Councillors demand answers on Dringhouses Post Office closure
Local Lib Dem councillors are demanding answers from Post Office Ltd on the sudden closure of Dringhouses Post Office on Tadcaster Road. 
The Post Office is located in a Mace convenience store, and whilst the shop remains open, all Post Office services have ceased ‘indefinitely.’
In a Twitter exchange with a local resident, Post Office said “this branch has been closed temporarily due to unforeseen circumstances”, and that they will “try to appoint temporary cover…providing it is possible for us to do so.”
Cllr Stephen Fenton has asked Post Office Ltd to explain how they have adhered to their own Code of Practice in this situation. The Code 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.”
Stephen said “This Post Office provides a very valuable service for the community, and its loss is a huge blow, particularly for elderly or vulnerable residents who rely on having access to services close to home. The timing couldn’t be worse – many people wanting to send Christmas cards and parcels to family and friends at home and abroad will now have to use other Post Office outlets if they are able to.
“I am very disappointed at the lack of communication from Post Office Ltd. Their Code of Practice talks about communicating with local authorities and others where there are changes to service provision, but this sudden closure has taken everyone by surprise. As far as I am aware, there has been no notification to the council, and there has certainly been no approach to local councillors.
“I have asked Post Office Ltd for an urgent conversation to get answers to the questions that I and other residents have about the future of this Post Office.”
Controversial Tadcaster Road planning application approved
A controversial planning application to demolish two homes on Tadcaster Road and shoehorn 11 properties onto the site was approved by members of City of York Council’s Area Planning Sub Committee on 9 November.
The plans attracted overwhelming opposition from local residents and ward councillors, but officers recommended approval. Cllr Ann Reid spoke at the meeting to highlight the reasons why the application should be refused, one of which was the impact of adding another junction into what is already a very busy stretch of road.
Six members of the committee supported the recommendation to approve the application and four were opposed, so the application was approved. It was agreed however to add as a condition for approval that the narrow track connecting the site to Mayfield Grove should be restricted to pedestrian and cycle use only.
Local volunteers making an impact
Volunteers in the Dringhouses & Woodthorpe ward continue to make a significant impact in making the area cleaner, greener and safer.
Recently the informal community noticeboard opposite the shops on Moorcroft Road has been re-vamped by volunteers to make it more attractive and to provide more space for local groups to publicise their activities.
On Tadcaster Road, a local volunteer has come forward to overhaul the wooden planters between York College and the Askham Bar roundabout. The first tub has been cleared and planted up. The local Tesco store is doing its bit by helping to dispose of the removed vegetation.
Controversial Tadcaster Road planning application recommended for approval
An application to build 11 homes on land behind 26 Tadcaster Road has been recommended for approval by Council officials.
The recommendation comes despite objections from local Councillor Ann Reid, members of the local planning panel and the Conservation Area Panel.. The National Trust – which runs the Goddards historic house opposite the site entrance – have also objected as have many local residents.
The application seeks permission for the erection of 11 dwellings following the demolition of an existing two storey dwelling at 26 Tadcaster Road and a single storey dwelling located centrally within the site and identified as being 9a Mayfield Grove.
The site comprises an area of approximately 0.5ha. Thirteen lock up garages with a large area of harstanding are also present within the site.
The site is bounded to the north by the rear gardens of Mayfield Grove, to the east by Tadcaster Road, to the south and west by the car park of the public house and the rear gardens of St Helens Road. Access to the site would be where number 26 Tadcaster Road currently stands.
The scheme proposes two rows of 3 two storey three-bed terraced houses with rooms within the roof, two 4 bedroom two storey dwellings, two 3 bedroom dormer bungalows and one 1 bedroom two storey dwelling.
Two off street parkingspaces would be provided for each dwelling with no allocated visitor spaces.
Most of the objections relate to traffic and parking issues.
The application will be determined by the planning sub committee when it meets on 9th November.
Residents can register to speak at the meeting if they wish.
Something a little different for Christmas? Try Goddards on Tadcaster Road
Something a little different this Christmas?
Goddards on Tadcaster Road
Take a seat in the former Terry family dining room that overlooks the Arts and Crafts garden and enjoy a special two or three course lunch.
Friday to Sunday
17th Nov to 17th Dec
Booking essential
Menu
To start:
- Onion soup with gluten free cheese scone crouton.
- Mackerel and beet salad.
- Smoked salmon and herb mousse.
Main course:
- Conisbee turkey and trimmings with seasonal vegetables.
- Beef, onion and red wine pie with season vegetables.
- Polenta and squash salad with goat’s cheese and orange dressing.
To finish:
- Classic Christmas pudding.
- Ginger and caramel cheesecake.
- Poached pears in honey and orange.
Three courses £24.95
Two courses £19.95
More details and booking Call 01904 771956
Cycle parking boost
Some progress has been made to address the lack of cycle parking provision on Tadcaster Road, with the installation of a cycle hoop outside the shops at the junction with Slingsby Grove.
There remains no cycle parking outside the Post Office. With a new café set to open up next door, the need for some cycle parking here is even greater. We will press the case for some investment here.
Café culture comes to Tadcaster Road
A new café is set to open on Tadcaster Road on Thursday 5 October.
Café at Number 12 is located next to the Post Office, in the premises most recently occupied by the Booboracum shop.
There is also a change of management at the popular Love to Eat café on Moor Lane. The café re-opens on Tuesday 3 October when Fiona takes over from Louise.
We wish both cafés a successful future!
Loading bay parking problems
In a recent survey undertaken by local Lib Dem councillors, Slingsby Grove residents expressed concerns about sight lines being blocked by cars parking in the ‘loading bay’ in front of the shops on Tadcaster Road. When cars, and in particular vans, park here, it obstructs motorists’ view of vehicles coming from the left as they pull out of Slingsby Grove.
We recently took this photo showing the ‘parking bay’ beyond the bus stop empty, whilst cars parked in the ‘loading bay’ (and in one case obstructed the cycle path).
Loading only?
We have asked council officers about the possibility of painting more striking markings for the loading bay, but this idea has not found favour. We will continue to press for action, as this is a matter of public safety about which residents have concerns.
Good turnout for Wilberforce Trust drop-in session
Over 40 local residents attended the drop-in session arranged by the Wilberforce Trust on 6 July at St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Wilberforce Trust plans to build 30 flats for its tenants on land it owns to the north of The Grove, off Tadcaster Road. The Trust is a York-based charity that provides specialist housing and support for people with visual impairments, sensory impairments and other disabilities.
One of the panels at the exhibition showing the plans for the site
It is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted later this month, with the aim for building work to start in Spring 2018 and completion in mid to late 2019.