New powers to prevent anti-social behaviour in York

North Yorkshire Police have been given officers and PCSOs new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Stonebow, Colliergate and St Saviourgate areas of the city.

There has been no public consultation by the York Council on the proposal which potentially represents a significant extension to police powers.

A dispersal order comes into action today – Friday 28 June – and will run until 27 December 2013.

It is enforceable between the hours of 9pm and 6am and gives the police powers to disperse groups of two or more people whose behaviour is intimidating or causing harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.

To remain in or return to this area having been told to leave by the police, may be an offence under Section 30(4) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Breaching the order is punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000, or both.
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West Bank Park Fair on Sunday

West Bank Park will be transformed into a festive focus for the community, when it’s annual summer fair takes place.

At the West Bank Park Fair on Sun 30 June, from 1pm to 4pm, families will be entertained with a falconry display and fun dog show with classes including best pooch smooch and dog most like its owner.
There will be a bouncy castle, climbing wall and for those who prefer to watch and listen, people can pull up a chair for the musical entertainment from live local bands.

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York Council senior officer expenses published on web

York Council officials expenses published on web. Click to access

York Council officials expenses published on web. Click to access

The Council has now published the expenses claims made by senior officials. These apparently include those claimed by the Chief Executive and Directors.

The Council web site suggests that no claims were submitted by the Directors in the year to April 2013.

Click here for details

We find it difficult to believe that the Councils senior management team have not attended any meetings which involve travel outside the City, although failure to reclaim expenses in these difficult times is obviously commendable!

Rubbish skips this weekend Saturday 29th June

Although the Council has cut back on the number of amenity skips it provides, several residents associations continue to run programmes aimed at making it easier for tenants to get rid of unwanted items.

The skips are only in place for a few minutes and residents must ensure that they put any rubbish into the skips and do not leave it on the path or highway.

1 Bramham Rd 08:30 09:30 Outside Community House

2 Saxon Place 10:30 11:30

3 North Lane 12:30 13:30

4 Barfield Rd 08:30 09:30

5 Fossway 10:30 11:30

6 Lindsey Ave 12:30 13:30 124-142

7 Don Ave 08:30 09:30

8 Bramham Rd 08:30 09:30 Grange Lane Junction

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Council Tax freeze continues …but not in York?

Council tax

The government has announced that the freeze on Council Tax levels will continue for another two years.

The government is also continuing the additional funding grant made available to those Councils that have held Council Tax levels for the last 2 years.

The Labour controlled York Council has already increased Council Tax by 3.8% over the last 2 years and so local residents will not benefit from the announcement.

It remains to be seen whether the Council will now see the error of its ways and introduce the freeze in the run up to the 2015 local elections.

If the Council wants to increase Council Tax by more than 2% it will need to seek the support of taxpayers through a local referendum.