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York Central – consultation meeting dates

Have your say on York Central proposals
York central land ownership. Yellow -Network Rail, Purple - Railway Museum, Red - York Council taxpayers

York central land ownership. Yellow -Network Rail, Purple – Railway Museum, Red – York Council taxpayers

Residents and businesses are invited to have their say on the future of York’s largest brownfield site from this month.

Plans were unveiled last month by City of York Council, Network Rail and the National Railway Museum (NRM), to consult with residents and businesses on what has been labelled as the King’s Cross of the North.
Consultation will take place between Monday 18 January and Monday 15 February, via:

Drop-in sessions, at:

  • • West Offices: Station Rise, Thursday 21 January 10am – 4pm
  • • National Railway Museum: Saturday 30 January 10am – 4pm
  • • Holgate and Micklegate joint ward committee: Tuesday 19 January St Paul’s Church, Holgate Road, 6-8pm
  • • York Railway Station: Wednesday 3 February 4pm – 7pm
  • •  Public Exhibition: West Offices, Station Rise. Throughout the duration of the consultation period.

Online at: www.york.gov.uk/consultations

Printed copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are also available at West Offices, Hazel Court and all York Libraries and Explore Centres.

Over the past 12-months, the council has been working in collaboration with Network Rail, the NRM and the Homes and Communities Agency towards a high level masterplan of York Central – a 72 hectare site located in the heart of the city.

The city’s new vision could provide up to 120,000 sq m of high-quality office space, creating up to 7,000 new jobs, a new residential community for up to 2,500 new homes, with opportunities to expand and enhance the National Railway Museum, make improvements to the railway station and create a network of vibrant public squares, green spaces and routes linking to surrounding neighbourhoods.
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Floods latest – Independent Public Inquiry ordered as York Council issues advice on selection of flood damage repairers

Calls for an independent review into the causes of, and response to, the recent flooding in parts of the City have apparently now led the York Council to agree to mount an Inquiry.

The historical Merchant Adventures Hall was one of the victims of ht flooding.
The historical Merchant Adventures Hall was one of the victims of the flooding.

Press reports suggest that it will take a similar format to that of a Select Committee.

What will be critical will be the terms of reference of the Inquiry and the clarity of any written evidence published before witnesses are called.

In our view the Council should encourage written questions and representations using “open dialogue” socal media channels to allow all those with concerns to contribute.

The move comes at a time when the Environment Agency has confirmed that water entering the control cabin (which was supposedly watertight) on 26th December led to the decision to raise the Foss barrier.  

This threat had not been identified as an issue prior to the recent floods.

It is likely that any Inquiry will want to scrutinise carefully the actions of not only the York Council, but also the Emergency Services, local MPs, the Environment Agency, power and telecoms companies, and the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC)

Inquiry members will no doubt also familarise themselves with the many reports that have been published on the flooding threat in the City over the last few years.

These include: 

Skip Fossgate welcome to YorkshireCouncil reminds flood-hit homeowners to employ reputable trades people
 City of York Council is reminding homeowners to make sure they employ reputable trades people to repair and re-decorate their flood-hit homes.

There are some tell-tale signs which can help spot the difference between a ‘cowboy’ trades person and the genuine thing.

Be very careful about taking on someone who:

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Floods update; River levels, traffic information, volunteering, donations, safety

All the working river gauges continue to show reducing levels.

The Environment Agency is still reporting that the gauge at the Foss basin is still out of action. However a separate web page (below) puts the Foss basin river level at 4.8 metres (which is very low)

Blue Beck click to update

Blue Beck click to update

Foss basin click to update

Foss basin click to update

Holgate beck 1500

Skelton Poppleton click to update

Skelton Poppleton click to update

Tang Hall beck click to update

Tang Hall Beck click

Ouse Bridge (Viking) click to update

Ouse Bridge (Viking) click to update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the latest traffic and travel information please visit: www.itravelyork.info/journey-planning/roadworks-and-road-closures

Council staff are also going door-to door to residents’ homes affected by the floods today, to offer help and support, including leaflets and information.

Financial support is available for residents and businesses. Click for more details

Education teams are also contacting headteachers ahead of some schools reopening next week, to provide direct advice/support.

Up-to-date figures indicate that around 767 properties (602 residential and 165 commercial), have been directly affected by flooding in the City centre.

Flooding advice for businesses

 

The Council says it is  working with Make It York, who are meeting with/contacting those businesses directly affected with advice and support (although neither their web site or that of the York BID have been updated since the crisis developed).

If your business has been affected by flooding please see the Health and Safety Executive’s advice on recovering your business.

If your food business has been affected by flooding please see our Flooding advice for food businesses webpage. 

The council’s customer contact centre is running as normal. The number to call is 01904 551550 the email address is flood@york.gov.uk.

Offers of help

We would like to thank everyone who has already helped or offered their support. We are currently working to co-ordinate what is needed and who can help out, whether this is by giving time to help or donating supplies.

If you would like to offer any support in the recovery effort, please email us with your details to flood@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551550.

We are actively looking for volunteers to help with the clean up at the Guildhall  tomorrow (31 December) 9am-5pm too. Products have been kindly provided by Asda and Nestle, please wear suitable outdoor clothing.

Residents have been extremely generous in giving donations to their local collection points, organised by local communities in York. We understand that many are now at, or approaching, capacity and will find it difficult to accept any more. Please make sure that you call them first, prior to dropping off your donations.

Donate to the York Flood Appeal

The York flood appeal is a new appeal to support people who have been affected by the flood in York in December 2015 and you can donate online.

Alternatively you can donate by sending a cheque. Please make it payable to Two Ridings Community Foundation, write York Flood Appeal on the back and send it to: Two Ridings Community Foundation, Suite 1.34, The Innovation Centre, York Science Park, York YO10 5DG.

The appeal is set up by The York Disaster Fund and is to benefit people living within the City of York Council boundary. The Fund was set up in 2000 to help the victims of floods in York that year, and has launched this appeal to help this year’s victims of flooding in York. To help make donating easier, The York Disaster Fund charity has partnered with Two Ridings Community Foundation. The Foundation is accepting donations to the fund via an online giving page and cheques sent to its offices in York.

Donate furniture and household goods

The Community Furniture Store in York has opened up today (30 Dec) to take donations until 5pm. They are based at Unit 29, The Raylor Centre, James Street, York, YO10 3D, tel: 01904 426444.

Support for residents and businesses

Following its work to limit the extent and effects of the floods, the council is co-ordinating support for residents and businesses. The page includes information on

  • Waste collections
  • Council tax 
  • Reputable tradespeople
  • Benefits advice 
  • York’s Disaster Fund 
  • Disaster Recovery Fund 
  • Flood safety

Please avoid entering flood waters as there may be hidden dangers like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution.

Road closures and travel information

For the latest on road closures and travel information during the floods please visit the iTravel website which will

The Knavesmire and access roads are still flooded

The Knavesmire and access roads are still flooded

be updated regularly.

Flood warnings

The Environment Agency gives flood warnings for rivers and coasts – see current flood warnings via the Environment Agency’s current flooding information.

Homes at risk from flooding

Find out how to protect your home from floods on the Environment Agency flooding website.

If you live in a flood-risk area you can get warnings sent direct to you by phone, text message or email – contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on tel: 0345 9881188 for more information.

Public Health

City of York Council has a public health responsibility and works closely with Public Health England, who have a variety of advice for those affected by flooding including:

How to clean your home safely

This leaflet provides important health advice and some basic precautions to keep you and your family safe while cleaning up your flooded home. Public Health England leaflet: How to clean up your home safely (PDF).

Insurance

The Association of British Insurers have some great advice for those recovering from floods. If you have been affected please contact your insurer as they are open and waiting to receive your calls. Information is also available on the insurance process

York Council consultations near closure date

“Improving public engagement” survey available but still not publicised
Improving Public Engagement
Engagement survey

Engagement survey

Our Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee is reviewing the potential for improving public engagement, the take up of services through digital means and our ability to respond.  We welcome your views and experiences of engaging with us via our Improving Public Engagement survey.

Consultation closes 31 December 2015

Public Protection review

Our Public Protection service is under review.  We would welcome views and comments from businesses about our proposals and how we can make best use of resources including a variety of environmental health, trading standards, licensing and regulatory functions.  Have your say in our Public Protection survey.

Consultation closes 31 December 2015

Designer Outlet Park and Ride Bus Service

The Designer Outlet Park and Ride bus service currently calls at all stops along Fulford Main Street, Fulford Road and Fishergate. It is proposed that, from the start date of the new Park & Ride contract in 2017, the number of intermediate stops is reduced.

We would like to hear from Fulford and Fishergate residents and other users of the Designer Outlet P&R service to understand their views on the proposed changes.

Consultation closes 6 January 2016

Minerals and Waste Joint Plan

City of York Council is working with North Yorkshire County Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority to produce a Minerals and Waste Joint Plan covering all three planning authority areas.  When finalised the new plan will help us take decisions on planning applications for minerals and waste developments over the next 15 years.  Find out more about the latest draft and have your say in the preferred options consultation on North Yorkshire’s consultation website.

Consultation closes 15 January 2016

Budget Consultation 2016-17

City of York Council’s Executive is facing some tough decisions in 2016-17. To help shape the 2016-17 Budget proposals, the council is inviting residents to have their say:

Via our online Budget Consultation survey

By post to:  FREEPOST RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ Budget consultation City of York Council West Offices Station Rise York YO1 6GA
By hand at West Offices or libraries/Explore Centres

Consultation closes 20 January 2016

Historic Red Tower wins £10k grant for community use

A 15th Century postern tower on York’s historic city walls has received a major boost through being awarded a £10,000 government grant to develop the business case for its acquisition, restoration and reuse as a community space.
Red Tower

Red Tower

The Red Tower Restoration Project, led by grassroots network The Incredible Movement (TIM) in York in partnership with City of York Council, applied to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Community Ownership and Management of Assets (COMA) programme. The aim is to acquire the Red Tower on a long lease from the city’s council through a ‘community asset transfer’.

TIM wishes to open the long-unused building for the local community and visitors to enjoy a range of activities centred on food. The refurbished building will incorporate a community kitchen, café, growing space and general community space resulting in an increase in provision in this area of the city.

Activities have been taking place throughout the year, including a successful opening at York Residents First weekend, Heritage Open Day and a regular pay-as-you-feel café on Saturdays throughout the summer.

This has resulted in over 1,000 people enjoying the building and discovering its potential. Visitors have ranged from local residents to international visitors. Many children have also regularly visited the building, thrilled by its unique character and a chance to discover history at first hand. Further events will take place at the Red Tower over the winter.
Work on this stage of the project will commence immediately, and by next spring, the group will know if it is feasible to bring the building back into use, and how that could happen. It is hoped that further funds will be raised to fully bring the building back into use. (more…)

York launches Breathe 2025 campaign to inspire a smokefree generation

City of York Council is urging people and organisations across York to sign up and support Breathe 2025, a new campaign to inspire children to grow up smoke-free and protected from health harms caused by tobacco.
click to view video

click to view video

While the region has the highest adult smoking prevalence in England (20.1% compared to an England average of 18%), only one in eight 15-year-olds smoke and the proportion of young smokers is dropping.

Within the next decade there could be a generation of children that don’t smoke.    .

City of York Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health Councillor Carol Runciman said: “We want children who have started school this year to be the pioneers of a smokefree generation: today’s five year olds can be smokefree at 15 when they are preparing for their GCSEs and so can all the year groups following them.

“They can be smokefree when they leave school or college and as adults. Breathe 2025 is about how all of us can inspire and help them to make that happen.”
The campaign is being run by a collaboration of partners across Yorkshire and the Humber, including City of York Council and Public Health England.

People and organisations are being asked to show their support by going to the campaign website or Facebook page and signing up to one or more simple, practical actions. This could be pledging to watch and share the Breathe 2025 video, or promising to display a Breathe 2025 poster.  There are a range of simple actions to choose from, as individuals or on behalf of an organisation such as a school, GP or local business.

Councillor Runciman continues: “Giving children and young people the best start in life is a priority for City of York Council, parents, family members and many other organisations and communities in York – and not smoking is a great start so please go to the Breathe 2025 website and show your support.”

City of York Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, Sharon Stoltz said: “Evidence suggests that if young people don’t start using tobacco by the age of 26 they will almost certainly never start, so we have a great opportunity here to transform the health of our region and we can do it within the next 10 years.

“It is estimated that smoking in York costs society around £50.1m annually and smoking breaks cost businesses in York £24.2m each year.  Around one in two smokers die from a smoking-related illness.  If we can prevent young people from smoking that’s not just an investment in their health as individuals, it’s an investment in a healthier future for everyone.”

The Breathe 2025 website is at www.Breathe2025.org.uk

Police call to ‘stay safe’ this Bonfire Night – Football fans can get kit security marked

Police are urging people to behave responsibly and stay safe this Bonfire Night period.
Flashback to 2013 - Special Constables on patrol in York on 'Mischief Night'

While a great many people enjoy the festivities at this time of year, there are others for whom it brings distress and raises the fear of crime.

Police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables will be undertaking proactive patrols to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe.

Posters have been delivered to shops to prevent young people buying eggs and flour and fireworks, and schools have been visited to educate young people about anti-social behaviour and the dangers of fireworks. Social media is also being used to provide information and advice to residents.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Kennedy, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Officers will be out in the towns and cities across North Yorkshire to act as reassurance and deter anti-social behaviour.

“I would like parents to speak to their children to ensure that they understand how their actions can put themselves at risk, and leave others in fear of crime. If you know that a neighbour is vulnerable, please keep an eye out for them to help prevent them from becoming concerned about being a victim of crime.”

“We work closely with the Fire and Rescue Service and I would also remind people not take risks with fireworks. Anyone caught supplying fireworks to under 18-year-olds or lighting them in the street can expect to be dealt with robustly, and people working in shops should also be mindful of selling anything to young people which could be used to cause anti-social behaviour.”

For safety advice, interactive games and poster downloads, visit North Yorkshire Police’s Bonfire Night website atwww.northyorkshire.police.uk/bonfire.

York Police invite football fans to show burglars the red card

York Police are urging football fans to get their valuable items security marked to help tackle property theft.

Football

Officers are working with York City Football Club, using their new ‘dot peen’ property marking equipment at the stadium.

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

The machines can mark at a speed of two characters per second, to an accuracy of 0.006mm, and can be used on everything from steel and aluminium to plastic. They have been funded by North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, and Safer York Partnership.

PCSO Andy Smith, of York North Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Dot peen machines can engrave your cycles, phones and music players – essentially, everything except your football! In the unfortunate event of items being stolen or lost, dot peen marking gives us a much better chance to return your property to you.

“The process is very easy and will only take a few of minutes of your time, so you shouldn’t miss any of the game.

“We will also be available to offer security advice or answer any questions you might have. We hope you will come and see us and enjoy the game!”

The Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in the car park under the main stand from 12pm to 3pm for the following games:

  • Saturday 14 November 2015 v Plymouth
  • Saturday 19 December 2015 v Morecambe

Since the machines were introduced in July 2015, York Police have had an excellent response from the public, resulting in more than 2,500 items of property being marked across the city.

To find out when your next property marking event is taking place, follow your local York police team on Twitter at @snayorkcityeast, @snayorknorth or @snayorkwest. The service is promoted on Twitter with the hashtag #whatisdotpeen. You can also ‘like’ the York City & East Police and NYP Universities pages on Facebook, and visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/whatisdotpeen

West Yorkshire Combined Authority – York’s share of costs benefits revealed

A Freedom of Information response has revealed the amount that York has paid into the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, as well as the claimed benefits.

Last year, York paid £21,645 as its share of the cost of the “Your next Bus” project which we commented on a few weeks ago.  The City is due to pay another £21,645 this year towards the project.

smart ticketing

smart ticketing

 It is unclear when this new bus tracking system will be operational.

The WYCA also claims to have spent £318,149 on “smart bus ticketing” in the York area.  This was funded by central government grant and should lead to the extended use of cashless payment options for bus travel.  Again it is unclear when this option will be widely available in the City.

York is also due to pay £48,486 to the WYCA this year as its share of the Leeds Region Local Enterprise Partnership costs.

Benefits are expected to include participation in an “Apprentice Hub” programme and an employer ownership pilot.

The WYCA had a (largely inherited) pension liability of over £68 million at the end of the last financial year. It currently admits a total deficit on its reserves of £33 million but has a working balance of £7.9 million. It is not known whether, under devolution proposals, York will remain a participant in the WYCA.

NB. Over £150,000 a year in “special responsibility payments” are being claimed by Councillors serving on WYCA committees although these area not highlighted in the annual figures published by the York Council. All WYCA members receive a basic allowance of £4500 a year

One thousand pieces of York property permanently protected from thieves

More than 1,000 York bikes, tools and gadgets have been marked as part of a ground-breaking new project to protect property and deter burglars.

Dot peen property marking

Four new ‘dot peen’ property marking machines were brought into action six weeks ago, and since then hundreds of people have attended drop-in sessions across York to get their valuable items permanently marked.

Every year, police recover hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of stolen property from the hands of criminals, but all too often there is no way of identifying its rightful owners. Being able to trace the ownership of the property not only helps people get the property back, but it can also provide evidence that is vital in securing convictions for theft, burglary and handling stolen goods.

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

The dot peen machines have been funded by North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, and Safer York Partnership.

In just six weeks, officers have marked 727 garden and allotment tools, 234 cycles and dozens of assorted gadgets such as cameras, games consoles and speakers.

Among the more unusual items permanently marked and protected against thieves are a wheelchair, a Fender Jazzmaster guitar, two riding saddles and a cello case.

Drop-in sessions have been held at City of York Council’s West Offices, York District Hospital, St Lukes Chruch, York Riding School; community events across the city; and the allotments at Low Moor, Bootham, Strensall, Howe Hill, Hempland Lane, Glen, Bustardthorpe, Fulford Cross.
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York Council – Weekly news round up

York City seek mature players?

walking-football-engage-day-2015

Aged 70, I’m at last playing football”- and you can too!

Following a successful pilot scheme between the council and York City Football Club Foundation a new opportunity is available to anyone aged over 50 who would like to step up to walking football.

Walking football is a popular, slower-paced version of the game where running is treated as a foul. This ruling makes it suitable for older people who would like to return to sport or take up a new challenge.

More

Have your say on the council’s key priorities for the next four-years

Whether it’s focussing resources on providing more housing, good quality jobs or ensuring that there is a focus on delivering key frontline services, the council feels it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to contribute towards these priorities and feedback their views.

York residents and businesses have until Wednesday 26 August to feedback on the draft proposals, which are based on the new administration’s priorities and the council’s statutory responsibilities.

The plan is built around three key priorities, including:

  • A prosperous city for all – where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing and opportunities
  • A focus on frontline services – to ensure all residents, particularly the least advantaged, can access reliable services and community facilities
  • A council that listens to residents -to ensure it delivers the services you want and works in partnership with local communities.

Feedback can be made via a number of ways below, which will be bought back to an Executive meeting in September for final approval:

  • Online: www.york.gov.uk/councilplan
  • In person: drop by and see officers at West Offices on Wednesday 12 or Thursday 14 August
  • Drop-off points:  at libraries or Explore Centres until 26 August.
  • Social media: ‘tag us’ @CityofYork on Twitter or @CityofYorkCouncil on Facbeook using #councilplan
  • By post: send feedback to FREEPOST RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ, Business Intelligence Team, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.

Number of York jobseekers falls again

National statistics released today have revealed the number of residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance in York has fallen for the fourth consecutive month.

The number of claimants in York has fallen by 49.8 percent in the last year. There are now 791 claimants in York, a fall of 98 from last month and of 1,577 from June 2014. Today’s figures also showed a 58.2 per cent fall in the Youth unemployment count since June 2014.

The claimant count represents 0.6 per cent of the working population and contrasts to the regional average which stands at 2.4 per cent. The figures are also much lower than the national average which stands at 1.7 per cent.

Spinach

Spin bowler

Councillor Keith Aspden, Deputy Leader of City of York Council said: “It is pleasing to see that partnership working across the city is helping to keep unemployment low and defy the national trend which has seen the number of jobseekers increase in the last quarter. The new Executive is committed to building on this and as part of our Emergency Budget we are boosting support for small local businesses. I am also working with officers to increase the number of apprenticeships in the council and across York.

Adult learners offered more than ever before

York Learning is offering its widest range of adult learning opportunities ever with its new Learning 4 Everyone programme which is being rolled out across the city.

On offer for the first time too is the widest ever selection of courses from learning partners across the city, such as the University of York and York College. The WEA which features in the brochure has reported an enormous amount of interest following their inclusion in the brochure.

The new programme can be picked up from libraries across the city and holds information on over 300 courses taking place over the coming months.

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Vote proposed for Business Improvement District

Plans for a ballot to take place in November to allow city centre businesses to decide on a proposed Business Improvement District (BID) will be put to the cross-party Economic Development and Transport Policy and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 22 July.

Then, on Thursday 30 July, Executive will consider the report which recommends approval of the continuing development of a Business Development District as well as approve a ballot in November 2015 when city centre businesses will be asked to vote on whether they would like to form a BID.

The initiative, led by City Team York, a group of local businesses chaired by Adam Sinclair, would see businesses predominantly within the inner ring road come together to form a BID company to decide how they pool resources to benefit the local economy.

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Public Health report on Dementia Published

City of York Council has published the latest monthly chapter of its Director of Public Health annual report for 2015 which focuses on dementia.

The council’s Director of Public Health is legally required to produce an annual report on the health of the local population.

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Low awareness of ‘non-lump’ breast cancer symptoms puts over 70s’ health at risk in York

City of York Council is supporting Public Health England’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign launched today which is aimed at women aged 70 and over.

  • just under a half of women aged 70 and over were able to name a symptom aside from a lump
    • latest annual figures show 15 women aged 70 and over died from breast cancer in York in 2013

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