Join residents and businesses in the BIG York Challenge!

City of York Council is encouraging York businesses and their employees to get into gear and join over 270 people and 39 businesses who have already joined the i-Travel York BIG Challenge.

The i-Travel York BIG Challenge started on Monday 1 June and offers prizes to those who clock up the most journeys using different modes of sustainable travel during the six-week period, plus weekly prize draws for taking part.

Picture-of-different-vehicles.

This can include walking, running, cycling, scooting, skating, bus, train, park & ride, park & pedal, car sharing, electric car, teleconferencing or working from home, so almost everyone should be able to join in.
Some of the city’s largest employers have joined, including York College, The Vangarde Shopping Park and Aviva.

Registering is simple via: www.itravelyork.info/bigchallenge

The BIG Challenge is being run by Sustrans, the national sustainable transport charity, in partnership with i-Travel York.
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Latest planning applications for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Acomb and Westfield wards.

Acomb

Location:       Lidgett Grove Methodist Church Wheatlands Grove York YO26 5NH

Proposal:       Display of 1no. non-illuminated freestanding notice board to replace existing notice board (revised scheme)

Ref No: 15/01089/ADV

Applicant:      Mr Ian Cartwright       Consultation Expiry Date:       29 June 2015 Case Officer:   Sandra Duffill  Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       14 Kirk View York YO26 5LJ

Proposal:       Conservatory to front

Ref No: 15/01146/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs Armitage    Contact:        Mr Paul Fletcher        Consultation Expiry Date:       29 June 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       195 Boroughbridge Road York YO26 6AS

Proposal:       Single storey rear extension and erection of summerhouse to rear

Ref No: 15/01150/FUL

Applicant:      Mr A Morris     Consultation Expiry Date:       29 June 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth  Expected Decision Level:        DEL

——

Westfield

Location:       1 Woodford Place York YO24 4QR

Proposal:       Erection of 1no. dwelling

Ref No: 15/01187/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Steve Flint  Contact Kevin Bristowe  Consultation Expiry Date        29 June 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site.  http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received

Social media network’s growth hits national interest

fis logo

City of York Council’s FIS has rolled out a new idea to work with volunteer parents to share relevant information through social media networks. This pilot has been showcased at the national Parent’s Champions Conference, as well as regional meetings and seminars and has been showcased by the Family and Childcare Trust as part of their social media toolkit. Currently, the idea has generated links between some 26,000 group members in York, significantly extending this statutory service’s reach.

These virtual champions – volunteer facebook group administrators – work with the FIS to get important messages out to the community. This includes news about free childcare for eligible two-year-olds, a new toy library or alerting parents and carers to a new campaign against child sexual exploitation or abuse.
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Chapman’s pond closure – latest information

Chapmans Pond 2

The Enviroment Agency has issued the following statement

Fish deaths force pond closure in York

Chapmans Pond in York has been closed to anglers following reports of several fish deaths.

The mortalities, which have occurred over the last two or three weeks are thought to be predominantly carp.

The alarm was raised by The Friends of Chapmans Pond, who were concerned that the number of deaths had exceeded what might be normally expected for natural causes.

Environment Agency officers advised the precautionary closure of the pond while samples of the water are tested and live fish are taken to the Environment Agency’s fish health laboratory at Brampton and analysed. These tests will aim to establish whether there are water quality issues affecting the fish, or the likelihood of disease or parasites being the cause of mortalities.

Laura Hogg, fisheries and biodiversity officer at the Environment Agency said: “While we carry out our investigations it is important not to stress the remaining fish further, and that is why we have recommended the pond is closed to anglers at this time.

“Until the cause of the deaths is known we are advising anglers to remain vigilant, honour the closure notice and follow the three simple biosecurity steps of check, clean and dry as always to reduce the risk of spreading any potential diseases.”

Check check equipment and clothing including soles of footwear

Clean on leaving the watercourse all mud and dirt must be washed off boots and equipment. If possible with clean hot water and sterilise with disinfectant

Dry dry all kit for 48 hours prior to reuse, preferably in sunlight

If you see fish in distress, please call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Happenings in library land

Start your baby’s family tree

library

Tue 9 June : York Explore
Thur 11 June : Tang Hall Library

Pop along to one of our Baby Days to find out how to start your baby’s family tree.

Booking not necessary. For more information contact allison.freeman@exploreyork.org.uk

Map attack with Lego

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York Explore Library

Sat 13 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 14 June 11.00am – 3.00pm
Sat 20 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 21 June 11.00 – 3.00pm

Come along and get creative with Lego to make buildings, scenes and sculptures inspired by maps and photographs which tell stories of our city’s past.

Green watch and their fire engine!fire-engine_165x116

Tue 16 June 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Strensall Library

The Green Watch are bringing their engine to Strensall Library so you can see what they do and have a good look at their big red fire engine.

No booking needed, all ages welcome, please contact Sarah at Strensall Library on 01904 552677 for more information.

Coffee, chat and community

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Mon 22 June and every third Monday after.
Dringhouses Library

Join us at the All Seasons Cafe for delicious cakes, drinks, chat and fun. Book chat, games, and the chance to meet other people from the local community. Come alone or bring a friend.

Totally informal, everyone welcome. We don’t set a charge, but suggest a donation of around £2.

For more information contact Lucy on 01904 552674, or email dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk

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