The Westfield Liberal Democrat councillor team have been pressing the council to advertise empty garages in the ward as having them unused loses rental income for the Housing Account, and also means that the pressure on space for parking is not helped.

However the latest response is as below, and shows that there is a shortage – which raises questions about the removal of Newbury Avenue garages !

“Thank you for your query regarding the availability of garages in Westfield Ward.

All garages in York are very popular and Westfield is no exception. There is currently a waiting list of between 15 – 30, approximately, for this area.

4 garages are in the process of being offered out, 2 are waiting for a repair and another couple are vacant in case they are needed for storage following evictions, as we are required to do.

Should we be in a situation where we need to actively seek applicants then this would be advertised on CYC website, through our Social Media, in Streets Ahead, through local Residents Associations and notice boards. The area HMO and Local Councillors would also be advised. Other available opportunities would be used as appropriate.”

Garages in short supply  – Newbury Avenue

There will be a Pancake Party at St Aidan’s Church on 26th February from 10am to noon, this is a week early to fit in with school holidays, and there will be the Annual Pancake Race in Front Street on 5th March at 10:30am !

Acomb Explore Library will be hosting  an event for National Story Telling Week on 31st January at 10:30am for 0-5 year olds.

Weekly list of planning applications received between:  21.01.2019 – 25.01.2019

Ref No: 19/00083/FULM

Lincoln Court Planning

This planning application is for additional flats now that it has been decided that tenants cannot remain in their flats during the building work. Cllr Andrew Waller insisted that existing tenants received a written commitment by the council that they had a right to  move back into their existing flats (or get first refusal on a new flat if theirs was being lost during the building work) and have engagement with the modernisation process.

Proposal: Three storey extension to accommodate 15 new flats with associated alterations to internal layout of existing flats (creating 10 new flats in total), single storey front extension to form new main entrance, erection of plant room to side, reconfiguration of parking provision and associated landscaping works including new boundary fencing (revised scheme)
Applicant: City Of York Council
Contact Mr Nick Hewitson
Consultation Expiry Date 27 February 2019
Case Officer: Lindsay Jenkins Expected Decision Level : Committee

New plan for Lincoln Court

Lincoln Court

Ref No: 18/02792/FUL  9A Hawkshead Close
Location: 9A Hawkshead Close York YO24 2YF
Proposal: Dormer to rear (revision to planning permission 17/02473/FUL)
Applicant: Mr Andrew Tute
Consultation Expiry Date 12 February 2019
Case Officer: Faith Chingono Expected Decision Level : Delegated to officer

Ref No: 18/02948/FUL  159 Westfield Place
Location: 159 Westfield Place Acomb York YO24 3HN
Proposal: Single storey side extension
Applicant: Mr Jamie Varley
Contact Mr John Dougal
Consultation Expiry Date 12 February 2019
Case Officer: Faith Chingono Expected Decision Level : Delegated to officer

From the local police team

Please be aware, at approximately 05:25 on the 20/01/2019 a property on Otterwood Lane has been burgled. North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the area. If you have any information or captured anything on CCTV which you feel may assist out on-going enquires, please 101 and use the reference number NYP-20012019-0134 when passing any relevant information.
In the interest of security please ensure that all doors and window to your property are locked and closed, and that any items of value are left out of sight. If you witness and suspicious activity then please don’t hesitate to phone 101 or 999 as appropriate

Next week the weekly Hubs at Sanderson House and Foxwood Community Centre will be teaming up with York Citizens Advice with free impartial advice on switching energy providers to save money. There is no pressure to change but someone will help you to find out if there is a better deal to help bring down your bills.

There will be sessions at Sanderson House Thursday 24th January 9am until noon, and Foxwood Community Centre Friday 25th January noon until 2pm. These will  run alongside the weekly Hubs for which there are pay as you feel refreshments, and free craft activities – as well as plenty of opportunities to meet neighbours and chat.

Chapelfields

Foxwood

A message from the local police team;

“Between 1300 and 1330 hours on the 10th October 2018 an assault took place near to McColl’s on Gale Lane. Suspect one is described as white male, 6ft tall, chubby build with short brown hair and stubble wearing blue polo top and dark bottoms and Nike trainers and carrying a black hooded top, Suspect two is described as white male on a black push bike wearing a black puffer style jacket with hood up. Local enquires are on-going but if you have any information regarding this incident please contact PC 1983 Watson via email/101 incident number 12180189729 relates Lucy.Watson1983@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk”

The next phase of the work to the Outer Ringroad Roundabout improvements at Wetherby Road roundabout will see some evening work which will close Wetherby Road 24th-28th September between 8pm and 5 am (between junction with Ridgeway and the A1237). To anticipate residents concerns about the noise relating to the evening work there will be an officer available to respond to residents concerns at all time when the work is happening.

Evening Closures from Wetherby Road and Ridgeway/Beckfield Lane roundabout

The detailed map can be seen on the link below.

Wetherby Road Plan

The letter from the council to local residents states;

Highway Improvement Scheme – A1237 Wetherby Rd Works

City of York Council will be carrying out surfacing works at the above said location commencing on Monday 10th September 2018 for a period of three weeks (weather permitting).

The works will be carried out in three phases as follows:

Phase 1 (10th Sept to 14th Sept working nights 8.00pm – 5.00am): Works will be carried out off-line with the A1237 and Wetherby Rd being open as normal. There may be short periods where portable traffic lights are utilised on the A1237.

Phase 2 (17th Sept to 21st Sept working nights 8.00pm – 5.00am): Works will be carried out off-line with the A1237 and Wetherby Rd being open as normal. There may be short periods where portable traffic lights are utilised on the A1237.

Phase 3 (24th Sept to 28th Sept working nights 8.00pm – 5.00am): Wetherby Road closed from the junction of Beckfield Lane to the A1237. 3-way traffic lights will be in operation on the A1237 and Rufforth arm of Wetherby Rd with traffic down to a single lane.

In order to carry out the works in Phase 3 safely the use of a temporary road closure on Wetherby Road will be necessary whilst works are taking place. See plan on reverse for location of closed off area. Outside of working hours the road will remain open as normal.

Clearly signed diversion routes (Beckfield Lane > A59 & vice versa) will be set out for through traffic. The closure is to ensure that adequate Health and Safety is maintained for both local residents, the travelling public and the Contractor. Site staff will be on hand to advise and assist residents about the access restrictions once the works are ongoing. Your assistance will be much appreciated.

Emergency services will be permitted through the works in any situation. Cyclists will be subject to the same traffic management as other road user vehicles.

As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience to the public, however the contractor will try at all times to keep any disruption to a minimum.

I will be monitoring the works on site, but if you wish to discuss this work in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me upon where I will be only too pleased to help with your enquiry.

There will be further night-time works in November which you will be notified about in advance

Following requests from residents there have been improvements to walking routes in Westfield Ward.

The snicket between Grange Lane and Walton Place has been improved to take out the smashed up fence.

Improvements to snicket from Grange Lane

Also following complaints from residents that the area around the gate in Westfield Place leading to the field was waterlogged on a regular basis a better draining surface has been applied with funding from the Ward Committee budget. The old dog bin has also been replaced as part of the citywide investment in replacement bins as they have reached the end of their useful lifespan.

Today there is lots going on in Westfield Ward today including the monthly Acomb Market 9am-3pm , Acomb Green Summer Fayre 1pm -4pm , and even a gin tasting at the new Hop and Glory shop on Front Street noon-4pm !

If you’ve not had chance to try the glorious Cooper King Dry Gin, this Saturday is your chance! Distilled less than 10 miles away at Sutton-on-the-forest, it is a true Yorkshire gin champion in our book and they are 100% green! Chris from Cooper King will be at Hop & Glory between 12-4 to talk to you more about their fantastic gin and more importantly will have free samples for you to try!