Agenda and minutes

·         An opportunity for residents to chat to your Ward Cllrs and the police

·         Residents have an opportunity to find out more information on the Burnholme Development site

Local residents were given the opportunity to speak informally with Councillor Warters and Councillor Rowley prior to the main meeting

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Warters who welcomed everyone and set out the agenda.  He introduced Sgt Victoria Lowery and PCSO Andy Smith from the Neighbourhood Team who had been asked to attend following several recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area (particularly during the summer months).

There will be an update from the local policing team and residents will have the opportunity to raise any issues in the ward

Sgt Lowery and PCSO Smith acknowledged that there had been incidents of worsening anti-social behaviour in the area and that in recent months they had received 82 calls (18 of which related to the sports club).   In addition, their patrol had attended on 193 occasions during the summer.  They also confirmed that although they were trying to maintain a visible police presence this could not always be guaranteed due to limited resources.  They referred to ‘Operation Liberate’ which aimed to reinforce local policing and reduce anti-social behaviour.

At this point, several residents voiced concerns at the underreporting of incidents, the difficulty getting through to staff on 101 and the lack of police presence in the area.  Additional costs had been incurred as a result of installing CCTV at the sports club in an attempt to protect staff and provide evidence of anti-social behaviour.  Sgt Lowery replied that North Yorkshire Police were unable to build a clear picture or effectively target resources unless each incident was reported (either by telephone or e-mail).  She also stated that only two PCSO’s were available to provide cover for the Derwent & Osbaldwick Ward.

The residents went on to describe some of the recent incidents which included verbal abuse and intimidation by large gangs of young people as well as criminal damage to the sports club.  Sgt Lowery confirmed that an arrest had been made and discussed the procedure for dealing with young people who demonstrated anti-social behaviour which involved contacting their parents by letter, visiting them at home and, if appropriate, putting in place an ‘Acceptable Behaviour Contract’.  She went to on to explain that school visits were also an important part of their role.

Councillor Warters disputed the fact that simply driving a police van in the area constituted a visible police presence.  He also asked whether the Neighbourhood Team would consider accepting a sports club key (or having access to a high security key safe), this is to use the club as a rest stop when patrolling, this was previously agreed five years ago.Sgt Lowery said she would look into the possibility of this.

Councillor Warters then asked for a commitment to have regular foot patrols in the area and for senior police staff to attend future ward meetings on a regular basis. 

Councillor Rowley queried whether PCSO’s were responsive to incidents or whether they had a particular beat.  Sgt Lowery stated that both were applicable as PCSO’s were equally responsible for responding to incidents in other areas whilst also covering their own dedicated area.

Councillor Rowley commented on a recent (positive) meeting with Inspector Lee Pointon who noted the frustrations with the 101 system and confirmed that every Parish Council should expect a minimum of three visits per year from the Neighbourhood Team.  Councillor Rowley then asked for this to be fully implemented.  Sgt Lowery assured him that she would make every effort to facilitate this.

Councillor Rowley also asked whether the PCSO’s interacted with local businesses and was assured by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

An update on the Burnhome development which will include a Housing update, residents will have the opportunity to raise any issues

Ben Burton gave an update onall aspects of the successful Burnholme development which commenced in 2016 and receives approximately 12,000 visitors a year.

Care Home - There are plans to build an 80 bedded specialist dementia care home on the site which should be completed by September 2020.  City of York Council sold the site to HC One but will purchase beds back as it is difficult for City of York Council to fully operate care homes under current policies.

Sports Centre – A total of £2.4 million has been spent on the Burnholme Sports Centre which will be leased to GLL. Work is currently being carried out on the playing field (drainage/re-seeding) which should be completed by September 2020.  However, the sports hall should be completed by January 2020.

Cycle Lane/Footpath - The cycle lane/foot path between Derwenthorpe and Bad Bargain Lane which has been closed for approximately ten years is currently being re-surfaced and re-lit and work should be completed by January 2020. 

Health Centre - The plot between the library and sports hall is currently empty but will become a new health centre (when discussions with the CCG have been concluded).  It is envisaged that three local surgeries may close when the new health centre is up and running. 

Housing Development - A new development of between 70 – 90 residential properties (comprising a mixture of tenures including 40 per cent affordable properties) will be built between St Aelreds and the main Burnholme site.

A resident asked whether residents would get reduced rates to use the sports facilities. Ben Burton was not sure but confirmed that he would make further enquiries.

Another resident enquired as to whether any dog bins would be installed along the upgraded cycle lane/footpath between Derwenthorpe and Bad Bargain Lane.  Ben Burton was unsure but assured the resident that he would make further enquiries.

An issue was raised by a resident involved parking provision within the new Burnholme development and was assured by Ben Burton that generous parking provision had been factored into the master plan.  There would also be a significant improvement to the local bus service.

Another resident wanted to know what Tang Hall Library was being used for.  Ben Burton confirmed that it was being used as an archiving facility.

A further point of concern was how local schools would manage with increased numbers of children in the area.  Ben Burton confirmed that a financial contribution would be made to the Education Team to accommodate increased numbers.

With regard to the Burnholme development as a whole, Ben Burton was asked how many contractors were involved and where the main access to the new housing would be.  He confirmed that only one appointed contractor was involved and that Bad Bargain Lane would be the main point of vehicular access.  

At this stage in the meeting, Councillor Warters commented on the dreadful state that David Wilson Homes(development partner to the Joseph Rowntree Housing Association)  had left Fifth Avenue when using it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Feedback from some groups who have received ward grants this year

A representative from Murton Parish Council reported a welcome improvement following the replacement fingerpost sign and street light enhancement but flagged up large pot holes in Moor Lane and the poor state of the pond.

Councillor Warters commented on the difficulty of getting things moving but confirmed that there would be increased parking near the shops on Farndale Avenue in an effort to avoid inappropriate parking.  He also confirmed that the pot holes on Metcalf Lane had been filled in.

Cllrs will give an update on the ward budgets available and ask for any suggestions from residents

Revenue             2019 - 2020

Dunnington          £16,356

Holtby                  £841

Kexby                  £1,107

Murton                 £3,000

Osbaldwick          £15,312

Highways           2019 - 2023

Dunnington          £38,449

Holtby                  £1,979

Kexby                  £2,604

Murton                 £7,053

Osbaldwick          £35,994

HEIP                     £6,800 (Housing Estate Improvement Programme)

1.    GRANTS AWARDED 2019 - 2020

·         Dunnington Methodist Church - £2,500 to purchase new projector and accessories

·         Dunnington Parish Council - £285 to purchase a crisp packet recycling bin at the park on Intake Lane

·         Dunnington Parish Council - £300 for flower barrels on Garden Flats Lane

·         Dunnington Parish Council - £600 for repairs and securing of the shed at the Undergate Field Allotments

·         Dunnington Playing Fields - £1,500 for upkeep of the playing field which needs spraying to stop the damage caused by chafer grubs.

·         Holtby Parish Council - £524 for planters

·         Kexby Parish Council - £1,980 for replacement notice board

·         Murton Parish Council - £1,600 for street light embellishment kits

·         Murton Parish Council - £600 for replacement fingerpost sign

·         Walking for Health - £100 for continuation of Health walks from Dunnington and Holtby

WARD SCHEMES IN PROGRESS

·         Streetlight scheme in Meadlands, Osbaldwick - £1,557

·         Metcalfe Lane repairs - £571

·         Improve parking area at Farndale Avenue Shops – estimated £10,000

Residents have the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns with Ward Cllrs

Residents were given an opportunity to raise any further queries or concerns.

 It was felt that the community should be more proactive with regard to the issues of anti-social behaviour.  However, a previous suggestion of a youth club was deemed to be too expensive as it would cost approximately £15,000 a year to run it for just one night a week.  The online reporting of issues such as pot holes was considered to be effective.  Residents also wanted to know why it took so long for the City of York Council to deal with problems.  Councillor Warters confirmed that matters tended to get held up during the legal process.

Another resident wanted to know whether Osbaldwick would get any electric buses on the No 6 route.  Councillor Warters was unsure but put Councillor Andy D’Agorne’s name forward as someone who would be able to advise him on the matter.

Finally, a resident asked who was responsible for the lamppost near the sports Club, Councillor Warters will confirm.

As no further queries or concerns were raised Councillor Warters thanked everyone for attending the meeting which ended at 21: 00.