Terraced homes in Westfield may get wheeled bins

Hope that a new re-use centre will reduce landfill tax costs
Streets in the Westfield area being considered for wheeled bins  click for full list

Streets in the Westfield area being considered for wheeled bins click for full list

A report being discussed by the Council later in the month suggests that an additional 5,564 properties across York may get wheeled bins to replace residual waste sacks. Wheeled bins are preferred by the Council as they are more secure (from vandals and rodents), are easier and safer to handle and reduce emptying time.

However, in the past assembling bins at a central collection point has been unpopular with some residents.

A complete list of streets which are likely to be considered for the introduction of wheeled bins can be found by clicking here

The report also reviews the decision of the last Labour Council not to establish a re-use facility in the City.  In 2011 the then Council leadership abandoned the re-use and salvage centre planned for a site at Harewood Whin. Together with the closure of the recycling centre on Beckfield Lane the decision was partly to blame for a subsequent increase in the volume of waste going to landfill.

The new Council are looking at the successful re-use centre in Leeds which generates a surplus for the Council by reusing furniture.

Re-use centre

Re-use centre

There is thought to be a similar opportunity in York where many re-usable electrical items are scrapped. The report says “Reuse remains a key opportunity when it comes to reducing the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill and the associated costs. Reusing an item, rather than throwing it away, can prolong its useful life, reduce the need for finite valuable resources and potentially create work opportunities in terms of repair and maintenance”.

Currently the City depends on a varied range of voluntary groups such as Freecycle York, Bike Rescue and the community furniture store to promote the reuse of serviceable goods.

Other proposals being considered include:

  • Improving recycling in flats
  • Collecting mixed plastics (not recommended at present for cost reasons)
  • Extending garden waste collections to properties currently not covered (those that have green waste)
  • Imposing more restrictions on the number of permits available for the use of Household Waste sites by people using vans
  • Rationalising the number of sub-urban recycling bin sites (more consultation is promised before any are removed)
  • Co-mingling of recycling (not recommended for cost reasons)
  • The type of new collection vehicles to be purchased (leased) for use in narrow streets.

Wetherby Road speeding issues; Where now?

Wetherby Road VAS

Wetherby Road VAS

The minutes of last week’s transport meeting suggest that the Council will not trial the use of signs which display the actual speed that vehicles are travelling.

We think that this is a missed opportunity. The signs have  had some success when used elsewhere in the country.

On Wetherby Road the  Council will consider further whether to reduce the speed limit, between the A1237 and the start of the built up area, to 40 mph.

We doubt this will have much effect.

It was tried on Askham Lane with the intention of slowing traffic before it reached the 30 mph signs. On Askham Lane  vehicles entering the City also faced a mini roundabout and then speed cushions, but still some vehicles travel too fast for safety.

The simple fact is that most people driving in a rural unlit environment believe that the national speed limit is in operation.

The Council still plans to install cycle lanes on Wetherby Road. It is claimed that these will “focus” drivers attention on the road and make them more aware of speed.

We doubt that the lanes will have any effect on habitual speeders.

One suggested change, which could prove very dangerous, is a plan to remove the centre line from the road. Centre lines, and cats eyes, are an important point of reference for drivers particularly during periods of heavy rain or in foggy conditions.

We hope that this aspect  of the Councils plan – at least – will be quietly dropped.

The proposals are now subject to public consultation .

NB. We expect the Council now to replace the faulty speed warning sign which was located on the outward lane of the road

 

 

How not to increase “public engagement” with the York Council

According to the York Council web site
“Our Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee is reviewing the potential for improving public engagement, the take up of services through digital means and our ability to respond.  
We welcome your views and experiences of engaging with us via our Improving Public Engagement survey“.
Strange that a Council seeking to increase “public engagement” should launch a survey and then fail to publicise it!!!
It isn’t even mentioned in the recently distributed “Our City” civic newspaper.

Click here to complete the survey and get a warm sense of “engagement”

 

Angry mob score web site

Last chance to cut energy bills in York – Meeting on Wednesday

Yorkshire Energy Partnership are a local Community Interest Company working across York and North Yorkshire to encourage the installation of renewable technologies.

solar-pv-installation-300x199

 

They have worked with City of York Council previously installing solar panels on their properties and have held many information events across the district including one at Acomb Library in May.

Yorkshire Energy Partnership are hosting an information event at the Poppleton Centre, Main Street, Nether Poppleton, YO26 6JT on Wednesday 18th November, 3-6pm

The Government currently have several incentives to help homeowners move towards renewable technologies and away from fossil fuels.

The Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) are payments you receive from energy suppliers for having solar panels installed. As you may have heard, the Feed-in-Tariff is going to be significantly cut in January from 12.47p/kWh to 1.63p/kWh.

Any residents who are thinking about getting  Solar Panels are being encouraged to get them installed before the end of December in order to receive higher rate of Feed-in-Tariff and get it locked in for 20 years.

At the event, Yorkshire Energy Partnership and local installer Solarwall will be on hand to answer any questions, discuss the suitability of properties and explain the upcoming changes to the Feed-in-Tariff.

They will also be able to discuss other renewable technologies as well as the Renewable Heat Incentive.

 

Road works: Chestnut Grove and Cranbrook Rd

Chestnut Grove

To allow resurfacing to take place Chestnut Grove will be closed between 9:00am and 5:00pm from Monday 23rd Nov to Wednesday 25th Nov.

Cranbrook Road

To allow resurfacing to take place Cranbrook Road will be closed between 9:00am and 5:00pm from Monday 23rd Nov to Wednesday 25th Nov.

There will be no on street parking allowed in either street during the working times.

Beckfield Lane closure on Monday & Tuesday – 5A bus rerouted

Beckfield Lane closed at Wetherby Road end – Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th November
Location: Beckfield Lane
Cause: Roadworks
Responsibility:
Dates: 16 Nov 2015 to 17 Nov 2015

0900-1600 during CYC highways work on the above dates.

Service 5A will divert via Ostman Road, Danebure Drive, York Road, and Ridgeway during these works.

Stops not served: Turnberry Drive, Beckfield Place.

Additional stops served: All stops on diversion route.