Wetherby Road – plans for materials recycling centre

Harewood WhinYorwaste have submitted a planning application to erect a waste transfer and recycling station at Harewood Whin

The station would be used to “bulk up” waste prior to it being transported to the new incinerator being built at Allerton Park

The applicant has agreed to unilaterally revoke earlier planning permissions for the erection of a composting operation in the southern section of the site and the erection of energy from Biomass Plant at the north western edge of the site.

51 objections to the plans have been lodged mainly by residents in the Rufforth area.

Most are concerned about the plants impact on the Green Belt.

The report, which will be considered by the Planning Committee next week, can be read here

NB The site was to have been used as a salvage and recycling centre under plans unveiled in 2011. It would have replaced the Beckfield Lane recycling centre. The Beckfield Lane site was later closed by the new Labour  administration which chose to make no alternative recycling facilities available on the west of York.

Ponding reveals blocked drains in Foxwood area

Bellhouse Way flooding

Bellhouse Way flooding

Bellwood Drive flooding

Bellwood Drive flooding

A combination of accumulated leaves and inadequate routine cleaning of drainage gullies has resulted in quite a lot of localised ponding today.

Flooding occurred on part of Bellhouse Way.

It also became clear that a blocked drain in the housing area off Bellwood Drive – which was reported over a month ago – had still not been cleared.

We have reported both issues.

Have your say on York’s Flood Risk Management Strategy

York floods Sept 2012 bar walls

Working with key partners including the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water, City of York Council has created a draft Local Flood Risk Management strategy which will go out to a six-week consultation from Wednesday 5 November until Wednesday 17 December at www.york.gov.uk/consultations

A consultation questionnaire is available to complete online from this week. Alternatively, paper copies are available from libraries and Explore Centres across York, or the council’s West Offices building. Feedback can also be submitted to FRM@york.gov.uk .

To read the full strategy, FAQs and an information leaflet visit: www.york.gov.uk/floodriskstrategy

The development of the strategy follows severe floods in 2007 across the UK, including York, which affected over 55,000 homes and businesses causing over £3billion worth of damage across the UK.

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Rain reveals more blocked drains

Yesterdays steady rain revealed more blocked drains

We’ve reported several but really think that it is time for the Council to reinstate 6 monthly routine cleans.

Failing that, they need to  actively clear those drains that have – like the one below in Bellwood Drive – been blocked for months.

If there is large scale ponding on footpaths, then the arrival of icy weather will multiply safety problems

Blocked drain in Bellwood Drive

Blocked drain in Bellwood Drive

Acomb Wood meadow dumping reported to Council

There as been a lot of dumping recently on the land to the rear of Bellwood Drive/Acomb Wood Drive shops.

Dumping in Acomb Wood Meadow nature reserve

Dumping in Acomb Wood Meadow nature reserve

The Council resolutely refuses to acknowledge that their waste collection policies – and the closure of the Beckfield Lane tip – are partly to blame for the problems.

Andrew Waller has asked for the rubbish to be removed.

Not for the first time we have reported a full "poop scoop" bin in Oldman Court.

Not for the first time we have reported a full “poop scoop” bin in Oldman Court.

Acomb Toilet closed again

Acomb toilet closed again

Acomb toilet closed again

The public convenience in Acomb has been closed again

Once again no explanation for the closure, or estimated time when the facility will reopen, has been posted by the Council.

Roof repairs were expected to be undertaken during September but there is no sign of active work retaking place on the site this week.

The Council was criticised in the spring for closing the facility without making available a portaloo or an update on the scale and timetable for the modernisation work.

The Council should not only post a notice on the building explaining what is going on, but also update its web site with details and brief the local media.

 

 

 

Ouse bridge weeds in rude good health

Ouse bridge weeds 25th September 2014

Ouse bridge weeds 25th September 2014

Almost 4 months after the weed growth on Ouse Bridge was first reported to the Council they continue to thrive.

The Council agreed in the summer to ensure that they were treated with weed killer but – if the process ever took place – it has proved to be ineffective.

Great shame as the bridge is well used by both residents and tourists and the undergrowth is a poor advert for the City centre.

Hopefully the Council will act before the structural integrity of the bridge is compromised.

We now understand that they are to try to pull the weeds by hand

 

Andrew Waller takes action to deal with footpath hazard

Andrew Waller tackles hedge

Andrew Waller tackles hedge

BEFORE - Hedge blocking Askham Lane

BEFORE – Hedge blocking Askham Lane

AFTER - bus shelter revealed

AFTER – bus shelter revealed

 

The bush blocking the Askham Lane footpath has been cut back by Andrew Waller and a team of volunteers.

The path had been blocked by the overgrown hedge for a couple of weeks forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

The bush also potentially could have damaged passing vehicles.

The overgrown hedge has been reported to the Council several times during the summer with passengers, waiting in the shelter, complaining that they could not see buses approaching

The hedge still needs cutting back further with specialist equipment and we hope that the Council will do that and treat the nettles – which make access to the shelter difficult for elderly people – as quickly as possible.