Families can enjoy a full day of medieval fun this Saturday (11 August) as part of the Medieval Summer and York 800.

York’s Merchant Adventurers’ Hall will play host to a range of activities from 10:30 – 4:30, including juggling, comic performances, games, crafts and have-a-go battle drills for children with the Wars of the Roses Federation.

Visitors can also meet experts from the York Archaeological Trust, come face to face with characters from the middle ages, witness amazing birds of prey and enjoy music played by the wandering minstrel.

Tickets cost £6 per adult, £4 per child or £12 for a family of three, £18 family of four £22 family of five and a ticket includes access to the entire site for the whole day.

To pre-book call 01904 615505.

City of York Council will be carrying out essential resurfacing works on Heslington Road from Monday 13th August.

The programme of works is due to take two-weeks to complete, working Monday to Friday between 9.15 am and 4pm. (more…)

Residents will be able to see the Paralympic torch arriving in Westfield Ward on 24th August as part of a national relay in the run up to the start of the Games on 29th August.

At around 3pm it will arrive at Acomb Explore Library by bus with the Lord Mayor and Civic Party and will then be cycled to Energise.

Paralympic Organisers were so impressed with the work done at Energise, to make it inclusive for all, that they wanted the centre to be part of the torch relay (and therefore York is one of the few places in the country to see both the Olympic and Paralympic torches).

More details available here http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/torch-relay/ & http://www.york.gov.uk/content/leisure/sport/yorkgold/celebratingabilityday2012.pdf

strong>Liberal Democrats are attempting to overturn a controversial decision to cut social care in York.

Under the council’s plans its community care service will be available only to those with substantial or critical needs, rather than those with “moderate” needs. The moderate group includes nearly 200 residents who receive support to help with home care services or are supported to attend day activities.

The Liberal Democrat Group has decided to formally call-in the decision meaning that it will now go to the Council’s corporate scrutiny committee on Monday 13 August to be reassessed. The Group has said continuing the current levels of care support is affordable and have raised concerns about the consultation carried out and the viability of the council’s plans.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Adult Social Services, commented:

“We believe that Labour has made the wrong decision and we hope that they will reassess their plans. These unnecessary cuts will affect some of the most vulnerable residents in York and we have raised genuine concerns about the consultation carried out and the viability of the council’s plans.

Despite their claims, Labour has choices on spending. These cuts are not a necessity and if Labour cut things like the Leader’s £1 million personal slush fund they could afford to maintain the current levels of frontline social care. We hope the Council will reconsidered this decision at Monday’s meeting.”
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