That was the year that was – today we look back on events in York during 2011

  • The new Barbican auditorium opened. It is now run by the private sector with no Council subsidy.
  • Labour gained an overall majority at the Council elections and promptly changed the Councils budget priorities. They approved proposals to reduce the size of recycling containers.
  • May 2011-Labour announce plans to sell off the Union Terrace car park to St. Johns University. There is massive public opposition The University later pull out of the deal and the plan is abandoned   

    Attempted sale of Union Terrace car park

    Attempted sale of Union Terrace car park

  • June 2011-Labour give their first indication that they plan to build on the Green Belt
  • July 2011-The Lowfield care village plans are published. Public consultation is to follow. Four years later the project is to collapse costing taxpayers over £350,000. Labour confirm their plans for a “signed only” 20 mph speed limit Public reaction is overwhelmingly negative.
  • August 2011-Redevelopment of the British Sugar site stalls
  • September 2011-The Council announce plans to close their branch office in Acomb. The closure hastens the economic decline of the Front Street area. The local social care budget deficit hits £1.6 million and chaos hits the care homes plan
  • October 2011–A record fall in bus use in York is revealed as Labour try to force the ftr off roads
  • November 2011-Labour close the Haymarket car park losing £300,000 a year in income. There are calls for Labour Councillors to be frank about their trades union sponsorship arrangements. The Coalition Government gives the “go ahead” for two new park and ride sites in the City.
  • December 2011secret plans for new access routes into the York North West development are leaked. The Council is set to abandon its historic Guildhall home. A spoof obituary goes viral on internet.

How the Westfield Focus saw the year

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge