Coronavirus York updates; 8th November 2020

Deaths and test results

One further death at the York Hospital Trust announced today. The fatality occurred yesterday and takes the total number of COVID 19 related cases to six during the last week

54 (FIFTY FOUR) new positive test results announced today bringing the total to 4152

The case rate in York is stable and below the regional and national average.

Heslington is no longer the neighbourhood with the highest number of cases. The numbers in the City centre neighbourhood and now higher.

The Westfield/Chapelfields/ Foxwood North neighbourhood has seen a gradual increase in case numbers over the last week or so. It now has above the national average number of infections.

The latest demographic data shows the number of positive test results in the City by age group. It shows that the teen and twenty age groups still have the majority of cases but that their infection rate is declining.

Number of positive test results in York by age group

Government initiatives

Vitamin D

Millions of vulnerable people will be sent supplies of Vitamin D by the Government as evidence grows that it helps in the battle against Covid-19 infection. Care-home residents and people shielding because they suffer from conditions such as cancer will be sent enough supplies of the vitamin to last four months, with the first packages due to arrive early next month.

One recent study found that more than 80 per cent of Covid-19 victims admitted to hospital were Vitamin D deficient, compared with a UK average of 25 per cent.Ministers are hoping that greater uptake of the vitamin, along with more effective drug treatments and a viable vaccine, will combine to remove the need for an endless series of rolling lockdowns.

Food help for children in low income families

The government is to spend about £400m to support poor children and their families in England, following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford. A winter grant scheme, to be run by councils, will provide support with food and bills, and a holiday food and activities programme is to be expanded.

The move represents a significant climbdown for the government, which had argued Universal Credit was enough.

From the package of support, a £170m ring-fenced fund will be distributed through councils until the end of March, with at least 80% earmarked for help with food and bills. The holiday food and activities programme will be expanded with a £210m investment to cover Easter, summer and Christmas in 2021.

On top of that, there will be a £16m cash boost for the nation’s food banks.

York Council decides on Public Right of Way requests

The York Council has considered several requests for changes to the definitive map of public rights of way (PROW).

In total Councillors and officials have decided whether to pursue 13 applications.

There will now be a further period of consultation.

The Council has a large backlog of applications which it has agreed to determine before the end of February

Click an individual application below to view each and the decision

Work set to start on Wetherby Road roundabout plus other roadworks in York

Work will begin next month to upgrade the first of seven roundabouts on the outer ring road in a bid to cut congestion and journey times.

Wetherby Road roundabout will be widened to create a three-lane approach and two-lane exit. Cyclists will also benefit from a council-funded off-road cycle route between Rufforth and Acomb.

Work will take place every weekday from 7:30am to 4:00pm, with the potential for evening, weekend and some overnight work at points before the improvements are complete next spring. Motorists can expect minor delays at as the roundabout’s approaches and exits have a reduced, 30 mile per hour limit throughout the works.

The total £38 million programme is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, and will take up to four years to complete all seven roundabouts.

The council is also asking for views on proposals to upgrade the second roundabout in the scheme, at Monks Cross. You have until Friday 1 June to comment on the plans, which can be viewed online at www.york.gov.uk/yorr, at the council’s West Offices on Station Rise, YO1 6GA.

All comments will be reviewed and changes to the design made where possible. The decision on the final layout will be taken at a public Executive Member for Transport and Planning Decision Session meeting later in the year.

Heslington road junction set to be improved

City of York Council is warning residents and visitors to expect disruption whilst we make improvements to the junction of Heslington and Cemetery Road.
The improvements include, replacing ageing and failing traffic signals, enhancing the pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction and adding a cycle lane on the Barbican Road approach.

The work is scheduled to start on Monday 4 June and is expected to take four weeks to complete. Work will be carried out Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and also take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 3pm.

Four-way traffic management will be in place at the junction and it is likely that the work will cause significant disruption to traffic. We are aiming to keep this to a minimum by working in phases to allow the junction to function as well as possible. However, residents, businesses and visitors are advised to expect delays.

Temporary crossing points will be available at all times to ensure that all currently available pedestrian crossings are maintained. Traffic marshals will also be on site to assist pedestrians crossing the road.

The five year traffic signal asset renewal programme was given the green light by the councillor responsible for transport and planning in November 2015.

The total replacement programme will cost £2.62m over five years and will be funded through the capital programme budget and the existing Local Transport Plan budget.

For information on travelling in and around York visit www.itravelyork.info/roadworks

Planning permission sought for replacement sports hall at Heslington

The planning committee taking place on 4th December will consider an application to replace the temporary University sports hall which is located on Heslington Lane.

The temporary hall has been in use for over 8 years and is showing signs of wear and tear.

Location of hall

Location of hall

The replacement hall measures approximately 55m x 40m x 13m to the ridge. The building would be insulated and incorporate heating and ventilation. Materials would comprise insulated panels and a fabric membrane roof, all over a galvanised steel frame. Access would remain as existing, from Heslington Lane via James Way.

The application is recommended for approval.

Sport England have asked for  a condition securing the use of the sports hall by the local community.

The hall is additional to the facilities being provided at the sports village on Hull Road.

Safety improvements planned for University Road in Heslington

The York Council is considering installing a new pedestrian crossing on University Road in Heslington.

The have been four injury accidents on the road in recent years.

The scheme could cost £70,000 and also involves introducing a 20 mph speed limit.

The Council has so far not revealed why this area is apparently being omitted from its wide area speed limit plan for the eats of York.

The University is also going to invest around £150,000 in off carriageway works some of which may encourage students to use a footbridge to cross the road.

Details of the plan can be found by clicking here

 

Click for detail

Click for detail