York’s Liberal Democrat Group have said they cannot support Labour’s plans to close Burnholme Community College while so many questions remain unanswered ahead of Tuesday’s key Cabinet decision on the issue.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, Children & Young People, has today commented:

“After meeting parent representatives last week to study Labour’s proposals we cannot support the plans for closure when there are still legitimate questions for the Cabinet to answer. These include the potential £2 million cost for closing the school and a lack of detail as to where the invaluable on-site Special Educational Needs provision will be moved. We also need to see a long-term strategic plan to deal with an increased demand for school places after closure and the rising pupil numbers across York in the next ten years.
“In 2009, the Council agreed a 5 year plan to save the school. This plan should not be abandoned half-way through for short-term financial considerations. The parents and governors have worked tirelessly to present a thorough case that proper support and investment could result in an increase in pupil numbers to improve the viability of the school. This needs to be fully explored before Labour rush into closure. Once the school is closed it will be lost forever to the community. The Cabinet has to address all of the issues before they take a decision that has such profound long-term implications for the pupils, staff and parents.”

The number of people getting married in York increased by 13% last year.

2010/11
Total marriages 893
350 in Approved Venues,
543 in the Register Office
Total civil partnerships 33

2011/12
Total marriages 1012
427 in Approved Venues,
585 in the Register Office
Total civil partnerships 37

More details on tying the knot can be found here. http://www.york.gov.uk/community/Marriages/arranging/

Detectives in York are appealing for information after a pizza delivery man was robbed at knife point in the early hours of Saturday 12 May 2012.

As well as witnesses, officers would like to trace the box and thermal delivery bag in which the pizza was carried.

At around 1.50am on Saturday morning, a Domino’s delivery man attempted to deliver a pizza to a property on Kingsway West, near to the junction with Thanet Road. (more…)

York City made a good start today in what could be the most important week in their history.

Winning the FA Trophy by 2 goals to nil against Newport County was the first of 3 hurdles they must overcome.

On Thursday the Planning Committee will decide whether to approve the construction of a new purpose designed community stadium which will house both Football and Rugby clubs.

Then next weekend the Club will be at Wembley again for the Conference play off final against Luton Town.

On offer then will be a return to the Football League and much needed boost for their finances

Since the last Focus a plan of action has been agreed to finally resolve the long running issue of managing this open space.   A process has been agreed to select a community based organisation to manage the land once the land has been transferred to the Council’s ownership.   

The Council has recently advertised for interested organisations to make a bid based on a draft Management Plan.   To ensure that there is a long term benefit for the community, organisations will need to show that they can maintain and improve the natural habitat, encourage community involvement and improve disabled access.

In the interim, Council Officers are working with the Taylor Wimpey to ensure that the area remains safe.

Any work carried out needs the permission of the landowner

*On from 11:00-15:00 in Hull Road Park.

*Free entry

River Ouse 08:00am Saturday 12th May 2012

Following heavy rainfall on Thursday river levels on the River Ouse are continuing to rise. The current level at York city centre is 3.25 metres which is 10 feet and 8 inches. This is forecast to peak at 3.6 metres which is 11 feet and 10 inches between 4:30pm and 7:30pm today. Further showers are expected today. 8:00 on 11 May 2012 http://tinyurl.com/Flood-Warnings-York

A web cam can be found at http://www.farsondigitalwatercams.com/live-webcams/north/Ouse/York/# for anyone wishing to monitor river levels from their home.

The Department for Education and Arts Council England announced this month that York Arts Education – part of City of York Council’s Arts and Culture Service – will be one of the 122 new Music Education Hubs to receive extra funding.

The Music Education Hub will receive funding to allow it to play a key role in getting more children involved in music nationwide. This year York’s Music Hub will receive £388K for this work. (more…)