Westfield Councillors taking action on weeds, drains and more

The Council has started its second application of weed killer. They seem to be fighting a losing battle in some areas. Many residents are now clearing areas near their homes

In the Front Street area local Councillor Sue Hunter has been helping tidy up the paved areas

Cllr Sue Hunter helps to clean up paving on the Front Street link road

Front Street link road clean up completed

Meanwhile, in Foxwood, Cllr Sheena Jackson has reported several gulleys where weeds are taking root.

Weeds growing quickly in many areas now

Cllr Sheena Jackson supporting the Police security marking initiative at Foxwood shops earlier in the week

Damaged and dumped recycling containers have been reported.

Dumped recyling boxes in Foxwood

….and the bollard on Huntmans Walk has been damaged for the umpteenth time

Damaged bollard on Huntsman’s Walk

Cllr Andrew Waller is following up issues with the Council’s garden care scheme. The scheme is open to elderly and disabled people who are not able to care for their gardens themselves. It is running behind schedule this year.

Overgrown hedges in Lowfields. The Council’s garden care scheme is behind schedule

Andrew is also on the lookout for blocked drains. In the event of heavy rain these could be a source of flooding.

Blocked gulley in Tudor Road

Community centre in Chapelfields organises post flood clean out

The incredible generosity of residents immediately after the Boxing Day floods in the City has left a storage headache for some voluntary groups.

More material was donated than could be used by victims and much of it has remained in storage for the last 6 months.

The materials issue parallels a similar situation with financial donations. The York (Floods) Disaster Fund has still to allocate to victims over half of the funds that have been donated to it.

Most organisation are now trying to move on although for some – such as the still closed Jorvik centre – recovery may still take many more months

Space is needed at the Sanderson Community House in Chapelfields where officials say the time has come for a final clear out and an attempt to return the centre to its normal day to day use.

They have set a date for the clear out as tomorrow MONDAY 18 JULY from 8am until 4pm.

A message says, “We are Inviting community groups and charities to pop along and collect any of the following items:

Cleaning materials (Bleach, clothes, mop buckets, mops etc.)
Sanderson House community centre
Bedding
Tinned foods and cooking sauces
Drinks
Cereals and biscuits
Pasta, pot noodles
Baby products (Baby food, Nappies, wipes)
Toys and books
Toiletries

We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day, whether you are available for a couple of hours or the whole day your time will be appreciated. Tasks will include; moving items, transporting boxes to venues across York and cleaning up the centre.

If you want to collect some of the items listed above or volunteer on 18 July, please contact Charlotte on charlotte.hadden@york.gov.uk or for further information call 07850 001 002.

For all those volunteers you will be plenty of refreshments and snacks to keep you going“.

An inquiry team is currently looking at all aspects of the flooding crisis which hit the City over the Christmas period.

Several organisations, including the Council and some charities, were criticised at the time for being slow to respond, leaving the gap to be filled by willing – but largely uncoordinated – volunteers. It is this state of preparedness that should be one of the major issues under the Inquiries spotlight.

We hope that the materials donated and money collected will all now be put to good use.

What’s on in York: Introduction to counselling

Huntington School :

Mon 18 Jul :

Various times 5.00pm – 7.30pm :

Introduction is free, but course costs vary

July 18_Counselling Due to popular demand, in September we will be launching our largest range of Counselling courses in York ever and we want you to be part of it.

Whatever level you’re at, there is now something for you. We offer introductory and taster sessions for those unsure if this is the route for them, all the way up to CPCAB Level 4.

Before you commit to a counselling course, why not come along to our counselling information evening on 18^thJuly at Huntington School. Join our Register Your Interest course and we’ll be in touch shortly.