British Sugar plans now online – no mention of “large supermarket”

Plans, and “options”, for the redevelopment of the British Sugar site off Boroughbridge Road are now “on line” (click)

click to visit web site and complete survey

The web site claims that;

Redevelopment of the former industrial site can deliver around 1000 new high quality homes, new public open spaces and a community hub which could incorporate a new community hall, sports hall, nursery and primary school.

That is pretty much as expected.

The principle of residential development had enjoyed broad support across the Council.

The main concerns relate to transport issues and the nature, location and scale of any commercial and retail developments.

The consultation concentrates mainly on the location of open space and transport corridors.

It says absolutely nothing about the location and size of any “large supermarket” which Council leaders claimed a couple of weeks ago was an important feature of the scheme.

A small local store to meet the needs of the residents living on the development would be essential.

Another superstore would, however, raise all sorts of transport issues.

The most obvious community facilities (shops) don’t figure on the list of options for the “community hub” listed on the web site.

Nor is there any commercial development which could provide jobs within walking distance of people’s homes. Thus, an opportunity to establish a sustainable community, has been lost.

There are no traffic generation figures listed and the phasing of the development – and community facilities – is also very vague.

There is a final chance to see the plans at an exhibition which is taking place today Saturday 30 November at the former Manor School site, Low Poppleton Lane, York, YO26 6BB between 11am and 4pm.

Site tours will also be offered to those attending the event.

It’s a shame that the developers didn’t provide an “on line” Q & A section on their web site

York Channel TV – more revelations

Details of the bid submitted by the organisation which will run the new “York TV Channel” have been revealed.

The bid can be read on the Ofcom web site (although it is far from easy to find).

click to see full details

There is no evidence on the web site of what action Ofcom took to assess the wishes of York people regarding the editorial policies of any new local TV station.

The reasons for the enthusiasm, shown by the Councils Labour leadership for the new channel, are also now clearer.

They plan to have a studio in the remodelled Guildhall.

The Council is still committed to spending over £1.4 million turning the Guildhall into a “digital media hob”

The York Channel expects to rent space at this new model Guildhall.

The York Channel promises to broadcast the (one party) Council Cabinet meetings and refer to their “partner” organisation Pilot Theatre who rather mysteriously secured the Councils internet beaming contract earlier in the year.

They also claim that the Councils (largely bogus) “Big Survey” will be included in their programming.

They say,
“The York Channel will grant unparalleled access to those in power with the live broadcast of Cabinet meetings, interactive ‘meet the politician’ debates, and coverage of local elections.

The station clearly intends to engage in the local political scene.

They say, “Now is an exciting time in politics and York is calling out for a broadcast platform for political debate. The York Channel’s proposed ‘Question Time-style Show’ will debate the issues that matter most to York residents and analysing the policies, decisions and social media posts of local politicians and councillors”.

The station says that it will observe the BBC code of practice on impartiality.

The license applicant requested Ofcom not to release publicly details of the funding arrangements for the new station.

Having a local TV station should provide a boost for the City.

We wish the organisers well in their endeavours to establish a good reputation in the local community.

Trip to Strasbourg

Apparently they never learn.

Council Deputy Leader (Tracey Simpson Laing) is off on a trip to Strasbourg.

York residents petition

Apparently she is telling Europe how successful York’s Labour Council is using “online petitions and campaigning”, and spoke of “the council’s approach in engaging with residents via the internet, as part of its wider communications offer”

Given that every on line petition received by the York Council during the last 2 years has been ignored, and their woeful record in providing even basic update reports on their web site, the topic beggars belief.

No doubt she was able to explain why there has been an explosion in the number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to the Council since 2011 as residents desperately try to find out what is happening in their City.

It is unclear whether the trip it is connected with her failed bid to become a Euro MEP. The media have observed a conspiracy of silence on that topic

Lendal Bridge – Council conduct on line poll

Attempts by the council’s leadership to justify the Lendal bridge closure on Radio York today are being greeted with derision by most listeners.

The Council have singularly failed to provide update reports on footfall (shopper numbers), accidents, journey times (all classes of vehicle), air quality and the levels of successful appeals against the fines imposed by the number plate recognition cameras.

However they are now conducting an “on line” survey of resident’s views.

The chances are that few will even know that this is going on so the results will be open to manipulation.

Click here to take the survey (it takes only about 1 minute to complete)

Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats survey – conducted through a house to house delivery to 7000 properties in west York – has attracted a large response. Around 10% of the forms have now been returned and analysed. The percentages are now stable. The latest figures are:

click to enlarge

Poor take up for York “snow warden” scheme; one salt bin “saved”

Only 8 volunteers have so far stepped forward in the Westfield Ward to act as “snow wardens”.

With continuing mild weather, the effects of Labours decision, to scrap most salt bins in the City, have yet to be felt.

But clearly most people don’t feel that they should be expected to make up for the Councils irresponsible attitude to safety

Many residents do, of course, routinely clear the footpaths outside their homes of snow but others are unable to do so for health or domestic reasons.

“Snow wardens” effectively formalise this tradition.

Snow wardens are given basic training by the Council. Volunteers are provided with a high-visibility vest, snow-clearing kit and grit (salt) so that they are able to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

If you like to become a snow warden contact Michal on (01904) 551832, or e-mail michal.czekajlo@york.gov.uk.

The next training session is taking place on Wednesday 4th December 2013, 18:00-20:00 (training and Q&A time)

A map showing the location of snow wardens in each ward can be found by clicking here.

The roads on which Westfield 8 volunteers are located are:

Bramham Road
The Green, Acomb
Milner Street
Askham Lane
Severus Street
Stuart Road
Willoughby Way
Middleton Road

The map currently shown on the Councils web site appears to be out of date.
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NB. The Foxwood Residents Association has “saved” the salt bin which is located outside the shops on Beagle Ridge Drive.

They have agreed to pay for the bin to be retained and have set aside funding which will allow it to be filled twice (if necessary) during the current winter.