> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Seabirds, the Grand Hotel or Scalby Beck: Who's Polluting South Bay? - URL: https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/south-bay-water-mystery-three-suspects/ - Published: 2026-10-08T05:00:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T05:00:57.000Z - Description: Yorkshire Water looks at drainage links with the Grand Hotel in its South Bay bacteria probe, Proudfoot closes three stores, bonfire night returns to North Marine Road, and Bananarama are booked for the Open Air Theatre. - Author: Sue - Tags: Newsletters Anyone who's paddled in the South Bay this summer will have wondered what was in it. Yorkshire Water is still wondering too. It's now looked at [drainage links with the Grand Hotel](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/grand-hotel-included-in-wider-south-bay-bathing-water-study/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) in its bacteria probe, without blaming the hotel, and its money remains on the seabirds. A Durham University study has pointed at Scalby Beck instead. Three suspects, then, and no arrests. Proudfoot has [shut three of its stores](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/we-have-loved-being-part-of-your-lives-look-back-at-78-years-of-proudfoot-in-scarborough-9181116?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), keeping Eastfield open. The family grocer started out in Seamer in 1948, and its 1959 Huntriss Row shop was Scarborough's first self-service supermarket. It's a McDonald's now, which is one way of keeping the self-service tradition going. Scarborough Cricket Club's [annual Fireworks Extravaganza](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/scarborough-sky-will-light-up-for-annual-fireworks-extravaganza/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) is on Thursday 5 November at North Marine Road. Gates open at 5.30 pm, and the display starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets are Β£10; there's a new Β£25 pass for two adults and two children, and under-fours get in free. Further ahead, Bananarama, Jason Donovan and Altered Images bring an [all-eighties triple bill](https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/scarborough-open-air-theatre-announces-34727566?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) to the Open Air Theatre on Saturday 17 July 2027\. Plenty of time to decide whether you'll admit to going. [Get your tickets here.](https://ticketmaster.tpk.lv/8pnpLKH3?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) If you get to the end, let us know what you made of it with the **thumbs-up or thumbs-down** buttons. And do **leave a comment** \- we read all of them. [ ![Add The Scarborough Insider as a preferred source on Google](https://res.cloudinary.com/dgv7nibg/image/upload/v1790963589/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en_2x.png) ](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=scarboroughinsider.co.uk&ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) --- πŸ‘‰ Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/scarboroughinsideruk) for more updates! πŸ‘‰ [Sign Up Here](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/#/portal/signup) to receive β€œThe Scarborough Insider” twice a week - it’s free! πŸ‘‰ Find out what is happening this week and beyond [on our NEW Events Page](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/events-calendar/) (now subscribers-only - just enter your email) --- ****πŸ›œPaying too much for broadband?** Broadband Genie makes it easy to compare broadband deals from leading UK providers and see what’s available at your address. [****Compare broadband deals with Broadband Genie β†’**](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=12213&awinaffid=1492146&clickref=TSI&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.broadband.co.uk%2Fbroadband%2Fmy-area&ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) --- ## πŸ“° Scarborough Life πŸ›’ **Proudfoot Closes Three Stores.** The family grocer, founded in Seamer in 1948, has [shut three of its stores](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/we-have-loved-being-part-of-your-lives-look-back-at-78-years-of-proudfoot-in-scarborough-9181116?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), keeping Eastfield open. Its 1959 Huntriss Row shop was Scarborough's first self-service supermarket. It is now a McDonald's. πŸš† **MP Chases Direct Train to London.** Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume is pressing ministers to revive [the Scarborough Flyer to London](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/scarborough-to-london-direct-train-could-return-as-mp-fights-for-better-rail-services/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk). Whitby gets six trains a day to Middlesbrough. Newquay's line carries fewer passengers and gets fifteen. 🎀 **Bananarama Booked for Open Air Theatre.** They headline Scarborough on Saturday 17 July 2027, with Jason Donovan and Altered Images completing an [all-eighties triple bill](https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/scarborough-open-air-theatre-announces-34727566?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk). Simply Red and Ronan Keating are already booked for 2027\. [Get your open-air tickets here.](https://ticketmaster.tpk.lv/8pnpLKH3?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) 🌊 **South Bay Bathing Water Probe Widens.** Yorkshire Water has looked into [drainage links with the Grand Hotel](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/grand-hotel-included-in-wider-south-bay-bathing-water-study/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) in its South Bay bacteria probe, without blaming the hotel. Seabirds remain its main suspect. A Durham University study pointed at Scalby Beck. πŸ›οΈ **Mayor: No Tourist Tax Without Airbnb.** Mayor David Skaith told Scarborough and Whitby councillors he won't introduce a [visitor levy on overnight stays](https://www.bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk/news/politics/council/mayor-of-york-and-north-yorkshire-vows-airbnb-properties-will-not-escape-visitor-levy-9268458?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) unless Airbnbs pay too. Up to five per cent per stay is proposed. No decision has been taken. Enjoy The Scarborough Insider? Pop us a pound to help keep it going. [Pop Us A Β£1 ](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/#/portal/support) πŸŽ† **Bonfire Night at the Cricket Ground.** Scarborough Cricket Club's [annual Fireworks Extravaganza](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/scarborough-sky-will-light-up-for-annual-fireworks-extravaganza/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) is on Thursday 5 November at North Marine Road. Gates open at 5.30 pm, and the display starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets are Β£10, or Β£25 for a new two-adult, two-child family pass. Under-fours get in free. πŸš‚ **Whitby Sets PM a Train Challenge.** Whitby councillor Phil Trumper has dared Andy Burnham to [reach Whitby from Manchester by train](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/politics/council/prime-minister-andy-burnham-challenged-to-try-getting-here-by-train-as-whitby-rail-links-slammed-9270990?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) and return the same day. The Prime Minister would spend almost 11 hours on the rails, delays not included. 🎷 **Simply Red Booked for Scarborough.** Mick Hucknall's band bring their Summer Funk '27 tour to the Open Air Theatre on Tuesday 17 August 2027, with Soul II Soul in support. Ten months out, the Scarborough date is [already low on tickets.](https://ticketmaster.tpk.lv/8pnpLKH3?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) πŸ›’οΈ **MP Fights Own Side Over Fracking.** Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume is pushing to close the [loophole that allows small-scale fracking](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/scarborough-and-whitby-mp-frustrated-with-own-government-over-fracking-loophole/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), after a Burniston bid was rejected. Her own government doesn't share her reading of the rules. [ ![Add The Scarborough Insider as a preferred source on Google](https://res.cloudinary.com/dgv7nibg/image/upload/v1790963589/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en_2x.png) ](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=scarboroughinsider.co.uk&ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) 🚠 **Whitby Cliff Lift Repair Bill Due.** A draft [repair report on Whitby's cliff lift](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/whitby-cliff-lift-repair-report-expected-this-month/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), shut since 2022, is due by the end of October. Mayor David Skaith, who could help fund it, says the council still hasn't formally asked. ⚽ **Hunmanby FC Keeps Its Pitch.** Hunmanby Parish Council, near Filey, has dropped its bid to [evict the village football club](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/politics/council/hunmanby-football-club-saved-after-council-backs-down-over-playing-field-ban-9267775?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) after more than 800 people signed a petition. It has since apologised to the village for its handling. πŸš‰ **Β£1m Riding on Station Gateway Vote.** Councillors vote on Thursday on Scarborough's revised [Station Gateway forecourt plans](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/politics/council/ps1m-rail-investment-at-risk-if-scarborough-station-gateway-plans-are-rejected-9273259?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), with officers recommending approval. Refusal could cost a Β£1m TransPennine Express upgrade inside the station. No money is yet secured for later phases. 🍺 **Beck Hole Pub Takes Silver.** Big 7 Travel has ranked Birch Hall Inn at Beck Hole, near Whitby, England's [second-best pub for a pint](https://www.bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk/business/birch-hall-inn-at-beck-hole-near-whitby-second-best-pub-for-a-pint-in-england-9270153?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk). It has a sweet shop between its two drinking rooms. It's cash-only and shuts on Saturdays. πŸ”­ **Stargazing Season on the Moors.** The North York Moors [Dark Skies Fringe Festival](https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/blog/whats-on-at-the-dark-skies-fringe-festival?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) runs 23 October to 1 November, with stargazing at the new Dark Skies Station at Danby Lodge. Sutton Bank offers dusking, a Dutch ritual for greeting nightfall. πŸ¦‡ **Whitby Abbey Named a Secret Wonder.** Lonely Planet's new [Secret Wonders of the World](https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/whitby-abbey-in-lonely-planets-secret-wonders-of-the-world-9269428?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) names Whitby Abbey among its top ten vampire hunting hotspots. The ruins are lit up over half-term. Bram Stoker let the secret out in 1897. 🚁 **Final Push for Air Ambulance Base.** Yorkshire Air Ambulance needs a final Β£400,000 to equip its new Β£9m [Northern Airbase near Thirsk](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/final-400000-needed-to-equip-new-lifesaving-yorkshire-air-ambulance-base/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), which will cover North and East Yorkshire. The charity gets no day-to-day government or NHS funding. --- ### **⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue** πŸ’° **Council Wants Your Say on the Budget.** North Yorkshire Council's [Let's Talk Money survey](https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/public-views-sought-as-critical-council-services-face-financial-squeeze/?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) closes 26 November, feeding into next year's budget. πŸ”” **Ring's video doorbell dropped in price.** The Battery Video Doorbell Plus is over 50% off; see and speak to visitors and watch deliveries. [Check the deal.](https://amzn.to/4xC6GIn?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) **Ad** 🌊 **Alpamare's Fate Finally Settled.** A preferred bidder has been chosen to [take over the water park](https://www.amusementsandattractions.com/attractions/news/fate-of-alpamare-secured?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk), with an early 2027 reopening planned. --- ## 🎸Events, Activities & Live Music We keep it short here - head to our [EVENTS PAGE](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/events-calendar/) for links and future events. ### Thursday, 8 October 09:45 🎳 Social Bowls (Thu) - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough 10:15 🎨 Crossgates Art Club - Crossgates Community Centre, Scarborough 11:00 🧘 Women's Strength & Stretch class - The Temperance Hall, Scalby 13:30 🎭 The Highwayman - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 14:00 β›ͺ Dementia Friendly Worship - Queen Street Methodist Hall, Scarborough 18:30 🎨 Evening Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery 19:00 🀝 Deaf Group - Room 22 - The Street, Scarborough 19:00 🎢 Music Evening With Milestone! - The Lighthouse, Scarborough 19:00 ❓ Quiz Night - Brew & Bao, Scarborough 19:30 🎭 The Highwayman - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 20:00 ❓ Big Quiz with Growler - The Crown Tavern, Scarborough 20:00 ❓ Quiz Night - The Tunny Catch, Scarborough 20:00 🎀 An Evening With… Alastair James - The Crescent Lounge, Scarborough 20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Highlander Hotel, Scarborough Enjoy The Scarborough Insider? Pop us a pound to help keep it going. [Pop Us A Β£1 ](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/#/portal/support) ### Friday, 9 October 09:45 🎳 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough 10:00 πŸ’ƒ Easy Sequence Dancing - Cayton Village Hall 13:00 🧡 SEWcial Sewing & Textile - Stitched by the Beach, Scarborough 14:00 πŸ“š Newby & Scalby Poetry Group - Newby & Scalby Library 18:00 πŸ“– Book Launch: Charlotte Oliver - Old Parcels Office Artspace, Scarborough 18:00 πŸ’ƒ Line Dancing - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough 19:00 🎳 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough 19:30 🎢 The Rob Dylan Band - Scarborough Spa 19:30 🎭 The Highwayman - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 20:30 🎀 Open Mic Night - The Crescent Lounge, Scarborough 21:00 🎢 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough ### Saturday, 10 October 09:00 πŸƒ Scarborough Woodlands Parkrun - Graffiti Bridge, Scarborough 11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough 14:30 🎭 The Highwayman - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 15:30 πŸŽ‰ Autumn Streets Community Parade - Scarborough Town Centre 19:00 πŸ’ƒ Easy Sequence Dancing - Cayton Village Hall 19:00 🍺 Oktoberfest 2026 - Scarborough Open Air Theatre 19:30 🎢 Forever Jackson - Whitby Pavilion 19:30 🎭 The Highwayman - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 19:30 🎭 The Cast of Phoenix Nights - Scarborough Spa 19:45 πŸ˜‚ The Noise Next Door: Comedy - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 20:00 πŸŽ‰ Bongo's Bingo Halloween Special - Scarborough Spa 20:00 🎢 Phil Ragnar Live - Black Lion Hotel, Scarborough 21:00 🎢 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough 21:00 🎢 Ska Punk Band - The Bull Inn, Gristhorpe ### Sunday, 11 October 10:00 πŸ›οΈ Table Top Sale - Crossgates Community Centre, Scarborough 10:30 β›ͺ Harvest Festival - St Marks Church, Scarborough 14:00 🀼 American Wrestling - YMCA, Scarborough 16:00 🎀 Under 20s Open Mic - The Crescent Lounge, Scarborough 17:00 🎯 Sunday Socials - Haddock Hideaway, Scarborough 19:00 🎢 Sunday Sessions - The Crescent Lounge, Scarborough 19:30 🎢 Eddi Reader - Whitby Pavilion πŸ“… Got A Local Event To Share? [**Submit Here (8 days before the event date)**](https://tally.so/r/EkbDg4?ref=scarboroughinsider.co.uk) πŸ’‘ [Subscribe To The Scarborough Insider](https://scarboroughinsider.co.uk/#/portal/signup). IT'S FREE! ![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/07/f207146b-9285-4e58-86db-8cc479fe2978/content/images/2026/09/Sue-of-Scarborough-Insider-800x800-1.png) ****πŸ‘‹ That’s All For Now 🎬** From town to coast, there's always something happening in Scarborough. Thanks for reading and being part of this growing community of people who love Scarborough. Want to help spread the word? Forward this email to someone who might enjoy a weekly dose of seaside news! Sue | Editor | The Scarborough Insider