York Council urged to speed up response to complaints about local services

A large number of issues with Council service standards on the west of the City have been lodged – through the “Fix my Street” system – this week.

In many cases it seems that the York Council is struggling to catch up with a backlog which developed over the bank holiday.

Full clothers recycling bin Acomb car park

Full clothers recycling bin Acomb car park

Abandoned bike on rack off York Road

Abandoned bike on rack off York Road

Broken Glas back School Street

Broken Glas back School Street

Dumped black bags in back lane

Dumped black bags in back lane

Graffiti

Graffiti

litter and weeds back Beaconsfield Streert

Litter and weeds on Front Street back lane

School Street carriageway needs resurfaicng

School Street carriageway needs resurfaicng

Vandalised garage door Thoresby Road

Vandalised garage door Thoresby Road

Front Street, Acomb robbery: witnesses, images and video sought

Detectives investigating after a robbery outside the Halifax bank in Acomb, York, are appealing to witnesses to come forward.

Incident

Officers are particularly keen to hear from people who took any photographs or recorded any video footage in the Front Street area of Acomb between 12pm and 2pm on Monday 6 July 2015. Any images could help the investigation, even if they are not of the robbery itself.

After leaving the scene of the incident the suspect left the area on a motorcycle with another man. The bike was found abandoned on Newlands Lane, Hessay, just off the A59, at around 2.30pm. officers are appealing to anyone who saw the bike being dumped to get in touch.

They would also like to hear from any motorists who were driving along the A59 and saw two men on a motorbike turning off the road.

Anyone with any information that can help the police is urged to get in touch. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant, it could be vital to the investigation.

If you can help officers with their enquiries, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and pass information to York Serious Crime Team.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number NYP-06072015-0286 when passing information about this incident.

Front Street, Acomb robbery – Police appeal for information

Police are investigating after a robbery in York.

Incident

Officers were called at around 2pm on Monday 6 July 2015, after reports of a robbery outside Halifax bank on Front Street, Acomb.

A man grabbed a cash box from a security guard outside the bank and left the scene on a motorcycle ridden by another man.

It is believed that the motorcycle was abandoned on Newlands Lane, in Hessay, and officers are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch.

The stolen cash box was recovered after being found discarded in Acomb.

The security guard was not injured in the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and speak to the Serious Crime Team.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number NYP-06072015-0286 when passing information about this incident.

Acomb “stayin alive” despite raw deal from York Council

 

Sue plus Andrew

After pressure from the newly formed Acomb Traders Association (Acomb Alive) the Council allocated £30,000 for improvement in the area. There was a promise of flower tubs, better signage street-markets and outdoor events.
In the last 18 months the Council has only managed to spend £6,000 of this money –with which even Mary Portas would struggle to make a significant difference!
Sue Hunter, who runs the local Florist – Floral Elegance – on Front Street, is keen to see a major investment in the area to really pull Acomb around.
“Many businesses are investing in the area, and we have seen new businesses open, and we are looking forward to the imminent opening of Boyes. However, there is much to do to fill all the empty shops and to provide the range of shops that would make Acomb a thriving place to do business”. We need a shopping centre where the pavements are safe from trip hazards, especially for elderly and disabled residents who specifically come to Acomb.

By having a long term plan we can draw in more investment, and make the most of what the council can contribute to do their bit.
Delivery lorries are shattering the pavements, so they need replacing with stronger surfaces in a way that makes the area distinct – we have a great deal of heritage in our part of York, as a lifelong Acomb resident I say let’s celebrate that !
It is about getting the basics right, bringing back the litter and salt bins which disappeared, and restoring and area that we can all take pride in..
Traders worked together to put up more Christmas trees this year, and I worked with council staff and Gateway to put up the first large Christmas tree in the area for several years.”
NB Morrisons have confirmed that they will fill in the potholes which are appearing in the Acomb car park. Drainage issues will also be addressed.

Boyes Acomb opening date ……as Conlans Bistro announces spring menu

Boyes store to open in 17th April

Boyes store to open in 24th April

Boyes new store on Front Street Acomb is scheduled to open on 24th April. It will bring a further boost to the shopping area and – coupled with the plan to being storage space in the adjacent building back into use as apartments – will reduce the amount of vacant floor-space on the street.

Across the street popular Bistro Conlans has launched a new menu and special offers for customers using the restaurant on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. They are advertising weekly “specials” on Twitter @ConlansAcomb

Conlans launch new spring menu. click to enlarge

Conlans launch new spring menu. click to enlarge

7 flats proposed for empty storage space above Front Street shops

Latest Planning applications 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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Acomb

None

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Westfield

1 - 9 Front Street

1 – 9 Front Street

Location:       1 – 9 Front Street York

Proposal:       Conversion of vacant first floor retail space to 7 apartments with external alterations including replacement windows, cladding and rear entrance

click to access

click to access

Site location map click to access

Site location map click to access

Ref No: 15/00178/FUL

Applicant:      Mr John Skelton  Contact Mr Dean Starkey  Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

This is the block next to the new Boyes store which is currently being renovated.  The plan to provide more homes linked to the reuse of empty space will be welcomed by many, and would make a contribution to our Acomb regeneration project.

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Location:       All Wrapped Up 9 Front Street York YO24 3BW

Proposal:       Change of use from shop (use class A1) to restaurant/ cafe(use class A3)

Ref No: 15/00067/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Simon Ryde   Contact Mr Dean Starkey Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015  Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       17 The Gallops York YO24 3NF

Proposal:       Erection of boundary fence

Ref No: 15/00180/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Ian Wright   Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sandra Duffill  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       2 Otterwood Bank York YO24 3JS

Proposal:       Single storey side extension and conversion of garage to habitable room

Ref No: 15/00189/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs C Leach     Contact Mr Paul Butler  Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sandra Duffill  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       3 Osprey Close York YO24 2YE

Proposal:       Crown reduce by 2m to Shape Oak Tree protected by Tree Preservation Order No.: 26

Ref No: 15/00332/TPO

Applicant:      Mr Tony Fairburn        Contact Mr David Gregory        Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Esther Priestley        Expected Decision Level

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

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

Boyes to take over empty superdrug store in Acomb

Boyes have announced they are moving into Acomb, taking over the former Superdrug building which has been vacant for a number of years.

11-15 Front Street

11-15 Front Street

Sue Hunter, who is Chair of the local trader’s group Acomb Alive! established to help local businesses work together, develop the area and support one another, added: “The position of the building close to both Morrison’s and the junctions of Green Lane and Front Street has long cast a blight on the good work we are all doing in the area, particularly the events staged by the smaller, independent traders.

“Having this shop open and doing business again will provide a boost for Acomb in terms of both confidence and footfall. We are all looking forward to working with Boyes and involving them in the activities we are developing for Acomb for the year ahead”.

Andrew Boyes, Director of the Company said: “We are delighted to be moving into Acomb and becoming part of the business community. We have known Acomb well for many years and have made a long-term investment in the building and the area. Boyes is here to stay and we are very much looking forward to becoming a key brand and offering excellent service to local people while attracting additional trade to the area.”

Boyes are planning to renovate their new store over the coming months and are expecting to open their new Acomb premises in Spring 2015.

Acomb Toilet closed again

Acomb toilet closed again

Acomb toilet closed again

The public convenience in Acomb has been closed again

Once again no explanation for the closure, or estimated time when the facility will reopen, has been posted by the Council.

Roof repairs were expected to be undertaken during September but there is no sign of active work retaking place on the site this week.

The Council was criticised in the spring for closing the facility without making available a portaloo or an update on the scale and timetable for the modernisation work.

The Council should not only post a notice on the building explaining what is going on, but also update its web site with details and brief the local media.