Lib Dems welcome Monk Stray U-Turn

Monk Stray

Monk Stray

 

 

Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Ayre has welcomed the news that Labour run York Council has withdrawn its attempts to install a permanent 8 metre gate onto Monk Stray from Stockton Lane.

 

The surprise annocument came this afternoon just hours before the council’s Planning Committee was due to debate the application. It was believed that the gate was being put in to allow large vehicles to access the site during next month’s Tour De France, when Monk Stray will be turned into a ‘Spectator Hub’.

 

However, over 70 local residents had objected to the application citing concerns that the gate would change the character of the historic public space, lead to the loss of grass land, increase traffic problems on Stockton Lane and would lead to regular large scale events on the Stray. Concerns were also raised by Cllr Ayre that removing historic hedgerow would break regulations.  

 

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Heworth Without, commented:

 

“I am pleased that officers have listened to local concerns and taken the sensible decision to withdraw this planning application. With significant local opposition and many unanswered questions it was the logical thing to do.

 

“However, this is another embarrassing episode for the Labour Cabinet Member and her plans for Monk Stray. It has been one blunder after another. First Labour’s attempts to get a licence to hold events every year on the Stray was defeated, then the Caravan Club pulled out of hosting camping on the site for the Tour De France, and now the plans to install a gate before the Tour have been withdrawn.

 

“The mistake that Labour has made at every step is to propose half-baked plans before consulting with local residents. Monk Stray is a much valued open space that belongs to the people of York. Labour seem to have completely forgotten this.”

 

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Full details of the withdrawn application can be found here: http://modgov.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=814&MId=8121

 

 

Join sporting and comic celebrities and Swimfit at Energise

 

David Williams and Kerianne Payne

David Williams and Kerianne Payne

Energise is encouraging York residents to get back in the water this summer for British Gas SwimBritain 2014.

Supported by a host of big-name swimmers including fellow London 2012 medallists Ellie Simmonds, Michael Jamieson, Rebecca Adlington, Keri Anne Payne and comedian David Walliams, SwimBritain is a series of fun team relays that are taking place this September which hopes to inspire 500,000 people across Britain to swim more regularly – and get fit!

Swimmers can take the challenge in 2 ways.

SwimBritain1000 is a four-person relay where each team member swims 250m four times around a specially-designed course in a dedicated 50m pool.

SwimBritain500 is a shorter distance where team members use the same course, swimming half the distance (125m four times) and the nearest participating venue to York is Ponds Ford in Sheffield.

Rebecca Adlington, who retired from competitive swimming at the age of 23 last year as Britain’s most successful swimmer, said: “I may have retired from professional swimming but I will always love being in the water and a challenge like British Gas SwimBritain is brilliant as it’s really inclusive – not just for professional swimmers. Swimming offers everyone a full range of health and fitness benefits so the more people we can encourage to swim regularly, the better. It’s a full body workout without any stress on the joints. A gentle half hour swim can burn up to 200 calories, so I’d love to see as many people as possible joining in and giving SwimBritain a go.”

Swimfit at Energise costs £3.85 for adults with a York Card and £4.80 without. There is no need to book in advance.

Registrations are now open. For further information on venues, how to sign up your team and get training plans and tips, visit swimbritain.co.uk/challenge

 

Skip programme on Saturday

  • The skips are funded by the local residents association using their Estate Improvement Grant. The skips are removed once they are full so please make sure you arrive in good time if you intend to make use of them.
  • Please remember to take your waste to the site only on the dates advertised
  • If the skip is full or not on the site, please do not leave your waste. This is classed as fly tipping and is illegal
  • Bulky items including furniture, fridges and freezers are not accepted. To arrange disposal of one of these items please ring York (01904) 551551.
7th June 2014 8:30am Dringfield Close

10:30am Ganton Place

21st June 2014 8:30am Dale Street
28th June 2014 8:30am Sanderson House Bramham Road

8:30am Bramham Road/Grange Lane junction

12:30pm Lindsey Ave

5th July 2014 8:30am Don Ave

10:30am North Lane

12th July 2014 8:30am Sanderson House, Bramham Road

10:30am Rogers Court

Inspired by the Tour de France? Sign up to a free guided bike ride in York!

 Sky ride

With the Tour de France coming to York on 6 July, City of York Council in partnership with British Cycling and Sky is inviting residents who have been inspired by the great race to sign up to a series of free guided bike rides around the city.

The Council says, “Ahead of Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France starting in York Sky Ride Local offers people the chance to join organised, guided rides of varying distances and difficulties. These range from easy-going spins around picturesque parts of York through to ‘steady’ and ‘challenging’ rides, for those seeking a little more adventure.” 

The next rides coming up are:

Date: 12 July

Time: 1pm

Location: York Cycle Circuit. Meet at York Sports Village, Lakeside Way

Date: 13 July

Time: 10am

Location: Solar System ride: To the planet Pluto and back. Meet at Rowntree Park

Date: 23 July

Time: 1pm

Location: Solar System ride: To the planet Pluto and back. Meet at Rwontree Park

What’s more, residents who take part in two or more Sky Ride Local rides in July can grab themselves some great British Cycling gifts, including water bottles, neck Buffs and the chance to win a VIP cycling experience to the Tour of Britain this September.

To register for one of these rides and for more information about Sky Ride Local and other bike riding opportunities in York this summer visit www.goskyride.com/York

For more information on the Tour de France and cycling in York visit www.york.gov.uk/tourdefrance

Mansion House opens its doors for consultation

Mansion House Christmas

City of York Council will hold a consultation weekend on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June in the historic Mansion House offering visitors the chance to have their say on the proposed Mansion House restoration project.

The weekend will unveil details of the ‘Opening Doors’ project which is designed to develop a unique and dynamic visitor experience. This project looks to improve the display of the gold and silver collection, reduce the carbon footprint of the building and restore the 18th century kitchens.

This event will provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to contribute to the developing proposals and the architects, will be on hand to discuss the proposed designs. 
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