There are still too many blocked drainage gullies in parts of York. This mornings rain demonstrated the scale of the problem with flooding at the bottom of Hamilton Drive East a particular hazard. There were similar if less spectacular problems on Nigel Grove and Foxwood Lane. All have been reported for attention
Hob Moor entrance October
Six months ago we reported that work needed to be done to ensure that the access to Hob Moor (Micklegate Stray) from Holly Bank Grove was useable in wet weather.
The path (which is a non statutory right of way) has deteriorated over the years. Residents had put down some wooden boards last year but these had proved to be inadequate.
Jan 2018 Mud now blocks access
At the time we hoped that the Holgate Ward Councillors would take the hint and install a soft landscape path of the type successful constructed at access points in Acomb Wood and on Bachelor Hill.
Sadly that hasn’t happened and the footpath was effectively impassable yesterday (Sunday).
We hope that the Councillors for the Holgate ward will now get the message and ensure that – as a minimum – some wood chippings or bark is put down to soak up the water.
NB. Ward Committees have been allocated a delegated budget by the Council to deal with issues like these.
Nettles removed from Foxwood Lane
Not so good is the entrance to Hob Moor from Holly Bank Grove. It’s only October and the path is nearly impassible for pedestrians because of boggy ground. The Holgate Ward committee should take a leaf out of their counterparts in Westfield who arranged for improvements to a similar footpath access, to Acomb Wood from Hawkshead Close, over the summer.
We hope that the contractors, currently working on putting in new Toucan crossing signals at the junction of Kingsway West and Thanet Road, will take the time to resurface the carriageway hammerhead while plant is is the area. The surface is dangerous for cyclists
The same contractors may also be responsible for vehicle damage to the Thanet Road sports area. Bulbs were planted in the grassed area by residents groups over recent years.
Residents responding to a survey in the Kingsway West/Windsor Garth/Hamilton Drive area have identified their priorities for public service improvements.
The survey is the latest of a series being conducted by Councillors representing the Westfield ward on the City of York Council
212 residents have so far completed and returned the questionnaires 
Generally the results suggest that most residents are at least satisfied with the quality of most public services in the area
However Councillors are now seeking improvements to road repairs, car parking and overgrown trees/bushes in the neighbourhood.
Further details can be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/surres2017
Other findings included:
(more…)
North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information about an assault that occurred in York.
It happened on Hob Moor, off Tadcaster Road, at about 3.45pm on 7 February 2017, and involved a 13-year-old boy from York who was on his way home from school on his bicycle. He was riding his bike over Hob Moor when he encountered a man aged about 30-40, who grabbed him and punched him several times in the face before making off towards Tadcaster Road, York, on foot.
The boy received minor injuries to his face, and was checked over by paramedics after the incident.
We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
In particular, we are appealing for information about the suspect, who has been described as a white male, aged around 30-40, approximately 5ft 8ins in height, of slim build, with a dark shaved head and stubble to the face and wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for Amy Foster. You can also email amy.foster@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12170021867.
Families have finally been able to move into the new Hob Stones development on Windsor Garth. The development was over 18 months behind schedule.
There is still a lot of tidying up to do and people living in nearby flats have complained about damage to grassed areas and inadequate road repairs.
These issues are being followed up by local Councillors.
The building compound area will need major remedial work
There has been a lot of damage to grassed areas although this one opposite the new development could provide additional car parking spaces
Some carriageways have now been resurfaced
Although we have reported a lot of detritus in the gutters
On Hob Stones itself, the new play area has not been completed.
….but it appears that the developers have pulled back from their threat to remove the security railings from the northern boundary. The railings are still there albeit in need of a coat of paint. The railings will make life more difficult for criminals
