Hob Moor disabled access gates in working order

Claims were made in the media earlier in the week that access gates at the entrance to Hob Moor were faulty. The gates are intended to allow movement, by people with disabilities, to the path around the moor and have been in use for nearly 20 years. They can be operated using a “RADAR” key. The keys are widely available,

*One Hob Moor access point for disabled users is obstructed by nettles and thistles.*

The gates allow entry for 3 and 4 wheel specialist machines and wheelchairs although the configuration may be awkward for some types of cycle.

There is an adjacent pedestrian “kissing gate” as well as a separate lane for conventional cycles.

There are 6 gates positioned at key points around the perimeter of the moor. They were installed many years ago as part of a configuration which was aimed at preventing access by off road motorcycles. The motorcycles had become a major source of irritation to nearby residents. The motorcyclists had also caused disruption to wildlife (particularly ground nesting birds) and flora on the moor.

The design also aimed to secure the moor for cattle grazing.

Generally the arrangements achieved their objective, with much of Hob Moor now a peaceful haven for wildlife.

The gate mechanisms were all working correctly yesterday.

One gate near Hob Moor Drive was obstructed by weeds and nettles and this has been referred to a local Councillor for attention.

There is some pressure for improvements. The equipment needs to be repainted. There is a suggestion that there should be a trial removal of one of the “plinths” at a cycle access point. This would allow cyclists to move more freely through the dedicated lane without the risk of getting a bent pedal.

More ambitious is a proposal to replace the RADAR keys with an electronic version which could also involve powered gates. Such options were not available 20 years ago when the gates were designed. The proposal would be expensive to implement

There will be some who think that the top priority should be to ensure that maintenance standards on existing routes are improved. This would include an improved inspection regime, the systematic removal of overgrowth and repairs to signs/lineage.

The same could also be said of the obstructed cycle and footpaths which can be found in other parts of the City.

Chesney’s Field community pride project is bags of fun

Primary school pupils in York have been working with the police to spruce up their surroundings, as part of a project to encourage good citizenship and pride in their community.

Youngsters from Hob Moor Primary have joined local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to do weekly litter picks around Hob Moor nature reserve.

They have also considered ways to improve vandalised play equipment and reduce anti-social behaviour at Chesney Park in nearby Foxwood.

PCSO Laura Harper, school liaison officer in York, has been working with the children and said they have helped make the area more attractive for residents, young and old.

“The enthusiasm and pride in their community they’ve shown has been absolutely incredible,” said PCSO Harper.

“A number of residents have stopped myself and some of the students over the last few weeks, saying how nice it was to see us working together to make it a nicer area.

“While these improvements to the community are clear to see, projects like this also encourage children to develop a strong pride in their community that can last a lifetime.

“This, in turn, can lead to less antisocial behaviour and criminal damage in communities, which is a win-win for everyone who lives and works there.”

Hob Moor incident – Court decision

The media are reporting that a woman arrested following a disturbing incident on Hob Moor last June has received a suspended prison sentence for the offence.

The woman is understood to have left the City.

101 busy

Meanwhile the police are facing a growing wave of crime reports which is leaving their control room very busy.

Below is the official North Yorkshire Police Online reporting system for those reporting non urgent crime that would prefer to do it this way rather than the 101 telephone reporting system.

https://northyorkshire.police.uk/do-it-online/report-it/

North Yorkshire Police appeal following rape on Hob Moor

May be an image of outdoors and text that says "APPEAL ON LICE"

We’re appealing for information as part of a rape investigation in York.It happened on Hob Moor at around 4am to 4.30am on Sunday (30 May).

A number of lines of enquiry have been carried out which lead us to believe this was an isolated incident.

A young woman was walking across Hob Moor in a south-eastern direct from the west when she was approached by a man and assaulted.

The man is described as a slim build and wearing black trousers, a black hooded jacket and black gloves.

A full investigation is currently under way, and there has been an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously, is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1, quoting reference 12210128446.

Ice gone, potholes appear, flood warnings

The ice and snow has largely disappeared from York today.

In its place are a new – and not so new – crop of potholes.

Please help to make the City safer by reporting any that are a danger to road users.

Potholes on Foxwood Lane are multiplying.

The next problem we are likely to face is flooding. Three Flood Warnings are already in place for the City.

It will be two or three days before the snow melt in the Dales & Moors catchment areas reaches the City.

Progress can be viewed by clicking the image below.

Surface water drainage seems to be less of a problem at the moment.

The Knavesmire flood works seem to have reduced the standing water problem which was a feature of most winters until recently.

Impromptu village pond appearing on Little Hob Moor. Knavesmire largely clear.

We’ve reported some rubbish which was revealed as the snow melted, including this black bag on Hob Moor.

Woman arrested in connection with attack on man and dog on Hob Moor

A woman has been arrested in connection with an attack on a man and his dog on Hob Moor in York yesterday.

North Yorkshire Police officers arrested the 51-year-old woman at an address in York at 2.25pm this afternoon.

She was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated assault and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, in connection with the incident on the evening of Tuesday 9 June 2020.

She was further arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs.

She remains in custody at this time, while police enquiries continue.

Video footage of the incident had been circulated on social media. A number of members of the public contacted North Yorkshire Police with information about the incident.

Tree growth causes sight line concerns

It happens every year to a lessor or greater extent, but low level branches (known as epicormic growth) sprout on some trees.

If left untrimmed they can cause sight line problems for drivers and may even obstruct footpaths. We’ve reported several over the weekend.

Weed growth around telegraph poles. The Council usually treats these with weed killer.

Weeds are impeding the disabled access gates at some of the entrances to Hob Moor

Overgrown hedge issues have been reported

Better news elsewhere. Dickson Park is looking very tidy.

While Corlett Court residents have turned their flower beds into a blaze of colour

& the Council have done some grass cutting near Herman Walk

Nice day for a walk. Hob Moor idyllic

Nice day for a walk or cycle ride today. Higher temperatures then we are used to in January. Some problems with cycling infrastructure reported

Cycle marker posts rotting with some maps now badly faded. There is a need for someone to regularly check cycling infrastructure like this.

York Council making progress in dealing with complaints

Most of the tin cans which blighted Ouse Bridge have been removed. Still a bit of work to do on the weeds but it is less unsightly now.

The Hob Moor hedge which was obstructing Kingsway West has been cut back

Still some issues with hedges blocking footpaths. This one on Foxwood Lane

This one on the snicket access to Hob Moor from Holly Bank Grove

Appeal for information following a serious assault on Hob Moor

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a serious assault that occurred recently in the Hob Moor area of York.

It happened at around 6pm on Wednesday 4 September and involved the serious assault of a 64-year-old local man who was walking his dog on Hob Moor.

The victim received facial injuries and lacerations to his mouth which required hospital treatment.

As a result of the current police investigation, a 63-year-old man from York was arrested and has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

We are asking for the public’s help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with any information they have.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Phil Kennedy. You can also email philip.kennedy@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12190164399.