It looks like the popular Toy Bus service – at which parents can borrow a variety of toys for use by their children – may end sooner than was planned.

An ambiguous notice has been placed on the Toy Bus web site (click here)

Labour had originally planned to axe the service in 2014 but now it seems that the bus may be scrapped much earlier.

The service could stop as soon as the end of this week.

46 residents have signed a “Save the Toy Bus” petition on the Council’s web site. It runs until 5th April. Click here to access it

Now Liberal Democrat Councillors will call on Labour to reverse plans to scrap the Toy Library Bus at tomorrow’s (28th March) Full Council meeting.

It was originally thought that the cut, which was forced through by Labour at last month’s Budget Council, would see the toy-lending service end in 2014/15; however, subsequently – still secret – plans have apparently been put in place to stop the service at the end of this week.

It is unclear who has taken this decision which has not appeared on the Council’s Forward Plan.
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A new web site aimed at 11-18 year olds has been launched.

Click here to access it.

Yor-zone.org.uk will provide for the first time a place where young people in the city can find support and advice on a variety of issues such as jobs, money, health, drugs, alcohol and disabilities.

The website also provides a one-stop shop for information about activities and events around the city from scouts and sea cadets to stamp collecting and skating- there is something for everyone. There are also over 70 opportunities for young people to volunteer and help others.

The site was designed in conjunction with young people across the city. “Yor-zone aims to be responsive to young people, providing opportunities to contribute content in terms of articles about things they have been doing, as well as opportunities to have their say through a poll on the front page, and the involvement pages”.

Adam Chapman (12, York High student) who worked on the creation of the website says: ‘Creating the website has been worthwhile, it will work in a way that will be handy to kids in York. It pulls all the information together in one easy place for young people. I think young people in York will benefit from this website. I will definitely.’

The website will be launched this week with presentations by the young web designers (Nathan Bargate, Fred Garside, Adam Chapman and Richard Blair- all young people from York).

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There was a time when mentioning play facilities for children in York would be guaranteed to provoke a lively discussion. Groups like playspace were proactive in their dealings with the Council.

These days decisions on play facilities – like other public services – are taken behind closed doors.

A report on play provision in the City was nodded through at a private meeting yesterday. The only hope of an open debate would be if 3 Councillors decided to “call in” the report within the next 24 hours.

The report highlights the success of a 5 lottery funded projects which saw £328,000 invested in 5 play areas while the Coalition Governments £1 million improvements programme has seen 22 play areas improved.

But question marks exist over future plans.

It is extraordinary that the report fails to detail any consultations undertaken with the voluntary sector and local residents about play.

It seems that funding decisions for voluntary sector and “community” groups involved with play provision will be handed over to a QUANGO with the inevitable acronym of “Community York”.

It is a cynical ploy by Labour to shift blame for the consequences of inadequate resourcing onto others.

If mistakes are made then politicians will claim others are responsible.

The strategy itself holds few surprises and is largely derivative.

It markedly fails though to address the main concern of parents – the maintenance quality standards at existing playgrounds and the need for regular modernisation programmes as equipment wears out.

Another ommision is any reference to known cuts which Labour have in the pipeline. They have said, for example, that they intend to scrap the “toy bus” next year.

The report would have been worthy of more consultation and a public debate.

A special Easter Fayre is being held in St Sampson’s Square and Parliament Street alongside the city’s York Chocolate Festival from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 March, 9am – to 5.30pm.

The Easter Fayre brings together some of the regions best makers and their chocolate-based products, alongside the creations of some exceptional local crafts people.

Shoppers and browsers will also be able to enjoy the market for longer each day, because the City is trialling longer opening hours for the city centre’s foot streets which will remain pedestrianised until 5pm every day.

St Sampson’s Square will be given over to a delicious display of gourmet treats from chocolate-based wines and liqueurs to a mouth-watering selection of cakes, truffles, brownies and cookies in white, milk or dark chocolate.

This specialist market will run alongside and complement the city’s Chocolate Festival which includes a programme of chocolate-themed events at the Mansion House.

At the same time on Parliament Street the Easter Crafts and Food Fayre will be in full swing where some 40 artists, potters and jewellers will be selling a wide range of hand-made, individual pieces of work – some Fair Trade – for that perfect Easter treat.

Parliament Street will also host the Deliciouslyorkshire market. There foodies can relish the locally-sourced goodies from tasty cheeses, pickles, baked goods, to fudges and preserves on tantalising offer: it’s local food at its best.

Every trip to York’s city centre should include a visit to Newgate Market, nestled between Parliament Street and the Shambles – voted Britain’s prettiest street. This daily market not only has an abundance of fresh produce including local meat and North Sea fish for the Easter table, but flowers and plants as well as a selection of crafts, clothes, jewellery and antiques.

The quality offer and extended opening hours give everyone a chance to linger longer in the city centre for a memorable Easter eggs-perience.