York businesses offered sessions to boost digital and AI skills

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

Google Digital Garage is coming back to York with a new series of free digital skills workshops for local businesses.

In collaboration with City of York Council, they’re offering three training sessions throughout June and July 2024.

These sessions are open to York-based SMEs, eager to learn about artificial intelligence (AI), enhance their digital marketing strategies, boost productivity, and leverage data for informed decision-making. Participants will learn how to market their businesses online, attract local customers, and drive footfall.

Additionally, businesses attending the digital skills training day will be able to sign up for free mentoring on the day with Google Digital Experts, and access coaching tailored to their specific business needs – whether this is support building a brand on YouTube or advice on utilising Google Search or Maps to attract more customers.

These events are free and open to all business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Interested businesses can now book their place online using the links below.

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Latest job vacancies in York

May 12, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

Electoral Services Manager

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 10, Level 33-36 (£40,964 to £46,412 per annum) • Job reference: CORP004715 • Application closing date: 27/05/2024 • Package: 37 hours per week, Additional hours (paid) will be required to be worked during elections/annual canvass including evenings and weekends. • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to be the lead officer for our electoral registration and election functions here in the City of York.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and manage a new team, working with the Head of Democratic Governance to implement an …[more details];

Campaign Coordinator

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Fixed Term • Salary: £29,269 • Job reference: EXTL000710 • Application closing date: 21/05/2024 • Package: Fixed Term for 2 years Monday to Friday • Contractual hours: 22.5 • Basis: Part time

We are excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new role of Campaigns Coordinator for a two-year project funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation, looking at understanding the impact of local welfare support on claimants and influencing the current and future design and take up of di…[more details];

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 10 Level 1 – 4 (£40,964 to £46,412 per annum) • Job reference: CHED004716 • Application closing date: 23/05/2024 • Package: 30 hours per week • Contractual hours: 30 • Basis: Part time

This is an exciting opportunity for a specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work across two unique services within children’s social care.

The post holder will work across both the Youth Justice Service and within our new residential service, as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The…[more details];

Area Supervisor (Public Realm)

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 8 Level 1- 4 (£31,947 to £34,988 per annum) • Job reference: PLAC004714 • Application closing date: 23/05/2024 • Package: 37 hours per week (some weekend working required) • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

Do you want to play a vital role in delivering a high-quality Public Realm Services to residents across the city? Do you want a rewarding role, working with a committed and hard-working team? If so, this could be the role for you.

You will assist the Public Realm Operations Manager to deliver a…[more details];

Housing Income Management Officer

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Temporary • Salary: £13.59 per hour • Job reference: WWYK090504 • Application closing date: 07/06/2024 • Package: 3 month, full time temporary role in York. (37 hours per week Monday to Friday) on a hybrid basis, but you will be expected to work regularly in the central York office with access to your team and colleagues. • Basis: Full time

WorkwithYork are recruiting Housing Income Management Officers for a local authority client. The role is for 3 months and will involve working within a busy and fast paced housing department in York.

This is a temporary, full time role (37 hours per week Monday to Friday) on a hybrid basis, but…[more details];

Heating Engineer

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 7 Level 1 – 4 (£29,230 to £31,391 per annum) • Job reference: PLAC004713 • Application closing date: 23/05/2024 • Package: 3 x 37 hours per week flexible/overtime • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

Are you an apprentice trained Gas Heating Engineer looking for a new challenge?

If so, you could join us and be part of our team of engineers and who provide and exceptional professional, quality craftmanship and customer orientated service to the council’s internal and external customers. …[more details];

Infrastructure Services Engineer

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 8 Level 1 – 4 (£31,947 to £34,988 per annum) • Job reference: CCOM004712 • Application closing date: 26/05/2024 • Package: Hybrid • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our dynamic Infrastructure Services team. As a key team member, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of complex council-wide systems. Under the guidance of Senior Infrastructure Engineer and being the…[more details];

Business Support Assistant

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 5 Level 1 – 4 (£24,629 to £25,779 per annum) • Job reference: CCOM004708 • Application closing date: 26/05/2024 • Package: Hybrid • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

City of York Council’s Business Support team is looking to recruit a proactive, highly technically literate candidate with excellent communication skills and an ability to quickly learn and apply complex administrative processes. The successful applicant will primarily provide administrative s…[more details];

Planning applications in York set for approval Holiday apartments, Padel courts and a site compound.

May 12, 2024May 13, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

Several planning applications in York are set to be approved by the Planning committee thsi week. They include

Vue Cinema, Stirling Road York

Rge application is to use a of section of car park to construct 5. padel courts and erection of cabin accommodation with associated landscaping and boundary treatment

Padel is a comparatively new sport incorporating elements of lawn tennis but with the physical intensity of squash. The sport can be played indoors or outdoors with courts intermediate between squash and tennis courts in size. It became very popular with younger players after the COVID pandemic as it could be played outside with minimal physical contact. There are no current formal facilities for the sport in York although other courts besides those within the current proposal are projected

There have been no objections to the proposal.

Officials recommend approval of the plan and say “

“The proposal seeks permission to develop an area of car parking for a sports use in an area characterised by a mix of employment, retail and leisure related uses. The proposal is therefore considered in principle to be acceptable. In highways terms adequate vehicle parking can be provided for the site and subject to any permission being appropriately conditioned to secure cycle parking of an appropriate standard then the proposal is acceptable in highway terms”.

Club Salvation, George Hudson Street

The proposal is to construction of new storey and roof level at 23 Tanner Row, conversion of upper floors of 23, 25 Tanner Row and 27, 29 and 31 George Hudson Street to create 17. serviced apartments (use class C1), conversion of ground floor and basement of 31 George Hudson Street to amenity space for serviced apartments above (use class C1)

Officials conclude that ” The proposed extension and change of use will not harm the character and appearance of the conservation area or the special interest of the listed buildings”

They go on to say, “The serviced apartments are acceptable in principle in this city centre location;
the partial loss of the existing night club use is contrary to policy D3 of the DLP but on balance considering the applicant’s submissions, the retention of a smaller night club is considered acceptable.

Subject to planning conditions noise and air quality impacts on the serviced apartments are acceptable and the serviced apartments should not adversely impact on the functioning of the retained night club.

On balance the proposal complies with the policies of the National Planning Policy Framework and the policies of the Draft Local Plan 2018″.

Land Bounding St Pauls Mews And Watson Street York

Change of use of part of recreational space to contractors compound for a period of 1 year

Officials are recommending approval.

They say, “the proposal seeks planning permission for the temporary use of a section of the area of informal open space known as Holgate Dock as a construction site compound for the works for St Paul’s Nursery for a period of up to one year. The nursery site does not have sufficient space which is accessible by large commercial vehicles to accommodate a contractor’s compound. On balance the temporary loss of part of the open space land is acceptable subject to any permission being conditioned to secure compliance with the measures contained in the submitted arboricultural method statement, replacement planting and site restoration.

Mixed news on keeping cycle paths open near York

May 9, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

Sustrans workers were out yesterday keeping the York – Selby cycle track near Escrick sidings open. A tree that was in danger of falling was being cut back. Generally Sustrans do a good job in maintaining the cycle tracks that they are responsible for.

Elsewhere the cycle track on Tadcaster Road, from Askham Bogs to the Pike Hills golf course, is already obstructed by overgrowth.

We know from previous years that undergrowth will make the cycle path unuseable within a few weeks unless the York Council mows the margins.

There has been no mowing this year

York Council confirms highway repairs programme for 24/25 but admits there is a £190 million backlog in work

May 9, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

*The Council has effectively abandoned the planned maintenance of many streets in the City*

The York Council has confirmed its highways maintenance programmes for the forthcoming year. It is the smallest ever yearly programme of works scheduled by the Authority.

Only a handful of roads will be resurfaced.

The background papers fail to rev;eal the maintenance defect “scores” accorded to each street on the lists

On the west of the City only three streets will receive attention (York Road, Elmsford Road and Bishopthorpe Road). The best the rest can hope for will be some pothole filling.

It remains to be seen whether the Mayor – newly elected last week – will release some additional funds for structural maintenance work. There is little point developing grand transport plans if the existing infrastructure deteriorates to the point where it is dangerous to use.

All in all, a shocking case of neglect which will cost taxpayers more to repair in the longer term.

Council must rewrite Local Plan traveller site section

May 8, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

The planning inspectors have now published their conclusions on the Councils policies on Gypsy and Traveller accomodation They a re heavilly critical of the sttae of repair of the sites in general and Osbaldwick (see photo below) in particular..

The adoption of the Local Plan is now further delayed while the Council finds a form of words which addesses the Inspectors concerns.

The Inspectors are content for additional pitches to be provided at the Clifton and Obsbaldwick sites but only after a Masterplan for both has been approved.

The Inspectors conclusions can be viewed via this link

It is unclear how much further delay will be involved or what the implications will be for the rest of the, hugely expensive, Local Plan which has been many years in the making

Earlier 6th May 2024

York Council confirms that it will spend £5 million on campsites

A report to a meeting taking place later this week says that the Council will spend £5 million upgrading and extending Traveller caravan sites in York.

The report also takes a broader look at the needs and challenges of the Traveller community. It identifies continuing problems with access to health and education services. This will be awkward for those who were charged with making improvements when the last strategy document was agreed some 10 years ago.

It seems that little progress has been made.

An annex to the report provides more information about the 86 caravans currently parked on authorised sites in the City.

City of York Council owns and runs three main Traveller sites throughout the City:

Water Lane, Clifton
Outgang Lane, Osbaldwick
James Street, York

In addition, a small number of Travellers are living on a non CYC site in the Naburn area

Site residents pay rent, council and utility charges.

In total, there are 61 individual pitches; most are big enough for 2 caravans and 1 or 2 vehicles. Each pitch has its own service block which includes a kitchen area and bathroom. There are “regular visits from support workers who manage the site and provide help when required”.

An unknown number- yet considered the majority- live in “bricks and mortar” housing throughout the city. In York, approximately 368 residents identified as Gypsy or Traveller in the Census 2021.

Officials claim that “York’s high cost of living causes significant stress for the communities with many on low incomes struggling to afford the basics”.

As usual the elephant in the room is the relationship between the Travellers and neighbouring communities. Differing lifestyles produce tensions and there is little evidence that the Council has addressed these issues effectively over recent years.

Indeed the feeling is that conflicts are often brushed under the carpet..

None more so than on the issue of unauthorised road side campsites (There is a longstanding one on the A166 )

The report does say that the Council is,

“Looking to identify a parcel of that land might be used for Negotiated Stopping arrangements”

The Council will also have a“regular and supportive presence on the static sites, taking an educational approach to ensure people are aware of their responsibilities for issues such as waste management, fly-tipping, Scrap Metal Dealing and dogs, while at the same ensuring people are aware of the penalties for non-compliance”.

It will come as a surprise to many residents if this hasn’t happened in the past.

Latest job vacancies in York

May 5, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

Senior Administrative Support Officer to Social Workers

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 6 Level 1- 4 £26,224 to £28,725 • Job reference: CCOM004707 • Application closing date: 19/05/2024 • Package: Hybrid • Basis: Various

Join us in making a difference! An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Council’s Corporate Business Support service as a Senior Administrative Support Officer to Social Workers where you will be part of our dedicated business support team supporting children’s social workers. We have a …[more details];

Business Support Assistant

Renewable Energy Project Manager

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Fixed Term • Salary: Grade 10 Level 1- 4 (£ 40,964 to £ 46,412 pro rata per annum) • Job reference: PLAC004706 • Application closing date: 26/05/2024 • Package: 37 hours per week Fixed term until 31/03/2025 (funding) • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

Are you an experienced project manager looking for an exciting role in delivering a flagship Council project that supports our net zero carbon ambition? The Harewood Whin Green Energy Park (GEP) project, funded by the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) Net Zero Fund, is exploring the potential in…[more details];

Programme Manager

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Fixed Term • Salary: Grade 11 Level 1 – 4 (£47,760 to £54,463 per annum) • Job reference: CCOM004704 • Application closing date: 17/05/2024 • Package: Fixed Term: o Additional funding Expected end date: 31/10/2025 • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

We are seeking a qualified project manager to support the Customer and Communities Directorate in the delivery of a number of the Council’s high-profile projects. Working within the Strategic Services Team, you will be responsible for: Development and management of a programme of projects includ…[more details];

Social Worker Disabled Children and Young People Team (DCYPT)

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 9 or 10 Level 1- 4 (£35,737 to £46,412 per annum) (dependent on experience). • Job reference: CHED004700 • Application closing date: 19/05/2024 • Package: 37 hours per week • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

We are pleased to be inviting applications for a compassionate and dedicated social worker to join our Disabled Children and Young People Team. The Disabled Children and Young People Team are committed to providing bespoke care packages to meet the unique needs of children with complex and profound d…[more details];

Independent Advocate

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: £24,444 pro rata, per annum (qualified) £23,944 pro rata, per annum (unqualified) • Job reference: EXTL000709 • Application closing date: 22/05/2024 • Package: Permanent, Subject to funding • Contractual hours: 37.5 • Basis: Full time

York Advocacy Hub are looking to recruit an Independent Advocate (37.5 hours per week) to join our team, delivering advocacy support within York and the surrounding areas across the statutory and general advocacy streams we hold as part of our contract with the local authority….[more details];

Family Help Support Workers

• Location: York, England • Employment Type: Permanent • Salary: Grade 8 Level 1 – 4 (£31,947 to £34,988 per annum) • Job reference: CHED004685 • Application closing date: 26/05/2024 • Package: Hybrid • Contractual hours: 37 • Basis: Full time

We are excited to be inviting applications for new roles of Family Help Support Worker within the Children’s Safeguarding Interventions Teams. We are seeking innovative, child focused and strengths-based support practitioners to plan, coordinate and deliver interventions for vulnerable childre…[more details];

Action needed

May 4, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

We’ve reported some issues with local public services. Several are recurrent of long standing issues

*Drainage gully’s need sweeping on Askham Lane near Cornlands Road junction*

*Kingswood Grove carrriageway resurfacing still outstanding*

*Little Green Lane garage forecourt needs sweeping*

Nettles hindering access to Hob Moor cycle path

…..& a site for a new wildflower meadow?

May 3, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

tt is 6 years since the Council demolished the multi user games area (MUGA) on Kingsway.West. A replacement facility was promised. It was to have been located. on the Thanet Road sports area. It never materialised.

The absence of off the streets attractions for teenagers has been partly to blame for the increase in anti social behaviour problems in the neighbourhood in recent years.

The former site off Kingsway near the Hob Moor school has remained derelict.

It was suggested that a local voluntary group would seek to revitalise the plot but, other than installing a hardcore footpath, nothing happened.

The land is currently an eyesore & dominated by Docks which have little environmental value.

Local Councllors could ensure that it is converted into a wildflower meadow. They have funds available in their ward committee budget..

Let us see something of value for the local community established.

……& lets get the replacement MUGA back on the agenda.

Mayoral election result – Higher costs, same services

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 ~ Steve Galloway ~ Leave a comment

This web site has not been a fan of adding an elected Mayor to the structure of local government in the area. The extra tier means more costs, the same services and an increasingly remote decision making process.

It seems that most electors agree

Fewer than 30% turned out to vote in yesterdays contest – which was won by the Labour candidate.

There was a clear move away from the right with Labour gaining 14% more and the LibDems 5% more of the vote, compared to the last PPC election held in November 2021 (the most recent election to be held on the same boundaries).

No one knows what to expect from Labours man who tried very hard to be non committal on key policy areas such as crime reduction and transport. Still he increased his share of the vote from a losing 20% in Wheldrake in 2023 to a winnng 35% this year.

Neither percentage suggests much popular support.

What the result might have been had the supplementary vote system still been in use we will never know.

There may be a clue to what lies ahead if we look at last years narrow win for Labour in the York Council elections. Their policies of cutting public service standards only became clear after the polls had closed.

So we will see.

The LibDems need to do some serious rethinking of their electoral strategy. They had an excellent candidate but too many of their Councillors went missing during what, some saw as, a key campaign.

Earlier – First up – New nameplates all round