Barbican “free event” day allocated to York Archaeologists

When, seven years ago, the Barbican auditorium was leased to the private sector, one of the conditions was that the building should be made available, free of charge, twice a year, to local groups who wished to stage an event.

Next year, the York Archaeological Trust will stage a new event which will form part of the 2019 Viking Festival.

This will be a concert featuring several headline acts from around Europe, each of whom has a significant international and domestic following. This will bring a new audience to York and enhance the JORVIK Viking Festival which attracts over 60k visitors generating a spend of £4.5 m in the local economy.

York residents will also benefit from this event “as York proudly celebrates its Norse heritage and a Norse inspired music event will enable the local audience to get involve”.

This event will be unique to York; there is no other large scale celebration of Viking inspired music in the UK.

York Council “fouls up” on Newbury Avenue development plans

Parking lay-by location

The York Council is planning to delay the provision of alternative off street parking spaces in Newbury Avenue. The spaces – to be located outside the block of flats containing numbers 10 to 16 – were to have been provided to offset the loss of off-street parking space when the adjacent  garages are replaced with 5 bungalows.

The bungalow planning application was approved – with the parking condition – on 3rd May 2018. Officials are now saying that a Virgin media box, located outside the flats, will have to be moved and that this work could take between 6 and 8 weeks.

However, the junction box was already in place when the Planning committee met. It appears that officials had authorised the cabinet location knowing that there was a proposal to provide a lay-by.

Garages to be demolished

Now they want to demolish the garages before any alternative parking is provided.

The Planning committee’s decision, taken in May, was controversial because the 4 parking spaces proposed were not adequate to meet existing parking demands. Objectors asked the committee to make a Section 106 order requiring the developers to fund alternative, off street, spaces in the Windsor Gath/Kingsway West area.

Unfortunately, the committee failed to do so.

Any proposal to delay proving the planned four spaces would add insult to injury.

Insufficient off street parking space available

The new Virgin telecoms cabinet was provided after the plans for the area were published but before the planning committee made its decision on 3rd May 2018. It seems that the part of the Council which approves the location of footway plant acted without consulting the section of the Council which deals with developments.

Planning Councillor were well aware of he location of the telecoms cabinet before they made their decisions.

Other plans to provide alternative off street parking lay-bys in the area are mired in delay and have been for several years now.

Residents can object to the Councils latest plan.

Objectors should visit the “planning on line” web site click and insert reference 18/00410/GRG3 in the search facility,. Objections must be lodged before 11th December.

York Station front – 1,500 public consultation responses

Councillors will receive an update on the York Station front project and be asked to approve the submission of a planning application and the progression of the scheme to detailed design when they meet on Thursday 29 November.

The York Station front project aims to revitalise and re-imagine the historic station to ensure it is a fitting and prestigious gateway into York.

The project has had significant public interest, with nearly 1,500 responses during the extensive public consultation. This has lead to design changes for Executive to now consider.   Permission to enter into land acquisition negotiations with stakeholders and landowners is also requested.

York Station consultation leaflet

The York Station front masterplan has four main aims:

  • create new public spaces and a more inclusive, pedestrian-friendly experience
  • create an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area
  • make it easier to change between modes of transport
  • keep vehicles and pedestrians apart

If approved, it is proposed that the planning application based on the amended masterplan will be submitted soon after.

Changes to the masterplan following the consultation include:

  • Moving the cycleway on Queen Street to reduce conflict with on street parking spaces
  • Providing safe access for cyclists to the station from the west-bound carriageway
  • Provision for a suitable system for managing rail replacement buses
  • Incorporating appropriate counter-terrorism measures that are sympathetic to the station setting

The station masterplan is based on eight key features which work together to improve how the space is used in front of York Station. It is dependent on removing Queen Street Bridge to create extra space, which would then be used to separate vehicle and pedestrian access, create new open areas and reveal long-hidden views of the City Walls.

Executive takes place on Thursday 29 November from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online 

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Not so black Friday for shoppers in York

York drop-in event for National Consumer Week 26 November to 2 December

York Christmas market is popular this year

City of York Council is working with partners to host a special drop-in event at West Offices, aimed at providing advice and support to consumers.

The event falls on National Consumer Day on 28 November, which is during National Consumer Week from 26 November to 2 December. It also falls in the same week as Cyber Monday on 26 November, which follows Black Friday on 23 November.

City of York Council’s Trading Standards team will be available on Wednesday 28 November 10am until 4pm alongside Age UK York and approved garage traders Jax motorcycles.

They will be on hand to provide advice and support on a range of services, including:

Age UK York:

  • Their Firstcall Information service, which is the first point of contact for information and advice for the over 50s in York.
  • Home Service Directory, which contains the names of local approved tradesmen vetted by trading standards.
  • A new cost-effective service offering the preparation of Wills and Power of Attorney.

Approved Garage Scheme:

  • The trading standards scheme checks and approves York garages, so customers know they are trustworthy and competent.
  • Jax motorcycles will be on-hand to talk to people about how to get into biking safely and will be displaying a new four-wheel scooter from Yamaha that’s ideal for novice riders and commuters. Garages in the scheme include Copmanthorpe Motors, Fulford Auto Service, Leeman Road Auto Services, York MOT Centre, Osbaldwick Motors, West End Garage in Haxby and Jax Motorcycles/Technical Car Services.

Cold Calling Controlled Zones:

  • The council’s trading standards team will be available to talk about Cold Calling Controlled Zones. They’re aimed at deterring cold callers and giving residents more information about their rights when they buy at the door and the confidence to say no.
  • Door step crime includes bogus traders who cold call homes, offering to carry out unwanted or unnecessary work at grossly inflated prices.
  • There are currently 216 zones across the city, which have been implemented at the request of residents.

Scams and advice

  • The officers will be on hand to talk to residents about scams and provide them with information about how not to get caught out. Consumers can also talk to officers about any other consumer complaints they may have.

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