New “trusted trader” scheme planned for York

The council and Checkatrade are looking into the possibility of a new scheme to help residents find Trading Standards-vetted traders in the York area, and to give local businesses a new seal of approval.

This is in addition to the council’s continuing partnership with Age UK York to produce a Home Services Directory. This directory of approved local traders – many offering certain specialisms or bespoke services – has been in operation for fifteen years to support vulnerable and older people. The new scheme will complement this directory by offering a wider selection of vetted traders suitable for the general public.

The decision to allow the partnership with Age UK York to strengthen and for a new partnership with Checkatrade to be explored in more detail will be made by the Executive Member at a decision session on 13 March at 4:30pm.

The potential partnership with Checkatrade aims to take out some of the hazards of hiring tradespeople. The aim is to produce an extensive list of vetted businesses and sole traders across a broad range of trades and who are judged to be reliable, legally compliant and customer-focussed by the council’s Trading Standards team.
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Great British spring clean starts today – Appeal for information

Several groups in York are participating in the Great British Spring Clean this weekend.

These include residents in the Foxwood, Cornlands, Front Street and Dringhouses areas.

Foxwood residents already have already collected their sacks and litter pickers and will be meeting at the Community Centre on Bellhouse Way at 11:00am tomorrow (Saturday). The more volunteers that turn up the better the neighbourhood should look a couple of hours later.

Those who can’t make a pre-organised time are asked to consider tidying up the area immediately outside their own homes

The national organisers of the initiative – Keep Britain Tidy – have issued the following appeal

When residents take part in your Great British Spring Clean event this weekend, you can also get involved in a nationwide survey and tell us about the types of litter you find.

Simply download the Keep Britain Tidy app from the Apple or Google app store:

– Open the app and find your event on the interactive map

– Click on your event

– Select survey

– Enter the litter types you find

To carry out the survey, simply choose a 10m x 10m patch of ground (approximate is fine!) and then use your smart phone to record the types of litter you’re finding.

Once you’ve done the survey – have fun clearing it all up!

The results will be logged instantly on your GB Spring Clean account – and will be added with data from other surveys to form a national survey.

Thank you so much for all your support and good luck with your #GBSpringClean event!

Click for iPhone link
Click for android link

 

What’s on in York: Bookbinding – Japanese Bound Books

Mar _4Japanese BooksYork Explore Library
Sat 4 Mar
10.30am – 3.30pm
£35

Japanese binding is both a decorative and functional form of bookbinding and is an easy way to bind together single sheets of paper.  It involves a technique called ‘stab stitching’ which used thread or sometimes ribbons to create a decorative effect on the outside cover.  Teaching and learning will be based on a variety of methods and these will include demonstrations of techniques and personal guidance.

Please note a kit will be provided on the day for an additional cost of £6.00, payable to the tutor.

Please bring a packed lunch, use the library cafe on site (hot and cold meals and drinks), or alternatively there are excellent cafes nearby.

Book online by clicking here or call  01904 552806.