Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held in the meeting room at Upton village hall on Wednesday 23th November 2022 at 7.00 pm.
In attendance:-
Chairman Ben Shaw (BS)
Vice Chairman Neil Thorp (NT)
Councillors Peter McLaughlin PM)
Brendan Heneghan (BH)
Clerk/RFO Liz Cooper (EC)
County Councillor Sally Povolotsky (SP)
- To receive apologies for absence
District Councillors Hayleigh Gascoigne (HG)/Sarah Medley (SM)
Councillor David Beckles was not present
- To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting
None.
- To receive the County Councillor’s report (see Appendix B below)
BS raised concerns over the Upton road works. BS to email position statement to SP regarding specific
concerns raised by residents & other concerns noted. SP confirmed the A417 now has a constant repair
schedule. SP will call in for review & an emergency site visit.
- To receive District Councillor’s report (see Appendix C below)
Received in advance of the meeting & sent to Councillors.
NT to confirm recent fly tipping incidents to Clerk to forward to the District Councillors.
- To receive a report from the PCSO
No report this month.
- Open Forum
No members of the public were present.
- To hear an update from the PCC
There was no PCC representation at the meeting.
- To hear an update from UVHAT representative(s) on village hall operations
There was no UVHAT representation at the meeting.
- To hear an update from the Nature Garden representative(s) on progress
There was no Nature Garden representation at the meeting.
- To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on:-
UPC Meeting 29th September 2022
UPC Finance Committee Meeting 3rd November 2022
Council agreed that the minutes were a true representation of the meetings.
11. Planning
11.1 To agree / ratify the council’s response to the following consultations
11.1.1 P22/S3609/FUL Horse & Harrow, Main St, West Hagbourne
Change of use of public house to 3 & 4-bed dwelling, plus erection of 3 further properties on
land adjacent to the public house.
Deadline 25.11.22
UPC agreed no objections to this consultation (3 no objections & 1 abstention)
11.1.2 P22/V2219/FUL Land at Alden Farm, Hollow Way, Upton
Proposed erection of a new agricultural dwelling with landscaping & associated works.
Deadline 02.11.22
UPC objected 01.11.22 & requested District Council to investigate further.
Clerk to note to the District Council that this application is not land at Alden Farm, it is land
owned by R Napper.
11.1.3 P22/V2281/HH Halt House, 4 Beeching Close, Upton
Erection of 2-storey side extension with partial basement for pool, 105 storey rear extension,
single storey front office & porch extension, conversion of first floor of garage to hobby room.
Deadline 27.10.22
UPC no response.
11.2 To note planning permissions /withdrawals received during the month
11.2.1 P22/V2103/FUL Manor Farm, Main St, West Hagbourne
Planning permission 07.10.22
11.2.2 P22/V1676/FUL Church of St Mary, Church St, Upton
Planning permission 14.11.22
11.2.3 P22/V1790/HH Winterbourne, Stream Rd, Upton
Planning permission 05.10.22
- 12. Finance & Administration
12.1 To receive an update on the Audit 2021-2022
12.1.1 To receive an update on the external audit conclusion
- To hear Moore’s final query on UPC’s EA submission
Moore’s final query asked the Council to restate its eligibility for exemption from an
external audit in 20/21.
- To confirm that the Certificate of Exemption for 20/21 is duly ratified as being correct &
complete. To countersign the Certificate of Exemption at this face to face meeting.
Council duly agreed that the Certification of Exemption was correct & this was counter
signed by both the Chair & Clerk.
12.2 To agree the authoriser for this month’s payments
Cllr P McLaughlin.
12.3 To approve payments to be made noted spending powers and within budgeted amounts
12.3.1 Council to note National Salary Award has been concluded & will apply to Clerk’s salary from
November 2022, back dated to April 2022.
| DATE | Description /Payee | Amount |
| 28.10.22/ 28.11.22 | Clerk’s salary since last meeting
[LGA1972 s112(2)] |
Not publicly disclosed |
| 30.09.22/ 23.11.22 | Clerk’s expenses [LG(FP)A 1963r5 | £5.40 |
| 28.10.22/ 28.11.22 | HMRC PAYE (Oct £90.00, Nov £133.80) [LGA 1972 s112(2)] | £223.80 |
| 27.10.22 / 27.11.22 | Microsoft subscription @£4.50pm [LGA1972 s111] | £9.00 |
| 27.10.22 | G de Wilde expenses for Frog Alley clearance (Paid to be ratified) [LGA 1972 s137] | £1017.43 |
| 03.11.22 | Kompan play area remedial work (Paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)] | £3865.80 |
| 24.10.22 | RoSPA play area annual inspection (Paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)] | £302.40 |
| 10.11.22 | Royal British Legion donation [LGA1972 s137] | £100.00 |
| 24.11.22 | SLCC Membership (confirmed 14.11.22 to be split with BPC) [LGA 1972 s143] | £186.00 |
| 24.10.22 | Nature Garden – Gedneys bulbs [LGA 1972 s137] (Paid to be ratified) | £368.70 |
| 10.10.22 | Nature Garden –Etills water butt [LGS 1972 s137] (Paid to be ratified) | £680.18 |
| Total | £6,434.91
(plus salary above) |
| Receipts | Description | Amount |
| Uptonogood | Donation | £3959.45 |
| Lloyds | Interest (Oct/Nov) | £1.96 |
| Total | £3,961.41 |
12.4 To sign off bank reconciliation to end October.
Provided in advance of the meeting & signed by the Chair at the meeting
12.5 To hear / agree on any other financial or administration updates
12.5.1 Treasurers Account balance at 31.10.22 £13,710.59
Business bank instant balance at 31.10.22 £13,075.75
Total funds held as at 31.10.22 £26,786.34
12.5.2 To hear & agree all items from the Finance Committee meeting held on 3rd November as
follows:-
12.5.2.1 Council priorities to the end of the financial year – full council ratified items i-iv .
i. Establishing the parameters around the car park extension (physical & financial)
ii. New recreation ground signage
A quote for two new play area signs had been received & was with Council for
consideration.
iii. New waste collection provision & new recreation ground bin. Clerk to order new
bin. BS will arrange installation. Clerk to complete new waste bin collection
documentation.
iv. Further work on footpaths & the cemetery field. Work had been carried out
to establish suitable contractors & one was recommended to the Council for
one-off work before the end of the financial year. Council acknowledged that the
footpath leading from behind the George & Dragon was particularly bad.
12.5.2.2 Council priorities for the next financial year. Council agreed that while investigative
work on projects to establish parameters could be carried out, due to the overall
financial crisis which was creating difficulties with suppliers & the supply chain, large
projects such as the recreation ground fence, may take up to 5 years to come to
fruition.
- Car park extension
BH to provide a quote for the supply of telegraph pole markers as a temporary
measure around the car park extension. BH also to speak to UVHAT on the same
subject.
- Recreation ground fence
iii. Recruitment of deputy Clerk
- Engagement of contractors to carry out green spaces maintenance & play area
remedial work.
12.5.2.3 PM is looking at alternative banking arrangements to present to Council
PM confirmed he is looking for alternatives to Lloyds Bank & would present a
comparison in due course.
12.5.2.4 Committee proposed £100 grant to the Royal British Legion
Full Council agreed to the continuation of this donation, & also agreed to the
continued donation of £50 to the CAB at the end of the financial year.
12.5.2.5 Committee proposed increase in Clerk salary to SCP27 with effect from 01.04.23
This was agreed by full Council.
12.5.2.6 Committee ratified UPC Overtime Policy
Duly acknowledged by full Council.
12.5.3 Following the issue of the draft budget to the full Council, Council to agree to proposed budget,
& the proposed precept for 23/24 of £28,000. This is an increase of 15% on the previous
precept, which is calculated to cover inflationary increases in costs across the board, together
with the employment of contractors & salary increases.
On reflection & in discussion with the full Council, Council recognised that in the current
circumstances, the budget & precept for 23-24 should be reconsidered. All agreed in principle
to keep the precept the same as last year (£24,326), with no increase. This would involve a little
work on the budget & largely means no increases in reserves to fund future projects. NT to
adjust the budget accordingly & forward to Council.
Council was mindful of obtaining villagers opinions on how the financial crisis is affecting the
Parish Council & it’s spending priorities. NT to prepare a written invitation to villagers
accordingly.
12.5.4 To hear an update on any other financial or administration activities
Council resolved to amend its Financial Regulations to include payment by debit card (held by
the Clerk) in paras 6.3 & 6.9.
12.5.5 Council agreed to ratify the following decisions made by the Finance Committee:-
- That the Council’s assets & liabilities are sound.
- That the Council’s Risk Management Policy is sound.
iii. That while the Council’s insurance is adequate, NT is to carry out a review & report to Council
before the next renewal on 1.6.23.
12.6 Lloyds Bank Mandates
12.6.1 To hear an update on the last Lloyds Bank mandate issued by the Clerk (remove Clerk as
signatory & add Cllr NT as signatory).
Clerk to contact Lloyds & request they fulfil the details of the last mandate issued.
- To hear any updates on any aspect of the recreation ground play areas
13.1 Play area inspection arrangements
The play areas were formally inspected by RoSPA in September 2022.
13.2 Toddler play area
No serious areas of concern were highlighted by the inspection report.
13.3 Adventure play area
13.3.1 The swings & swing basket have been removed due to safety concerns. The Council
Acknowledged the difficulties experienced in sourcing both suitable contractors & parts for remedial
work. Council agreed it was unfortunate that items may be out of use for some time.
13.3.2 Council agreed the wood chip surface of the adventure play area needed turning over &
topping up. Clerk’s note:- Top up last supplied by Giffords at a cost of £1590 + VAT.
13.4 Pump track
The pump track is in good order following its resurfacing earlier in the year.
- To hear any updates on the maintenance of the recreation ground
14.1 New bin provision / new bin collection proposal
The Clerk is working on sourcing a new bin(s) to be sited at the entrance to the recreation ground.
The Clerk is also working on engaging a new contractor to collect from the new bin.
14.2 Current maintenance activity
BH to check on any planned maintenance activity by the volunteers via R Lott.
14.3 Review of recreation ground signage progress
Briefs for both the play areas signs & a new sign for the recreation ground entrance had been
submitted to suppliers to obtain quotes.
14.4 Any other updates on the recreation ground
14.4.1 Provision of cycle parking at the Rec
BS/BH to consult with UVHAT on the potential provision of cycle parking in the village
hall/recreation ground area.
- To hear an update on Speed Watch Activities from BH
No Speed Watch activity can be introduced until the Upton road works are complete. BH to write a
suitable paragraph for the next Upton News & forward to NT.
- To hear an update on UPC IT from PM
PM confirmed further works to improve the web site would be carried out by Dark White Digital as soon
as a quote was received & approved.
- Risk Management
17.1 To receive an update on Compliance & GDPR
No update.
17.2 To receive any other updates relating to risk
See 13 above. Clerk also to speak to RoSPA regarding additional inspections.
- To hear an update on the production & issue of Upton News – NT
18.1 Agree content for next edition of Upton News
- Speed Watch update
- Budget/Precept update for 23/24
iii. Adventure play area remedial work update
- To set the date and venue of the next full council meeting
Full council meeting Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 7.00pm, meeting room in the village hall
The meeting finished at 9.35pm.
Appendix A – Actions from previous meetings
| No. | Actions from September Meeting | By When |
| 2. | Clerk to check & update NG finances | Actioned |
| 3. | Clerk & BS to consider response to external auditor | Actioned |
| 4. | NT to confirm he is fully set up as a signatory for the Council | Actioned |
| 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 | Actioned |
| 12. | Clerk to organise formal agreement for new bin collection. | ASAP |
| 13. | BS to contact previous grounds contractors for new quotes. | Actioned |
| 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