Your Local Ward Councillor

Yorkshire in Bloom Competition 2012

2011-12-27T14:31:13Z

Yorkshire Water and the Smells!!

2011-08-14T18:15:38Z

Having just returned from a few days away in wildest Wales an email was waiting for me from Yorkshire Water the text of which is re-produced below. Please if there are further "Pongs" please respond direct to Yorkshire Water or give me a call

"I just wanted to drop you a short message to thank you for your comments regarding the odour from our waste water treatment works at Naburn.

We are aware of the issue of odour from this site and currently we are undertaking a review of all site processes in order to formulate an action plan to tackle the odour.

Our Area Case Coordinator Tom Phillips is coordinating this review and would be happy to update you on the progress if you think this would be helpful?

In the meantime, it's imperative that local residents report any instances of odour from the site to us on 08451 24 24 24 so we can record each complaint and investigate the circumstances behind it.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this"

WHAT A SMELL!!

2011-08-01T15:40:28Z

I am getting reports of rather "unpleasant odours" emanating from Naburn Sewage Works. I have spoken to Yorkshire Water and they are investigating the matter. The sewage works is just about fully automated so it may be difficult to disciover the source, however if anybody has a "whiff" of the foul smell please record date and time and forward on to me please. My email is cllr.jgalvin@york.gov.uk

Here we are in 2011

2011-01-01T15:15:39Z

2010 has now gone and has taken it's place history, as I sit here looking out over a gloomy landscape I wonder how the historians will record the past year. A year which in passing brings to a close the first decade of the second millenium AD. A sobering thought, it seems like only yesterday we were all waiting with baited breath the much feared "Millenium Bug" A damp squib if ever there was one.

So let us look to the future and hope that 2011 won't be too tough a year as "Government Cuts" begin to bite. Whilst the winter still has it's grip on the country let us look forward to a super Spring and a glorious Summer.

A Happy New Year to One and All.

A Bit of Colour for a Winter's Day

2010-12-11T12:37:26Z

Apart from being the Ward Councillor I do of course have other interests and in an attempt to cheer us all up on this winter's day I thought I would pop some pictures of my Cactus Collection in flower, I hope you enjoy them.

My new "Blog"

2010-11-24T14:51:13Z

When I first started using this site it was agreed that I would not use the site for political purposes, I have adhered to that agreement even though my Political Allegiance is well known.

I now feel the need for a site than enbles me to interact with the public on matters political so I have set up a new "Blog" which will I hope help me to interact with you the Electors of Bishopthorpe on all political aspects.

My "Blog" is cllrjohn.blogspot.com, I look forward to your comments.

Planning Issues in Acaster Malbis

2010-10-26T12:42:28Z

There have been a number of planning issues over the past months in Acaster Malbis and I want to assure residents that these issues are being dealt with, however often matters move exceedingly slow as there always procedures to be followed which can drag on for a long period of time, but I can assure residents the issues will be ultimately addressed one way or another.

Confusion over use of Bishopthorpe Road Footpath

2010-10-26T12:25:42Z

Ongoing concerns have been expressed to me regarding the confusion that surrounds the status of the footpath between Bustardthorpe Allotments and Terry's boundary wall, with this in mind I have had an onsite meeting with officers to look at this issue. The current position is, that from Green Lane (Opposite Middlethorpe Hotel) to Bustardthorpe Allotments the footpath is dual use ie Pedestrians and cyclists. From the allotments to Terrys' use is pedestrians only.

The width of the footpath from Green Lane to Terry's' is more or less of equal width which is one of the causes of the confusion and the signage near the allotments approaching from the City. There is very little chance of this footpath being widened to enable dual use.

A suggestion was made that the sign by the allotments be removed and that only the pathway between Green Lane and the Law College be dual purpose and that cyclists should be directed on to the cycle path behind the Law College with the possibility of some form of lighting on that stretch of the Cycle Path and of course directed on to the Cycle Path at Terry's', Such alterations will have to be agreed with the Cabinet Member responsible for highways.

On another matter a scheme is being progressed to also upgrade the footpath in Sim Balk Lane to shared use from the Sports Pavilion to the village boundary but I am afraid this will depend on funding being made available.

Flower Baskets and Tubs

2010-06-22T07:54:49Z

No doubt many of you will now have noticed the flower tubs at the Palace end of Main street and baskets adorning some of the lamp standards in Main Street. I was able to get a grant from the York & North Yorkshire Community Fund to fund these and it is my hope that next year to improve on the floral displays and enter the village into the Yorkshire in Bloom competition. If any resident would like to get in involved please get in touch. I hope you will agree that the baskets and tubs certainly improve the look of the village.

Where Did The Planter Come From?

2010-06-10T16:35:12Z

No doubt many of you will have seen the planter on the paved area next to the library and you may be wondering how it got there. The planter was made be workers at Brunswick, erected and planted up by them on Wednesday 9th June. I was able to get a small grant to pay for the planter from the "York Pride Budget". I hope like me you will think it is an improvement. There are more improvements on the way which I have been able to get funding for from an outside body, having now returned to a normal life I am working to improve the appearance of the village.

When the plants fill out I reckon the planter will look great.

Ward Improvements

2009-11-01T16:00:00Z

Over the past year I have identified areas where improvements could be made been and more importantly I have been able to obtain a number of improvements to the ward.

Through the Ward Committee Acaster Malbis received a grant to enable a seat to be constructed in the Mount Pleasant Bus Shelter, along with a new litter bin and for repairs to the Pinfold

With the help of York Pride the planters at the bottom of Sim Balk Lane should be a feature of that area for the next two years, along with two planters outside the shops in Acaster Lane.

Similarly with the help of York Pride we now have a new seat at the junction of Acaster Lane and Main Street on this greatly improved small corner of Bishopthorpe.

I am always looking for ways to improve the Ward, if you have any suggestions please let me know, but please remember I don't have a magic wand!!

I am still keeping an eye on the ward

2009-11-01T14:59:31Z

Even though I currently hold the position of Lord Mayor of York I spend time in the ward and I keep up with matters that affect us all.

Since becoming Lord Mayor I have visited Brunswick Nursery on three occasions as Lord Mayor which has helped to lift the profile of Brunswick and of course the nursery is one of my two charities.

I have also visited the two schools in Bishopthorpe and I have had the pleasure of visiting Bishopthorpe Palace on two occasions.

If you wish to contact me please don't hesitate to call me on 07973898402.or you can leave a message on 01904 551049.

Honesty & Integrity

2009-09-20T16:51:59Z

Throughout my political life I have always regarded honesty as an important part of my work, and I don't make personal attacks or claim credit for things done by other people, I stand or fall by my own efforts which I put in on your behalf.

The Big Day

2009-05-27T21:35:08Z

Last Thursday was a day I will never forget nor will my wife, this was the day I was installed as the Lord Mayor and what a magical day. To be part of York's Civic History is indeed a great honour and I hope that I will be able to live up to that honour.

We are moving into the Mansion House on Thursday 28th of May but of course we shall still spend any free time we might have in Bishopthorpe, and I shall certainly be keeping an eye on the ward. Even though I shall be York's first citizen I am still the ward councillor and I will still be on hand for anybody who requires my help, please either use my email or my mobile phone number which is 07973898402. Should you want to see what I and the Civic Party are up to you can see our activity on the Council's website.

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Church Lane Widening Proposals

2009-04-30T19:53:50Z

Recently reported in the Link is that the Parish Council is urging York City Council to widen Church Lane as a means of lessening the potential traffic impact on Bishopthorpe following the development of the Terry's Site. I thought it would be helpful if people were to be aware of my views on this proposal which do not accord with the views of the Parish Council, and it is highly unlikely that I could support this proposal, my reasons as follows:-

Widening Church Lane would in my opinion cause an unacceptable level of disruption to residents of Church Lane and indeed Sim Balk Lane by the increased level of vehicle activity that such widening would attract.
Widening the carriageway would surely increase the speed of traffic along Church Lane with all the consequences that would follow, better that any increase in traffic be kept at a low speed rather than an increased speed which widening would surely encourage.
I have major concerns regarding the Bishopthorpe Road junction; I understand the Parish Council are suggesting the installation of a mini roundabout which would necessitate major road works, a realignment of the junction and land take to allow for these works.

Whilst my wish for a village By-Pass has for the time being been rejected by the City Council I shall at every opportunity press for this road to be built, this is the only serious option. The loss of a part of our Green Belt alongside the A64 is a small price to pay for ensuring that not only Church Lane, Sim Balk Lane and indeed the whole village will not suffer traffic chaos that will surely follow this major development.

I make no apology for my views; my only concern is to protect your village and my village, I hope that in the fullness of time common sense will prevail.