Its over 4 months since Councillors told residents that a blocked Public Right of Way (PROW) would be reopened . The access to Acomb Moor from Foxwood Lane had been via a stile for over 20 years.
It gradually fell into disrepair and the Council declined to stabilise it.
Foxwood Lane old access
An application to define the route as a PROW was submitted in late 2018 and supported by the Council some 12 months later.
Shortly afterwards the tenant farmer blocked the access with a large tree trunk. He went on to plant crops in the field (for the first time in over 25 years).
Local residents agreed to use a footpath route which skirted around the outside of the field and this has become a well established exercise route during the lockdown period.
Unfortunately an assurance from local Councillors – that the tree trunk would be moved to allow for single file pedestrian access – was not fulfilled. As a result an new access point has now been forced near the Askham Lane junction.
Of more concern, many walkers are now trying to climb a 5 bar metal gate. A potentially hazardous activity for the elderly and infirm.
There are other points on the route which have also fallen into a, potentially hazardous, state of disrepair.
There are easy and relatively cheap solutions to this problem. The Lockdown period has simply reinforced the importance of informal walking routes near the City.
The Council should act now to make these footpaths accessible and safe.
One of the consequences of the City moving into Tier 4 restrictions, as it is expected to do following an announcement tomorrow, may be that progress on some traffic schemes will be delayed.
This could affect The Groves traffic restrictionswhich were introduced using a temporary (experimental) traffic order last summer. The expectation was that a decision would be made early in 2021 about whether – and with which features – the scheme would be made permanent (or abandoned). However, further restrictions on movement, because of the pandemic, could mean that no stable traffic pattern will be established until well into 2021.
One of the criticisms of the scheme, which was rushed into operation following a meeting last June, was that the area had already become largely devoid of through traffic as a result of changes in the local economy.
Safety concerns remain.
The Council, in response to a Freedom of Information request in October, said, “Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits were not undertaken for this scheme due to its experimental nature. The project team discussed the design with road safety officers to get their input as the scheme was developed. Once the initial adjustments to the scheme are completed, a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit will be undertaken”.
The adjustments were made some months ago but there is still no sign of the promised safety audit.
As well as obvious concerns, such as unmarked contra flow cycle routes, there are other issues to be addressed.
Not least of these, is access for emergency vehicles. Moveable bollards are promised as an option if the scheme becomes permanent but any decision on that is fading into the distance.
The high level of demand for ambulance services, as the pandemic tightens its grip, means revised arrangements are needed sooner rather than later.
One concerned resident has now written to the Council detailing several safety failings on the existing scheme. Issues highlighted include a requirement for all traffic exiting Penley’s Grove Street to turn left and use the Monk Bridge roundabout to complete a U-turn. An unnecessarily dangerous manoeuvre for cyclists (who may well be tempted to ignore the restriction).
In total, the resident has identified over a dozen locations where the provided signs do not meet current national regulation standards or where ad hoc bits of street furniture represent potential hazards for users.
Hopefully, 2021 will bring a more measured approach to changes to the City’s transport systems.
City of York Council has teamed up with walking and cycling charity Sustrans to urge parents across York to try walking, cycling or scooting with their children to school to create a safer, less congested, more healthy environment for start of the new term.
As schools reopen, roads are expected to be busier than normal in September, and the council is urging road users to plan ahead when travelling around York, plan ahead and use public transport outside of peak hours and walk or cycle where possible.
Parents who can opt to leave the car at home or park (or wait with their switched engine off) away from the school entrance area will help families maintain social distancing as well as reduce congestion and air pollution. More active travel (walking, cycling or scooting) will also help support public transport to cope with Covid secure measures which have reduced capacity.
Recently released guidance from the Department for Education shows that due to physical distancing restrictions on public transport, at least 50 per cent of journeys to school of two miles or less need to be walked and cycled to allow space for those on public transport who need to travel further[1].
Around 69 per cent of children in York currently walk, cycle or scoot to school, a figure that rises up to 85 per cent in some schools during active travel incentive days[2]. The council is encouraging schools to sign up for Sustrans’Bike to School Week from 28 September to 2 October.
The council has recently renewed Sustrans’ contract to work intensively with eight primary schools in York, helping to support an increase in children walking, cycling and scooting to school and a reduction in congestion. Following a successful pilot at Carr Junior School earlier this year, some schools will also redesign their school street, aiming to make them safer and healthier for the whole community.
At Carr Junior School Sustrans’ designers worked with children to assess the problems around the school gate and suggest improvements such as informal street crossings and build-outs. In March, Sustrans tested the designs and gathered feedback from local residents and these can now be developed through the active travel fund measures.
We’ve reached the time of year when hedge growth can begin to block cycle and footpaths. Fortunately, because many are currently working from home at the present time, domestic hedges should be getting regular attention (subject to protecting nesting birds). The lack of a green waste bin emptying service is, of course, an issue that will need to be resolved.
It is less clear what resources the Council will be able to deploy to keep on top of public hedges.
In the meantime it may be down to volunteers.
Thorn branches trimmed from cycle track entrance
We trimmed back thorn branches today from the cycle track at the top of Askham Bryan Lane. They were growing at eye height and represented a potential hazard for both cyclists and walkers.
However it is probably expecting too much to depend on a purely voluntary effort to trim overgrowth.
For some time we have suggested that there is a need to appoint a couple of Path Wardens. They would be responsible (in summer) for ensuring that there were no obstructions for either cyclists or pedestrians. They could also fill in potholes and repaint markings while keeping signage and other infrastructure in good condition.
In winter they could help with de-icing.
Whether the Council can rebalance its budget, when the present crisis if over, to give greater priority to maintenance issues like these remains to be seen.
In the meantime, residents should continue to report incidents where obstructions represent a hazard for path users.
Rishi Sunak announces Govt will pay self-employed people a taxable grant of up to 80 per cent of of their average profits over the past three years, up to £2,500 a month. The Chancellor says this will be available to anyone with profits up to £50k, and is only available to those who make the majority of the income from being self-employed
Community support
We understand that both the North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York Council are setting up local volunteer hubs. These will co ordinate the provision of services within local neighbourhoods.
In York there are expected to be 20 “hubs” spread around the City with the first starting work before the end of the week. The hubs will not be open to the general public but will direct volunteer efforts on food and other deliveries.
In North Yorkshire 23 community support organisations will be the single point of contact for the county and district councils and working with the local voluntary sector. People needing help will contact the County Council’s customer service centre on 01609 780780 which will direct them to the contact point in their area. The role of the community support organisation in each locality is as follows: • The single point of contact for those who are alone and isolated by the pandemic • Signposting to what local support is available in the community; • Act as local hub for individuals and groups wishing to volunteer in the community response; • Provide information on local shopping options and trusted suppliers who are delivering directly to those who are self-isolating;
The Community Support Organisation will work with local voluntary sector groups to arrange: • Collection and delivery of shopping using local volunteering resources. Shopping will be delivered in line with the safety guidelines and left on the doorstep or in a safe place, in order to avoid close physical contact; • Collection and delivery of prescriptions using local volunteers. Prescriptions will be collected by a nominated person or organisation with the agreement of the GP or pharmacist; • Caring for pets, for example walking a dog. • Regular social contact via telephone, FaceTime, Skype or other methods that avoid physical contact with an individual in self-isolation. • Delivery of books and magazines or materials to support hobbies, such as wool or knitting or art materials The first thing people wanting to help should do is to think about and talk to family, friends and neighbours who may need help. The county council is also urging them to contact local voluntary groups already known to them mindful that the Government’s regulations must be observed at all times. Volunteers must follow the Government’s safety guidance on keeping a two metre distance from people and the regular washing of hands. “If volunteers have specific or specialist skills to offer, again they should be in contact with local groups. They can also contact the county council customer service centre which can direct them to their local community support organisation which can process their offer of help.”
The county council is working with the community support organisations to bring in North Yorkshire Volunteer ID cards in line with Government guidance. “
Funerals
Information from City of York Council, “Whilst the Prime Minister announced the closures of places of worship and social events, however they did make an exception for funerals attended by immediate families. We are in close and regular contact with funeral directors and are following the latest government advice.
As part of steps to manage the impact of Coronavirus, and taking into account national guidance relating to social distancing, City of York Council has announced a number of changes relating to York Crematorium.
From immediate effect funeral services will still go ahead but with only 10 (ten) mourners to being allowed inside the White Rose Chapel and 5 (five) inside the Ebor Chapel. This is restricted to close family only (spouse/partner, parents/carers, brothers/sisters and children and their partners). This is to minimise the number of people gathering.
The council will seek to provide a recording free of charge and within 72 hours of the service the funeral director will receive the recording in an mp4 file format ready to pass onto to the family”.
Roadworks
Stonegate completing – all others postponed
We have taken the decision to close down the active work site at Monkgate which is still more than a week away from completion.
The site will be made safe and works will not recommence until such time central government indicate it is safe to do so. Temporary traffic signals will still be in place at the junction but hopefully the network will still remain quiet as people avoid travel wherever possible.
Council leaflet
Information about volunteering and community support is being distributed to all homes in the city. These leaflets have already begun distribution. “The delivery teams are working flat out, are working safely and within Government guidelines and the leaflets, as COVID-relevant council information, have been prioritised for delivery.” The information is the same as has already been widely distributed on social media.
The Council says that they are also producing postcards for each ward (with ward members contact details) and stay safe stay home information will be sent by royal mail early next week.
Current Available Mental Health and Wellbeing and COVID-19 Resources
Please find below a list of current resources that are available online to support Mental Health & Wellbeing as part of COVID-19 Response.
The safety of the public and staff is paramount, therefore we are ensuring social distancing guidance set out by the Government is followed where ever possible. This has led to widespread changes to the services we offer.
This includes:
Volunteering
So far, 1,400 residents have signed up to volunteer which is a wonderful response. We’re still looking for more, so please sign up
Parking and Car Parks including free parking for key workers and food workers
Key workers who work in the NHS or are health and social care related services or work in supermarkets and food outlets without parking (this does not include takeaways) will be able to park for free in council car parks to support the fantastic work they are doing during the corona virus pandemic. Our only ask is that they put in the windscreen a letter on their employers headed paper confirming that they are a key worker in one of the services mentioned above. They will not need to pay.
During the outbreak the council are mindful that people may not be able to move their car whilst they self-isolate some discretion is being shown to people who park legally provided they are not causing an obstruction or wilfully breaking the law.
Any urgent enquiries on this can be sent to parking@york.gov.uk where officers will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please note Fossbank and Piccadilly car parks are currently closed.
Public Toilets
Public toilets in the city centre will be closed until further notice.. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Parks and open spaces
All council-run parks in the city will remain open for exercise but we’re asking visitors to ensure they adhere to social distance best practice. From this weekend, Rowntree Park will reopen following the flooding earlier this year.
Play areas will be closed from today and this includes basketball courts, skateparks, caged five a side areas and tennis courts. Notices are being placed in all play areas instructing the public of this decision.
To ensure we follow the government’s guidance on social distancing the York Bar Walls are closed.
Roadworks
We are suspending all non-essential roadworks across the city, including replacing traffic signals on Monkgate, following the government’s advice on social distancing. If possible we will remove cones and temporary traffic light to ensure the minimum amount of disruption is caused for those making essential journeys. This also ensures that we are able to redeploy staff if necessary to ensure essential services, such as refuse collection, continue to run.
Bulky Waste Collections
Ourbulky waste collection services, which collections bulky items from households has now temporarily stopped. This is to ensure we can continue providing essential services across the city, including collecting your household waste (black bins).
Household Waste Recycling Centres
Our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC), including Hazel Court and Towthorpe, are now closed.
This is on the basis that a visit to the HWRC cannot be considered essential – in line with recent national advice
We will be keeping Hazel Court open for commercial use – e.g. small builders, as they are currently allowed to continue to operate whilst adhering to social distancing. They will be required to produce a ‘duty of care’ transfer note on arrival.
Register Office
Unfortunately all ceremonies have been postponed following the governments advice. We have contacted everyone who has made a booking to look at rescheduling for a later date. The Register Office is currently only open to register a death. We are asking people to only go to the register office if they have a pre-booked appointment and are not showing any symptoms. We’re are also asking for only one person to attend each appointment to ensure social distancing guidance is followed.
Crematorium
From immediate effect funeral services will still go ahead but with only 10 (ten) mourners to being allowed inside the White Rose Chapel and 5 (five) inside the Ebor Chapel. This is restricted to close family only (spouse/partner, parents/carers, brothers/sisters and children and their partners). This is to minimise the number of people gathering.
Adult social care
In partnership with the NHS, we are prioritising the safe and supported return home of people currently in hospital.
We’re closely working with care home providers to monitor capacity in care homes across the city.
We’ve shared updated Govt advice on shielding online to protect the most medically vulnerable residents.
We’re contacting all vulnerable households and tenants aged over 65 to check on their needs.
All housing landlord services will be run online or by phone to protect tenants, their families and our staff.
No face-to-face appointments can be run at the moment and tenants are being asked to use online and phone services only.
We’re reminding tenants that they must continue to pay their rent, but any who are struggling with their rent should contact their Housing Management Officers (HMOs) as soon as possible. We’re taking a flexible approach on enforcement.
We’ve shared details of benefits advice and where to make new claims or update existing ones is people’s circumstances change.
Housing adaptations
The priority areas are for minor adaptations to residents’ homes to enable safe hospital discharge and to fit key safes to enable carers to support them at home.
Homelessness services
In addition to our established hostels, we are working with private providers to place single homeless people with lower support needs in single rooms. These can be used to self isolate if needed. We are currently sending food to these customers and plan to use volunteers to support staff doing this.
In our hostels we are mitigating risks with extra sanitising measures and using social distancing. We are staffing hostels at levels which meet residents’ welfare needs and protect staff.
Rough Sleeper services are operating in the same way: for a bed, please go to 63, Lawrence Street or call them on 01904 416562
We are continuing with our services for people concerned about being homeless, and these will be done online or by phone. Anyone concerned about homelessness should call City of York Council on 01904 554500 or visit www.york.gov.uk/homelessness/housing-options.
Noise nuisance
We ask residents to show tolerance and consideration for neighbours at this difficult time and as we get used to new ways of living: it’s important that we all work together.
We are asking people to think about what they can do to live with levels of noise from neighbours, such as using a room in a quieter part of the home or using headphones to help concentrate. If this doesn’t work, in most cases, being neighbourly and considerate can resolve the majority of problems.
Our service is here to investigate criminal levels of noise nuisance and activate legal enforcement. If you do not think that what you are experiencing needs this, please consider safe contact with your neighbours to reach an agreement.
Stray dogs
Our stray dog service is currently suspended. If you find a stray dog or have lost your dog please phone our Dog Warden on 01904 552299 who may have had contact from owners and finders and can put you in touch.
Free parking for NHS staff and other key workers at York Council car parks
Key workers who work in the NHS or are health and social care related services or work in supermarkets and food outlets without parking (this does not include takeaways) will be able to park for free in council car parks to support the fantastic work they are doing during the corona virus pandemic. Our only ask is that they put in the windscreen a letter on their employers headed paper confirming that they are a key worker in one of the services mentioned above. They will not need to pay.
During the outbreak the council are mindful that people may not be able to move their car whilst they self-isolate some discretion is being shown to people who park legally provided they are not causing an obstruction or wilfully breaking the law.
Any urgent enquiries on this can be sent to parking@york.gov.uk where officers will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please note Fossbank and Piccadilly car parks are currently closed.
£1m business emergency fund to protect York businesses and jobs during coronavirus outbreak
City of York Council today announced a £1m local emergency fund to support businesses in dealing with the impacts of Covid-19.
The fund will target a range of support at around 1000 small and micro firms, who are not set to benefit from the recently announced Government support packages.
The council is working closely with partners to make sure the fund delivers the most effective support and targets those who are least likely to benefit from existing measures.
In addition to the creation of a business support fund, the Council is also taking a series of action to alleviate pressures on local businesses during this difficult period.
These include:
All 350 council commercial rents deferred for three months.
Supporting key suppliers, including:
Paying those providing services to council and maintained schools, and bus providers for tendered routes and concessionary fares
Paying in advance where possible, and for planned annual activity.
Exploring the potential for short-term loans
All planned increase in fees and charges are suspended (unless set by the government)
A license fee ‘holiday’ for businesses which can’t use them
Suspending debt recovery efforts
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said:
“These measures are designed to protect jobs and help local businesses who are having to adapt to extremely challenging circumstances and fall outside the remit of any government support.”
“In addition to the £1 million emergency fund for business, there will be a separate hardship fund of £1.25m to support residents, which we’ll announce details of soon. In the meantime, any resident facing financial difficulty should apply to our hardship scheme immediately.
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy, said:
“We want to get help to businesses as quickly as possible to assist them at this critical time. We would encourage other property landlords to take the same approach.
“We’re also working with the York BID, LEPS and other partners to connect businesses to all the available advice, guidance and support, so we’d urge any business to visit www.york.gov.uk/BusinessSupport to see what is available to them.”
The council is engaging with business support services and partners to make sure the fund delivers the most effective support, with full details to be announced in the coming days.
Any resident facing financial difficulty can see all the available support, and apply for the York Financial Assistance Scheme, at https://www.york.gov.uk/COVIDFinancialHelp
We were pleased to here that the JoRo housing team have agreed to trim back hedges from Bellhouse Way near their Woodlands estate. The path there is obstructed as it is further round near The Gallops, although the problem there involves a more hazardous thorn hedge.
Some of the hedges to the rear of Foxwood Lane are also obstructing footpaths.
The Council will be dealing with these issues
JRHT will trim back hedges near their Woodlands estateGathering of milk bottles where the slide used to be on the Teal Drive playground. We’ve requested a tidy upThorn hedges like this one near The Gallops junction are a safety risk as darker nights approachHouseholders are being asked to cut hedges back form public footpathsWith heavy rainfall expected, it is important to report blocked drainage gullies. This is a particular issue at the moment because of increased leaf fall and inadequate weed clearance during the summer months. Blockages can result in localised flooding
A series of checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in York has been carried out in a multi-agency operation to ensure the vehicles are providing a safe service to passengers.
Officers from partners including City of York Council, Leeds City Council, North Yorkshire Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) supported the operations.
The operation ran throughout the evening and into the morning of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March. A total of 21 private hire vehicles and hackney carriages which were operating in the city were stopped and checked. Vehicles licensed by York, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield were inspected.
All vehicles underwent full mechanical examinations for defects by the DVSA at the council’s MOT test centre at Hazel Court or at the roadside. Checks were also made to ensure that the drivers were properly licensed, insured and that the vehicles they were driving were safe to carry customers on the roads.
As a result, three vehicles were ordered off the road by the DVSA and/or suspended by council enforcement officers due to the faults found including:
defective tyres
defective or inoperative lights
illuminated engine warning lights
A further 14 drivers were advised to repair minor vehicle defects and several others were also warned by licensing enforcement officers about breaches of taxi licensing rules. Two York private hire drivers were issued with formal written warnings for breach of licence condition.
Anyone with concerns about the conduct of drivers or the condition of their vehicles should email public.protection@york.gov.uk so that the council can investigate.
A project by Yorkshire and Humber Trading Standards Group and Electrical Safety Assessments Ltd tackled national concerns about the fire safety of second hand white goods.
This spring, Trading Standards officers from eight authorities carried out tests and inspections on electrical appliances offered for sale.
During the first stage, retail outlets selling pre-owned white goods were visited. Superficial inspections were carried out on items such as; washing machines; tumble dryers; microwave ovens; cookers; and refrigerators.
Next, detailed inspections of test-purchased appliances were undertaken by City of York Council and Doncaster Council.
Testing included checking the rating, make, model and serial number; checking the supply cord and plug; detailed damage checks; electrical insulation strength; and internal wiring and connections.
The inspections carried out found all the second hand white goods within the area to be safe for purchase, and did not incur any warnings or prosecutions for business owners. (more…)
The York Council has published a report updating residents on the progress made in addressing issues revealed by the Grenfell Tower disaster earlier in the year. The Grenfell fire resulted in the deaths of 71 occupants of the high rise housing block.
It is the third in a series of reports. The Council had previously confirmedthat there are no comparable high rise housing blocks in the City
In the autumnthe Council had been told that 307 fire risk assessments (FRA) were needed in the City. The latest report says that an inspection contract is “currently being finalised with a suitably qualified contractor with a target date (subject to contract) for completion by March 2018”.
A schedule for the outstanding FRA reviews has been produced which prioritises those property types most at risk; i.e. converted houses/flats; sheltered and older persons housing and hostels; and blocks where fire incidents have previously occurred.
A more detailed check of fire spread prevention measures, e.g. between floors or rooms of a building, will be carried out as vacancies occur.
A national review of the effectiveness of building regulations has resulted in an interim report. The report concentrates on buildings of more than 4 stories in height (of which there are few in York). “Most professional bodies seem to accept that the current regulatory arrangements are not working”.
The national report concludes,
“The work of the review to date has found that the current regulatory system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise and complex buildings is not fit for purpose. This applies throughout the life cycle of a building, both during construction and occupation, and is a problem connected both to the culture of the construction industry and the effectiveness of the regulators”.
The York report will be discussed at a meeting taking place on8th January2018
Another series of checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in York has been carried out in a multi-agency operation involving council and police officers, to ensure the vehicles are providing a safe service to passengers.
Officers from partners including City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) supported the operations. Bradford and Calderdale councils were also involved as they represent some of the neighbouring authorities which licence taxis and which can legally operate in the region.
The operations ran throughout the evenings and into the mornings of Friday 13 October and Friday 3 November. Over the two operations, a total of 44 private hire vehicles and hackney carriages which were operating in the city that evening were stopped and checked.
All vehicles underwent full mechanical examinations for defects by the DVSA at the council’s MOT test centre at Hazel Court or at the roadside. Checks were also made to ensure that the drivers were properly licensed, insured and that the vehicles they were driving were safe to carry customers on the roads.
As a result, seven vehicles were ordered off the road by the DVSA due to the faults found including:
a defective tyre (sidewall bulging/casing separated)
a tyre with less than the minimum tread requirement
defective or inoperative headlights or brake lights
a serious fuel leak.
Another seven vehicles were found to have faults and the drivers were given three days to fix them and get MOT approval. The variety of mechanical defects included:
defective
engine oil
split drive shaft cover
defective seat belt
anti roll bars inoperative
A further eight drivers were advised to repair minor vehicle defects and several others were also warned by taxi enforcement officers about breaches of taxi licensing rules.
In addition, eight private hire vehicles were suspended from working due to mechanical defects and other breaches of taxi and private hire licensing rules.
A pizza delivery vehicle was also seized by police for having no insurance.
“Anyone with concerns about the conduct of drivers or the condition of their vehicles should email public.protection@york.gov.uk so we can investigate.”
Inspector Andy Godfrey, of York City Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have continued to conduct joint operations with City of York Council in an effort to improve safety for taxi customers.
“Members of the public who use taxis and private hires in York can be reassured that once again, the majority of vehicles are safe and in good order.
“Our most recent operation, however, has identified some issues and I would remind all taxi drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure their vehicle is in good order, and free of defects before they use it, regardless of if it is a company vehicle.
“We will continue to carry out similar operations in the near future to ensure that standards are being maintained.”
A project by Yorkshire and Humber Trading Standards Group and Electrical Safety Assessments Ltd tackled national concerns about the fire safety of second hand white goods.
The York Council has published a
