York Council ward boundary responses now “on line”

The Boundary Commission has now published the consultation responses it received when asking for the comments of local residents.

Responses were received from the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Green parties (The Conservative Party did not respond)

2 Councillors and 1 MP sent comments as did 6 Parish Councils and 22 residents.

Overall this was a pretty disappointing response rate although generally interest only increases when specific proposals are tabled. That will be the next stage in the process.

There was strong support from a significant proportion of residents and York Central Liberal Democrats for the introduction of single member wards throughout the City. Single member wards were also favoured by the only Conservative Councillor to respond and had the support of some Parish Councils.

There was some support for the re-introduction of annual elections (although this did not form part of this stage of the consultation).

There were some inconsistencies in the responses. Local MP Hugh Bayley argued that Parished and non Parished areas should not form part of the same ward. He then went on to support a Labour proposal to merge Heslington, Fulford and part of the (non Parished) Fishergate ward!

Labour also made a bloomer in saying Foxwood Lane was the existing boundary of the Westfield Ward (with Dringhouses). In fact the boundary currently follows a line from the Acorn sports field to Acomb Wood. Labour wanted Bellhouse Way to be the new boundary.

All the responses can be viewed here

The Boundary Commission are expected to publish draft proposals for new ward boundaries in April 2013.

Acomb Dance, Arts and Music (ADAM) festival update

ADAM festival

As previously reported, local residents are planning to hold an arts festival in Acomb on Saturday 20th July between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

The group have now launched a web site (click here) on which updates will be posted.

The organisers are very active and “tweet” details to residents on most days of the week.

Over 20 acts have already agreed to perform at 6 venues including Acomb Green and the pedestrian part of Front Street.

Recently they have been asking for help with organisation and want to hear from choirs and anyone able to run arts workshops.

They can be Emailed at Adam_Fest@Mail.com

Jobs to go under York Library Cuts

library cartoon-24

Labour run City of York Council has admitted that jobs will be lost under plans to remove libraries from public ownership and cut funding by £450,000.

Earlier this month, the Liberal Democrats launched a survey on Labour’s controversial plans which have been dubbed ‘privatization’ by UNISON and attacked by staff. The plans would see a ‘community benefit society’ takeover the running of the library and archive service in York.

Labour had previously admitted that libraries could be closed under a relocation programme and job losses were likely. Now, the first details of the cuts are emerging. As part of Labour’s £450,000 budget reductions, a total of 19 posts will be lost with 7 members of staff leaving altogether and another 12 moving elsewhere under plans to abolish Saturday Assistants and Reading and Information Advisors.

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