Call for action on bridge graffiti
Local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Fenton has asked Network Rail to clean up the graffiti that has appeared on the St Helens Road railway bridge.
Graffiti has been daubed on both sides of the road
The response received from Network Rail is somewhat disappointing:
“This graffiti however is neither racist nor shows offence so will be given a very low priority, it will be passed onto our maintenance team to look at with a view to it being programmed in as ongoing works.”
It is hoped that Network Rail will take as prompt action at this site as they did when we asked for the Hob Moor underpass graffiti to be cleaned up.
Stephen commented “I appreciate that Network Rail have a thankless task, but the graffiti on the bridge is very prominent and if it left as it is it could act as an encouragement for other vandals to attack this and other sites.”
Volunteer Bailiff Scheme introduced at Chapman’s pond
A new scheme to protect and enhance a pond popular with anglers and residents has been launched in York.
The Volunteer Bailiff Scheme, which is launching at Chapman’s pond with the support of the Friends of Chapman’s Pond and City of York Council, has been set up by local anglers who are keen to encourage good fishing practice and maintain the area as a beautiful place for visitors.
They will help to monitor the water quality, make visitors aware of the site rules and report any anti-social behaviour. They will also advise people on fishing tips and techniques.
The scheme has been set up partly in response to a number of fish deaths during the summer which the Environment Agency investigated. The volunteers will help protect the fish by advising how to land one without injuring it and educating people on their use of bait. They will also monitor the health of the fish caught for early signs of any problems with the pond environment.
Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Nigel Ayre said: “Chapman’s Pond is a beautiful area and a popular fishing spot. The volunteers will be a friendly and well-informed presence at the site, helping to ensure that a visit continues to be a pleasurable experience for all. We would ask that anglers and visitors show respect to the volunteers and follow their advice – they are there for everyone’s benefit and to ensure the pond is looked after for future enjoyment.”
Anyone who wants to fish at the pond should have a valid rod licence which can be purchased from post offices.
The Environment Agency and police will also be supporting the Volunteer Bailiff Scheme, which launches on Monday 12 October. For further information, or if you would like to get involved, please email Jenny Cairns at City of York Council jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk or call 07833 436832. Previous experience is not required but knowledge of fishing would be useful and training is provided.
Dringhouses Crime levels up during last 6 months
There were 95 crimes reported in the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward during August. The majority (43) concerned anti social behaviour. There were 8 reports of violence/sexual offences and 10 of criminal damage
The highest concentration of crime reports were near Tesco/York College although there were local hotspots in Carrfield (near the sports field) and in the Chaloners Road area.
Overall crime reports have increased significantly in recent months although the area continues to have a relatively low crime rate. Crime levels often drop during winter.
In total 593 crimes were reported in west York during August
Details of Ward Committee funding revealed
£42,036 boost for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward
Details of how much local communities will have to spend through new Ward Committees have been confirmed as part of plans brought forward by the Liberal Democrat-Conservative Executive.
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The proposals, which are opposed by the Labour Group, will see Ward Committees given an allocation of a £925,000 budget to fund projects such as street clean-ups and offer grants to local voluntary groups.
The process for allocating highway improvements has been partly localised as part of the plans as has some social care funding.
Work will also be undertaken by council officers to identify further budget areas which could be devolved to communities.
Local Councillors are expected to announce shortly how they intend to consult over the use of the different funding streams
. Re-establishing proper Ward Committees was a key part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto
The proposals begin the process of devolving power and budgets to local residents and community groups.
This enhanced pot of money will give wards the opportunity to tackle local priorities and develop community initiatives.
It increases overall funding to nearly £1 million from the £75,000 in grants available under the previous Labour Council.
A LibDem spokesperson commented,
“It is disappointing although perhaps not surprising that the Labour Group is opposing the moves. The previous Labour Council removed ward credits, stripped power and budgets away from local communities, and spent four years ignoring local residents.
The new Executive trusts elected ward councillors to work with their communities and make the right decisions – rather than impose everything from West Offices like the previous Labour administration.”
Dringhouses Community ‘Bake-Off’
Local residents are invited to join in the ‘Community Bake-Off’ to be held on the afternoon of Sunday 20th September at the Moor Lane Youth Centre on Wains Road.
The event is being organised to help bring the community together and promote the re-launch of the Dringhouses West Residents Association. Participation in the Bake-Off is optional, but of course there’ll be an opportunity for everyone to sample the produce!
Ward councillor Stephen Fenton is encouraging residents to come along for what should be an enjoyable afternoon: “Whether you are entering the bake-off or not, this is a great way to spend an afternoon getting to know more about the local community or sharing your knowledge with people who are new to the area.”
Coffee and chat at Dringhouses Library on 22nd June plus events at other venues
Start your baby’s family tree
Tue 9 June : York Explore
Thur 11 June : Tang Hall Library
Pop along to one of our Baby Days to find out how to start your baby’s family tree.
Booking not necessary. For more information contactallison.freeman@exploreyork.org.uk
Map attack with Lego
York Explore Library
Sat 13 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 14 June 11.00am – 3.00pm
Sat 20 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 21 June 11.00 – 3.00pm
Come along and get creative with Lego to make buildings, scenes and sculptures inspired by maps and photographs which tell stories of our city’s past.
Booking not essential, for more information please contactAllison.freeman@exploreyork.org.uk
Green watch and their fire engine!
Tue 16 June 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Strensall Library
The Green Watch are bringing their engine to Strensall Library so you can see what they do and have a good look at their big red fire engine.
No booking needed, all ages welcome, please contact Sarah at Strensall Library on 01904 552677 for more information.
Coffee, chat and community
Mon 22 June and every third Monday after.
Dringhouses Library
Join us at the All Seasons Cafe for delicious cakes, drinks, chat and fun. Book chat, games, and the chance to meet other people from the local community. Come alone or bring a friend.
Totally informal, everyone welcome. We don’t set a charge, but suggest a donation of around £2.
For more information contact Lucy on 01904 552674, or email dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk
Dringhouses library – a journey through war
Sat 20 June At 1.30pm – 2.30pm and 3.00pm – 4.00pm
‘It is of little comfort to Mrs Walker to receive a letter describing her son as ‘a credit to his mother,’ when it also reports him missing.’
Actor Chris Cade will play real Yorkshire veteran Arthur Walker in this interactive tale of Arthur’s journey.
Join him as Arthur is recruited, fights in the trenches and is taken prisoner!
Suitable for accompanied children 5 years and up, adults very welcome too.
Tickets available from Dringhouses Library, 01904 552674,dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk or from any Explore library, priced at £3 for a single, or £6 for a family (up to 3 children and 2 adults).
Date: Tue 16 June
Mint Yard Lecture: What’s new with the Vikings? At York Explore Library .
Date: Wed 17 and Sat 20 June
Explore your first World War heroes at Bishopthorpe Library.
Skip visits to Dringhouses scheduled
Big LibDem win in Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward
LibDems take 2 seats from Labour as Cllr Ann Reid sets poll record high votes total
