Agenda item

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Wednesday, 11 April 2018.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting. Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been six registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Paul Hepworth was not able to attend the meeting. He sent a written representation on behalf of Cycling UK in relation to item 4 (Fossgate Experimental Traffic Regulation Order), suggesting that contraflow cycle facilities at Fossgate be installed on a trial basis.

John Pybus, landlord of the Blue Bell at Fossgate, spoke in relation to item 4, supporting the reversal order at Fossgate. He commented on the reduction in traffic after the introduction of the reversal order and on increased safety on the street. He also elaborated on unresolved issues such as the disabled parking in the area and the uneven road surface which prevented the business owners from putting the tables and chairs on the road during summer period.

Cllr Craghill also spoke in relation to item 4, in support of the reversal order. She suggested that the reversal remained temporary so that the consultations could be organised in order to deal with all the outstanding issues. She also spoke in relation to item 8 (Removal of Parliament Street Fountain and Saint Sampson Square Toilets), expressing her disappointment that the fountain had not been made operable over the past eight years, taking into account the low financial investment needed for its restoration. She called for explicit reasons for the proposed removal to be given and for the Parliament Street improvement plan to be presented.

Sian Wiseman, representing the Earswick Parish Council, spoke in relation to item 7 (Strensall Road Speed Limit – Update), supporting the approval of the speed reduction to 40mph for safety and consistency reasons. She commented on the increased traffic on Strensall Road and the need to alleviate the residents’ concerns. She mentioned that the feasibility study to construct the cycle path in the area did not recommend pursuing the project due to its costs. She also added that the road was frequently used by children on the way to Huntington School as there was no footpath or kerb along most of its length.

Cllr Doughty also spoke in relation to item 7, supporting the reduction of speed to 40mph. He presented evidence demonstrating that there had been instances of road accidents in that sector within the past three years. He also added that Strensall was now of size of a small town, with numerous agricultural vehicles on site and residential houses where residents had difficulties with accessing their properties. He also commented on dangers of cycling within the 60mph zone and on the fact that the proposal of speed reduction had received support from ward councillors and numerous residents.

Cllr Mercer then spoke in relation to item 9 (Local Bus Services to Wheldrake and villages to the South East of York), supporting a proposal to procure a reduced service replicating route 18, highlighting that this was, however, a short-term solution. She added that route 36 did not cater for the needs of workers as it did not provide services before 9.15am and requested that future arrangements covered the services on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

Two written representations (available online) had been received in advance of the meeting: one from Cllr D’Agorne in relation to item 4 (Fossgate Experimental Traffic Regulation Order) and one from Foxwood Residents’ Association in relation to item 10 (Highway Maintenance Delivery Report for 2017/18).