Another Tory Councillor formally resigns in York

As we predicted last week, following his sacking from a key planning committee, Skelton Councillor Joe Watt has apparently now quit the local Conservative Council group.

He will sit as an Independent.Changing sides

He is the second Conservative Councillor to take this route following the decision of Cllr Sian Wiseman who quit to became an Independent 18 months ago.

Ironically it was the Labour Councils “Big City” Local Plan which prompted both resignations.

There has never, in modern times, been more Councillors “crossing the floor” of the York Council chamber than during the last 4 years.

Labour started in 2011 with 26 Councillors but have seen defections, and an election defeat to the LibDems, reduce that figure by 5

The concern is that the resulting instability may lead to indecision as the City stuggles to take full advantage of the economic recovery.

Only the LibDem (9 Councillors) and Green groups (2 members) have remained united.

The Council’s web site has already been updated to show Cllr Watt’s defection.

The number of Councillors in each Group on the Council is now

  • Labour 21
  • Lib Dem 9
  • Conservative 9
  • Independent 4
  • Green 2
  • Labour Independent 2

NB. We understand that Cllr Watt had already been “deselected” as a candidate for the May Council elections. Another source within the Tory Group says that Joe didn’t apply to be a candidate.

York river safety principles and fence design agreed

Fencing designThe York Council has agreed a standard design for new riverside fencing.

The new design is likely to be used  to protect the area along the River Foss between Foss Islands Road and Rowntree Wharf (rear of Walkers Yard)

Following a series of drowning incidents in early 2014 the City Council commissioned RoSPA to review the existing riverside safety measures along the Rivers Ouse and Foss in the city centre

The Council has now agreed a set of “Safety principles”

  • “SAFETY PRINCIPLES FOR CITY OF YORK COUNCIL OWNED AND MANAGED LAND
    Lifebuoys will be provided at regular intervals along the western bank of the River Ouse from Millennium Bridge to Landing Lane, Water End and on the eastern bank from Clifton Bridge to Millennium Bridge.
    Lifebuoys will be provided at regular intervals along both banks of the River Foss from Blue Bridge to the Head of Navigation at Huntington Road railway bridge.
    Lifebuoys will, where possible, be located near light columns, be accessible from the river, eg adjacent to steps and take account of flood conditions.
    River bank edges will be defined by at least one of the following:
    a) Natural vegetation or hedges
    b) Fencing or bollards and chains
    c) Changes in surface texture, curbs or paint.
    Where the riverbank has a smooth vertical wall or side, and no fencing is present, grab chains will be provided along the river Ouse between Scarborough Bridge and Blue Bridge, and in the Foss Basin.
    Where there is a build up of silt or debris this will be removed annually.
    Where the riverbank is in private ownership the Council will seek to have the land owner adopt the same standards.
    INSPECTION AND REPAIR
    The Council will inspect and repair/replace on a weekly basis
    * Lifebuoys, ropes and signage concerning use
    * General river safety signs
    * Viewing platforms, steps, post and chain fencing
    The Council will inspect, make good or remove on a yearly basis
    * Road side railings
    * Grab chains and ladders
    * Road side markings ie. yellow lines
    * Silt and debris or trees and shrubs causing obstructions
    PUBLICITY
    All of this information, together with contact details, will be provided on the Council web site”.

 

 

Cornlands Park entrance to be closed?

The Council is consulting residents about the possibility of gating one of the entrances to the Cornlands Road park.

Cornlands Park entrance closure proposal click to enlarge

Cornlands Park entrance closure proposal click to enlarge

The proposal comes after complaints about noise and vandalism from some residents.
Entrance to Cornlands Park 2
 Closure of the access would remove one of the potential “escape routes”

Following the work of the local residents association in getting new play equipment installed, the park is beginning to be more of an asset for the area.

However there are still problems with litter and the poop scoop bin needs to be replaced.

Some residents wish to see the area secured after nightfall.