Investing to protect York’s medieval Bar Walls

City of York Council’s investment of over £100,000 to protect and preserve York’s historical Walmgate Bar Walls, which date back to the medieval period, will reach a key milestone this week.

Walmgate bar

For the first time in its history, the timber-framed rear extension at Walmgate Bar will be lifted up slightly (by 10mm) by using a sophisticated jacking system in order for important works to be carried out. These will involve replacing the capitals of the two supporting columns and relocating the way the weight of the structure is transferred to the stone columns.

The Bar is the most complete of the four medieval gateways in York and the walls themselves are the best example of medieval city walls still standing in England today, which over a million people walk across every year.

Originally built as defences, the focus is now on conservation and the council is working with Historic England to carry out a number of improvements to Walmgate Bar to help preserve over 1,900 years of history.
Walmgate Bar is a gatehouse to the city and is the only bar to still have its barbican, portcullis and wooden inner doors.

Works to restore these and other significant parts of the gatehouse started last year. This includes installation of a unique system which will support the timber-framed extension should either or both columns be struck by a vehicle, repair works to the roof (including restoration of the balustrade) and windows, and re-rendering the timber-framed extension.

Thermal insulation will also be improved through the use of a lime render that incorporates hemp. A discreet viewing platform will also be placed on the roof and a hand rail will be installed on the Barbican walkway. The scheme has been discussed with and agreed by Historic England.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at City of York Council said: “The City’s Walls are one of York’s most treasured and significant historical features which is why it’s so important we continue to invest in preserving them. Over a million people a year take a walk through 1,900 years of history on the City’s Walls and we hope through this investment many more visitors will continue to enjoy them.”

John Oxley, City Archaeologist at City of York Council, said: “The repair and restoration work at Walmgate Bar has turned out to be much more complicated than we envisaged when we commenced work earlier this year.  Once we had stripped all the render from the building, we realised that important original features were no longer supporting the structure adequately.This has meant that we have had to carefully reassess parts of the restoration proposals.We have had great support and assistance from experts at Historic England. We are all now very pleased that this essential work can now be completed.”

Further works will continue throughout the month and will require road closures in the area on 22 September.  Details of this will be made available nearer the time.

The City Walls are open every day from 8am to dusk. To find out more about the Walls or about the Walmgate Bar project visit:www.york.gov.uk/citywalls

Freedom Parade to mark Gurkha’s special anniversary

The Civic Party will attend a special freedom parade taking place in the city on Tuesday 8 September.

Gurkha

The Queen’s Gurkha Signals will receive the freedom of entry to the city of York on Tuesday to mark their 200th anniversary of serving in the British army. The occasion will see 160 soldiers, including 40 members of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals to parade through the city centre to mark them receiving the freedom of entry to the city.

120 membera of 2 Signal Regiment will join their colleagues from the Gurkha Regiment, exercising their freedom of entry to the city which was given to them in 2001.

Upon arrival in Duncombe place at 12noon the Queen’s Gurkha Signals will receive a traditional freedom certificate to mark their new freedoms. As part of the ceremony the soldiers will then be inspected by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, and the Master of Signals, Major General Nick Pope CBE.

They will then march down Parliament Street, led by the Band of the Queen’s Division and return via Coney Street, back up Blake Street, returning to Duncombe Place where the salute will be taken by Major General Nick Pope CBE accompanied by the Lord Mayor.

Freedom of entry to the city gives the regiment ‘the right, privilege, honour and distinction to march through the streets on all ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing’.

Traffic restrictions will be in place between 7am and 3pm at Duncombe Place, Blake Street, St Helen’s Square, Davygate, New Street, St Sampson’s Square, Minster Yard, High Petergate, Church Street, Parliament Street, High Ousegate, Spurriergate, Market Street, Feasegate and Coney Street York.

First weekend of ‘Had Enough’ campaign deflates city centre anti-social behaviour

York drunkThe first weekend of a new campaign to encourage people to enjoy themselves responsibly has started with city partners encouraged by the response, and a clear message sent to revellers.

Barriers at York Station operated by British Transport Police (BTP) and in conjunction with train operators, shared information with passengers on expectations of behaviour in the city centre. They also helped crack down on fare-dodging. North Yorkshire Police officers and Neighbourhood Enforcement officers from the city’s Community Safety Hub were patrolling the city centre where an Alcohol Restriction Zone is in force.

Inspector Richard Price of BTP said: “We had some really positive feedback from passengers and rail staff on the campaign. They were very pleased to hear about the partnership’s work to reduce low level disorder and ASB at the station and the city. In terms of passenger numbers, it was a fairly standard day and officers made two arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour at York.”

Inspector Andy Godfrey of North Yorkshire Police said: “We had a number of very positive comments about the increased policing activity in York city centre over the weekend. Our high-visibility presence, and that of our partners, was very well-received.

“There was a large number of people in York on Saturday, and the atmosphere was in general good natured.

“We deflated or disposed of three inappropriate items and issued one section 35 order to leave the city centre, but otherwise the vast majority enjoyed their day in the right spirit.

“Our commitment to working in partnership to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour will continue, to ensure everyone who wants to enjoy all that York has to offer can do so.”

Police appeal following assault in Front Street

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about an assault that occurred on Front Street in Acomb York on Sunday 2nd August at around 1530hours

Acomb Front Street to letIt happened on Front Street in Acomb, York at around 1530hours on Sunday 2nd August and involved a 70 year old male who was assaulted by another male. The male responsible for the assault was wearing a red t-shirt, dark coloured shorts and trainers, he was also wearing glasses.

We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular, we are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for James Mills. You can also email James.Mills@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150134134

Latest planning applications for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

Acomb Ward Councillor seeks permission to build a new 3 bedroomed house in a garden located in Lidgett Grove

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

Acomb

Location:       Lidgett House 27 Lidgett Grove York YO26 5NE

Proposal:       Erection of two storey dwelling

Ref No: 15/01924/OUT

Applicant:      Cllr Keith Myers        Contact:        Mr John Dougal  Consultation Expiry Date:       28 September 2015 Case Officer:   Sophie Prendergast      Expected Decision Level:        COMM

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Location:       Baps N Tings 132 Boroughbridge Road York YO26 6AL

Proposal:       Erection of 2no. semi-detached dwellings and associated car parking to rear

Ref No: 15/01206/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Keven Pallister      Contact:        Mr Neil Conway  Consultation Expiry Date:       28 September 2015 Case Officer:   Erik Matthews   Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       14 Kirk View York YO26 5LJ

Proposal:       Single storey front extension

Ref No: 15/01908/FUL

Applicant:      Ms Sam Armitage  Contact:        Mr Jake Clay    Consultation Expiry Date:       28 September 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

None

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 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

York Council now fining people who put out refuse bins early

The York Council has started to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) to residents who either put their bins out too early or who overfill them.

Since April, seven £80 FPNs have been issued with the Council receiving £320 in fine income so far.Dumped black bags Gladstone Street back lane

The policy is understood to be a response to growing problems with waste being left for long periods in back lanes. This can attract vermin and is also unsightly

The Council issues the following guidance on waste collection

“Dispose of your waste lawfully

You have a number of options to dispose of your waste lawfully and responsibly:

For larger amounts and DIY tasks consider hiring a skip. Skip companies also need to be registered with the Environment Agency.

Remember that our general waste collections are not meant for bulky and excess items, so we can not to take extra bags and large items. You could be liable for a statutory notice if you leave waste the street. Failure to comply with a notice can result in a fixed penalty ticket for £100 or a court appearance with a maximum fine of £1,000. Please always bag your rubbish and don’t put out extra waste if you have a bin”.