Agenda and minutes

1.1        Residents had the opportunity to speak informally to Councillors Runciman, Orrell and Hyman, Claire Taylor, Iain Dunn, PCSOs John Armstrong and Richard Parry, Parish Councillors Don Crawford and Richard Revell. 

1.2        Residents also had the opportunity to speak to representatives and find out more information about York Community Stadium (Local Dialogue on behalf of Oakgate Group Plc), York Wilberforce Trust, York Link and York NHS Foundation Trust.

2.1  Cllr Carol Runciman welcomed residents to the meeting.

2.2  The minutes of the last meeting on 2^nd February 2011 were agreed and signed by all councillors with the following update:

·         Point 6.4 – A resident stated they had not seen the street sweeper on Whenby Grove for some time, CT to investigate – the barrowman visits Whenby Grove every 1 to 2 weeks.  The mechanic street sweeper visits the street if and when the barrowman reports it is necessary.

PCSOs John Armstrong and Richard Parry from Rural East Safer Neighbourhood Team gave an update on Crime and Community Safety issues in the ward.  The following points were noted:

3.1  PC Alex Dobson is the new dedicated PC for this ward. 

3.2  PCSO John Armstrong is responsible for the Monks Cross area.

3.3  PCSO Richard Parry covers the New Earswick area and is responsible for protecting vulnerable people and potential victims.

3.4  Cycle theft continues to be a problem in this ward and across the city.  A gang of young people have recently been charged with this offence.  Residents are encouraged to have their bicycles security tagged.  Anyone interested should contact the team on 0845 6060247 for more information. 

The following questions and comments were noted:

a)     Presumably the shops at Monks Cross have their own store detectives; do they call the police in if they detain someone?

Response was given that yes the police are normally called in.

b)    Has there been any progress in introducing cold calling zones in Huntington?

Response was given that there are a number of streets which are now cold calling zones.  Residents should contact the local police team, Councillors or the Neighbourhood Management Unit if they would like to express an interest for one in their street.

c)    There are rogue traders and callers operating in the area with a recent case of a vulnerable resident being the target of a scam.  Residents were encouraged to be extra vigilant. 

4.1 Cllr Keith Hyman gave apologies on behalf of York Libraries as due to staff illness they were unable to send a representative to this meeting.

Scott Royal from Local Dialogue gave an overview of the proposed new community stadium development on behalf of the development company Oakgate Group.  The following key points were noted:

5.1  The proposal is to create a 6000 seat stadium which would not be a great distance away from the existing one but would be positioned further away from the houses. 

5.2  In addition to the stadium the site will hold a number of community facilities which may include a range of outpatient facilities, a York St John University Community Sport Institute, shopping units, restaurants and a public open space. 

5.3  It is proposed that the existing Park & Ride be extended to create an additional 400 parking spaces. 

5.4  A series of consultation sessions are being carried out prior to submission of the planning application.  The next one will be held on Thursday 14^th July 2011, 7pm at Orchard Park Community Centre.

The following questions and comments were noted:

a)    This is overdevelopment and is not welcomed or supported by the residents of Huntington.  It will lead to light pollution, drainage issues and traffic congestion.  As a resident of Huntington I have not been asked what I think about this. 

Response was given that this session is part of the consultation process to obtain the views of local residents.  1000 letters have been sent out to residents of Huntington.  The issues raised will be thoroughly looked at during the planning stages as will the concerns that have been raised by the police. 

b)    I am concerned about the traffic implications for New Earswick.  No one in New Earswick has been consulted on this. 

Response was given that a thorough transport plan will be carried out. 

c)    Can you give me a guarantee that you will write to every resident in Huntington to obtain their views?

Response was given that this is a decision for Oakgate and it would be passed onto them.

Rachel Lintott, Rehabilitation Services Manager for The Wilberforce Trust gave a talk on their services they offer.  The following points were noted: 

6.1  The Trust, based on North Moor Road next to the Post Office offers support to individuals with sight loss to cope with everyday life.  This is offered through supported housing schemes, rehabilitation services and a multifunctional social activity and training facility called ‘The Living and Learning Zone’.  The trust works to raise awareness of visual impairments. 

6.2  The Trust has a low vision service which runs twice a month and residents were encouraged to spread the word about it. 

6.3  A lot of work has been done over the past few year in developing a rehabilitation service. 

The following questions and comments were noted:

a)    It would be a good idea to put some posters on noticeboards around the ward to advertise the service

b)    Are the low vision clinic’s drop in?

Response was given that no they are not, the service is only offered to people with diagnosed eye conditions whose vision remains poor even after correction with spectacles.  Anyone interested in accessing this service should ring the Trust on (01904) 760037 to discuss their needs and make an appointment. 

c)    Is the service open only to people living in this ward?

Response was given that the service is open to anyone.

The following questions and comments were noted:

a)    The cycle lanes on North Moor Road are in a terrible state of repair on both sides.

Response was given that this would be passed on.

b)    There is vehicle for sale parked across the cycle lane outside the fish and chip shop on Strensall Road.

Response was given that this would be passed on.

c)    If the sale of the Union Terrace car park goes ahead, what will York St John’s University be using the land for?

Response was given that the Vice Chancellor of the University is proposing to build a business school on there.