Post Office remains closed – answers still sought

Local Lib Dem councillors are continuing to press Post Office Ltd for answers on when Dringhouses Post Office will re-open.

As we reported last November, the Post Office have apparently failed to adhere to their own Code of Practice, which applies to “the handling of the localised changes that can and do happen across such a large network for all sorts of reasons. When these changes do happen, whether they are planned or whether they occur without warning, we will always ensure that the minimum access criteria outlined by the Government are met and that the needs of customers are taken into account as much as is possible.”

The Post Office’s most recent statement is as follows: “We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the continued temporary closure of Dringhouses Post Office. We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services and would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore services to the community as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Stephen Fenton has again written to Post Office Ltd to demand answers, and request an urgent meeting.

To make matters worse, the Mace store has closed. A spokesperson for Mace said: “The vast majority of our stores are owned by independent retailers, as was this store on Tadcaster Road. Unfortunately the owner has taken the decision to close the store and at present we are unable to confirm whether it will reopen.”

 

The store’s closure means that the Tadcaster Road area has no newsagent which delivers newspapers, which is a blow to many residents.

Askham Bar flytipping investigated and goes to court

In August 2017 Cllr Stephen Fenton took a photo (below) of flytipping at the Askham Bar recycling banks and reported it to City of York Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement team. They investigated, and a case went to the Magistrates Court on 2nd January. The defendant failed to attend and so the Court issued a warrant for the person’s arrest.


It’s good to know that these cases are pursued where evidence can be found. Flytipping can be reported to neo@york.gov.uk for investigation.

Ultra Fibre Optic work plan for 15th to 28th January

TalkTalk have announced their Ultra Fibre Optic cable-laying plans for the second half of January.

‘Advanced civils’ work will be done on Leven Road, Kinbrace Drive, Lindale, Bannisdale, Skiddaw, Tarbert Crescent, Cairnborrow, Moor Lane, Wansbeck and Crummock.

‘Narrow trenching’ work will be done on Jervis Road, Lerecroft Road, Orrin Close, Nevis Way, Eden Close, Wansbeck, Cairnborrow, North Lane, Lowick, Alness Drive, Troutbeck, Bannisdale, Stonethwaite, Grassholme, Miterdale, Lindale and Quaker Green.

Play area improvements get underway

The £62k scheme to improve play areas at Nelsons Lane and Woodthorpe Green got started during the week commencing 8 January. The improvements are part-funded by the Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Ward Committee.

Initial work has focused on removing the equipment that isn’t to be retained and start the preparatory work for the new equipment to be installed.

Nelsons Lane – all existing play equipment removed

Woodthorpe Green – toddler play equipment retained (and to be re-painted when the weather is a bit warmer)

 

 

St Helens Road planning application approved

At a meeting on 11 January, members of the council’s Area Planning Sub Committee approved plans to demolish 27 St Helens Road and extend the Abbeyfield House care home on Regency Mews to include 17 extra care flats and 8 dementia care flats.


Councillor Stephen Fenton joined  local residents at the meeting to ask the committee to refuse the application. Stephen focused his remarks on the impact that the development would have on the Wendy House Day Nursery, which has served local families for over 27 years.

Despite the concerns raised by the speakers, the committee voted unanimously to accept the officer recommendation that the application be approved.

A webcast of the meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9Z7lvLYv9M

Local groups benefit from Tesco ‘Bags for Life’ scheme

Community and voluntary groups in Dringhouses are set to benefit from the Tesco ‘bags for life’ scheme, where the money raised from the sale of carrier bags is used to fund local projects in communities across the UK.

The Dringhouses Scout Group recently secured a £4,000 grant from the scheme and the Revival  Residents Community Association is currently bidding for a grant. Local residents can support their bid at the Askham Bar Tesco store, where blue tokens can be deposited in the relevant bucket.


Councillors take action on potholes

The wet and freezing weather has taken its toll on some local roads, with potholes appearing at a number of locations.

Local Lib Dem councillors have been out and about to check the condition of the roads, and have reported a number of potholes for repair at locations including Alness Drive, Wains Road, Tadcaster Road and Sherringham Drive.

We will chase these up to ensure that repairs are carried out promptly. If we have missed any potholes in need of repair, please contact Cllr Stephen Fenton at cllr.sfenton@york.gov.uk