Consultation starts on future of York’s libraries

A few days after the York Council endorsed a Liberal Democrat motion aimed at securing existing library services in York, the authority has started a 14-week consultation with residents about library services in the city.

The LibDem motion was tabled at a Council meeting amidst fears that the Tory leadership wanted to impose budget cuts which would lead to library closures. Tories are also apparently looking to change the Library provider in the city from the current (very successful) Trust to a different contractor.

In 2019 the council is due to enter into a new contract for library services and wants to hear from residents about their future needs to help inform the contract.

A media release from the Council says, “York’s libraries are very successful. The council’s provider, Explore York, has introduced many new services, visitor numbers and book issues are good and the service offers excellent value for money. Library users are very satisfied with the current service, particularly valuing libraries as spaces for the community to come together, where everybody is welcome.

Nonetheless, the council recognises that it cannot stand still, and wants to build on Explore’s success to ensure that the service continues to meet changing needs and expectations in the years ahead.

The council recognises that users want to see improvement in the fabric of the library buildings. This reflects the fact that many of the buildings are in poor condition, needing around £3m spending on them in the coming years. The consultation should help target the council’s investment to best effect.

The council’s vision is to have libraries as centres of learning and opportunity for all. This would see state-of-the-art learning spaces stocked with a broad range of materials that promote reading and literacy and support people with the information they need. Flexible spaces would support formal and informal learning including a range of learning programmes, complemented by the latest digital technologies with free, online access.

Acomb Explore Library

The council’s online survey is seeking feedback on the proposed vision and the range of library buildings to meet residents’ needs. In addition, the council wants to understand future needs, gauge volunteer capacity and ask whether or not people want to see other services co-located in libraries”.

Councillor Ann Reid, interim executive member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “It is important that we really understand what residents would like to see for the future of their library services and whether our vision for the service and the buildings is on the right lines. I would urge everyone to take this chance to let us know their views.

“To understand what residents would like to see for the future of their library services and whether our vision for the service and the buildings is on the right lines, please complete the survey before Wednesday 14 February 2018 at www.york.gov.uk/consultations. Staff at any library or West Offices will be happy to help.”

The motion carried by the Council against Tory opposition said,
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Repair works to Parliament Street ahead of festive season

City of York Council is carrying out essential repair works to Parliament Street this Sunday (12 November) ahead of the busy festive season.

All shops and businesses will be open as usual while the work takes place from Pavement down to Shambles Market.

The council is acting to remove the growing risk of slips and trips by temporarily replacing 300 square metres of flagstones with tarmac, before relaying the flagstones early next year.

Laying the temporary tarmac surface now, and delaying the more disruptive and lengthier flag relaying work, means the area can be safe and welcoming to the large number of city-centre visitors over the festive season

Waste dealer faces prison for flytipping in Thoresby Road area in York

A waste dealer who claimed to be properly licenced was yesterday (8th November) found guilty of 19 charges of illegal collection and waste disposal, including dumping asbestos.

He awaits sentencing on 21 December 2017 when he faces being sent to prison.

In February and March 2017, 13 incidents of fly tipping were found on verges, alleys, in a playing field and on a private drive, in the Thoresby Road area. The waste was from bathroom refits by a plumbing firm, which had employed who they believed was a licenced scrap and waste collector.

The firm paid Mr Pipes in cash to remove the waste which included old toilets and baths, tiles and timber. In a rubble bag, a receipt was found by an estate worker, who reported the tips to the council’s neighbourhood enforcement team. They traced the waste back to the plumbing firm, and Mr Pipes failed to provide proper paperwork, evidence of a waste carrier’s licence or a scrap metal dealer’s licence.

In March and April 2017 Mr Pipes and his van were seen four times – and were photographed – disposing of large amounts of waste in a litter bin at Beech Grove, Acomb.

Mr Pipes entered a guilty plea of fly tipping around York, carrying waste and scrap without the relevant licences and failing to produce proper paperwork for the disposal of waste.

The movement of waste is regulated to ensure that it does not cause pollution and is treated safely at every stage. All businesses which produce waste must keep paperwork to prove how they dispose of waste and council officers will investigate carrying and disposal.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment, said: “The punishment imposed by York Crown Court reflects the severity of these offences. Fly-tipping is unsightly, anti-social, can pollute the land it’s dumped on and creates considerable cost for City of York Council to clear. Anyone with a business which buys or sells scrap metal must register as a dealer with every local authority where they wish to operate, and in addition, anyone carrying waste must register with the Environment Agency.

“While they are responsible for safe disposal, people who hire them must also check the carriers are properly licensed or they themselves could risk a criminal record.”

For information on commercial waste and residents’ responsibilities go to www.york.gov.uk/waste or visit the Environment Agency at www.gov.uk/guidance/access-the-public-register-for-environmental-information. To report fly-tipping, illegal waste disposal or concerns about waste dealer’s licencing, please contact neo.york.gov.uk .

Plans to rollout new Cold Calling Controlled Zones – Police warning on bogus callers

Plans have been agreed for the further rollout of Cold Calling Controlled Zones, an extremely effective tool in combating the number of persistent cold callers.

Cllr Ann Reid, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism has given the go ahead for Council officers to relax rules on the establishment of new zones, allowing communities to create a new zone where residents are overwhelmingly in favour. To support this, officers will also be drafting new material to assist interested communities with the administration of a zone.

Once the supporting materials have been created, communities that have problems with cold callers, rogue traders and doorstep crime will be able to access the Council’s new ‘pay as you go’ model and set up their own zones.

Cllr Ann Reid said:

“I am delighted to kick-start the next phase in our hugely effective Cold Calling Controlled Zones. It is absolutely essential that we continue to support our communities in tackling local crime associated with cold calling and ensure residents feel safe at their own doorsteps.

A wide-range of materials is currently being worked on and will be available shortly for any interested groups. In the meantime, we will continue to liaise with the police to ensure PCSOs are continuously involved in the process.”

There are currently 216 zones, covering approximately 8000 houses in the City. If a local organisation or resident is interested in creating a cold calling controlled zone, they should contact the Council’s Trading Standards Team on 01904 551525.

Meanwhile the Police have warned about bogus callers in York

“Cold Calling is on the rise in and around York. Groups of people are travelling into our area, claiming to be bona fide pedlars and are showing identification to claim this. The permits they are displaying are not valid for the City Of York.

They are offering high priced cleaning items. If you have elderly/ vulnerable residents within your area please inform them not to engage with these people and not to open their doors to people they do not know.

If your particular area is a no cold calling zone then would suggest that you contact Trading Standards and or City of York Council to highlight this activity. For all non emergency calls in relation to the above please ring 101 and report this to the Police”

What’s on in York – Handel’s Messiah performed by the York Minster Choir

Experience the story of Christ through this celebrated and popular oratorio, performed by the York Minster Choir.

9th Dec 2017

19.00

BOOK TICKETS

The York Minster Choir will be joined by internationally renowned soloists this Christmas for a special performance of Handel’s Messiah in the beautiful setting of York Minster’s Nave.

The famous work was first performed in Dublin in 1742 and has since become one of the best-known and most popular English oratorios.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to experience the story of Christ through this moving and poignant choral performance?

Tickets are priced at £25, £18 and £12 and are available from the York Theatre Royal Box Office, by telephoning 01904 623568 or in person at the theatre in St Leonard’s Place, YO1 7HD.