Agenda item
Agenda
Introductions
Ward Budget and Ward Grants
Celebrating Our Community and Residents
Police Update
Area Walk Abouts and Neighbourhood Caretakers
Have Your Say
Minutes:
Westfield Ward Meeting Minutes
Thursday October 9th 2025
Foxwood Community Centre
Agenda
Drop In and meet councillors and local police
Police Updates for the Ward
Ward Grants updates and Budget
Neighbourhood Walkabouts
Civic Trust Project
Celebration of Residents and the Community
Have Your Say
6.30pm
Meet and great councillors and community groups
7.00pm
Cllr J Coles opened the meeting and welcomed residents, speakers and community groups, and asked councillors to introduce themselves.
Cllr E Nelson introduced herself, stating she was a resident of Westfield and proud of Westfield as a ward, and was grateful to the residents who contribute to the ward’s positive activities.
Cllr A Waller introduced himself as Cllr for Westfield Ward.
C Claudius Cole introduced herself as the Community Officer for the ward and minute taker for the meeting.
Police updates
Serg Ben Amble introduced himself as the acting police sergeant for the area, having served in neighbourhood policing for five years. He currently has 2 PCs (L Warburton and C Jenkins) and 6 PCSOs working in the area. 1 PC is specifically assigned to Westfield ward, reflecting the high demand in Westfield with Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
Ward priorities are set with the chief inspector. The priorities are:
- Anti-social behaviour
- Retail Crime
- Burglaries
- Organised Crime
ASB has the highest policing demand than any other ward. Burglaries have reduced across the ward, but occasionally spike. The current trend is for targeting sheds and garages for expensive bikes and motorcycles. Retail crime is not as high as other areas. Organised Crime priority relies upon community intelligence, especially in relation to drug dealing; often has links to organised crime.
Hate crime in the form of racist graffiti in Hatfield Walk, The Chinese Takeaway and Chesney Fields was an issue. Intelligence suggests that this has been done by young people. Police have a applied a problem-solving approach under Operation Unity. This has a focus on engaging young people with inputs around hate crime and the impact this has.
Police are taking a proactive approach in patrols, which ties in with their ASB plan. Current shift patterns make policing ‘hotspots’ problematic but plans to change a shift pattern should offer more coverage.
There are some changes to policing planned to allow for a more comprehensive management of ASB, using every intervention possible prior to enforcement.
Cllr Coles invited questions.
G Campbell Thomas asked there was a correlation between the flags and a rise in racist incidents, graffiti and hate crime. Srg Ambler stated that he could not make that correlation as the intelligence suggests that a young person (persons) are responsible for the graffiti, whilst intelligence suggests that adults are responsible for the flag mounting.
Cllr J Coles asked if primary schools were also engaged in the police Operation Unity Campaign. Srg Ambler confirmed the operation involved both primary and secondary schools.
F Reilly from Acomb Library praised the swift police response to a recent incident when library staff requested police assistance. Staff felt safe and supported by the police.
Resident asked if the problem of E bikes racing along snickets is being addressed. Srg Ambler stated that Operation Pendulum targets bike crime/ nuisance. Since January 2024 this has also targeted motorbike nuisance.
Cllr Coles asked how the members of the public should call in these incidents? Srg Ambler recommended that if the event was current and ‘happening now’ then call 999. If residents want to record an event that is not current, then 101.
Cllr E Nelson acknowledged that the wait time of 101 could be frustrating, but on a recent occasion when she called in an incident, police were already doing door to door enquiries.
Srg Ambler directed residents to the new Neighbourhood policing portal where residents can do a street search and this will give details of policing priority and it is a means to contact the team directly.
Cllr A Waller stated that E bikes speeding down snickets was a problem. Srg Ambler stated that this is being dealt with via Operation Pendulum but the police need to know who the young person is committing the offence and to see them carrying out the offence.
Cllr J Coles stated that the new Crime and Policing Bill will give police more powers in dealing with ASB Respect Orders.
Ward funding updates and budget
C Claudius-Cole provided a brief update on schemes funded in the first rounding fund:
Kyra in the Community – will provide outreach sessions in the ward to enable women who may be discouraged from going to Kyra’s main centre in town. Sessions will focus on employment skills, confidence, boundaries, self care etc.
Kyra stated their aim was:
"to make Kyra’s services more accessible to women who may find it difficult to take the first step or travel to our central York space. To do this, we’re planning to deliver introductory ‘taster’ sessions in the community, reaching women who might otherwise be isolated - such as mothers of young children, older women, carers, women with disabilities, and those with intersectional identities facing multiple barriers.
We’ll begin with a coffee morning to introduce Kyra and talk about the support we offer. From there, we’ll tailor follow-up sessions based on the needs and interests of the women we meet. These could include support with employment and training, or workshops on topics like confidence, assertiveness, setting boundaries, self-care, and managing emotions.
As part of our outreach in Westfield, (The Place) we’ll run four wellbeing sessions, contributing to a total of seven sessions overall. We aim to engage up to 30 women through this project. Planned wellbeing activities include yoga, arts and crafts, and hand reflexology. All sessions will be designed to be fully accessible. Sessions begin on the 4th November and run biweekly until 10th February (with a break for Christmas)."
Foxwood Community Centre were funded for 4 new stacking tables.
Greater Acomb Community Forum was funded to purchase plants, meeting room hire and flyers.
Chapelfields Hang Out – funding was granted for weekly After School Hangout Club run by Gateway church at Sanderson House. Grant will be used for craft materials, games and equipment.
Acomb Methodist Church – funds agreed to contribute to smart heating system.
Friends of Acomb Library – Funding granted to support half term events for children using local artists to facilitate the workshops.
St James the Deacon – Funding to support family days held at St James the Deacon offering clothes, school uniform, food and entertainment.
Boccia Boules – awarded for the club at Acomb library.
Evolving Roots – to start in October with workshops in the Quaker Meeting House (K Briggs also provided an update).
Energise Vouchers – Funding was provided to purchase gym and swim vouchers. These vouchers have been extended to the end of July 2026.
York Rugby Club – multi sports sessions in summer were funded.
York City Football Club – Summer and Easter sessions were funded.
CAY- Cllrs agreed to continue funding advisors at Foxwood Community Centre and Sanderson House.
Half Term Activities
Generate Theatre, New Visuality, Trashbang were all funded to provide sessions. Generate Theatre and New Visuality will also run a workshop in October half term.
K Briggs thanked Cllrs for the funding and gave an outline of her project (Evolving Roots). K Briggs explained that the groups will provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals, especially those at risk of social isolation or struggling with mental health issues, focusing on engaging people through high-quality creative arts, wellbeing activities, and therapeutic, nature-based experiences. The work primarily benefits young people along with their families and caregivers, particularly those facing additional challenges such as neurodiversity, anxiety, and economic disadvantage. They aim to use the power of creative expression and community support to enhance mental health, strengthen individual and collective resilience, foster a sense of belonging, and promote overall wellbeing. K Briggs shared some photos of the art work produced by the children. Sessions will start the end of October and be held at the quaker house meeting house as the venue has access to a quiet room where parents could wait if the child was highly anxious.
F Reilly and G Campbell Thomas expressed thanks for the funding they received for half term activities at Acomb Library, explaining that HAF funding does not cover the shorter half terms. F Reilly outlined the plans for the Acomb Explore Refurbishment and described the damage to sleepers that had rotted away. The library has raised £400 to replace them, but more funds are needed urgently as it is a health and Safety issue and they have submitted an application for ward funding. G Campbell Thomas stated that they had also applied to the National Garden Scheme, but will not hear until after April.
Cllr J Coles explained the funding process which is designed to ensure fairness and a comprehensive allocation of funds.
Cllr E Nelson stated that the Cllrs appreciate the flexibility of the Energise Vouchers and they are very important for the engagement of young people. Requested that residents and groups contact C Claudius Cole if anyone wanted vouchers.
Cllr J Coles stated the Cllrs considered it very important to fund activities for children in the ward who may not get a holiday.
Neighbourhood Walkabouts
Cllr J Coles outlined the Neighbourhood caretaker model, stating that £1500m in funds has been allocated to the public realm. The purpose of the walkabouts is to identify street issues that can be resolved to improve neighbourhoods.
C Claudius Cole stated that the first one for Westfield ward has been arranged for Monday 13th October and will inspect the area around Ascot Way. The second walkabout is on 10th November. Residents are welcome, but the remit is different to the HMO walkabouts which are advertised on their website page. The hope is that areas will see a ground level improvement in their area. The neighbourhood caretakers had cleared the snicket by Energise.
Cllr J Coles expressed thanks for the role of volunteers in keeping neighbourhoods tidy.
Resident expressed concern about the amount of acorns on the ground and slippage risk.
C Claudius Cole emphasised that she would welcome suggestions for areas to inspect.
Civic Trust Project
C Henzel introduced the Civic Trust project, stating that it will focus upon Acomb and Westfield Ward. C Henzel explained that The York Civic Trust aim to introduce a new community heritage initiative early next year called Our Place – Acomb and Westfield. This outreach project is part of York Civic Trust 80th Anniversary work for next year, and they are interested in looking to the future and how the Trust can respond and engage with the needs of local community. One of the key elements of this is to work with residents to identify, and assist where we can, in the local heritage and places that are important to them. Two have been identified in Westfield.
The Trust already acts as custodian for the city's Local Heritage List, working closely with CYC Conservation Officers in its management and development. The existing Local Heritage List website is not really fit for purpose anymore. After undertaking a review of the existing list, they would like to work with local residents to enhance and develop the list and means of accessing it and nominate items/ buildings.
C Henzel aims to reach out to groups/individuals who are already active in the area to see if the Civic Trust can contribute to existing activities and to get a better understanding of what is already happening and also plan to run a series of pop up interactive workshops in local venues.
Cllr E Nelson asked where the two sites are; C Henzel stated that one was a pub, but could not recall the other.
Celebrating our community and residents
Cllr E Nelson stated that she wanted to highlight and celebrate the community and invited residents and participants to share good news stories.
Foxwood Community Centre continues to be a source of support to local residents.
Olly gave an account of the theatre work being carried out in York High and the positive impact this is having.
Energise gave an update on the centre and a 60 plus games festival recently held which was well attended.
Fr Luke provided an update on the work on St James the Deacon, including the family fun days and the Tots group and the positive impact the church has had on the community. The events over the summer were really successful, and in total over the summer of those that signed in, we welcomed 69 different families. Total numbers across the events was 311 people, which consisted of 109 adults and 202 children. Event Breakdown:
- 22 July – 119 attendees (40 adults, 79 children)
- 12 August – 88 attendees (31 adults, 57 children)
- 26 August – 104 attendees (38 adults, 66 children)
Each event combined fun, practical support, and access to local services. Activities and workshops included:
- Generate Theatre
- Noise Academy
- Speedkix Football Shoot-Out
- Badge and keyring making
- Crafts with Crafty Fox Kids Club
We also offered:
- Pre-loved and new school uniforms
- Food parcels
- A shared healthy lunch and refreshments – all free of charge
Information and advice stalls were available from:
- York Family Matters
- York Family Information Service
- York Energy Advice
- St. Leonard’s Hospice
- Benefit advice services
12 August was a highlight, with many books, toys, and clothes given away.
To top it all off, each event included a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Tesco, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park, and Tenpin Bowling. The feedback we received—both in person and via Facebook messages and emails—was overwhelmingly positive.
We were able to offer pre-loved and new school uniform at each event, as well as food parcels. There were varied workshops, which were well attended across the events - Generate Theatre, Noise Academy, Speedkix Football Shoot-out, keyring making, badge making as well as a range of other crafts. We were also able to offer services with stall holders - Benefit advice, York Family Matters, York Family Information Service, York Energy Advice and St. Leonards Hospice. Many toys, clothes and books were also given away on the 12th August.
Tuesday Tots
As the summer term came to a close, we celebrated a milestone as 16 of our regular tots moved on to nursery and school. While this led to a slightly quieter start in the new term, we were delighted to welcome nearly 30 children—along with their parents, carers, and childminders—at our first session back.
Starting Rite Baby Course
Looking ahead, we’re excited to run our second Starting Rite baby course just after half term. Promotion is already underway via social media and local posters.
Community Café & New ‘Parent Hub’
Our Community Café has now reopened, offering a friendly space for families to connect. We’re also launching a new initiative: the Parent Hub. This will serve as a welcoming drop-in for parents to meet, find community, and access support if needed.
Community Foodbank
Our community foodbank continues to support 10–15 families per week, providing essential help to those in need.
Looking Ahead
A key consideration for the coming months is the continuation of Nicola’s role, which has been instrumental in developing our children, families, and youth work. With current funding set to end next summer, we are exploring ways to sustain and build on her work.
We welcome any ideas for grant funding and support as we look to further establish the church as a vibrant community hub.
Fr Luke again thanked councillors for ongoing support. It’s made a real and lasting difference to families in our area, and we look forward to continuing this work together.
Have You Say
G Campbell Thomas asked when the repairs to the bus shelter on Green Lane will be repaired as a petition had been submitted a few months ago.
Cllr J Coles stated that she would look into this.
Cllr A Waller stated there should be a time limit on such repairs.
Cllr J Coles closed the meeting and thanked those who attended.