Confirmation that paper attempting to censor public roundly rejected by all parties came from council leader and deputy leader. #shame
— Nigel Ayre (@NigelCllr) December 11, 2013
So what next? A return to factual Council reports and free debate?
Probably not!
York’s de-clutering campaign took a new twist today as huge dot matrix signs were wheeled into place on the approaches to Lendal Bridge.
Next step will be to install multi message laser projections onto the Minster.
The signs will read “Lendal Bridge – access restrictions – that’s the bridge over the river stupid”, to those traveling from the North and East.
For those exiting the bridge from the west, the message will change to “Gotcha!” accompanied by seasonal elves performing a short dance along the main parapet.
click to enlarge
Although the closure – which is allowing staff to have a conference about the pending privatisation of the service – is mentioned on the Councils web site, many users have not noticed it.
Some are obviously seething after wasted journeys.
They are venting their disappointment by writing advice about good communications on the closure notice that has been posted on the library door today.
The privatisation move – which we believe does not enjoy widespread support either from staff or customers – is the brainchild of Cllr Crisp. Her report to tomorrows Council meeting also pointedly omits to mentions todays closures.
NB. User numbers at 14 of York’s 15 libraries has reduced since Cllr Crisp took responsibility for them.
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The Council is also saying that its electronic “report it” system may not be working this week.
NHS England have today published data click here showing that in October 2013, the City was one of the worst communities in England for delayed transfer of care.
Of the 28 patients awaiting a move from York hospitals at the end of October, 11 were awaiting care or nursing home placements while 7 were waiting for a care in the community support package.
Both are the responsibility of the York Council to provide
Although the Council Leadership is now promising to fix the problem “within 6 months”, they have failed to explain why the developing crisis has not been mentioned in any of the reports published by members of the Labour Cabinet over the last 6 months.
The Leaders own report, being considered by the Council tomorrow (Thursday), makes no mention of the problems.
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click to enlarge
The application has been updated to reduce the number of properties by one, incorporate a small play area and retain the existing railings around part of the site. These changes were notified to interested parties on 4th December.
However the Council is reducing its S106 requirements to reflect the on site “open space” provision but – without explanation – also scraps the payment of a commuted sum in lieu of the provision of school places. It seems most unlikely that the forecast demand – and supply of – school places has changed significantly since the original plan was considered in October.
Para 4.6 of the report says, “It is intended to retain the existing peripheral boundary fence suitably modified and colour coated to lessen its visual impact”.
This is welcome although the plan submitted by the applicants suggests that the railings will be removed for a section to the north of the site. There would seem to be no reason why this section should also not continue to enjoy the protection of the railings.
We feel that it is important that a condition be added requiring that all plant, wishing to access the site, must utilise existing (bitmaced) links and that no vehicles be permitted to use Hob Moor for this purpose.
Any access from Hob Moor would result in extensive damage which would take years to rectify.
Outstanding issues
• The density remains high. It is inappropriate to compare it to the surrounding area which is largely flats (and which are inevitably relatively high density)
• No adequate arrangements have been made to address the reduction of “on street” parking spaces for the link road (adjacent to Kempton Close). Alternative off street parking spaces should be provided for displaced vehicles.
• The playground is welcome. However it should be surrounded by railings, to prevent dog fouling, and be made capable of being secured at night (by residents) should it become a source of anti social behaviour.
• The developer should do more to reduce the running costs of the homes. Energy conservation – and micro generation features -are increasingly important for those with limited incomes.
City of York Council has partnered with energy switching expert’s iChoosr to make it easy and simple for residents to consider switching their energy tariffs.
Supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York’s Citizens Advice Bureaux and Age UK York – the Save Money by Switching Energy campaign launches on 10 December and will enable York residents to register to assisted scheme with just four easy steps and help reduce their energy bills by switching their providers.
Step 1) Anyone who pays a household energy bill and who is interested in saving money by switching energy suppliers can register for FREE from the 10 December. Registration is easy but they will need a copy of their recent energy bill to complete the process.
Step 2) Registration closes on the 17 February 2014 and then the council’s switching partner iChoosr will gather everyone who has registered together and invite energy companies to offer their best prices for energy to everyone in the scheme.
Step3) Residents will receive tailored details on the new tariff offer secured by the scheme from 28 February 2014. They will also see exactly how much money they could potentially save by switching if they accept the offer.
Step 4) At this stage residents can choose to accept the offer or not. There is no obligation to accept and there are no fees or charges if they don’t switch. They simply get a new offer that could potentially save them money on their energy bills.
Similar switching schemes run by other councils have seen yearly savings of between £60 – £200 per household. The council also piloted a similar scheme earlier in the year and this helped over 300 people consider switching. On average those that did switch were set to save £140 from the scheme.
The council’s switching partner iChoosr will gather registered users together and invite energy companies to offer their best prices for energy to everyone in the scheme. This is all done independently by iChoosr.
Those who sign up can receive a personalised offer with details on the new tariff secured by the scheme and will see exactly how much money they could potentially save by switching if you accept the offer
To find out more or to register click here . If residents do not have access online please visit City of York Council’s customer service centre at West Offices or call us on 01904 551550.
Carol concert on Acomb Green Dec 12th 6.30pm.Come along and sing with Adam Choir and local school children.RT
— Acomb Village Mag (@Acomb_News) November 28, 2013
#adventcalendar.Window 3 is opened & it's a carol singer,come and see our own carol singers on 12 December at 7pm! pic.twitter.com/YmrGmsGHwL
— Acomb Explore (@acombexplore) December 3, 2013