Dringhouses library revelation

Dringhouses Library

A freedom of information request has revealed that the Dringhouses Library building was gifted to the Council in 1942 for use only as a “Library or for other public uses”.

The revelation comes at a time when there are increasing concerns about the future of small libraries.

The Labour Councils decided to cut the libraries budget by £250,000 in 2013/14 and a further £150,000 in the forthcoming financial year.

The library service is now in the hands of an independent social enterprise trust which is currently looking to appoint new Directors

There will be an Open Evening at Acomb Explore, Front Street, Acomb, on Wednesday 12 March from 4pm – 6 pm, for anybody who would like to learn more. The management team and other Explore directors will be in attendance and able to answer questions. The person specification and role information for the new posts and can be found here.

To express interest in becoming a Community Director or the Finance Director of Explore, email fiona.williams@york.gov.uk by 24 March 2014.

Find out a little more about what the Tour de France may be bringing to York

An invitation is being issued to residents, businesses and local groups to come along and find out more about making the most of the build-up to and the Tour de France itself, at a series of information sessions held across the city.

Tour de France

The move comes despite the failure of the Council to explain how much of the Council Taxpayers £1.6 million investment will be recouped through fees, charges and sponsorship?

People can find out more on arrangements for routes and traffic management, and about camping and caravanning in the city.

There has been widespread criticism of the Councils plan to turn Monk Stray into a camping site for the event. Residents have demanded to know why the Knavesmire or University were not considered as alternative venues.

There will also be information on how to get involved in the cultural festival called York: Be Part of It, and plans for the exciting spectator hubs where people can enjoy the celebrations.

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Foxwood blooming

Crocus out in Foxwood

The work put in by local residents, who spent much of the autumn planting bulbs, is showing results.

Crocus displays are brightening up many verges in the area.

The Residents Association now has a dedicated gardening group for the area called FoxGloves. For further details please Email foxglovesfra@gmail.com

Meanwhile the popular series of gardening classes continue on TUESDAY 11TH MARCH & 18TH MARCH.

The classes feature BBC Radio York’s Nigel Harrison, and run from 7pm to 9pm Foxwood Community Centre, Bellhouse Way, York.

No need to book. Refreshments will be available

Bellwood estate residents backing “improve our neighbourhood” petition

A petition aimed at improving the appearance of sub-urban estates has got a boost from tenants living in the Bellwood Drive estate.

Dumping

Obstructed paths

Litter drift

Neglected playground

They complain about litter, dumping, poorly maintained communal areas and overgrown hedges. Most verges need edging and leaf detritus has been a hazard on some footpaths for over 6 months.

The issues have been raised with the landlord – the Middlesbrough based Accent Housing Association – and with the council.

Rubbish skips this weekend Saturday 8th March

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 Community Centre

2 Rawdon Ave 10:30 11:30
3 Paston Walk 12:30 13:30

4 Bramham Rd 08:30 09:30 Grange Lane

6 Hadrian Ave 12:30 13:30
7 Hewley Ave 08:30 09:30

Today is “world book day”

Children and young people across York are being urged to join the celebrations for World Book Day (Thursday 6 March).

World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books and reading, marked in over 100 countries all over the world. This year marks the 17th World Book Day and nurseries, toddler groups, children’s centres and schools across the city are getting involved, with a variety of activities such as guest story tellers and book-themed dressing-up.

Youngsters travelling on First York’s number six route (Tang Hall to Clifton) will be able to get involved by reading books which will be available on the buses on World Book Day. The books have been kindly loaned by City of York Council’s Explore Library Learning Centres.

And, visitors to City of York Council’s West Offices will be able to drop in to the main foyer where a ‘comfy’ reading area will be available for families and children and members of the council’s Early Years team will be on hand to read stories.

Visit the World Book Day website (http://www.worldbookday.com/) to find out more about encouraging children to read.

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