Extra time to give views on Fossgate improvement plans

Residents and businesses now have an extra week to give us their views on proposed plans to improve Fossgate, on of York’s most loved and vibrant shopping streets.

People have until midnight, Sunday 21 October to tell us their thoughts on the plans. They can do this by visiting www.york.gov.uk/fossgate or in the foyer at West Offices.

Fossgate is set for a £500,000 investment, and the council wants your views on measures to enhance and attract more visitors to the vibrant, distinct street in the heart of York.

Earlier this year, the council changed the direction of traffic along Fossgate, significantly reducing the amount of through-traffic along the street.

The council has been engaging with businesses, residents and the wider city to refine the plans which include:

  • Relaying the road surface and repaving the Yorkstone paths, replacing any tired or broken parts
  • Creating more attractive junctions at both ends of Fossgate, and widening the narrow footpaths at the Pavement end
  • Introducing new wider ‘built-out’ sections and street furniture like bike stands, benches and possibly trees
  • Introducing new ‘speed tables’ and crossing points

You can view the proposals and have your say online at www.york.gov.uk/fossgate or in the foyer of West Offices, Station Rise, YO1 6GA

Good news as regional project responds to national fire concerns about second hand white goods

A project by Yorkshire and Humber Trading Standards Group and Electrical Safety Assessments Ltd tackled national concerns about the fire safety of second hand white goods.

This spring, Trading Standards officers from eight authorities carried out tests and inspections on electrical appliances offered for sale.

During the first stage, retail outlets selling pre-owned white goods were visited. Superficial inspections were carried out on items such as; washing machines; tumble dryers; microwave ovens; cookers; and refrigerators.

Next, detailed inspections of test-purchased appliances were undertaken by City of York Council and Doncaster Council.

Testing included checking the rating, make, model and serial number; checking the supply cord and plug; detailed damage checks; electrical insulation strength; and internal wiring and connections.

The inspections carried out found all the second hand white goods within the area to be safe for purchase, and did not incur any warnings or prosecutions for business owners. (more…)

York Council threat on school attendance

With the new school year in full swing, City of York Council is reminding parents of the importance of making sure their children attend all their school sessions.

York’s school attendance rate is high with only 4.4 per cent absence, compared to a national average of 4.7 per cent and a Yorkshire and Humber region average of 4.9per cent.

City of York Council rarely prosecutes parents who don’t ensure their children are at school because it believes that working with schools and parents is the best strategy to maintain high levels of attendance at school.

However, last week a prosecution was heard by York Magistrates against a parent whose child had been marked as absent from over 70 per cent of sessions during a four month period earlier this year.

The child, then in year eight at secondary school, was absent for 87 out of a possible 122 sessions between 29/01/18 and 18/05/18, only two of which were authorised absences.

The parent had previously been issued with a fine due to raised concerns regarding the child’s attendance over a number of school years. The parent also failed to provide the school with acceptable reasons for much of the child’s absence and failed to engage with the schools and local authority to support the child’s education.

At York Magistrates Court, the parent pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the regular attendance at the school of their child; an offence under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996. She was ordered to pay a £20 court surcharge with a conditional six month discharge.

For more information on school attendance click here 

For details of term dates visit your school website or click here 

York plans for “no deal” Brexit

Councillors will discuss activities to ensure York is as prepared as possible in the event of a no-deal Brexit at an Executive meeting on Thursday 18 October.

The Government claims that “a scenario in which the UK leaves the EU without agreement (a ‘no deal’ scenario) remains unlikely” whilst advising councils to prepare for all eventualities, including a no-deal.

The council’s Executive will be asked to note the work undertaken with partners so far and identify other areas the council could consider to help the city move confidently forward and positively respond to any change.

Executive takes place on Thursday 18 October from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online from: www.york.gov.uk/webcasts