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!!

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.

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.

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.

During the past couple of weeks the planters at the bottom of Sim Balk Lane have been adding some colour to the area outside the Chapel despite earlier vandalism and being surrounded on times by excavations, the planters have survived.

Imagine my disgust on Sunday morning to find that one of these planters had disappeared without trace. What was more disappointing was that on Monday the City in Bloom Judges came through Bishopthorpe as part of the Judging. I am of the opinion that the theft had been planned in advance and would urge anybody who saw anything suspicious or who might have information as to where the planter is, to contact the Police on 0845 60 60 247 quoting log no 12090056799. The planter cost £250 which included 4 years replanting and maintenance.

The Police have had a spate of similar planters reported stolen and they believe that they are being stolen to order.

It would be quite remiss of me if I did not congratulate the Bishopthorpe Parish Council on their success in obtaining a grant from the Big  Lottery Fund to pay for renovations and improvements to the Village Hall. I know a lot of effort was put into the bid for the grant and I am sure that residents of the village will be delighted with the result..

The hall will continue to be a great facility for the village when the alterations are complete and as past and current generations have been grateful for the Village Hall I am sure that future generations will also appreciate the much improved facility.