“Stay away” Tory leads to defeat on Willow House development

Willow House

The local Council Tory Leadership suffered a defeat this evening when their plan ot sell off land at Willow House was referred back for further consideration.

It is understood that one Conservative councillor absented himself from the meeting without appointing a substitute. (He was apparently elsewhere in West Offices when the meeting was taking place)

The result was that a vote on a “call in” was tied and the Labour chair used his casting vote to stall the development.

There are likely to be repercussions for the Council as the sale of the former elderly persons home site for development was needed to fund new elderly care homes.

The main concern apparently centred around an area of open space next to the home which would have been developed for the first time. Locals say that it is used for informal recreational activity.

There are several other controversial plans in the pipeline which would see similar open spaces developed. In the Acomb ward the development of the old Manor school playing field has been criticised while there is also a major campaign to save threatened open space at Lowfields.

The called in decision will now be referred back to the Executive who will have to decide whether to re-advertise the site for sale and, if so,  with what conditions. Further delays to the care programme seem inevitable.

The disagreement within the Tories is the latest in signs of unrest with Council Leader David Carr heavily criticised  since unilaterally sacking two executive members and later resisting publication of a report into contractor appointments.

Other projects such as the, Tory backed, shipping container village on Piccadilly and arrangements to sign the final Community Stadium contract are also mired in controversy.

What’s on in York: “Swim 400” family challenge at Energise pool

What is the Swim 400 metres Family Challenge?

The aim of Swim 400m Family Challenge is to get families swimming on a regular basis and thus creating a healthy routine for all the family. Children can practise what they have learnt in their swimming lessons, and the parents can try and keep up.

What do we have to do?

Download the Free Just Swim’ app created by the ASA Google Play or the Apple App Store. The app has two simple functions of goal setting and swim logging providing swimmers with the ability to track their progress on number of swims, distance covered, calories burned and time. Swim 400m is a pre-set goal within the app.

Do we have to time our 400m swim?

No, just doing a family activity of swimming 16 lengths is all that we ask. However, if you want to try and improve your timings there is a leader board on poolside, which may entice you a little. For all those that enter, there will be a Family Day Out prize available for one lucky family chosen at random from the board.

When are the sessions?

We are trying to get  to encourage families to come to either Saturday or Sunday 3.30pm-5.30pm to create a bit of Parkrun feel. Or you can come any time to complete your 16 lengths.

How much is it?

The normal pool admissions apply and the Just Swim app is free.

What if I or my child can’t swim a full length?

This challenge is about fun and inclusion, if you or child cant swim in the deep end you can swim widths of the main pool or shallow pool (32 widths).

Can I swim the Swim 400 challenge on my own?

Yes, any time or at the either of the two sessions: Saturday or Sunday 3.30pm-5.30pm

Tree management – Council to review policies

Its nearly two years since the York Council changed its polices on the maintenance and management of the trees which grow on public land in the City.

At the time, the then Councillor with responsibility for the service, was told that officials had grossly under estimated the number of problems that were caused by overgrown trees and bushes in the City. He didn’t heed the warning.

Dozens of problem cases have since been reported to the Council with little response. Even when the Ward committee has responded to residents demands for action by making funding available for tree loping and replacing dead trees, progress has been ponderously slow.

Overgrown highway hedges are a problem in some locations.

In others private hedges are completely blocking public footpaths

Now we are promised a review of the policy at a meeting which will take place on 18th December.  A different Councillor is now responsible for this service so hopefully some progress will be made.

The notice of the meeting says that “experience has highlighted the need to include additional policy statements on trees in formal landscapes, woodland management and Ward funding for tree care and management”. Indeed.

But trees need to be loped and bushes removed during the autumn/winter period & that time is now upon is.

What’s on in York: Playback in association with Random Acts

York Explore Library

Wed 8 Nov – Sun 19 Nov

Library opening times

Free

PlaybackPlayback brings together more than 200 remarkable short films by young artist filmmakers in one exhibition, currently touring nationwide.

Don’t miss it in York as part of Aesthetica Film Festival.

For more information or to see Library opening times please visit our website www.exploreyork.org.uk.

What’s on in York: Creative Writing – We are the Stuff…

Nov _18Creative Writing

York Explore Library

Sat 18 Nov

10.00am – 1.00pm

£21

Your best writing material is within you – learn how to release it!

This workshop will focus on helping you draw on personal experience and memory to bring to light the honest, authentic material that can evolve into some of the most powerful writing. One of the strengths of this workshop is that it is personal, and sometimes private – you won’t be invited to share responses unless you feel confident.

Ali Cargill is a published author with Masters Degree in Creative Writing (Distinction). She is also an experienced A Level English teacher – so you’ll be in good hands.

Suitable for anyone aged 19+. Aimed at any level of experience.

Please bring paper and pen. As part of this workshop you may be invited to share in discussions where, as a group, we explore writing technique in extracts from published texts. Where copyright allows, your tutor will provide copies of these.

This workshop will be held in The Brierley Room.

Book online by clicking here or call us on (01904) 552806