Empty salt bins in York – decision “called in” for review

Labours decision not to fill nearly 50% of the salt bins, that are out on the streets of York, this winter is being “called in” for review.

It is expected that the meeting -which will be open to members of the public – will take place within the next fortnight.

Meanwhile it is becoming clearer which bins will not be filled. A map showing those that are being abandoned in west York is reproduced below.

click to enlarge

In Westfield 21 bins will not be filled this winter.

Empty salt bins whole City. Click to enlarge

New refuse collection arrangements

The Council have issued the following media release.

On the face of it having an on line option for checking when the next refuse collection is due at a particular house could be a handy tool.

This is particularly the case in those parts of the City with a large transient – student – population.

However we believe that it will be a precursor to introducing different day collections on different weeks.

The Council leadership would be mistaken if it believed that an online calendar would allow every resident to understand what was happening and when.

Many residents do not have internet access (about 40% at the last count).

New online waste collection checker launched

A new online service from City of York Council is helping residents check when their refuse and recycling collections are scheduled.

At www.york.gov.uk/DoItOnline/refuseLookup residents can type in their postcode to find out details of their household waste collections. This provides information on when their last collections were due and when the next ones are scheduled, as well as double checking where they should present their waste.

The weblink also offers information on grey bins and black bags with rubbish for landfill, green waste and kerbside recycling collections together with information on the waste containers and items which can be taken for recycling.

As part of the council’s drive to offer residents more choice in how they access services, this new facility is part of a suite of ‘Do it online’ services. Found at www.york.gov.uk, they give fast, round-the-clock access to people who want to make applications, book or find services, have their say on consultations, make payments to the council or report matters like graffiti or fly-tipping.

Waste collection information is also available from City of York Council’s Customer Centre on 01904 551551 from 8.30am to 7pm on weekdays”.

Bonding warehouse

We were frankly astonished when, in July, the Council agreed to invest around £3.4 million of taxpayer’s money in refurbishing the flood prone Bonding warehouse building in Skeldergate http://tinyurl.com/Bonding-warehouse-York

Bonding warehouse September 2012

Bonding warehouse normal river levels

City Mills Skeldergate emergency footway overcome by floods

Labour call to abandon £3.4 million plan

The scale of the changes that would need to be made, to secure that building as a small business centre, became clear last week when it was cut off by flood water for several days.

Even Labour Councillors are now publicly questioning the wisdom of the Councils policy (see “twitter” exchange right).

Time to think again on this plan.