Package 'will improve life in Ryedale' (From Gazette & Herald)

Package 'will improve life in Ryedale'

AN OFFICER to deal specifically with antisocial behaviour, a dry sports centre and transport strategies for North Yorkshire market towns - these are all part of a package of measures designed to improve life for Ryedale householders.

The ambitious targets are outlined in a plan that brings together information about how Ryedale District Council performed during the past year, and what it plans to do in the forthcoming year, to improve services.

To encourage a vibrant community, one of the goals the council achieved was the refurbishment of the Derwent Play Area in Norton. Next year its plans include ensuring the continued management of the Ryedale skatepark.

To promote a strong and safe community the council supported the Safer Ryedale Partnership, and undertook legal and consultation work for a ban on drinking in public in Malton, Norton and Pickering.

Plans for next year include recruiting an antisocial behaviour co-ordinator and implementing the Licensing Act of 2003, which covers licensing of alcohol, public entertainment, cinemas and theatres, previously administered by the courts.

For its access and communication strategy, the council installed broadband and next year its plans include working with North Yorkshire County Council towards a transport strategy for Pickering.

To improve health and well-being in the district, one of the goals the council achieved was the refurbishment of Derwent Pool, at Norton. Next year it plans to evaluate the feasibility of a dry sports centre for Ryedale.

Other proposals include extending the green waste and dry recyclable waste scheme to a further 5,000 properties in March and promoting the development opportunities for six brownfield sites in Malton and Norton.

The council chairman, Coun Brian Maud, said: "This year the council has been put under the microscope by inspectors from the Audit Commission. The council has been assessed as being good. However, we do not intend to be complacent and shall be developing our plans to improve services still further over this year."

Chief executive Harold Mosley said: "Our next big challenge is to build on what we have achieved and make further improvements. Ryedale is a relatively small district in population terms with about 51,000 people covering an area of almost 600 square miles, one of the largest districts in the country. As a business we are a significant employer locally with over 250 full and part-time staff. Gross turnover is in the order of £18 million. It is important that what we do, we do well."

Jane Mowat, of Safer York Partnership, said: "We are very much in favour of any new legislation which improves the lot of the innocent majority.

"The behaviour of youngsters can become more aggressive as numbers increase and members get caught up in negative peer pressure, which can be very intimidating for people in the vicinity.

"This legislation will enable gangs to be split up therefore reducing the likelihood of gang violence."

Councillors on the overview and scrutiny committee will discuss the plan on Thursday.

Updated: 11:31 Tuesday, June 22, 2004