A list of the roads and footpaths to be resurfaced in the Westfield Ward over the next 12 months has been published together with the estimated cost of the work.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation have written to me to say, “We are pleased to let you know that David Wilson Homes has been appointed to develop the first phase of Derwenthorpe, a new community to the east of York.
David Wilson Homes is an award-winning house-builder with a track record in delivering high quality homes to exacting environmental standards. Part of Barratt Developments PLC, they are the only major house-builder awarded a maximum five-star rating for customer satisfaction by the HomeBuilders Federation. They will build the first 64 homes on the site, with 25 available through shared ownership or as socially rented accommodation. Work begins in March and is due to finish in summer 2012. David Wilson Homes plans to employ a significant number of local people and to train apprentices on site.
Once completed, Derwenthorpe will provide 540 energy-efficient homes to meet the changing needs of young families, disabled people, older residents and those wanting flexible living/working arrangements. This first housing stage represents an undertaking of £11m. JRHT is working with the City of York Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which has provided a grant of £1m for this stage. JRHT will remain commissioners of the Masterplan for Derwenthorpe and long-term stewards of the land.
After many delays, reaching this point is real progress. Our wish has always been to provide much-needed family homes that will benefit generations to come in York. Even in this difficult economic period, York is demonstrating that it can make the most of opportunities to ‘make it happen’”.

The Coalition governments decision, to raise the threashold before people start paying income tax, means that 3340 York residents no longer pay income tax.

The numbers using Yorks Park and Ride service increased by over 6% during February 2011 compared to the same period last year. Biggest increase was on the Designer Line (Fulford) where the number of passengers increased by 12%. Cumulative figures for the financial year show an increase in usage despite the poor weather which we experienced in November and December.

Work has commenced to install 5 new street lights at the high numbered end of The Green. The extra illumination is being provided following complaints to the Police about crime in the area.
An additional light is also being installed on the snicket which links Askham Grove to Tennent Road.

The pulley equipment has been out of service for a couple of weeks now. The wire has been returned to the manufactuers for repair and should be reinstalled shortly

 We are less than 10 weeks away from local council elections which are due to be held on Thursday the 5^th of May. Now is the time to check you are registered to vote. If you have any doubts contact the council here to check you are on the electoral roll. OR if you are not registered, download and send off this form to the City of York Council. The closing date to guarantee you are on the electoral register is coming up fast (the 11^th of April) so don’t delay.