach from the coast. The house was once home to a Royal Princess, and because it remains a family residence with only 17 luxury guest rooms, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried rather than that of a busy commercial hotel.

Dining is a central part of the experience, with an AA three rosette restaurant that focuses on local produce. Outside, the beautifully kept grounds provide space to walk and take in the history of the estate. It’s well-suited to a celebratory dinner or a special weekend away without travelling too far.

Book now for a luxury stately home stay.

📰 Scarborough Life

🛒 Aldi's Eastfield plan hits a minor snag. North Yorkshire Council blocked the demolition of the old driving centre because the site notice referenced the wrong council. Despite the paperwork blunder, the budget giant still intends to splash £7m on the new store.

🎄 Scarborough's Christmas lights are in money trouble. North Yorkshire Council has stopped paying, leaving our new town council to foot the bill. Other local towns already pay for their own festive sparkle.

🔥 Wildfire victims deserve the same support as flood-hit areas. MP Alison Hume is calling for government grants following the Langdale Moor blaze. Locals shouldn't face costs alone while flood victims get special relief.

🚽 Residents demand more public toilets across Scarborough. A local poll shows "new loos" are a top priority, tied with tackling empty shops. Locals want better publicly maintained facilities rather than relying on high street businesses.

🏗️ Scarborough needs a slice of the wind farm pie. Councillors say we shouldn't just rely on holidaymakers. They're eyeing up a massive boat hoist to bag proper local jobs.

🚧 Decision day looms for Burniston gas rig. Councillors meet on 30 January to debate Europa’s controversial plans. With 1,500 objections already filed, watch the planning meeting live online.

🎸 Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper are coming. Hollywood Vampires return to the Open Air Theatre on 15 August. Tickets for this unmissable summer gig go on sale next Friday.

🦅 Gamekeeper fined for "brutal" buzzard killing in North Yorkshire. Thomas Munday was caught on covert RSPB cameras bludgeoning a trapped bird to death on the Hovingham Estate. The court issued a £1,215 fine, sparking local outcry that the penalty lacks deterrent for such "callous acts of cruelty".

🐋 Whitby’s iconic whale bone arch faces a replacement headache. Mayor Sandra Turner is fighting to save the landmark, but sourcing Alaskan bones is a massive hurdle. Council is now investigating alternatives.

☀️ Graham School is going green with a massive solar project. Over 360 panels are set for the roof after the council gave the thumbs up this week. The new setup will churn out 165kWp of clean energy for the Woodlands Drive site.

🐎 Plans for a major new horse riding arena in Seamer gain traction. Local residents and the parish council have backed the 60m x 40m equine ménage at Eastgate House Farm. Supporters say the "all-weather" facility will provide a vital boost for grassroots equestrian sport.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🗳️ Residents urged to help spend £20m Scarborough funding. Share your views on the eleven shortlisted funding ideas before 13 February.

🦷 Expansion plans filed for Ramshill Road dental surgery. A proposal has been submitted to build a new office and replace the current basement facilities.

💨 Yorkshire coast to host world-leading wind farm. The Dogger Bank South project is set to power millions of homes and boost skilled jobs.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Monday, January 19

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 🔮 Psychic Night - Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Clubbercise - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:45 🎬 Cinema: Blue Moon - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:00 🎶 Live Music: Folk Club - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Tuesday, January 20

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 💃 Modern jive Lessons - Roscoe Rooms, Scarborough
19:45 🎬 Cinema: Blue Moon - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Wednesday, January 21

10:30 ♟️ Chess & Conversation - Eastfield Library, Scarborough
11:00 💃 Circle Dancing - St. James Community Hall, Scarborough
18:45 🍑 Peach Squad: Workout - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:00 ❓ Quiz Night & Jackpot - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:00 💃 Scarborough Dine & Dance - Scarborough Spa
19:30 💃 Clubbercise - Queen Street Methodist Church, Scarborough
19:30 📸 Scarborough Camera Club Meet - Newby and Scalby Community Hub
20:00 🎷 Scarborough Jazz - The Spa Pub, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Craft Bar, Scarborough

Thursday, January 22

09:45 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:30 🎨 Evening Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
20:00 📱 Smartphone Quiz - Station Inn, Whitby
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Highlander Hotel, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

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📮 Community Classifieds

 🎸 On 7th March, The Rob Dylan Band bring their Rolling Thunder Revue to Scarborough, celebrating Bob Dylan’s songs. Details

🍟 Falsgrave Fisheries is offering free chips with every fish, sausage or fishcake throughout January. Collection only, Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

🍸 90s-themed party night at Xanders, Scarborough, Friday 6 February from 7 pm. Bottomless drinks, cocktails and throwback music. More info

🍽️ 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.

🔥 Back to the Seaside returns to Scarborough Spa on 29th August lineup of iconic bands and cult favourites. Live music by the sea. Details

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