£15 million York Council contract for security services

A new contract has been awarded to Gough & Kelly Ltd to run security services for the Council.

The contract started on 1^st November and is expected to be worth £15 million over the next 5 years.

The services to be provided include, “Manned Guarding, Key Holding, Intruder Alarm Monitor and Investigation, Supply of Security consumables, locks, padlocks and locking systems”.

A separate contract sees the outsourcing of the Councils CCTV monitoring service

Given the size of the contract – and the sensitivity of CCTV monitoring – the contract has attracted remarkably little debate in the Council!

There has been a similar lack of debate about the cost of a one year contract for “Independent Mobility Assessments” for the issuing of disabled parking Blue Badges. The contract will be worth £52,950 and has been awarded to Premier Physical Healthcare Ltd

Have a healthier new year plea

What’s on your New Year checklist? Whether it is no alcohol in ‘Dry January’; being more active; look after yourself better, especially your mental health by reducing the stress in your life; or stop smoking the council’s YorWellbeing service can offer advice and support to help you. Our YorWellbeing team also offer free health checks plus information, advice and support to help you have a happier and healthier 2018.

For information, advice and support get in touch with the YorWellbeing service by emailing yorwellbeing@york.gov.uk, calling 01904 553377 or visiting www.yorwellbeing.org.uk.

There are many things that affect how healthy and well a person is. The Yorwellbeing service will:

provide advice and support on lifestyle factors such as healthy eating, exercise, alcohol and smoking
encourage positive lifestyle and behaviour changes
work to reduce health inequalities across the city.

Councillor Carol Runciman, executive member for health and adult social care said: “The start of the New Year is a time for reflection. Our YorWellbeing service does a great job offering information, advice and support to help and can help you live a happier healthier lifestyle. Get in touch by phone or email or visit the website and our team will be happy to help.”

Experimental bus lane for Low Poppleton Lane

Rising bollards will rise no more as ANPR cameras march goes on!

Low Poppleton Lane

City of York Council will be introducing an experimental bus lane for 18 months on Low Poppleton Lane in the new year.

The new CCTV ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) system will replace the current rising bollard system.

The changes were proposed to help increase pedestrian and cycle safety by stopping people ignoring the current restrictions. They were agreed in consultation with the executive member for transport and planning by the Director for Economy and Place in September.

The Council says,

Construction is due to start on Tuesday 2 January and is expected to be complete by 12 January, weather dependant. Work will take place from 9.30am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. During this time, bus service 10 will divert via Boroughbridge Road and Station Road.

All traffic other than local bus services and the Manor School mini bus will be prohibited from passing through this restriction.

As with any construction work there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption. Residents can be assured that we will do everything possible to minimise this.

We have written to residents and businesses in the area to inform them of the changes. Temporary signs have also been put in place to give motorists advance warning of the new bus lane.

Once in place, motorists who breach the restrictions will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This will be £60, reduced to £30 if payment is made within 14 days.

Any comments on the trial can be sent to lowpoppletonlane.trial@york.gov.uk. All comments will be considered before a decision is made on whether to make the scheme permanent or to revert to the old restrictions.