Front Street racial abuse incident – Police seek witnesses

Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following a hate related public order crime.
The incident occurred at Morrisons on Front Street, Acomb when a man was subjected to threatening and racially abusive language.
The offence occurred at around 3pm on Wednesday, 20 June.
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option 2, and ask for PC David Ellison. You can also email david.ellison41@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to provide information anonymously then information can be given to the independent charity Crimestopper on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference 12180110039 when providing information.

Contact details: DAVE ELLISON david.ellison0041@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Incident reference: 12180110039

York’s free WiFi network reaches Acomb’s Front Street

York’s Cityconnect WiFi has expanded its network out to the suburbs this week, as Acomb’s Front Street has gone live to join the city-wide network.

Front Street serves as a strategic location for the expanding network as it sits central to the suburb of Acomb which is home to a population of over 22,000.

 

This, the latest CityConnect expansion, incorporates Front Street into a network covering York’s city centre, Bishopthorpe Road and all 6 of the city’s Park & Ride terminals. This is in addition to the public WiFi available in 14 libraries and 41 council owned buildings.

The CityConnect wireless connection is available 24/7, 365 days of the year, and is completely free to log in to and use. The expansion of CityConnectWiFi comes at no cost to the city’s council and helps to further develop York as a digital city. The network allows those who pass through the public space to access the network from their phone, tablet or any other wireless device and can support high quality streaming services such as BBC iPlayer.

This latest expansion of the CityConnect WiFi, is one of many initiatives which have taken place over the past few years to further York’s digital infrastructure.

July decision day for Front Street investment

Front Street

According to the Councils latest forward programme, proposals to improve the Front Street area will be considered at a meeting taking place on 3rd July.

The report follows on from earlier decisions on how the Councils available investment budget would be allocated.

One of the decisions was to allocate £100,000 to be spent on regenerating the Front Street and Haxby shopping areas.

At the time, the allocation was criticised as being too small to make much difference.

Last year, residents were consulted about how they would like to see the shopping area upgraded.

The most popular improvement was a proposal to provide a “level” surface across the whole of the pedestrian area.

This would potentially include the (privately owned) shops forecourts. We said at the time that this would need the involvement of a dedicated project manager who would have to negotiate agreements with several landlords. Whether improvements of this scale will be included in the July package remains to be seen.

Front Street back lane

The second most supported change, by residents, was improved management of litter and rubbish. There have been ongoing problems with litter and dumpingt in the back lane behind Front Street.

Many residents also wanted to see street furniture refurbished. Some progress has been made on this with cycle racks now added to the painting programme.

As we reported earlier in the week, there are some signs that Front Street is becoming more popular with traders. The number of empty properties has reduced, The Acomb Alive traders group now produces a 6 monthly magazine which has a wide distribution, while the Saturday markets continue to attract shoppers.

What is now needed is a bold and decisive approach to investment in the public realm

Sue Hunter calls for continued action on Front Street regeneration

Cllr Sue Hunter, Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield, is calling on the Council to ensure progress is maintained on the regeneration of the Front Street area.

Cllr Hunter recently joined with Cllr Johnny Hayes, Chair of Indie York, for small independent businesses in the city, to discuss how Acomb can be regenerated.

According to data recently released by the Local Data Company, more empty shops in Acomb have now comeback into commercial use, underlining the economic importance and opportunity to reinvigorate the Front Street.

In response to these calls, the Council has acknowledged the need to continue with a clear programme of proposals and the work to identify such proposals is now underway. Some suggested proposals put forward Cllr Hunter include:

  • A campaign to promote Acomb as a place to do business in York
  • To continue with the successful Acomb Market and Christmas Festival
  • Physical improvements to the roads and footpaths in the area
  • Application for rate relief to businesses operating in Front Street

Cllr Sue Hunter, Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Westfield, said:

“As a local councillor and business owner in the area, I fully recognise the potential of the Front Street as a place to do business in York.”

“It is pleasing to know that the Council has recognised the need for a clear programme of proposals for Front Street but more can be done. I look forward to work commencing on this I strongly urge the Council to begin work on local economic improvements as soon as possible.”

“With the recent news that more empty shops are now being used in Acomb, the Council should move forward to capitalise on the opportunities the Front Street area holds.”

CCTV appeal following theft of clothing from Peacocks in Front Street

Police have released CCTV images of two women they would like to speak to regarding the theft of items from Peacocks clothing store on Front Street in Acomb.

At around 12.05pm on Saturday 10 March 2018 the two women pictured entered the store, one woman was carrying a blue rucksack.

 

A number of items of children and adult clothing were removed from the store, without any offer of payment being made.

Anyone who recognises either of the women pictured is asked to contact PC Emily Clark on 101 or email Emily.Clark@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference 12180041400.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800555111

Action being taken to deal with footpath, dumping and other issues in west York

Work on levelling footpaths on Front Street has started. A Ward Committee funded scheme aimed at providing level access from the Gale Farm Court area into the shopping area for those using disability scooters.

Litter at the top of Foxwood Lane has been reported

& the weather inevitably means that vehicles parking on verges will damage them. We hope that work on providing a lay-by on Askham Lane will start shortly

Shocking pictures of dumping to the rear of shops on Front Street. Cllr Sue Hunter is following up the issue.

Complaints are increasing about lack of maintenance of the Leeman Road Nature Reserve. There has been a lot of dumping, tree detritus blights surrounding streets and some public footpaths are obstructed.

 

Appeal for witnesses following an assault in Acomb Front Street

11-15 Front Street

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault in Acomb which happened in the early hours of yesterday, Friday 29 December 2017.

Police received reports of an altercation involving a number of men and women outside Boyes on Front Street Acomb, shortly before 12.40am.

Upon arrival, officers found five men and four women to be involved in the altercation and an assault had also taken place.

A 23 year old man has sustained injuries after being punched and kicked, and a 33 year old man has sustained an injury to his head and hand.

Two men from York, aged 23 and 33, were arrested in connection with the incident. Both men have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact police. Dial 101, press 2 and ask to speak to York Investigation Hub.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12170231267 when passing on any information.