Transforming the city of York

Transforming the city of York: archaeological evidence from the Norman Conquest to the local plan

 Date: Sat 11 Oct

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Venue: Guildhall

Cost: £15

Arch

Spend a day at Council Chamber in The Guildhall listening to papers from the many gifted archaeologists who work in the City, to gain an insight in to work recently carried out.

 The York Archaeological Trust are holding their annual book fair in the Guildhall on the same day

87% say reopen Woodlands play area

Rowntrees promise early action

Rowntrees play area

87% of residents, responding to the survey that we took in the area a few weeks ago, said that they would like to see the Woodlands play area off Bellhouse Way reopened at least during day light hours at weekends.

10% were undecided on the issue with only 3% opposing the proposal

The equipment has been unavailable for several months now because of health and safety fears.

However many residents have pointed out that young children trying to climb the 2 metre high railings, which surround the play area, are probably at greater risk

The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust has now responded to the local Residents Association promising that – following some minor works – the area will be reopened within a couple of weeks.

Elsewhere in the Woodlands estate, survey respondents were critical of the mowing arrangements for verges. They had been left uncut for so long that, after cutting, the area resembled a hayfield.

A site meeting to discuss the problem has taken place.

The Trust also plan to do some maintenance work on their shrub beds.

Weeds florish as hedges block footpaths

The weather is only partly responsible for problems with weed growth, hedges blocking footpaths and excessive verge cuttings

Grass cut by Council contractors but hedge left

Grass cut by Council contractors but hedge left

The Council was very late in awarding its maintenance contractor for elderly and disabled tenants this year and the contractors have found it impossible to catch up.

Drains blocked by weds and detritus

Drains blocked by weeds and detritus

The Councils Highways Inspectors seem to have been less effective this year in chasing up residents who allow their hedges or trees to block public footpaths.

Weeds growing everywhere in Acomb

Weeds growing everywhere in Acomb

But perhaps the biggest eyesore is weed growth. In parts of Acomb nettles and thistles are now over a foot high and are clearly damaging footpaths and roads.

Overgorn hedges blocking street signs

Overgrown hedges blocking street signs

We understand that a contract has just been awarded by the Council for the application of weed killer but it is likely to be at least a couple of weeks before all areas are treated (and longer again before the weeds die away)

Overgrown hedges blocking footpaths

Overgrown hedges blocking footpaths

Celebrating Ability for all at Energise Taster Day Tomorrow

As part of the first ever week-long celebration of sports for people with disabilities, a Disability Sports Day is being held at Energise on Tuesday 5 August from 10am to 3pm to sample a wide range of sports and physical activities.

Sports on offer include dance, gym, football, multisports and general swimming. There will be lots of fun and plenty of help and advice on hand as well as guest appearances from Alan Rayment, Para Triathlete and local Para Climber Sianagh Gallagher.
(more…)