Police: 74 drink and drug driving arrests made since launch of Christmas crackdown

Woman driver in Richmond 5 times the legal limit!

North Yorkshire Police have now made 74 arrests for drink and drug driving since the launch of Operation Attention at the beginning of the month.

The third week of the campaign has seen another 26 arrests made and the highest drink driving reading being registered by a 40-year-old woman arrested in Richmond who blew 180 – over 5 times the legal limit.

Since 1 December:

• 17 drug driving arrests made

• 57 drink driving arrests made

• 15 arrests made where alcohol levels were more than double the legal limit

• Highest reading so far – 180 – provided by a 40-year-old woman arrested for drink driving in Richmond – over 5 times the legal limit

• 57 men arrested

• 13 women arrested

• 10% arrests – charged with failed to provide

Sgt Andy Morton of the Roads Policing Group said:

“The message is loud and clear: drink driving costs lives. It’s as simple as that. If you take a chance and get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, you are not only putting your own life at risk but the lives of innocent members of the public.”

“The high number of arrests so far shows how serious and committed we are to catching drink and drug drivers and bringing them to justice. Remember, if you take the chance and think you can get away with it, we are waiting to catch you.”

“We continue to appeal to members of the public that if they know of someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs – please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

York Barbican concession events announced

When the Barbican auditorium management was privatised 5 years ago, the Council retained the right to nominate 2 days a year when locally based groups could have free use of the venue.

The Council has just named its choice of user for two upcoming concession days.

Five applications to use the venue were received by the Council. The two events selected to go ahead were:

2016 for “A Night to Remember” – a community show aiming to raise awareness of dementia
2017 for “Rock Challenge” – a performing arts initiative delivering a positive lifestyle message to young people between 11-18 in school or college

Groups will be given a further opportunity to pitch for use of the venue next Autumn

£284,000 savings in York education team as 3 face redundancy

The Council has revealed details of a new staff structure in its “learning” team. The restructure is aimed at saving £284,000 a year in staffing costs and has been influenced by the conclusion of some Europe funded projects.

Some voluntary redundancies have already taken place. Three existing staff face compulsory redundancy

The background report says,

“Many of these savings are coming from reduction in management posts, but there will also be some savings in direct service delivery, including reductions in some teaching staff, reductions in employability programmes and provision to support mental health issues.

These reductions are going to have a serious affect on the service’s ability to support individuals seeking work and those who require help with recovering from mental health issues”.

The decision was taken at a “behind closed doors” meeting held on 21st December.

Reports were not made public until after the decision had been published

Brownlow Street alleyway closure

The York Council is set to gate the alleyway to the rear of Brownlow Street/Neville Terrace/Eldon Street.

Affected alleyways

The move comes following complaints from residents about dumping, graffiti, vandalism and break ins.

Residents also report finding used drug needles in the area.

All 21 respondents to an informal consultation by the Council supported the alleygating proposal.

A Council official has now agreed – at a behind closed doors meeting – to formally consult on the proposal.