Security patrols get underway in Woodthorpe

Local Lib Dem councillors have welcomed the start of daily security patrols in the Ashbourne Way / Summerfield Road area, following concerns from residents about anti social behaviour.

Cllr Ashley Mason with the patrol vehicle on Summerfield Road

The Dringhouses & Woodthorpe ward budget is being used to fund a six-month trial of daily visits by a Gough & Kelly security patrol with body-worn cameras. The aim is to gather evidence of the nature of the problems, with a view to informing a decision about whether a fixed CCTV camera would be beneficial.

Residents are being encouraged to take part in a survey, which has been set up by Gough & Kelly. It can be accessed at  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TH7XT3Q

 

New threat emerges to Moor Lane Green Belt

Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Lib Dem councillor Stephen Fenton has expressed concern at the submission of an application for a ‘scoping opinion’ on proposals to develop land off Moor Lane in Woodthorpe that has been earmarked as Green Belt.

The application refers to plans to build 500 homes on land adjacent to the Askham Bog nature reserve, along with a school, sports facilities, allotments and public open space. It is believed to be a precursor to a more detailed planning application being submitted.

The red line marks the area for which an application has been made for a ‘scoping opinion’

Developers have previously set out their desire to develop the site, most recently in 2016 when they published a brochure setting out an aspiration to build 1,250 homes:

Moor Lane green belt plans challenged

Commenting on the new application, Cllr Fenton said “This application for land that has been earmarked as Green Belt is unwelcome, and will be resisted.

“Throughout the various stages of consultation on York’s Local Plan, residents and local councillors have been firm in their opposition to the development of this site, which is right next to the Askham Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest.”

Following the submission of York’s Local Plan to Government on 25 May 2018, Planning Inspectors have been appointed to conduct an examination as to whether the Plan is ‘sound.’

Woodthorpe residents encouraged to have their say on CCTV plans

Local Lib Dem councillors are encouraging residents to have their say on plans designed to tackle anti social behaviour in parts of Woodthorpe.

Example of a body-worn CCTV camera

Residents have expressed concern about vandalism and anti social behaviour in the Ashbourne Way and Summerfield Road area and also around the newly-refurbished playground at Woodthorpe Green.

In response, the Ward Budget is being used to fund a six-month trial of daily visits by a Gough & Kelly security patrol with body-worn cameras.

The aim is to gather evidence of the nature of the problems, with a view to informing a decision about whether a fixed CCTV camera would be beneficial.

The survey, which has been set up by Gough & Kelly, can be accessed at  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TH7XT3Q

The questions posed in the survey are:

  1. Do you feel there is a need for patrols with body-worn video in the Summerfield Road / Ashbourne Way area?
  2. Would having patrols make you feel safer?
  3. Are you happy that patrols have been considered as a way of documenting evidence to support the installation of a fixed CCTV camera?
  4. Are you happy for images of you to be recorded and stored for 31 days?
  5. Can you think of incidents where CCTV would have been useful in the area?
  6. Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?

Woodthorpe gears up for Royal Wedding festivities

Two local groups in Woodthorpe are inviting residents to get together to celebrate the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

On Thursday 17th May from 1.30 to 3.30pm Dementia Yorkshire is hosting a Royal Wedding themed afternoon at St James the Deacon Church Hall on Sherringham Drive, with light refreshments and organised activities on offer.


Then on the big day itself, Saturday 19th May, the Woodthorpe Community Group invites local residents to a Royal Wedding Street Party on Woodthorpe Green from 2pm to 4.30pm. As well as refreshment stalls there will also be family games on the Green. Bring your picnic blanket or folding chairs and make it a fun afternoon! In the event of wet weather, the event will move indoors to St James the Deacon church hall.


 

 

Cllr Stephen Fenton raises Woodthorpe drainage issues

On the 4th December, Cllr Stephen Fenton spoke at a council meeting to highlight local concerns regarding the risk of flooding from overflowing drainage ditches.

On Boxing Day in 2015, homes on Coeside and Nevis Way in Woodthorpe narrowly avoided being inundated with water, gushing from an overflowing ditch at the back of the properties – pictured below.

Since then, work has been carried out to clear drainage ditches downstream and it is hoped this will result in quicker and more effective drainage of the ditch behind the houses.

Stephen spoke at a Decision Session for the Council’s Executive Member for the Environment on 4 December, at which a Gulley Management Strategy Review was discussed. He circulated photographs taken in September (see below) which show the ditch choked by vegetation, raising concerns that when it dies back, it will settle on the floor of the ditch and reduce capacity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen said  “I want to highlight the importance of drainage ditches in the ward and I am keen to ensure that their maintenance is not overlooked as the council decides how to prioritise the resources that it has available.

“I am grateful to Council staff for the investment already made in clearing out the drainage channels downstream from the ditch that overflowed in 2015. I am also pleased that we were able to dedicate some Ward Committee funds to help pay for some digging out of the ditch to be done.”

 

 

Appeal following a burglary in Woodthorpe

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information about a burglary that occurred in the Woodthorpe area of York.

It occurred on the evening of Friday 17th November 2017, where amongst other items a handbag was stolen.

The handbag is black in colour with one large middle pocket and two smaller pockets either side, possibly with a flowery “Cath Kidston” purse inside.

The purse has in it irreplaceable photos of great sentimental value.

If anyone finds the handbag or purse they should contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for Mark Cook. You can also email mark.cook@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12170207175

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.