York residents asked who they think’s got the eXtra factor

City of York Council is asking residents to help celebrate the work of its unsung heroes for its annual ‘eXtra factor’ staff awards.

The authority is seeking nominations for the awards which help highlight the dedication, diligence and enterprise of staff serving the city in a huge range of roles.

With the largest and most diverse workforce in the city, the council’s eXtra factor awards celebrate teams and individuals with the ‘eXtra factor’ – be they architect or archeologist, care worker or cleaner, librarian or leisure centre worker, planner or plumber, warden or waste operative – who show eXtraordinary care, commitment or creativity in their roles.

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New figures indicate private sector growth in York

New figures released this week from the Office of National Statistics, show there are 125 more private sector businesses in York, since 2012. The increase takes York from 8010 to 8135 businesses, from across all sectors.

The ONS figures show micro businesses (0-4 employees), and small to medium enterprises (249 or less employees) were particularly strong areas of growth in the city, with both proportionally at an all time high. York has also seen an increase in businesses turnovers across all recorded ONS sectors since 2012.
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York Police: Sunday update

Appeal as man arrested after serious collision in York

Police investigating a road collision in York in which a woman was seriously injured are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
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Police reassure community as three arrested following York disturbance

York Police would like to reassure residents that they believe a violent incident in York on Saturday was an isolated one and that the wider community was not at risk.
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7 back alleys to be “gated” in York

The Council has decided to fit security gates to the alleys at the following locations

Behind closed doors logo

Micklegate Ward
• Millfield Road / Thorpe Street
• Thorpe Street / Russell Street
• Russell Street / Scott Street
• Scott Street / Nunmill Street
• Nunmill Street / Bishopthorpe Road
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Holgate Ward
• Walworth Street North and Hanover Street West
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Clifton Ward
• Fountayne Street and Scaife Street

List of Dringhouses and Woodthorpe planning applications decided in September

Location: 2 Alness Drive York YO24 2XZ
Proposal: Erection of single storey extension extending 4.825 metres beyond the rear wall of the original house, with a height to the eaves of 2.5 metres and a total height of 3.575 metres
Ref No: 13/02944/LHE Applicant: D Poole Decision Type:DEL Decision: LHEPER Conditions? N
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Location: 23 Middlethorpe Drive York YO24 1NG
Proposal: Erection of single storey extension extending 4.1 metres beyond the rear wall of the original house, with a height to the eaves of 2.3 metres and a total height of 3.4 metres
Ref No: 13/02888/LHE Applicant: Mr And Mrs Bullock Contact Kate Macneill Contact Tel: kate.macneill@mac-architecture.com Decision Type:DEL Decision: LHEPER Conditions? N
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Location: 69 Hunters Way York YO24 1JL
Proposal: Single storey rear extension with balcony on roof and pitched roof to existing porch and garage
Ref No: 13/02509/FUL Applicant: Ms Susan Dial Contact Mr Chris Allan Contact Tel: ca.archs@yahoo.co.uk Decision Type:DEL Decision: HAPP Conditions? Y
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Location: 1 Allendale York YO24 2SF
Proposal: Single storey side extension
Ref No: 13/02155/FUL Applicant: Mrs Margaret Gosling Contact Mr Keith Wilkinson Decision Type:COMM Decision: HAPP Conditions? Y

Residents survey cites poor highway maintenance as York’s biggest public service problem.

York residents survey results click to enlarge

York residents survey results click to enlarge

A survey completed by over 400 residents living in the west of York has revealed that highways and footpath maintenance are now the biggest cause for complaint.

73% thought that road and footpath maintenance had got worse in the City over the last 2 years.

The service was followed closely by ice clearance which 69% thought had got worse.

This is bad news for the Labour Council as the response come before the latest set of cuts to winter maintenance are implemented.

Parking provision was criticised by 65% with the large increases in parking charges introduced by the Labour Council likely to be the main influencing factor.

More than 50% of respondents also thought that litter, control of dogs, refuse collection and weed removal had got worse.

Only crime prevention fared relatively well, with 66% saying that the quality of the service was unchanged

The survey results will add pressure on the Council to support additional investment in street level public services at its meeting on Thursday.

Street level public service standards – plea to York Council next Thursday.

The York Council at a meeting next week will be asked to jettison its prestige expenditure plans and return to a more sensible economic policy.

Weeds need strimming at end of Ridgeway

Weeds need strimming at end of Ridgeway

A motion being put forward by the Liberal Democrats condemns deteriorating roads, footpaths and increasing litter as well as plans to reduce de icing services in winter.

It says that Labour’s decision to scrap the “York Pride” maintenance programmes means that many areas are now strewn with weeds and detritus.

Carriageway failed in Vesper Drive

Carriageway failed in Vesper Drive

Recent rain highlighted the impact that Labours decision to end the routine cleaning of gullies (road drains) is already having.

Meanwhile a rather disingenuous motion from Labour Cllr Burton, seeks to justify the bill for York staging the start of just one Tour de France stage.

The cost to taxpayers is already in excess of £1.5 million and rising.

The Labour backed motion says that any income to the Council from the event should be allocate to improve basic service standards.

It fails however to say that the income from a few hot dog stands is unlikely to make much difference.

The cost of the repairs back log on the City’s roads and footpaths alone now stands at over £20 million.

The Liberal Democrat motion reads
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