This meeting replaced that originally scheduled for the 20th September, which was cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In attendance:- Chairman Ben Shaw (BS)
Vice Chairman Neil Thorp (NT)
Councillors Peter McLaughlin (PM)
Brendan Heneghan (BH)
Clerk/RFO Liz Cooper (EC)
District Councillor Hayleigh Gascoigne (HG)
Nature Garden Representative Kathryn Fletcher (KF)
- To receive apologies for absence
David Beckles, Sally Povolotsky
- To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting
BS (bin collections)
- To receive the County Councillor’s report
Received post meeting & sent to Council.
- To receive District Councillor’s report
Received & sent to Council ahead of the meeting.
- To receive a report from the PCSO
No report this month. Clerk to obtain update on recent incidents (George & Dragon break-in & fly
Tipping) which had been reported to the PCSO. PM also reported aggressive door steppers had been in
the village. Clerk to contact PCSO.
- Open Forum
To receive representations from members of the public if present.
No members of the public present.
- To hear an update from the PCC
No report this month.
- To hear an update from UVHAT representative(s) on village hall operations
No response received or report supplied. BS & BH stated as UPC representatives on UVHAT, they had
nothing to report. There had not been a meeting since 13th July 2022 & no minutes had been received.
- To hear an update from the Nature Garden representative(s) on progress
KF has issued a nature garden report in advance of the meeting. KF raised financial queries which had
previously been settled. Clerk requested that any financial queries are emailed to her, rather than
included in a report. BS explained the history behind the previous year’s plant hire & waste removal. The
Clerk will check the finances in due course.
Council agreed to the following purchases:-
- Water butt at a cost of c£545 + vat. BH to speak to R Trainer re installation.
- Bulbs c£300. B Rippon to find the best supplier & provide a pro forma to the Clerk.
- Shrubs c£400. B Rippon to find the best supplier & provide a pro forma to the Clerk.
- Lectern & artwork – approved with revisions.
BH confirmed he was happy with the maintenance plan. He also suggested a ‘feeder pipe’ to the mound
or to plant the mound with ‘dry’ plants.
PM asked if a ‘not drinking water’ sticker could go on the new water butt. KF thought this unnecessary.
PM also asked that the water butt tap options be carefully considered.
KF stated that the maintenance plan was to have quarterly & ad hoc volunteer days.
- To approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on:-
UPC Annual Meeting 19th July 2022
Council unanimously agreed minutes as a true record.
11. Planning
11.1 To agree / ratify the council’s response to the following consultations
11.1.1 P22/V2103/FUL Manor Farm, Main St, West Hagbourne
Change of use of land to equestrian, erection of menage, associated lighting & landscaping.
Deadline 24.09.22
UPC no objections 13.09.22.
11.1.2 P22/V2068/AG Three Hills Land, Chilton
Proposed erection of an agricultural building.
Deadline 15.09.22
UPC no objections 13.09.22
Clerk’s note:- since the agenda was issued, this item was confirmed as no planning permission
required on 23.09.22
11.1.3 P22/V1676/FUL Church of St Mary, Church St, Upton
Alterations to church vestry to insert an accessible WC.
Deadline 21.09.22
UPC no objections.
11.1.4 MW.0101/22 Chilton Recycling Facility
To extend the date of use of water storage tank to 31.12.32
Deadline 09.09.22
UPC no response.
11.1.5 P22/V0899/FUL Amendment 1, Dulcina, Newmans Close, Upton
Changes to West/South elevations.
Deadline 1.9.22
UPC no response.
11.1.6 MW.0099/22 Chilton Recycling Facility
Retrospective installation of picking station & scanner.
Deadline 02.09.22
UPC no comments 05.09.22
11.1.7 P22/V1790/HH Winterbourne, Stream Road, Upton
New detached outbuilding.
Deadline 22.08.22
UPC objected on the basis of the previous planning consultation (P18/V1142/LDP) had not
been adhered to.
Clerk’s note:- Planning permission given 05.10.99
11.1.8 P22/V1667/HH Lattons, High Street, Upton
Proposed conversion of existing garage & workshop to gym & office. Two-storey side
extension.
Deadline 09.08.22
UPC no objections 01.08.22
11.2 To note planning permissions /withdrawals received during the month
11.2.1 P22/V0980/FUL Maslina, Reading Road, Upton
Withdrawn 06.09.22
11.2.2 P22/V2057/HH South Spring, Stream Rd, Upton
Planning permission 16.09.22
11.2.3 P22/V0899/FUL Dulcina, Newmans Close, Upton
Planning permission 16.09.22
- 12. Finance & Administration
12.1 To receive an update on the Audit 2021-2022.
12.1.1 Internal audit
12.1.1.1 To hear an update on the appointment of the internal auditor for 22/23
Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Harry Hood of Abbott Denton as
their IA for 22/23, for a fee of £275.
12.1.2 To receive an update on the external audit
The Clerk reported that a response was received from the EA (Moore) on 28th September
giving an uncertified report. The reasons for this will be examined & a response sent to Moore
in due course. Clerk confirmed all relevant audit documentation is now published.
12.3 To agree the authoriser for this month’s payments.
PM, with NT to confirm his set up as a signatory with Lloyds Bank.
12.4 To approve payments to be made noted spending powers and within budgeted amounts.
| DATE | Description /Payee | Amount |
| 28.8.22 / 28.9.22 | Clerk’s salary since last meeting
[LGA1972 s112(2)] |
Not publicly disclosed |
| 20.7.22 – 23.9.22 | Clerk’s expenses [LG(FP)A 1963r5 | £286.40 |
| 28.8.22 / 28.9.22 | HMRC PAYE (June £77.20, July TBC) [LGA 1972 s112(2)] | £154.40 |
| 27.8.22 / 27.09.22 | Microsoft subscription [LGA1972 s111] | £7.60 |
| 20.09.22 | Dark White Digital – WordPress, theme and plugin updates
[LGA1972 s142] |
£80.00 |
| 21.07.22 | B. Lott expenses (Paid to be ratified) [HA1980 s96] | £50.40 |
| 26.07.22 | F Betts Jubilee expenses (Paid to be ratified) [LGA1972 s137] | £73.74 |
| 12.09.22 | Axa Insurance – vehicle damage excess [LGA1972 s111] | £250.00 |
| Total | £902.54
(plus salary above) |
| Receipts | Description | Amount |
| VoWHDC | Precept 2nd half | £12,163.00 |
| Lloyds (via BPC) | Compensation | £12.50 |
| Lloyds | Interest (Aug/Sept) | .99 |
| Total | £12,176.49 |
12.5 To sign off bank reconciliation to end August & 23rd September.
Provided in advance of the meeting & signed by the Chairman at the meeting.
12.6 To hear / agree on any other financial or administration updates
12.6.1 To note the 2nd half of the precept was received on 07.09.22 in the sum of £12,163.
12.6.2 Treasurers Account balance at 23.09.22 £13,610.71
Business bank instant balance at 23.09.22 £13,075.19
Total funds held as at 23.09.22 £26,685.90
12.6.3 2022/23 UPC Budget
Finance meeting provisionally arranged for 27th October 2022
12.6.4 To hear an update on any other financial or administration activities
Council ratified updated policies:-
- Equality & Diversity
- Grievance
- Disciplinary
12.7 Lloyds Bank Mandates
12.7.1 To hear an update on the last Lloyds Bank mandate issued by the Clerk (remove Clerk as
signatory & add Cllr NT as signatory).
This mandate was completed by Lloyds.
12.7.2 To hear an update on the Lloyds mandate for the application for a debit card on the account
Debit cards received 14.09.22. Clerk & PM to activate cards.
12.8 Council to agree spending priorities to the end of the financial year
Council agreed its priorities were as follows:-
- To maintain a legal & HR reserve
- To replace the fence at the end of the field with something more suitable. BH to obtain new quotes & forward to Council for consideration.
- Overflow parking
- BS to obtain quotes for chain & post fencing to delineate current overflow parking area.
- BH to produce a specification for a new surface for overflow parking
- BS to obtain quotes for a new surface in the overflow area (once spec produced)
- Council to then consider a suitable boundary for the overflow area
Clerk to email UVHAT re parking considerations.
- To hear an update on any aspect of the recreation ground play areas
13.1 Play area inspection arrangements
BS confirmed that the RoSPA play areas inspection had taken place on 28.09.22. This would be
discussed further once the full report was received. It was noted that swing chains needed to be
replaced & these would be taken out of action until they were replaced. PM & BS to remove swings.
Council agreed to carry on with weekly visual inspections of the play areas. RoSPA have been asked
to quote for monthly equipment inspections.
13.2 Toddler play area
Inspection report pending.
13.3 Adventure play area
Inspection report pending.
13.4 Pump track
Inspection report pending.
- To hear any updates on the maintenance of the recreation ground
14.1 New bin provision / new bin collection proposal
No suggestions had been received from the information on bins included in the August Upton News.
Council agreed that following its own investigations in to bin collection provision, it would pursue the
proposal from Organised Grime for collection of rubbish from those bins not collected by Biffa. Clerk
to organise formal agreement.
14.2 Current maintenance activity
Only basic maintenance is carried out on the recreation ground. Council unanimously agreed to
reconsider the use of a contractor for all maintenance work in & around the recreation ground (with
the exception of the nature garden). BS to contact previous contractors for new quotes.
14.3 Review of recreation ground signage progress
The Clerk confirmed that all signage had been documented & was in the process of being
revised/renewed. Clerk had requested information from the District Council (HG) regarding the
replacement of VoWH signs. Council agreed for new play area signs to be produced by a signage
company previously used. A new sign planned for the recreation ground entrance would be designed
by a sign writer. Clerk to action.
14.4 Any other updates on the recreation ground
A garage clear out exercise was actioned by the Clerk, BS & PM. The garage showed no signs of water
ingress & appears to be otherwise sound. BH to investigate further improvements to the inside of the
garage.
- To hear an update on Speed Watch Activities from BH
No update on speed watch activity from BH. BH & PM to arrange the installation of the speed watch signs
as soon as possible. BS encouraged Council to use the task management system.
- To hear an update on UPC IT from PM
PM confirmed that the web site had been updated & improved. PM stated that a back-up IT person is
required to future proof the work on the web site. Clerk to check IT budget & report back.
- Risk Management
17.1 To receive an update on Compliance & GDPR – no update.
17.2 To receive any other updates relating to risk – no update
- To hear an update on the production & issue of Upton News – NT
18.1 Agree content for next edition of Upton News
HG to highlight important parts of her report to NT for inclusion.
NT to include:-
– Fly tipping
– District Council healthcare update
– Bin collections
- To set the date and venue of the next full council meeting
Full council meeting Wednesday 23th November at 7.00pm, meeting room in the village hall
The meeting finished at 9.05pm.
Appendix A – Actions points from this & previous meetings
| No. | Actions from September Meeting | By When |
| 1. | Clerk to contact PCSO re incidents in the village | Actioned 6.10.22 |
| 2. | Clerk to check & update NG finances | ASAP |
| 3. | Clerk & BS to consider response to external auditor | ASAP |
| 4. | NT to confirm he is fully set up as a signatory for the Council | ASAP |
| 5. | Clerk & PM to confirm debit cards activated | Clerk 05.10.22
PM TBC |
| 6. | BH to source fencing quotes for replacement of fence at end of recreation ground | November meeting |
| 7. | BS to obtain quotes for chain & post fencing to delineate current overflow parking area. | November meeting |
| 8. | BH to produce a specification for a new surface for overflow parking | November meeting |
| 9. | BS to obtain quotes for a new surface in the overflow area (once spec produced) | TBC |
| 10. | Clerk to email UVHAT re parking considerations | ASAP |
| 11. | BS & PM to organise removal of swings from play area pending replacement | ASAP |
| 12. | Clerk to organise formal agreement for new bin collection. | ASAP |
| 13. | BS to contact previous grounds contractors for new quotes. | ASAP |
| 14. | Clerk to pursue new signage for recreation ground | Ongoing |
| 15. | HG to let Clerk know what replacement VoWH signage is available. | ASAP |
| 16. | BH to investigate further improvements to the inside of the garage. | November meeting |
| 17. | BH & PM to arrange the installation of the speed watch signs. | ASAP |
| 18. | Clerk to check IT budget & report back to Council | ASAP |
| 19. | All to consider IT back-up & future proof options | November meeting |
| No. | Actions from May meeting | By when |
| 3. | BS & EC to work on Clerk in Training, Lengthman job descriptions & ads | In progress |
| 4. | PM to organise fitting of nets to goal posts | C’fwd |
| No. | Actions from March meeting | By when |
| 7. | BH to provide quote for rec ground posts & chain. | ASAP |
| 8. | BS to invite Commissioner of Police for photo op following funding for new nets & wheels on goal posts. | ASAP post installation |
| No. | Actions November meeting | By when |
| 7. | BS to invite villagers to state what they would like to see from a ‘welcome to the village’ pack. | November meeting |
Appendix B
OCC news: cost of living special
Cost of living support for low-income pensioners and families: OCC are sending a one-off payment of £85 to 11,000 lower income pensionable households to support with energy bills. Eligible residents will receive an Oxfordshire-branded letter from the Post Office, redeemable for cash at Post Office branches. Schools and colleges will provide children entitled to free school meals with a £15 voucher.
100K pot to help community organisations with energy bills: Applications for grants between £250 and £3000 can be made through the Oxfordshire Community Foundation. Expected to be popular – deadline is 21 November 2022.
In November I proposed a motion around off grid living / energy parity, the council voted to request more energy support for off-grid residents: Many residents in rural areas live without access to mains energy and instead use heating oil, bottled gas, or other forms of fuel. The leader of the council will write to government to request off-grid residents receive the same level of support (£400) as on-grid residents. Conservative councillors abstained on the motion.
In East Hendred & Steventon we have Warm Spaces – I’ve attached the November details for Hendreds, I believe Steventon is every other Tuesday at St Micheal’s Church Hall, well done to everyone for making these happen! Yesterday I met with Cllr Medley and she has ideas for Harwell too!
**************************************************************************
OCC supports care business start-ups: OCC is supporting new ‘micro enterprises’ to become established care providers, helping local businesses to grow, and develop greater local choice for people looking for additional support. The Community Catalysts’ programme takes people through the standards, so that new micro-enterprises have a thorough understanding of what it takes to deliver quality care. Over one hundred people have signed up and have the combined capacity to support one thousand people in the county.
Renewed call on government to fund Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND): OCC is appealing to the government to urgently address the national funding issues facing all local authorities providing SEND services for children and young people. The county council has also submitted to the Department of Education bids for two further special free schools.
Tree services team successfully bids for funding: OCC tree services team has been successful in a bid to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Funding will be used to provide two new community tree and woodland planting officers who will work to increase tree cover across the county.
More sustainable streetlights policy: OCC has approved a new policy for streetlights to reduce impact on climate change and the environment. The policy considers the impact of light pollution on nature and dark skies in assessing where lighting should be added. When new lighting is necessary, dimming and reduction in operating hours will be used to preserve the night sky.
Parking standards for new developments: Developers will need to follow a revised set of guidelines when they consider parking provisions for new developments. New standards place much more emphasis on cycles, shared car clubs, and public transport than on multiple cars per household. A graduated approach is taken to allow for increased need for parking in rural settings.
Cheaper Park and Ride tickets up and running: Passengers can now buy a combined ticket covering both parking and return bus travel for £4 for a car with only 1 adult and £5 for a car and 2 adults. With both options, up to three children under 16 can travel for free. Drivers are encouraged to purchase a combined ticket through the RingGo parking app, or at one of the onsite ticket machines.
Oxford traffic filters: Public consultation closed on 13 October 2022. The next step is for the cabinet to take a decision on 29th November 2022, where the cabinet will consider the outcomes of the public consultation and the closure of Botley Road for a year by Network Rail to accommodate improvements to the railway.
**************************************************************************
Local News
- Harwell, annual Speedwatch data submitted to roads safety teams and once again I’ve asked for a review of Reading Road, also highlighted again concern over the SIDS data. Am also chasing final designs of the high street and now the S278 works for Grove road (which apparently is happening this month!!!). I’ve had more complaints about Grove Road, the “rural” section and it needs a resolution, it’s still too fast at 40mph, poorly maintained and used as a racetrack by LGV and drivers.
- Chilton – Hagbourne Hill issues have now raised this as a complaint to directors as simply getting no where. Now has a weekly monitoring station and minimal works due Nov – Dec, won’t solve the issues in my view. 20mph consultation is open.
- Chilton Fields – chasing legal on adoption – no news yet!
- Rowstock – Rowstock Relief consultation now closed for phase 1. This I’ll review with officers and speak to Steventon PC once data in, as the effected parish. Sadly Milton Heights isn’t in my division so will try and get engagement.
- Former Esso – Milton Hill Hotel – appeal set for January 2023, main points of objection for the review pending from VOWH. Noted RRA meeting set for Thursday 10th November, sadly I have 4 clashes on the same evening.
- East Hendred – 20mph consultation open (Let’s Talk Oxfordshire), listening to comments and ideas from residents. PC has asked for speed reduction on Newbury Rd to Ridgeway – it’s non residential and would be rejected I think, however it’s fair to ask up to Icknield way as part of active travel network / vision zero!
- Mill Lane – further complaints over football parking by residents, raised with Sports Club Committee, car park was rammed this weekend, and despite cones / markers by the club the traffic was still bad on a small access country lane!
- Mill Lane – chasing resurface / dressing as deteriorating, as well as “some” pot holes filled, others left despite being marked up!
- West Hendred – crossing feedback design to be completed by end 2022, reminder that this was an additional scheme “slotted” into forward plan due to a near miss incident. There’s a need for a retaining structure which meant further needs by Milestone who are the contractor. Noted the email of complaint by WHPC, but the scheme is in the work programme.
- Upton Crossing, delays for finishing communicated to PC, resurfacing shifted to December. Given the lead time of over 2 years to this and a decade before the scheme was even funded, I have written to cabinet member in disgust and confusion – I do hope he’s revising the KPIs of Milestone given their contract renewal is soon! Whilst I shout cries of “bring it all back in house!!”. Several issues arose and have communicated these with chair and clerk.
- Blewbury, chasing 20mph sign installation. Meanwhile safety review started with officers on Bessels and London road, early days. No other issues flagged in Blewbury
- Steventon – resurfacing is November for the subsidence on the High street side of the bridge, questions asked over how far does this work go, as far as I’ve seen it’s fairly isolated to the most effected area.
Stonebridge road defects rectified
Meanwhile we await WRSE report which due next week, and will be supporting GARD with series of public meetings to discuss.
Bells now installed, pending panting – hopefully that will slow down the HGVs
Barnett Road, ongoing concerns for safety due to parking – still trying to get sense of what can be done due to other localised parking issues
20mph scheme designed an waiting for consultation link!
- A417 Hendreds, now have a NO CUT sign for the wildflower Meadow and have bulbs to plant (native) and some foxgloves for plant now the ground is sodden, needs a cut around March and we going to go again!
Ongoing
– Village Safety cases – especially those around major A roads (4130 and 417 two main issues locally)
– 20mph schemes / casing the first block which was Steventon, Chilton, Blewbury and E.Hendred – either for signage or final designs, should all be complete by Dec 2022. Note that Harwell 20mph was a S278 scheme
– HIF1 – although now in planning
– Didcot masterplan on traffic, and representing the division at that table, my primary objective is reducing HGV movements!
– Valley Park – working with ward Cllrs Medley and Gascoigne to get residents forums up and running by Dec 22.
– I work at the community hub volunteering 3 x a week, and we distributing food around the local area, happy to discuss how we have made this work with anyone who wants to do something locally, all welcome at the Steventon and Hendred hubs!
– Raising concerns on SEND provision and supported local residents at recent OCC protest, have pulled together a cross party group to listen, and ensure these voices and issues are not forgotten.
– Looking at School Streets locally and school safety concerns, happy to discuss with PCs around how that works, if suitable, in their parishes.
– attended the Zero Hour event last week, around the CEE Bill, sadly although invited the MP didn’t attend
– ongoing letters and work on Thames water SESRO including county water summit which now has a date (finally!!)
– I’ve stepped off most of the committees now at County to focus on cost of living and division centric work, which is frustratingly experiencing delays, I now only sit on AONB, Place Scrutiny, and Localities (which I chair), as feel these are the three most important committees to influence for our people and place!)
That’s all folks, see you at PCs where I can this month, remember you can always ring me with any issues. Councillor priority funding is now all spent and we await to hear if we get anything in 2023. Meanwhile resources and budgets are getting tighter and tighter, especially in non-essential service delivery. It’s not going to be a good winter I feel, and am very concerned, let’s see what 17th November brings us all!
Sally
Cllr Sally Povolotsky FRSA (She / Her)
County Councillor for Hendreds & Harwell Division
Appendix C
Monday 7th November 2022 Monthly Parish Update
Vale of White Horse District Councillors Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley
Hello from Hayleigh and Sarah
Hello! November has started with some great local events in the community – firstly, the annual fireworks display on the Harwell recreation ground on Friday 4th November. Well done and thank you to the Harwell Scouts for organising the event, the fireworks were very impressive! On Saturday 5th November we attended the first ever Didcot Eco Fair at Cornerstone Arts Centre. Well done to Sustainable Didcot and South & Vale Business Support for organising – it was a perfect opportunity to shop local with eco-friendly small businesses in the area. Thank you to the local organisations there giving advice and information on home insulation, recycling and ways to save on your energy bills.
We know that the recent energy price increases and rising cost of living continue to be a concern for many residents. A reminder that the council has put together a Cost of Living Help webpage for more information about financial and housing support, and local community food services. You can also contact the council’s Community Support Hub for practical support and advice: call 01235 422 600 (Mon to Thurs 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm) or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub. Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale can provide you with free, confidential advice via 0808 278 7907. Vale Community Impact can provide free advice too, call them on 01235 765348.
We use these monthly updates to keep you updated on our activities, general council news and any COVID-19 developments. We also post regularly on our councillor Facebook Page: Cllrs Hayleigh Gascoigne & Sarah Medley Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any issues or concerns, either via Facebook message or email: hayleigh.gascoigne@whitehorsedc.gov.uk and sarah.medley@whitehorsedc.gov.uk.
Community Support
The Council Community Support Hub
The Community Support Hub, originally set up by the council in 2020 in response to the pandemic, is still available for anyone in need of help: if you have COVID-19, or if you are struggling financially due to the cost-of-living crisis, or if you are just finding life difficult due to the pandemic. Whether it’s practical support or just advice, get in touch. Call: 01235 422 600 (Mon to Thurs 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm) or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub.
Ukraine
General Ukraine queries:
- www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ukraine
- Oxfordshire Ukraine helpline: +44 1865 966444 / 01865 966 444 (opening hours: 8.45am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and bank holidays).
- Email: ukraineresponse@oxfordshire.gov.uk
For housing and community support in South and Vale:
- www.southoxon.gov.uk/ukraine
- www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/ukraine
- South and Vale helpline: +44 1235 422600 / 01235 422600 (press option one). Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm Fridays, Closed weekends and bank holidays.
- Email: communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
Checking your benefits entitlement
From Age UK Oxfordshire – With financial difficulties becoming an issue for more and more people, now is a good time to check your benefits entitlement. Government grants for support with fuel bills commonly check if you were getting a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit, so it’s important to ensure you’re not missing out. You can ask a local advice centre to help you, or if you have access to the internet there are several well-known benefits check websites that you can use.
Age UK
https://benefitscheck.ageuk.org.uk
Entitled To
http://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator
Turn2Us
http://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
You can ring the Pension Service who can check your eligibility for Pension Credit over the phone on 0800 99 1234 (8am to 6pm weekdays). Age UK Oxfordshire Advice Line – 0345 450 1276
www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire
Local News
Didcot & Villages Health Care
Healthwatch Oxfordshire is hosting an online Open Forum on Tuesday 29th November from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, and all are welcome to attend to have your say about local health and care services. For details, including a Zoom joining link, see here.
As part of Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s support for Patient Participation Groups they also hold regular webinars for PPG members and patients on topics of interest. The next webinar will be held on Friday 25th November at 1.30pm and will explore ‘Who else can I see in my doctor’s surgery other than my GP’. More details on this, including a joining link, will be given on the website – click here.
Talented young people star in A Christmas Carol at Cornerstone
Young People from Didcot and the surrounding area will play starring roles in an adaptation of A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ festive tale of redemption and compassion, taking place at Cornerstone in Didcot.
To book tickets or find out more visit www.cornerstone-arts.org or call the box office on 01235 515144.
Climate & Environment News
Solar farm public consultation
A developer has launched a public consultation for proposals for a large solar farm in the Vale, West Oxfordshire and Cherwell. The developer proposing the Botley West Solar Farm advise that it is large enough to be considered a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, which means it will be determined by a government appointed Planning Inspector – you can read more about that process here.
The deadline to submit any comments is the 15 December and there will be public events taking place across the area from 19 November – 5 December. There’s more information on the developer’s website
Funding available for community climate projects – apply now!
Communities in the Vale have another chance to apply for funding to help grassroots projects aimed at tackling climate change. Local groups and town and parish councils can apply for a share of £50,000 from the latest round of Vale of White Horse District Council’s Climate Action Fund, with up to £5,000 on offer for individual projects.
The funding is aimed at projects that help to address climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency. Work could focus on areas such as the natural environment, energy, waste and consumption, or transport and travel. Applications are open until midday on 25 November 2022.
New LEDs light up leisure centre
New LED lighting at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon has given the centre a new lease of life and is saving energy at the same time.
Council presents colourful bench to the winner of its litter bug trails competition
There’s a new ‘seat of learning’ at Wootton St Peters School after the school was presented with a bright multi-coloured recycled plastic bench for their playground by Councillor Sally Povolotsky, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Environment. Report highlights council’s work towards tackling the climate emergency
Report highlights council’s work towards tackling the climate emergency
Vale of White Horse District Council’s work towards tackling climate change has been highlighted in a new quarterly report. As part of its commitment to openness and transparency, the Vale publishes a performance report showing the progress of its Climate Action Plan. As part of its commitment to openness and transparency, the Vale publishes a performance report showing the progress of its Climate Action Plan. The Plan sets out the steps it will take to become a carbon neutral council and how it will support local efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the district. You can read the full report on the cabinet meeting agenda page.
Claim a free tree for your garden
The International Tree Foundation and Oxfordshire Trees Collaborate are working together this autumn to offer free tree saplings for people to plant in their garden.
For more information and to order a free tree please visit the International Tree Foundations website.
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee – 5th December
The next climate emergency advisory committee meeting is 5th December.
The agenda will be published on the website closer to the time.
As always, if you wish to speak in this meeting, or any other, please email Democratic Services a few days in advance of the meeting. The contact is: democratic.services@southandvale.gov.uk
Council News
Full Council meeting – 12 October 2022
Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, delivered her Leader’s statement to Council at the meeting on 12 October 2022.
“At the forefront of my mind at the moment is the worsening Cost of Living Crisis and how we as a council can best support local people and businesses from huge energy bills, rising prices and runaway inflation…“
Head to press release to read the full statement.
Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne proposed a motion pledging support for businesses struggling with rising costs. Following the approved motion, Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, will write to The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to ask him to consider lengthening the energy cap period for small businesses and provide more direct support for the hospitality industry, particularly pubs and restaurants struggling with rising food and energy costs. Read the press release for more information.
A new approach for community health and wellbeing
“We want our residents to be active, healthy and happy.” Those were the words of Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council about a new Active Communities strategy her council has launched in partnership wit South Oxfordshire District Council.
“Our aim is to give our local residents the ability and tools to make a real and sustainable difference to their own activity levels, their physical health and in turn their mental wellbeing,” added Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, South Oxfordshire’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing.
The strategy is a brand new approach to health and wellbeing developed by the two neighbouring councils to help their residents come together to take part in sport, health and recreational activities that improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while forging stronger social links within their local communities.
Bin day changes
Almost every household across Blewbury, Harwell, Chilton and Upton has been affected by the Bin Day changes.
The vast majority of collections have gone ahead without disruption following Biffa’s recent rollout of rerouted collection rounds, however there have been a few issues here and there. If you have been affected, then you can use the contacts below or contact one of us in the usual way to chase this up.
- issues connected to the changes to collections should go to the waste team: team@southandvale.gov.uk or 01235 422146.
- missed collections not connected to the changes should be reported by residents in the usual way to Biffa by calling 03000 610610.
Anyone needing to check their waste collection details can visit Binzone – whitehorsedc.gov.uk/binzone or southoxon.gov.uk/binzone