We have advocated for some time the use of technology to make paying for car parking in the city as easy as possible.

One result was the introduction of payments by mobile phone and subsequently by text.

We hoped to see the introduction of “Touch in, Touch out” systems using the new enabled bank charge cards but is seems that there may be an intermediate step before this becomes possible.

Enter mobile wireless technology which was launched last week in Tunbridge Wells.

Users swipe their Smartphone and enter a 3 digit code. Like payment by phone, there is no ticket issued. The registration numbers of vehicles, whose owners have paid using the system, are displayed on a hand held device by each parking warden.

The system does away with the barrier operated exit arrangements which are so costly to install and maintain at “pay on exit” car parks. Users are automatically offered the opportunity to extend their stay to avoid incurring a parking fine.

The new system can be used with any “near field communication” enabled smart phone. Users have to first download an “app” into their phone.

It is expected that the option will expand to include York before the end of the year.

More here: tinyurl.com/pay-by-phone

The York Council has decided to spend £10,000 on membership of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for 2012/13.

No indication was given by the Council of the expected benefits of membership.

The Council is also a member of a duplicate organisation based in Leeds.

Council media explanation

As predicted on this site several weeks ago –albeit with tongue firmly in cheek – the Council have decided to move the market onto Parliament Street. The move will only take place on Mondays with the action justified by the need to repair its usual Newgate base.

That is as maybe, but any refurbishment costs should be clearly identified. The budget however remains unclear. The long term future of the market needs to be made clear before limited funds are committed.
There are many more stalls accommodated on Newgate than could fit onto Parliament Street.

Monday is the quietest day at the market with many unused stalls, so if Newgate needs to be cleared than that would be the best day to select.

The underlying worry is that there is no long term strategy in place for Parliament Street. Recently the old toilet block was knocked down but apparently without the council having any idea what – if anything – to put on the now vacant site.

The view that the Council Leadership simply don’t know what they are doing is once again reinforced. It’s another decision taken in private, with no public consultation.

It seems that the promised report on the care village plans for the Lowfields school site will not be available until at least May. That is despite the Council web site continuing to display a briefing promising the release of key facts this month (see right).

That is now impossible as deadlines for officer reports have passed.

Consultation with local residents was promised last year. So far only basic layout plans have been released. This showed two 45 bed care homes and 21 bungalows. All were located on the “footprint” of the old school buildings and playgrounds. This is about 6 acres of land with the remaining playing fields accounting for a further 7 acres.

While we know that most local residents support the care village plans, many have responded to surveys indicating that they wanted to retain open space on the site while several mentioned the need for new facilities such as communal allotments (there is a waiting list for allotments in the area).

It is possible that the final plans will have a higher density and mix of bungalows and assisted living housing for older people on the site whilst also retaining a village feel with open space etc. The accommodation could include affordable housing and a social hub for the village that local people could also use.

The current timetable is to complete any tendering and planning work and award contracts during 2012.
Building would start on site early in 2013. Completion is expected in April 2014.

Details of next Monday’s meeting, which will review the decision to scrap the cycle lane in Water End, have been published. They can be found on the Council web page by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/call-in-water-end

The agenda for the special Council meeting, which will consider saving the Beckfield Lane recycling centre, has also been published. It can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/Beckfield-Special

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 24th April in the Guildhall commencing at 6:30pm

Following a number of two-in-one burglaries around the county, North Yorkshire Police are warning residents to be vigilant.

A two-in-one burglary occurs when criminals break into your home with the intention of taking the keys to your car so they can steal it.

Taking some simple crime prevention measures can deter thieves from targeting your homes and vehicles.

High-performance vehicles tend to be targeted, but if criminals spot an opportunity any vehicle is under threat of being stolen.

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As part of the York 800 celebrations, the University of York are offering a range of one-off learning events exploring the history and heritage of the city. July the 9th 2012 sees the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city. Back in 1212, King John signed the charter which allowed the people of York to collect and pay the annual tax to the Crown, hold their own courts and to appoint a mayor – but how much do you know about the city and its unique history and heritage? All of these sessions, offered in collaboration by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, and York Mansion House, are aimed at adult learners and will be held at key heritage sites around the city.

More details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/York800-Uni
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There are lots of summer fair’s planned for York’s parks and open spaces this year! With lots of great activities to try and things to see and free entry too!

Hob Moor
Saturday 26th May 1:00pm – 3:30pm

West Bank Park
Sunday 24th June 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Rowntree Park
Saturday 14th July 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Hull Road Park
Saturday 11th August 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Acomb Green
Saturday 25th August 1:00pm – 3:30pm

For more information contact: Tel: (01904) 553392 email: parks@york.gov.uk
http://www.york.gov.uk/environment/Parks_and_open_spaces

Agent details click to enlarge

The former care home premises at 76 The Green, Acomb have finally been put on the market. They have been empty for over 2 years following a decision by the then lease holders to move their operations to a purpose design property in the Boroughbridge Road area.

It seems unlikely that the building will find a buyer for use as a care home as regulations have changed and the current layout would not meet modern day standards.

Although there has been talk of turning it into a hotel, a return to residential use seems more likely. The building might get planning permission for a change of use into apartments. It currently has 27 bedrooms. Another option would be conversion into offices but, given the residential location, this might be less likely to get planning permission.

Some years ago developers were understood to be interested in acquiring the 0.6 acre site, with a view to demolishing the buildings and putting in half a dozen new homes, but the property market is much quieter these days so that may be less likely now.

Unconditional bids for the property have to be with the Agents (GVA) by 19th April