It's the end of November and it has been a very busy month. The past week saw major floods in York for the second time this Autumn, though luckily not as destructive this time round.
Because of recent scares in Badger Hill, Fiona and Neil kept a close eye on the situation, ready to help out as and when needed. Luckily, the ward largely avoided the worst of the floods, with only Hull Road Park being closed due to concerns about the water level in Osbaldwick Beck.
It perhaps raises the issue of the state of the Beck, and we're looking to see how we can make sure it is flowing easily and won't flood in a major storm or heavy rainfall.
Gully cleaning and ongoing maintenance has also helped stave off flash floods in Badger Hill. Fiona and Neil spoke to residents on the last occasion of floods - widely reported in The Press (see below link) - and have worked with council officers to ensure action is considered a high priority.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9755252.Clean_up_operation_starts_after_floods/
In other news, Fiona and Neil have worked with shopkeepers and police on the Melrosegate parade of shops to monitor and reduce the incidents of young people congregating in the early evening. Of course, there is no law against young people meeting up near shops and we shouldn't stereotype in a general way, but local police and councillors are mindful of where this could become intimidating to local residents making use of the shops.
