Andy D'Agorne

While the road layout on Fulford Rd does have its critics (including your ward councillors when it comes to the hazards of turning right into Maple Grove, Aldi/Iceland and the Barracks) it is good to see that at long last the abandoned hole near to Fulford Cross is being worked on again. The delay was caused by the need for a gas pipe to be moved - perhaps the Tories will give the gas distribution company a bit of a jolt to respond more quickly to orders from local councils?? It would be good if this work could be complete in time for 'Bus it Bike it Walk it' day in York on Sept 29th when pupils and parents at schools along Fulford Rd are being encouraged to try leaving the car behind for the day.

Also on that day, weather permitting, we will at long last get some markings on the forecourt of Broadway Shops to encourage drivers to leave a clear footpath in front of the shops. Work has been held up because every time the lining crew turn up there have been cars parked in the way!!

Meanwhile down on New Walk and around Millennium Bridge there is good news to report with the goalposts at long last installed on the Ings and the historic narrow gauge rail lines that used to serve the munitions factory exhumed from under the flood silt and grass (thanks to a team of offenders from Community payback scheme) Workers were also on site today at the Millennium Bridge in preparation for the new low energy lighting that Fishergate ward committee combined with a Green budget amendment will be paying for. The original lighting scheme that illuminated the arch was very prone to faults and used high energy floodlights - once completed the new scheme will use less power and hopefully not suffer from regular breakdown so that residents will be able to use the pedestrian and cycle bridge in the evenings in safety. The CCTV camera will also be more effective at helping to identify any offenders using this route to leave the scene of crime.

The streets leading from Grange St and Grange Garth now have 20mph signs as the city's first area so designated without humps. Campaigner for '20's plenty for us' Anna Semlyn lives in the area, and now we are petitioning for the next group of streets around Alma Terrace and Wenlock Terrace to have a similar limit. Of course a more strategic policy change such as has been applied in Portsmouth would be simpler and less wasteful of our and officers time but the Lib Dem Executive member is still not convinced of the growing groundswell of public opinion supporting slower speeds for residential side streets.