Conservative councillor John Galvin has spoken in favour of the creation of a new cultural quarter for York.

The status would see the area between the National Railway Museum and York  Minster getting a special status to boost tourism. Lighting would be improved, the railway station refurbished and a new bridge would be built over the Ouse.

Coun John Galvin said: “We need to attract visitors to the city and having a cultural quarter, if we put the time into it, will boost tourism, which, in turn, will help the residents of this city.”

A City of York Council committee will investigate the proposal and a decision will be made in January.

The Conservative group on the City of York Council have welcomed the decision to scrap the controversial design for the expensive new council headquarters at Hungate.

Despite the inflated £40 million cost, the council scrapped the plans after criticism from various conservation groups, local watchdogs and opposition groups on the council.

The plans were unpopular with many York residents and has been unfavourably compared to the Stonebow Centre.

Conservative group leader Ian Gillies said: "Officers have done the right thing by withdrawing the application completely. Future consultation regarding an alternative must embrace professionals and organisations which are experienced in this area."
 

Conservative councillors Sian Wiseman and Ian Gillies have joined forces with prospective parliamentary candidate Julian Sturdy to campaign for a tram-train network in York.

The Liberal Democrats in 2003 proposed a network between York train station, the hospital, Haxby, Wigginton and Strensall but have ignored the needs of these local residents while running the council.

Cllr Ian Gillies, Conservative group leader on City of York Council said "There have been all sorts of reasons why we cannot do things in this organisation, but it's time we said what we can do, and what we want, especially for the people of Haxby and Wigginton, Strensall and hospital users."

"Leeds City Region has a kitty and I want us to apply for some of that money. Plus, I think central Government owes us - if they want us to get people off the roads and on to public transport, they need to help us.

Julian Sturdy, the Conservative party's York Outer candidate said: "The main infrastructure is there, in the rail line. But it's up to us to use it to the best of our ability.

"When I have been out in these communities talking to them, and through surveys we are doing, the question of improved rail transport for these communities comes up again and again."
 

Skelton, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without councillor Joe Watt has spoken out against the naked bike ride in the centre of York.

The city's cycling champion said: "I have no problems with the cycle event, per say, and I have 100% support for their aims and ambitions. It is just their nudity I cannot agree with.

"If they'd limited it to just their undies, they'd have my full support. I might have even come along and joined them. However, to give the option of going naked through the centre of York at any time is unacceptable.

"We are having problems in society with the lowering of moral standards. We have to show regard for people's feelings and sensitivities."
 

A City of York Council scrutiny committee has found that the council made mistakes during the sale of the Barbican Centre to private developers.

After various delays, the council only received £7.9m for the site, despite previously agreeing £10.3m.

Cllr Ian Gillies, Conservative group leader in City of York council, pushed for the full scrutiny of the sale last year, arguing that the council should find out if mistakes were made to prevent similar problems in the future.

A report by City of York Council has recently proposed paying back York City's £2 million Football Foundation loan with taxpayer's money.

The Conservative group on City of York council successfully arranged for an independent audit of the fooball club's finances before anything further is discussed.
 

Conservative councillors have requested more information before responding to council plans for 20mph zones where speeding is a problem.

Residents are already able to ask for speed limits to be changed on their roads, and these plans may not improve safety.

Cllr Ian Gillies, the Conservative group's leader said "I am extremely cautious about this. I would want a lot more information. Sometimes 20mph is too fast, whereas at other times it is well within the capabilities of the road."