Will Your Energy Bill Explode in April?

Hiya Scarborough! Let’s dive into what’s making waves around town this week.

Energy bills could be heading sky-high, with gas prices spiking 40% thanks to what experts are calling a "perfect storm." It’s a timely reminder of how important future energy plans like Dogger Bank really are.

Back on the high street, Cooplands’ Orchard Café is making its big return from 30th January. Expect affordable comfort food (yes, chips and gravy are back) and a fresh new community vibe. Bring the dog, bring the kids, and maybe treat yourself to something sweet.

There’s also a slice of history on the horizon - a striking sculpture will soon be installed at Scarborough Spa to honour 400 years since the town’s mineral springs were discovered. A proud nod to our spa-town roots.

And if you’re up for something social and skill-building, adult language classes are starting across Scarborough and Whitby. Pick a language and get chatting - it’s relaxed, fun, and a good excuse for a midweek outing.

More updates, events, and local stories below - dig in 👇

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

Adventure outside the ordinary

What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.

It’s travel inspired by REI, operated by Intrepid. Think community farm stays in Costa Rica, camping in Joshua Tree’s wild backcountry, cycling in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or sleeping in mountain huts before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

So, where will you go? Explore more than 85 destinations worldwide with a small group of up to 16, and an expert local leader who’ll help you to truly experience the destination.

REI Co-op members save 15% on REI Exclusive trips and receive a 20% off coupon to use at REI Co-op after booking REI Recommended trips.

Find your next adventure

_{For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.}

📰 Scarborough Life

🔥 Gas prices rocket 40% as a "perfect storm" hits. With storage low and the North Sea chill biting, experts warn this spike could hike energy bills this April. It shows why securing Dogger Bank’s energy is vital.

🏛️ Scarborough Spa to host 400th-anniversary heritage sculpture. The permanent installation will sit atop the old pump room stairways, celebrating the 1626 discovery of mineral springs. The unveiling is set for mid-July during the town's core anniversary events program.

🥧 Cooplands flagship Orchard Café returns to Scarborough. Reopening 30th January following a return to local ownership, the St Thomas Street site will serve its famous chips and gravy for just £2.50. The revamped community space includes a kids' corner and a dog-friendly area.

🌲 North York Moors authority greenlights £4m headquarters move. After years of "muddling through" a damp, dilapidated vicarage, members approved the purpose-built Helmsley site. Critics warned the multi-million-pound project risks the organisation's financial stability

🗣️ Sociable adult language terms start soon. Master French, Spanish, or Italian with friendly lessons in central Scarborough or Whitby. There are 18 local courses starting, offering a fun, communal way to learn.

☕ Castle Road café and flat plans under fire. Councillors slammed the conversion for cramped rooms and no parking. Officers also raised noise concerns, suggesting the flimsy proposal be tossed.

🐟 Tunny Club nets alcohol and music licence approval. Councillors backed the bid to boost winter trade despite neighbours’ noise fears. The chippy can now serve beer alongside its award-winning fish until 10 pm.

🚂 North Yorkshire Moors Railway launches Bridge 42 repair appeal. The Grade II-listed structure celebrates its 180th anniversary in 2026, but it needs urgent masonry work. Help save this vital link between Goathland and Grosmont to keep steam trains running.

🌍 MP Alison Hume fights to stall Burniston fracking decision. Pressing for a delay to January’s hearing, she warns Europa Oil and Gas is exploiting loopholes for "fracking in all but name." Hume wants national planning updates applied first.

🚧 Major £2.2m Cinder Track upgrade gets underway. Work has started to transform eight gateways between Scalby and Scarborough with new rest areas and better safety. Funded by the Towns Deal, the project aims to improve the historic route over the next 20 weeks.

🏦 Whitby’s former bank granted a licence for Spring opening. The Treasury Bar has secured 8 am alcohol sales despite local noise concerns. Owners agreed to shorter hours for the new Baxtergate venue.

💰 Whitby budget on ice after precept backlash. Councillors postponed the 2026/27 financial decision, citing discomfort with proposed hikes up to 5%. Mayor Sandra Turner insisted they get it right for residents before the February deadline.

🏠 Spital Bridge housing plans scrapped after fierce pushback. Proposed by ICP (Heckmondwike) Ltd, the five-home scheme was withdrawn on 19 January. Objections centred on tidal flooding risks, highway safety, and concerns that the development would hinder bridge maintenance.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🛒 Aldi's Eastfield plan hits a minor snag. North Yorkshire Council blocked the demolition of the old site because the notice referenced the wrong council.

🏰 Stay in a 400-year-old royal home. Goldsborough Hall offers 17 luxury rooms in a historic country retreat. Book now for a luxury stately home stay.

🚽 Residents demand more public toilets across Scarborough. A local poll shows "new loos" are a top priority. Locals want better publicly maintained facilities.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Friday, January 23

09:45 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:00 💃 Line Dancing - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎯 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 The Makings of a Murderer - Scarborough Spa
20:00 🎸 Rebel Radics: Lukas Deyah - Scarborough Railway Men’s Club
20:30 🎤 Open Mic Night - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough
21:00 🎭 Fusion Fridays With Queenie Buffay - YMCA Theatre, Scarborough

Saturday, January 24

09:45 💃 Charity Zumbathon - Filey Evron Centre
11:00 📷 Photography Tuition - Whitby Bandstand - West Pier
11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
17:30 🎉 Ultimate Rave Bingo - The Royal Hotel Whitby
21:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - Scarborough Flyer
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sunday, January 25

10:00 🛍️ Table Top Sales - Crossgates Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎶 Sunday Sessions - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

📮 Community Classifieds

🍽️ Winter Season Special at Nine Eighty Bistro + Bar - Enjoy a 2-course meal for £22. Available Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. View deal

🎭 Adult Panto: Beauty and the Beast - Starring Cheryl and Icesis Couture. Adult-only drag show at Spa Theatre, Jan 30. Tickets from £29.50. Book now

🔍 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

🌊 Scarborough's Sea Life Centre is Open Year-Round. You can see turtles, rays, and colourful sea life; it’s the perfect indoor family day. Reserve your tickets.

Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. We'd love to hear from you!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

💡 This newsletter includes affiliate and sponsor links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.