Public service standards improving in York

Good to see that some street level public service standards are improving in west York. As we observed some months ago, the health crisis caused a rethink on street cleansing with a neighbourhood management approach producing better results. This has improvement has generally been sustained

The York Council had a challenging time in 2019 when parts of the City were blighted by weeds following the award of a poorly specified treatment contract. This year the streets have been largely clear of weed growth following the award of a new £58,000 contract to Munro Weed Control.

There are still some problem areas (snickets, back lanes, garage forecourts) but generally standards have improved.

Routine weed treatment has worked well in most areas although some snickets and garage forecourts still aren’t routinely treated

Some progress seems to have been made on long term, seemingly intractable, problems such as rubbish storage and fly tipping in the Front Street back lane area. Notices have now been displayed indicating the penalties for fly tipping. Most rubbish storage areas are now tidier although there are some exceptions

Front Street/Beaconsfield Street tidier but not yet perfect

Less good news on highways maintenance. There are still too many uneven road surfaces including long outstanding problems in the School Street area in the Acomb. White line repainting is also behind schedule.

School Street & Bellwood Drive

The Councils new graffiti removal service has been successful although utility boxes and some private boundaries are still subject to attack. The utilities in particular take a long time to clean their boxes. We’d like to see the Council team undertaking this work and more effort being made to fine those who are responsible.

Utility boxes and private boundaries stills subject to attack
Good to see local bus shelters have been repainted. Missing or damaged perspex panels need to be replaced at some locations
Anti social behaviour has been an increasing problem in some neighbourhoods recently

Taking a pride in local neighbourhoods

As “normality” returns to our streets we are looking to the authorities to demonstrate that they have a plan which will see an increase in social pride in local neighbourhoods.

The Councils much hyped “health hubs” are winding down as the premises they occupy – such as libraries – are made ready for a return to their normal uses.

The longer established neighbourhood hubs have yet to reopen although the extended summer holidays mean that demand for their services is greater than ever. Informal meeting places would provide a welcome relief from social isolation particularly for those who have endured lock-down on their own. They are also a potential valuable resource for families during the extended school break.

Many of the venues for these hubs remain closed with no published plans for them to reopen when social distancing rules allow.

Perhaps surprisingly the York Council has yet to address other tensions which are likely to increase as more people are out and about. There is no room on the agenda for community safety at today’s first COVID “Board” meeting. Yet anti social behaviour is already increasing in some estates as lock-down is eased.

Still too much fly tipping despite amenity sites having reopened
Pleased to see that the unused telephone kiosk at the Foxwood shops has finally been removed. Hopefully the Council will get this prominent empty bungalow repaired and re–let quickly now
Still too much self inflicted grief. Graffiti on local junction boxes needs to be cleaned off
Grass has now established itself on the area near the new Osprey Close land drain.
Still waiting for hardcore to be put down on the path to ensure that it remains useable in wet weather
Continuing battle to get road repaired. It appears that the funding delegated to ward has not been utilised. Carriageway surfaces are likely to disintegrate when icy weather arrives.
Some good news with the cul de sac on Kingsway West now swept of detritus.
Ongoing problems reported on the “Save Lowfields Playing Field” Facebook page. Main issues relate to early morning noise, dust and further damage to verges in the Dijon Avenue area. (The latter thought to be connected with BT “Open World” works).

Police act on anti social behaviour in west York

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Over the past few nights while we have been patrolling, we have come across a number of groups of young people congregating in our local communities and ignoring the Government’s advice to stay at home. Sadly our Force Control Room has also received calls reporting anti-social behaviour (ASB) in our local area.

This week our Assistant Chief Constable appealed to parents and carers to ensure their teenage children understand the risk the COVID-19 virus poses and encourage them to stay indoors. You can read his message here – https://bit.ly/3ahVIx2

The Government has made it clear that staying at home is one of the main ways we can stop the virus from spreading, so there should be no young people out on the streets.

We will continue to carry out our patrols and if we come across any anti-social behaviour or groups of young people in the area, we’ll be advising them to go home. We’ll also be using our ‘Be Informed’ text message service to inform local residents of the situation.

‘Be informed’ is a scheme designed to inform parents and carers, of any anti-social behaviour in the local neighbourhood that officers are attending. If their children are out at the time, parents and carers can then use this text as a trigger to contact their children, check their whereabouts and ask them to come home.

The ‘Be informed’ scheme is easy to join. All you need to do is email your mobile phone number and the name of the area you live in to Beinformed@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk – by emailing these details you are giving your consent to join the scheme.

To read more about the scheme you can visit the North Yorkshire Police website – https://bit.ly/39lcWbg

Be informed is delivered through North Yorkshire Community Messenger. For further information on what we do with your personal data, please visit www.northyorkshirecommunitymessaging.org

You may withdraw your consent to the service at any time by emailing Beinformed@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk and request to unsubscribe from the messaging service.

 
 
 

Anger as trees vandalised on Foxwood Lane

A number of trees on the amenity area next to Foxwood Lane were vandalised yesterday.

It is the second attack in less than 3 months.

The trees were provided through public subscription, so everyone in the community has an interest in bringing those responsible to book.

The local Police haven’t attended Residents Association meetings in recent months, so we hope that they will turn up on Wednesday and explain what they intend to do to address the increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.

If anyone can cast light on who is responsible for the vandalism please let us know.

 

 

Restrictions on gangs and alcohol consumption on Acomb Green proposed

The Council is to consult residents on introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle the problems caused by youths in West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

The proposal will be considered on 4th April.

Acomb Green Play area group in 2011

Acomb Green Play area group in 2011

Options that the Council could look at introducing, through a PSPO, include:

  • A ban on drinking alcohol in both areas;
  • The ability to remove large groups of 3 or more people who are causing anti-social behaviour for both sites;
  • Banning the possession of lighters by under 16’s in the play area.
  • A ban on people riding bicycles or motorised bikes through West Bank Park;
  • Ensuring that dogs are kept on a lead at West Bank Park (current position) or relaxing this at certain times;

The proposals have been prompted by an increasing number of complaints about anti-social behaviour during the summer months. Between April and September, the police responded to 33 complaints about gangs gathering on the Green together with 4 about drunken behaviour and a further 4 where an attempt was made to set fire to the play equipment.

Similar issues arose at West Bank Park

If supported, the restrictions – which can be enforced by one the spot penalty notices – would also apply to the streets surrounding The Green.

Crime levels have been creeping up in York recently and residents will be expecting to see some effective remedies proposed by the candidates who are standing in the crime commissioner elections which are taking place in May.

York Council publishes list of sinners

Scam busters Jan 2016
Click for list

The York Council has published a list of individuals that it has had to take legal action against between 1st April and 30th September.

A report explains what action was taken and explains why cautions were issued in some cases.

The list includes

  • 6 cases where cafes breached Food safety and hygiene regulations and were prosecuted plus another 6 cases where cautions were issued
  • 3 cases under trading standards legislation
  • 3 more serious fraud cases
  • 134 cases where Council house tenants were prosecuted for breaches of tenancy conditions (mainly anti-social behaviour with costs awarded varying up to £357 per tenant)
  • 108 cases where evictions form Council properties was sought because of rent arrears.
  • 6 other cases where possession of a council house was sought including a case of non occupation

Perhaps surprisingly no mention is made of any Fixed Penalties Notices issued to dog owners who did not clean up after their pets. 

The report will be discussed on 19th January

Cornlands Park entrance to be gated as process to close Bachelor Hill snickets is considered

One of the entrances to the Cornlands Road park is recommended for closure in a report to be presented to a meeting next week (see plan).

Cornlands park gate Nov 2015There have been few objections to the plan which will use new Public Space Protection Order legislation. The legislation allows access to be restricted to areas which have a poor crime record.

Last year the Cornlands Park was the centre of increased anti-social behaviour in the area and Police hope that restricting the number of access points to the park will make enforcement easier.

Many residents though would like to see the whole of the park secured after dark.

Bachelor Hill

The same meeting will consider a petition presented by local Councillor Sue Hunter to the last Council meeting.

It requesting the alleyways between 30-38 Gale Lane,1-9 Bachelor Hill and to the rear of 11-15 Bachelor Hill be gated for reasons of security.

Back snicket closures Bachelor Hill

A report by officials to the meeting claims that there have been no reports of anti-social behaviour in the area during the last 12 months and that therefore the Public Space Protection Order legislation cannot be invoked in this case.

Not with standing recent statistics, over the years’ rowdy behaviour has been a recurrent issue in the area.

The snickets concerned are not short cuts. They are only used – legitimately – to access the rear of the terraced properties.

The Council should agree to consult with residents about the options for installing lockable gates

The snickets, which are both on Council Housing Department owned land, could still be closed but funding would be needed from either the estate improvement budget or the Ward committee.

York police patrols to tackle rowdy behaviour during school holidays

A major new partnership operation in York will support vulnerable young people and clamp down on anti-social behaviour this summer holiday.

anti social behavior

Throughout the summer, Operation Liberate will see police joining forces with partner organisations to target areas where anti-social behaviour has been an issue in the past.

High-visibility patrols by officers, PCSOs and Special Constables will assess these areas and deal with any groups of young people. The operation is aimed to keep young people themselves feeling and being safe, providing them with constructive help and support.

Where appropriate, young people will be passed on to partner agencies and given the chance to discuss any issues they may have.  Meanwhile, parents will be contacted by the Youth Offending Team, who will provide them with relevant support and advice, and ask them to collect their child.

Operation Liberate is the first time such a large-scale initiative has been undertaken by North Yorkshire Police, and sees officers work closely with the Youth Offending Team, City of York Council, Lifeline, the Bridge House Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the NHS, the Rock Church, the Jack Raine Foundation and others.
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Breathalysers set to help curb drunken disorder in York

Police in York have unveiled their latest tool to help curb drink-induced disorder in the city.

Breathalyser device for door staff

Breathalysers have been given to door staff at a number of licensed premises to help stop people who have had too much to drink from getting in to bars and clubs.

While door staff will still use discretion over an individual’s level of intoxication and whether or not they are in a fit state to enter their premises, a breath/alcohol reading of twice the drink drive limit or higher could greatly increase the chances of someone being refused entry.

Not everyone will be breathalysed, just those who are suspected of having already had too much to drink.

Acting Inspector Andy Godfrey of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The breathalysers are another tool to help us tackle drink-related disorder and violence. Many people pre-load before going out for the evening and are already heavily intoxicated before they enter a bar.

“Much of the disorder and violence we are called to deal with is triggered by excessive alcohol intake. Being drunk and out of control also makes people more vulnerable. The breathalysers will support door staff in the difficult job of challenging people who they believe have drunk too much.

“So far, the devices have been well received by local licensees and we hope they will have a positive impact on York’s thriving nightlife.”

Nine devices were trialled at various venues over the weekend of 9 January and a further six will be given to licences premises this coming weekend.

Jane Mowat of the Safer York Partnership, which has funded some of the breathalysers, added: “We are delighted to support this initiative which hopefully will not only raise awareness about how much individuals have actually been drinking but also assist in our long term aims to ensure the safety of all those who come to York to enjoy our nightlife.”

The breathalysers are part of a number of initiatives introduced in by North Yorkshire Police in partnership with the City of York Council, the Safer York Partnership, NHS, door staff, members of Pubwatch, Street Angels, British Transport Police and York University, to help keep alcohol fuelled disorder to a minimum.

York police have also introduced new security briefings ahead of each weekend evening. These are attended by door staff, Street Angels and other agencies who help to keep people safe during the night time economy.

Policing patrols are also stepped up during weekend evenings and are boosted by Special Constables who provide additional policing resources voluntarily.

Anti social behaviour probe called for

St Stephens Square affected

There has been an increase in the number of complaints about noise and anti social behaviour  over recent days.anti social behaviour

Problems with noise can, in part, be traced to windows being left open in the warmer weather that the City is enjoying.

However in some streets neighbours have been seriously disturbed. One such area is St Stephens Square  and now the activities of those living in two particular blocks of flats there have been passed to the Police for their attention.

About 6 months ago the authorities centralised their anti social behaviour resources in West Offices and it is beginning to look like this was a backward step.

Residents affected by noise problems should report issues to the Councils Environmental Protection Unit

If the problem is on the street – or involves more than just noise – then it should be reported to the Police. There have been changes in the local policing teams recently and more are in prospect but the easiest way to contact them is by telephoning 101.

Details of the Safer Neighbourhoods West team can be found by clicking here