Lib Dems fight to resolve parking chaos in Clifton

 

Clifton Liberal Democrats are pushing for Newborough Street to be converted into a residential parking zone due to the shocking lack of availability for local residents. 

Newborough Street

Newborough Street

Local families are unable to park outside their own homes due to a large number of local workers and city commuters taking advantage of the street’s unrestricted parking. This problem is only set to increase with the completion of the new eco-homes development, local homeowner and Liberal Democrat campaigner Tobie Abel is calling on the council to take action.

A petition to convert the street into a residential parking zone has been gaining momentum and will be submitted to City of York Council on the 17th of July. Residents can show their support by contacting Tobie at tobieabel.libdem@gmail.com.

Tobie commented:

“After speaking to local residents it is clear that the current situation cannot continue. Newborough Street’s proximity to the hospital, the football club and the city centre puts a real strain on the limited parking available. Everyone I have spoken to has been very supportive of the petition, and we are calling on the council to take action.

The residential parking zone would finally give Newborough Street homeowners the spaces that they desperately need.” 
 

No freebies for York Labour Councillor

 At least one member of the Labour Cabinet is apparently now showing restraint in accepting hospitality.

According to the Councils web site serial party goer Cllr Crisp hasn’t received any hospitality since October 2013.

In the same period Council Leader has declared 23 instances of hospitality

The Deputy Leader Cllr Simpson Laing has accepted a similar number of freebies including two meals from John Lewis. She makes no declaration for foreign travel although it had previously been reported that the British Council was picked up the tab for her trips to Strasbourg.

With dozens of Tour de France VIP tickets having been available recently, residents will be keeping a close eye on declarations made by both Councillors and officers over the next few days.

At the other end of the scale Cllr “two jobs” Williams has not received any hospitality at all during the 3 years that he has been a Councillor. Probably doesn’t have time, given that as well as being a Cabinet member, he tries to hold down a full time job and is also a magistrate.

Senior Officers also now publish a list of expenses that they receive from the Council. The May list can be found on their web site and is unexceptionable part from one air flight costing over £300.

The Council hasn’t published details of Councillors travel expense claims since March.

Kings Square launch

Lowfield Care Village delays rapped by residents.

Artists impression of new "care village"

Artists impression of new “care village”

Survey results highlight a lack of communication by Council

A door to door survey undertaken in the Lowfields and Tudor Road area over the last few weeks has found growing dissatisfaction with York Council consultation arrangements.

Residents say that they have heard little from the Council about the delays to the retirement village which was to have been built on the former Lowfields school site.

Originally expected open last year, work on the village has yet to start as the Council struggles to find partners and funding for the project.

A few weeks ago one section of the Council proposed building on all of the school playing field – the original intention had been to restrict building to the school ”footprint”.

The enlarged proposal was opposed by planners but concerns remain that the idea might be revived.

63% of respondent to the survey though that part of Lowfields playing field could be retained as a nature reserve. 29% opposed the idea while 8% were undecided.

Respondents also said:

  • The development should be aimed at providing homes for older people
  • Part of the playing fields should be retained as community amenity space
  • The playing fields should not be built on and should be secured after nightfall (There has been no casual access to the site for over 3 years).

Flash Read to A-maze city’s book lovers

Acomb Library book sale April 2014

To launch this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, people across the city are being invited to join in a flash read and show their support for children’s reading!

This reading equivalent of a flash mob, aims to inspire more children and their parents to take a few minutes to share the pleasures of a good book, which is a key component of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The flash read will take place on Friday 11 July at 11am when Explore is urging everyone to stop what they’re doing for a few minutes, pick up a good book and read. It only needs to take a few minutes but it will be a city-wide, fun event to remind everyone of the pleasures of reading. To spread the word, readers are invited to take a reading selfie and tweet it at #yorkflashread, or simply tell us what or where they are reading and join in.

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