Agenda item

Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward Meeting

Wednesday 25^th June 2025

6.30pm – 8.30pm

West Thorpe Methodist Church

West Thorpe

Agenda

• Drop in and Meet Councillors
• Ward Budget and Ward Grants
• Information from Environment and Community Officer
• Local Transport Implementation Plan
• Have Your Say

Present: Cllr S Fenton, Cllr P Widdowson, Cllr A Mason, Community Officer C Claudius Cole, Eco Officer B Johnson

Cllr Stephen Fenton opened the meeting and welcomed residents.

A power point presentation was presented.

Following the presentation there was a discussion:

Ward funding was discussed and it was stated that a good range of applicants and funding had been awarded. A resident asked if the details of the awards would be published. C Claudius-Cole confirmed that they would be once the funds had been signed off by the director. Details of awards can be found here: Ward Committee Approved Funding - Dataset - York Open Data

Cllr P Widdowson reminded residents of Wilberforce Trust café, situated in their premises opposite Tescos. The trust are keen to see the café used as a wider community resource.

Beki Johnston (Eco Officer) gave an update on Eco projects in the ward. She stated that the officers look after parks, gardens, woodlands, nature reserves etc. Theu rely upon volunteers to carry out a range of activities including litter picking, for which they provide insurance, training etc. They also work with corporate groups.

B Johnston Stated that Friends of Acomb wood have stepped down; Hob Moor, Mayfields, Railway Pond, are managed but Chapmans Pond group is no longer active.

The Eco and Communities Team support requests for tree planting and wild flower meadows. If communities identify an area for planting they can work with their Eco officer as they may need guidance regarding cables, utility networks etc and to confirm a consensus in the street for planting. Cllr S Fenton stated that at times utilities prevent tree planting. They can provide guidance on planting wild flowers.

Wains Grove park was suggested as an area for development as the space is not utilised much, other than for dog walking.

Residents in Hunters Way reported a fallen cherry tree and a Holly Bush. B Johnston requested that they email to inform the Eco team.

Hunters Way ‘Olympics’ were mentioned as a positive example of communities coming together with many children attending.

Residents also expressed a desire to engage in litter picking. Beki provided information. Cllr S Fenton stated that the litter pickers for Tadcaster Road advertise their events and city wide there are 1000 volunteers across the city. Tesco and college area are in need of litter pickers.

A question was asked about grass cutting which will resume in April. A Big Spring Clean is planned for March.

Cllr P Widdowson mentioned the planting of trees, but if they are not watered and nurtured for 5 years they will fail (many died during the drought) on the Knavesmire. This was similar for the trees on Chesney Green.

The cost was reported to be £200 per tree plus cage and watering. Some trees are not near residential areas so are less able to keep alive. The tree planting is part of the Green Streets project.

The lack of street sweeping was discussed. Residents asked if they could do this themselves. They were advised that they could but to wear High Vis vests – the eco team can provide these and insurance.

The issue of school runs and parents parking and deliberately ignoring parking rules was raised. Resolution would require police and council resources. Discussion was had regarding making St Edward’s Road a residents only zone. The issue of lack of road markings was raised with lines fading. The delay in remedying this was due to budget cuts.

Pedestrian safety measures were discussed; cutting back hedges and encouraging private residents to cut their hedges.

Positive feedback was given regarding the ward; a lot of green spaces, low crime and good schools. Cllr P Widdowson stated this needs promoting more.

Going forward it was suggested that themed ward meetings might be more popular.

Cllr S Fenton Closed the meeting and thanked those who attended.