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The Environment Agency says,“Chapmans Pond, York will remain closed for 2-3 weeks while we await results of water samples & fish specimens being analysed at our lab.
The nature reserve is not affected by the pond closure and remains open posing no threat to dogs or people wishing to visit
City of York Council appoints Director of Adult Social Care
Before taking on his role in Barnsley in 2005, he was a senior manager working across adults’ and children’s services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council. (more…)
New York athletics track opened
The track has been developed by a partnership of University of York and City of York Council, who have worked together over the past 12 months. The track has been awarded a Class A certificate for a regional centre by UK Athletics.
The track, built at the University’s Heslington West campus, cost £2 million and was funded by both the council and university. The facility includes an 8 lane synthetic running track, a grass infield for field disciplines like javelin, hammer, discus and shot put and other synthetic areas for pole vault, highjump, long and triple jump. In autumn 2015 additional work will start on a new sports pavilion and covered seating for 500 spectators. In the meantime a temporary pavilion and stand are in place for the summer season. These first class facilities now provide York’s athletes the best possible opportunities to improve their sporting performances.
The facility is the new home for City of York Athletic Club and is also available for use by regional schools, local groups and athletes of all abilities.
Ayre to reconsider role as athletics coach
Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism who was at the track for the session said:
“The opening of this brand new track will greatly improve athletics facilities in York. It has been made possible through strong local partnership work between the council, the University of York and City of York Athletic Club. I originally brought forward plans to fund and build a top-class athletics track at the University as the Executive Member in July 2010. I am therefore pleased that this vision has now been realised and athletes of all abilities can start to enjoy the new facilities.”
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Rediscover York with Sky Ride Local
City of York Council is encouraging residents to get out and about on their bikes this summer and explore the local area with Sky Ride Local, a series of free guided bike rides.
British Cycling and Sky, in partnership with City of York Council, have scheduled a series of themed Sky Ride Local rides in York for 2015. Guided by British Cycling Ride Leaders along scenic local routes and pitched at three different levels, the rides will explore different themes from Wildlife and Wilderness to City Streets and Park Life.
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More City centre cycle parking required
One of the quickest – and cheapest – ways of reducing traffic congestion in York is to encourage more people to walk or cycle when making short journeys.
The promotion of cycling has been a Council objective for over 15 years. Encouraging more people to cycle has played its part in preventing traffic congestion getting worse in the City (despite what some may claim, journey times have actually changed little over the past decade).
FULL cycle racks in parliament Street
The last government provided the City with £4.6 million and an opportunity to make a major investment in sustainable transport. We think that the Council got its priories wrong when it spent over £1 million on a cycle path in the Clifton Moor area running parallel to the A1237. Several months after it was opened there is precious little evidence that it is being used to any extent.
There is a lesson for the Council in this.
FULL – Davygate cycle racks
People will use a bicycle for certain types of journey but they want off road cycle paths to be safe, to follow the shortest possible route and to end at a popular destination.
A few years ago the Council decided to route a cycle path around the perimeter of Hob Moor. There was a clear “desire line” running from Thanet Road to the railway underpass. It was argued that a cycle path running across the middle of the moor would have disturbed ground nesting birds.
However a few years later and, although the bitmaced path is well used, the desire line continues to attract large numbers of pedestrians as well as some cyclists.
Effectively the wildlife faced a “double whammy”.
If the Council seeks, and is allocated, more sustainable transport funding then it will need to be smarter about how it uses it.
One obvious deficiency is the lack of cycle parking in the City centre.
Empty market stalls
A convenient and secure place to leave a cycle will be a top priority for most cyclists. On days when the weather is fine there are few cycle rack spaces available. Cyclists chain their bikes to a wide variety of bits of street furniture. Inevitably some are vandalised and the wrecked bike often remains for weeks as a testament to neglect while posing a minor threat to passing pedestrians.
Unused area near M & S
To often parked cycles detract for the appearance of our historic streetscape.
There is, however, space available for more parking in many areas including the in the Shambles market area.
Limited use of market area
Demountable cycle barriers (which retract into the footpath when an area is required for a special event) are one option that could be trialled.
Investment of this sort is one of the most economical ways of encouraging people to leave their cars at home.
Cycle parking next to historic buildings
It merits the allocation of more resources than ill considered gimmicks like “congestion commissions”.