Alcuin Avenue road reconstruction works to continue

Following works carried out in 2014 to reconstruct and resurface part of Alcuin Avenue in Tang Hall, works will recommence from Monday 19th January to complete the remainder of the road.

This follows concerns from residents and subsequent local councillor action - where Neil Barnes and Fiona Fitzpatrick requested it be completed in the current financial year of the City of York Council.

The works are expected to take up to 11 weeks. A press release from City of York council stated:

"To carry out the works safely, a road closure will be necessary. A signed diversion route will operate for local and through traffic. However, the road closure will remain in place at all times (over a 24hr period) including weekends.

"Reconstruction works will be carried out in three phases working in 120 metre sections on a rolling process. Due to the nature of the works and the deep excavations taking place, it will not always be possible for residents to gain vehicular access to their properties. In these circumstances residents will need to use alternative parking.

"Bus services will be diverted via Hull Road and Fifth Avenue for the full duration of the closures. For the latest bus information call Bus Info on (01904) 551400 or visit www.itravelyork.info/buses/

"Pedestrian access will be available at all times but cyclists will have to dismount and use the footways when travelling through the affected areas.

"As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience but everything reasonably possible will be done to keep this to a minimum. However, motorists should expect some delays and are advised to plan their journey accordingly.

"The works will be carried out by City of York Council who will be responsible for safety and providing pedestrian access at all times."

Residents Forum to discuss Hull Road Park

The next Hull Road Residents Forum on Monday 12th January will be largely discussing the management of Hull Road Park and its future development.

The meeting, being held at St George's Methodist Hall (Millfield Lane, YO10 3AL) and starting at 6pm, comes at the request of Hull Road councillors Neil Barnes and Fiona Fitzpatrick following concerns raised by residents and incidences of vandalism last Autumn.

Neil Barnes (centre) on a previous litter pick
in Hull Road Park with volunteers

Reductions in City of York Council budgets have led to developments in park management over the years, including the cessation of night-time locking of gates. Whilst the council is not in a position to provide locking itself, it is open to a schedule of volunteers undertaking the task themselves - if the community wishes.

The meeting on the 12th Jan will discuss this and more, with the hope of community volunteers putting themselves forward to consider improvements in the Park over the coming months - including the possibility of a 'Friends' group such as those seen in other city parks such as Rowntree Park and, more recently, West Bank Park.

Fiona and Neil have continually worked with council officers on ways to maintain the Park as a valuable community asset, this meeting being the latest step.

New Labour candidates for Hull Road

The Labour Party has selected its candidates to contest the City of York Council elections in Hull Road Ward in May 2015. The candidates will be Hilary Shepherd, Neil Barnes and David Levene.

Left to right: David Levene, Hilary Shepherd, Neil Barnes

Neil Barnes is already well known in Hull Road where he has been a councillor since 2011. David Levene is currently the councillor for Heslington Ward; part of his ward will move into Hull Road Ward next year. Hilary Shepherd, replaces Cllr Fiona Fitzpatrick who has already announced that she will stand down from the Council at the next election to return to a career in education.

Fiona Fitzpatrick commented "I have every confidence that Hull Road has an excellent team of candidates to represent residents in the ward"

Neil Barnes said "Representing Hull Road ward for the past four years is one of the most important things I've ever done. I wish to pay tribute to Fiona Fitzpatrick, who will be missed in the ward, as she has worked incredibly hard on behalf of residents and been a fantastic councillor to work alongside. However, I look forward to the opportunity to represent residents for four more years and to continue working alongside community leaders to improve the area for everyone’s benefit".

Hilary Shepherd said "I have recently retired from working for the Council. I am very keen to use my knowledge and experience to build on the work with local residents that Labour councillors have been doing in Hull Road ward for many years".

David Levene added “It has been an honour to serve Heslington for the past few years, and with boundary changes moving the majority of Heslington ward into the new Hull Road ward, I am looking forward to using what I have learnt – increasing volunteer involvement in local amenities, building better relationships between students and permanent residents, and tackling housing and transport issues near the University – for the benefit of all Hull Road residents".