Electric bus explosion still unexplained

The media are reporting that electric park and ride buses are returning to the streets of York following safety inspections.

One of the park and ride fleet caught fire last week in the Hungate area.

No one was hurt but there were small explosions in the vehicle which was substantially damaged.

There is still no explanation from either First or the Council about the cause of the fire and the subsequent explosions.

Passengers will expect to be given more information and we would expect that both local Councillors and MPs would be actively seeking an explanation.

North Yorkshire Police make 111 drink and drug driving arrests in 30 days – 27 are in York

As the summer drink and drug drive campaign comes to an end North Yorkshire Police want to remind drivers that the fight against drink and drug driving is far from over.

111 arrests have been made as part of this summer’s campaign which has been running between 1st and 30th June. 40% of people arrested have been at least twice the legal drink drive limit and 12% have been three times the legal limit. In the same campaign last year only 6% were found to be over 3 times the limit, which is an alarming increase.

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Over 14% of those arrested were found to be under the influence of drugs with 10 people providing positive samples on new drug testing devices. In total Police have carried out over 850 breath tests during the campaign.

70 people have already been charged to appear in court.

Of those cases, Magistrates have been handing out some hefty fines and lengthy bans:

A 35-year-old man was arrested on the A1(M) near Sinderby with a reading of 78ug per 100ml of breath. He was given a £550 fine and ordered to pay £240 court costs along with a 46 month ban.

An 18-year-old man, arrested in Selby with a reading of 59ug per 100ml, received a £581 fine and was ordered to pay £285 court costs. He also received a 16 month driving ban.

Sgt Andy Morton of North Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Group said; “Whilst we are pleased we have taken these dangerous drink and drug drivers off the road, it’s very disappointing that people still continue to ignore the warnings and drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel. Not only are they a danger to themselves, they put everyone else on the road at risk.

“Drivers should be assured that drink and drug driving will continue to be a priority for us for the rest of the year. Whilst the national summer campaign may be over, the fight against drink and drug driving in North Yorkshire is not.”

He continued “We are out on the roads looking for people breaking the law. No matter what time of year it is, if you choose to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, we are out there and we will catch you. You will face a court appearance, a hefty fine, a driving ban and the possibility of a prison sentence.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who contacted us about suspected drink and drug drivers. This has assisted us throughout this campaign, enabling us to take these people off the roads. Two drivers of heavy goods vehicles, one a tanker and one carrying steel, were amongst those stopped as a direct result of information from the public.

“I appeal to members of the public that if they have information about anyone who is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass the details to the Force Control Room.

“For those who would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You could save someone’s life.”

1 July 2015

The Face of York is revealed

The community arts project was launched in March by York Learning and invited local groups and individuals to submit a portrait of themselves, friends or neighbours.

Over 15 groups took part from different organisations including the New Earswick Under 15’s Rugby League team, a local scout group, Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) classes, Danesgate School, Door 84, Accessible Arts, The Wilberforce Trust and YADDA (York and District

Dyslexia Association) as well as from York Learning’s own painting, drawing and family learning classes.
The portraits have been created in a stunning variety of different media including photos, mono prints, water colours and collages making for a vast, colourful and personal community display.

As part of the project, York Learning held a number of supporting workshops including portraiture photography, textiles and mixed media portraits to equip learners with the skills to produce creative portraits.

Spinoff

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said:

“The Face of York project has been a great success, not just because of the huge number of York residents enjoying taking part but because of the superb quality of the portraits.

The display is a wonderful visual census of people in York today.”

Following the city centre exhibitions the display will be dismantled and smaller exhibitions will pop up around different locations in York showing portraits local to that area.

York Council ask, “Are you privately fostering?”

All private fostering arrangements lasting more than 28 days need to be reported to the local council so the children’s social care team can ensure that the child or young person is safe and that the carers are well supported.

Nik Flavell, Principal Advisor of Children’s Social Care at City of York Council, said:

“We know that there are a number of private care arrangements in place for young people in York, but often neither their parents nor carers realise that there is a legal requirement for them to let the council know. We can then carry out an assessment to make sure that the arrangements are safe and satisfactory for the child or young person and for the carers.”

For more information about private fostering, your rights and responsibilities, or to contact City of York Council’s Referral and Assessment Team, call 01904 551900 or email childrensfrontdoor@york.gov.uk

York police invite residents to observe stop and search in action

Police in North Yorkshire are giving people the opportunity to see stop and search powers in action from today.

Under the Stop and Search Lay Observer Scheme, members of the public can apply to accompany officers on patrol when they might deploy stop and search powers.

North Yorkshire Police officers carry out about 20 stop searches per day, and these powers are an effective policing tool to detect crime, recover property and arrest offenders. The force has adopted the Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme to increase transparency and further improve our use of these powers.

Chief Inspector Mark Grange, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “By introducing ‘lay observation’, a process of two-way learning can take place, bringing the police closer to the public.

“Under this scheme the police have the opportunity to demonstrate their use of stop and search, while members of the public will be provided with the opportunity to see stop and search in action, and provide feedback based on their observations.

“I would encourage anyone interested in observing stop and search in action to visit our website to find out more.”

Applicants will need to be voluntarily vetted prior to being approved to accompany an officer, and will need to be flexible regarding the hours they accompany an officer and the area where they patrol. A number of other restrictions apply, which are outlined on the application form.

To find out more about the use of stop and search by North Yorkshire Police, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/stopsearch. To apply online to join the Stop and Search Lay Observer Scheme, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/layobserver.

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