Lendal Bridge inquiry blocked as fresh report emerges

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A cross-party review into the Lendal Bridge closure was blocked tonight despite the emergence of a damning new report into the botched trial.

A review of the controversial trial was requested by Lib Dem councillors in June, but blocked by Labour members.

However Cllr Andrew Waller, the new chair of the Economic & City Development Overview & Scrutiny Committee, made a fresh review proposal. This proposal was defeated tonight by 4 votes to 3 with Green and Labour councillors voting against. Westfield Councillor Stephen Burton again voted against holding an inquiry

Lib Dem, Conservative and Independent Labour Group members supported the review proposal.

The issue is now likely to be discussed at the December Council meeting when opposition Councillors are expected to press for all drivers, who had been fined, to be written to and advised of their right to claim a refund. The December deadline for claims is also likely to be extended.

Whether we will see a proper inquiry into the failings before the May elections remains to be seen. However, the content of the independent report means that questions will have to be answered sooner or later

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Good news on the jobs front for York

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York Council welcomes fall in number of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance and benefits

City of York Council has today welcomed figures from the Office for National Statistics and the Department for Work and Pensions which show a reduction in the number of people claiming both Jobseekers Allowance and benefits in the city.

Today’s figures released by the Office for National Statistics have shown that the number of people claiming Jobseekers allowance has fallen for the eighth consecutive month.

The statistics show there to be 1,318 claimants in York, a decrease of 57 from last month.

The claimant count represents 1.0 per cent of the working population contrasts to the regional average which stands at 2.8 per cent. York has had lower unemployment rates than the rest of the region for over 15 years now

The figures are also much lower than the national average which is currently 2.1 per cent. Today’s figures mean there are 877 less claimants than in October 2013 and that the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has fallen by 40 per cent in the past year.

York has also seen a fall in the number of 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers allowance with today’s figures showing a reduction of 235 over the past year, a fall of 44.3 per cent.

Figures also released today by the Department for Work and Pensions have shown that the number of residents claiming benefits has also fallen. The statistics show the number of claimants in York as of May 2014 is 10,180, a fall of 490 since February.

The claimant count represents 7.6 per cent of the working population in York, which is lower compared to both the regional average (14.4 per cent) and the national average (12.9 per cent).

Wetherby Road – plans for materials recycling centre

Yorwaste have submitted a planning application to erect a waste transfer and recycling station at Harewood Whin

The station would be used to “bulk up” waste prior to it being transported to the new incinerator being built at Allerton Park

The applicant has agreed to unilaterally revoke earlier planning permissions for the erection of a composting operation in the southern section of the site and the erection of energy from Biomass Plant at the north western edge of the site.

51 objections to the plans have been lodged mainly by residents in the Rufforth area.

Most are concerned about the plants impact on the Green Belt.

The report, which will be considered by the Planning Committee next week, can be read here

NB The site was to have been used as a salvage and recycling centre under plans unveiled in 2011. It would have replaced the Beckfield Lane recycling centre. The Beckfield Lane site was later closed by the new Labour administration which chose to make no alternative recycling facilities available on the west of York.

Overnight closure of Green Lane Thursday 13 November 2014

Bus Service Updates – Front Street area

Route Diversions
Area: Green Lane Acomb
Cause: Emergency Works
Duration: Thursday 13th November 18:00-23:00

Dates: Thursday 13th November
Times: 18:00 ” 23:00

Due to emergency works, Green Lane will be closed on the times and dates above.
To Acomb; Normal route to Cornlands Road, then right on to Gale Lane, left to Tudor Road, turn at roundabout and bus to terminate at Acomb Hotel.
From Acomb Hotel, normal route.
Stops not served; Front Street, Green Lane
Additional stops; Tudor Road

York libraries progress report to be considered next week

The first progress report since York’s libraries were taken over by a “Community Benefit Society” is to be publicly considered next week The Society holds exempt charitable status & is jointly owned by staff and the community.

The society receives a York Council taxpayer’s subsidy of £1.94 million each year but is expected to make savings of £50,000 next year.

The report reveal’s that, not only are visitor numbers down because of the central Library temporary closure, but book issues are also continuing to decline.

However EBooks and audio downloads are increasing rapidly.

From February 2015 a toy library service will be introduced. Parents, after selecting toys on line, will be able to pick them up from their nearest library. This service replaces the now defunct toy library bus.

The new Archives and Local History Library will open along with the rest of York Explore on 5th January 2015.

The report can be read by clicking here

Performance results can be read by clicking here