The newspaper of York Green Party AUTUMN 2020 FISHERGATE WARD

COUNCILLOR ANDY D’AGORNE & YORK GREENS STANDING UP GREEN LIGHT FOR YOU Serving Fishergate, south of Lawrence St, Kexby Av, Regent St/ Heslington Rd area, streets either side of Fulford Rd and the Broadway area down to Heslington Lane/ St Oswalds Rd. THANK YOU NHS, CARE WORKERS AND ALL STUDENT FLATS KEY WORKERS. PLANNED FOR PLUMBASE A new student accommodation block - with 105 bedrooms - could be built on the site of what used to be Plumbase in Fawcett Street near York Barbican. Whilst redevelopment of this site is welcome, York Green Party and local resident’s have some concerns. The new building would be up to five storeys high and include a gym, student workroom, communal area and laundry room within the development. York’s Green councillors financial hardship, job losses and compensate local councils such reduced incomes - all just as as York for the extra spending Objections have been raised regarding are working hard to protect the overlooking of residents’ windows at winter comes along. and lost revenue. everyone’s health during Barbican Court, Escrick Street and Escrick See more details inside about Covid. We have also lobbied for better Terrace. how to get help and support. testing and contact tracing and We are supporting struggling In addition to this, the access from the main We cannot repeat often enough won Government support for businesses, helping individuals in highway is not ideal. It is off the Fishergate our gratitude to NHS workers and improvements to our local contact need of financial, social or other Gyratory and will be shared with Barbican other key workers who have kept tracing system. support and also planning for Court. Additional traffic will add to an already going through this crisis and are dangerous junction. recovery and the future. Are you on your own and in need still doing such great jobs now, as If you wish to look at the plans and make York has done pretty well at of help to cope? they always do. comments, go to: planning.york.gov.uk keeping the number of cases Are you struggling to make ends and search the planning reference number down over the last six months This includes council staff who meet or pay bills? which is 20/01521/FULM. or so compared to other places have also gone far beyond that extra mile to respond to the crisis. For help or more information, but now, like everywhere else, contact: we find ourselves in the second As part of the council KEEP SAFE www.york.gov.uk/covid wave. administration we have written to WASH YOUR HANDS This is a very difficult time for the Government to urge them to 01904 551550 everyone including families kept provide more consistent financial [email protected] COVER YOUR FACE apart, the prospect of further support to individuals and isolation and others facing struggling businesses and to fully MAKE SPACE SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY GRANTS AVAILABLE Councillor Denise Craghill is (or up to £10,000 for low income working with the council and York homeowners). Community Energy to offer advice The focus is on stopping heat loss and support to householders from your house and so reducing who would like to take up the your energy bills. Things like roof, Government’s new Green Homes You can go straight there or visit ‘Whole House’ approach so you do wall and floor insulation are covered, Grants. greenhomesgrant.campaign.gov.uk the right things first and avoid having along with air source heat pumps – The energy efficiency ‘retrofit’ to get an idea of what you can do and to redo work later on. and a range of other measures (but scheme offers homeowners and get quotes from approved contractors. Get some expert advice either via private sector landlords a boost to not solar panels). The next stage to apply for the the Simple Energy Advice line 0800 start making their homes warmer and Applications must be made vouchers is now also live. These are 444202 (Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm; Sat more energy efficient. online, with the first stage via the the official websites – any others are & Sun 9am – 5pm) or contact York Grants in the form of vouchers Government’s Simple Energy Advice a scam. Community Energy via their website are up to £5,000 per household website: simpleenergyadvice.org.uk You are strongly advised to take a www.yorkcommunityenergy.org.uk

BIG INVESTMENT IN NEW LOW CARBON COUNCIL HOUSING RETROFIT HOMES SELLING WELL York Council is launching a bold The project will improve comfort The first of the council’s energy as well as bungalows and wheelchair new £1m investment project to and lower bills for up to 60 council efficient high quality new homes accessible flats. improve the energy efficiency homes. at Lowfield Green in Acomb are 20% are for social rent and 20% of some of our worst insulated It will also create a ‘roadmap’ that selling well. to buy at reduced cost via shared will help us to improve energy ownership. council homes. efficiency in existing homes across The new development of 165 new This will progress with support from York and make energy bills very low. homes around a large central green For more details you can visit regional retrofit experts. space includes 1,2,3,4 bed houses www.shapehomesyork.com YORK LEADS THE WAY WITH ZERO CARBON HOMES New super-energy efficient, A similar development at Hospital zero carbon developments at Fields Road / Ordnance Lane in Duncombe Barracks in Clifton Fishergate will follow. and at the Burnholme Centre are The project, was dubbed by the currently at the planning stage. Guardian as “Britain’s biggest zero- carbon housing project.” The ambitious scheme, which will set the standard for new homes in “It’s crucial that we set the standard York includes 40% affordable homes for tackling the Climate Emergency (social rented & shared ownership) but also that we build quality, and is being championed by adaptable homes that people will love Councillor Denise Craghill. to live in” said Councillor Craghill. Follow us on ARE YOU STRUGGLING? Facebook Do you want to keep up to date with what your Green Party councillors are doing for our CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT area? Follow York Green Party at: facebook.com/YorkGreens or IS AVAILABLE you can follow Fishergate Ward Green Party at: facebook.com/ FishergateGreens

Universal Credit is managed by the Government. It is complex, and claims can take a long time. The council is investing extra funds to help those struggling most with additional Council Tax Support (as the Government funding is now running out). Get benefits and debt advice from the council’s benefits advisors via the contact details above or from Citizens Your Green Party councillors These include ‘Holiday Hunger’ pack- very greatly missed but the Directors Advice York. www. citizensadviceyork. are working hard to make sure ups for families missing out on free of the Red Tower are determined his org.uk or call 0300 330 2113. City of York Council is helping school meals during the holidays. legacy will live on! individuals and local businesses The council has also made sure Door 84 in the Groves. Door COUNCIL TENANTS York schools can give discretionary as much as possible. 84 Food Hub has been running The council reimbursed tenants in Free School Meals (over and above throughout the Covid emergency. This page includes some examples of April for the first three months of the Government entitlements) to help Free supermarket surplus food for where you can get help – if in doubt annual rent rise. those who are ‘just about managing’ collection weekly from the Door try the council website www.york. and have done so for over 400 84 Centre on Lowther Street to A new Hardship Fund has now and look under ‘Coronavirus gov.uk families this year so far. local families and individuals who been set up to help those who are Service Updates’. can make use of it. If you want struggling the most to keep up with Alternatively you could use PAY AS YOU FEEL FOOD more information, search ‘Door 84 payments. the contact details below: INITIATIVES Youth and Community Centre’ on Green Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, 01904 551550 Facebook. Waste Food Supermarket at Denise Craghill, says “The council is [email protected] SPARK, Piccadilly. Now 3 days Planet Food: The Real Junk Food urging all tenants to pay their rent a week due to growing demand The council is still able to help people Project at Southlands Community if they possibly can as we rely on organised by York Food Justice who need assistance with shopping, Centre run by Green Party this income, but If you are really Alliance volunteers: £1 bag of collecting prescriptions etc due to the Councillor Rosie Baker and a great struggling talk to the council as soon groceries, open to all who need it on current situation. team of volunteers. Thursdays from as possible.” Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. 11am-2pm. We will also provide support and advice to people who are struggling Red Tower (off Navigation Road). Surplus good food of all varieties, BUSINESS SUPPORT Every Monday for take out warm open to everyone for shopping, sit- to buy food and/or to pay bills. The council has supported York’s drinks and distribution of surplus down snacks and a (physically- businesses as much as possible, COMMUNITY HUBS supermarket food. distanced) chat, plus second-hand school uniforms available too! getting Government grants out quickly The council is also working to Advice givers such as Citizen’s and creating a local £1m emergency establish new community hubs for Advice and local support workers fund for micro businesses. may also be there. BENEFITS & DEBT ADVICE the long term in every part of the city. It has deferred rents for council We’d like to record our sadness This is in collaboration with the many Claims for Universal Credit in York commercial tenants and lobbied for at the very sudden death of the existing voluntary food groups that have risen a lot this year and are more support for the self-employed. Red Tower’s main organiser and provide regular free or Pay As You expected to keep on rising as furlough See ‘Advice and Support for lynchpin, Simon Perry. He will be Feel rescued food. ends. Businesses’ on the council website. THE GROVES LOW TRAFFIC NEIGHBOURHOOD The 18 month trial closure of through routes in the Groves started on 2nd September. It was the result of a two year resident engagement process as part of the A PEOPLE FRIENDLY Groves Regeneration Project and is supported by all three Guildhall Ward councillors including Denise Craghill. CITY CENTRE Many residents have welcomed the York has had a long-established The largely traffic-free streets now 70-90% of pre-Covid levels changes saying they have noticed pedestrianised shopping area for include Fossgate, Goodramgate, meaning it is important we support less noise pollution, better air quality over 30 years. Blake Street, Lendal, Castlegate people getting around safely in the and safer routes to school. But our historic buildings and narrow and a wider walkways (and one city centre. Some residents have also said that streets make social distancing way system) on Coppergate – all Many people have reported their cycling, walking and getting out and difficult. set to remain on a trial basis until enjoyment of traffic-free streets, about in the area is so much better – To support local businesses, provide December 2020. no longer needing to look over their ‘like moving to a new house’ and ‘the more traffic-free space for outdoor Whilst people’s views will vary, these shoulder for vehicles, being free to best thing that has ever happened seating and maximise space for changes have been very successful walk or indeed use a wheelchair here’. people the council extended the in supporting local shops and cafes down the centre of the road rather Share your experience of the changes footstreets area to include more and encouraging visitors into the city than squeezing past on narrow by email: [email protected] streets over longer hours. Footfall in York is back to between pavements. MAKING THE CITY CENTRE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL York’s Green Party councillors Green Party councillors Denise want to ensure our city centre Craghill and Andy D’Agorne remains accessible to all. attended an online workshop in They want to work with people with September facilitated by the council disabilities and mobility challenges to in conjunction with York Disability develop a range of ways we can do Rights Forum to hear about some of this in future. the difficulties first-hand. Measures were put in from the This was part of the council start such as extra designated commitment to work with a wide blue badge parking in new places range of people affected to consider york.gov.uk/OurBigConversation have caused, but also about what you such as Duncombe Place and St. solutions for discussion by the senior or you can send comments by email: like about the extended footstreets Saviourgate and the taxi service from councillors in November. [email protected] and your ideas to overcome the Monk Bar Car Park, but we believe You can give your views via the ‘Big City of York Council wants to hear barriers for some people. we need to go further than this. Conversation’ survey. Please visit: about difficulties the changes may include safer cycling on Bootham / BOOST FOR CYCLING Shipton Road, on Acomb Road and a new route to connect Wheldrake and Elvington to Heslington. DID YOU AND WALKING Work is also planned to provide KNOW? safer walking/cycling alongside the busy ring road to Manor School. York has one of the largest A new cycle ramp and widened pedestrian zones in path from Scarborough Bridge to Europe. Bootham and on to the hospital are also planned. E-SCOOTER TRIAL FOR YORK

Across the country, thousands promote ‘active travel’- walking more people took up cycling or and cycling across York. walking for their ‘daily exercise’. This money is for reallocating As a result, we saw air pollution roadspace to make it easier for levels dramatically improved with people to get around safely on foot the drop in car travel. or by bike. York is following other cities This will allow us to learn Although traffic levels have started York Council has used these funds like Milton Keynes and from experience and develop to return to pre-lockdown levels, to extend pedestrianised areas in Cambridge by introducing a congestion busting solution many more people are still working the city centre, widen pavements, new electric e-scooter. appropriate for the City of York.” bring in temporary cycle lanes and from home than there were in City of York Council has approved E -Scooters are limited to roads work on a new cycle route through February. a 12 month trial which brings Tier and cycle paths - the trial has the city centre via . This gives us the opportunity to Hungate Bridge Mobility and their e-scooter and started in the University and South rethink our travel habits and ‘build The temporary widening on e-bike hire to York. East area of York . back better’. Coppergate could be made Councillor Andy D’Agorne said, Private e-scooters are still illegal In July, the government granted permanent. “York has always been at the to use anywhere other than private nearly £200,000 of funding to Projects still being worked up forefront of transport innovation. land. ELECTRIC BUSES BRING CLEANER AIR This autumn First Bus is bringing The new buses feature wifi, stop in more brand new double deck announcements and more capacity electric buses to York. allowing passengers more space. By January 2021 all buses in York city These buses will serve Park and Ride centre should be electric or meet high routes and the 66 services. emission standards which will help They are being introduced as part improve air quality in the city. City of York Council’s clean air zone The council also continues to – which will be the first scheme of its promote the ‘Kick the Habit’ anti kind in Yorkshire and follows years of idling message to reduce pollution campaigning by York Green Party. and harmful emissions. PUSHING AHEAD WITH CASTLE GATEWAY Green councillors are delighted that the council is pressing ahead with the design work to transform the area around Clifford’s Tower as part YORK COUNCIL – FUTURE of the Castle Gateway Project. This opens the way to a world class high quality public space and a new IN THE BALANCE? park for the people of York. The Government is looking to The simplest solution to achieve this and disruption of reorganisation. The project will also create a new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the reorganise councils across would be for York to remain as it is The proposals to devolve powers River Foss to Piccadilly, new publicly now (a unitary council responsible would join York and North Yorkshire Yorkshire as part of ‘devolution’ accessible open space at the back for all services) and North Yorkshire in a new ‘Combined Authority’ with or handing over of extra powers of the Castle Museum and a new County Council to also become a an elected mayor responsible for and responsibilities to the local pedestrian/cycle route across Castle unitary (taking on all services from certain services. level. Mills Bridge. It could bring benefits such as large Yorkshire has been divided into four the districts). scale investment in skills for green The project will be kick-started by parts, each with an elected mayor. Counter proposals though suggest jobs and energy efficiency and local new housing, including affordable South Yorkshire now has an elected joining York with Selby, Ryedale and control of bus services. housing on the Castle Mills site on mayor and West Yorkshire will elect a Scarborough. Piccadilly. The Green Party believes it would mayor next year. City of York and North Yorkshire be more democratic to also have an The final decision on progressing councils support the first option. This leaves both North Yorkshire elected cross-party assembly for the plans to build a new flood-proof (including York) and East Yorkshire The alternative would mean higher new Authority. multi storey car park in St George’s and Hull still undecided. council taxes for York for little return, See www.york.gov.uk/devolution for Field will be made after a review of The Government wants to abolish the need to provide services to a more information. parking and transport needs post- the North Yorkshire district councils. bigger rural area and the high costs Covid in Summer 2021. PLANTING MORE TREES IN YORK Green Party councillors have well as supporting the council’s aim helped ensure York will be planting to plant 50,000 trees by 2023. hundreds of new trees with £3m of This is a huge green win supporting capital investment for land purchase our local environment here in York. for tree planting. Trees (especially large areas of Greens have supported the council’s woodland) can capture and remove benefits for York and the surrounding physical health for people living decision to buy 150 acres of farmland thousands of tonnes of carbon from areas. nearby. to use to establish a community the atmosphere, improve air quality It will provide valuable green space York Greens have an ambitious vision woodland. and reduce the risk of flooding. within walking and cycling distance for this woodland which could include This will help towards our climate Creating this new woodland can also of thousands of homes, offering a fitness trail; children’s outdoor play change goals by storing carbon, as create many social and economic a positive impact on mental and area and a woodland café. KEEP LEFT ON UPDATE ON TRAFFIC ON MILLENNIUM BRIDGE BUTCHER TERRACE

Since the summer, signs at to pass those going the same way, Over the next few months, using this access to Terry Avenue to each end of Millennium Bridge while maintaining 2 metres distance. pedestrians and cyclists work on Clementhorpe defences. urging people to keep left to aid Councillor Andy D’Agorne has said, are warned to be aware of The closure of Terry Avenue will social distancing have proved “This solution was agreed between construction vehicles on mean Butcher Terrace also being popular with many, and helped Micklegate and Fishergate ward Butcher Terrace. used by caravans, camper vans and councillors after listening to concerns keep people safe. Yorkshire Water are carrying taxis en route to the Roomzzz Hotel. and views of local residents.” The idea has now been extended to out sewer replacement work on Expect more cycle traffic on New other bridges around the city. Cameron Grove. Walk (please share the space Cyclists are urged to travel slowly In addition to this, from December, considerately and leave room for also on the left and wait behind other The Environment Agency will be cyclists to pass you!) users until there is a safe opportunity setting up to do flood prevention work

FISHERGATE RESURFACED GREEN DYKES AT LAST! LANE CROSSING The whole of Fishergate and part The badly filled section (which was After many years of residents accidents, with many students and of Fulford Road up to Kilburn a hazard for pedestrians) outside raising concerns at safety school children wanting to cross the Road has been resurfaced at the Light Horseman has also been issues around the junction of busy traffic at this point. brought up to scratch thanks to last. Green Dykes Lane and Thief “Because this road is on the ward Andy highlighting the issue back in boundary it made sense for us The works had been delayed since Lane, your Green councillors January. to work with councillors from have used ward funding to February because of flooding and the Councillor D’Agorne has said, neighbouring wards to put this much Covid 19 pandemic. “Keeping our busy roads up to secure a plan to install a new needed improvement in place” Ward councillor Andy D’Agorne has standard is a costly process, but pedestrian crossing near the The crossing could be in place before been pressing for work to address essential for safety of all users junction. Christmas. the shocking state it was in for some including cyclists for whom potholes Councillor Andy D’Agorne said years. can be really dangerous” that there has been a history of YORK CENTRAL MOVES A STEP FORWARD Green councillors are proud the brownfield site. to be part of the council The site has the potential to provide administration that is finally new high quality green jobs and starting to unlock York Central over 2,000 new homes along with – the massive development community facilities. behind York Railway Station. We are working to make York This follows the release of the Central as sustainable as possible £77m of Government investment – in terms of buildings, jobs and needed to provide an access road transport, with the prospect of the into the site, cycling and walking first new homes on site being part bridges over the railway lines and of our high quality, Passivhaus/low the creation of a new city park on carbon delivery programme. RESIDENTS PARKING CONTROLS In 2019 Councillor Andy D’Agorne led a cross party review of processes for residents parking schemes across York. Following this several changes are being introduced. By December new back office systems will speed up the process of checking credentials and will eventually allow most of the process to be handled online. whole process will be electronic, but and Terrace and the Heslington area with permits to be paid for by A system of ‘virtual permits’ will there will still be an option for manual Road area. the University until 2024. mean a gradual transition to the processing for those who need it. Each household is consulted before a Councillor D’Agorne has worked with system used in Sheffield (like the Waiting list report is written and the total process Hull Road ward councillors and the national system for annual car tax). Residents of several streets have takes at least a year or longer. University to progress this curb on staff and student parking in the area. Instead of having to bring documents requested Respark, including Farrar A scheme has also been proposed and payments to West Offices the Street, Kilburn Road, Alma Grove for the Badger Hill to Thief Lane

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