It's obviously been a while since we've posted - please put it down to the sheer amount of learning we're going through!
Fiona has been busy meeting residents in the Ward, sorting through issues such as maintenance of local paths and removal of bus routes, whilst both Neil and Fiona are gradually getting into a routine of committees and local meetings.
One particular highlight last week was the Badger Hill Residents' Group meeting at Heslington Church on Friday. We were expecting to see a handful of people but were astounded to see well in the region of 100 local people in the church hall. This is fantastic and shows a real community spirit. It also cannot be ignored that there are clearly concerns in the Badger Hill - and these are concerns that we simply must listen to.
However, addressing these concerns and reaching a solution will be no easy task as the issues involved are quite complicated - mainly revolving around the University of York's expansion.
We do recognise the positives of the new Heslington East campus - particularly on the economic side and general benefits to the city of York. But it's distinctly unfair for quality of life to be lowered for local residents, particularly those who have lived there for years (and we met one man who has lived on Badger Hill for 50 years!). From accommodation on campus to parking to HMOs to aesthetics of the area - it won't be easy to solve these issues and find the best solution for everyone.
But we're definitely going to give it a go.
