Football pitch provision hitch could hit Lowfields development

Delays in commisioning new football pitches near Sim Balk Lane could delay the occupation of houses at Lowfields. The pitches, part of a Bishopthorpe FC expansion project, were part funded by developer contributions from Lowfields.

The Council at the time argued that the pitches would replace those lost at Lowfields.

One of the conditions attached to the granting of the Lowfields development was that the homes there would not be occupied until the new pitches had been brought into use.

It has now emerged that completion of the Sim Balk Lane scheme is delayed.

Essential work to the adjacent cycle track, – which provides a link to a parking area – has not been started.

The work proposed includes widening and resurfacing of the path down to the underpass, resurfacing of damaged areas, installation of bulkhead lighting to the underside of the underpass and the repainting of the underpass walls. There will apparently also be a a proposal for a “community mural” provided by Sustrans.

The work will require approval by the Council and is unlikely to be completed until late in the year.

The developers say that they have already installed new bins as part of the project which has helped reduce the littering issue in that area.

The planning permission for Lowfields included the following condition.

34 No dwelling within the red line area highlighted on the attached plan (insert plan reference ) shall be occupied until three replacement football pitches of the same size as those on land subject to this planning application, have been created. The three pitches shall be on land ‘To The South East Of 235 Tadcaster Road’, subject planning permission Ref. No. 18/00251/FUL. The completed works shall include all levelling, drainage, ground preparation and grass seeding works
Reason:- To ensure that appropriate replacement playing pitch facilities are provided for those lost in association with the development and to secure compliance with paragraphs 73 and 74 of the NPPF.

Application ref 17/02429/OUTM

Separately the Council claimed earlier in the week that all available properties at Lowfields had been reserved by prospective purchasers.

Coronavirus York updates; 24th June 2021

Hospital patient numbers and deaths

There has been an increase in the number of patients being treated for COVID in local hospitals.

There have been no further deaths

The latest government figures covering the period up to 11th June show there have been no further deaths of York residents. The total number of fatalities remains at 379.

Test results

103 positive test results. Brings cumulative total up to 13,139

The number of cases in the City has increased from 238 to 269

The 83 positive test results recorded on Tuesday was the highest single day figure seen since 20th January 2021.

Rate /100k pop rises to 126.77. However the infection rate is now rising rapidly with the 200 threshold likely to be broken next week.

Neighbourhoods

The University/Fulford area now has an infection rate above 400. It is the first time that we have seen that threshold exceeded since January 2021. At 441% week on week the infection growth rates are the highest seen anywhere in the City this year.

Several other neighbourhoods – mainly on the east of the City – are also showing very high infection growth rates.

Perhaps surprisingly there has been little public comment or action from the responsible authorities about this deteriorating situation.

Vaccinations

Over 50% of adults in all neighbourhoods in York have now had their first jab. There have been big increases this week in areas like Heslington and Tang Hall

Neighbourhoods with the largest percentage of double doses are Dunnington. Wigginton and Bishopthorpe

Tests

  • 6156 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 19th June 2021
  • Of these, 4.0% were positive. That is higher than the 3.9% found during the previous period
  • In additional 3381 lateral flow test were conducted on 23rd June.

“Drop in” for a jab

Nimbuscare are staging a series of walk-in, pop-up Covid vaccination clinics at venues across the city during the coming week to try to reach local people over the age of 18 years who have not yet received their first dose.

All eligible patients are welcome to turn up on the day, but it is possible to book an appointment in advance through your GP surgery if you prefer to do so.

Anyone who has not yet received their first dose is encouraged to attend one of the following clinics:

  • Saturday 26 June, from 8.30am to 1.40pm, at Jorvik Gillygate Practice on Stonebow (Astra Zeneca).
  • Sunday 27 June, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, at Priory Medical Group’s Tang Hall Lane Surgery (Pfizer).
  • Monday 28 June, from 12.45pm to 5pm, at Burnholme Sports Centre (Pfizer).
  • Tuesday 29 June, from 8.30am to 7.30pm, at the University of York (Pfizer).
  • Wednesday 30 June, from 5pm to 8.30pm, at York St. John University (Pfizer).
  • Thursday 1 July, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, at  York St. John University (Pfizer).
  • Friday 2 July, from 8.30am to 7.30pm, at York St. John University (Pfizer).
  • Saturday 3 July, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, at Priory Medical Group’s Tang Hall Lane Surgery (Pfizer).
  • Sunday 4 July, from 8.45am to 3pm, at Burnholme Sports Centre (Pfizer).

Time to end secrecy of “all party” transport group”

Councillors from all parties represented on the York Council have apparently been holding meetings to discuss future transport policies. It is likely that the deliberations will influence the fourth edition of the upcoming “Local Transport Plan”

There have been tensions between the main groups represented on the Council since Labour “bounced” an anti-car motion though the Council shortly after the last local elections.

The motion sought to ban “inessential journeys” within the “City Walls”. No traffic impact modelling was commissioned before the motion was passed. They have subsequently made no attempt to define what an “inessential journey” is or how any such definition could be enforced.

The motion would mean the reintroduced of restrictions/tolls on the use of Lendal Bridge as well as Ouse Bridge.

Labour’s defeat at the last local elections owed much to their traffic ban on Lendal bridge, with its chief architect – Dave Merrett – losing his Council seat.

Now “behind closed doors” meetings have apparently  been taking place in an attempt to find a consensus.

There are concerns that Councillors are being bullied into accepting an extreme transport plan fronted by a small number of members from the York Civic Trust. They have used the cover of a retired University transport lecturer to give their plans credibility.

Liberal Democrat Councillors would be wise to  abandon this secretive approach to policy formulation. Something more inclusive is needed.

If history tell us anything, then it is that the residents of York will not tolerate a “we know what’s best for you” attitude from its elected representatives.

Guildhall lease being signed

The Council is apparently on the verge of signing a lease which will see the University of York take over the running of the York Guildhall. It was reported some time ago that they will try to establish a business club on the premises.

Guildhall

The Council has reserved a right to use the Council chamber for their meetings.

The hugely expensive (£21.7 million)  renovation project has already run over budget. There are fears that further cost increases may be in the pipeline.

A report to a meeting taking place today, says

The early project challenges associated with the underpinning, piling, high river levels and archaeology, which extended the contract period and costs were report last November, along with the agreed mitigation measures and budget support. There is ongoing budget pressure in relation to the projected contract out-turn and this will continue to be repeated through future monitoring reports. However, the project is on track to deliver the agreed outcomes and the lease agreement with University of York Science Park Ltd should be concluded in the next quarter, securing the agreed income generation”

The comment about the University lease has prompted some social media comment with conservation groups keen to ensure that public access is maintained at least for the key historic parts of the  site (Guildhall, committee room 1, Council chamber).

The original hope had been that more access would be available to access previously “off limits” areas.

These include the historic battlement river frontage and the, now subterranean, “Common Hall Lane”

So far the Council has given no guarantees on this issue.

In turn “York Walls” has now tweeted saying that the Universities record on allowing public access to other historical buildings such as Kings Manor and Heslington Hall gives them cause of concern.

Some work to do here we think!

Future of Willow House site

Willow House stands abandoned

Residents are being invited to start a “conversation” about plans for the Willow House site next to the Bar Walls.

It is the first sign of activity by the Council on a property which has been empty and unused for over 5 years. Together with the former Oakhaven care home in Acomb, it is one of the Councils major ongoing embarrassments.

News that any redevelopment planning application will not be ready for over 12 months will just add to residents frustrations.

Given the value of the site (over £3 million), it is a surprise that the Council are going to seek to redevelop the site itself using its “Shape Homes” front organisation.

The Council says, “The first drop-in event on the site of the former Willow House on Walmgate, will start sharing ideas between residents and architects from Stirling Prize-winners Mikhail Riches. This will include asking residents about the area and what they would want from new homes and open spaces.

It is hoped that the site which was an outdated care home can be added to the council’s ambitious Housing Delivery Programme. The programme will deliver 600 homes with twice the number of affordable homes required by planning and built to be highly energy efficient.

This will be the first of a series of three resident consultation events for this site, the same approach as was used successfully on other Housing Delivery Programme sites at Duncombe Barracks, Burnholme and Ordnance Lane”.

Willow House site
Willow House

The drop-in event will take place on 29 June from 4-7pm on the green next to Walmgate Bar. Residents can also join a walk around the site at 5pm. In the autumn, we’ll invite residents to a hands-on design workshop with the team and, early in the new year, we will also organise a local exhibition and an online survey on the plans to date. A full planning application is planned to be submitted by summer 2022.

Barbican site

Meanwhile, just over the road from Willow House, the long term empty building site next to the Barbican has apparently been occupied by squatters. Whether this improves the appearance of one of York’s biggest eyesores – and missed opportunities – remains to be seen.

Certainly, according to media reports, the protestors have a very naïve view of what can be achieved using the Council’s compulsory purchase powers.

Yet fundamentally they are right. Persimmons – the owners – have consistently failed to explain why they haven’t developed what is a valuable prime site. Their position is doubly confusing when judged against a background of continuing heavy demand for city centre properties in the City.

They have exacerbated the problem by failing to keep the area tidy.

We doubt that the York Council would do any better – they have left too many of their own properties vacant in the City (see above) to able to preach.

There may be a germ of an good idea, though, if a “Friends of Barbican Park” group could take over the maintenance of the area. At least in the short term, it has potential to be a welcome “natural area” in what otherwise is a largely concrete enclave.

Certainly those who walk the City Walls would appreciate an improved view.

Acomb Front Street pedestrian crossing upgrade

Ageing and outdated traffic signals on the Front Street, Acomb, are set to be replaced this month by City of York Council.

Works are estimated to take around two weeks to complete and will start on Monday 5 July and is expected to be fully completed by Friday 16 July.

New, more reliable, traffic signals will be installed on the crossing as part of the Traffic Signal Asset Renewal Programme.

The new traffic signals will be cheaper to run and more reliable.  It will also enable the new systems to link direct to the council’s Traffic and Control Centre, so that the Network Monitoring Officers can manage the flow of traffic better in busy periods by adjusting traffic lights to best suit traffic conditions.

To help minimise disruption works will be carried out from 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

To allow for the works to be undertaken safely, it will be necessary to close a lane of the carriageway and operate temporary signals during the works. 

Everything will be done to keep delays to a minimum, but motorists are expected to experience some delays while the works are underway. 

Twenty metres of on street parking to the west of the crossing on both sides of the road will be suspended, to allow for the works to take place.

The council will be undertaking pedestrian crossing upgrades on Front Street in Acomb to provide more reliable traffic signals and improved pedestrian access.

A temporary controlled crossing will be provided during construction to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. Pedestrian routes and access to all businesses and properties will be retained throughout the duration of the works as will vehicular access. 

It will be necessary to temporarily close footways in the works area at certain times during the works and footway diversion routes will be put in place.

Those using the route are urged to plan ahead, allow more time for journeys and to consider alternatives and to use public transport where possible.

For any enquires regarding these works please contact tsar@york.gov.uk.

Coronavirus York updates; 23rd June 2021

Hospital patients and deaths

One fewer COVID-19 hospital patient today

Test results

69 positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 13.036.

76 positive test results were recorded on Monday. That is the highest single day figure found since 20th January 2021.

The number of cases in the City has increased from 216 to 238

The rate /100k population is 113.01. It is trending to reach 164.76 by the end of the week.

  • Last spring the highest recorded infection rate was 96.86 (6/6/20)
  • The peak rate seen in the City during the autumn spike was 443.00 (16/10/20)
  • The peak of the winter surge was 679.01 (8/1/21)

Neighbourhoods

There are now 3 neighbourhoods with an infection rate above 200.

Vaccinations

Tests

  • 5961 PCR tests were conducted in York during the week ending 18th June 2021
  • Of these, 3.9% were found to be positive. That is an increase over the 3.6% positivity found during the previous period
  • 2140 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 22nd June.

York young people create new Social Media Guide

Young people across York have created a Social Media Guide to provide their peers with information and advice about using social media safely.

The guidance has been created in conjunction with child and adolescent development psychology experts from York St John University. A host of materials has been created through consultation workshops with young people, including lesson packs for schools, information for young people and a webpage for parents. It’s hoped that the materials will help young people to develop a healthy relationship with social media, enjoying the benefits, whilst recognising the potential negative impact it can have on mental health and self confidence.

The social media pack is available online at www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk/parents-and-public.htm, click on the ‘Staying Safe Online – Young Persons Social Media Guide’ box at the bottom of the page.

New web page for school leavers now available, Q&A taking place June 23rd

Students finishing year 11 this year can now access a wide variety of resources designed to help make the transition from secondary school to either further education or employment easier.

On Wednesday June 23 at 5:30pm, City of York Council is hosting a Facebook Live Q and A session providing insights from senior council staff and local industry professionals. Chaired by Councillor Daryl Smalley panellists include Glyn Jones from York College and Liam Sibley from the Rebel Business School.

This event represents a fantastic chance for young people to ask any question they might have about the transition from secondary education, and learn more about the opportunities available to them.

You can tune in to the event by visiting facebook.com/cityofyork, a recording of the event will be available via the same link. 

School leavers’ are also encouraged to check out a new dedicated webpage, which provides valuable links and information regarding further education and apprenticeship schemes, including where to access further information, advice and support. The page can be found at york.gov.uk/SchoolLeavers.

Post-16 experts have also pulled together a handy fact sheet capturing a wide range of different options for school leavers, which is also available on the webpage. 

Budding entrepreneurs of all ages can also take flexible, online courses from Rebel Business School, to help provide information and advice on how to start and develop their own businesses. Visit therebelschool.com for more information. 

‘Try before you buy’ scheme for E-Cycles and more e-scooters coming.

Image result for e cycle gifs

City of York Council has been awarded £133,040 from the Department for Transport to offer York residents the chance to try an e-cycle before considering purchasing one at a discounted price.

The ‘E-Cycle Switch’ scheme is set to launch next month offering anyone that lives, works or studies in York the opportunity to borrow an e-cycle from a participating local bike shop and trial it for 7 days with no obligation to buy. Once their trial is complete, participants will be eligible for a £300 discount off e-cycles at any participating bike shop.

Around 60% of car journeys are less than 5 miles, meaning the simple switch to more sustainable modes of transport can have a positive impact on health, local air quality and congestion across the city. Additionally, the carbon emission of an electric cycles is less than 10% of a petrol fuelled car over its lifecycle.

Over the past 12 months retailers across the UK have seen a spike in e-cycle sales as lockdown encouraged many to choose active travel in their local area. However, cost has proven to be a significant barrier to those wishing to try out this sustainable mode of transport.

Variations of the scheme are being finalised to accommodate for the inclusion of adapted e-cycles with an increased discount and also for an extended trial period and increased discount for those currently unemployed and seeking employment.

Once the scheme goes live, participants will be able to sign up online via the iTravel website to take part in the ‘try before you buy’ scheme. Working with participating local bike shops across the city, customers will be able to choose their preferred shop and liaise directly with the shop to collect an e-cycle that is right for them. Once the trial is complete, there will be the option the purchase any e-cycle from any of the participating retailers with a discount of £300.

E-Scooter trial to be extended in York

City of York Council has agreed to extend the e-scooter trial in York for a further 6 months.

The DfT has approved an extension of the current e-scooter trials taking place across the country until the 31 March 2022. The extension of the trial includes York, a city which has been part of the trial group since October 2020.

This extension will provide extra time for all trial areas to reach expected capacity of e-scooters as restrictions continue to ease. In addition, the extended period will allow for the DfT to gather additional data to inform future legislation.

The e-scooter and e-bike service currently provided by TIER mobility, supports a ‘green’ restart for local travel across the city and has provided a sustainable and convenient alternative for residents and visitors whilst public transport capacity was restricted. Since the service went live around 10,000 unique riders have made almost 40,000 trips around the city using a TIER e-scooter or e-bike, covering over 140,000 miles of York’s roads and cycle paths.

The six month extension of the trial is also accompanied by an expansion of the maximum number of e-scooters now permitted in the city, following the successful take-up of the service. The maximum number has been raised from 700 to 1,000 to ensure growing demand for the service is met, covering more than 45 parking areas across York.

Coronavirus York updates; 22nd June 2021

Hospital patients and Deaths

The number of hospital patients continues to trend upwards. However there are no patients in intensive care and there have been no additional deaths

Test results

59 positive test results were announced today. This brings the cumulative total up to 12,967

The number of cases in the City has increased from 189 to 216

The rate /100k population is now 102.56.

Infection rates in York are now higher than the county, regional and national levels.

Neighbourhoods

For the first time since March, we now have a neighbourhood with an infection rate above 200. The area concerned covers the University, Heslington and Fulford (rate currently 229.4). Rates are also high in adjacent “dormitory” areas like Fulford Road and Tang Hall.

We did see a similar exponential growth in cases in the Heslington area in September/October last year. Then the infection rate peaked at 1720. The spike was generally put down to a lack of social distancing by students newly arrived in the City. A lockdown reduced the problem. Although that solution is not available at present, the University authorities are arranging a flash vaccination programme on the campus.

Although it won’t be popular with everyone, we think that the idea of a “COVID passport” may have to be revived. Only those with a double dose vaccination and/or a recent negative test would be allowed into venues where close social contact is possible. Everyone is due to be offered double dose vaccinations before September.

Vaccinations

Updated vaccination stats are not yet available

Tests

  • 5720 PCR test were conducted during the week ending 17th June 2021
  • Of these, 3.6% were positive. That is more than the 3.2% recorded during the previous period
  • 3159 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 21st June 2021.