More problems with cycle paths

We’ve pointed out before, that the York Council is failing to properly maintain existing cycle paths.

Instead it seems preoccupied with launching new initiatives. Recently many of these have been ill considered and subsequently little used (e.g. the Marygate car park route)

The cycle path from Thanet Road to Foxwood is a case in point.

It has been impeded by a “lego” style barrier near Sherringham Drive for over two years. Despite pleas from the local residents association (who want the traditional style barriers restoring as the current set up allows access by motorcycles) there has been no response from the Council.

Nearby the cycle path itself is now cracking while a few metres away the white line markings have all but worn away.

There still doesn’t seem to be any systematic attempt to identify and repair defects.

Cycle path is now cracking up
Markings and white lines have worn away

York Council using wrong type of weed killer?

As problems with the weed control programme in the City intensify, one Councillor has discovered that contractors may have been using the wrong type of weed killer.

The approved weed-killer is  Glyphosate (Roundup). This has proved to be ineffective against many types of weeds including Horses (Mares) Tail and willow-herb.

Now Cllr Mark Warters has found that use of the  “Diamond” formulation on Mares Tail in his ward has had good results. He is urging the Council to use it in the future.

The news comes as residents wait to hear when – or even if – the Council is going to organise a clean up of the weeds and detritus which has grown up on the City’s streets this summer.

Although a report to an October meeting has been promised more urgent action is needed.

The expectation was that the executive Councillor with responsibility for street services would have reported on progress to the scrutiny meeting which is due to take place on 11th September.

However a report to the meeting published yesterday  pointedly makes no reference to the ongoing problems on our streets.

Askham Lane footpath gradually being eroded by grass
The footpath on Grange Lane is obstructed by nettles
The Walton Place/Grange Lane snicket is overgrown
Weed growth damaging the footpath on Sherringham Drive was reported 3 months ago
Metre high weeds overgrowing railings on Askham Lane
Ditto on Thanet Road
One of the underlying problems is poor street sweeping standards. These build outs on Gale Lane haven’t been cleaned for over 6 months. The resulting silt provides an ideal bed for weeds.

All these issues have been reported to the York Council for their attention

BIFFA bin taking root in Acomb?

A full BIFFA bin has been abandoned in the little Green Lane garage area in Acomb. It has been there for over 4 weeks. The bins is stuffed high with black bags.

The garage area is owned by the York Council but is rarely inspected and even more rarely cleaned up.

Hopefully whoever rented this bin will get it removed quickly.

  • Biffa bin abandoned in Green Lane garage area
We’ve reported black bags left next to the litter big on Hamilton Drive West

Some verges haven’t been cut this year and are looking untidy. We have reported those on Foxwood Lane and Bellhouse Way
Weeds are growing on the path and road at the end of Sherringham Drive. The Council has not yet published when it hopes to schedule weed treatments this summer.
Work has started on the demolition of Windsor House. There is still a lot of confusion about this project with additional costs scheduled to be discussed at a Council meeting taking place on 16th June. There has still been no update on the plans to relocate the children’s all weather play area.

Long wait for replacement cycle barriers

Residents were promised that new cycle barriers would be provided on the cycle route which links Thanet Road and Sherringham Drive.

“Lego” barriers on cycle path near Sherringham Drive.

The old barriers were removed following damage last year. A temporary replacement (aimed at halting misuse by motorcyclists) was provided in the form of building blocks.

Over 6 months later and they are still there with no communication form the Council about what progress is being made in providing a permanent solution.

Poor customer service from the City of York Council.