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Coronavirus York updates; 13th January 2021

Deaths

FIVE (5) more Coronavirus deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred yesterday, three on Monday and one on Sunday.

The death toll on 10th January, at eight, is the joint highest single day figure seen since the spring.

Test results

TWO HUNDRED (200) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative figure up to 9593.

The rate /100k population has now peaked at 670.91. It is expected to trend back down to around 600 by the end of the week.

During the week ending 8th January case numbers increased at all levels. York remains above the national average.

However, the rate of increase in case numbers in the City has slowed over the last week.

There is a reasonable expectation that case numbers will now start to fall.

Neighbourhoods

The 1413 cases total (w/e 8th Jan) was the highest total recorded in the City

The western suburbs continued to be badly affected.

Vaccinations

As at 12th January 2,639,309 people in England had received first dose COVID vaccinations.

York figures have not yet been published (but understood to be over 10,000)

Test site to remain open

We understand that the mobile test site, currently occupying the Acorn Rugby Club Car Park on Thanet Road, will remain open for another week (except Friday) . Organisers say that over 1000 test have been carried out at teh site over the last week.

COVID testing site on Thanet Road

Details here https://www.facebook.com/FoxwoodResidentsAssociation/posts/4347088398651076

York Wheels Community Transport

York Wheels have written to local Councillors giving the following information

“Here at York wheel we run 2 services with the support of York City Council.

  1. York Wheel – Volunteer car scheme community transport – for a small fee we take customers to hospital/dentist/podiatry appoints and are currently working with Nimbus (Askham Bar COVID centre) to assist in the transport of the elderly to the facility to enable ALL to have their COVID injection.   A small charge is made to cover the drivers fuel (approx. 50% less than a taxi)
  2. Dial & Ride – Mini bus service which takes customers to the main supermarkets – enabling them to keep their independence and to travel is groups of 6 safely to the supermarkets – the cost if £3.30 return of they hold a York City Bus Pass.

The customer must be eligible to travel on the above schemes and this entails been a York residence, been elderly, disabled or unable to travel on public transport for both schemes. The mini buses are also fitted to enable wheelchair users to access the vehicles whilst still in their wheelchairs.

Usually we are open for other appointments but during COVID times we are currently only carry out necessary journeys under government rules. Finally due to the current situation we are a cashless office and at the time of booking the car scheme customers pay in advance via card. On the mini bus service they are able to use card for payment of the journey as each bus carries their own card machine.

Please feel free to pass our details to your constituents and local GPs etc. and we will assist were possible.

  • For the car scheme York Wheels call 01904 630080
  • For Dial & Ride please call 01904 551441

The charity has been working to help the residents of York for over 35 years and all our drivers are DRS checked and carry out thorough PPE both during and after journeys”.

Support key workers by following the rules say authorities

This Thursday (14 January), many across the country will join in the ‘Clap for Heroes’ at 8pm to celebrate the hard work of those on the front line.

This week, council leaders are asking residents in York to show their continued support and respect of our key workers by following public health guidance and helping ease the pressure on the NHS.

Over the last month, coronavirus cases in York have increased significantly, and residents are being asked to stay local, stay at home as much as possible, and help stop the spread of the virus. The latest validated rate of new Covid cases at 7 January was 637.6 per 100,000, above the regional average of 322.8 and the national average of 629.9.

Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:

We have all been incredibly grateful to key workers for their amazing efforts, not just this lockdown, but throughout much of 2020. With case numbers continuing to rise, it is now more important than ever that we all do everything we can to stop the spread and keep each other safe.

“I remain ever thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our key workers and I know that many residents will  agree that the best way to truly demonstrate our thanks is to make sure that we avoid making their jobs even harder at this difficult time.”

“We know lockdown has been incredibly difficult for many, and I would urge anyone that needs support to get in touch with the Council Covid support team by covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551550.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

the best thing any of us can do to support our key workers is to follow the guidance and stay at home. Last year the ‘Clap for Carers’ campaign was a great demonstration of the gratitude we all feel for those working on the front line.

“People working in a huge range of sectors have worked hard to make sure we can all continue to stay home to stay safe and therefore, we must not make their jobs any more difficult at this point by not following the latest national guidance. So I would encourage everyone not to leave their homes, unless it’s essential and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and keep a safe distance from others.

Wendy Scott, Chief Operating Officer for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

the number of Covid-positive patients being admitted, and the rapid rise in number of cases, means that our hospitals are under growing pressure. The number of Covid-positive patients in hospital is now significantly higher than the number we experienced in the first wave.

“Our staff are doing an outstanding job responding to the pandemic; however it is absolutely vital that we all play a part in reducing the spread of the virus by complying with the lockdown restrictions and by following the health guidance of Hands, Face, Space.

“The emergency departments in both of our hospitals are also extremely busy.  Please help us to help you by only using A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening.  If you are unsure about what to do, please consult NHS 111 first (by phone or online) to help you get the right service.”

Covid marshalls continue supporting city to be safe in lockdown

To continue supporting covid safety measures during lockdown, the council’s covid support marshalls are working in outlying areas to advise businesses and residents in lockdown.

Following the Government’s announcement for England to go into lockdown, the marshalls are helping to encourage people not to mix but to stay in household or bubble groups while keeping 2 metres distance. They are now adding new areas of the city to their rounds to lend their support, such as at popular walking spots, supermarkets and testing sites.


The marshalls will visit outlying shopping areas to add to the 525 city centre businesses they’ve already helped to implement and maintain covid-safe measures. This work builds on action begun by the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing teams. It includes helping shops and takeaways to manage queues, to display Trace and Test QR codes and to maintain hand sanitation stations.


The team has already advised 410 groups of people in the city centre. This included asking them to keep two metres apart and if they’re from the same household, to giving out 105 items of PPE including hand sanitiser, masks and information.

The marshalls have also been picking up dropped face masks which can present a health hazard. So far they’ve picked up and safely disposed of 510 face masks.


Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said:

“The marshalls’ work continues to be invaluable in ensuring that social distancing and face-coverings continue to be observed within businesses currently allowed to open.

“It is vital that people feel confident that others around them are following the necessary steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”


Councillor Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said:

“It is crucial now that we all do everything we can to minimise our contact with others, in order to save lives and protect the NHS, and our marshalls are supporting the city do just that.

That was the year that was – 2020

July

By the 1st July the COVID infection rate in The City had dropped to 3.32 /100k head of population. It had peaked at 96.8 on 5th May. Case numbers were to remain low until September.

During the first wave of infections, 171 York residents had succumbed to the virus. Many had been care home occupants.

The government announced a £5 million budget for drainage and repair works on Tadcaster Road. Resurfacing of the road had just been completed……. Laptops were loaned to needy children allowing them to study at home……. The Council offered “two hours of free parking” in an attempt to get the City centre economy moving again. The concession didn’t apply to the main shopper car parks…… Playgrounds and libraries reopened in early July. …………..The Council had spent £354,326 on marketing and communications during the pandemic…….. Changes to footstreet hours were approved at a behind closed doors meeting – prompting further criticism about secrecy…………. It was revealed that the “Yorspace” housing commune had failed to complete the purchase of a plot allocated to them at Lowfields. By contrast adjacent sites reserved for “self builders” were being snapped up….The annual review of Councillor lodged issues was published… York was touted as a new home for the House of Lords…… A controversial plan to have a “North Yorkshire” elected Mayor was announced. This prompted months of agonising about changes to Council boundaries… The Acomb Front Street market reopened… There were continuing delays on building projects including the huge British Sugar site on Boroughbridge Road.… It was revealed that the York Council had spent £4.5 million the previous year in buying up commercial property in the City. The Councils net debts climbed to £289 million during the same period. An overspend of £1.8 million on the James House project was revealed …..The Council as forced to take emergency action to modify access arrangements on Fossgate…. Revised plans for the front of the railway station were announced.

August

By 1st August the COVID infection rate in the City had fallen to 0.29. It was to be the lowest figure that the City would since the start of the pandemic.

A 3 bed semi at the Councils Lowfields development was priced at an eye watering £295,000…. York City centre was busy with visitors. Car parks like Castle and Marygate were full. By contrast the car park at the station was virtually empty….. Planning permission was granted for a proposal to build houses on the Bootham Crescent football ground. The opening date for the replacement stadium at Monks Cross had passed with a lot of work still outstanding. It was unclear when football matches would recommence…….. The York Central development secured £77.1 million in public funding…. One consequence of the pandemic had been a 51% increase in unemployment levels… a Public Right of Way was established across Acomb Moor. It was promptly blocked off by a farmer… The York Museums Trust needed a £1.95 million bail out. following its extended COVID closure….. The Council confirmed that it would spend £1.65 million buying 150 acres of land to establish a new forest near Knapton. Questions were raised about using high quality agricultural land for this purpose….. It was revealed that a large amount of space at West Offices had been rented out by the Council. That retained for its own use had been little used during the pandemic with many officials working from home… It was proving to be difficult to get utility companies to remove graffiti from their cabinets… The promised replacement children games area in Kingsway West had not materialised. The old “MUGA” had been taken over as a builders compound. It was later revealed that talks to use a site at the Thanet Road Sports Area has stalled….. There were still too many long term empty Council houses in York. 1597 people were registered on the housing waiting list….

September

The Coronavirus infection rate in the City had risen to 2.86 by 1st September. The “second wave” was to continue rise during the month before peaking in October. Additional restrictions were introduced by the government on 22nd September. Mainly affected pubs and face covering requirements

Visitor numbers to the City had increased during August although they still fell short of the numbers seen in previous years….. Schools reopened…. The taxi shuttle service link from the disable parking spaces at Monk Bar car park into the City centre had not proved to be popular…..The Groves road closures went live on 2nd September. Reaction was mixed with some suggesting that an emergency vehicle route should have been sustained. ….. E-scooter hire arrived in York…. 29 Castlegate a former youth service building had remained empty for 4 years. There was no sign of the Council putting it on the market…

October

The Coronavirus infection rate sat at 129.62 on 1st October. It would continue to rise before peaking at 444.9 on 16th October. The rise coincided with the arrival of a large contingent of students in the City. The infection rate in Heslington was to reach 1720 on 15th October before falling away. Heslington and Tang Hall currently have the lowest case numbers in the City.

Work on refurbishing the Lincoln Court independent living units on Ascot Way was completed…… Consultation started on plans to upgrade the A1237 northern by pass... The condition of the cycle track network continued to decline…. £1.25 million was to be spent on public electric vehicle charging points in York…. Wrangles over York’s Local Plan continued (endlessly) . ….. A Council report revealed that the numbers cycling and using public transport to get around the City had both fallen…. The Peacocks store in Front Street Acomb was set to close. It joined many other retail and hospitality outlets forced out of businesses by the pandemic…. The details location of the new “Knapton Forest” was revealed, The Council remained tight lipped about a further area of woodland that it hoped to plant “near to the inner ring road”…… COVID restrictions in York were increased to Tier 2 level on 17th October. Infection rates had already started to reduce……. The ruling coalition majority was reduced by one as Green Councillor Dave Taylor quit the Green Party. He had been criticised for comments made about the late Jack Charlton…….. There was an increase in the number of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in York… The Council announced that its new head of paid service (replacing the Chief Executive) would be Ian Floyd ……

November

Coronavirus infection rates had dropped from a high of 444.9 (recorded on 16th Oct) to 205.1 by 1st November. A national lockdown was to be introduced on 5th November when the rate stood at 191.8. It was to fall steadily during the lockdown period which ended on 2nd December. Eventually the rate bottomed out at 57.93 on 8th December. Since then it has risen sharply

By the beginning of November City streets were already looking empty…. A local contact tracing service was launched… Rain slowed some road resurfacing projects …. There was more criticism of social housing management standards in the City…. The York Museums Trust announced a 30% cut in staffing levels….. Work on the new Centre of Excellence for the Disabled was completed. Poor work on facilities in the surrounding area was criticised…… £658k of government funding for transport schemes was announced. A very mixed bag which included new cycle lanes on Acomb Road in Holgate and improvements for cyclists on the A1237 Ouse Bridge….. York Central was granted planning permission. Concerns about the accesses from Leeman Road and Wilton Rise were not addressed…. The Council reviewed its property portfolio. It decided to a[give a developer 12 weeks to complete the purchase of Oakhaven which had been empty for 4 years…. The Police announced their first “on line” digital event….A Council planning committee declined to approve plans for new flats and a multi story car park at the Castle/Piccadilly site …….. Fly tipping was a continuing problem in and near York…. A deal to lease space at the new Community Stadium for restaurant use fell though. It added £1.375 million to the taxpayers bill…More bad news for taxpayers as the costs of the Guildhall renovation project soared to £21.7 million…

December

The infection rate stood at 76.44 on 1st December. York entered Tier 2 restrictions the day after. Local MPs had pressed for a Tier 1 designation bowing to pressure from the hospitality sector. The subsequent rise in infection levels suggest that a Tier 3 designation would have been a safer option. York started the month with the lowest number of Coronavirus cases. It was to end the month with the highest infection rate in the region (406.4).

A homeless report said that the number of “rough sleepers” in the City was now very small…. A £3 billion price tag was placed on the Councils ambition to see the City become “carbon neutral” by 2030. …. The Make it York tourism organisation was heading for a £1 million loss. It would – like Welcome to Yorkshire – be bailed out by the Council … By 5th December streets in the York Centre were busier…. A new winter support grant was set up to help needy families… New lateral flow COVID tests were available which provided very quick results. Students took the tests before returning home for the holidays… The Council launched an “on line” consultation on its budget choices. The choices were carefully limited to avoid any awkward results…… a new report highlighted growing problems with unemployment in the City. Young people living in the Westfield area were particularly hard hit…. a new COVID vaccination centre opened on Moor Lane near Tesco…. Completion of the Community Stadium complex was finally confirmed. Originally scheduled to be built in 2012, it was some 8 years later that it actually became available for use. Within days, the leisure and sports facilities there were to be closed again following the introduction of Tier 3 restrictions….. The year was to end with the first of the Coronavirus vaccine injections taking place in the City. Although a new more virulent strain of the virus had emerged, this was partly offset by news that a new vaccine was now available.

Coronavirus York updates; 31st December 2020

Deaths and test results

THREE additional deaths announced by York Hospital Trust today. Two occurred on Tuesday and one yesterday. Brings the total number of fatalities since 1st September at the York and Scarborough hospitals to 157.

Local COVID related hospital deaths since September

TWO HUNDRED AND TWO (202) new positive test results announced today.

That is a record high.

The 209 infections reported on 29th December is also the highest single day figure ever recorded in the City.

The previous highest was 159 recorded on 13th October.

The Tuesday figure may have been influenced by delayed results from a Christmas backlog, but this does not entirely explain the surge in cases.

The rate /100k population stands at 266.8. It is set to rise to at least 370.8 within the next three days.

The neighbourhood figures do not yet include the large post Christmas spike in infections. They are likely, therefore, to get worse over the next few days.

End of shuttle service for disabled

Following feedback from service users the temporary Blue Badge shuttle service from Monk Bar car park is set to end on 31 December.

The service will be replaced with improved city centre access arrangements and more parking locations.

Feedback on the shuttle service and single drop off from Monk Bar was that it was not popular and viewed as inadequate by some blue badge holders. To make it easier for those who used the shuttle service to visit the city centre, vehicle access and Blue Badge parking is being reinstated from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green.. 

Free blue badge parking will be available in locations including:

•    in ten dedicated spaces at Monk Bar Car Park
•    in 4 additional dedicated bays at Bootham Row Car Park (Off Bootham next the BBC Radio York building)
•    as well as on double yellow lines on Monk Bar to Deangate and College Green (up to and past the Cross Keys pub)


The original changes were brought in quickly at the start of the pandemic to allow for social distancing and the opening of pavement cafes. This helped York’s city centre to recover more strongly than most other cities in the UK, including giving many pubs and cafes the outdoor space which allows them to keep trading.

The latest plans follow extensive engagement with disabled residents and advocacy groups. It revealed broad support for the increased safety of the footstreets but dissatisfaction with the arrangements put in place to replace the lost Blue Badge parking. The proposed changes included:

•    Vehicle access and Blue Badge parking would return from Monk Bar to Deangate, and College Green.
•    The taxi shuttle service for which feedback was poor will finish at the end of December.
•    Ten Blue Badge spaces would be retained at Monk Bar Car Park, and four created at Bootham Row to add to the additional free on-street spaces at Dundas Street, Carmelite Street, St Saviourgate, Duncombe Place and the existing spaces on Piccadilly, Tower Street, Castle Car Park and all other council car parks.
•    A single information point for disabled people to plan journeys.
•    Explore ways to allow disabled people who use cycles as a mobility aid to use them with care on the footstreets.
Following the announcement that York will be in Tier 3 from 00.01 on 31 December footstreets will be open to traffic from 5pm as bars, pubs and cafes will only be able to open for takeaway service due to the restrictions.

Councillor Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport, said:

We recognise that there is a balance to be struck between re-opening the city by extending footstreets whilst also ensuring disabled residents are able to access the city centre.

“Following further engagement we have looked to adapt these changes to better reflect the needs of everyone. We think this strikes the balance realising the benefits of footstreets for businesses and most of their customers whilst mitigating the negative impact for blue badge holders.

“When we no longer need to protect the people in our city centre from coronavirus, we will have to protect the large crowds which will return from the very different threat of terrorism.  It is right that we look now at the long-term footstreets arrangements as part of that protection working with businesses and all types of users to find the most appropriate solutions.” 

Council simplifies Tier 3 support grants for businesses

We will make Tier 3 grant support as simple and smooth as possible for York’s businesses – and urged qualifying companies who have not yet made a claim to make sure they are not missing out.

All businesses that have applied for and are receiving grants in Tier 2 do not need to reapply for Tier 3 grants. The council will automatically process the grants under existing schemes.

The council will automatically register and pay the appropriate grants to any business which has successfully applied for:
•    The Local Restrictions Grants brought in to support business through Tier 2
•    The Additional Restrictions Grant introduced to support businesses which were severely impacted, but not forced to close during November’s lockdown.
Tier 3 grants include:
•    Businesses forced to close by law, including most hospitality, indoor entertainment and accommodation, can access Local Restrictions Grants (Closed) of up to £3000, depending on their rateable value,  per month.
•    Businesses not forced to close but with trade reduced by over 75% due to the pandemic can receive between £500 and £3000 for every two weeks we remain in Tier 3.

These grants will be paid automatically – businesses do not need to contact the council.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for performance and finance, said:

Throughout the pandemic we’ve made sure that York’s businesses are getting their grants as quickly as possible.

“As we move into Tier 3, we want to remove any additional stress so if we can pay grants based on existing information, we will.  

“So if you have applied for grants in the last 8 weeks, you shouldn’t have to reapply now.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning, said:

Making sure grants get to businesses as quickly and simply as possible has been central to our pandemic response. This protects jobs, the supply chain and the city’s wider economy.

“If you haven’t applied for a grant recently, please check what you may be eligible for and apply straight away www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants. Council staff are once again ready to put in a huge effort to get this money into businesses bank accounts as quickly as possible

“While we have shaped the Additional Restricted Grants to help catch some of the businesses that have missed out on government support, we’re continuing to call on the Government to deliver more.

“As always, I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk  and thanks to all the businesses who have already got in touch with the team who are looking at ways to provide help,

“There is also a lot more local support for businesses beyond these grants. Please get in touch with Make it York, York BID or the Federation of Small Businesses as soon as possible to find out more.”

To get notification when grant applications open, and up to date info on other business support, sign up for our regular bulletins here https://www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates

Let’s look after each other

After the city woke up this morning in very high restrictions the council is reiterating that support is available for residents and businesses and asking people to look after each other.

From this morning York is under very high restrictions which mean:

  • We cannot mix with other households indoors
  • We can only meet people outdoors in open public spaces in groups of up to six (that means we can no longer meet in private gardens)
  • Reduce your number of journeys, avoid travel outside the area unless needed
  • Work from home if possible
  • All hospitality is closed, except for takeaways and deliveries
  • Retail can remain open

More details are available on the government and council websites.

Recently York has seen a sharp increase in the number of Coronavirus cases which is placing pressure on health services. The validated rate at 24 December stands at 240.2 cases per 100,000, above the regional average of 175.6. Cases are continuing to rise with the provisional rate for York standing at 312.4 per 100,000 at 28 December.

If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, our helpline is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact the Council by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550.

During this period of very high restrictions residents are being asked to keep it safe, keep it local and support local businesses.

Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:

These restrictions mean further changes to the way we live our lives and, undoubtedly, this will be difficult for many.

“The spirit of our wonderful city has been demonstrated throughout this pandemic and I know we will all do what we can to look after each other.

“Please check in on friends, family and neighbours in a Covid-secure way and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

“Please also remember to support our local businesses, who have done so much for our local communities throughout the year. Shops remain open and some bars and restaurants will be offering takeaway and delivery services.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

We have reached the end of an incredibly challenging year for the city. Whilst we are all glad to see the back of 2020, please be safe and see in the new year at home.

“We need to all take extra care as the virus is increasing across the city. These next few months will be difficult but with the vaccine rollout there is hope but we aren’t there yet. Remember that 1 in 3 people do not have symptoms of the virus but may still be infectious. So take steps to protect yourself and remember hands, face, space.

“Looking after our physical and mental health will be vital. Please continue to exercise outdoors but do so safely, following the new rules and keeping a safe distance from those we don’t live with.”

By working together we can save lives, please:

  • Meet others outside and in small numbers (the rule of six applies)
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water
  • Wear a face covering when in busy public spaces
  • Give people space – 2m is best
  • Self-isolate when asked to by test and trace or if you have symptoms
  • Get a symptom-free test if you are eligible (book online)

That was the year that was 2020

January to March

Image
as the New Year started roadworks were taking place on The Mount. Roadworks in that area and Tadcaster Road were to prove to be an embarrassment for the Council later in the year.
A 4% increase in Council Tax levels was announced. There would be expenditure on a £3 million “forest” while a Councillors pay increases would cost £141,000.
Plans to provide a “driverless shuttle” service in the pedestrian area were revealed – to be greeted with general incredulity
The Council’s new team of graffiti removers was having some success.
Council contractors blocked a footpath link from Acomb Wood to Acomb Moor. Twelve months later the right of way is still impassible in wet weather.
The Lowfields development got underway. Neighbours were unhappy as delivery lorries blocked roads and damaged verges
The Castle Gateway budget was revealed as £55 million. The Council intended to borrow £45.8 million to help fund it.
Bootham Park hospital would be sold for use as 125 “independent living” homes
Image
Concern was rising about the delay in completing the £42 York Community Stadium. The York Knights said they would play there on 9th February 2020. As 2020 ends, the stadium has still to host its first fixture
The Low Poppleton Lane camera enforced “buses only gate” continued to attract criticism about poor signage. The Council gets about £100,000 for fines levied on drivers who misuse the route.
The Council stopped publishing responses to Freedom of Information requests on its web site. It was rightly critised for being too secretive.
The Council confirmed that the first Coronavirus case identified in the UK had been linked to York University. At the time few realised the impact that the virus would have on everyone’s life during 2020. At the time Public Health officials said that the risk was “very low”
The York Council decided to spend £2 million on anti terrorist security measures.
New Council bungalows – incorporating electric vehicle charging points – were completed on Newbury Avenue.
The controversial Spark container village on Piccadilly was coming to the end of its lease. The owners had not fulfilled some planning conditions and the expectation was that the lease would end and the site would be sold. It didn’t work out that way.
The York Council decided to sack its weed control contractor. The City had been overgrown the previous summer. New arrangements worked better during 2020.
The amount the Council intended to borrow continued to increase. Critics pointed to high redemption costs and interest charges.
The Council increased its investment in flood protection measures
Disabled tenants were told that the Council would not cut the grass and hedges in future. There had been no consultation. Later Council officials tried to backtrack on their letter
In a “behind closed doors” decision senior Councillors decided to make the York Council’s Chief Executive – who had been on sick leave for nearly a year – redundant. The cost of the exit package was put at over £400,000.
The Council and developers updated their plans for the York Central site which lies behind the railway station. The plans involved making the Leeman Road tunnel single lane working – raising a storm of protest.
The were an increasing number of complaints about poor quality road maintenance standards.
Another Coronavirus case was identified in York on 4th March. Lockdown 1 followed soon afterwards
The project to refurbish the Guildhall and establish a “business club” there ran into further difficulties. Costs spiraled.
The Council was forced to admit, following a Freedom of Information request, that it owned a large number of empty properties. Some had been empty for over 5 years.
The Council agreed to grant the Theatre Royal £500,000 for improvement works
The Council confirmed that it would try to sell the plot at Lowfields, allocated for an elderly persons care home, to a private developer. The developer would be expected to provide “extra care ” facilities. In effect the Council reverted to the original plans for the site which was agreed in 2010.

The rest of the quarter – and indeed the year – was to be dominated by the fight against the pandemic

Misuse of family member’s blue badge prosecuted

An investigation carried out by City of York Council has uncovered and successfully prosecuted a case of disabled blue badge fraud.

Andrew Nichol, aged 61 of Stonegate Court, York, was caught misusing a family member’s blue badge in the city centre earlier this year. An investigation into the misuse was conducted by Veritau, the council’s fraud investigation service, following information from a parking officer.

Blue badges make it easier for people with disabilities to travel and maintain independence. However, they are open to abuse. Under the regulations, a blue badge can only be used when the badge holder is present, or being picked up or dropped off.

On 21 February the blue badge was spotted by a council parking officer, displayed in a parked vehicle on Duncombe Place. The badge’s details were checked by the fraud team and the badge holder’s location could not be verified.

When Mr Nichol returned to the vehicle, he told the parking officer that the badge holder was at his home and he was going to pick them up. Investigators later found that the owner of the blue badge was not waiting to be picked up by the driver.
Mr Nichol was asked to participate in a written interview under caution but failed to respond. The investigation concluded with him being prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act 1984 for wrongful use of a disabled person’s badge.

No plea was entered and Mr Nichol failed to attend court, but the case was heard in his absence at York Magistrates’ Court on 9 October 2020. He was found guilty and received a fine, plus court costs and a victim surcharge, totalling £1,169.

“Act in haste, repent at leisure” time for York Council transport changes

Cycling numbers decline in York

It looks like more of the road restrictions introduced in the summer, as part of the Councils reaction to the COVID crisis, will be dropped.

The most criticised restriction – closure of Bishopthorpe Road –  was scrapped a couple of months ago, although officials are now threatening to revive the idea as part of “a review of the Local Transport Plan”.

A report to a meeting taking place next week provides an insight into how travel habits have changed in the City since COVID struck.

The most recent monitoring data, for September, shows that AM peak traffic volumes are around 80% of pre-lockdown, with the PM peak around 85% of pre-lockdown levels. Between the peaks, and at weekends, vehicle trips are down by around 5-10%. Bus use is 50-60% of pre-lockdown levels.

There is some bad news for the cycling lobby.

“Cycling levels appear to have fallen by around 30% in the peaks, whilst interpeak levels are not changed in comparison to the same period last year. It is likely that fewer people are commuting to and from work by bike or cycling to the railway station for onward travel by train, offset by higher levels of exercise/ leisure cycling”.

The report pointedly fails to comment on pollution and air quality levels in the City. These continue to be at record low levels (so probably don’t suit a doom and gloom narrative).

click to access

Several of the “emergency” schemes involved little more than putting out more traffic cones. Those in the Marygate and Monk Bar car park were largely unnecessary. The £10,000 a month taxi shuttle service for disabled people from the latter continues to run although it is little used. Most of the 40 parking spaces lost at Marygate are set to be restored as part of a new scheme to install a permanent cycle path link to Bootham.

Of the others, the report recommends

  • The temporary one way restriction on Coppergate is extended
  • The temporary cycle lane at Castle Mills Bridge on Tower Street is removed (only 3% of users are cyclists and there is an alternative, off road, route along the riverside)
  • The proposed scheme for improvements to York’s North – South cycle route is taken forward to implementation, with a proposed restriction on Navigation Road
  • The proposed scheme for improvements to cycle lanes on Bootham is taken forward to implementation, with a consultation commenced on the rest of the Shipton Road cycle lane scheme, including the element which would require changes to residents’ parking on parts of Bootham.
North – South cycle route

The Council has not heard whether its plea for funding a further tranche of works will be approved. These include the very expensive, but desirable, cycle bridge over the river and railway on the A1237 as well as some more eccentric ideas (a cycle path for Dunnington to the City centre).  

Despite the lack of obvious government enthusiasm for the Councils plans, the authority intends to spend £40,000 on further development of the ideas.

As we have said many times, one of the main criticisms of the Councils transport polices over the last 12 months has been its total insensitivity to the state of repair of the existing infrastructure.

Infrastructure is decaying

That is particularly true of cycle paths many of which are obstructed by potholes, weeds, and hedges. White lines have worn away, signage has faded and, in some cases, disappeared altogether.

It is that neglect that is limiting the expansion of walking and cycling numbers in the City.

Capital expenditure (funded by borrowing) is limited to providing or improving assets with an extended lifespan. Resurfacing existing paths could fall within that definition.

The suspicion is that the executive Councillors favour high profile vanity projects simply because they provide an opportunity for a good “Photo Op”.

The reduction in the numbers cycling is one symptom of poor prioritisation

Coronavirus York updates; 30th September 2020

Deaths and test results

It looks like York is heading for a new lockdown following the announcement today of 35 new positive test results. That brings the cumulative total number of cases to 1309.

The figures mean that we are now seeing over 50 cases per 100,000 head of population each week. This is the intervention level set by the government after which additional restrictions are implemented.

The most likely restrictions will be similar to those imposed in West Yorkshire. There, contact is banned between people from different households.

There have been no additional hospital deaths announced today

The worst affected neighbourhoods in York are Bishopthorpe/Copmanthorpe and Clifton Without/Skelton

Lots of questions to be answered

UPDATE; The urgent control board meeting has taken place it can be viewed on line via the Council web site (click below)

One or two pieces of new information did emerge at the meeting. There are now 10 beds occupied at the York hospital by COVID patients. This is still many fewer than the numbers seen in May but is gradually increasing.

Impact on hospital capacity

Although probably not a surprise to many, the demographics of the second wave suggest that it is under 30’s who are most affected

Age groups of recent positive tests
Although there have been many successful test and trace results in the City the authorities are clearly unhappy with the overall performance of the testing processes.

The meeting was told

  • The last national seven day rate showed that as of 27 September York has 46 cases per 100,000 population, which on average is 14 new cases every day. There is usually a time lag in what is reported nationally and we will soon show a rate of 52. The national and regional averages are 49.7 and 70.3 respectively.
  • The latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 only) was 3.61%. The national and regional averages are 3.8% and 4.6% respectively.
  • In the two weeks up until 21 September, almost every area in York had positive COVID cases reported.  No area has had over ten cases in the period of a week, which shows that transmission isn’t confined to particular parts of the city.

EARLIER The Councils COVID management board meets later today. Little update information  has been issued in advance of the meeting (click)

We know that the number of cases in the City is rising rapidly. Fatalities are also now occurring again. Such information is in the public domain courtesy only of central government web sites.

Analyses of the situation in York is anecdotal at the best

The Public Health Officer uses Facebook to say that most infections occur because of home visits by family and friends. Public contact is less of an issue apparently.

But no figures are offered to back up this assertion.

How many, when, where? All are key questions on the lips of residents.

We only know that there have been 2 recent COVID deaths in care homes. No further details have been provided

“Sources” at St Johns University say that over a dozen students have symptoms. York University says that case number are low. Both institutions say they have difficulty getting tests completed. So, do they really know the scale of their problems?

We now know that a drop in testing centre for York University students will open tomorrow in a segregated and managed area in the Wentworth Way car park. The facility will open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, on an appointment-only basis from tomorrow (Thursday). Tests can be booked using the NHS Covid-19 App, the NHS website or by telephoning 119.

The position for permanent York residents remains unclear.

We were promised another drop-in test centre. We do not know when, where or even if, it will open? Nor do we know what its capacity will  be.

Where are the weekly test and trace numbers for York? What is the backlog in requests for tests. How quickly are results produced?

The Council apparently has access to the data but doesn’t publish it on its “Open Data” web site. Officials say they have the go ahead for a local test and trace process.  That has been promised for 3 months now and seems to be no nearer to producing verifiable results at neighbourhood level.

Then there is hospital management.

They are not listed on the Outbreak board agenda to be reporting to today’s meeting. Yet the ability of the hospital to deal with the second wave of cases is a key concern for residents.  How many admissions? How many beds occupied? How many in ICU? How many discharges? What spare capacity is available?

Where is the independent challenge to the secrecy culture?

 The executive member, with responsibility for Health issues, has a subterranean profile. There is no campaign for openness from that quarter. The last decision session on health and social care was held on 13th February.

The last Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting was held on 18th February. That is the body which should challenge and question on health concerns.

 A management meeting earlier this week promised that scrutiny committees would shortly start operating again. The health committee has a lot of ground to make up

The Health and Wellbeing Board last met on 30th July. It has no further meetings scheduled.

So, all York residents have available are the occasional anodyne “on line” Q & A session involving self styled  “leaders”.  Yesterday’s Facebook session was typical. It produced nothing new and was distracted by discussion of the so called “devolution” deals being offered to North Yorkshire.

It increasingly appears that the Councils aim is not to “inform” but to “direct”.

Anyone doubting that should look at the one presentation which has been released in advance of today’s meeting. The public relations plan (click) is all about what others should do. It fails to answer the obvious question.

What do residents want to know?

Monk Bar car park taxi shuttle service

The Council will continue the Monk Bar car park taxi shuttle service for the disabled until the new year. The decision was taken “behind closed doors” by a Council official.

Most of the spaces reserved for the disabled at Monk Bar car park have not been used

While the basic principle of the service has been broadly welcomed, critics have blasted the large number (40) of spaces coned off for the service.  This has put pressure on the rest of the car park. Anecdotally it appears that no more than seven spaces have been occupied by disabled drivers at any one time.

No analysis of the demand for space was published before the decision was made. Neither have any details of the number of passengers using the shuttle service been revealed.

The service is costing taxpayers £354 a day in subsidies.

Ambulances in bus lanes

In a less controversial decision, the Council has agreed that liveried ambulances may use bus lanes in future even if they not responding to an emergency call.

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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The Beehive (Centre of Excellence for the Disabled)  Ascot Way York YO24 4QZ

Condition 10 of 18/01467/GRG3

Ref. No: AOD/20/00240 

  1. NB This relates to kitchen odour control measures

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14 Wenham Road York YO24 3GH

Replacement of existing timber windows with UPVC at 14, 16 and 20 Wenham Road

Ref. No: 20/01743/FUL

1 Teal Drive York YO24 3GQ

Replacement of existing timber windows with UPVC at 1, 3 , 4, 6, 26 and 28 Teal Drive, YO24 3GQ

Ref. No: 20/01612/FUL 

NB The above applications for new windows relate to blocks of FLATS. Planning permission is not normally required for a change of windows at HOUSES unless they are Listed or located in a Conservation Area.

—–

32 Rosemary Road York YO24 3FN

Erection of 1no. two storey detached dwelling (Plot 4 Former Lowfield School site)

Ref. No: 20/01573/FUL 

—–

34 Rosemary Road York YO24 3FN

Erection of 1no detached dwelling (Plot 2 Former Lowfield School site)

Ref. No: 20/01697/FUL 

NB. These Rosemary Road applications relate to “self-build” units which will be constructed to the rear of Tudor Road. Planning applications have now been submitted for 3 of the available 6 plots. While many may feel that the designs bring some welcome high-quality innovation to the site, the main problem with self build schemes can be the length of time it takes to complete work. If this can be overcome, then the allocation of additional self build plots, using the land which was reserved for Yorspace (communal housing), might be a useful step towards the early completion of building works across the site as a whole.

——

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

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

Housing delays in York

As well as the much-publicised delays in re-letting empty Council homes, it seems that the pandemic has also resulted in delays in modernisation plans.

 The “tenants’ choice” programme (bathrooms, kitchens etc.) was to have seen 294 properties upgraded this year. The Councils contractors were confident they could achieve that number.

Perhaps not surprisingly, a larger than expected  number of tenants are currently declining to have  the work done. According to a Council report tenants are declining the work due to” nervousness relating to the pandemic, ill health, or their inability to be able to cope with the disturbance such works would inevitably cause”.

Rooms at the refurbished Lincoln Court sheltered housing scheme are now ready for letting. 3 former residents are understood to be among those moving back into the building.

More worrying news; work on fire safety improvements has halted. £2.2 million scheduled to be invested this year is being slipped into next year.

On a more positive note, the Councils shared ownership programme is going well.  34 properties have been acquired with several now being occupied by “key workers”. This is the project where residents identify a property available for sale which is then jointly purchased. The occupants then pay rent on part of the property while it remains in Council ownership.

Building work has started on 79 of the 140 plots at Lowfields according to the Council

 Some of the 79 homes on which work has started at Lowfields, have been taken up on a shared ownership basis.

Over £7 million which was to have been invested in social housing in the City during the current year is being slipped into 21/22.

Spark lease still outstanding

Contrary to the claims made in a Council report published yesterday, it appears that the owners of the SPARK Container village on Piccadilly HAVE NOT signed a new lease.

The revelation comes in a response to a Freedom of Information published today.

SPARK were controversially offered a new lease at a meeting which took place on 14th February. They had been due to vacate the site in June.

Following complaints from neighbours and against a background of non compliance with planning conditions, the Council sought to place new restrictions on how SPARK could operate the business. (see below).

It has now emerged that SPARK has settled outstanding 2020 Council debts to the value of £23,333

The development was granted a 2 year extension to its planning permission earlier in the summer.

Spark has been operating on a “tenancy at will” basis since June.

The Council says, “The Council are in discussions with Spark over the provision of the new lease following the grant of a Tenancy at Will earlier in the year, which is still in force”.

The long term future of the 17/21 Piccadilly remains unclear as the health crisis and economic recession makes early redevelopment unlikely.

It has been suggested that the site could be used as a terminus for a disabled friendly zero emission transport system which would ferry less ambulant visitors around the City centre.

This use – which might also offer residential or workshop opportunities at first floor level – could help to ease pressure on the nearby Castle car park.