AN ELECTRICIAN whose van burst into flames in front of his eyes will return to work today.

Sean Chappell was on his way to his first job of the week when his Ford Transit caught fire on Monday.

As previously reported in The Press, Mr Chappell's vehicle, which carried all the kit he needs for his SLC Electrical business, was destroyed in the blaze, leaving the 28-year-old fearing he would be out of work until his insurance company organised the paperwork.

However, Cara Chapell, Sean's wife, said he will start working again today - days earlier than he originally thought possible.

She said: "Sean is already at the wholesalers and getting the stuff he needs to get back to work.

"He doesn't want to let his customers down.

"The important thing is he's still here and so is his apprentice, now he wants to get back on his feet.

"He is going to get a van in the next few weeks but for the time being he is using another one and is already replacing his tools.

"Everything is looking a lot brighter than it did on Monday."


Road resurfacing work

A York street will be closed for a week during the evening for resurfacing work to be carried out.

City of York Council will be carrying out the work in Monkgate from March 9, finishing on Friday, March 13. Work will take place between 7pm and 11pm.

A temporary road closure of Monkgate will be in place throughout and residents are advised there will be no access for vehicles during working hours except in emergencies. There will be no on-street parking during these times.

Residents who require vehicular access are asked to inform operatives onsite. Vehicular access will only be allowed if it is safe to do so. Pedestrian access will be available at all times.

A council spokesman said: “As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption. Residents are assured that everything reasonably possible will be done to keep this to a minimum, however motorists should expect some delays and plan their journey accordingly. The contractor carrying out the work is Aggregate Industries Ltd who will be responsible for safety.”


Summer bike festival 

A NEW bike festival will take place in Harrogate this summer.

The Big Bike Bash will happen on June 20 and 21 with competitive and leisurely cycling events for professional and amateur cyclists.

There will be entertainment on the town’s famous Stray, next to the former finish line of the first stage of the 2014 Tour de France; and a multi-lap closed road circuit race around the town finishing with Le Tour’s uphill sprint along Parliament Street.

The event is being planned by Harrogate Borough Council and Pennine Events.


Breakfast club’s funding

DEVELOPER David Wilson Homes has pledged to give £200 for a York primary school.

The housebuilder wants to donate at least £200 from sales at its Tannery development in Strensall until the end of March to Robert Wilkinson’s Primary Academy in the village, which will be using the funds to invest in its breakfast club for children.

Paul Hogan, sales director at David Wilson Homes, said: “At David Wilson Homes we are keen to ensure we’re not just providing luxury family properties for the local community, but that we’re also supporting local projects and schemes too. We’re hoping this provides Robert Wilkinson’s Primary Academy students with an excellent opportunity to enjoy getting a brighter start to their day.

“Our Tannery development is popular with local buyers, so we’re really looking forward to seeing their children benefit from the donations. It’s a great community and we’re delighted to be contributing to it.”


Town centre upgrade

PLANS to revamp Driffield’s Methodist Church are among six schemes to apply for money from the East Riding’s High Street Fund.

The scheme would see the church redeveloped and would be paid for by a £5,000 grant.

The application has been deferred for further information, but East Riding of Yorkshire Council has now opened applications for two more rounds of funding.

Grants of between £2,000 and £5,000 are available for single organisations whilst joint applications can apply for up to £10,000. Round four closes on March 17 and round five closes on April 14.

Enquiries to Helen Hoult on 01405 767654 or helen.hoult@eastriding.gov.uk.


Volunteers needed to advise people how to reduce waste

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to join the North Yorkshire Rotters to advise people how to reduce waste, save money and be more environmentally friendly.

The Rotters are the county’s volunteer team of composters.

They attend community events and talks to promote home composting and the Love Food Hate Waste campaign.

They are looking for people who are interested in recycling, waste prevention and the environment and want to help others to learn more.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out how to get involved at a volunteer information session on March 14 from 10am to noon at the Forum, Meeting Room 1, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton.

Details at letstalklessrubbish.com.

Alternatively, call Jeff Coates, North Yorkshire Rotters volunteer coordinator, on 01609 797212.


Cash offer for community

THE East Riding’s Local Grant Fund 2014/15 is open for applications from town and parish councils to apply for up to £3,000 for projects to help communities.

This year’s focus is on community resilience, and plans to install Community Public Access Defibrillators (cPADs) in villages would be eligible. For more information on setting up a cPAD, town and parish councils can contact the community resilience team at Yorkshire Ambulance Service by emailing responders@yas.nhs.uk, phoning 0845 1203155 or else by visiting the website yas.nhs.uk.

Parish and town councils should contact their community partnership co-ordinator or visit eastriding.gov.uk for further information about the Local Grant Fund.


Historic battle recalled

THE Battle of Towton will be remembered in a day of demonstrations, re-enactment and worship on its exact anniversary in both the secular and religious calendars.

The Yorkists, led by Richard III’s brother Edward IV, beat Henry VI’s Lancastrians near the current village of Towton on March 29, Palm Sunday, in 1461.

On Palm Sunday 2015, which is also March 29, the Towton Battlefield Society, together with the Frei Compagnie re-enactment group, have organised events starting from 9.30am including a mediaeval encampment, three-mile battlefield walk, medieval skills such as falconry and sword combat, a memorial service at 1pm and a battle finale.

 Frei Compagnie secretary Helen Cox said: “It is also taking place just two days after the remains of King Richard III are laid to rest in Leicester Cathedral – so it’s an exciting time for English medieval history, and we’re all looking forward to a wonderful day.”
 

New council HQ nearer

HARROGATE Borough Council’s new headquarters took another step nearer reality when the authority’s planning committee backed the plans.

The council wants to move all its staff from five town centre offices to a single building on its Knapping Mount site about 750 metres north of the town centre.

The committee voted to allow the council’s Chief Planner to approve the planning application with conditions.

It includes a customer service area, council chamber, meeting rooms, office space and parking for 95 cars and 56 bicycles. The full council will make the final decision this summer.