November 2019, Issue No. 9 Email: chocworksra@gmail.com
News on works around the Chocolate Works
A quick update of some of the works being undertaken by DWH and Watson (following a joint Estate Walkabout):
DWH sub-contractor is now working on the area behind Devon House and Carousel House. They are –
- clearing the undergrowth
- removing ivy off choked trees
- and removing any dead trees
- providing the results of a tree survey and the condition of the trees to Watson, which will then be available to us
- planning to plant 59 further trees in the area
DWH will also provide street lighting in the car park area as soon as their sub-contractor can commence the work.
Likewise, their sub-contractor will soon add the extra ‘V’ for a permanent Visitor parking space opposite the other two existing permanent spaces.
Once this work is completed, they expect to remove the hoardings from Campleshon Road round to the steps leading to Bishopthorpe Road with a view to opening up pedestrian access.
The bin store at Devon House was discussed –
- The council instruct operatives not to move rubbish from the floor or overflowing bins. Hence occasionally the bins have not been emptied. It is clearly in residents’ own interest to keep the area tidy.
- The store is shared by Devon House and Carousel House. David Wilson Homes legal team are finding a set of words to satisfy Yorkshire Housing Association about this and to ensure continued permanent access for Carousel House residents.
- DWH will clean the paint spill outside Devon House and Carousel House
- They will plant an area on JTG next to an individual parking space which has been missed
- DWH have been asked to report back to sub-contractors to fix the flower beds outside Devon, Carousel, and elsewhere which are overflowing with bark spilling onto the road, because the planting was too high.
- DWH have been asked to review the screening for the substation at the Devon House side. They will investigate but this could prove problematic due to covenants protecting the sub-station.
- We have asked for fencing around the perimeter of Campleshon Road (when the hoardings are removed) as we highlighted this as a potential issue for security. There was a lack of enthusiasm for the idea, not least because of the potential cost.
DWH will go back to their gardener about the trees on Bayldon Square and get them replaced. Additional planting on Bayldon Square is booked to commence in February 2020.
We expressed concerns about heavy Plant using Robert Street. DWH have a very clear traffic management plan which diverts traffic down Joseph Terry Grove whenever possible. However, occasionally it has proven necessary to use Robert Street and Clock Tower Way when they have been pulling services across Joseph Terry Grove to Blocks E & F.
DWH plan to commence piling works for the remaining houses near the Clock Tower before they break for Christmas on 20th December. This will use a drilled rather than a driven pile which should reduce noise. However, there will be increased traffic disruption.
Request for feedback – guttering
Some residents have experienced problems with leaks from the guttering to their houses. Specifically, the problem appears to be buckling and cracking of the fibreglass gulley. It would be helpful if we could begin to find out whether this is an issue which is only affecting one or two properties or whether it is an issue that is much more widespread, which may necessitate a site-wide solution. If you have experienced this, please email chocworksra@gmail.com so that we can begin to identify the extent of the issue, which will aid our discussions with DWH. NB Please note that we want feedback, at this stage, specifically referring to the firbreglass guttering rather than any and all leaks. Thank you.
Planning Update
A reminder – in case you missed it first time round . . . David Wilson Homes have officially withdrawn their application for Block M (11/11/19). This will revert to 22 family homes, and the piling for these will start before Christmas. Congratulations once more to all involved in the objection to this Block!
The current final plan of works for the development can be viewed on our Planning Page
Defibrillator Training
Course run by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service – Help save a life!
Training for residents of The Chocolate Works and the wider South Bank area is on Saturday 7th December, 9am to 11am, at St Chads Church Hall. By attending this course you will be able to confidently use our onsite Automated External Defibrillator. Booking not required.
Social Groups/Events
Please join us on the square on Sunday 15th December at 5.30pm for mulled drinks, nibbles, hot blackcurrant for the kids and carol singing. Please bring your own glass/mug and some change for the small donation of £2 per adult (kids free) to cover costs. The choir from St Chads will kick off the carol singing at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you there! Family and friends welcome.
A charity collection on behalf of Carecent -helping the homeless of York -will take place on the evening. Please bring any of the listed items below. All donations are greatly appreciated! If you are unable to attend the Carol Singing but would still like to make a donation to Carecent please contact Clare on 07931 179181.
Tinned spam, corned beef, sugar, baked beans, tinned fruit, cereals, biscuits, squash/cordial, shower gel, shampoo, baby wipes, razors, role-on deodorant, jeans, tracksuit bottoms and new men’s underwear
Please see website for full details of all social groups at The Chocolate Works: Social Groups
Upcoming Event: Saturday 29th February 2020
The Yorkuleles at the Knavesmire Pub. More details to follow.
Wider Community
Book: Shadows in the Bricks – The old shops of South Bank in York
If you are interested in local history you may be interested in the latest publication by Clements Hall Local History Group. At 114 pages it is a history of the old shops of South Bank (an area defined here as running from Southlands Avenue to The Residence and across to Albemarle Road.) The book is advertised on the Clements Hall Website – shadows in the bricks And is for sale at Fred’s Bakery, The Winning Post, Tranquil Hair and Beauty, The Corner Barbershop, Tower Vets, Pextons, Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop and Cameron Beaumont Opticians.
If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!
The CWRA – Contact Us
