Improved path through Acomb Wood set to be approved tomorrow

click for plan

click for plan

The Councils Planning Committee is set to approve improvements to the footpath which runs through Acomb Wood when it meets tomorrow (Thursday).

 A planning  application seeks permission to form a new pedestrian footpath through Acomb Wood to link Ashbourne Way and The Quaker Wood PH entrance and to extend the existing path from the Given Close entrance to Lomond Ginnel.

The footpath would be formed of a geotextile membrane which will be laid on top of the existing ground level. Up to 150mm of porous crushed recycled building material will be laid on top and held in place by timber edging. The edging will be held in place by metal or wooden stakes. The surrounding ground level would be re-profiled to the timber edging to prevent a trip hazard.

4.11 At present, whilst the path is established, it is very damp and muddy under foot. The area is extensively used as a cut through and by dog walkers. The raising of the path and the formation of a hard surface would enable the route to be more accessible and easier to negotiate when the weather is inclement.

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Chaloners Road development

The demolition of the Council garages on Chaloners Road is also recommended for approval at the same meeting.

 The proposal seeks to demolish the garages and erect a residential development containing 2 no. two bed houses and 6 no. 2 bed apartments.

The application is made by Housing Services and the apartments would all be for social rent (although Housing Services do not know if they will form part of the downsizing provision for the over 55s as yet). 6 no. car parking spaces would be provided.

Amenity space would be provided to the rear; including gardens for the houses and shared amenity space for the apartments.

The sub station would be relocated to the front (south west) corner of the site.

Lendal Bridge fine refunds confirmed

Lendal ManConfusion over process continues

The York Council confirmed yesterday that it will refund the fines levied on Lendal Bridge during the 6 month closure trial.

However controversy continues as the Council does not intend to proactively tell those affected that they are entitled to a refund!

Labour Councillors claim that social and commercial media will be used to alert claimants but – with as long as 12 months having elapsed since some of the fines were issued and in many cases to drivers from other parts of the UK and Europe – most are unlikely to ever hear about the need to apply for a refund.

The Council should agree to write to every driver telling them of their right to claim a rebate and how to go about doing so

The Council have withdrawn their appeal against the “unlawful” ruling on Lendal Bridge.

They are continuing to pursue an appeal on Coppergate where no fine notices have been issued since April.

 

Arriva Yorkshire first to secure five star Eco rating

Arriva Yorkshire has become the first bus operator in England to secure a five star Eco Stars rating after signing up to City of York Council’s York Eco Stars fleet recognition scheme.

 

Arriva bus

Arriva has signed up 15 of their vehicles that operate in the York area to the scheme. This means that 45 operators are now part of the scheme with nearly 3000 vehicles signed up and individually assessed.

The ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Fleet Recognition Scheme helps York’s fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions – all helping to improve local air quality.

The scheme awards each member a star rating based on an assessment of how ‘clean’ their vehicle fleet is and how they demonstrate good practice in key areas of:

  • · Fuel management
  • · Developing driver skills
  • · Vehicle specification and maintenance
  • · Use of IT support systems
  • · Fleet performance monitoring

 

Key to the ECO Stars scheme is the bespoke ‘road map’, an action plan developed for each new member to help them take steps to improve their star rating. The ‘road map’ will highlight any issues and advise members on how to combat them, such as alternative fuel or technology that is available.
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Construction students present heritage sculpture for York’s new Park&Ride site

The Construction Division at York College has worked alongside main contractor Balfour Beatty to produce a fitting sculpture for the new Askham Bar Park&Ride site, owned by City of York Council and operated by First bus.

The sculpture, a medieval stone window in a brick surround, depicts the heritage of the city as the site is situated on the original roman road leading to the gateway to the City of York.
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