October 2008 Archives

The crossroads at the bottom of Sim Balk Lane have been the subject of much discussion in the village over the past years culminating in a project being drawn up to greatly enhance this part of Bishopthorpe, which is in the village Conservation Area. The full project may well take time to come to fruition due to there being a number of obstacles to overcome, in the meantime 3 or 4 planters are to be placed on the area in front of the chapel. These will be put in place next spring. Such planters can only improve this rather dull and uninteresting paved area.

The corner of land at the junction of Acaster Lane and Main Street is to undergo a face lift. This small corner of Bishopthorpe is have a makeover incorporating  a flower bed , some paving and a new seat to replace the old worn out one. The seat owned by the Parish Council is to stay. It is envisaged that the work will be undertaken in January of next year. Subject to planning it is also hoped that an appropriate sign might be erected to give direction to the shops in Acaster Lane. The accompanying photograph shows that this corner of Bishopthorpe is long overdue for attention.

Looking at the parade of shops in Acaster Lane one can appreciate the need for some improvement, it is planned to have the area improved by the installation of three or four planters, which should be put in place next spring. As can be seen from the photograph any improvement must make the parade look far better and hopefully encourage more people to use the shops on the parade.

The footpath linking Acaster Lane and Keble Park South was becoming quite an untidy mess, following our visit on Monday the 22nd of September this was tidied up and improved almost beyond recognition. The work was done by YACROW the Young Offenders organization here in York, and was done on Thursday 2nd of August. This work was funded by York Pride. As the photograph shows what a difference this work has made.

In the middle of September and of October I along with Claire Baily the Street Environment Officer and Cindy Benton the Neighborhood Management Officer conducted a walk about in Bishopthorpe looking at areas that could be greatly improved; these are shown under their descriptive headings in the section Ward Matters.

The Ward Committee was held on Tuesday evening the 7th of October at Naburn, the meeting was attended by only 17 residents from the combined wards of Bishopthorpe and Wheldrake. There were as far as I could tell only 5 from Bishopthorpe. And that figure included at least two Parish Councilors. It is somewhat disappointing at the low turnout especially when there is always an opportunity to meet officers of the council and take part in general discussion. An opportunity to raise any issue with myself is always provided for in the agenda.

We had a chance to look at the plans for the new Park & Ride opposite London Bridge Filling Station; the scheme looked well with a much increased car park. Access and egress for buses will be by way of the current access point on to a new roadway behind Tesco's into the site. Access for cars will be on a new roundabout just west of the filling station.

A Fire Service Officer outlined plans for possible changes to Fire Stations in York, it is envisaged that the current Fire Station in Clifford Street will be demolished and rebuilt to house one fire appliance and the rescue boat whilst a new Fire Station would be built in the arc between Fulford and Osbaldwick.

The Police as usual were present and informed the meeting of recent crime figures.

A member of the Waste Re-Cycling team was present and a lively discussion took place on re-cycling.

A number of people spoke in support of their bids for funding from the Ward Committee budget which next year will be in the order of £26,000 for the two wards, unfortunately there will be some who will be disappointed as the bids total to far more than the budget, in making the decisions we will be guided by responses from residents.

The final item on the agenda is always a chance for attendees to have a say, not much was discussed relating to our ward rather discussion took place on the planning appeal for Elvington Airfield.

Following my representations to the Council I am delighted that linking footpaths in Keble Park South (notably the footpath from Acaster Lane) have been tidied up and made to look as if they part of the area rather than looking neglected and abandoned well done to York Pride Team.

Arrangements are to be put in hand to improve the area of land at the junction of Acaster Lane and Main Street with the possibility of a new seat to replace the old one near the top of Chantry Lane.

Following a request from a resident I am delighted that my efforts have been successful and we now have two parking bays for disabled drivers on Main Street.

I am always on the look out in the Ward for any improvements to services etc so if you have anything you wish to bring to the attention of the Council please don't hesitate to contact me, however a word of caution I do not have a magic wand and there are occasions when I end up banging my head against a stone wall!!

Much has been written and spoken since the City Planning Committee unanimously refused the planning application to develop the site. The major reason for refusal was the effect on traffic in the areas surrounding the site which of course included Bishopthorpe.

That the site will be developed and should be developed is without doubt, and I suspect will be done over 2 or 3 years depending on among other things the country's economy.

My concern is well recorded in that with current high level of traffic affecting Bishopthorpe the development on the Terry's site must not add to the traffic problems. Without some form of a village By-Pass, Bishopthorpe will become a major route to and from the site with all that entails.

The council has three options, first to do nothing, secondly to widen Church Lane and impose parking restrictions, or thirdly to build a By-Pass south of the A64 through what is Green Belt.

My preference for a by-pass south of the A64 is well documented, it is very unfortunate that my preference has been politically attacked; my view has nothing to do with politics rather to do with protecting the village and the wellbeing of residents. To suggest otherwise is quite ridiculous and indicative of the small mindedness of those who would use politics in such a way. Along with many residents I believe that the loss of some green belt is a price worth paying to protect the village and residents.

Funding for the new road is a difficulty and some development on the two fields in question may help towards the cost, we cannot expect the Terry's site developers to bear the full cost but I feel sure they will make a contribution, as may other interested parties.

A link road to the north of the A64 is not I am advised possible; there is not enough room between the racecourse and the A64, whilst a new junction on to the A64 at Middlethorpe has been rejected by the Highways Agency out of hand.

Please send me your views on the issue, or comment on this article (click on comments below).