Changes planned at busy York junctions

SAFETY improvements are set to be carried out at two of York’s busiest junctions, which have been identified as accident blackspots.

City transport bosses plan to make changes at the Fishergate Gyratory, where a woman was killed five years ago, and at the junction of St Leonard’s Place, Bootham and Gillygate.

The Fishergate work would cost about £200,000 and would involve improving pedestrian crossings at the Fishergate/Paragon Street and Paragon Street/Fawcett Street junctions as well as workingon local pavements. The work is also designed to make it safer for people walking to the Barbican centre, which reopened last year.

In 2007, 22-year-old Lucie Brabyn died after being struck by a taxi at the junction, leading to calls for safety upgrades on the route. The amount of money available for the work in 2011/12 was cut amid spending reductions and because council officers said more analysis was needed.

Coun Dave Merrett, City of York Council’s cabinet member for transport issues, will be asked to approve the plans at a meeting next Mondayand at the same meeting will also be asked to approve £4,000 of “interim” improvements to signs and markings at the junction next to Exhibition Square and Bootham Bar, where there have been nine injury accidents in the past three years.

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Guildhall councillors Janet Looker and Brian Watson say larger-scale works should be carried out, but the council has said wider improvements are planned in 2014 as part of its Reinvigorate York city-centre facelift.

A report on the Fishergate plans by council engineer Roger Webster said: “The proposed pedestrian crossing and footway improvements are intended to make it safer for pedestrians to access the reopened Barbican venue, particularly those using St George’s Field car park.

“There is a long-standing commitment to provide these improvements and the scheme seeks to address specific safety concerns in the area.”

The St Leonard’s Place/Gillygate/Bootham proposals include more space for cyclists in an “advance stop-line box” on Bootham, removing “unnecessary” sections of guardrail, adding another set of St Leonard’s Place road markings which indicate destinations and also moving a direction sign which is often hidden by tree branches. Council engineer Louise Robinson said in a report:

“These proposals have been kept minor and low-cost, but will hopefully provide some improvement to the accident rate in the interim period [before any Reinvigorate York work].”

Away Team | Everton vs Mackems | Saturday 10th November 2012 | Blue Kipper

Away Team | Everton vs Mackems | Saturday 10th November 2012 | Blue Kipper

Knavesmire chiefs unveil £5 million redevelopment plans for York Racecourse

An artist’s impression of York Racecourse’s parade ring showing the new features of a proposed £5 million redevelopment scheme

A £5 MILLION development of the northern end of York Racecourse has been unveiled today.

As first reported last week, the project, which will be phased over several years subject to a successful consultation period and planning permissions, would transform the facilities for horses, jockeys and officials as well as providing new areas for racegoers to meet, drink and view the action.

The existing pre-parade ring would be moved to the area where the saddling boxes are currently situated. New boxes would be created around this pre-parade zone, along with a wash down area and a two storey weighing room overlooking the existing parade ring.

Racecourse chiefs said that following a “review of operations and consultation with racing professionals, there is a desire to further improve the facilities for the world-class horses that visit York as well as for those who look after them, ride them and come to see them”.

The racecourse have held discussions with City of York Council, their landlord, which have led to a proposal to vary their existing lease and realign the northern perimeter wall. The third of an acre of extra land this produces is key to accommodating the improved equine area.

Related links

• York Racecourse's £5 million redevelopment scheme

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The extra space then created by moving the pre-parade ring would also allow the revamp of the track’s Moet Pavilion, Champagne lawn and existing weighing room – an early 20th Century listed building which is likely to be a new restaurant.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: “I hope these proposed plans demonstrate York wants to keep improving, to offer the best for horses, for horsemen and for fans of the sport. Wonderful though it was to be able to welcome Frankel, the best racehorse in the world, as well as the 30,000 people intent on seeing him, to York, it did reinforce to me we can improve things.

“We have recently invested in the track, the stables, the stands, facilities for racegoers and other areas of the racecourse so it feels right to turn our intention to areas that last saw a major change over 100 years ago. I’d hope that by keeping on improving we will keep attracting the best horses to York. That can only be a good thing for the profile and economy of both York Racecourse and the city.”

Drunken joyride of boy aged 15

A 15-YEAR-OLD took his father’s car and went on a drunken joyride through York, leaving a father-of-two with life-changing injuries in a hit-and-run crash.

The teenager, who has now been locked up, downed six cans of lager and a bottle of another alcoholic drink one day in July and later admitted being “out of his head” when he took his father’s red Seat.

He knocked over chef Pawel Nahorniak, 39, who was cycling home along Bishopthorpe Road to his son and daughter.

The court heard the teenager was mourning the second anniversary of a family tragedy. Mr Nahorniak said in a statement read to the court: “I heard the roar of an engine. I turned my head and I felt the car hit me. I remember I fell on to the car. That is when I banged my head and I fell on to the road. The driver rammed me and did not even ask if I was dead or alive. He did not care.”

The accident happened near the junction with Charlton Street.

Witnesses reported seeing Mr Nahorniak fly through the air before landing in the road, the court heard.

The teenager then continued down Bishopthorpe Road before crashing into a parked transit van and flipping the car on to its roof, said Gill Sandall, prosecuting.

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A breath test showed he was three times the drink-drive limit. A taxi driver said that moments earlier the teenager overtook his taxi by driving on a footpath.

Mr Nahorniak suffered serious head, neck and wrist injuries, including a shattered vertebra which required surgery.

He had a disc at the bottom of his back removed and a metal plate inserted. He spent more than a week in hospital and was left with his arm in a cast and in a back brace.

Mr Nahorniak said his injuries also left him with numbness in his left hand, jeopardising his future as a chef at Strada Italian restaurant in Petergate.

He also suffered a broken tooth and injuries to his chin and said his family had suffered financial difficulty as he had been unable to work.

“My life has been put on hold through no fault of my own,” he said.

Pippa Carruthers, for the teenager, said the incident was a “cry for help” from someone “struggling to cope with a very emotional event”.

“It was highly reckless on his behalf. He showed a disregard for the safety of others but also a worrying disregard for his own safety,” she said.

She said the teenager did not know he had hit the cyclist, later confessing he was “out of his head” on alcohol.

The boy appeared before York magistrates on charges including dangerous driving, taking a car without the owner’s consent, drink driving, failing to stop after a collision and failing to provide a breath specimen test. He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The teenager said in court: “I just want to apologise for what I have done. I just want life to go back to how it was.”

He was given a four-month sentence in a detention centre and a three-year driving ban. Magistrates said: “The accident has caused very serious and life-changing injuries for the victim.”

York's iconic Bile Beans sign gets facelift

WORK has started to give a unique piece of York heritage a much-needed facelift.

Following an appeal for funds to pay for the repainting of the iconic Bile Beans sign on the side of a building on Lord Mayor's Walk, the money was raised within weeks and was yesterday underway.

The request for help was sent out through The Press by York Civic Trust chairman Sir Ron Cooke after the cost of repainting the peeling sign was estimated at £1,600.

His colleague, director at the civic trust, Peter Brown said: “We are delighted that the people of York have responded so positively. It puts a smile on your face when you go past it.

“It was absolutely right we should restore it and it proves to us the people of York care about their environment and are willing to put their hands in their pockets to support it.”

Famous clock at St Martin-le-Grand Church in Coney Street, York, back in place soon

ONE of York’s most famous clocks should finally be back in place by the beginning of September – when it will chime the quarter hour for the first time since the war.
The distinctive timepiece which normally juts out from St Martin-le-Grand Church in Coney Street was removed with the help of a crane last November for its biggest overhaul since 1966.
It was originally hoped it would be back in place by the 70th anniversary of the church’s destruction in the “Baedeker” bombing raid of April 1942, and then by the time of The Queen’s visit to the city, but its restoration has been hit by a series of technical delays.
However, churchwarden Andrew Hingston revealed yesterday plans have now been drawn up for the huge bracket to be returned in the early hours of Sunday, September 2, all being well.
He said a street closure and a crane had been booked. The vehicle was so wide even pedestrians would have to squeeze past, so a time had been chosen when there were few people about.

It is planned for the Archdeacon of York, the Venerable Richard Seed, to give the clock a blessing at about 11.50am on Monday, September 3.
Mr Hingston said Andrew Carter had written the new quarter chimes for the clock, which had not chimed the quarter hour since the raid 70 years ago. He said it had briefly chimed the hour in 1966, but the nightwatchman at the then Yorkshire Evening Press, situated in those days in Coney Street, complained that the noise was keeping him awake and the chimes were switched off.
The latest repairs, costing tens of thousands of pounds, have been needed because of wear and tear, particularly following the harsh weather of December 2010.

The work has been more complex than originally expected and unforeseen problems have arisen, including sickness at the specialist firm carrying out the project, while a wooden representation of Father Time, which looked in good condition from the outside, turned out to be rotten within.

Lorry driver flown to hospital after bridge crash on A64 near Malton

A LORRY driver whose 30-tonne HGV smashed into a bridge on the A64 was last night sitting up in hospital, having walked away from this devastating wreckage without serious injury. The vehicle, which was carrying grain, hit the Castle Howard flyover two miles from Malton at about 2.25pm yesterday, causing extensive damage and closing the westbound carriageway. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance was called and police said they feared the worst. But although the lorry was very badly damaged, its driver escaped life-threatening injury and was last night said by 999 sources to be sitting up in bed and talking. Chief Inspector Ian Thompson said: “The vehicles are very well made and are meant to take the impact and collapse to protect the driver. “From what we first saw we were expecting it to be much more serious which is why the air ambulance was sent. It’s a very happy ending.” The driver was out of the vehicle by the time firefighters arrived and was able to talk to police at the scene. The eastbound carriageway was temporarily closed to allow the air ambulance to land and to airlift the man to York Hospital, but quickly reopened. The westbound carriageway remained closed well into the evening. The lorry driver, whose vehicle was from Clive Warcup hauliers near Driffield, was treated for a cut to his head and abdominal pains, a police spokesman said. No other vehicles or people were involved in the crash. An engineer was sent to check for any structural damage to the bridge, which was found to be safe, a police spokesman said.

Fears growing for missing teenager Jordan Sullivan

Fears were growing last night for a missing teenager after a huge search of the River Ouse in York and the area where he was last seen. Jordan Sullivan, 19, of Acomb was spotted by a woman walking her dog at about 9.30am on Tuesday as he ran along a dirt track off Acaster Lane towards the river. His clothes were found nearby. His distraught father, Gary, and family members, including his uncle, Graham, spent much of the day yesterday helping with the search until it was called off as darkness fell. Police teams, and mountain rescue search parties scoured the river banks for a second day as police divers searched the river around the old railway bridge, just north of York Marina, in Naburn. A police helicopter was also used to scour the surrounding countryside. The search was expected to resume again today. There appeared to be no clues for any motive for the popular youngster’s disappearance. Insp Jo Brooksbank said Mr Sullivan was understood to have removed his clothes on the Naburn side of the river before crossing the bridge towards Bishopthorpe. She said: “With it being the main river through York it’s quite a dangerous area to be in. The riverside itself is very slippy and muddy; they are quite slippy conditions down there. The search teams have found it difficult to search some of the areas. “There’s no explanation for what might have happened. We are keeping an open mind. The family are being kept informed, they are getting regular updates.” Mr Sullivan, who works as a travel consultant at Quartz Travel, worked on Monday, but did not arrive for his shift on Tuesday. His boss Paul Smith, who has described Mr Sullivan as a “rising superstar” said his colleagues were desperately worried about his disappearance. He said: “The police are doing all they can under the current circumstances. It’s horrendous. He is a part of our family. The support we have had has been phenomenal and it’s testament to Jordan and his family. He is a smashing lad and we need to find him. We are in disbelief.” Mr Sullivan’s clothes have been recovered along with his wallet from near to the river. On Tuesday, a mountain rescue team from RAF Leeming also searched the scene. Mr Sullivan is described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall with a slim build and short dark hair, and he has a tattoo of a crucifix running between his shoulder blades. PC Alex Dobson, of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am urging anyone who may have seen a naked man in the area to contact the police immediately. I am also appealing to anyone who may have seen any unusual activity near the River Ouse. Jordan, if you see or hear this appeal, please get in touch as I need to ensure that you are safe and well.”

York Del Monte closure looks certain, says union

FEARS are growing for 140 food factory jobs in York, after union leaders warned its closure now looked inevitable. Staff at Del Monte at Skelton Park on Shipton Road have been told the factory will probably close on April 23, union representatives said tonight. Sam Vickers, regional organising secretary of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, met company management today, but he said the meeting was not constructive and brought little hope. He said: “I am negotiating for best terms but I do not think there is a cat in hell’s chance of saving it and I do not think they’re interested in saving it.” He said about 130 to 140 workers were employed at the factory, which makes salads and coleslaws for retailers. He said the firm also took on a lot of agency staff at busy times. The firm is understood to have lost a contract with Morrisons, and although it is pursuing new business with Asda, Mr Vickers said the future looked bleak. He said the factory was due to close on April 23 unless the firm could land a deal with Asda, but also said: “It looks as though Asda will still not make it viable.” Mr Vickers’s union represents around 11 members of staff at the factory, which was bought by Fresh Del Monte in 2003 after it went into administration under its previous owners, Fisher Foods. Closure under Del Monte was rumoured previously, in 2005, but management then vehemently denied the claims, and said they were planning further investment. The Press has tried to contact Del Monte this evening for comment, but has been unable to do so. When contacted previously in relation to the possible closure, the firm declined to comment.

Armed robbery at petrol station near Dunnington

A KNIFEMAN has stolen a large amount of cash from a petrol station near York in an armed robbery today. The man went into the Gulf garage on Hull Road near Dunnington at 9.40am today and demanded cash from the female cashier. Police say he made off with a "large quantity" of money, but would not specify the amount. DC John Phillips from North Yorkshire Police said officers were viewing CCTV and appealed for any witnesses to contact them.

Jamie Oliver restaurant to create 100 new jobs

ABOUT 100 new jobs are to be created in York when a restaurant owned by top TV chef Jamie Oliver opens later this year. The Jamie’s Italian branch will be next to Guildhall, over two floors in an unused part of the building that houses the Lendal Cellars pub. The pub will remain as part of the development. Construction work is currently taking place on the Grade II-listed building and the restaurant is scheduled to open in July. Jamie’s Italian Ltd has now begun the search for chefs and front-of-house staff ahead of its unveiling, and hopes to create 100 posts. Oliver, who made his name on his show The Naked Chef and as a campaigner for healthier school dinners, said he had been looking to open a branch in York for some time. He said: “York is such a beautiful city – I used to go there on holiday as a kid and I’ve wanted to find the right site there for a while. “We’re in a fantastic location and it’s really going to be a wonderful place to eat, one of the jewels of the Jamie’s Italian collection. “We’re now recruiting and starting to train the very best local waiting staff, chefs and front-of-house staff, so we hope people will come and join us.” A spokeswoman for the firm said the transformation of the building would ensure original features, including Tudor roof trusses and exposed brick walls, would be preserved, with the restaurant having an open kitchen allowing diners to watch the chefs at work. It will also boast an external dining area. The building dates back to the 17th century on the site of an earlier friary, and it became a wine cellar for the Lord Mayors of York. York restaurateur Michael Hjort, who is secretary of York Hospitality Association and who organises the annual York Food And Drink Festival, said: “York has a large number of chain operations, of which the Jamie’s Italian restaurant will be another one. “There is certainly no harm in competition and I think it will be a welcome addition to the offer York gives to its visitors.” The sections of the building where the restaurant is taking shape have previously been out of use for several years. The Jamie’s Italian chain currently has 26 restaurants across the UK, as well as branches in Sydney and Dubai. Its only other Yorkshire restaurant is in Leeds.

Pet hamster fried alive by flatmate

A MAN has been arrested after a hamster was fried to death following a row between flatmates. Police found the dead pet – belonging to the flatmate of the arrested man – lying in a frying pan in the kitchen of one of the apartments at Pope’s Head Court, in Peter Lane, off Market Street, York. National animal welfare charity Blue Cross described the incident as “horrific and tragic”. Police sources told The Press that officers were called to the block of flats last Saturday following reports of a drunken disturbance and arrested a 20-year-old student for being drunk and disorderly. They conducted a spot-check around the flat and made the grim discovery. They then arrested the 20-year-old man on further suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The Press understands police believe the creature was alive before it was placed in the flying pan. After questioning the man, officers learned that the hamster had belonged to his male flatmate, a foreign student who is studying in the city. The owner of the pet is said to have been distraught when he found out what had happened. Police said the hamster was now in a deep freezer in the evidence room at the Fulford Road police station as investigations continued into the incident. The RSPCA said it could not comment on an ongoing case but it would also looking into the investigation. Denise Young, the Blue Cross regional manager for the north, said: “This is an horrific and tragic incident for both the poor hamster and the owner concerned. At the Blue Cross, we sadly see animals who have been terribly neglected or deliberately mistreated, in desperate need of our care and loving new homes. “We hope that this case is taken as seriously as it deserves to be by the relevant authorities.” A police spokesman said: “A 20-year-old man was arrested at an address on Pope’s Head Court, Peter Lane, York, on Saturday, February 4, on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He has been released on bail while police and RSPCA inquiries continue.” The man will answer bail on March 6.

Urban Outfitters to open in former Habitat store

A MAJOR fashion chain is to move into the former city-centre home of one of York’s flagship stores. American clothing retailer Urban Outfitters, which says it has had its eye on the city for some time, has signed a 15-year lease to take over the “iconic” High Ousegate building which once housed home furnishings giant Habitat. The city’s Habitat branch was one of 30 stores which closed last September after the firm went into administration, with about 20 jobs being lost as all but three of its premises were sold off. The building covers 10,253 square feet in one of the city centre’s busiest shopping streets. The deal was signed by commercial property firm CBRE Retail, a division of the huge global real estate company CBRE Group, and its spokesman Tim Starling said today: “Urban Outfitters has had a long-standing requirement for York, and this iconic building fits the brand’s image extremely well.” The clothing chain sells men’s and women’s fashions as well as gifts and accessories and also has a boutique line. It has 21 stores in the UK, two in Dublin and seven throughout mainland Europe, but its arrival in York will give the company only its second Yorkshire branch, the other being in Leeds. Last year, Urban Outfitters announced expansion plans including nine new stores and two additional outlets for womenswear retailer Anthropologie, which it also owns, as well as enlarging its Free People brand which is sold on a wholesale basis through Harvey Nichols. It usually concentrates on two or three-storey buildings but said it would also be looking at smaller formats, adding that it could eventually grow to boast 50 British stores. More details about when work on the chain’s York store will begin and when it will open, as well as how many jobs may be created, are expected to be confirmed in due course.

York magician Alfie Whattam's hopes for Britain’s Got Talent fame

A YOUNG magician from York is hoping to conjure up the support he needs to make his Britain’s Got Talent bid for fame. Alfie Whattam, from Rawcliffe, who has been astounding people with sleight-of-hand skills for years, is among 25 hopefuls whose videos have been posted on the talent show’s YouTube page in a public vote to decide who faces Simon Cowell and his judging team. The 15-year-old Canon Lee School pupil’s entry made the shortlist after more than 200,000 people entered. He said: “I probably want to make it through more than I’ve ever wanted anything, and if I get through, it’s for York. I don’t see myself as a magician, just a normal person who does amazing things.” The poll closes on Monday and you can vote at youtube.com/britainsgottalent