Blocked gulley complaints.
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The Labour Councils decision to reduce the routine cleaning of gullies in much of the City has proved to be a false economy.

During 2012, 649 complaints were received by the Council from residents who were concerned about carriageway and footpath flooding.

Block gullies were blamed.

Special cleans had to be arranged on 201 occasions.

Council leaders hit Paris

In response to a Freedom of Information request the York Council has said that the costs of the trip by the Leader and Chief Executive to Paris recently was £570.92.

Details can be found here

39 drivers in York have had their vehicles wheel clamped by the Council during the last 3 years.

They had to pay £1560 to have the vehicles released.

On 3 occasions the owners did not reclaim their vehicles and they were subsequently crushed.

Taxpayers have footed a £39,000 bill for compensation claims made to school children in the City over the last 5 years.

The claims were for injuries such as cuts, bruising, fractures and chipped bones.

So far during the current financial year the bill has reached £10,000.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Council has revealed that “the budget for Christmas lights in 2012/13 was £38,500. This includes the purchase of trees and additional/replacement lights (£10,725), project management fees (£6,000) and the remaining budget (£21,775) relating to installation and maintenance”.

The same Council has refused so far to make any investment in the regeneration of sub-urban areas like Front Street Acomb.

Front Street

For the first time in over 200 years the York Council is to consider a formal policy which could lead it to severing communications with those residents whose views it does not share.

A report to be considered on 19th March suggests that residents who are persistent with a complaint, or in advocating a particular policy, may be prevented from communicating with officers and Councillors.

Councillors may decide to consign Email messages from residents to a “junk folder”!

While no one would condone abusive behavior, the move is likely to be seen as just another example of the bunker mentality* of many Labour Councillors.

The section of the report that refers to Councillors says, “A Councillor may decide that they no longer wish to have contact with a particular member of the public. In such cases consideration should be given to whether the use of a Junk Mail folder is the best option”. Staggering arrogance from public servants who are elected to stand up for residents.

Up until 2011, Councillors – of all parties – managed to deal with constituents without resorting to pulling up the electronic drawbridge.

If a Councillor or official is threatened, then that may be a matter for the Police to deal with.

“Otherwise live with it or stand aside and let an adult take your place!”.

(*Bunker mentality: An attitude of extreme defensiveness and self-justification based on an often exaggerated sense of being under persistent attack from others)

A new booklet on how to manage money and make it go further is being launched on Monday (11 March) by the council, York Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Aviva.

The booklet is full of information including tips on how to draw up a budget, the best ways to save money, savings and insurance essentials and hints on how to avoid getting into debt. There are also lots of ideas on how to enjoy life in York without having to spend too much money, including low cost family days out and free events and courses.

The booklet will be available from York CAB – based at West Offices from 28 March – and all York libraries and Explore centres from Monday 11 March and can be downloaded by clicking here

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21-year-old Wesley Jordan Glover who was wanted on recall to prison after breaching the terms of his licence, has been arrested.

Bachelor Hill pond and rubbish

The Council have been criticised once again for their approach to “improving” the Bachelor Hill amenity area off Askham Lane. Last year residents found heavy plant moving onto the site without any prior consultation. They were assured that the work would improve the natural habitat of the area and that communications would get better.

6 months further on and the “pond” is still there although the Council have attempted to cut a drainage gully and undertake some removal of detritus and litter.

In a letter to a local resident a Council officials says,

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