York’s Executive has said priorities in the next 12 months will include progressing the Local Plan, boosting recycling and supporting the launch of a new Welcome Ambassadors scheme.

The policies were unveiled as part of a revised 12 point plan (which can be downloaded here) and shows the progress which has been made since the Liberal Democrat-Conservative Executive took power last May and launched its original programme. Achievements highlighted include the re-introduction of Ward Committees, extra investment in frontline services, and new cross-party decision making.

The focus will remain on frontline services in the coming year with the roll-out of 94 extra bins, new LED streetlights and a £2.7million investment in road repairs. Work will continue on a new Local Plan, the One Planet York initiative and other major projects such as the Burnholme Health & Wellbeing Campus and York Central. The Executive will also work with Make It York and the new York BID on initiatives to support businesses and promote York, including new Welcome Ambassadors.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of City of York Council, commented:

“This revised 12 point plan outlines the progress we have made against our original policy priorities from a year ago. This includes the re-introduction of Ward Committees with a £1million budget, the saving of Yearsley Swimming Pool, and extra investment in community-based mental health services.

“Looking ahead, the focus remains on the frontline services that matter to residents with road repairs, street lighting, gulley cleaning and bins all seeing major investment. Boosting recycling and taking forward the One Planet York initiative are major priorities while working with the BID we want to support the launch of a Welcome Ambassador scheme to offer visitors and residents a friendly welcome to the city-centre and help the early-evening economy.”