Smarter York not so bright!

Residents will be wondering what they have to do to report issues to the York Council……….. let alone get some action.

Ridgeway footpaths need repair. Try reporting them to "Smarter York"

Ridgeway footpaths need repair. Try reporting them to “Smarter York”

The flagship “Smarter York” web site is largely dysfunctional.

Only a handful of issue types (mainly litter and graffiti) can be reported using it.

Not surprisingly, very few residents now bother to use the facility which was developed at considerable expense to taxpayers,.

Those expecting to be able to report potholes , overgrown hedges, unkempt verges etc via the Councils web site will also be disappointed. That facility has also been withdrawn.

Users of services like “My Council” will be able to record problems. But acknowledgements are often delayed and complaint reference numbers haven’t been issued for several months now, following major systems failures.

Residents can Email the Councils “Customer Contact Centre” but responses are often delayed.

So most residents with an issue will now call the Contact Centre by telephone (01904) 551550.

That is the most expensive way for the Council to receive and process issues, adding to the spiral of debt and decline which so sadly typifies the performance of the Labour administration.

 

 

Latest planning applications Acomb and Westfield Wards

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Westfield and Acomb Wards.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

Acomb

Location:       25 Albion Avenue York YO26 5RA

Proposal:       Detached summerhouse to rear following demolition of garage

Ref No: 14/00346/FUL

Applicant:      Mr J Pearson    Contact:        Mr Jon Hegarty  Consultation Expiry Date:       31 March 2014 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       8 Ostman Road York YO26 5PY

Proposal:       Two storey side and rear extension

Ref No: 14/00373/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Alastair Hartley  Contact:        Mr Alastair Hartley     Consultation Expiry Date:       31 March 2014 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       99 Front Street York YO24 3BU

Proposal:       Crown thin and Crown reduce x 1 Lime, Crown reduce 1  x Sycamore Trees in teh Conservation Area

 Ref No: 14/00478/TCA

Applicant:      Mr F Cornish    Contact FA Bartlett Tree Expert Co Ltd  Consultation Expiry Date        31 March 2014Case Officer:   Esther Priestley        Expected Decision Level DEL

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Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site.  http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB. The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received.

Lib Dems call for Lendal Bridge to reopen

Simon Hughes MP and Cllr Keith Aspden

Simon Hughes MP and Cllr Keith Aspden

 

York Liberal Democrats will formally call for Lendal Bridge to reopen at a council meeting later this month.

The council’s six month trial closure was due to end on the 27th February, but Labour have extended the restrictions indefinitely as they are yet to make a decision on whether the bridge should reopen.

Since the closure started in August over 45,000 motorists have been fined for crossing the bridge and the trial has been attacked by businesses, residents and tourist groups. The latest figures show that traffic levels on Foss Islands Road and Water End at Clifton Bridge have increased while the trial has failed to improve overall bus times or air quality.

(more…)

Parking lay-by request on Askham Lane

 

Askham Lane potential parking layby

Tenants living in flats at the high numbered end of Askham Lane have requested the Council to provide a parking lay-by on the wide verge outside their homes.

An increasing number of vehicles have been parking on the verge itself recently.

These have damaged the verge and potentially are a source of danger to pedestrians.

The scheme will have to be consulted on through the next estate improvements ballot.