YORK leisure bosses want to hear some real tales from the riverbank, at a special meeting aimed at coming up with ideas on how to make best use of the city's waterside.
City of York Council's leisure scrutiny board has arranged a drop-in meeting on Monday between 2.30pm and 6pm, where local residents and other interested parties can put forward their ideas on how the Ouse, Foss and Derwent can be best used for leisure purposes, and how existing facilities can be improved.
Issues include improving pedestrian access to the rivers, maintenance and investment in the river banks, and recreation requirements. The scrutiny board is also looking for ideas on possible events and activities linked to the rivers.
The council's senior scrutiny officer, Helen Christmas, said: "The leisure scrutiny board is keen to collect as many views as possible from residents and users of the river and riverbanks.
"As part of the consultation process, we have invited a number of interested parties, including rowing clubs, arts organisations, anglers, community groups, commercial interests and the Environment Agency, to put forward their views.
"The rivers have been an integral part of the city since its formation, and it is vital that we make the most of such an important asset."
Earlier this month, The Evening Press reported that the city council is considering a new Festival of Rivers in a bid to attract more visitors by making more use of its waterways.
The festival is in the early stages of planning, and could include a riverside market, a waterfront festival and water sports activities.
Feedback from Monday's meeting will be discussed by the seven cross-party members of the leisure scrutiny board, to be chaired by Councillor Madeleine Kirk, on Wednesday, February 26, and Wednesday, March 26.
lThe Evening Press and Yorkshire Water have teamed up to offer schools, community groups and charitable organisations the opportunity to win £400 with an idea to improve a local river. Ideas should be sent to Rosemary Cook, Newsroom, Evening Press, 76/86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN, or email
Updated: 11:31 Friday, January 24, 2003
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