Ashley Mason – York commentary archive site

Cllr Ashley Mason outside the closed Woodthorpe Post Office

Councillor calls for services to be restored

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Ashley Mason is calling on Post Office bosses to move quickly to restore counter services at Woodthorpe Post Office.

Counter services at the Post Office were withdrawn suddenly last week, with rumours circulating locally that the counter will be closed for five weeks. Liberal Democrat Councillors for Dringhouses & Woodthorpe contacted the Post Office late last week to request an update, and they have received the following statement:

“I can confirm that this branch has been closed on a temporary basis due to circumstances outside of Post Office Ltd’s control. We can’t disclose any further details about the closure as this information is private and confidential, and I’m unable to confirm when the branch will re-open, I can however assure you that our internal teams are working to minimise this disruption in service as much as possible.”

Cllr Ashley Mason, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dringhouses & Woodthorpe, commented:

“The local Post Office is a real lifeline for many local people, particularly older residents, who would otherwise struggle to get to other branches in Acomb or Dringhouses.”

“This closure, however temporary it may be, couldn’t have come at a worse time, with many people wanting to send Christmas cards overseas or parcels to friends and family.”

“I am calling on the Post Office to restore counter services as quickly as possible

Cllr Ashley Mason continued to closely scrutinise the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) at yesterdays North Yorkshire Police & Crime Panel.

The PCC agreed with Cllr Mason that work was needed to review neighbourhood policing in York, following public concerns.

Because of these concerns, a public meeting for residents and community leaders has been organised to raise issues with the Deputy Chief Constable on the 19^th December, at West Offices, York (see below).

We have seen a more effective police presence in west York over the last few weeks. Offices attended Wednesdays Foxwood Residents Association meeting to provide an update following incidents of vandalism in the area.

The neighbourhood policing team (left) have also been using social media to update residents (left) on the progress they are making.

Thursday’s Police and Crime Panel saw welcomed engagement with younger residents, as students from York College’s Public Services course attended to put questions to the panel. Cllr Mason, who originally suggested to the panel to hold the meeting at York College, was pleased to see young people participating.

Cllr Mason pressed the Commissioner regarding Freedom of Information (FOI) practice at the OPCC and North Yorkshire Police, and additionally, requested an update on the progress of the 101 service.

Given recent negative coverage regarding the Force’s handling of FOI requests and reports of callers suffering delays to speak to operators via the101 service, Cllr Mason felt it fundamental that Julia Mulligan update the public.

Cllr Ashley Mason said:

“We must continue to scrutinise the OPCC and ensure vital police services are maintained to an excellent standard. Recent reports have suggested that this has not been the case and therefore, the OPCC must be upfront and relay this information back to the public they serve. Services such 101 are hugely important to the local community and I will continue to push for better standards.

I was also delighted to see students from York College at Thursday’s Panel, having originally requested that the Panel increase its engagement with younger residents. It is so important that young people are heard at the local level and I will continue to amplify their voice where possible in all areas of my council duties.”

Residents can attend the public meeting on the 19^th December at 6pm. There is no need to pre-book, simply attend West Offices. For further details, please contact Cllr Mason on cllr.amason@york.gov.uk