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City of York Council |
Committee Minutes |
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MEETING |
Clifton Ward Committee |
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DATE |
2 July 2025 |
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PRESENT |
COUNCILLORS D Myers and Wells |
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APOLOGIES |
COUNCILLORS |
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1. 7pm-8:30pm Community Safety
1. Main meeting – welcome and introductions
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Myers who welcomed everyone and set out the housekeeping rules.
2. Community Safety
Councillor Myers outlined that the meeting is held in response to the incident last month and is an opportunity for residents to hear from the NYP and council’s Neighbourhood Safety team. Councillor Myers added further that when incidents such as stabbing take place anxiousness in the community increases. Since the launch of Connecting Clifton last year crime statistics in the area dropped down by 10%. Under the Clear, Hold, Build banner the campaign featured increased Police presence and drug related raids on properties, which could create greater anxiety, as residents wouldn’t be aware of what was happening, however those are positive steps taken by the Police to eradicate organised crime.
Cllr Myers mentioned about the road safety issue at the Crichton Avenue zebra crossing close to junction with Burton Stone Lane, situation with Morell House, invited ideas for community safety projects and opened the floor for discussion.
A resident asked about road safety mitigations on Burton Stone Lane near entrance to the new Duncombe Square housing development. Concern about pedestrian safety crossing the road. Ward funded flashing speed limit signs were installed at the location. Vegetation obscuring road signs will be cut back. Making a case for a speed camera in a residential area is not easy, however we will keep it in mind. Once houses are occupied the situation will be monitored. Should a need for additional crossing arise to allow safe access to school that will be pursued. The school is happy to help with campaigning and we as Councillors are committed to it, however evidence must be gathered first. Installation of a road wide speed table was objected by the bus company.
A comment was made that installation of a speed table with existing pavements in poor condition would have a negative impact on mobility scooter users. This would be checked as part of any potential works.
Councillors further added that a new transport and movement strategy is being written and expected later this year. Its intention will be to implement measures to reduce car journeys and traffic congestion. Under the new policy the city would be divided into quadrants, however before any changes are implemented a full consultation will be undertaken.
Some measures may not be appropriate at the above-mentioned location and evidence gathered by the Council shows that number of cars driving at speed hasn’t increased.
Ward Committee is looking at a project to involve school children with creating graphics for speed awareness signs which would be installed under the existing 20mph signs.
The issue of vehicles speeding is on Councillors radar, and we will follow up on any community concerns.
Are electric bicycles allowed to travel alongside shared pedestrian/cyclists path on Crichton Avenue bridge?
In response Local PCSO stated that legal e-bikes are allowed to use cycle paths, however some modified e-bikes can move at speeds far greater than 15.5mph and those would not be allowed on the path. Customising e-bikes to allow movement at high speed is a growing problem and the Police are looking into a bid towards a project to tackle the issue. Local PCSO encouraged everyone to report incidents of dangerous cycling to help build a case. Instances of dangerous cycling at speed greater than the limit can be reported via 101 or online and preferably providing an exact location using www.what3words.com . Please ring 999 when they cause immediate danger to other road and path users. Even if we don’t know who uses the e-bike it will be useful for us to know where and when it is happening.
A resident raised an issue of a branded vehicle parking on a pavement and blocking dropped kerb road crossing outside the café on Burton Stone Lane.
Local PCSO responded that a traffic offence report can be issued leading to a letter or a fine. He engaged with few residents about the matter previously and would issue a traffic offence report if a vehicle blocking the crossing is witnessed by him. CYC Parking Enforcement is also appropriate to deal with the issue.
Locations such as the junction of Horner Street and Field View with Burton Stone Lane were also mentioned as problematic with parked vehicles blocking pavements. Local PCSO promised to visit those locations and speak with vehicle owners as appropriate.
It was felt that should York Hospital allow free parking for their staff the issue with vehicle parking and pavement obstructions in the area would be mitigated. Conversations with York Hospital about the matter are ongoing and they include a message about considerate parking and asking staff to avoid parking in residential areas in their staff bulleting, however we realise that more could be done.
A resident raised an issue of causing unnecessary air pollution by Mrs Greedys café vehicle often parked outside idling.
In response Councillors stated that air monitoring equipment was requested for Burton Stone Lane. We have had it monitoring air quality at the location about 10 years ago and are looking to put it back. It may not be permanent but will allow to take air quality readings.
An issue of contractor vehicles parking obstructing pavements around the entrance to the Duncombe Square was raised. Councillors will discuss this with the site manager with the view to remind contractors about considerate parking. A new contractor will be appointed to finish the kerbs and access road.
At this point Councillors invited Paul Morrison, Neighbourhood Safety Manager to give an overview of his them role.
The team is involved with CYC housing and tenancy enforcement related matters. Daily multiagency meetings involving Adult Social Care, Children Services, the Police are being held with the aim to share intelligence and action on matters such as tackling drugs in the community. A premises closure was issued on the west side of the city in relation to the recent stabbing incident and the situation is monitored across the city.
Was the stabbing related to drugs?
Local PCSO stated that we are unable to provide details due to ongoing investigation. He reassured the meeting that this was an isolated incident, and the perpetrator was caught quickly.
A comment was made that several individuals looking as they might be involved with drug dealing was observed and a strong smell of cannabis was experienced by member of the audience.
In response Local PCSO stated that people cannot be judged based on their appearance, however if there are suspicions of a crime taking place, he encouraged everyone to report it. The Police can act based on evidence and reports gathered. If the smell of cannabis is persistent at a certain location a report to the Police would help build intelligence. If an incident of drug dealing is witnessed and reported it will be dealt with.
A resident asked about number of shoplifting incidents in the area.
It is a problem nationally and locally in Clifton. Many shopkeepers decide not to report shoplifting, and some say that they have no time to do it. Every store has its own policy, some must go via their head office. Local PCSO opinion is that if the report is made on the shop system, their head office will have to action as they have a duty of care, however it is on the shopkeeper to make the initial report.
If the report is made to the Police one hour after the incident, they will not get the immediate officer attendance, but it will be dealt with later and CCTV footage looked at. Any instances of shoplifting reported to the Police will be followed up and dealt with.
Councillor Myers added that the overall crime stats to February 2025 show 82 crimes per month on average which shows a 10% drop comparing to previous year. He offered to approach the Police Inspector to obtain more detailed crime statistics for the area to be made available at the next meeting on Thursday 10th of July and included in the minutes from tonight’s meeting.
At this point Cllr Myers asked Paul Morrison if alleygating codes could be changed, as some of the gate keypads haven’t been updated in about 15 years and the gates are often left open.
Paul Morrison responded that the Council now has a dedicated Alleygating Officer and that he will pass on the request. A report on the matter of alleygating maintenance across the city is being written.
Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers can write to residents advising about recycling collections and/or keeping the alley gates shut. This can be promptly arranged and can have desired results.
A comment was made about large amounts of cigarette bits found around Haughton Road which looks like someone emptying their car ash tray. Would it be possible to DNA test those cigarettes ends to identify perpetrators? It was suggested that a specific location is reported. Neighbourhood Enforcement could increase patrols in the area and deal with the matter based on reports. Suggested DNA testing would be cost prohibitive.
A resident spoke about his neighbour who has been a victim of robbery several times over the past weeks. On one occasion the perpetrator was arrested, then released and robbed again. All instances have been reported to the Police, however the victim is vulnerable and does not feel safe.
The same person further added that Crichton Avenue shops have a persistent problem with a group of young people who hang out there and threaten younger kids, dangerously ride on their bicycles and cause damage to a private garden wall. We are aware of the youth work at Ashton Park which is great, but is not fixing the entire problem. What are the Police doing about it? Local PCSO responded that the area around shops is recognised as a hot spot for ASB and his team conduct patrols but relies on reports from the public. Actions are being taken. When culprits are identified home visits are conducted. In terms of early release, we can put the case to Crown Prosecution Service, however sometimes there is not enough evidence. We try to disrupt repeated offenders. Residents who have been a victim of burglary will have a visit from a victim support officer. In terms of damage to property when reported forensic evidence can be taken. I would like to reassure residents that we are doing our best to address issues, however we only have one PCSO and one new PC dedicated to the patch.
Cllr Myers offered to look into that particular case of repeated burglary and raise it with the Police colleagues at a higher level.
A comment was made that the group of young people who were throwing fireworks into private gardens were spoken to by the Police and that seemed to resolve the matter. Thank you for that.
The camera on Crichton Avenue roundabout is smothered by tree branches. Could the vegetation be cut back?
We will investigate it.
At this point Cllr Myers gave an overview of the expected central fund towards play area improvements. Expected in autumn this year, the fund will be allocated to play areas based on indices of multiple deprivation statistics and allocated to those play areas which have not seen improvements in the last 15 years. It is hoped that Ashton Park will be one of the areas in receipt of this improvement funding.
Cllr Myers asked the Local Area Coordinator and Community Officer if they like to add anything from their perspective. Under the Clear, Hold, Build they are looking for positive opportunities for residents involvement in the local area. Detached youth work for the Crichton Avenue area is being explored with youth providers. Community drop-in sessions take place on Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm at Marjorie Waite Court on Evelyn Crescent. Services such as benefits, and housing advice are available. Anyone is welcome to use café space on the day to socialise, meet other people and host themed activities.
Cllr Myers mentioned that the next edition of Connecting Clifton will be coming out in autumn and any local community groups and initiatives are welcome to submit content for inclusion in the newsletter.
Cllr Myers further added that the Neighbourhood Policing Team are looking at providing accessible information about who the local officer is, how they can be contacted and what matters the can assist with. Waiting time for a 101 call to be answered has reduced which indicates that things are improving.
Councillors thanked everyone for their contributions and closed the meeting at 20:30.
, Chair
[The meeting started at Time Not Specifiedand finished at Time Not Specified].