Julian Sturdy

Over the last few days local Councillor Siân Wiseman and I have launched a campaign to improve road safety at the notorious Hazelbush Crossroads on the A64. We are asking local residents who share our concerns about the dangerous crossing to sign a petition calling on the Highways Agency to provide funding options to improve road safety at the junction.

This junction is the main access onto the A64 for residents of Strensall, Towthorpe and Stockton on the Forest and has been the scene of a number of accidents over the last few years. We feel that it is now time for action to improve safety for motorists who use this important crossroads.

The A64 falls under the responsibility of the Highways Agency and we feel it is very important that we highlight the strength of feeling in the local community to improving road safety at this junction, which is what this petition aims to do.

I have already had meetings with the Highways Agency to discuss this along with other issues that fall under their remit in the Constituency. They have told me that they recognise the problem with the junction, but have not prioritised it for funding. There have been 17 accidents causing injuries recorded over the last three years at that junction and some residents have told me they avoid using it for fear of having an accident. By launching this campaign, we hope to convince the Highways Agency that the Hazelbush crossroads is a high priority and action should be taken.

If you want to back our campaign you will find the petition at the retail outlets near the crossroads and in the villages of Strensall and Stockton on the Forest or you can email me at Julian.sturdy@btconnect.com

As a local Yorkshire farmer I have always been a great supporter of the Great Yorkshire Show and ever since I was a young boy going with my father to help him in his role as a cattle ring steward I have tried to play an active role in supporting the event. For the last twelve years now I have been carrying on the role, volunteering my services as a cattle ring steward which involves getting all the different cattle into the correct judging rings for their different classes and making sure the judge turns up on time.

This year saw the 150th anniversary of the show as it welcomed  Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to visit.  Despite the weather which made the ground rather wet under foot it was another successful year as the show goes from strength to strength. It is now certainly the North’s leading agricultural show as it yet again produced a fantastic showcase for British agriculture. 

On Saturday my four year old son and I went to Copmanthorpe Carnival. Unfortunately the British summer was up to its old tricks again as umbrellas were the name of the day, however this did not dampen spirits as the Carnival celebrated its 40th anniversary with a wonderful day enjoyed by all ages. The fact that the Carnival has been running for forty years and is still going strong is a great testament to everyone involved.  My congratulations to the Carnival team, George and I are looking forward to next years event.