Andy D'Agorne

Green councillors in Kirklees have secured major energy saving measures through their budget amendments - for details see http://www.youtube.com/v/gsNbcpWIZV0&hl=en 

Next time a Lib Dem or Labour member tells you that we need 'sustainable growth' to solve the problems of the planet, take a look at this You tube clip by George Monbiot at the 2007 Climate Change march: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVzmdTeAe2A&feature=related

His basic argument is that capitalism is inherently dependent on economic growth - in the next 20 years the current trend requires a doubling of the economy - ie use of doubling the use of the global resources that have ever been used to this point in time. He states that this is the only way that the supply of money can grow without inflation. Im old enough to remember the 70's, when we bought all our non perishable groceries at the beginning of the month on pay day as they would be more expensive by the end of the month. No one wants that, but equally we dont want a return to mass unemployment or further wars to 'help stimulate the US economy'

Think about this when you plan your next spending spree - buying Fair Trade at least goes some way to helping move things in the right direction, but we also need to think about repair and reuse as an option that doesnt fuel this continuing resource depletion of the planet. Will we look back on 2007/08 as the equivalent moment in history to 1926, just before the stock market crash? Those people who have allotments/ small holding and a low carbon footprint will be in a far better position to survive than people with big mortgages and lavish lifestyles. Join a CRAG group or do something to convince your employers that it is just possible 'business as usual' might not go on the same way for much longer.

©Andy D'Agorne

City of York Council's cycle strategy recognises the need for additional secure cycle parking in the city centre, preferably not far from the station. Ideally, this should include a repair and hire shop.

The former sub station at Lendal Bridge is ideally located for this, yet as reported (Cycle Park Plan ditched 18/10/06) officers are recommending selling this off on the open market, with officers 'looking for alternative locations'. Where might these be? Why will they be any more viable?  

Yet again the council is to sell off assets needed for a community facility, purely because they dont have the vision to look beyond the short term financial return. Before selling on the open market, the council should be looking nationally and locally for an operator who wants to use these premises to provide the facility identified as needed in the cycle strategy. A significant proportion of the costs identified in the study will need to be spent by any occupant of this building eg for disabled access and service connections - these enhancements will increase the value of the property and should not be set against the likely income of the operation (as they have been in the study to suggest it would not be viable). 

I urge the Liberal Democrats to grasp this opportunity, not send it the way of the Barbican pool and the Bonding Warehouse!

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Posted by: andydag

 Having got a puncture today asa result of an underinflated back tyre going over a pothole on Museum St I am keen to get all cylclists to report any such defects. Tonight while discussing the possible Highways PFI funding it was proudly stated how York achieves 'a 95% repudiation rate' ie it successfully defends all but 5% of damages claims against it! Being a member of the Cycle Touring Club would seem to be particularly worthwhile in York.

Report it!

Two new online tools, which will help get potholes fixed and off-road trails cleared of obstructions, have been launched by CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation.  

Using the new system at http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/ cyclists (and other road users) can zoom into any road in the UK, mark the location of the defect, and let the authority know about it, which then has a duty to take action. It takes no longer than 2 minutes to use, and it is possible to include photos, measurements and other useful information, which other people will be able to see.  

A similar facility at http://www.clearthattrail.org.uk/  allows cyclists to report off-road obstructions. CTC Director Kevin Mayne said: "Potholes and other road defects are more than just a nuisance; they're a danger to cyclists. They're responsible for 12% of compensation claims by CTC members, and local Councils have a duty to fix them. Reporting problems like this can be a chore, but our online facility has made it quick and easy."  

At the Planning East committee that gave approval for the innovative Eco Business Centre on Clifton Moor, councillors agreed to the proposal from Green Councillor Andy D'Agorne that the provision for cyclists on site should be improved. The business start up centre that will replace managed workshops and offices at Fishergate and Parkside features an eco friendly design with solar panels, a wind turbine, rainwater recycling and high insulation to keep running costs low for start up businesses.

However Councillor D'Agorne criticised the location of cycle parking, near the loading bay to the rear of the building, with no separate access route separate from delivery vehicles. " If we want to promote sustainable transport and reduce car parking difficulties, this sends the wrong message to tenants and visitors to this otherwise excellent project" he said. It was agreed to delegate to Council planners a review of the cycle arrangements with the developer to see whether the parking could be put in a more secure, convenient and safely accessible location on the site.

Clifton Moor Business Association had criticised the fact that the site will only have 40 car parking spaces for 40 office units and 32 workshops, but planners said this was close to the maximum standards intended to limit extra traffic generated by the development.

Cllr D'Agorne also called for better cycle routes in the area to connect to the city centre and nearby residential areas. "If the council wants people to cycle to locations like this, there must be safe routes provided in the area as well as at the access point to the site" he said. Cllr D'Agorne complained that there was no off or on road cycle-lanes planned on the access road that will be adopted by the local authority as part of the development.