Trial Sunday bus service linking Foxwood/Woodthorpe and Askham Bar extended for a month

First have announced that the trial bus which links Foxwood, Woodthorpe & Bishopthorpe with Tesco and Askham Bar will continue to run until the end of January 2017.

The services will run on:

  • Tuesday 27 December 2016
  • Bank Holiday Monday, 2 January 2017
  • Sundays 8, 15, 22 and 29 January 2017

Download Service 500 timetable

The free service, numbered 500, runs with an electric bus, subject to availability, to reduce noise and emissions. It was due to finish on 18th December

500-bus-service

There’s a course for all in the new Learning 4 Everyone brochure

autumn-2016-social-media-profile-1_500x500Do you want to get to grips with Windows 10, improve your creative writing, or even learn Tai Chi in 2017? Then look out for the new Learning 4 Everyone programme this month.

The brochure is being distributed throughout December to nearly 100,000 households and includes over 300 courses, with several new and expanded areas, including a beauty section and an expanded business offer. These new courses are on offer alongside more established courses including creative craft courses and modern foreign languages.

New courses on offer in 2017 include Metafit, a 30 minute high intensity workout session designed to help people who are short of time to get fit and active. Pure stretch, a combination of yoga and pilates is also on offer for people looking to get fit in the new year.

Discover Romeo and Juliet is a new course on offer for people looking to jump into the world of drama. The practical mindfulness is a three course series exploring happiness, health and being organised.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “The adult learning programme gives residents the opportunity to learn a great range of new skills and gain qualifications with the help of our fantastic tutors.  We’ve taken residents feedback on board and there’s now even more one day and weekend courses available. With over 300 courses including many new and expanded sections and numerous free taster sessions, I’m sure there will be something for everyone.”

For more information about the programme see the brochure being delivered to all homes, pick one up from libraries, or visit www.yortime.org.uk.

Bookings can be made online, by calling 01904 552806 or by visiting West Offices, Station Rise on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 4pm.

Reprieve as Foxwood Community Centre wins rating appeal

Foxwood Community Centre

Foxwood Community Centre

The shock decision by the Council’s ruling executive, not to award discretionary rate relief to the Foxwood and Tang Hall community centres last week, has been reversed on appeal.

The decision has been taken by officials after the Council admitted failing to support the Community Centre applications properly.

The award lasts for two years and could mean that the Foxwood centre – which is now run entirely by volunteers – will be £1500 better off.

The centre already enjoys 80% mandatory rates relief which substantially offsets the £4000 a year rates bill

 

York bus services reliability stats

The latest figures released by the Council suggest that frequent bus services are getting more reliable in York
Bus reliability trends in York

Bus reliability trends in York

The figures which represent a snap shot of bus reliability – are taken in the autumn of each year.

By last autumn, frequent bus services (defined as those routes with more than 6 buses per hour)  were on average less than 1/2 minute late.

However performance on routes with less frequent services showed a small decline in reliability. 83% were on time compared to 87% the previous year.

The figures are bound to rekindle calls for weekly service reliability figures to be published. These figures can be made available easily using the technology installed to provide “next bus due” real time information.

Other public transport providers such as the train operating companies are required to routinely publish similar information.