New contractors appointed to modernise Council houses in York

New contracts have been signed by City of York Council to help improve and maintain the 7,520 homes of their tenants.

The Council have still not published a work programme for the current financial year

Until recently the York Council used to published a programme of housing modernisation works before a new financial year started. It indicated which streets would receive attention, and what work would be completed, during the subsequent 12 months. It appears to be something else that the Council is now keeping secret.

“Following a rigorous procurement process, seven contractors have been secured to deliver ongoing work to repair and prevent damp in the homes, the Tenants’ Choice programme and external painting”.

To support the £2.5 million investment underway to repair and prevent damage being done to homes by standing water, two new contractors have been appointed. Engie and G Sanders Builder Ltd will work on homes affected by poorly-drained clay soil, present in some areas of York, and which can create damp conditions.

Their target is to complete work on 60 homes per year as part of a rolling programme. Tenants whose homes are due for this work will receive letters at least two months before it is due to start, to organise surveys with the contractor. Depending on what the survey finds, the work is agreed with the tenant to resolve the symptoms and underlying causes of the damage. Where appropriate, Tenants’ Choice refurbishments may also be carried out at the same time.

The Tenants’ Choice contracts are to modernise tenants’ kitchens and/or bathrooms as well as re-wiring properties. Over the next four years this will be delivered by BM Services York and by Engie across some 1,000 homes. All tenants on next year’s programme will receive a letter in the spring time to organise surveys and to invite them to an exhibition event to see the choices available to them.

External painting of tenants’ homes will be done by three firms; Bagnalls Group, Novus Solutions and Bell Group. For the four-year duration of the contracts, they will paint external wooden areas including fascia boards, garden gates and external doors.

Repair work needed outside these programmes of work should continue to be reported as usual at or by calling 01904 551550 (option 4, option 1).

Taking back control

Residents are increasingly being forced to take direct action to cut back the weeds and branches that are impeding roads and footpaths in York.

Some Parish Councils are planning to spray or otherwise remove the weeds that have have blighted many parts of York this summer.

The Kexby Parish Council are understood to be considering paying a local farmer to spray the paths and gullies on the A1079.

Weed growth near Kexby has prompted action from the local parish Council and City Councillor Mark Warters

In parts of west York, which don’t have Parish Councils, residents associations are forming action groups aimed at getting the streets cleaned up.

Weeds on back Beaconsfield Street/Front Street were reported 3 months ago. They have not been treated and have grown to the point where they are obstructing access.
Some of the weeds have been cut back but they have revealed a major accumulation of rubbish. The Council has been asked once again to clear the vegetation and detritus
Insecure rubbish storage arrangements exacerbate the problems on back Front Street.
Thorn bushes obstructing the Tithe Close snicket were reported to the Council 3 weeks ago. No action was taken.
A residents action team have trimmed back the hazardous branches from the footpath. Again though the Council needs to have the snicket thoroughly swept.
A similar situation is developing on Dickson park where bushes are now obstructing footpaths.

Latest planning applications for the Westfield Ward

 Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Westfield ward. 

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference 

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90 Tennent Road York YO24 3HG

Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and canopy to entrance 

Ref. No: 19/01793/FUL 

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Windsor House 22 Ascot Way York YO24 4QZ

Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of permitted application 18/02177/FUL for relocation of sub-station. 

Ref. No: 19/01687/FUL 

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Acomb Methodist Church Front Street York YO24 3BX

Non-material amendment to permitted application 15/02252/FUL to amend the design of doors inserted to 2no. front entrances 

Ref. No: 19/01009/NONMAT 

——

Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site.  http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB. The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received

Flood defence plans criticised by amenity body

The Friends of Rawcliffe Meadows (FRM) are objecting to a plan to raise and extend flood barriers on the river Ouse near Rawcliffe.

Rawcliffe Meadows

They say “FRM believe the Environmental Statement is fundamentally flawed and must be comprehensively revised to give an honest and comprehensive account of the likely destruction of and damage to SSSI grassland”.

They go on to say, “There will be adverse impacts on the Cornfield Nature Reserve which are of regional or at least district-wide significance”.

The comments are revealed in a report to next weeks planning committee which is being recommended to approve the Environment Agency proposals .

The report says, “The application is for works to repair and extend the Clifton Ings barrier bank. This is one of the projects within the agencies flood alleviation scheme (FAS) to reduce flood risk throughout the city. £45 million has been allocated to the EA which will upgrade defences in 19 areas (referred to as flood cells).

The objective of the FAS is to protect against the 1 in 100 year flood (1% AEP) plus climate change and where this cannot be achieved then deliver the maximum level of protection in each cell within the context of existing flood risk and considering other environmental, social and cultural aspects.

The purpose of the barrier bank is to reduce flooding from rivers (fluvial flooding) to the Clifton / Rawcliffe area.

However, during the floods in 2000, water from the river outflanked the flood defences, spilled onto Shipton Road and flooded over 100 homes. The flood basin at Blue Beck also exceeded its capacity in 2000. In these instances, the Environment Agency had to provide temporary pumps to reduce flooding upstream on Blue Beck.

The barrier bank was constructed in 1980. It is of earth fill construction and is up to 4.5m high. The embankments on both sides of the River Ouse currently have issues with stability created by high pressure in the banks when the reservoir empties. This has meant that the drawdown rate for the reservoir has had to be reduced from 1,360mm/day to 300mm/day in order to reduce the risk of failure. This reduction in the drawdown rate significantly impacts on the operation and effectiveness of the reservoir as a flood defence, particularly for any consecutive flood events.

Clifton Ings provides a flood storage reservoir on the eastern side of the River Ouse close to Rawcliffe Park and Ride and the sports clubs Clifton Alliance and York. When not flooded, the northern section of Clifton Ings is used for grazing and the southern section is used as open land by the public. A Sustrans cycle route runs through this area.

During high flow events it has a flood capacity of 2,300,000 m3. It is owned and maintained by the Environment Agency.

The Planning Committee is meeting on Thursday at 4:30pm. The meeting will also consider a separate proposal to create a temporary access route into the site.

Site Plans

Two pubs and a former Post Office face decision day in York

Lord Nelson Pub

The immediate future of three local buildings will be decided on 16th September.

The Council has been asked to list three local properties as “assets of community value”. If so designated, local organisations would be able to offer to buy the properties as and when they come onto the market..

 The three buildings concerned are:

  1. The Lord Nelson Public House, 9 Main Street, Nether Poppleton York.
  2. Blacksmiths Arms Public House, Shipton Road, Skelton, York.
  3. Lendal Post Office, 22 Lendal, York

The Council is being recommended to list the two pubs.

Both have been nominated by their local Parish Council.

The owners of the Lord Nelson say that any listing might delay the reopening of the pub as they plan to make improvements and re-let the building.

Sam Smiths maintain that their Blacksmiths Arms outlet has a long-term future with the intervention being unnecessary.

Officials are recommending that the former Post Office building on Lendal is not listed as it does not meet the relevant legal criteria.

Need for clarity from Council Executive members

The Council’s scrutiny committees will begin to receive reports this month from the new Executive councillors.

The expectation will be that a line will be drawn in the sand and a new suite of measurable outcomes will be published.

Street sweeping poor

At the moment residents must rely on “Open Data” pages to try to check on progress.  They represent a confusing array of stats with some key service areas barely covered.

The public will want to know what the trends are in volumes? Are the demands on the Council’s resources increasing or are they stable?

 Whether it be numbers of schoolchildren or elderly people requiring support, these are key figures. 

Blocked gullies

The volume of waste being presented is an example of  important information, as are jobless and job vacancy numbers.  Complaint and issue numbers provide a clue to residents’ concerns.

“How many?” “how often?” “where?” are all legitimate questions

Going beyond these how is the Council responding?

  • What are the customer satisfaction numbers?
  • How quickly does the Council respond?
  • How effective is the response?
  • What are the root causes of repeat problems and how has the Council responded?
No weed control

Two reports to a scrutiny meeting next week offer little insight. They include no numbers.

The Executive member scorecards for the first quarter (April – June) haven’t even been published yet.

An outturn report to a full executive meeting on 29th August prompted no debate.

Paths obstructed

Taken with the obvious decline in street public service standards that have been evident during the summer months, this simply isn’t good enough.

It doesn’t matter which party is in control of the Council a “can do” attitude coupled with good, honest communications is essential.

Residents expect better.

National campaign to recruit 20,000 police officers launches today

·       Home Office campaign features serving police officers and urges people to join the police and ‘Be a force for all’
·       Up to 200 officers could be recruited in North Yorkshire
·       North Yorkshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain is encouraging potential recruits to register their interest at northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

A national campaign to recruit 20,000 new police officers is launched today (Thursday) – urging people to join the police and ‘Be a force for all’.

The police recruitment drive is the biggest in decades and could mean an additional 200 police officers across North Yorkshire.

The ‘Be a force for all’ campaign has been developed by the Home Office in partnership with the police and using feedback from the public via independent research.

It features serving police officers, including a neighbourhood officer, a police dog handler and a firearms officer. One of the officers started as a volunteer Special Constable, while another is a former charity executive who changed career.

They appear on billboards and digital displays at locations across England and Wales, including at shopping centres and railway stations, as well as in a radio advertisement.

A new website has also been set up to provide potential recruits with more information and direct those interested in policing in North Yorkshire to the recruitment pages on North Yorkshire Police’s website.

Potential recruits can also express their interest before recruitment opens in North Yorkshire directly on the force’s website at northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

A second phase of advertising is planned for the New Year.

Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain of North Yorkshire Police said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for anyone considering a career in policing to join our team.

“The role of the Police Officer is one of the most important parts of the policing family. No other job gives you the sense of satisfaction like this job does – you will be the frontline of the criminal justice system, helping people in their time of need and assisting when they are at their most vulnerable. It is a challenging but extremely rewarding role which offers long-term career opportunities.

“There is no denying that 200 additional officers will make a significant difference to policing in North Yorkshire but for us to achieve that figure we need people to apply. We’ll be announcing further details when recruitment opens in North Yorkshire soon but in the meantime, please register your interest here: northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

“We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and recognise that the more our force reflects the diverse communities that we serve, the stronger it becomes. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are a more experienced and mature individual looking for your next challenge, this is your police force, please come and join it.”

For more information visit joiningthepolice.co.uk

A time to reflect and remember those lost to suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 banner #wspd 2019
On Saturday 7 September people from across York will come together to remember those who died by suicide.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, City of York Council and the city’s suicide prevention partnership are inviting people to reflect on loved ones lost to suicide.

Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, will host the service of reflection for those who have been lost to suicide. The service, which will begin at 1pm on Saturday 7 September, is open to all who have been bereaved or affected by suicide, of all faiths and none, and will enable people to reflect on those lost to suicide with others who have had similar experiences.

Cllr Carol Runciman, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Suicide impacts the lives of many friends, families and communities. This service of reflection is open to everyone and will bring people together to remember those lost to suicide.

“This is a very poignant event and emotional support will be on hand for people should they need it on the day or in the future.”

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please T A L K

Tell someone what you are thinking and how you are feeling

Ask for their help, or seek help

Listen to their advice or advice from others

Know who to call in a crisis and keep the number with you at all times

Seek help or support with any problems

· Phone the Samaritans 24 hour helpline on 116 123 for confidential non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.   

· Ring 111 to access mental health services – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

· Contact your general practitioner (GP).  If you do not have a GP or do not know your GP’s telephone number contact 111