Have a cup of tea and a chat about the good old days. A friendly, informal session, we will watch film footage from the past and talk about our memories.
What could be nicer than a cup of tea and a chat about the good old days? Come and join our free, friendly, informal session. We will watch film footage from the last 70 years and talk about what we remember doing when we younger. Suitable for any age. You will soon be chatting away like old friends!
Several months ago the playground – owned by the Rowntree Housing Trust – located on Teal Drive was closed.
Locked gates at the playground on Teal Drive
Problems has arisen when vandals damaged part of the children’s slide.
Understandably repairs had to be completed before access was reinstated.
..But the gates have remained locked.
It would be a great shame if the authorities cannot ensure this facility is available at least during the day at weekends and during the summer holidays.
One possible solution would be to put together a volunteer team of key holders who could secure the park at night and reopen it in the morning.
Residents were promised that new cycle barriers would be provided on the cycle route which links Thanet Road and Sherringham Drive.
“Lego” barriers on cycle path near Sherringham Drive.
The old barriers were removed following damage last year. A temporary replacement (aimed at halting misuse by motorcyclists) was provided in the form of building blocks.
Over 6 months later and they are still there with no communication form the Council about what progress is being made in providing a permanent solution.
Poor customer service from the City of York Council.
No, not a reference to the influence of the Green Party.
More the steady advance of weeds on amenity paving areas, back lanes, snickets and on footpaths. Weed growth is heavily influenced by weather conditions, of course, but the Council doesn’t help by being secretive about when they have scheduled weed treatments for this year. Treatment hasn’t always been effective in the past.
Weeds gaining a foothold in back lanesFootpaths already reduced in widthSelf seeded trees allowed to damaged boundary railings and adjacent public footpathsWeeds and unswept gutters let down local streetsMore weeds – not treated last yearWeeds are growing rapidly on some uncut verges
A national research organisation has published statistics which is claims means there are still pockets of “child poverty” in the City.
The new LibDem led Council will be expected to make an early difference in this area.
We have long campaigned for the York Council to devote more resources to improving public services in poorer neighbourhoods. The symptoms of derivation include lower life expectancy levels and poor health. The latter is often connected to the availability of healthy living facilities and advice. Obesity levels in children are also an issue in many areas.
The report published by “End Child Poverty” uses national data to estimate the likelihood of child poverty in each ward in the City.
This data is tabulated. Hull road, Guildhall and Westfield are the three most vulnerable areas.
Child poverty rates in York wards
York is far from being the most needy
City in the country.
….but there is sufficient objective and anecdotal evidence to suggest that local policies are failing.
The new Council could make a start by withdrawing the threat to build on open spaces and sports facilities in the Westfield area.
The Lowfield Action Group Facebook page makes it clear that residents have major concerns about the current development works in the area.
There are continuing complaints about noise, dust and working hours extending beyond those approved in the planning permission.
Communications from the Council have been minimal although another exhibition is promised prior to the main contractor starting on site. The current contractor is only undertaking clearance and layout works.
One piece of good news is that work on providing an additional 3 parking spaces on Tudor Road is due to start next week.
The Council latest planning application, which should have been determined by the end of April, it is still outstanding.
There is still no sign of a planning application for the Care Home much less the health centre and “police station”, not that they were ever likely to materialise anyway.
“Yorspace” are apparently still trying to raise funds for their “communal living” scheme while the Councils decision to sell them land at a discounted rate may yet prove to have been illegal.
Hopefully the new Council will be able to find someone competent and sensitive to local residents views when they decide who will lead on housing and planning matters for the next 4 years.
Certainly communication and supervisory systems need major improvements.
Two women sentenced following noise complaints against dogs
Two dog owners in York were ordered to pay a total of £2421.74 by York Magistrates on 7 May after failing to comply with the conditions of a noise abatement notice.
Lesley Smith (aged 62 of Hinton Avenue, Foxwood, York) received multiple complaints from neighbours in 2016 following continuous disturbances from her four dogs in the early hours of the morning.
Ms Smith’s dogs were also left outside for up to two hours on an evening, causing further noise disturbance to the neighbours despite numerous warnings, an abatement notice and a caution being issued.
City of York Council Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers carried out surveillance of a property belonging to Samantha Flower (aged 42 of Lincoln Street, Leeman Road, York), after they received multiple complaints from neighbours in 2017.
Council officers employed noise monitoring equipment and noted over 15 barks in one minute after 11pm during a visit to Miss Flower’s property in February 2019.
Appearing at York Magistrates on 7 May, Miss Flower pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the conditions of a noise abatement notice and was fined £120, ordered to pay costs of £100 as well as a surcharge of £30.
Ms Smith pleaded guilty by post to failing to comply with the conditions of a noise abatement notice and was fined £450, ordered to pay costs of £1676.94 as well as a surcharge of £45.
