Exercise during lockdown

Although group walks are banned during lockdown, there are a lot of options which can be followed on an individual basis in west York. Some are more taxing than others.

“Move the Masses“ produces a map covering three routes in the Acomb area including one that crosses Bachelor Hill (see below).

Click to enlarge

The same group also advertise routes which include Acomb Green (click) and Fishponds Wood (click)

Elsewhere the Westfield Ward Councillors have claimed on their Facebook page that the tree trunk, which currently blocks the Foxwood Lane access to Acomb Moor, will be moved “as soon as the ground dries out”.

Maybe so. But if this happens then we hope that walkers will restrict their movements to the perimeter of the field until the crop has been harvested.

One consequence of more people walking in the area is that the footpath infrastructure is deteriorating more quickly. There is a need for stiles to be repaired and for hardcore to be putdown at locations which are flooding.

Hardcore needed on some muddy sections of local footpaths

The Council has known about these pressures for some time and needs to reprioritise its leisure budgets to properly support healthy living routines.

COVID Grants – York fares poorly in handout to voluntary groups

Coronavirus Small Business Grant Fund - does your council have the correct details?

The York Council has emailed residents telling them;

“22 local charities will be receiving grants of up to £15,000, each from Two Ridings Community Foundation. This is to support their essential running costs over the next six months as they respond to the continuing double whammy of increased demand, and decreased fundraising caused by the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown. This funding is part of the £750 million pot announced by the Chancellor for frontline charities across the UK during the coronavirus outbreak.

These 22 awards, totalling £328,307 brings the amount distributed by Two Ridings in the last six months to £1,541,399!”

A full list can be read by clicking here

Unfortunately, only one York organisation is benefiting from a grant in this round.

 Move the Masses will get £14,950 in funding to “improve communication/marketing re: services/projects via website & social media updates. A new part of time member of staff is required for this”.

Move the Masses have promised to start a series of “Acomb Ambles” this month.

This would be welcomed by some. The York Council sponsored “York Health Walks” were suspended 6 months ago and show no signs of restarting. That is a shame as exercise and conversation can be an important antidote to feelings of isolation and depression.

Obviously the background to the health crisis has prompted new government restrictions as part of their reaction to  the “second wave”.  These come into force on Monday so there will be limits on what voluntary groups will actually be permitted to do..

Nevertheless, there are other organisations which need support not least those managing community centres which are a key part of life in parts of the City.