Wednesday 1st April 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

This week marks a major milestone as East Riding of Yorkshire Council celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The authority was created on 1st April 1996 as part of a national reorganisation of local government, bringing services under one unitary council for the whole East Riding.

Over three decades the council has invested millions of pounds into improving infrastructure, services and community facilities, with Bridlington seeing some of the most significant developments. Major projects have included the refurbishment of Bridlington Spa, the transformation of Bridlington Market Hall and continued investment in East Riding Leisure Bridlington.

The council has also maintained essential day‑to‑day services for residents, from road maintenance and planning to refuse collection. It continues to highlight the challenges of the eroding coastline, ensuring national attention remains on the impact for coastal communities.

Education has been a long‑standing priority, with new and remodelled schools, school meals and transport services, and more than 96 percent of schools across the East Riding now rated Good or Outstanding.
In adult social care, the council has expanded residential and day‑care provision, while also supporting sports clubs, parks, arts groups and community organisations through millions of pounds in grants and funding.

Tourism has been boosted through major events, coastal management, and the upkeep of beaches and nature reserves, helping attract visitors from across the country.

The council has also played a key role in keeping communities safe during emergencies, including flooding, disease outbreaks and the Covid pandemic. Following the severe floods of 2007, it led recovery efforts and has since delivered multi‑million‑pound flood alleviation schemes to protect homes and businesses.

Recycling has been another success story, with the East Riding consistently ranked among the best-performing areas in the UK after the rollout of wheelie bins and award‑winning recycling schemes.

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of the council, said she was proud to be marking the anniversary.
“I am delighted to be leading the council as we’re celebrating this special anniversary. I am always proud to say I come from the East Riding and as the leader I champion this area wherever I go. I always encourage investment and growth into this area as I believe we have so much to offer.

“The past 30 years have seen so many changes, particularly in technology, across all of our 600 services, but throughout this both staff and councillors have worked tirelessly to do the best for our residents and our area.”