Agenda and draft minutes

The issues and projects the Ward has prioritised to be addressed this year.

Enhance and improve the local environment

Reduce social isolation

Encourage community involvement

A discussion on this years Ward Budgets, and an opportunity to hear what Ward Grants have already been awarded.

Cllr Galvin reported that grants had so far been awarded to:

·        Catalyst Community Resource Group (visual projector and screen)

·        Old School (PPL License)

·        St Andrews Church (tidying of the old churchyard)

A number of other grant applications were expected during the current financial year.

Cllr Galvin further reported that the footpath between the Pinfold and the school gates is due to be improved, the funding for this coming from the Ward’s highways budget.

During discussions, Cllr Galvin reported that the cost of a new pelican crossing was in excess of the Ward highways budget, as was the cost of new lighting on Sim Balk Lane.  The idea of converting the land outside the library into a car park was not viable as there was flood storage underneath.

Presentations from Ward partners.

·        Home Library Service

Mr Dennis explained that the Home Library Service is designed to help those residents who find it difficult to get to their local library.  Readers can choose from a wide variety of books in different formats, including audio and large print, which can be delivered to their home on a regular basis by a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer.  E-readers and headphones can also be loaned.  If anyone is interested in accessing the service, the contact is:

Sarah Wallis: Tel  07469 378201

sarah.wallis@exploreyork.org.uk

·        York Wheels

York Wheels is a ‘dial & ride’ service providing a door-to-door service to various locations around the City for people who cannot access public transport.

Brunswick Organic Nursery

          Cllr Galvin explained that he had been working with Geoff Freestan from the Brunswick Organic Nursery to identify areas where the Nursery could assist in improving the look and feel of the Ward.  Mr Freestan then provided residents with a short overview of the work of the Nursery and how and where it could have a positive impact.

The following improvements have been identified:

·        an increase in the number and the area covered by hanging baskets

·        more barrel planters, for example, outside the shops on Sim Balk Lane and in front of the library (these would be lined with heavy duty polythene to prolong their life)

·        a replacement planter outside the library

·        the use of larger troughs to create decorative vegetable gardens where residents would be encouraged to help themselves to produce

·        the planting of fruit trees such as damson, quince, etc., around the Ward to encourage foraging.  A number of possible areas have already been identified.  Mr Freestan reassured residents that none of the trees planted would become too large or spread too far.

ACTION: Cllr Galvin to map any possible sites and check that trees were not being planted over underground utilities or services such as cables, drainage, etc.

ACTION: Cllr Galvin to communicate these plans with residents living in the vicinity in case of any objections.

One resident suggested labelling the trees so that people would be aware which fruits were edible.  This would avoid any confusion with existing trees.  Mr Freestan agreed this was a good idea.

ACTION: Mr Freestan to further investigate the practicalities of labelling any fruit trees. 

Residents from both Acaster Malbis and Bishopthorpe were encouraged to contact either Geoff Freestan or Cllr Galvin with any suggestions for potential improvement sites.

Some concerns were raised regarding the potential for vandalism of any improvement projects.  However, it was pointed out that similar concerns were raised about the sensory garden and that, with the exception of a very small amount of damage, the garden was still thriving.

Current Ward maintenance projects would be continued, eg. maintenance of the small garden at the top of Main Street in Bishopthorpe and the repainting and cleaning of the seats.

The costs of these improvements would be funded from the Ward budget.

Cllr Galvin thanked Mr Freestan for his presentation and input into the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

An opportunity to raise any issues or suggestion you have for the Ward.

Ward Updates

Cllr Galvin provided residents with a brief update on other current issues.

·                    Street Cleaning

Cllr Galvin explained that there were two types of cleaning across the City: manual (litter picking) and mechanical (the brushing machine).  For a trial period of six months, every road in Bishopthorpe would be cleaned either monthly or quarterly.  Much of Bishopthorpe and parts of Acaster Malbis would be mechanically cleaned every quarter.  The Keble Park estate, Copmanthorpe Lane, parts of Appleton Road and Main Street would receive an additional manual clean once per month.  In response to a query, Cllr Galvin reported that footpaths were excluded from this service.

·                    Dog Fouling

A number of residents raised concerns about the amount of dog waste fouling the footpaths and also that the dog waste bin needed emptying.  Cllr Galvin reported that the issue had been raised with the Enforcement Officers.

ACTION:  Mr Dennis to follow this up with the Enforcement Team.

Mr Dennis advised residents to report any issues of dog fouling using the Council’s telephone number: 01904 551551or via the City of York Council website:

www.york.gov.uk/ReportDogFouling

More persistent fouling or fouling ‘hotspots’ should be reported to the Enforcement Team.

·        Cycle Paths

Concerns were expressed about the speed at which some cyclists travelled along the cycle routes.  It was pointed out that these were leisure routes and therefore also for the use of pedestrians. It was suggested that signs were needed to highlight this dual purpose in order to improve pedestrian safety.

·        Speeding

Residents discussed the issue of speeding, including the pros and cons of a number of solutions.  Cllr Galvin reported that the police were looking into a form of speed recording, including possibly training local people in the use of speed recording equipment.

Cllr Galvin thanked everyone for their attendance and valuable contributions to the meeting.