There’s still time to take part in the first Acomb Fun Run

Young people are being reminded to book their place in this weekend’s inaugural Acomb Fun Run, where limited places are still available.

The Acomb Fun Run will take place on Sunday 23 July at Carr Infants and Junior School, which will see 4-14 year olds invited to take part in a 2km run. Each participant will receive a medal.

Other friends and family members will also be able to participate in a 1km run on the day. The event is free to attend and people are advised to book in advance at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acomb-fun-run-tickets-32843001301.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for leisure, culture and tourism said: “This promises to be a great event hoping to inspire people to try something new in a fun and family friendly environment. Events such as these are all part of our efforts to help people to get active and have fun while doing so.

“Places for the fun run are limited so we would encourage people to book in advance and hope they enjoy the day.”

The fun run is the first of two summer events taking place in Acomb to try and get people to be more active.

A week later, on Saturday 29 July, Energise will then host the inaugural Acomb Family Triathlon. This event will see families challenged to a 400m swim (16 lengths), a 1.2km bike ride and a 1km run. Entry is just £10 per family and every participant will receive a medal and be able to enjoy an activity area for all the family to enjoy. Tickets can be bought at Energise or online, for more information visit www.energiseyork.com/home/events/familytriathlon.

The events are being held in partnership with Energise and Carr Infants and Carr Junior School and are supported by City of York Council.

Now York Council becomes a property speculator

The City of York Council is to invest nearly £15 million in purchasing a City centre retail and office development.

Swinegate Court

Although the business case remains confidential, the Council claims that the £813,000 in annual rent, that it expects to get from properties in “Swinegate Court”, will pay off the principal and interest charges on its extra borrowing.

The Council outbid several private investors to secure the deal.

It is likely that the Council, will seek a 50-year loan to buy the properties.

While it is true that, over the last few centuries, the City has always in the long term benefited from the increasing value of land that it has purchased, there is always a short-term risk in such ventures.

The properties in question are in a secondary shopping area and, with many City centre retailers under pressure partly because of the Councils projection of the area as a “playground” destination, rental growth is far from guaranteed.

This may well prove to be a prudent long term investment, but eyebrows may be raised when a Council, apparently struggling to fulfil its promise to improve basic public service standards, finds the resources to dabble in the property market.