With a new Council elected and most candidates committed to ensuring that street level public services are improved it is a good time to report any issues in your street.
We came across this weed infested traffic island build out on Gale Lane today.
Gale Lane 1400 hours 14th May 2015
We recommend residents to use the “My Council” app which can be found by clicking here http://www.mycouncilservices.com/
The Council is to re-examine its contracts which cover spraying weeds on public highways.
The move, announced at the last Council meeting, comes in the wake of unprecedented levels of complaints about weed infested streets particularly in the west of the City.
At one point, even prominent City centre structures like Ouse Bridge were under attack.
Ouse Bridge 7th August 2014
It now appears that several streets – scheduled to be treated in a second wave of spraying – were missed.
During early October the Councils contractors walked the whole of the City spraying areas that needed attention.
They are also spraying round street furniture, poles etc.
The last Council meeting was told that the authority is considering letting a new spraying contract next year in conjunction with neighbouring authorities.
The Cabinet member was unable to explain why supervisory checks had not revealed – and remedied –the problem this summer.
Ouse bridge weeds 25th September 2014
Dijon Avenue garage area choked with weeds
The York Council has now acknowledged that weed control in the City in general – and Acomb in particular – has been inadequate this summer.
They are even suggesting that the contractor who was supposed to treat the weed growth may not have been doing the job correctly.
This will come as no surprise to residents with weeds in some streets now over 3 feet tall.
One of the biggest problem areas are the forecourts of rented garages,
Andrew Waller points out some dumping which he reported on Saturday in the little Green Lane garage area
which have been badly neglected by the Housing Department.
It is not just weed growth, damaged perimeter fences and poor surfaces that plague the garage areas, many are subject to dumping.
Time, we think, for the Housing Department to invest some of its £12.7 million surplus in raising standards in our estates.
Ouse Bridge 7th August 2014
A couple of months ago we reported that public service standards in the City had declined.
Ouse Bridge York June 2014
One particular problem was weed growth – with Ouse Bridge badly affected.
The weeds were not only a potential threat to the integrity of the bridge but were an eyesore in a particularly sensitive area.
So it is disappointing to find that two months later no action has been taken to address the issue.
The weather is only partly responsible for problems with weed growth, hedges blocking footpaths and excessive verge cuttings
Grass cut by Council contractors but hedge left
The Council was very late in awarding its maintenance contractor for elderly and disabled tenants this year and the contractors have found it impossible to catch up.
Drains blocked by weeds and detritus
The Councils Highways Inspectors seem to have been less effective this year in chasing up residents who allow their hedges or trees to block public footpaths.
Weeds growing everywhere in Acomb
But perhaps the biggest eyesore is weed growth. In parts of Acomb nettles and thistles are now over a foot high and are clearly damaging footpaths and roads.
Overgrown hedges blocking street signs
We understand that a contract has just been awarded by the Council for the application of weed killer but it is likely to be at least a couple of weeks before all areas are treated (and longer again before the weeds die away)
Overgrown hedges blocking footpaths
Ouse Bridge York June 2014
The Labour Leadership of the York Council has come under attack from visitors and residents alike for neglecting the appearance of the City.
In the City centre, tourists have pointed to Ouse Bridge where weeds are now overgrowing the parapet.
The bridge stonework has deteriorated while failure to control algae and moss growth could lead to major repair costs in a few months time.
No historical evidence of horticulture on Ouse Bridge
The bridge is one of the most used by pedestrians in the City with many visitors photographing the river and banks from it.
Nor is the situation better in the sub-urban areas with some side streets in Acomb covered in foot high weeds.
The Council revealed recently in a response to a Freedom of Information enquiry that it gives a contractor £70,000 a year to control weed growth on local highways and footpaths
NB. The Council recently spent £490,000 repaving Kings Square
Weeds in Beaconsfield Street in Acomb June 2014
Damaged verges. We’re asking the Council to spend some of its £13 million housing profit on verge cross overs and/or lay bys
Litter drift on Lowfields amenity area reported. The fence-line of the Acomb Car park has accumulated large amounts of litter over the last 3 months.
The Council should ensure that garage areas are kept clear of rubbish and weeds. Too many of them never get any maintenance attention despite high rent levels.
The Council is being asked to intervene following fears expressed by some residents about the safety of large trees in the area. Large branches fell off during recent high winds.
@CityofYork @DafWilliams78 @LynnJeffries2 Weed sprayers spotted in Foxwood. At last!!
— Foxwood Residents (@foxwoodra) September 5, 2013
Good to see residents efforts now getting some Council assistance at least in Foxwood
@CityofYork When are weeds going to be cleared from gutters and paths in Foxwood please?
— Foxwood Residents (@foxwoodra) September 4, 2013
