TWO Labour councillors dramatically resigned at Thursday night's full council meeting.
Party veteran Ken King and former leader David Scott made the announcement at the beginning of the meeting at Guildhall.
The meeting was set to have been dominated by a vote on whether the council should approve £4 million for the community stadium project. That vote was passed, despite the change in council make-up.
The resignations mean five Labour councillors have now left the party since it was elected in 2010. The late Cllr Lynn Jeffries resigned in 2012 and later joined the Liberal Democrats, Brian Watson went independent in May, and Helen Douglas defected to the Conservatives last month.
Cllrs Scott and King launched stinging attacks on the York Labour leadership.
Cllr Scott told the meeting it was with a heavy heart that he had sent emails announcing his intention to resign the whip, and went on the say that there was not a single member of the current labour leadership to whom he would offer a proper job.
He said the leadership had tried to remove the Labour whip from him last year and accused leader Cllr James Alexander for "stamping his feet" and behaving like a child.
He said he had considered resigning from his council seat and forcing a by-election but said he intended on carrying on representing the people of Clifton as a "true Labour" member, in line with their votes.
Cllr King too said he was sad to make the announcement.
He said: "If I forgot why I was making this announcement, I was reminded by he couple of labour members who smirked at David Scott while he made his sad announcement."
In 40 years in the Labour Party he has held senior positions in the party and the council group, and served for 33 years as a councillor.
He said his decision was not based on the national party, but on the local situation.
"The people in the party group are not the same caring people who were in the group when I joined.
"My heart is still with Labour, but people in this group have ruined it."
Responding, council leader James Alexander said it was sad to see members feel they had to leave the collective decision making of the Labour group.
He said Cllr Scott had never forgiven him for beating him in a leadership battle.
He said: "I wish all the best to David and, particularly to Ken who has served for such a long time on the council and for that deserves credit."
Labour now have 21 councillors on the 47-seat authority. There are ten Conservatives, eight Liberal Democrats, two Greens and five independents. One seat is vacant, and will be filled next Thursday in the Westfield by-election prompted by the death of Cllr Lynn Jeffries.
Cllrs King, Scott and Douglas, pictured above together, all represent Clifton but were deselected by Labour at the start of July, meaning they would not stand for the party in the ward in next May's local elections.
Cllr Scott had been York Labour leader from 2007 to 2010 before being ousted in a leadership contest by Cllr James Alexander.
Cllr King has been a councillor for 33 years, representing Bootham then Clifton. He is also a previous Lord Mayor and served as consort to his daughter Cllr Julie Gunnell when she was Lord Mayor in 2013/14.
Separately, three councillors were absent from the meeting, having submitted their apologies. They were Liberal Democrat Keith Hyman, Conservative Paul Doughty and independent Sian Wiseman.
Cllr Scott's full resignation speech:
"Lord Mayor, thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a personal statement.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have to advise this council that I have just sent two emails. The first is to the General Secretary of the Labour Party resigning my membership of the party.
"The second is an email to the Chief Executive of this council confirming that I have resigned the Labour Party Whip, I am no longer part of the Labour Group and will now be a Labour Independent Councillor.
"It has been a difficult decision for me to take. I have been a member of the Labour Party for over 20 years. I come from a long line of active trade unionists. I didn’t just choose the party I was born into it.
"But the York Labour Party is not the Labour Party I joined. We now have a Labour Group that is corrupt. Corrupt intellectually and probably corrupt in other ways too. There is not one member of this Cabinet I would offer a proper job to, not that many of them know what a proper job is.
"Its leadership team don’t lead - they bully, scheme and connive. The Leader behaves like a spoilt child almost stamping his feet if he doesn’t get his own way.
"Some will be aware that the Labour Whip was removed from me last year. What you will not know is why. I am now freed from the shackles of the secrecy of the Group and can say that there were two attempts to withdraw the Whip from me. The first attempt had to be abandoned after it was found that the Chief Whip had broken a number of Party Rules in his haste to withdraw the whip from me. The second attempt was quash by a regional appeal panel.
"And what was my alleged crime? I voted in favour of the removal of a number of expenses from members of this council in line with the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel and an earlier decision of the Labour Group. The Labour Group then broke its own rules to change its earlier decision after its Leader threatened to attend less meetings if his expenses weren’t going to be met.
"I have thought about whether I should resign my council seat. I won’t for two reasons. The First is all that would happen is that a York Labour clone will be put in place at the expense of the residents of the city. Secondly remaining a councillor will allow me to represent the residents of clifton and the city in the proper Labour Way. The way that they thought they were voting for in the first place.
"My first speech in the Council ended with the verse by Pastor Martin Neilmoller. I will remind you
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
"Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
"Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
"Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
"Recent events with me have shown that I can no longer hide my principles and socialists beliefs. I have to speak out. I have to make a stand. We no longer follow Labour Principles. We no longer show the Labour difference.
"We are no longer true Labour.
"I do this for the good of the Labour Party in York. I make a plea to the members of the Party to reclaim their party from those that control it and are destroying it
"For my sins I came up with the phrase that York Deserves Better. Sadly that still remains the case. York not only deserves better, it deserves the best. For the remaining months of this council I will do my best to achieve that with any group or grouping of councillors that demonstrates that they have ideas, drive and commitment to achieve the best for York.
"Thank you Lord Mayor for allowing me the time to make this statement."
Rats and sinking ship come to mind but CYC can no longer afford pest controls so we get more vermin anyway
It's Dave Merrett and Tracy Simpson Laing who need to GO !
Whay hey..the mark down gimp is gonna be busy on this one...!!!!!
piaggio1 wrote…
Whay hey..the mark down gimp is gonna be busy on this one...!!!!!
Can we not just ignore him/her because it does not effect the views of commontators.
bolero wrote…
piaggio1 wrote…
Whay hey..the mark down gimp is gonna be busy on this one...!!!!!
Agreed lets not get interested in the meaningless numbers, and just quote each other show that we agree with the comments.
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car. pedalling paul
Oh god ! He.s off on one............n he dint use.........gridlock
.....pathetic....
.....pathetic.... piaggio1
oh hec good telly this webcast thingy
piaggio1 wrote…
Oh god ! He.s off on one............n he dint use.........gridlock
.....pathetic....
Not all being able to get round by car = gridlock, you silly billy.
What a way to open a meeting, actually a wey-hey.
Fantastic.
Fantastic. Lance Corporal Jones
Anyone else watching the meeting webcast as well....? Lord Mayor Ian Gillies is in the Chair......very sensible chap.
Labour have done far worse things to this City than remove a cycle lane Paul. Please remember whilst you have gloated over millions being spent on your pet projects many have suffered through cuts to essential services.
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
I chose to cycle rather than drive to Clifton the other day (it's not just you Paul, lot's of people do it). I had absolutely no problems cycling around Clifton Green, safety or otherwise, and never have. I'll also cycle to the new Community Stadium when the weather permits and when it doesn't I'll drive. Please get used to real life as lived by real people Paul, you're not a saint, cycling into a green sunset all on your own, you're just a stuck record that gets more boring and more worn with each repetition.
pedalling paul wrote…
Anyone else watching the meeting webcast as well....? Lord Mayor Ian Gillies is in the Chair......very sensible chap.
Paul are you arranging the fiddling of the scores again with all the minus comments by blocking cookies. ??? ..Very naughty...Keep winding York up because at your age it must be the only thing that keeps you alive.
Quite honestly I don't care who resigns, or for what reason I despise party politics at local level , If the vote tonight is against the stadium there will be those that voted against should bow their heads in shame. and I hope they get their comeuppance from the electors at the next poles, most of them are on the council to acquire ego's that they would otherwise not acquire,
pedalling paul wrote…
Anyone else watching the meeting webcast as well....? Lord Mayor Ian Gillies is in the Chair......very sensible chap.
Thanks for the heads up, I tuned in. It was better than the footie. And it was passed 38 to 1 with 4 abstentions.....so I guess one more step on the way......
magnard wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
The vote has just been taken with a massive majority in support of the Stadium.
As you may be, I am an experienced urban and leisure cyclist. But many cyclists are less confident in the situation that has now been created at Clifton Green.
It will be interesting to note the results of the various cycle route counters around the City, when their accumulated data is next downloaded. I hope that there has not been a significant drop off in cycling in this area, but remain concerned that otherwise may be the case.
As you may be, I am an experienced urban and leisure cyclist. But many cyclists are less confident in the situation that has now been created at Clifton Green.
It will be interesting to note the results of the various cycle route counters around the City, when their accumulated data is next downloaded. I hope that there has not been a significant drop off in cycling in this area, but remain concerned that otherwise may be the case. pedalling paul
Councillor Ian Gillies, James Alexander and Keith Aspden are the three most dangerous people in York. They are serving the interests only of big business and not the people of this city. Take a look at the activities of the York Central Decision Makers Panel. What will York be when they have turned the National Railway Museum and Yearsley Pool into yet more retail parks?
The Clifton Green cycle lane reversal fiasco should be seen by supporters of all parties as a scandalous waste of public money for short term local votes. The UK is well known for low quality cycle lanes and cycle routes to nowhere that suddenly end when needed most... To see a reasonable facility watered down for political ends in York was appalling...and rightly opposed by all three emergency services. I don't know if they were decent councillors in all other respects but that decision is the sort that gives local politics a bad name.
Hard to fathom whether the Labour Party councillors should be congratulated for leaving Cllr Alexander high and dry or condemned for doing the most cynical possible - trying to save their own skins and council careers (plus salary) at all costs...
Vote of No Confidence or in other words "Get the Idiots Out"
Wow, not one of his former colleagues would he give a proper job !!!!!! there can be no more a damning statement on their incompetence than that !!!
pedalling paul wrote…
magnard wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
As you may be, I am an experienced urban and leisure cyclist. But many cyclists are less confident in the situation that has now been created at Clifton Green.
It will be interesting to note the results of the various cycle route counters around the City, when their accumulated data is next downloaded. I hope that there has not been a significant drop off in cycling in this area, but remain concerned that otherwise may be the case.
Whilst I have a great interest in cycling and was heavily involved in delivery of TDF, I'm really quite bored of you turning absolutely everything to your pet peddling project. You may be a legend in your own bike shed, but it's tedious. Please shut up!
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
SHUT UP YOU BORING ONE TRICK PONY.
pedalling paul wrote…
magnard wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
As you may be, I am an experienced urban and leisure cyclist. But many cyclists are less confident in the situation that has now been created at Clifton Green.
It will be interesting to note the results of the various cycle route counters around the City, when their accumulated data is next downloaded. I hope that there has not been a significant drop off in cycling in this area, but remain concerned that otherwise may be the case.
If only you were less confident at spouting utter irrelevant cyclophilic drivel at every opportunity. Please do York a favour and stop talking.
And this is the guy who still gets free rail travel!! As a ex employee. A legacy from a differant past..and we pay for it....
Fantastic news for both the football and rugby club and the city in general. Common sense prevails given the value. Now let's get it built.
To the evening press editor...the score fiddlers are making a mockery of your paper.It is losing all its credibility.
smudge2 wrote…
To the evening press editor...the score fiddlers are making a mockery of your paper.It is losing all its credibility.
I was about to comment on the unlikelihood of 155 people downvoting me in 10 minutes at 22.40.
We all know that Paul Hepworth, AKA Pedalling Paul, is involved in the vote rigging. Should his account be suspended? Or should he just be treated with the scorn and derision he deserves?
We all know that Paul Hepworth, AKA Pedalling Paul, is involved in the vote rigging. Should his account be suspended? Or should he just be treated with the scorn and derision he deserves? Bad magic
The vote hack on here is stupid. And it's only on political stories, so goodness knows if it's a team of political people doing it or not.
Would be a big waste of time. It's not going to make a difference to how people vote in elections.
Anyway, good news tonight!
Would be a big waste of time. It's not going to make a difference to how people vote in elections.
Anyway, good news tonight! Justin7
As a member of the CRA, I have learnt much about the way the council operates.
Most if not all of those who have left the Labour party, left because as was stated in the original article council leader Cllr James Alexander was known for "stamping his feet" and behaving like a child.
It got to the point where Mr Alexander declared that no-one could raise any questions or points of order unless they were approved by him personally. In effect, he stopped all the councillors, no matter which party they represented, from representing their local citizens. How is a council supposed to act for the local citizens, if the local councillors are not allowed to raise questions asked by those citizens?
It is a very sad day when any politician, at any level, feels that they must leave their party because their party is no longer listening to the needs of the people they are supposed to represent.
It is time James Alexander understood that he is not a dictator and that he too represents the people of York. He is not elected for any other reason than to represent the needs of the people of York. As long as he attempts to only allow things he wants discussed to be discussed, the CYC will never represent the needs of the people of York.
Most if not all of those who have left the Labour party, left because as was stated in the original article council leader Cllr James Alexander was known for "stamping his feet" and behaving like a child.
It got to the point where Mr Alexander declared that no-one could raise any questions or points of order unless they were approved by him personally. In effect, he stopped all the councillors, no matter which party they represented, from representing their local citizens. How is a council supposed to act for the local citizens, if the local councillors are not allowed to raise questions asked by those citizens?
It is a very sad day when any politician, at any level, feels that they must leave their party because their party is no longer listening to the needs of the people they are supposed to represent.
It is time James Alexander understood that he is not a dictator and that he too represents the people of York. He is not elected for any other reason than to represent the needs of the people of York. As long as he attempts to only allow things he wants discussed to be discussed, the CYC will never represent the needs of the people of York. NineLivesBurra
........So what was all the fuss about on the big vote ???? On tonights vote it was clearly never in any doubt, so why all the grandstanding ??
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Speaking as a cyclist of over 40 years, the one thing that really irritates me (other than your good self droning about these things) is the number of ridiculous cycle lanes, often far too wide, crammed into daft places.
There never was a need for a cycle lane around Clifton, unless you make really good use of the width of the pavement, which it doesn't.
Cycle lanes have their place, but when they actually impede on other road users, they have overstepped their place.
In some cases, they are like those pointless 20 mph signs - someone thought they were a great idea and suddenly we're flooded with them for no actual value.
There never was a need for a cycle lane around Clifton, unless you make really good use of the width of the pavement, which it doesn't.
Cycle lanes have their place, but when they actually impede on other road users, they have overstepped their place.
In some cases, they are like those pointless 20 mph signs - someone thought they were a great idea and suddenly we're flooded with them for no actual value. oldgoat
If James Alexander hasn't got the message, I'll spell it out.
You are completely discredited. You need to resign as Council Leader and allow a new administration to take over to try to salvage the future of this authority - preferably an alliance of the opposition parties and independents, not the Labour hacks who have led this great city into debt and discredited it with a series of shambolic decisions.
Please turn the lights out as you leave.
You are completely discredited. You need to resign as Council Leader and allow a new administration to take over to try to salvage the future of this authority - preferably an alliance of the opposition parties and independents, not the Labour hacks who have led this great city into debt and discredited it with a series of shambolic decisions.
Please turn the lights out as you leave. Tony Fisher
Jazzper wrote…
It's Dave Merrett and Tracy Simpson Laing who need to GO !
Agreed ,along with Alexander.It`s taken long enough but finally we are moving towards getting rid of these non listening idiots who only seem to have self interests at heart and do not show any sign of wanting to keep York the great city it is.
Tony Fisher wrote…
If James Alexander hasn't got the message, I'll spell it out.
You are completely discredited. You need to resign as Council Leader and allow a new administration to take over to try to salvage the future of this authority - preferably an alliance of the opposition parties and independents, not the Labour hacks who have led this great city into debt and discredited it with a series of shambolic decisions.
Please turn the lights out as you leave.
Baffling. I'm not even a labour voter, but he was the only person who showed he was capable tonight. He was an excellent speaker, to the point and made great points. Super impressed with him.
Well done Cllrs Scott and King mow Jimmie no mates prove the party is important to you resign and perhaps Labour may win just a few seats in York when you have gone because if you don't they will win far fewer
Whats annoying is these councilors had plenty of oppertunity to do this, if only they did it a couple of years back Labour may of kept its dignity. I use to suppot Labour for years and I am so disponded by the bunch of egotistical self serving prats to put it mildly.Trouble is all the other parties are the same, power corrupts and local policies are not done for the benefit of the people. A political revolution is needed as they are all just the same basically.
Taxi for Alexander!
Taxi for K England!
They can't go soon enough quicker the better once gone our great city can start rebuilding its culture. but one worrying point once labour have gone who'll take over hope its nobody worse.
Knowing David Scott personally, I don't think he would be so petulant and childish as the ex part time camera salesman to quit because he lost the leadership.
I would suggest the opposite not to be true.
Ken King is also no mug and he has carried out his duties as a councillor without resorting to underhand tactics.
Well done to both of them.
And PP, why don't you stop all the foolery with cycling at every opportunity. You make a mockery of the movement. The debate had so little to do with cycling, it was almost more to do with Hinckley point, yet you got your oar in.=silly billy---- you
I would suggest the opposite not to be true.
Ken King is also no mug and he has carried out his duties as a councillor without resorting to underhand tactics.
Well done to both of them.
And PP, why don't you stop all the foolery with cycling at every opportunity. You make a mockery of the movement. The debate had so little to do with cycling, it was almost more to do with Hinckley point, yet you got your oar in.=silly billy---- you ak7274
If this was happening in some 'tin-pot' African dictatorship you could believe it.
Alexander has NO credibility and NO integrity, if he had any he would quit NOW.
As for the prat pp, you have done more harm to cycling than anybody. I would suggest that Jeremy Clarkson represents cyclists better than you.
Alexander has NO credibility and NO integrity, if he had any he would quit NOW.
As for the prat pp, you have done more harm to cycling than anybody. I would suggest that Jeremy Clarkson represents cyclists better than you. eeoodares
Tony Fisher wrote…
If James Alexander hasn't got the message, I'll spell it out.
You are completely discredited. You need to resign as Council Leader and allow a new administration to take over to try to salvage the future of this authority - preferably an alliance of the opposition parties and independents, not the Labour hacks who have led this great city into debt and discredited it with a series of shambolic decisions.
Please turn the lights out as you leave.
Alexander was fantastic last night, correct decision made, only idiots would have voted against given what was on offer for the money the council has to put towards it.
Fear of UKIP anybody, and Fear for there own career's.
Did they have some inside information ahead of last nights by-election results. Labour held on to Heywood and Middleton but UKIP slashed its majority to only 617 votes. (yes different elections but still the same party)
Did they have some inside information ahead of last nights by-election results. Labour held on to Heywood and Middleton but UKIP slashed its majority to only 617 votes. (yes different elections but still the same party) Fabius the Delayer
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
UKIP FOR YORK NEXT YEAR!!
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Ken you have served the people of York and Royal Mail well over the years, and I would like to say thank you and wish you all the best for the future.
Ken you have served the people of the City of York and Royal Mail well over the many years, I for one would like to thank you, and wish you all the best for the future in whatever you do. Thank you.
"My heart is still with Labour, but people in this group have ruined it."
Cutting words from Ken and a tragic loss for the people of York. Sadly, it seems Alexander is willing to cling on until May rather than do the right thing and step down now (or even months ago). Politicians rarely see themselves in the clear light of day.
Look at Nick Clegg. Overseeing the destruction of his party without claimning any personal responsibility whatsoever.
Cutting words from Ken and a tragic loss for the people of York. Sadly, it seems Alexander is willing to cling on until May rather than do the right thing and step down now (or even months ago). Politicians rarely see themselves in the clear light of day.
Look at Nick Clegg. Overseeing the destruction of his party without claimning any personal responsibility whatsoever. York2000
oi oi savaloy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
And UKIP in Westfield Ward this year. Please let's try and make a difference in OUR City and remember that before Labour it was the LibDems - our City is being ruined by people who are just career politicians, and have no love of or for what we are, who we were and what we can become. The needs of the residents are what is important, not personal gain.
Vote UKIP - get UKIP.
Vote UKIP - get UKIP. JudithM
I am appauled (yes I did mean to spell it that way) that this has yet again turned into a cycle rally. There are many many more serious issues which need attention, Our city is being spoiled by ludicrous money wasting ventures - Kings Square looks so tacky and like anything anyone could dream up on a Lego set. Exhibition Square - good grief - a travesty. I am hoping that these councillors are representative of a good many who wish to see sense prevail and display their disapproval of the dreadful state local politics and as a consequence local council has declined. We are without doubt in line for another major financial upheaval worldwide. Time everyone showed responsibility and used money wisely.
From reading all the above, this is like the extended Council Meeting. As A Citizen of York, personally find that One Great City in run by what is now a hated, money spending, Non Listening bunch of self centered bunch of people .
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Why do cyclists ignore red lights, that's the big question.
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
Does that mean we can talk about the new ground needing terracing now?
"Cllr Scott told the meeting it was with a heavy heart that he had sent emails announcing his intention to resign the whip, and went on the say that there was not a single member of the current labour leadership to whom he would offer a proper job."
I love the implication here that being a councillor is not a 'proper' job.
I love the implication here that being a councillor is not a 'proper' job. Nixon Whitby
Dave Ruddock wrote…
From reading all the above, this is like the extended Council Meeting. As A Citizen of York, personally find that One Great City in run by what is now a hated, money spending, Non Listening bunch of self centered bunch of people .
Couldn`t put it better myself,well said and true.
Concentrating on the real issues rather than freewheeling (sorry about the pun!) into a debate on cycle lanes these resignations are further proof of the disastrous state of our City Council. For too long Alexander, Simpson-Laing and Merrett have clearly demonstrated a lack of competence. The record speaks for itself - Lendal Bridge - humiliating fiasco!!; King's Square - desecration of a great space; 20's Plenty - erecting speed signs in roads where even an F1 car couldn't get to 20 MPH and, even worse, spending money on this whilst other services like children's centres are being cut; and now the Local Plan.
You simply cannot make up this sort of thing. If you are serious about doing what is best for this great city then do the best thing you can - RESIGN!
You simply cannot make up this sort of thing. If you are serious about doing what is best for this great city then do the best thing you can - RESIGN! Platform3
JA and Co have survived too long by being able to pass ridiculous schemes using their party majority.
The resignations have saved us from the even dafter ideas that could have been passed by a doomed party on its way out, so let's be thankful.
We should now have a period where issues are voted on democratically and common sense prevails.
Cynics will say these resigning Councillors are just trying to save their own necks, but I don't see it that way. This small number of Councillors has done exactly what was needed. That loss of majority will hurt JA more than anything we could do.
The resigning Councillors have done exactly what Councillors should do, they have put their principles and responsibilities before their party. In my view, anyone who does that deserves to be re-elected. I don't care what colour rosette they wear next time - they have shown that they won't be bullied by party politics.
The resignations have saved us from the even dafter ideas that could have been passed by a doomed party on its way out, so let's be thankful.
We should now have a period where issues are voted on democratically and common sense prevails.
Cynics will say these resigning Councillors are just trying to save their own necks, but I don't see it that way. This small number of Councillors has done exactly what was needed. That loss of majority will hurt JA more than anything we could do.
The resigning Councillors have done exactly what Councillors should do, they have put their principles and responsibilities before their party. In my view, anyone who does that deserves to be re-elected. I don't care what colour rosette they wear next time - they have shown that they won't be bullied by party politics. the original Homer
And Goody Two Pedals, you are today's winner with minus 5,620
[quote] David Scott:
'We now have a Labour Group that is corrupt.'
'Its leadership team don’t lead - they bully, scheme and connive.'
'Leader threatened to attend less meetings if his expenses weren’t going to be met'
'The Leader behaves like a spoilt child almost stamping his feet if he doesn’t get his own way.' [/quote]
Confirmation of what York has known and allowed for far too long - Alexander is a bullying tyrant it's time he was kicked out!
Confirmation of what York has known and allowed for far too long - Alexander is a bullying tyrant it's time he was kicked out! Badgers Drift
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Duffy , I dont know why they ignore the lights, but only this morning I was I was about to come out of layerthorpe ( Lights turned green) and I almost knocked two on bikes coming from the right , they put up 2 fingers when I blew my horn and i jammed on the brakes only for the car behind to touch my rear. Duffy they are doing it all the time also in the cycle paths they cycle 2 abreast one in and one out of the cycle path all we get is abuse from them its about time the police took action and fined them on the spot £60 and take their bikes until its paid, It has cost the tax payers have over 5 million pounds to satisfy cyclists needs in York they should show more respect,
I was going to say if only the labour councilors had the conviction to hold a vote of no confidence in their leader but, i forgot he proberly somehow say its not allowed or maybe even employ the person who does the scores on here!!
Perhaps this vindicates some of the comments made by admittedly extreme posters on this site about the manipulative ,scheming and effectively dishonest way the leaders of labour have tried to manipulate facts and figures as well as supposed consultations to suit their own purposes.
I hate the fact that we cannot trust those leading our council and frankly its time the cabal at the top either resigned or called elections to find out if they are supported by locals as their position is untenable
if they are voted in again we get what we deserve and vice versa so do the decent thing and test the feeling of the local populace
I hate the fact that we cannot trust those leading our council and frankly its time the cabal at the top either resigned or called elections to find out if they are supported by locals as their position is untenable
if they are voted in again we get what we deserve and vice versa so do the decent thing and test the feeling of the local populace meme
Councillor Scott "It has been a difficult decision for me to take. I have been a member of the Labour Party for over 20 years. I come from a long line of active trade unionists. I didn’t just choose the party I was born into it.".
Sadly there is too much of that attitude in this country. It is time schools were made to offer unbiased political education so that people can understand what the political parties and ideologies offer instead of blindly following their grandparents dogma. We may then develop the politics we need to provide a fairer society for all.
Sadly there is too much of that attitude in this country. It is time schools were made to offer unbiased political education so that people can understand what the political parties and ideologies offer instead of blindly following their grandparents dogma. We may then develop the politics we need to provide a fairer society for all. goatman
Come on Anna - you've successfully got CYC to adopt a motion in opposition of fracking. Act on your conscience, follow your heart and defect to the Green Party - seal the fate of this terrible administration and send Calamity James to the back of the dole queue.
"cowards flinch and traitors sneer" . I know who the spoilt brats are no indivual is bigger than the Party. Off to wilderness .
meme wrote…
Perhaps this vindicates some of the comments made by admittedly extreme posters on this site about the manipulative ,scheming and effectively dishonest way the leaders of labour have tried to manipulate facts and figures as well as supposed consultations to suit their own purposes. I hate the fact that we cannot trust those leading our council and frankly its time the cabal at the top either resigned or called elections to find out if they are supported by locals as their position is untenable if they are voted in again we get what we deserve and vice versa so do the decent thing and test the feeling of the local populace
Pardon, 'extreme posters', who actually made valid comments that have been found to be 100% correct?
Don't you mean they were extremely right posters all along, and like poor David Smith (aka Jack Hamilton) deserve an apology for being villified, bullied, doubted and unsupported?!!!
Don't you mean they were extremely right posters all along, and like poor David Smith (aka Jack Hamilton) deserve an apology for being villified, bullied, doubted and unsupported?!!! Badgers Drift
Badgers Drift - Come on, admit it. These threads get out of hand. Look at the comments made by PP and the replies on this thread! I am as guilty as the next person for it too.
I am very concerned that David Smith/Jack Ham seems to have been censored by Alexander & Williams . I do not know the man , but surely he has the same democratic right to comment on here as the rest of us ?
It has always been the policy of experienced management to surround yourself with good people. It says more about the leadership than the led when the good people desert you.
I don't care what political side you on , like it or not , come the general election UKIP is here and here to stay, we will see many changes in this country , Lib-Dems were on the up then sold their soul to the Tories thus we now see their demise due to Clegg and co wanting glory,
The Tories are the party of the establishment , try as they might they aren't and never has been for the working man and woman. And labour
they have too much baggage to contend with, the boy who is their leader
will never deliver on his promises,
The Tories are the party of the establishment , try as they might they aren't and never has been for the working man and woman. And labour
they have too much baggage to contend with, the boy who is their leader
will never deliver on his promises, bill bailey
Labour have held onto money illegally obtained with their Lendal Bridge farce. Surely this is stealing from their constituents. It also seems that people cannot comment on their failings without Labour trying to belittle them as in the James Smith incident.
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
Anyone ready to ignore me....?
I heard his speech last night. It was pathetic. How he ever got elected I'll never know.
Well done James A for not listening to such wet blankets.
Well done James A for not listening to such wet blankets. Justin7
I mentioned the council been corrupt and had the post removed yet a Councillor mentions it and it is in the paper the press only seem interested in the views of the corrupt lot.
mahlerfan wrote…
I am very concerned that David Smith/Jack Ham seems to have been censored by Alexander & Williams . I do not know the man , but surely he has the same democratic right to comment on here as the rest of us ?
I too am concerned that Alexander/Williams and the Press have conducted a witch hunt of David Smith. There are many who comment on this website who, if Williams sees fit , could lose their jobs. Personally I think Alexander and Williams are a disgrace to this city. Emails to them both go unanswered - they rarely put anything in writing so they cannot be caught out. However they have slipped up badly on this issue
pedalling paul wrote…
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
I'm just waiting from an answer on cyclists ignoring red lights.
Labour are finished now..bring on Ukip !!!
Labour are finished now..bring on Ukip !!!
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Bill and Duffy I am not a cyclist, but my understanding why a lot of cyclists have trouble at traffic lights is because traffic lights often ignore them. What I mean by that is that some traffic lights detect if vehicles are waiting and alter accordingly, however most bikes nowadays are made of titanium and aluminum carbon fiber. This in my opinion could be a major cause as to some of the problems at traffic lights because traffic lights cannot detect them.
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Rubbish,they dont stop because they have no respect for other people and think they are above the law,hence riding on paths and having no common sense even for there own safety.
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Rubbish,they dont stop because they have no respect for other people and think they are above the law,hence riding on paths and having no common sense even for there own safety.
pedalling paul wrote…
York2000 wrote…
Oh look -10381
He hacked his own score, and will now ruin others -
what a complete ****?!!!
He hacked his own score, and will now ruin others -
what a complete ****?!!! Badgers Drift
courier46 wrote…
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
And car drivers do they have respect for other users and do they park on footpaths and park in the middle of the road.
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
Yes well said, but you know that he knows he gets under peoples skin and he's like an ich that no matter how hard you scratch it just won't go away.
JudithM wrote…
oi oi savaloy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Vote UKIP - get UKIP.
Really??? -I've read your campaign leaflet propaganda. Stuffed with a load of unfunded promises you'll never be able to fulfill - only fascist parties do this, promise the world, blame scapegoats, employing politics of fear to get elected. I hope sense prevails and you and your odious bunch are roundly rejected by the good people of Westfield.
Vote positively - vote Green!
Vote positively - vote Green! wot eva
notpedallingpaul wrote…
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
And really just ignore the scoring, it means nothing in reality, I'm just having a bit of fun with him but he does not seem to want to play, maybe hit a nerve.
wot eva wrote…
JudithM wrote…
oi oi savaloy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Vote UKIP - get UKIP.
Vote positively - vote Green!
So Eva, you don't agree with Democracy, protecting the Green belt or me donating a percentage of my 'earnings' to local charities?
wot eva wrote…
JudithM wrote…
oi oi savaloy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Vote UKIP - get UKIP.
Vote positively - vote Green!
So Eva, you don't agree with Democracy, protecting the Green belt or me donating a percentage of my 'earnings' to local charities?
wot eva wrote…
Come on Anna - you've successfully got CYC to adopt a motion in opposition of fracking. Act on your conscience, follow your heart and defect to the Green Party - seal the fate of this terrible administration and send Calamity James to the back of the dole queue.
Anna frack off and take your 20mph sign's with you.
wot eva wrote…
Come on Anna - you've successfully got CYC to adopt a motion in opposition of fracking. Act on your conscience, follow your heart and defect to the Green Party - seal the fate of this terrible administration and send Calamity James to the back of the dole queue.
Anna frack off and take your 20mph sign's with you.
Yorkie41 wrote…
courier46 wrote…
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
I didn`t say certain car drivers don`t break the law and act like complete idiots,but you are trying to defend why cyclists go through red lights because of traffic light failure to register them which is rubbish.
Back in York from fighting for UKIP in Heywood & Middleton.
Enjoying this wonderful city and its great people.
Years of callous Labour Councils have hollowed out great chunks of communities. We are so the lucky ones.
Now lets get this lot out. Quick.
Enjoying this wonderful city and its great people.
Years of callous Labour Councils have hollowed out great chunks of communities. We are so the lucky ones.
Now lets get this lot out. Quick. Young the Southbanker
If you read a further story in this edition which reports the resignation of David Smith from the Retreat then you begin to wonder how thin the skins of certain politicians are and how obsessed they are with what articulate citizens think of them. If they led York with moral authority and determination they would not need to worry what David Smith or anyone else thinks of them.
Badgers Drift wrote…
Taxi for Alexander!
Yes in fact it'll be the only expense he's taken that's been worth our money!
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
HELLO Yorkie. probably I didn't make my point clear. The little rat bags could have caused damage that would have meant ME and the driver behind loosing our NO CLAIM BONUS, they would have got off scot free, what their bikes were made of didn't have anything to do with my experience ,they did what they did showed they had broken the law, had I been capable I would have got out and kicked their **** to kingdom come.
I'm a Labour voter and I am ashamed of how it has acted on a local level.
It started with the attempt to sell off Union Terrace where they tried to learn their lessons from that but they got the wrong lesson learnt which was to ignore the people they served. This gave us 20s plenty and then Lendal bridge. Labour are now seen by me and various others as the party now incapable of listening. We've read in The Press how they have attempted to supress differing viewpoints, this is not how Democracy works! They've put their egos above their words. Not only that they've put plans for the football stadium potentially at risk. What moronic idiots annoy a huge chunk of people that will now vote for anyone else. I'm voting Independant to get someone who actually cares about the city and how it's seen by ourselves and tourists.
It started with the attempt to sell off Union Terrace where they tried to learn their lessons from that but they got the wrong lesson learnt which was to ignore the people they served. This gave us 20s plenty and then Lendal bridge. Labour are now seen by me and various others as the party now incapable of listening. We've read in The Press how they have attempted to supress differing viewpoints, this is not how Democracy works! They've put their egos above their words. Not only that they've put plans for the football stadium potentially at risk. What moronic idiots annoy a huge chunk of people that will now vote for anyone else. I'm voting Independant to get someone who actually cares about the city and how it's seen by ourselves and tourists. Silver
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Some of the 4 Councillors who have resigned from the Labour Party wanted to do before now but they were convinced by hardworking people who knew what they were up against to stay and try and make things work for the good of the people of York. Unfortunately there ultimately comes a point where they have to say, enough is enough. From the point where James Alexander refused to allow councillors to raise motions he had not personally agreed to, it was the beginning of the end for the councillors who have now resigned. As someone said on here, if they tried for a vote of no confidence in their leader, it would probably not be allowed because James Alexander would never agree to it.
Why did it quote that previous post? I didn't want it to do that, nor did I ask it to.
Why did it quote that quote? I didn't ask it to, nor did I want it to.
well thats a negative approach, did they stamp their feet as they left.
lots get some positive reasonable people and work out a reasoably priced plan, its not rocket science surely.
lots get some positive reasonable people and work out a reasoably priced plan, its not rocket science surely. bagnall1928@yahoo.com
NineLivesBurra wrote…
Why did it quote that previous post? I didn't want it to do that, nor did I ask it to.
Well if you intended to quote me and were in agreement about the reasons why the councillors quit. I thoroughly agree with you and that means for me for Labour to survive something has to be done and JA may have to be chucked out, he's not going to get voted back in unless he magically gives every house in York an unicorn and makes some flying pigs
kirchheim wrote…
If you read a further story in this edition which reports the resignation of David Smith from the Retreat then you begin to wonder how thin the skins of certain politicians are and how obsessed they are with what articulate citizens think of them. If they led York with moral authority and determination they would not need to worry what David Smith or anyone else thinks of them.
And last night's Council meeting discussed the behaviour of councillors and use of social media. Alexander has called for a report to see how he can curtail comments of councillors AND THEIR SUPPORTERS! West Offices truly is The Kremlin!
acomblass wrote…
kirchheim wrote…
If you read a further story in this edition which reports the resignation of David Smith from the Retreat then you begin to wonder how thin the skins of certain politicians are and how obsessed they are with what articulate citizens think of them. If they led York with moral authority and determination they would not need to worry what David Smith or anyone else thinks of them.
Bit Kettle calling Pot isn't it? JA used to be on the comments sections of The Press the whole time he was in opposition.
Silver wrote…
NineLivesBurra wrote…
Why did it quote that previous post? I didn't want it to do that, nor did I ask it to.
hehe, silver, I'm not sure JA would get voted back in if he gave us all unicorns and cut Council Tax
Silver wrote…
Rats and sinking ship come to mind but CYC can no longer afford pest controls so we get more vermin anyway
You are right about the pest control. Our recycling is so hit and miss and when we asked the household waste team what would happen if we had a vermin infestation as a result of the bins not being emptied, we were told that the tenants would be charged extra for pest control.
Also, if JA forgave everyone any outstanding council tax debt he would still not get re-elected
Also, if JA forgave everyone any outstanding council tax debt he would still not get re-elected NineLivesBurra
Silver wrote…
acomblass wrote…
kirchheim wrote…
If you read a further story in this edition which reports the resignation of David Smith from the Retreat then you begin to wonder how thin the skins of certain politicians are and how obsessed they are with what articulate citizens think of them. If they led York with moral authority and determination they would not need to worry what David Smith or anyone else thinks of them.
And just as this was being discussed last night a Labour councillor was calling some of her colleagues "obese" on her twitter feed No this is not made up see Cllr Semlyens twitter comments
What hope is there for this city when we have such people in power
What hope is there for this city when we have such people in power acomblass
NineLivesBurra wrote…
Silver wrote…
NineLivesBurra wrote…
Why did it quote that previous post? I didn't want it to do that, nor did I ask it to.
Yeh but lets face it, he'd have failed on getting pigs to fly as well, It's a harsh fact for the man to have to come to terms with but sometimes you have to do the right thing for others and admit you aren't the answer to the problem and pass the torch.
Bet David Cameron wishes JA,TSL & DM ran every labour council in England......they are doing a brilliant job of making long standing Labour supporters vote for any party but them.
Do not let the semelyn ( aka landlord .7 house.s). Have a sah on owt in york. She owe.s york taxpayers over half a million quid ( 20s plenty signs)....nasty .........
duffy wrote…
notpedallingpaul wrote…
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
I am with you Duffy it makes such a mockery of valid points and opinions.
Yorkie41 wrote…
duffy wrote…
notpedallingpaul wrote…
York2000 wrote…
You could all just ignore PP? That way the comments threads will not be clogged up with abuse and insults?
Be the better person and ignore the individual. You're better off not being on his level. Lets face it everyone else in this city regardless of their idiosyncrasies has more then one passion, from local politics to sports we all care deeply about many things except PP, I say we pity the individual who must have a mental health disorder to be obsessed to that level that he endangers what he loves.
NineLivesBurra wrote…
Silver wrote…
Rats and sinking ship come to mind but CYC can no longer afford pest controls so we get more vermin anyway
Also, if JA forgave everyone any outstanding council tax debt he would still not get re-elected
I fully agree with you on this, it's so wrong to do this to services that are in desperate need to be maintained
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
This council has not got a single clue about transport policy. removing the cycle lane on Water End was the very first thing they did when they came to power DESPITE a public consultation response with ~ 66% in favour of the cycle lane being kept... then in the next breath they bleated on about how they were making York better for cyclists. But did the council's cycle lane removal work? no, it just shifted the congestion around the junction by 90 degrees so that now Shipton Road has all the long queues of traffic instead - which is worse now because the Number 2 P&R bus gets caught up in such queues, meaning it can take 45 minutes or more to get into the city centre for passengers.
Then we have their traffic light policy of not maintaining equipment properly, disabling sensors, and purposefully setting up lights to create a 'red wave' or for the green light to always be in favour of the minor road at a junction... the possible thought behind this being to set up congestion so as to encourage people to use buses and bikes - the problem being that buses and bikes get caught up in that same congestion that has been created.
Then we have the splashing of cash on follies such as the Minster Plazza, which is now more dangerous than it was before, and the Exhibition Square works - using money from the BETTER bus area fund to actually REDUCE the space for buses and force services from Thirsk and Easingwold to go along Museum Street and Lendal bridge TWICE in orderto turn around, not only getting caught up in the congestion there but adding to it.
This is a council that botched a bridge closure, and then botched an infastructure scheme that required an addition bridge - by doing the easy bit of the infastructure first and then seeming surprised when a dangerous situation was occuring. This is a council that created a cycle route from Malton Road into Woodlands Grove by tarmacing a route across Monk Stray and removing obstructing fences, only to come along a couple of months later and put back in a brand new piece of fence thereby rendering the route too narrow for bikes to fit through. This is a council that seems to believe people who work in the city centre should not be allowed to park their cycles anywhere near their place of work because the place of work is in the pedestrian zone - even though the commuters go to work before pedestrian hours start and leave after the hours have ended; and yet nowhere near enough replacement parking spaces have been provided (and those that were, such as in Goodramgate, were removed in July and have never been replaced... and that was after thay were installed, removed a week late for resurfacing, and then re-installed again).
... what makes it worse is that every single decision they've made is costing money. Money which could be better spent. I honestly thikn a class of primary school children could come up with better policies and solutions that this current ragtag bunch of miscreants making up this mickey mouse council.
Then we have their traffic light policy of not maintaining equipment properly, disabling sensors, and purposefully setting up lights to create a 'red wave' or for the green light to always be in favour of the minor road at a junction... the possible thought behind this being to set up congestion so as to encourage people to use buses and bikes - the problem being that buses and bikes get caught up in that same congestion that has been created.
Then we have the splashing of cash on follies such as the Minster Plazza, which is now more dangerous than it was before, and the Exhibition Square works - using money from the BETTER bus area fund to actually REDUCE the space for buses and force services from Thirsk and Easingwold to go along Museum Street and Lendal bridge TWICE in orderto turn around, not only getting caught up in the congestion there but adding to it.
This is a council that botched a bridge closure, and then botched an infastructure scheme that required an addition bridge - by doing the easy bit of the infastructure first and then seeming surprised when a dangerous situation was occuring. This is a council that created a cycle route from Malton Road into Woodlands Grove by tarmacing a route across Monk Stray and removing obstructing fences, only to come along a couple of months later and put back in a brand new piece of fence thereby rendering the route too narrow for bikes to fit through. This is a council that seems to believe people who work in the city centre should not be allowed to park their cycles anywhere near their place of work because the place of work is in the pedestrian zone - even though the commuters go to work before pedestrian hours start and leave after the hours have ended; and yet nowhere near enough replacement parking spaces have been provided (and those that were, such as in Goodramgate, were removed in July and have never been replaced... and that was after thay were installed, removed a week late for resurfacing, and then re-installed again).
... what makes it worse is that every single decision they've made is costing money. Money which could be better spent. I honestly thikn a class of primary school children could come up with better policies and solutions that this current ragtag bunch of miscreants making up this mickey mouse council. Magicman!
bill bailey wrote…
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
Yes Bill I accept what you where saying, but I was just adding a point. Having said that I would add that a lot of cyclists seem to be of the impression that traffic laws apply only to motorized vehicles. (WRONG) they apply to (EVERYONE) on the road, even pedestrians.Perhaps Police should be doing more to catch these people who continually break the law.
Magicman! wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Then we have their traffic light policy of not maintaining equipment properly, disabling sensors, and purposefully setting up lights to create a 'red wave' or for the green light to always be in favour of the minor road at a junction... the possible thought behind this being to set up congestion so as to encourage people to use buses and bikes - the problem being that buses and bikes get caught up in that same congestion that has been created.
Then we have the splashing of cash on follies such as the Minster Plazza, which is now more dangerous than it was before, and the Exhibition Square works - using money from the BETTER bus area fund to actually REDUCE the space for buses and force services from Thirsk and Easingwold to go along Museum Street and Lendal bridge TWICE in orderto turn around, not only getting caught up in the congestion there but adding to it.
This is a council that botched a bridge closure, and then botched an infastructure scheme that required an addition bridge - by doing the easy bit of the infastructure first and then seeming surprised when a dangerous situation was occuring. This is a council that created a cycle route from Malton Road into Woodlands Grove by tarmacing a route across Monk Stray and removing obstructing fences, only to come along a couple of months later and put back in a brand new piece of fence thereby rendering the route too narrow for bikes to fit through. This is a council that seems to believe people who work in the city centre should not be allowed to park their cycles anywhere near their place of work because the place of work is in the pedestrian zone - even though the commuters go to work before pedestrian hours start and leave after the hours have ended; and yet nowhere near enough replacement parking spaces have been provided (and those that were, such as in Goodramgate, were removed in July and have never been replaced... and that was after thay were installed, removed a week late for resurfacing, and then re-installed again).
... what makes it worse is that every single decision they've made is costing money. Money which could be better spent. I honestly thikn a class of primary school children could come up with better policies and solutions that this current ragtag bunch of miscreants making up this mickey mouse council.
Couldn't agree more.
For a sensible, sustainable local transport policy vote Green.
For a sensible, sustainable local transport policy vote Green. wot eva
Many people have got the wrong end of the stick about the Clifton Green cycling issue... it's not about transport policy or cycling as such. It's about politics. Despite all the shouty capitals and attacks on Paul Hepworth, it most certainly is a valid issue to bring up when discussing the resignation of these councillors. It was the most party political decision taken in that ward...essentially they took a position which was against general council policy, against the long term transport policy, against the advice of officers, against the views of all three emergency services. But...regardless of the policy's rights or wrongs they calculated that locally at least it might be a vote winner...to try an pin local congestion on the cycle lane and pledge to reverse it.
It's called wolf-whistle politics and it's about anti-minority policies leading up to an election... look at UKIP tactics as we approach an election - very similar. Many decent politicians would agree that wolf-whistle poilitics are unethical and not in the long term public interest. Despite all the fuss stated above, I don't see much dodgy politics in York...but this decision was a pre-election wolf-whistle vote grab almost certainly known by them to be wrong.
Yes it's worth commenting on...it's our money. A whole route is now compromised by the re-creation of a dangerous junction which not only reduces the personal safety but by putting people off using it, long term adds to local congestion. Not justified for a few cheap votes. I'm sure they are decent people and served York well generally but that particular decision was wrong in principle.
It's called wolf-whistle politics and it's about anti-minority policies leading up to an election... look at UKIP tactics as we approach an election - very similar. Many decent politicians would agree that wolf-whistle poilitics are unethical and not in the long term public interest. Despite all the fuss stated above, I don't see much dodgy politics in York...but this decision was a pre-election wolf-whistle vote grab almost certainly known by them to be wrong.
Yes it's worth commenting on...it's our money. A whole route is now compromised by the re-creation of a dangerous junction which not only reduces the personal safety but by putting people off using it, long term adds to local congestion. Not justified for a few cheap votes. I'm sure they are decent people and served York well generally but that particular decision was wrong in principle. yorkshirelad
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
Yorkie41 wrote…
bill bailey wrote…
duffy wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
Amazing how looming elections can influence Councillors thinking, isn't it. It happened at Clifton Green, and last night as well. The LibDems worked the stadium scheme up. Labour took it over and accepted commercial add ons ie retail units which runs contrary to the presumption against peripheral, car-dependant development. And despite all the big question marks that still hang over the scheme, the significant presence of Stadium supporting public at the meeting must have reminded Councillors of 2015 who gave a significant majority of support when the vote finally came.
YOU ARE RIGHT my old friend 100% , we were brought up to respect everything about life, Parents. Police. Teachers. if we didn't there was always a the stick in the corner. Different now ? you bet your life it is, Who have got to thank for that,,? The do-gooders, they have taken the responsibility away from parents, now they don't know WHO they have given it to. POLICE ignore it, Teachers cant administer punishment, and parents do it at their peril ,
Bill Bailey that is one of the best posts I've ever read! Good one old boy!
yorkshirelad wrote…
The Clifton Green cycle lane reversal fiasco should be seen by supporters of all parties as a scandalous waste of public money for short term local votes. The UK is well known for low quality cycle lanes and cycle routes to nowhere that suddenly end when needed most... To see a reasonable facility watered down for political ends in York was appalling...and rightly opposed by all three emergency services. I don't know if they were decent councillors in all other respects but that decision is the sort that gives local politics a bad name.
Too right! The biggest irony is that Merrett probably backed removal of the cycle lane knowing that there was the bigger prize of Lendal Bridge to focus on with Water End being an alternative route to take displaced traffic. However the u turn on Clifton Green signalled encouragment that opposition and media pressure could lead to the reversal of such schemes so now both are in tatters and pollution and congestion continue to grow.
Magicman! wrote…
pedalling paul wrote…
That photo was taken at Clifton Green, when these Ward Councillors celebrated the removal of the Whitehall-funded cycle lane which allowed cyclists to easily reach the advance stop area in the photo. Now getting there is a safety lottery and a major deterrent to cycling in this area. And do we have shorter peak queues along Water End? No. Is the replacement LH filter lane consistently fully occupied at peak times? Hardly! And why did these Councillors lobby locally for it? Because an Election was due and it was something for James Alexander to hang his hat onto. We don't deserve to be called a Cycling City in the face of such attitudes.
And I have a copy of a Labour Press Release that was issued by Cllr. Scott in opposition, when the ruling LibDems agreed the cycle lane scheme. He readily agreed then that it was needed, and criticised the lack of time which it had taken to come to fruition.
Turning Transport policy into a political football will not help in the long run. Just thinking of those 70,000 additional future residents who will not all be able to cram themselves onto the road network if they try to get round by car.
Then we have their traffic light policy of not maintaining equipment properly, disabling sensors, and purposefully setting up lights to create a 'red wave' or for the green light to always be in favour of the minor road at a junction... the possible thought behind this being to set up congestion so as to encourage people to use buses and bikes - the problem being that buses and bikes get caught up in that same congestion that has been created.
Then we have the splashing of cash on follies such as the Minster Plazza, which is now more dangerous than it was before, and the Exhibition Square works - using money from the BETTER bus area fund to actually REDUCE the space for buses and force services from Thirsk and Easingwold to go along Museum Street and Lendal bridge TWICE in orderto turn around, not only getting caught up in the congestion there but adding to it.
This is a council that botched a bridge closure, and then botched an infastructure scheme that required an addition bridge - by doing the easy bit of the infastructure first and then seeming surprised when a dangerous situation was occuring. This is a council that created a cycle route from Malton Road into Woodlands Grove by tarmacing a route across Monk Stray and removing obstructing fences, only to come along a couple of months later and put back in a brand new piece of fence thereby rendering the route too narrow for bikes to fit through. This is a council that seems to believe people who work in the city centre should not be allowed to park their cycles anywhere near their place of work because the place of work is in the pedestrian zone - even though the commuters go to work before pedestrian hours start and leave after the hours have ended; and yet nowhere near enough replacement parking spaces have been provided (and those that were, such as in Goodramgate, were removed in July and have never been replaced... and that was after thay were installed, removed a week late for resurfacing, and then re-installed again).
... what makes it worse is that every single decision they've made is costing money. Money which could be better spent. I honestly thikn a class of primary school children could come up with better policies and solutions that this current ragtag bunch of miscreants making up this mickey mouse council.
Good comments. They took over Coppergate prohibited motor vehicle scheme knowing it was flawed; and quickly made it worse.
Lendal Br fiasco is worse than the structure collapse when it was built initially. I say "is" because it is still so wrongly administered it looks like a nightmare.
Progressive media comments are saying to the CYC transport team and the leader of the council know little about motoring; and less about being unbiased and honest.
So, James and his disciples, please step aside before it is too late.
Lendal Br fiasco is worse than the structure collapse when it was built initially. I say "is" because it is still so wrongly administered it looks like a nightmare.
Progressive media comments are saying to the CYC transport team and the leader of the council know little about motoring; and less about being unbiased and honest.
So, James and his disciples, please step aside before it is too late. Cheeky face