Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 18th January. This meeting was held virtually.

April 4, 2022

In attendance: – Cllrs B Shaw (Chairman/BS), P McLaughlin (PM), Neil Thorp (NT), D Beckles (DB), B Heneghan (BH). Also present E Cooper (Clerk/EC), County Cllr S Povolotsky (SP), District Cllr S Medley (SM). PCC representative P Batho (PB), Nature Garden representative K Fletcher (KF)

To note or receive apologies for absence

None.

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None.

To approve the minutes of the following meeting & note any matters arising: –

UPCX 07.12.21

Council unanimously agreed minutes to be a true record.

To hear a report from the County Councillor

Received in advance of the meeting & included at Appendix B below.

In addition SP stated that the OCC separation from Cherwell Council had begun. SP to

provide BH with scrutiny papers.

SP also gave a synopsis of the situation with the Steventon reservoir following a

request by BH. SP confirmed any go-ahead would affect surrounding infrastructure,

traffic, housing etc. Also that the reservoir was not for local consumption, but was

intended for the London area. SP confirmed that OCC was firmly behind GARD & would

provide meeting information via the Clerk.

To hear a report from the District Councillor

Received in advance of the meeting & included at Appendix C below.

To hear a report from the PCSO

Received in advance of the meeting & included at Appendix D below.

BS had also spoken to the PCSO regarding anti-social behaviour centring on the

recreation ground & car park. The PCSO agreed to increase patrols of this area.

To hear representations from the public

None present.

To hear an update from the UVHAT representative

Report received in advance of the meeting & included at Appendix E below.

To hear an update from the PCC representative

PB gave an update on activities in & around St Mary’s church.

Services are currently twice a month in person on the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays.

The PCC has been working on raising funds to increase the size of the vestry, with dual

access, & install a disabled toilet. The church could then be used for a wide range of

village activities/events. £38k has been raised so far, but £68k is needed (as of early

2021). Alternative grants are being looked at by the PCC & UPC will assist as far as

possible.

To hear an update on the Upton Nature Garden Project

10.1 Working Group report

Received in advance of the meeting & circulated to Council.

Approval was given by Council in principle for the following:-

10.1.1 Entire perennial purchase on presentation of 2 quotes from the working

group.

10.1.2 Purchase of a gate from StowAg.

10.1.3 Proceed to artwork stage of signage & provide details to Council for

approval.

10.1.4 Obtaining best prices for purchases through the opening of trade accounts

– further information will be provided by the working group.

10.2 Receipts to date £6137.91. Payments to date £3472.97.

Balance (as of 10.01.22) £2664.94.

To report on outstanding actions carried forward from previous meetings: –

See Appendix A below

To ratify or agree the council’s response to the following planning applications: –

12.1 To agree:-

P21/V3453/HH Chynoweth, Church St, Upton

Erection of new balcony above existing garage. Installation of new double doors &

internal rearrangements.

Deadline 22.01.22

Council agreed no objections to this consultation.

12.2 To note Planning Permissions received:-

P21/V3206/HH Lavender House, Fieldside, Upton

Planning permission 10.1.22.

To receive an update on UPC Finances and Administration

13.1 To hear an update on Lloyds Bank: –

13.1.1 As at 10.01.22 Treasurer’s Account £9009.83

As at 10.01.22 Business Bank Account £13073.44

13.1.2 Debit card application

The Clerk reported there was no further correspondence from Lloyds Bank

since December & she would pursue.

13.2 Receipts

13.2.1 Bank interest December 11p, January 10p

13.2.2 Lloyds Bank compensation £75.00 received due to their poor service.

13.2.3 £110.66 share of SLCC membership received from Blewbury Parish

Council

13.3 To sign off bank reconciliation to date

Provided in advance of the meeting. Agreed by the Chairman at the meeting. To

be signed at the next meeting.

13.4 To hear any other financial or administration updates

13.4.1 Q3 cashbook scrutiny sent to BS 10.1.22

Q3 scrutiny completed by the Chairman & no queries raised.

13.4.2 UPC Precept form returned 11.01.22

13.5 To agree the following payments & PM agreed to authorise: –

Date	Payee	£
28.12.21, 28.01.22	Clerk’s salary SO [LGA1972 s112(2)]	Not publicly disclosed
18.01.22	Clerk’s expenses [LG(FPA)1963s5]	£26.80
Dec/Jan	HMRC PAYE SO (£83.40 December, £83.40 January £93.80)	£177.20
24.12.21, 29.01.22	Microsoft Office365 Dec/Jan DD @£3.80pm [LGA1972 s111]	£7.60
	Payments sub total	£211.60
	Nature Garden sub total	£0
	TOTAL	£211.60 + Clerk’s salary

To hear an update on the recreation ground Play Areas

14.1 Toddler play area. No update this month.

14.2 Adventure play area. EC to speak to Kompan regarding their inspections &

remedial work. BH to provide details of equipment & materials required to repair

play area surround to BH.

14.3 Pump Track

Remedial work to the pump track scheduled for 22/23. BH & BS to discuss

remedial work required & potential solutions.

To hear an update on the maintenance of the recreation ground

BS to contact Kalehurst re cost of collection & repair of motor mower.

To hear any update on UPC IT (PM)

PM had worked on securing a back-up through CloudAlly to ensure all data used by

Clerk is regularly backed up off site.

To hear an update on Speed Watch & 20s Plenty for Upton (BH)

17.1 Speed Watch

The Council is aware that a crossing is scheduled to be installed across the A417

in Upton near to the George & Dragon & Chilton Road. Council therefore

questioned setting up Speed Watch activity on this road. However, Council

agreed to look at setting up a Speed Watch trial. BS to provide list of previous

volunteers for BH to contact.

BH also reported that upgrading the existing speed signs to record data would

cost in the region of £2k per sign. To discuss with BS.

17.2 20s Plenty

Cllr Povolotsky stated there is potential for speed reduction on the A417 through

20s Plenty & would provide more information when it was available.

To agree the council content for the next online Upton News (NT)

Council agreed that latest Nature Garden news should be included, together with

information regarding speed control mechanisms on the A417.

To agree the date of the next meeting

Next full council meeting Tuesday 15^th March 2022, at 7.30pm, in the village hall.

The meeting finished at 9.06pm.

Appendix A – List of Actions

No.	Actions from December meeting	By when
1.	Clerk to confirm Risk Management policy is up to date & issue to all.	Actioned
2.	Clerk to add meeting duration caveat to SOs	Actioned
3.	BH to investigate upgrading speed signs in village to record speed data.	Actioned
4.	BS to contact Kalehurst & obtain quote for mower repair.	C’fwd
5.	BS to formally present details of grounds maintenance proposal.	C’fwd
6.	Clerk to confirm new bin requirements & order.	C’fwd
7.	Clerk to look at signage copy & report back to BS.	Actioned
8.	BH to write an article for the next Upton News on Speed Watch for Upton.	C’fwd
No.	Actions November meeting	By when
7.	BS to 1. put together a welcome pack proposal & 2. look at ways of engaging volunteers. Also spk PM & NT re technical options.	C’fwd
8.	BS to look in to engaging other local chairs to meet informally	C’fwd
16.	PM & Clerk to discuss findings on bus shelter noticeboard	Actioned
19.	Recreation ground northern boundary fence – BS to approach contractors	ASAP

Appendix B

Update for Parish councillors: 18 January

Welcome to the bulletin for councillors within Hendreds & Harwell Division

Starting with COVID-19, this week we provide you with an update on changes to self-isolation rules and remind you the Kassam Stadium in Oxford has resumed walk-in vaccinations. We also share some fantastic work our staff are doing to step up and respond to the pandemic. As always, we have included the latest COVID-19 public health data and information for Oxfordshire.

Appointment of interim deputy director of public health

In December, OCC announced Dr Adam Briggs had been appointed Deputy Director of Public Health (DPH) for the county. As Adam will continue to work in a national role at the UK Health Security Agency for half the week, we have appointed an interim Deputy Director of Public Health, David Munday, to work alongside Adam to ensure we can deliver the desired outcomes supporting the vision of public health services across Oxfordshire. David joined the team last August as a consultant focusing on health and wellbeing, health inequalities and COVID-19 surveillance, and he will continue to do part of that role alongside his new deputy director role. Adam and David will be taking up their new appointments on 1 February – I am sure you will join me in wishing them well in their new roles.

COVID-19: public health data

The statistics

In the seven days up to 7 January, there has been a total of 10,095 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire. This is a decrease from 10,431 new cases in the previous week and is equivalent to a weekly rate of 1,448.6 per 100,000 residents. Cases in the over 60s have decreased from 1,313 to 1,147, which is equivalent to a weekly rate of 680.1 per 100,000 residents. You can view the latest figures on our COVID-19 dashboard.

Cases of COVID-19 by district

	Cases in 7 days up to 31/12/21	Rate per 100,000 population	Cases in 7 days up to 07/01/22	Rate per 100,000 population
Cherwell	2,634	1,734.7	2,427	1,598.3
Oxford	2,056	1,356.3	2,199	1,450.7
South Oxfordshire	2,106	1,464.7	1,987	1,382.0
Vale of White Horse	1,982	1,437.2	2,032	1,473.4
West Oxfordshire	1,653	1,479.1	1,450	1,297.4
Oxfordshire	10,431	1,496.8	10,095	1,448.6

Data correct as at 5pm on 11 January.

COVID-19: guidance and advice

New self-isolation guidance for people with COVID-19

The health secretary has announced the self-isolation time for people who test positive from COVID-19 is being cut to five full days. This will come into effect from Monday 17 January, with people being able to leave isolation after negative lateral flow tests on days five and six.

Changes to testing rules

People in England who test positive from a lateral flow test and do not have symptoms are no longer required to take a follow-up PCR test. They should self-isolate immediately and report their result on gov.uk. Following this, NHS Test & Trace will contact them to identify their close contacts. Anyone experiencing any of the three main symptoms must self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test on gov.uk.

Latest international travel advice

Check gov.uk for the latest information about travelling overseas from the UK and entering the UK from overseas.

Communications campaigns

We are continuing to run regular messaging highlighting the new rules to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and supporting our NHS partners in sharing messages about vaccinations and boosters.

APOLLO Pharmacy – Milton Park

Ive been contacted by allot of residents about the availability of LFT on the Government Website, I have found as have some helpful residents that Apollo does tend to have stock when others don’t due to their location. I also found out they do prescription deliveries throughout most of Steventon, Harwell, Chilton and GWP. Just a nugget of info to share. Of course you still need to obtain a code from the Gov Website for the LFT kit to collect.

COVID-19: vaccination update

Reminder: walk-in vaccinations at the Kassam Stadium

The mass vaccination centre at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford has resumed walk-in vaccinations, catering for first, second and booster doses. This means anyone eligible – including 12 – 15 year olds – can get a jab without the need for an appointment. It is anticipated this offer will be available between 9am and 7pm most days, except when Oxford United is playing at home at the weekend.

People are advised to check opening times on the NHS Grab A Jab website before travelling to the stadium. The website lists vaccination sites that offer walk-ins and opening times. Residents can also continue to book appointments at the Kassam by visiting the NHS website.

Booster vaccinations

Everyone over the age of 18 is strongly encouraged to get a booster vaccination if they have not already done so. Bookings can be made on the NHS website.

As always, your help in promoting vaccination messages to residents is much appreciated.

COVID-19: our staff step up to respond

We are enormously proud of the way our staff continue to respond to the ever-changing challenges COVID-19 brings. Throughout the pandemic, we have shown a real commitment to working collectively across our services, and the wider partnership system, to support our communities in the most challenging of circumstances.

Our teams have stepped up to respond to resource issues caused by more of us getting COVID-19. Staff from across our organisation and Cherwell District Council are currently backfilling roles and providing additional capacity in children’s and adult social care to help keep frontline services operating. This includes backfilling for the reception teams in children and family centres so these vital facilities can remain open for residents who rely on them, helping maintain the systems for safeguarding and brokerage, and working alongside adult care teams in non-personal care roles to increase the capacity of trained staff.

And finally, we would like to recognise our children’s education team for everything it is doing to support schools. A member of staff from a local school recently wrote to Councillor John Howson to express how valuable their weekly online briefings have been during the pandemic, noting that the team has “been incredibly supportive, upbeat and friendly throughout”.

News in brief

Steventon Reservoir – The Final Push

I have been working very hard on this issue with fellow councillors, GARD and members of stakeholder groups over the last 5 months. We have been in a process with OFWAT called RAPID which as I have spoken about before has been a frustrating and less than open process. Now the regional plan has opened for an 8 week consultation and the SESRO scheme is back again…now we have two consultations and forms of approach – https://wrse.uk.engagementhq.com/about-our-consultation

You can find the GATE 1 submission decision here – https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulated-companies/rapid/the-rapid-gated-process/gate-one-submissions-and-final-decisions/

Coverage – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-60021422

Oxford United request land near Kidlington for a new stadium

Oxford United Football Club has requested land to develop a new 18,000-capacity football stadium, with linked leisure and commercial facilities, on land owned by us near Kidlington. The club has asked to lease 18 hectares of land at Stratfield Brake for 250 years. Alongside the stadium, the club’s proposal also includes facilities such as a hotel, retail, conference facilities, and training and community grounds. Cabinet will discuss the proposal at its meeting on 18 January. You can read more about the proposal online.

Joan embarks on a new chapter of independent living and volunteering

Joan has learning disabilities and never thought she would be able to live on her own. Now, as well as having her own home, she’s flourishing in new volunteering roles. This fresh start is thanks to the support of our Community Connections support services, which works with people aged 18 and over who have learning disabilities and additional needs. You can learn more about Community Connections on our website and find out more about Joan’s experience on our news pages.

Oxfordshire Employment transforms Tim’s life

In 2016, Tim was living with anxiety and had been struggling to find work for some time. But now he can look back on five years in a steady job and an increase in his skills and independence thanks to Oxfordshire Employment – a service we run to support those with health or disability needs in finding a job. Read more about Tim’s story online.

A40 improvements programme update

Drainage surveys and vegetation clearance works are due to start on 17 January between Hill Farm Junction on the A40 (east of Witney) to the Duke’s Cut bridge. The surveys, which will help inform the drainage strategy for the A40 road improvements programme, are expected to take up to four weeks to complete, subject to weather and site conditions. Find out more online.

In other developments, the planning application for the A40 smart corridor is now live. Residents and stakeholders can view and respond to the planning application on the planning register, under reference R3.0151/21. Read more in our news story.

Budget and business planning for 2022/23

The consultation on our budget proposals for 2022/23 has now closed and feedback can be found on our website accompanying both the budget papers that have been published for the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee 17 January and for Cabinet 18 January. This feedback will be considered by both the scrutiny committee and Cabinet alongside our updated budget proposals. The budget will be agreed by full council on 8 February, alongside a new strategic plan and outcomes framework. Service plans are being developed or revised in line with this process.

Council meetings and information

Council meetings

In line with the current government health measures, we are continuing to work with the chairs at OCC to take a pragmatic approach to holding our formal meetings.

Parish Council meetings

Please do let me know your plans for meetings in January and February whether hybrid / in person.

COMET Scheme – Rural Transport

There was a meeting yesterday 17th January around Rural Transport opportunities working on the basis of the Comet – details here. Only one PC member came, and I would like an indication if you would like me to rearrange this for discussion?

And finally…

We wanted to let you know that Dr Bruno Holthof, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford University Hospitals, has announced he will be stepping down after almost seven years in post at the end of June 2022. Further details can be found on the NHS website. I am sure you will want to join me us all in wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.

Staying up to date

For the latest information about the council’s response to COVID-19, regularly check your emails, visit the council’s website oxfordshire.gov.uk and follow our social media accounts.

All the best, see you soon, and I hope you and your families have stayed safe and well.

Sally Povolotsky

Elected Member for Hendreds & Harwell

Appendix C

Monday 10th January 2022 Monthly Parish Update Vale of White Horse District Councillors

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley

Hello from Hayleigh & Sarah

Happy New Year to all our residents. We hope that everyone had a restful break with family and friends, and that you are keeping healthy and safe during the recent rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19. If you haven’t had your booster vaccine yet, we encourage everyone to get their booster as soon as possible – you can book an appointment or find a walk-in centre via the NHS national booking system.

Our last full council meeting of 2021 was in December. As always, we were pleased to see motions passed on a range of issues, including retrofitting homes and opposing the proposal for the new reservoir in Steventon. However, we are particularly proud that the latest meeting took very positive steps forward in terms of addressing diversity and inclusion at the council – something that we are very passionate about.

Sarah proposed a motion – which passed – on supporting the transgender & non-binary community. Council also formally adopted a new parental leave policy for councillors. We think this is excellent news, as it goes a long way towards making the role of councillor more accessible and ultimately more representative of the community.

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.

COVID-19 Update

Get your booster vaccine

Getting vaccinated and boosted remains the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and friends against getting seriously ill from Covid-19. You can
There are plenty of appointments across several sites this week. Please go to the National Booking Service to book a slot or you may be able to bring your appointment forward that you had previously booked.
If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, you need to wait a number of weeks before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to wait:
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you are aged 18 years old or over
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you are aged 12 to 17 years old
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old and at high risk from COVID-19
If you are unable to attend your vaccination appointment for any other reason, please cancel or rebook it at soon as possible so your space opens for someone else.
Information on the walk-in clinics available in Oxfordshire are available here.

The latest COVID-19 figures are updated on the county council’s interactive dashboard on a daily basis. We continue to encourage residents to test regularly and, if you feel unwell, book a PCR test.

Funds available for local businesses

The new Hospitality and Leisure Grant announced by Government on 21 December will support the hospitality and leisure sectors that have been affected by the latest pandemic variant, Omicron. Visit our dedicated webpage for further details.

Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to claim money from the government through the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Find out how you can claim.

Our Winter Support Grants are now closed for applications. Check out our anticipated timeline for administration.

Community Support

Contact the Community Support Hub

A reminder to all residents that the councils’ Community Support Hub continues to operate for anyone who needs any assistance, either as a result of COVID-19 or just for anyone who needs signposting towards the appropriate support channel. There are multiple ways to get in touch with the Community Support Hub:

Call: 01235 422 600 Monday to Thursday 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm
Email: communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
Online Form: whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub
Website whitehorsedc.gov.uk/covid19

Residents can also contact:

Citizens Advice – 0808 278 7907
Vale Community Impact – 01235 765348

Household Support Fund Available for anyone in need

The government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) is now open, offering a very important lifeline for households who may struggle to afford life’s essentials over winter.
The money will primarily be used to help pay for food, energy, and water bills for residents, but other costs can also be covered.
The fund is open to any resident who is struggling and can’t afford basic household essentials.
To find out about the scheme or seek help, call Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7907.
See more information here.

Homelessness Support

If you or someone you know are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please click here for advice.

Domestic Abuse

Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells? Are you afraid of your partner? Are you worried about someone you know being controlled?

Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service Helpline: 0800 731 0055 (Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-4)
Find help and advice at Reducing the Risk’s website org.uk

Local News

Council leaders thank vaccine clinic while urging people to get booster jab

Council leaders urged people to get their Covid booster jab as they praised the people delivering the vital vaccine at a clinic in Faringdon.

Help to make night-time safer in Abingdon and Didcot

Residents are being asked to help make areas of Abingdon and Didcot safer at night. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils want to hear from anyone who has felt unsafe in either town on a night out, or when returning there after an evening out elsewhere, such as Oxford.

Climate & Environment News

Wondering what to do with your waste post-Christmas? Take a look at the Vale’s site.

If you have a garden waste collection, you can leave your Christmas tree out with that. If not, take a look at a list of our collection sites. Be sure to check the last date to leave trees.

Council News

Full Council

Vale of White Horse Full Council was held on 8^th December at the Milton Park Offices. You may catch up with the content here. The full agenda is here.
For more information on outcomes, see press releases below.

Changes to planning rules to focus more quickly on potential harm to communities

Changes to enforcing planning rules will allow two district councils to focus on cases with the most potential to cause harm to local communities much more quickly.

Leaders Statement – 8 December 2021

Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, delivered her Leaders Statement to Council at the meeting on 8 December 2021.

Councillors call on the government to support ambitious local climate action

Leader Emily Smith will write to Whitehall to urge the government to establish a programme for domestic retrofitting.

Council re-affirms commitment to support War Pensioners

The War Pension scheme was established to compensate those veterans who suffered injured or illness while serving their country, while the War Widow(er)’s Pension is for those whose spouse died while serving.

More research needed before Abingdon reservoir plans can be approved

More evidence has been demanded by Vale councillors over the need for a reservoir in Abingdon and its environmental impact.

Vale of White Horse District Council – a trans inclusive council

Vale of White Horse District Council has a commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive organisation and council members have strengthened that commitment at its December Council meeting.

New parental leave policy for councillors

Our new Parental Leave Policy sets out councillors’ entitlements to maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and relevant allowances.

The policy aims to provide a positive environment for members with family responsibilities. It will help to ensure members are representative of our community, contribute towards increasing the diversity of experience, age and background of councillors, and also help us to retain experienced councillors and make public office more accessible to those who might otherwise feel excluded.

You can find the policy here, on the councillor allowances area of the Vale website.

Vital work to help vulnerable people praised by councillors

Work to protect vulnerable residents and those who are most at risk from criminal activity has been recognised by councillors in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

Councils face another cut in government funding

Public services could be at serious risk if the government fails to provide long-term financial support, the Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council has warned.

2021 reflection statement from Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council

Appendix D – PCSO Report

We continue to get reports of off-road vehicle being used in an anti-social manner causing criminal damage in the Lowbury Hill Ridgeway area. 4 persons were arrested in December after vehicles were used on private land causing criminal damage. The investigation is ongoing. We continue to patrol the area and encourage people to report anything like this to us.

Appendix E – UVHAT Report from J Reid

Bookings: 2022 looks positive from a bookings perspective already. All regulars have rebooked including gymnastics, yoga, karate, Brownies, Wine Club, Tea Birds, Short Mat Bowls and the ever popular dog classes etc. Enquiries for ad hoc event bookings – particularly to allow small groups or family events to have more space due to COVID-19 – have picked up and the hall remains a COVID-secure venue for the activities permitted.
Maintenance: In terms of maintenance a few projects need to be undertaken in 2022. The kitchen floor has now nearly dried out following the water leak and will be re-laid. Some of the gutters need to be mended where they have broken or sagged. There remains one blocked soakaway which was not replaced in the recent work. This lies under the patio, which will need to be lifted and re-laid in the process. It will be preferable to site the new soakaway under the grass, subject to permission from UPC. The trustees will consider whether to replace the fittings in the ladies’ toilets which are now dated at their next meeting
The trustees hope to hold their next meeting and AGM at the in January/Feb and will be confirming a date on this as soon as possible.

Minutes of the meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 15th March 2022.

January 26, 2022

In attendance: – Cllrs B Shaw (Chairman/BS), P McLaughlin (PM), N Thorp (Vice-Chairman/NT), D Beckles (DB), B Heneghan (BH). Also present: – E Cooper (Clerk/EC),

K Fletcher (Nature Garden/KF), County Cllr S Povolotsky (SP).

To note or receive apologies for absence

District Councillors H Gascoigne, S Medley

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting & note any matters arising: –

3.1 UPC 18.01.22

Unanimously agreed as a true record.

3.2 To agree an amendment to the minutes from 16^th November 2021 as follows:-

Item 9.3 – it has subsequently been confirmed that the Nature Garden group were

to pay 40% (£335.44) of the plant hire in September, with UVHAT & UPC each

paying 30% (£251.56).

Unanimously agreed as an amendment to the November minutes.

To hear a report from the County Councillor

Report received & distributed in advance of the meeting.

SP confirmed the A417 crossing was scheduled to start in the next 3 months.

Also the formal process of applying for bridleway status on Coffin Way had begun.

The CC had opened a climate grant scheme where any small group could apply for a

grant on climate change activity.

SP had pushed back on the LCTP5 consultation as there was no consideration for rural

communities, only Oxford City.

To hear a report from the District Councillor

Report received & distributed in advance of the meeting.

To hear a report from the PCSO

PCSO reported via email that there were no incidents of note in the area.

To hear representations from the public

None present.

To hear an update from the UVHAT representative

Not present. The UVHAT AGM will take place on Wednesday 23^rd March. Council

agreed BS should speak to UVHAT re notice of the AGM.

To hear an update from the PCC representative

BS had attended a PCC meeting. The PCC will scale back on its plans for improving

facilities in the church. The funding falls short of that required. Alternatives will now be

considered.

To hear an update on the Upton Nature Garden Project

10.1 Working Group report

10.1.1 Received and distributed in advance of the meeting. KF asked Council for

approval in principle to:-

the purchase of a wooden seat
the purchase of seeds from meadowmania
the purchase of the sign (once copy & artwork approved by Council)

The purchase of plants from Rupert Gooddy & a gate & associated items from Oxford Fencing were approved by council.

KF also asked for next TOE fund contribution form to be completed.

10.1.2 And in addition from KF:-

Since the last parish council meeting, the Upton Nature Garden project has

held two successful volunteer days. At the first January event the trees,

shrubs & hedging were planted; at the second March event the perennials

were planted – 400 in an hour! The mid-morning tea break became the end

of planting celebration. The project planting plan is back on track. The

information sign design has been finalised after research on similar project

signs around this area. R Traynor has painted original artwork for the

board. The remaining tasks for this garden creation phase of the project are

to commission the sign, the wooden bench, to sow the wildflower meadow,

& install the new meadow entrance gate by the bus stop. The project costs

are well under control. The TOE grant budget was £3624; to date £2388

has been reclaimed. The overall project budget has £3130 remaining

(allowing for perennials & gate order recently placed). Remaining planned

expenditure March – April on benches, signs & seed mix of c£1355. The

balance after this provides towards the ongoing costs of maintenance &

garden development.

10.1.3 And from BH as part of the working group & on behalf of the Council:-

The Nature Garden team have done a really good job of design & planting.

Even in the rough, you can visualise how good it is going to be when the

plants start to grow & bloom. So thank you to the team for a great project.

BH also requested a forecast from KF for the Nature Garden maintenance

plan by the UPC July meeting.

10.2 Receipts to 28.02.22 £6641.25

Payments to 28.02.22 £3591.76

Balance £3049.49

To hear updates on outstanding actions carried forward from previous meetings: –

See Appendix A below

To ratify or agree the council’s response to the following planning applications: –

12.1 To agree:-

P22/V0524/HH South Spring, Stream Road, Upton

Amendment no.1 – double garage

Deadline 29.03.22

UPC agreed no objections, but with comment.

12.2 To ratify:-

P22/V0168/HH Rowlands, Church St, Upton

Replace existing single storey extension with single & two-storey extensions.

External & internal alterations & a proposed detached garden room.

Deadline 09.03.22. UPC no objections.

12.2 To note Planning Permissions (or otherwise) received:-

12.2.1 P14/V2873/O Great Western Park Development

Planning permission 21.02.22

12.2.2 P21/V3107/FUL Land to the south of Main Street, West Hagbourne

Application withdrawn 26.1.22

12.2.3 P22/V0087/HH Lonicera, Station Road, Upton

Planning permission 10.3.22

To receive an update on UPC Finances and Administration

13.1 To hear an update on Lloyds Bank: –

13.1.1 As at 28.02.22 Treasurer’s Account £6956.31

As at 28.02.22 Business Bank Account £13073.66

13.1.2 Debit card application

Currently on hold.

13.2 Receipts

13.2.1 Bank interest February 11p, March .10p.

13.2.2 SSE annual payment £2 (pole on rec)

13.2.3 Payment from UVHAT of £251.56 for share of plant hire.

13.3 To sign off bank reconciliation to date

Provided in advance of the meeting & signed by the Chairman at the meeting.

13.4 To hear any other financial or administration updates

13.4.1 UPC Internal Audit 2021/22

13.4.1.1 Council to confirm exemption from external audit

Council unanimously agreed that it is exempt from an external

audit & that a certificate of exemption should be issued by the

Clerk to the external auditor as soon as possible after the end of

the financial year.

13.4.1.2 Council to confirm internal auditor

IAC confirmed they would carry out the internal audit for a fee of

£285 + vat. Council unanimously agreed. Clerk to inform IAC.

13.4.2 SLCC/NALC Clerk’s Pay Increase

OALC confirmed in an email dated 01.03.22 that following a national pay

award agreement, the Clerk’s pay (remaining on SCP26) would increase

by 1.75% with effect from 01.04.21. This will be applied, with back pay, from

March 2022.

13.4.3 Risk Management Policy & internal audit controls review

The Council unanimously ratified the updated version of the Risk

Management Policy, including internal audit controls.

13.4.4 Following a training seminar from the Oxford History Centre on the storage

of Council documents (attend by the Clerk & Cllr Thorp), the Clerk asked for

agreement in principle that all Council papers suitable for storage should be

removed to the Oxford History Centre at a point to be agreed in the future.

Council unanimously agreed.

13.5 To agree the following payments & who to authorise.

Council agreed to all payments below. Clerk confirmed payments awaiting

authorisation through Lloyds. PM to authorise.

Date	Payee	£
28.02.22, 28.03.22	Clerk’s salary SO [LGA1972 s112(2)]	*Not publicly disclosed
15.03.22	Clerk’s expenses [LG(FPA)1963s5]	£210.17
Feb/Mch	HMRC PAYE SO (£88.60 February, £TBC March (+ back pay)	* £88.60
24.02.22, 29.03.22	Microsoft Office365 Dec/Jan DD @£3.80pm [LGA1972 s111]	£7.60
15.03.22	Expenses PM (revised from agenda)	£117.26
15.03.22	OALC course EC & NT	£12.00
16.03.22	Krystal Hosting – 1328201	9.59
16.03.22	Krystal Hosting – 1316674	9.59
	Paid to be ratified:-
17.02.22	OALC course BH	66.00
17.02.22	Mr P Zagyva – installation of new noticeboard	90.00
08.02.22	Krystal Hosting – 1303536	9.59
09.02.22	Mark Harrod – goal nets & wheels	377.20
16.03.22	OALC annual subs	150.00
	Payments sub total	£1147.60
11.02.22	Rupert Gooddy – nature garden plants	1166.65
17.03.22	Oxford Fencing (confirmed post meeting)	153.46
	Nature Garden sub total	£1320.11
	TOTAL	£2467.71 + * above

To hear an update on the recreation ground Play Areas

14.1 Toddler play area

BS reported that the play area was in good order.

14.2 Adventure play area

Remedial work to the play area was highlighted by Kompan in their January 2022

inspection report, although this was not received by the Council until March. The

Clerk is in touch with Kompan regarding the works.

14.3 Pump Track

Remedial work to the pump track scheduled for 22/23.

Council are considering a proposal to tarmac the pump track to improve & extend

it’s usage & await a quotation. Estimate £5-10k.

To hear an update on the maintenance of the recreation ground

15.1 Motor mower repair/service (BS)

The Council awaits recommendations from Kalehurst on the repair or otherwise

of the motor mower, which was damaged during usage.

15.2 Any other updates on the recreation ground maintenance

The Council is disappointed by the amount of damage to the recreation ground by

vehicles driving over the grass. Council is therefore considering the installation of

posts & a chain to stop this activity. Council voted 4 for with one abstention (due

to a conflict of interest) to look at this option. A quote for the potential installation

of posts & a chain is expected from BH.

15.3 PM reported that the goal posts have new wheels & with the new nets yet to be

installed. BS will invite the Commissioner of Police (following funding) & the

Amazons football teams for a photo op.

To hear any update on UPC IT (PM)

Office 365 back up in place & domain names secured for another year.

To hear any update on Speed Watch & 20s Plenty for Upton (BH)

BH requested that information be included in Upton news regarding the training of

volunteers for Speed Watch. BH to provide copy to NT.

To agree the council content for the next online Upton News (NT)

– Speed Watch information (see 17 above)

– Goal posts wheels & nets

– Plans for 22-23

– Move to stop driving on the rec

– resurface pump track

– village blocked storm drains & big pot holes all reported to fixmystreet by BS

& PM

To agree the date of the next meeting

19.1 Annual Parish Meeting – Council to agree date & arrangements

Council agreed to a provisional date of 28^th April. Clerk to check hall availability &

start process to arrange meeting at 7pm in the village hall.

Clerk’s note:- 28^th April may not be available. Other dates under consideration.

19.2 Next full council meeting

Annual meeting of the Parish Council Tuesday 17^th May 2022, at 7.00pm, in the

village hall meeting room.

The meeting finished at 9pm.

Appendix A – List of Actions

No.	Actions from March meeting	By when
1.	BS to speak to UVHAT re notice of their AGM	ASAP
2.	Clerk to complete next TOE contribution form.	ASAP
3.	KF to produce Nature Garden maintenance plan.	July meeting
4.	Clerk to complete EA exemption form at earliest opportunity.	After end of financial year
5.	Clerk to confirm IAC as internal auditor.	Actioned
6.	Clerk to confirm with Kompan plan for play area works	ASAP
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
9.	BH to provide copy to NT for Upton News re speed watch volunteers	ASAP
No.	Actions from January meeting	By when
2.	BH to provide details of equipment & materials to repair play area surround.	Actioned
4.	BS to provide BH with previous list of potential Speed Watch volunteers	Actioned
5.	BH & BS to discuss upgrading existing speed signs	Actioned
No.	Actions from December meeting	By when
5.	BS to formally present details of grounds maintenance proposal.	Actioned
6.	Clerk to confirm new bin requirements & order.	C’fwd
8.	BH to write an article for the next Upton News on Speed Watch for Upton.	Actioned
No.	Actions November meeting	By when
7.	BS to 1. put together a welcome pack proposal & 2. look at ways of engaging volunteers. Also spk PM & NT re technical options.	Ongoing
8.	BS to look in to engaging other local chairs to meet informally	Organised by SP
19.	Recreation ground northern boundary fence – BS to approach contractors	Actioned

Appendix B

County Councillor Briefing 8^th March 2022

Welcome to your latest news briefing, apologies for a few days delay, it’s been rather busy on the reservoir front, or as I now call it a ‘Megavoir’. I am hoping to start surgeries as of April, in main places in every village, and will let each Parish know and communicate of course through facebook and emails.

Today is IWD and I am pleased to have instigated this small video and want to thank all women members, chairs and clerks for #breakingthebias this year and pushing for gender equality.

The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/685802506/9797582bc8

Covid 19: Information & Advice

Latest public health advice

On 21 February, the prime minister set out his plan for living with COVID-19. As our Director of Public Health, Ansaf Azhar, has emphasised, this doesn’t mean the virus has gone away. He sets out three simple steps we can all take in the coming months that will make a difference:

Be considerate – if you feel ill, you should stay away from others and remain at home while you have symptoms.
Be aware – there will be many in our communities and work places who will be extremely nervous about the recent news, so be conscious of other people’s situations and adjust your behaviour accordingly.
Be cautious – make sensible decisions, such as wearing a face covering in crowded places and letting fresh air into indoor spaces.

You can listen to Ansaf’s advice in his latest video.

Communications campaigns

We are now focusing on reinforcing the ‘be cautious and considerate’ message, in line with changes to rules around self-isolation and testing. We are also supporting our NHS partners in sharing messages about vaccinations and boosters.

COVID 19: The statistics

You can view the latest figures on our COVID-19 dashboard.

Latest News

Storm Eunice response

This week we have said a huge thank you to staff across the council who were involved in the response to storm Eunice, as well as all those who continued to deliver services for residents in extremely challenging conditions 2 weeks ago.

A number of teams were involved in our response, but we would like to name a few specifically. The customer services team dealt with an exceptionally high number of calls that day – four times the usual volume – while the highways team responded to more than 180 incidents on Friday alone. These included removing fallen trees and large branches, which were blocking roads and footpaths.

A significant council-wide team effort also supported our schools – helping with communications, ensuring our school transport was safe, responding to property damage and making phone calls to headteachers. And a special mention also to the emergency planning and communications teams, who co-ordinated our response and kept our website and social media channels updated. We are still running behind on standard jobs in the pipeline, but we are getting there!

Bad weather is the perfect storm for rogue traders

Our trading standards team is warning residents to be wary of cold callers or leaflets offering to do work on roofs after the recent storms. The team believes it’s a perfect opportunity for rogue traders to take advantage of residents who have a leaking roof or broken tile. Many traders will be booked up, so the advice is to be wary of traders who can arrive to start the work the following day and push for a quick agreement to use them. Find out what to look out for in our news story.

Oxfordshire’s climate action heroes recognised

Some of Oxfordshire’s inspirational climate action heroes were honoured at an awards ceremony on Monday. Eighteen groups, social enterprises, individuals, businesses and other organisations picked up the High Sheriff’s Climate Action Heroes Awards for their schemes, ranging from wildlife restoration work to renewable energy projects. Read all about it online.

Our bid to deliver 159 electric buses

This month we applied for £32.8 million from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. Along with £6m from the council and £43.7m from bus companies Go Ahead and Stagecoach, the scheme could deliver 159 electric buses and the infrastructure to charge them in a package worth £82.5m. If successful, the electric buses would operate in an area stretching from Kidlington in the north to Sandford in the south, and from Cumnor in the west to Wheatley in the east. They would save an estimated 9,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year – the equivalent of taking more than 6,000 cars off the road. Find out more in our news story.

Proposal to improve consistency of parking enforcement

We are planning to bring consistency to highway parking enforcement around the county by taking over responsibility for fining motorists who break the rules in West Oxfordshire. West Oxfordshire District Council currently carries out parking enforcement on our behalf in the area. Go online to read the full story.

Budget passed invests in residents: In February, the first budget of the Oxfordshire Fair Deal Alliance was passed. The Conservatives failed to present any amendments to the budget. The budget increases investment to support some of the most vulnerable residents in our county, including in SEND provision, adult social care, and youth and children’s services. Other priorities to receive boosts were the climate emergency, buses, traffic enforcement, and road safety. The budget also takes into account a backlog of underfunded major infrastructure projects. The budget deals with the hospital pass from the Conservatives, who had failed to fully cost major projects, including replacement of the Kennington Bridge and projects around Didcot.

Government support extended after OCC demands: Buses continue to be under financial strain, with passenger numbers down on pre-pandemic levels. Following Lib Dem calls to the government extend pandemic grants, the government announced additional funding. Bus companies will still face a potential cliff edge in 6 months’ time however, unless passenger numbers begin to rise or the government steps in again.

Oxford Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ) pilot launches: A pilot of a small area of central Oxford has begun to test out the technology that will be used for the Zero Emissions Zone. The full ZEZ will come into force in 2023 (subject to a public consultation)

Police and Crime Commissioner grant applications close: The Community Fund, administered by the Police and Crime Commissioner has closed for applications. This appears to have been badly promoted, however, applications open twice a year. Sign up to the mailing list here: opcc.comms@thamesvalley.police.uk

Councilor Priority Fund: Upon being elected, I said I wanted to see the councilor priority fund for Hendreds and Harwell Division being used early in the community. The £15,000 has now been fully allocated, supporting amazing projects across the division, I will be doing a roundup and news on them all in May 2022.

Consultations close soon:

SEND: 10^th March
Local Transport and Connectivity Plan: 16^th March
Libraries: 18^th March

Consultation & Engagement Activities

The following consultations are currently live. Please encourage your constituents to have their say by sharing the relevant links for further information.

Consultation	Link to consultation	Closing date
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)	Let’s Talk Oxfordshire	10 March
Library and heritage services	Let’s Talk Oxfordshire	18 March
WRSE	WRSE Page	14^th March

Local Information

Rowstock Relief

Affected Parish Councils contacted around a meeting, communication has been poor and complaints raised to officers and senior managers.

Verges Biodiversity experiment

We have identified some zones, one of which is the Oxfordshire County Council Highway between East and West Parishes. We are working with the Highways and Ecology teams, as well as local environment group HEG for the civic ecology side. To ensure any invasive species like Ragwort are still pulled during this experiment.

SIDS – East Hendred / Rowstock

The SID Data is showing a very positive turn, and the speed reduction is clearly notes, and alongside the implementation of more speed reductions with the 20mph scheme is definitely key to continue to make our communities safer and reducing speeds, without us ending up with signage every 20m!

ESSO Application

I worked with local residents on this case and spoke at the Planning Committee, of course its probably well known that now that it was refused, but many believe it will come back through appeal so we need to watch this space. Well done to all local groups, local businesses, parish councils and the Rowstock residents association for work on this.

Pension Committee

As a new member on the pension committee I am very pleased to announce we heard from Brunel Pension Partnership and they are working to divest from Russian entities, and the committee endorsed this action.

Harwell High Street works

I attended the CMD for Highways as was hugely concerned officers, despite constant communications from my side, had pushed through for a CMD on the works despite Parish comments. Final decision is here

FrogLife / Ardington and Lockinge Crossing Signs

You may have noticed the signage warning of our amphibian friends crossing the roads, patrols are in full action currently and there is allot of action already thanks to some warmer days and wetter evening!

Steventon – Reservoir

Link below in consultations and thank you to those Parishes who have already submitted, every response to the reservoir counts, you can even send two per household with different email addresses. Any questions please come back to me or email – gard.secretary@gmail.com

I did attend the Public meetings run by GARD in Steventon and East Hendred and spoke to residents to urge the response, also to voice my concerns. I also attended the Thames Water meeting and was very disappointed but I guess not hugely surprised that not a single straight question was answered, if there was ever a call to arms to respond and make voices heard that time is now!

HEG Community Larder

I am pleased to announce that we have now had our second larder and already we have moved on 467kg of Food Waste, with around 40 members actively, and we are constantly communicating alongside the support of East Hendred Parish Council what we are doing. Our local scheme is in partnership with Didcot Based SOFEA, and if your interested in creating a Larder in your Parish you can read more about it here – www.sofea.uk.com

The second annual Food Waste Action Week begins today and will highlight the huge impact household food waste has on climate change.

Oxfordshire County Council – along with the district and city councils in Oxfordshire – is supporting Food Waste Action Week, a national campaign set up by the charity WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme). It runs from Monday 7 March until Sunday 13 March.

The campaign will share practical advice, food savvy behaviours and tips on how people can easily reduce the amount of food that is wasted in our homes.

The UK throws away 6.6 million tonnes of household food waste a year. This food waste is responsible for nearly 25 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to 5.4 per cent of the UK’s territorial emissions.

The majority, 4.5 million tonnes, is food that could have been eaten and is worth approximately £14 billion (or £60 a month an average family with two children). It requires an area almost the size of Wales to produce all the food and drink currently wasted in the UK.

Throughout the week the campaign will be sharing tips to make the most of leftovers, how to defrost frozen food, store food properly and how to shop more effectively by planning your meals.

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change Delivery and Environment, said: “The average family wastes the equivalent of eight meals every single week. Reducing food waste can save families an average of £700 per year, reduce the amount of edible food that ends up in our bins to be disposed of, and fight climate change.

“The Food Waste Action Week campaign will highlight simple actions we can all take to reduce the amount of food we throw away each week.”

Look out for videos and messages which will be released during Food Waste Action Week on Oxfordshire Recycles Facebook and Twitter. The Replenish Project – run by Oxfordshire’s community action groups – will be running a competition to win ‘The Canny Cook: freezer & store-cupboard meals on a budget’. Oxfordshire residents are encouraged to share their #RescueRecipes ideas to be in with a chance of winning one of five of these books! People are encouraged to use the hashtag #FoodWasteActionWeek when they get involved.

Everyone can make a difference, and something as small as saving your leftovers to eat for lunch the next day and encouraging friends and family to do the same means you’re doing your part. Visit Love Food Hate Waste to find out how you can get involved, help the planet – and save money too. Look out for its great video at the beginning of the week, which will be posted and shared on social media, and to find out who its celebrity is!

Think you’re pretty good at eating what you have at home? Help reduce food waste even more, by using your local community fridge, or apps like Too Good To Go and Olio.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

A Few Last Reminders

Support for Ukraine

Information about help relating to the situation in Ukraine. We undertook a small collection in East Hendred at the weekend, which has gone straight to a distribution centre 80km from the Polish / Ukraine Borders. However our advice now that humanitarian aid is kicking in is as follows;

Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people at this time. Like all councils and communities throughout England, we are ready to help people in Ukraine and any refugees that may come here.

We will be guided by central government as to the best ways that we can help as the situation continues to develop. In standing with the people of Ukraine we and partner organisations will support and give a warm welcome to refugees locally should our help be needed.

Government support schemes

Guidance on government support available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members, including the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Making a donation

Many people in the county want to do whatever they can to help, and one way is to make a donation.

The Disasters Emergency Committee, a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, has launched a collective appeal to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to civilians suffering during the conflict.

Many registered charities are also helping to provide vital life-saving services to those caught up in the conflict, including those forced to flee to neighbouring countries. These include:

Staying up to date

For the latest information about the council’s response to COVID-19, regularly check your emails, visit the council’s website oxfordshire.gov.uk and follow our social media accounts.

With best wishes,

Sally Povolotsky FRSA

Hendreds & Harwell Division

Appendix C

Monday 7th March 2022 Monthly Parish Update

Vale of White Horse District Councillors

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley

Hello! Firstly, we just want to say how deeply saddened and shocked we are by recent events in Ukraine.

The Vale of White Horse District Council stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in these horrific times. Council leader Emily Smith has issued a statement giving further information on what we can do to support those people caught in this conflict or escaping from the area. We have been heartened to see the efforts of many local residents in donating and collecting essential items for those affected – once again, our kind and caring community stepping up to help in times of crisis.

Locally, we are very aware of the many issues faced by residents in accessing healthcare in the Didcot area. Working alongside the Patient Participation Groups of the three medical centres, we have been calling on the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group (CCG) to provide transparency and clarity on the timescales for delivering the long-overdue healthcare centre on Great Western Park. We are pleased to say that the CCG are now engaging, and they have kindly agreed to provide an update for the public at the Great Western Park Residents’ Association Meeting at 8pm on Monday 9^th May. The meeting will be held in a hybrid in-person and online format, at Boundary Park Sports Pavilion and on Zoom. Please keep an eye on the GWP Residents’ Association website for more details, and note that this meeting will also be their AGM, for anyone wishing to volunteer with this excellent community organisation.

COVID-19 & Community Support

Keep up to date with latest government guidance via gov.uk/coronavirus. The latest COVID-19 figures are updated on the county council’s interactive dashboard on a daily basis.

Contact the Community Support Hub

Call: 01235 422 600 Monday to Thursday 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm
Email: communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
Online Form: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub
Website www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/covid19

Residents can also contact:

Citizens Advice – 0808 278 7907
Vale Community Impact – 01235 765348

Better Housing Better Health offers support and advice for those struggling to stay warm and well at home and can refer people to services which offer free home energy advice visits and financial and benefit advice. For more info see bhbh.org.uk

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

On 21 December 2021, Government announced the introduction of a one-off grant support scheme for hospitality and leisure businesses in England. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) scheme is now open for applications from eligible businesses – Vale of White Horse businesses apply here. Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 18 March 2022. Applications will be processed, and checks made until the final payment date of 31 March 2022.

Local News

The Harwellian Club reopens after £47,500 makeover

The Harwellian Club has recently reopened after receiving £47,571 from the Vale of White Horse District Council for a major refurbishment. Harwell residents are flocking to see the changes made to the club since they applied for developer contributions via the district council.

Boundary Park’s tennis and games area officially opened by local MP

Hundreds of keen sports players can enjoy new facilities on Great Western Park after they were officially opened recently by David Johnston local MP, Vale councillors and Boundary Park Sports Association for local families and sports groups to use.

Great British Railways Headquarters could be built in Didcot

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be entering a bid for Didcot to be the home of the new Great British Railways headquarters.

Refusal of former Esso site planing application

A brief note from us (Hayleigh & Sarah) to inform residents that the planning application for the distribution centre at the former Esso site on Milton Hill was refused by the planning committee in February. Although this site is not directly in our ward, we know this application caused concern for many Harwell and Rowstock residents, particularly due to the increase in HGV traffic it would cause. Sarah wrote to committee members in advance of the meeting, highlighting the concerns of local residents. At the meeting itself, the combined efforts of the Roads to Rowstock Residents’ Association and local councillors at parish, district and county levels succeeded in persuading the committee – well done to all involved. Visit YouTube to watch the meeting.

Climate & Environment News

£50,000 fund to boost community climate action in the Vale

Communities in the Vale of White Horse looking to tackle climate change could soon receive support from a new council grant. Vale of White Horse District Council’s new Climate Action Fund will offer a total of £50,000 to help local groups, with up to £5,000 on offer for individual projects.

Work on major EV charging scheme in the Vale is close to completion

The installation of the Park and Charge Electric Vehicle charging scheme in Vale of White Horse looks close to completion as work is due to start on the last car park later this month.

More than 150 volunteers support major tree planting effort

More than 150 volunteers joined a major tree planting event in Abingdon over two sessions on Saturday 26 February to help tackle climate change. Members of local community group Abingdon Carbon Cutters and other volunteers from across the area planted 420 trees at Rye Farm Meadow.

Council News

Vale’s 2022/23 budget protects frontline services, ensures important environmental, leisure and safety improvements and keeps Council Tax increase to under the rate of inflation

Despite a 6.2 per cent reduction in funding from government, Vale of White Horse District Council is set to agree a balanced budget for 2022/23 and, for the first time in several years, is projecting to have surplus general reserves at the end of its 5-year reporting period.

Leaders Statement – 16 February 2022

Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, delivered her Leaders Statement to Council at the meeting on 16 February 2022.

Important changes for Vale car parks to start on 4 April

Motorists parking in district council car parks in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage are advised that from Monday 4 April:

Free parking will still be available but reduced to one hour a day
New fees will apply if you want to stay for more than one hour
Other fees will go up by 40p
New and renewed permits will be valid for the specific car park they are issued for and will not be transferable.

Sessions to help hair and beauty staff support victims of domestic abuse

Free training is now available to help ensure hair and beauty staff know what to do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk of or suffering from domestic abuse.

Vale gives more than £300,000 to build affordable homes in the district

Vale of White Horse District Council has pledged to provide grant funding of more than £300,000 towards the cost of creating affordable homes in Botley, in the parish of Cumnor.

Minutes of a meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th December

January 13, 2022

In attendance:- Cllrs B Shaw (Chairman/BS), P McLaughlin (PM), N Thorp (NT), B Heneghan (BH). Also present E Cooper (Clerk/EC).

To note or receive apologies for absence

Cllr D Beckles.

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None.

To approve the minutes of the following meeting & note any matters arising: –

UPC 16.11.21

Minutes unanimously agreed as a true record, with the exception of charges

attributable to the Nature Garden in respect of rubble removal, which do not apply.

To review & agree the response to planning consultations:-

4.1 P21/V3206/HH Lavender House, Fieldside, Upton

Proposed ground floor front extension to existing garage.

Deadline 14.12.21

UPC agreed no objections to this consultation.

To receive an update on UPC Finances and Administration

5.1 To hear an update from the Finance committee meeting held on 22.10.21 &

formally agree recommendations

5.1.1 Proposed precept for 22/23

Council unanimously agreed to apply for a precept of £24,326.

5.1.2 Proposed budget for 22/23

Council unanimously agreed the proposed budget.

5.1.3 Clerk’s salary review inc. other work considerations

Council unanimously agreed the proposed increase in the Clerk’s

Salary to SCP26 with effect from 1.11.21.

The Clerk also informed the Council that her annual leave increased

by 2 days wef 01.09.21 (5 years service).

5.1.4 Outgoing grants

UPC agreed to continue to support CAB & RBL.

5.1.5 Capital projects for 22/23

Council agreed that the major projects for next year were:-

Recreation ground fence
Play area fencing & ground works on new toddler play area

iii. Work to improve the pump track

5.1.6 Other financial considerations from the Finance Committee Meeting

5.1.6.1 Council were satisfied that all assets were accounted for & up

to date.

5.1.6.2 Council were generally satisfied with the extent of its Risk

Management policy, but asked the Clerk to check & issue to

the Council.

5.1.6.3 Council were satisfied with the extent of its Insurance

5.1.7 Ratify reviewed & updated Standing Orders

Council agreed to add a caveat to the meeting time of 2 hours. This to

read that subject to council’s agreement, an additional half hour will be

permitted in order to conclude the meeting’s business as necessary.

5.1.8 Ratify reviewed & updated Financial Regulations

Council unanimously agreed.

5.2 To hear an update on Lloyds Bank: –

As at 11.11.21 Treasurer’s Account £8257.22

As at 11.11.21 Business Bank Account £13073.33

5.3 Receipts

Bank interest October 11p, November 10p

5.4 To sign off bank reconciliation to date

Provided in advance of the meeting& duly signed at meeting.

5.5 To hear any other financial or administration updates

5.5.1 To agree a budget for a village Christmas event (BS)

Council agreed that due to the shortness of time & lack of response

from the community, this event would take place next year. Council also

agreed to contribute c£50 towards a Christmas tree on the

village church next year.

5.5.2 To agree that Upton village is included in the 20mph proposal for

Oxfordshire Communities

BH had spoken to SP re upgrading existing speed signs. SP

recommended recording data via signs & this data will dictate the next

course of action. BH to investigate upgrading signs.

5.6 To agree the following payments & who to authorise

Clerk asked for the following additional payments to also be considered & Council

unanimously agreed:-

i. Mr R Lott – Mowing petrol expenses £90.64

ii. StowAg (Nature Garden) – purchase of fencing £295.20

iii. OALC – Experienced Clarks course £66

PM agreed to authorise.

Date	Payee	£
28.10.21, 28.11.21	Clerk’s salary SO [LGA1972 s112(2)]	Not publicly disclosed
11.11.21	Clerk’s expenses [LG(FPA)1963s5]	£39.40
Oct/Nov	HMRC PAYE SO (£83.40 October, £83.40 November (tbc))	£166.80
29.10.20, 29.11.21	Microsoft Office365 Oct/Nov DD @£3.80pm [LGA1972 s111]	£7.60
Oct 21	M Amos expenses for work on car park soakaway & removal of rubble [LGA1972 s137 ] (Paid 2.12.21 to be ratified).	£769.13
Oct 21	SLCC membership renewal wef 1.12.21 [LGA1972 s143] Note:- UPC portion £55.34. £110.66 to be reclaimed from BPC.	£166.00
Nov 21	UPC donation to Royal British Legion (paid to be ratified) [LGA1792 s137]	£170.00
	Payments sub total Plus additional items above & salary	£1770.77
17.11.21	Boston Bulbs order [LGA1972 s137]	£238.00
Nov 21	Nature Garden share of machinery hire (Note:- revised figure to include UVHAT share. Aw UVHAT refund of £251.56).	£503.12
	Nature Garden sub total	£741.12
	TOTAL	£2511.89 + Clerk’s salary

To hear an update on the recreation ground Play Areas

6.1 Toddler play area

6.1.1 To hear any update on the installation of a fence around the new play

area

BS reported the toddler play area was in good condition. The mound

had been seeded & was growing, & would remain off limits for the time

being.

6.1.2 To hear any other updates on the toddler play area

Council noted that the addition of a fence around this area may also

require funding to be raised.

6.2 Adventure play area

6.2.1 To hear any updates on the adventure play area

6.2.1.1 Funding of £5000 has been received from the OPCC

Community Fund which will go towards improving the goalposts

& pump track.

6.2.1.2 Minor repairs to wooden structures would continue to be

actioned by members of the Council.

6.3 Pump Track

Remedial work to the pump track scheduled for 22/23. See also 6.2.1

above.

To hear an update on the maintenance of the recreation ground

7.1 Mowing, Trees, hedges, other

Council acknowledged that the only maintenance work carried out by the

volunteer group was the mowing of the recreation ground. Tree work has

been carried out by a contractor & other work to keep the recreation ground

tidy by members of the Council. BS had obtained a quote for general

maintenance of c£5k for a year & Council unanimously agreed for BS to

formally present a proposal at the next meeting. BH offered to do a walkabout

with the contractor covering all aspects of work required & to establish

credentials.

7.2 To hear an update on the current volunteer / rota situation

7.2.1 It was reported to the Council that the motor mower was damaged & in

need of repair. BS to obtain a quote for repair of the mower from

Kalehurst. Council to consider costs before any work is carried out.

7.3 To hear any other recreation ground updates

7.3.1 New bins

Council unanimously agreed to purchase new bins. Clerk to confirm

requirements.

7.3.2 Additional benches

Council acknowledged this was in the budget for next year at c£250 for

wood-effect, recycled plastic benches for the recreation ground.

7.3.3 New noticeboard on side of bus shelter

A new noticeboard has been ordered.

7.3.4 Goal posts – nets & wheel replacements

Following receipt of funding, BS had sourced a quote for c£500. 3

councillors agreed to go ahead with the purchase, with one abstention.

7.3.5 Fence to northern boundary

Capital project for 2022/3 unanimously agreed by Council.

7.3.6 New signage update

BS has obtained a quote for new signage at the entrance to the

recreation ground. EC to check the sign details.

7.3.7 Bus shelter renovation update

A competition has been launched for village children to submit ideas for

repainting the inside of the bus shelter. As of the date of this meeting,

no entries had been received.

To hear any update on UPC IT (PM)

No update.

To hear an update on Speed Watch & 20s Plenty for Upton (BH)

9.1 Speed Watch

BH reported he had spoken to Blewbury Speed Watch following their

successful implementation. Following recruitment of volunteers & training, this

could be implemented on the A417 in Upton, but only when entering/exiting

Upton from the west. BH to write an article for the next Upton News on Speed

Watch for Upton.

9.2 20s Plenty

BH had actioned.

To agree the council content for the next online Upton News (NT)
Budget for play area fence

ii BH Speed Watch update

iii Bus shelter competition – get entries in

iv New noticeboard

To agree the date of the next meeting

Next full council meeting Tuesday 18^th January 2022, at 7.30pm.

Clerk’s note:- Due to increased Covid restrictions & following guidance from

NALC, how this meeting is held & where, will be decided nearer the time.

Council unanimously agreed to add item 12 to the agenda as this had arisen post issue of the agenda.

Letter received from UVHAT

A letter as received from the UVHAT Chairman, Rob Traynor, stating no confidence in the

UPC Chairman for reasons which were alluded to in the letter & also asking that Cllr Shaw not

join the UVHAT committee. This was discussed at a reconciliation meeting held on 6.12.21

with Mr Traynor, Mr Rippon (UVHAT) & Cllr Shaw & Cllr Thorp (UPC).

Cllrs Thorp & Shaw will provide a written response to the reconciliation meeting.

The Council unanimously agreed its full support of Cllr Shaw. Also that Cllrs Shaw &

Heneghan will attend the first available UVHAT meeting as previously requested.

UVHAT has moved its AGM from 6^th December to either January or March & the Council

awaits confirmation of the new date.

The meeting closed at 9.05pm.

Appendix A – List of Actions

No.	Actions from this meeting	By when
1.	Clerk to confirm Risk Management policy is up to date & issue to all.	January meeting
2.	Clerk to add meeting duration caveat to SOs	Actioned
3.	BH to investigate upgrading speed signs in village to record speed data.	January meeting
4.	BS to contact Kalehurst & obtain quote for mower repair.	January meeting
5.	BS to formally present details of grounds maintenance proposal.	January meeting
6.	Clerk to confirm new bin requirements & order.	January meeting
7.	Clerk to look at signage copy & report back to BS.	January meeting
8.	BH to write an article for the next Upton News on Speed Watch for Upton.	ASAP
No.	Actions from November meeting	By when
4.	BS to store blue benches & bin until re-sited	Actioned
7.	BS to 1. put together a welcome pack proposal & 2. look at ways of engaging volunteers	Actioned
8.	BS to look in to engaging other local chairs to meet informally	Actioned
12.	BS to consider plan for removal of weeds on pump track	cfwd
19.	Recreation ground northern boundary fence – BS to approach contractors	cfwd
22.	BS to confirm with KH actions re fence / hedge in cemetery extension	cfwd
23.	PM to report back to council on work allocation system trial	cfwd
26.	BS to contact potential proof reader for Upton News	Actioned
27.	PM & Clerk to discuss online meeting date updates	cfwd

Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on 16.11.21

December 2, 2021

Upton Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 16^st November 2021 in the village hall.

In attendance:- Cllrs B Shaw (Chairman/BS), P McLaughlin (PM), N Thorp (NT), B Heneghan (BH). E Cooper (Clerk/EC). Nature Garden Working Group representatives K Humphrey & K Fletcher. Three members of the public.

To note or receive apologies for absence

Cllr D Beckles in advance of the meeting. County Cllr S Povolotsky, District Cllrs S

Medley & H Gascoigne.

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None declared.

To approve the minutes of the following meeting & note any matters arising: –

UPC 21.09.21

UPC Finance Committee 22.10.21

Approved by those present at the meetings as a true record.

To hear a report from the County Councillor (see Appendix B below)

To hear a report from the District Councillor (see Appendix C below)

To hear a report from the PCSO

Clerk’s note:- The PCSO was on sick leave.

To hear representations from the public

Members of the public were in attendance specifically for a planning matter.

To hear an update from the UVHAT representative

Not present. BS to speak to UVHAT representative.

To hear an update on the Upton Nature Garden Project

9.1 To ratify the Upton Nature Garden Terms of Reference

Taken as ratified as no further comments submitted.

9.2 Working Group report

9.2.1 KF submitted a report on 11.11.21.

Quotes for postcrete & Stowag approved.

A future plan will introduce regular maintenance.

Hedge work had proceeded well.

Perennials not used will be stored for future use.

9.2.2 KH said a trial run of timber supports on the cemetery field fence was working

well & one stretch of fence had been completed in preparation for hedge

planting. KH to report back as to any further work that may be required on the

fence.

9.3 Receipts to date £6137.91. Payments to date £2369.64. Plus payments to be made

since last meeting:-

Boston Bulbs £238.00
Didcot Plant (50% hire) £419.27
Rubble removal £110.00

Total:- £767.27

Balance £3001.00

To hear an update from the PCC representative

Not present. BS to spk PCC representative re attending meetings.

To report on outstanding actions carried forward from previous meetings: –

Deferred to next meeting.

To ratify or agree the council’s response to the following planning applications: –

12.1 To agree:-

12.1.1 P21/V3107/FUL Land to the south of Main Street, West Hagbourne

New 4 bed house with parking.

Deadline 27.11.21

Council agreed to object on similar line to the previous application.

12.1.2 P21/V2077/HH Dulcina, Newmans Close, Upton

Partial demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of new front & rear

extensions. Conversion of existing loft space in to habitable accom.

Refurbishment & associated internal reconfiguration.

Deadline 27.11.21

Council agreed it could not object to this consultation, but would add a

narrative in support of the neighbouring parties.

12.2 To ratify:-

None outstanding.

12.3 To note planning permissions/withdrawals received since the last meeting:-

P21/V2488/HH Owlscote Barn, High Street, Upton

Planning permission 25.10.21.

Clerk’s note:- Council agreed to bring forward the next item:-

To hear an update cemetery extension field (Clerk)

The Clerk explained that following information gained on the existing Upton church

cemetery, the extension field would not need to be in use for a minimum of 5 years, but

probably longer. In discussion with the Chairman, it was felt that the fence repairs &

hedge planting around the field should be actioned as soon as practicable. Also that the

ground would be prepared to make it suitable for burials levelled, grass seed,

maintained), although no timing has been put on this action. The Council agreed in

principle to these actions.

The Clerk also explained that prior to the field coming in to use, the Council would

become a Burial Authority, administering all aspects of managing burial requests.

The Nature Garden team would continue with the hedge planting as discussed.

The Council wished to extend it’s thanks to Mr D Bartlett for his work on repairing the

fence around this field.

The Council is to arrange either repairs to, or replacement of, the gates.

The meeting was brought to a close at this point. Clerk was asked to set up a further meeting as soon as possible in order to complete the rest of the agenda.

The meeting finished at 9pm.

Date & venue of next meeting TBA (December 2021).

Date of the first full council meeting in 2022 – Tuesday 18^th January 2022, at 7.30pm, in the main hall.

Appendix A – List of Actions

No.		Actions from this meeting	By when
1.		BS to speak to UVHAT representative re attending PC meetings.	ASAP
2.		Clerk to spk D Bartlett re cemetery field gates.	Actioned
3.		Clerk to set up extraordinary meeting to cover remaining agenda items.	Actioned
No.		Actions from this meeting	By when
1.		Clerk to email PCSO re November meeting	Actioned
2.		Clerk to email R Traynor / J Reid re UVHAT / UPC meetings	Actioned BS
4.		BS to store blue benches & bin until re-sited	Actioned
7.		BS to 1. put together a welcome pack proposal & 2. look at ways of engaging volunteers.	Ongoing
8.		BS to look in to engaging other local chairs to meet informally	Actioned
9.		BS to arrange top soil & grass seed for play area mound	Actioned
10.		ALL to consider fencing or other options for play areas	C’fwd
11.		BS to organise volunteer turning over bark in play area	C’fwd
12.		BS to consider plan for removal of weeds on pump track	Actioned
16.		PM & Clerk to discuss findings on bus shelter noticeboard	Clerk to order
19.		Recreation ground northern boundary fence – BS to approach contractors	Actioned
20.		DB / BS to investigate new signage across the recreation ground	Actioned
21.		DB to contact the head of the Brownie group re bus shelter redecoration. Brownie group not interested.	Actioned
22.		BS to confirm with KH actions re fence / hedge in cemetery extension	Actioned
23.		PM to report back to council on work allocation system trial. PM to report via email to council.	Ongoing
26.		BS to contact potential proof reader for Upton News	Actioned
27.		PM & Clerk to discuss online meeting date updates	Ongoing
No.	Actions from previous meetings		By when
7.	KH to report back to council on recommendations for the two benches in situ in the nature garden area.		Actioned
8.	KH to provide formal proposal & timescales for fence development around the new cemetery area.		Actioned
6.	BS to issue rota forms. Deferred to Clerk to issue.		Ongoing

Appendix B – County Councillor Report November

Cllr Upcoming meetings:

2nd Nov – Full Council @ County Hall

2nd Nov – Steventon Parish Council

3rd Nov – Meeting officer around the Milton Heights Permit (ongoing issue)

4th Nov – Place Scrutiny Working Plan Group

4th Nov – East Hendred Parish Council

9th Nov – ANOB Meeting (virtual)

9th Nov – Harwell Parish Council

10th Nov – Cabinet Debrief – Culture

10th Nov – Chilton Parish Council

10th Nov – Blewbury Parish Council

10th Nov – Ardington and Lockinge Parish Council

11th Nov – West Hendred Parish Council

11th Nov – Cabinet debrief Health

19th Nov – Budget Prep

24th Nov – Place Committee

25th Nov – Upton Parish Council Meeting

26th Nov – Rowstock Relief Debrief – CC and Officers

If there are meetings you would like to invite me to please get in touch:

sally.povolotsky@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Upcoming publications:

If you have a village publication – please put me in touch so I can connect and it would be great to have the standard ‘text’ in each one as per the following;

Find Latest News and Information online here – https://hendredsandharwell.mycouncillor.org.uk

Find Daily updates / news and events on Facebook here – @sally4hendredsandharwell

Share your community news on our new GROUP on Facebook – SEARCH – Hendreds & Harwell Community Official – where we can share events / news and ideas together

You can whats app / call me on – 07939 912997

You can email me on – sally.povolotsky@oxfordshire.gov.uk

OCC news:

New 20mph policy approved: OCC has finally launched its much-anticipated new 20mph policy.

The policy has been widely welcomed by campaign groups, parishes, and residents. A website has been launched with more information on how the policy will work.

Bid for government funding for buses:

The county will bring forward an ambitious new plan to improve buses in Oxfordshire. The plan includes proposals for South and Vale, funding for these services will be dependent on the bid for£56 million from the government being successful.

New Local and Transport Connectivity Plan:

A new plan was approved at cabinet to promote cycling, walking and low-carbon transport in the county. It sets a goal of replacing one in every three car trips by 2040. Nestled within the plan is anew freight strategy that includes proposals for reducing inappropriate movements of HGVs through villages. The next step for the plan is to hold a public consultation, with final adoption scheduled for spring 2022.

Rough sleeping plan:

A new homelessness prevention strategy was approved by Cabinet. The strategy involves rapid response when someone becomes at risk, and a focus on individual needs and circumstances to provide greater levels of support. I also would like to thank those of you who sponsored my ‘Big Sleep’ at the Tower of London, we raised £760 for homeless veterans.

Warning on social care funding:

Cllr Calum Miller, cabinet member for finance has issued a warning that unless the chancellor provides more money for adult social care and special educational needs councils will have no choice but to raise council tax so that we can continue to provide the care needed for vulnerable residents. Rather than ‘solving’ the crisis in care, the national insurance hike announced by the government will increase costs for local authorities.

Civil parking enforcement: OCC enforcement of on-street parking offences comes into play this month, from 1st November (today) – do let me know if you need any assistance, several emails and documents have been sent.

Full Council 2nd Nov:

I have successfully managed to get my first motion tabled for Full Council around COP26 as follows;

https://mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/documents/g6492/

Public%20reports%20pack%20Tuesday%2002-Nov-2021%2011.00%20County%20-

Council.pdf?T=10

“In 2018, at COP24, the UK Government signed up to ‘domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities’ so localities can play their part in delivering the UK’s ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ in the Paris Agreement.

In May 2021 the Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26, said collaboration would be a key objective of the COP26 climate summit; “Governments, business and civil society (sometimes called ‘non- state actors’ and including local government) need to work together to transform the ways we power our homes and businesses, grow our food, develop infrastructure and move ourselves and goods around.”

Despite these agreements and statements there is still no formal relationship for partnership working between Local and National Government on climate action.

This Council:-

(a) notes that Cabinet has already adopted the recommendations of the ‘Pathways to Zero Carbon Oxfordshire’ report(1), the most detailed plan ever made for the decarbonisation of Oxfordshire’s economy;

(b) adds its voice to calls by the Local Government Association and others for a joint local and national government Task Force to work towards ‘net zero’ emissions, able to set appropriate regulations, benchmarks and targets and create long-term funding mechanisms to support local communities and economies to decarbonise; and

Leadership Board of the LGA, informing them of our support for such a Task Force and asking for one to be established as soon as possible.”

(1.) https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/2021/0629-pathways-to-zero-carbon- oxfordshire.html

Lets hope we have enough time to get onto it!

Parish round up

Meanwhile the reservoir issue is upon us again, and stronger than ever! There are various consultations out and please please do reach out to GARD for any help, advice and documents / evidence

– email Derek Stork on – Gard.chair@gmail.com

I welcome a 1:1 with any Parish Chairs, to really get a grip on local issues, and where these have happened (Steventon, Harwell) we have got allot done / going in a short period of time. Please do reach out. Clerks I am happy to get these booked in, so far these have only been with Harwell and Steventon Chairs, and its really helped move casework forwards and get results! Working together we can achieve our goals.

You, and your residents can report any pathway, overgrown verges, pot holes or signage issues

to FIX MY STREET – https://www.fixmystreet.com

As a reminder I now sit on the following committees / councillor responsibilities / champion….

Verges and BioDiversity Group (Lead)
Armed Forces Champion – Locality – Shrivenham Defence Academy
OCC Adoption Panel Member / Representative
AONB OCC Member / Representative
New PLACES Scrutiny committee member (this has now commenced)
Environment Spokesperson for Alliance – assisting Cabinet Member for Climate on Verges and Biodiversity Projects
Currently ‘Acting’ Group Chair (Chair is on Holiday), but also now the Group WHIP and Deputy Chair.

CLERKS – can I please ask you send me ONLINE meeting invites for the Parish Council meetings, as then I can manage these in my diary, as leading up-to Christmas its getting rather busy.

General Issues

Councillor Surgeries – dates to be released on Facebook and sent to Parishes accordingly. These will be via zoom for the foreseeable and individual groups / residents face to face accordingly as needed.

Parish Updates

Rowstock Relief Project

Please note these meetings are now every 2 weeks with officers, and the SID data being collated is hugely helpful. We are no further forwards at present, however I am pushing for the following

40mph buffer from before Rowstock Manor down to current 30mph
Safe Crossing for Active Travel – Harwell Campus Side
Safe Crossing for Bus Stop and a need for a covered bus stop on the Garage side.
Connecting the Golden Mile on Active Travel with a Bonded Surface
Connecting Rowstock on Safe Active Travel to Harwell Campus, Harwell Village and

East Hendred

Packhorse ‘Road Works’

FYI not a week has gone by since August when I haven’t spoken to Highways about these non existent works – have an officer meeting on Thursday at 10am to show the lack of any works and to try and get permit cancelled!

Esso Development Site

I know this is causing allot of angst, at time of writing the VOWH Planning committee agenda is not out as yet, but keep your eyes open!10.11. Please do remember you can send in statements and request to speak (time limit on latter) – and please liaise with your District Councillor accordingly.

East Hendred – 2 Current Cases.

1:1. Recent call with Chair, and discussed Thames Water works (pending meeting), White Road Parking and Safety as well as Mill Lane Surface and Safety.

Adopting Verges Biodiversity net gain trial on A417 (between East and West Hendred) with HEG, OCC and local residents – more details in January 2022

Harwell – 4 Current Cases.

Chasing Reading Road / Also asked for investigation into the S106 Crossing Funds for Route 1 / Reading Road (near Winnaway).

Looking into S106 funding around GWP on the traffic calming for High St, Burr Street, Blenheim Hill. Have questioned trigger points and actions / plans. Sent to contracts team for clarification.

Grove Road Consultation open

Steventon – 5 Current Cases.

Received several contacts through social media, issues around Anti-Social Behaviour, Parking and Illegal Parking, Drugs Offences, Driving and Speeding. Signposted residents to Police, Parish Council and District Councillor where appropriate.

Talking to residents about Air Quality Survey starting after bridge survey

Bridge Survey Part 1 has commenced, managed to change access to allow pedestrians and cyclists GARD and the Motion to FC – this is on as an emergency item and will be read at the start of the FC as follows;

Motion by Councillor Richard Webber

“On 10 July 2018, Council passed a motion unanimously calling on the Leader of the Council to write to Thames Water, Defra, the Environment Agency and Ofwat, requesting that a second consultation on the proposed Oxfordshire Reservoir be undertaken due to incomplete information or errors on the information used to base their recommendations.”

As information in the latest consultation remains incomplete, and what has been provided to support the proposal contains many errors, Council now confirms its position on the TW proposed Reservoir agreed at the Council meeting on the 10 July2018 in that it remains opposed to the proposal, at least until the case for need has been clearly demonstrated by taking into account and answering the concerns of the whole scientific community.

To this end, Council will be including and taking full account of discussions with and opinions of all sources of independent scientific expertise including the Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD) when considering its response to Thames Water proposals.”

Upton – No New Casework, wrote letter supporting 20mph for the area for new OCC speeding regulations.

Chilton – No New Casework – Chasing buses and reinstatement, no further news on Chilton Fields adoption (still with Land Registry)

Blewbury – No New Casework – Continued discussions over cycle path needs!

West Hendred – No New Casework

Ardington and Lockinge – No New Casework, chasing the school crossing signs, delays due to lack of materials for poles.

Appendix C – DC Report

Monday 8th November 2021 – Monthly Parish Update

Vale of White Horse District Councillors – Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley

Hello from Hayleigh & Sarah

Hello! It’s that time of year again – colder nights and shorter days, complete with all the coughs and colds this time of year brings. If anyone is in need of support over the winter months, financial or otherwise, remember that the councils’ community support hub is still available as a first point of contact for getting the help you need. COVID-19 is still very much with us, and councils are encouraging residents to continue to follow the guidelines of handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing.

On the subject of health, we are grateful that the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group agreed to join a recent meeting of the Great Western Park Residents’ Association, in order to provide an update on the long-awaited healthcare facility on the GWP site. More on this in our report – needless to say, it is good to see the CCG are now in a position to be providing public updates on this much-needed facility.

In council news, we’re pleased that ahead of COP26, Cllr Emily Smith – leader of the Vale – has joined UK100: a national network giving council leaders greater influence and resources in tackling the climate emergency. This follows a motion passed at our last Full Council meeting in October, seconded by Hayleigh. The Vale also now has a new deputy leader, Cllr Bethia Thomas. Bethia was also a newly-elected councillor back in 2019, same as us, so it’s great to see her now in this leadership role. We look forward to working with Bethia, and we would like to thank Cllr Debby Hallett, the previous deputy leader, for all her guidance and hard work.

The Christmas season is nearly here, and there are lots of craft and gift fairs taking place in the local villages. It’s great to see these events happening again after a difficult winter last year in lockdown. Times are still very tough for local businesses, so we encourage residents to shop local and shop small this Christmas. There are plenty of wonderful independent retailers based in Didcot, Wantage and the surrounding villages – perfect for locally sourced, sustainable gift ideas.

We will 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.

COVID-19 Community Support

Call: 01235 422 600 Monday to Thursday 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm
Email: communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
Online Form: whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub
Website whitehorsedc.gov.uk/covid19

Residents can also contact:

Citizens Advice – 0808 278 7907
Vale Community Impact – 01235 765348

Remember that the latest figures are updated on the county council’s interactive dashboard on a daily basis. Given the recent colder weather and rising case rates, we encourage residents to get tested regularly and, if they feel unwell, book a PCR test, as Covid-19 is still very much around.

Local News

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group update on GWP Healthcare Centre

Summary by Cllr Sarah Medley:

On Monday 8^th November, representatives from the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) kindly agreed to our invitation to speak at the Great Western Park Residents’ Association (GWPRA) public meeting, to update residents on the progress of the new healthcare facility planned for Great Western Park.

Julie Dandridge, CCG Deputy Director of Primary Care, and Jo Cogswell, CCG Director of Transformation, attended the meeting and explained that the process for setting up new GP facilities is complex; it is not something which happens automatically when new developments are built. The CCG requires GPs, which are independent businesses, to commit to the provision of services for a new development. This is either done through working together with existing GP practices, or seeking a completely new provider.

In the case of the long-awaited GP surgery on Great Western Park, the CCG have been working together with the Didcot medical practices. The main issue is the need for a suitable building – various options have been considered over the past few years, to determine the best fit for GWP. The good news is that the CCG have now identified a suitable developer with experience of building medical facilities. The next stage of the process is for an appointed District Valuer to determine whether the proposed facility is value for money for the CCG, and the next stage after that is to apply for planning permission.

It appears that there is still some way to go in the process, however the CCG are pleased to be able to report back to the public that significant progress is now being made. They are not yet able to state a timescale for when the new GP facility on GWP will be open for patients, however they are very aware of the urgent need to alleviate the pressure on GP services in the Didcot area – an issue raised by many at the meeting. We questioned whether a temporary or pop-up surgery could be established on GWP in the meantime, for example in one of the community centres or similar, and the CCG representatives agreed to investigate this option. This is promising – and something that we will be chasing up.

Hayleigh and I would like to thank Julie and Jo from the CCG for providing this useful update. Thank you to the many local residents who attended and asked very pertinent questions about the funding, timescales and service provision. The CCG have kindly agreed to provide further updates for the public as the project progresses, and we will ensure that these are shared with residents through our newsletters and social media.

Council News

Garden Waste: Normal Service Resumed

We’re pleased to announce that our garden waste service has now returned to its normal fortnightly collections. That means your next garden waste collection will take place on your usual collection day as scheduled in our normal annual waste collections calendar. Every time it’s recycling week you’ll be able to put your brown bin out when you put your green wheelie bin as normal.

We’d like to apologise once again for the disruption to the service and to thank you for your patience and understanding. We have extended your subscription by three months to make up for the disruption.

Garden waste is an optional paid-for garden waste service. For £51.50 per year customers get their garden waste such as hedge clippings, grass cuttings, dead leaves etc collected regularly from their home using one of our brown wheeled bins. Garden waste is collected on the same day as your recycling. To check when this is please see waste calendar. If your bin was not emptied – please click here to report a missed bin collection.

Councils urge global leaders to agree urgent climate action at COP26

Find out what this hugely important climate conference means for you.

Vale’s Emily Smith joins other local leaders in putting net zero ambitions ahead of government targets

Just over a week before the United Nations Climate Change conference COP26, Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, has joined dozens of other local authority leaders from across the UK in signing up to UK100’s ‘Net Zero Pledge’, reaffirming the Vale’s commitment to meeting Net Zero carbon emissions.

Good causes in the Vale benefit from White Horse Community Lottery

Since its first draw in September the White Horse Community Lottery has already started to raise money for good causes across the Vale, enabling them to continue and expand their work with vulnerable residents and communities in the district.

Businesses based in Southern Oxfordshire given support to widen their network

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are supporting local businesses by offering a discount to join a new online networking group.

New Vale of White Horse District Council Deputy Leader announced

Councillor Bethia Thomas has been announced as the new Deputy Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council.

New council building concept design gets the go ahead

The concept design for the new district council building at Didcot Gateway has been approved, and the detailed design process is now getting underway. The project and building are owned by South Oxfordshire District Council, although the facilities are planned to be shared with the Vale – as was the arrangement at Crowmarsh, the previous council building.

You could win a Nando’s or Costa voucher as new campaign highlights that laughing gas is #NoLaughingMatter

A new campaign has started across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to highlight the issues and dangers of Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. The campaign will see #NoLaughingMatter stencils painted across the districts and there is a short online quiz, with a £25 Nando’s or Costa voucher.

Consultations

Views sought on future development at airfield at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon

We’re asking your views on how future development at the airfield at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon should look and feel, and how it should contribute to the area.

Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on 21st September 2021

October 5, 2021

Minutes of a meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21^st September 2021 in the village hall.Continue Reading Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on 21st September 2021

Upton Parish Council Minutes July 2021

August 10, 2021

Upton Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Thursday 15^th July 2021 in the village hall.

Continue Reading Upton Parish Council Minutes July 2021

Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting 15th April 2021

April 27, 2021

Held at 7.00pm on Thursday 15^th April 2021 via an e-conference system.

In attendance:- Cllrs B Shaw (Chairman/BS), P McLaughlin (PM), Neil Thorp (NT). E Cooper (Clerk/EC).

Apologies for absence

Cllr D Beckles in advance of the meeting. Cllr B Heneghan was not present.

Declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None.

To formally agree the council’s decision regarding the holding of its annual meeting on Thursday 20^th May at 7.30pm. This is in light of the ending of legislation allowing virtual meetings at midnight on 6^th May, and Village Halls reopening from 17^th May, but at 50% capacity, which may enable face to face meetings, albeit with all current guidelines still in place.

Council agreed that the situation in relation to holding meetings virtually & in person had been made clear by the Clerk regarding holding the annual meeting in May. It is not feasible to bring the meeting forward to before 6^th May. Council unanimously agreed that in the interests of the health & safety of its members & employee, it was too soon to meet face to face & the May meeting would be held virtually. This decision included comments made to the same effect by email from both absent councillors.

The situation will be reviewed prior to the meeting in July.

Clerk confirmed that the meeting room in the village hall was booked for council meetings from July. The chairman asked that these meetings be held in the main hall if it was not already booked. Clerk to confirm.

The meeting ended a 7.14pm.

Date of next full council meeting:-

Thursday 20th May at 7.30pm. To be held via an e-conference system.

Minutes of the Upton Parish Council meeting held at 7.30pm on Thursday 18th March 2021. This meeting was held via an e-conference system.

April 27, 2021

In attendance: – Cllr Ben Shaw (Chair/BS), Miss E Cooper (Clerk/EC), Cllrs David Beckles (DB), Neil Thorp (NT) & Brendan Heneghan (BH). County Cllr Mike Fox-Davies, District Cllr Sarah Medley. Four members of the public.

Apologies for absence

Cllr Peter McLaughlin

Declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None

To approve the minutes of the following meeting & note any matters arising: –

UPC 14.01.21

Council agreed to the following amendment for item 13.3 Pump Track, to remove the word

‘move’ from line one.

UPCX 11.02.21

UPCX 18.02.21

Report from the County Councillor (see Appendix A below)

Report from the District Councillor (see Appendix B below)

Report from the PCSO (see Appendix C below)

Representations from the public

Kieron Humphreys attended the meeting to present his Upton Nature Garden proposal. He

explained the creeping removal of wildlife habitats & losing biodiversity, & the government’s

strategy for biodiversity across England (Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and

ecosystem services). BS explained that the council had not had sufficient time as yet to

consider the proposal, but would do so prior to the next meeting in May.

Update from BS on the current community/Parish Council Covid-19 response

Village wide support remained ongoing with regular updates on the Upton WhatsApp.

Outstanding actions from this meeting & carried forward from previous

meetings: –

No.	Actions from this meeting	When by
1.	PC to meet to discuss Upton Nature Project.	ASAP
2.	Clerk to action £75 donation to CAB.	Actioned 23.3.21
3.	Clerk to start Lloyds debit card application process again.	ASAP
4.	Clerk to create indemnity form.	ASAP
5.	Clerk to gather annual reports for publication.	ASAP
No.	Actions from previous meetings	When by
1.	PMcL to complete procedural documents for web site	Ongoing
4.	Council to agree donation to CAB See agreement under Finance & Administration.	Cleared

Agree or ratify the council’s response to the following planning applications: –

10.1 To agree:-

10.1.1 P20/V2094/FUL3 Amend 2, 3 Fieldside, Upton

Proposed extensions to side & rear & subdivision of plot to create new

one-bedroom dwelling.

Deadline 17.03.21

UPC majority agreed to object (1 abstention).

10.1.2 P20/V3104/HH Amend 1, Conifers, Stream Road, Upton

Single storey front extension & raising roof to provide additional room in loft +

internal alterations.

Deadline 8.4.21

UPC unanimously agreed no objections.

10.2 To ratify:-

10.2.1 P21/V0228/HH Thistledome, Stream Rd, Upton

Erection of single storey & two storey side extension & single storey rear

extension. New porch to principal elevation & widening of existing driveway.

Associated internal reconfigurations.

UPC no objections 4.3.21

10.2.2 P20/V2773/LB Amendment no 1 Owlscote Barn, High Street, Upton

Regularisation of unauthorised work to LB.

UPC no objections + narrative 24.2.21

10.2.3 P21/V0231/HH

Park View, Station Road, Upton

Single storey extension at rear, demolish existing conservatory & alterations to

enlarge kitchen.

UPC no objections

10.3 Note Planning Permissions granted: –

P20/V3064/HH Pottengers, Chilton Road, Upton

Update on UPC Finances and Administration

11.1 UPC agreed to a payment of £1450 +VAT for the decommissioning of the old toddler

play area. This is being carried out at the same time as the installation of the new toddler

play area.

11.2 Agree the appointment of Mrs R Caffyn as internal auditor for the year

2020/21.

UPC unanimously agreed.

11.3 Agree the following payments & who to authorise: –

PM agreed to authorise.

Date	Payee	£
28.02.21, 28.03.21	Clerk’s salary SO Inc additional hours (8) as agreed [LGA1972 s112(2)]	Not publicly disclosed
09.03.21	Clerk’s expenses [LG(FPA)1963s5]	£11.34
Feb, Mar	HMRC PAYE SO (£46 – Feb, £46.00 Mar £46.00)	£92.00
29.02.20, 29.03.21	Microsoft Office365 Feb&Mar DD @£3.80pm [LGA1972 s111]	£7.60
19.03.21	OALC Annual Subscription [LGA1972 s143]	£146.16
23.02.21	Giffords Recycling Cushionfall bark (adventure play area – paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)]	£1908.00
09.03.21	KOMPAN – new toddler play area equipment (paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)]	£9130.48
18.03.21	Krystal Hosting [LGA 1972 s111] Council agreed to add payment.	£9.59
	TOTAL	£11295.58 + Clerk’s salary above

11.4 Receipts

Bank interest Feb 10p, March 10p

SSE wayleave annual payment £2.00

11.5 Sign off bank reconciliation to date

Provided in advance of the meeting. To be physically signed at a later date

11.6 Any other financial or administration updates

11.6.1 Council reiterated agreement of CAB donation of £75 from January meeting, to be

donated this financial year.

11.6.2 Clerk informed council that the Lloyds Bank application for debit cards had not

been received by Lloyds Bank & would be starting the process again.

11.6.3 Oxfordshire Protocol document

Council agreed that there would be no significant actions on the PC.

Update on the recreation ground Play Areas

12.1 Toddler play area

Work on the installation of the new toddler play area was underway. Decommissioning

of the old toddler play area is taking place at the same time.

12.2 Adventure play area

Thanks to much appreciated help from villagers, the surface of the adventure play area

was turned over prior to the delivery of new bark chippings on 17.3.21. Distribution of

the chippings was scheduled for 20.3.21.

12.3 Pump Track

The funding for the refurbishment of the pump track is being looked into, particularly with

a view to extending the longevity of this area.

Updates on the maintenance of the recreation ground

13.1 Current maintenance of grounds

Following the delivery of bark chippings to the adventure play area, some damage was

caused to the ground by the lorry. Consideration is being given to the restoration of the

damage.

13.2 Current volunteer situation

With no current volunteer rota, it was reported to council that Bob Lott has agreed to

take this on. Clerk to create an appropriate indemnity form for all volunteers.

13.3 Replacement fence

Currently on hold due to other considerations.

Update from BS on Working Groups

No update this month.

Update from PMcL on UPC IT

No update in the absence of PM.

Agree the content of the next council update for Upton News

To include play area information new/old/adventure.

Discuss the repositioning of the small oak tree in the new cemetery field

Council agreed that having viewed the position of the tree, it presented no immediate problem

& would not do for some years to come. Therefore no action would be taken.

Agree the date of the next meeting(s)

18.1 To agree that there will be no Annual Parish Meeting this year

Council unanimously agreed. Clerk to gather reports for publishing.

18.2 Next full council meeting Thursday 20^th May 2021 at 7.30pm

Via an e-conference system or face to face TBC

The meeting finished at 8.45pm.

APPENDIX A

REPORT UPTON PARISH COUNCIL MARCH 2021

FROM CLLR MIKE FOX-DAVIES

Oxfordshire update

In the seven days up to 5 March, there has been a total of 220 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire. This is a decrease from 405 new cases in the previous week. This is equivalent to a weekly rate of 31.8 per 100,000 residents and a reduction of 46 per cent over the last seven days.

The figures are summarised in the table below. This includes the number of new cases for this week compared to the previous week (up to 26 February) across the county and its five districts.

Cases of COVID-19 by district

	Cases in 7 days up to 26/02	Rate per 100,000 population	Cases in 7 days up to 05/03	Rate per 100,000 population
Cherwell	108	71.8	56	37.2
Oxford	125	82.0	46	30.2
South Oxfordshire	65	45.8	41	28.9
Vale of White Horse	79	58.1	48	35.3
West Oxfordshire	28	25.3	29	26.2
Oxfordshire	405	58.6	220	31.8

Data correct as at 5pm on 9 March.

COVID-19 dashboard

There is a COVID-19 dashboard on our website where you can access daily COVID-19 statistics.

Schools Return

Last week saw schools welcome back all pupils. We are not yet able to see how this first step in the easing of lockdown affects our COVID-19 cases, but the good news is that new cases are down across the county. All districts now have rates below 50 per 100,000, which puts us in a much better position than previous weeks for this return to school. We have also seen a continued decline in new cases in the over 60s, which is resulting in far fewer hospital admissions.

Home testing kits to support the return to school

The government has announced that all households with primary and secondary school and college-aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles, will be encouraged to start regular twice-weekly rapid lateral flow testing as schools return from 8 March.

Tests are available for adults in these households to order online, which can be delivered to their home or collected at a local symptomatic PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test site. These PCR sites are where people go to get tested when they have symptoms of COVID-19 and because of that, collection of these home test kits is set for 1pm – 7pm when testing of symptomatic people will not be taking place.

The PCR local testing sites (LTS) and regional testing site (RTS) offering the collection of home testing kits (referred to as LTS-collect and RTS-collect) in Oxfordshire are:

Regional testing site (drive-through)

Oxford Parkway, Water Eaton Park & Ride, Oxford Road, Oxford, OX2 8HA

Local testing sites (walk-through)

Woodgreen Leisure Centre, Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury, OX16 0HS
Osney Lane, Oxford, OX1 1NY
Woodford Way car park, Witney, OX28 6JS

Parents do not need to make an appointment, but they can check online if the location is open or busy before they go. A reminder collection is 1pm – 7pm.

In Oxfordshire, home tests kits cannot currently be collected from the county council’s symptom-free testing sites, which are Spiceball Leisure Centre (Banbury), The Beacon (Wantage), The King’s Centre (Oxford). We will keep you posted if this changes.

Symptom-free testing for key workers

Testing plays a key role in helping stop the spread of the virus and our symptom-free testing programme includes everyone across the council and also open to public-facing workers across the county who need to leave home to work or volunteer. As before, this also includes childminders.

Testing for people who have COVID-19 symptoms

Across Oxfordshire, we have a range of testing sites for people who have COVID-19 symptoms, including drive-through and walk-in sites. We also have a number of mobile testing units operating in the county and the latest dates and locations for these are below. Booking is required for all testing sites.

Mobile testing units including

Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 6JB

March: 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31.

Large majority of Oxfordshire parents and children offered first school choice

Parents and children across the county have been offered their first choice of secondary school for 2021/22 in the vast majority of cases. A total of 89.99 per cent (6,371) of applications have been awarded their first choice, and our school admissions team has done an excellent job in achieving this. You can read more about this in our news story on our website.

Target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions exceeded

Oxfordshire’s aim of becoming a zero-carbon county by 2050 has received a boost with news that our target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions was exceeded last year. We cut our corporate carbon emissions by eight per cent from April 2019 to March 2020, beating our target of six per cent. The replacement of boilers and streetlighting with more energy-efficient models, the installation of solar panels and the purchase of more electric vehicles were all factors in the reduction and more savings are soon on the way with the rollout of LED street lighting. The full story is published in the news section of our website.

Topping the table for recycling and composting

Residents in Oxfordshire have helped the county top the table nationally when it comes to recycling and composting for the seventh year in a row. I am delighted to say that Oxfordshire County Council has once again been named the best performing county council waste disposal authority in England, according to new government figures released on 3 March 2021. For more information and the statistics, read the news story on our website.

Consultation launched on Oxfordshire’s draft transport blueprint

Residents and organisations across the county are being offered the chance to help shape the transformation of transport and digital connectivity across Oxfordshire in a consultation on a draft blueprint for the future, which runs until 29 March. The new local transport and connectivity plan (LTCP) sets out a vision for Oxfordshire that will contribute to developing a zero-carbon economy for the county and transform the health and wellbeing of residents. Residents can have their say by visiting the county council’s consultation site. To find out more, see the news story on our website.

Government commits to supercharge the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

The government has this week announced an ambitious plan to transform the Oxford-Cambridge Arc into the UK’s fastest-growing economic region. The Arc is a globally significant area between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, made up of the five counties of Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. It supports over two million jobs, adds over £110 billion to the economy every year, and houses one of the fastest-growing economies in England.

The aim is build a better economic, social and environmental future for the area, with high-quality, well-connected and sustainable communities. With the right interventions and investment, analysis suggests that by 2050 economic output could double to over £200bn.

To achieve this ambition, the government will work with local partners to:

Develop a spatial framework for the Arc – this is a long-term regional plan to help coordinate the infrastructure, environment and new developments in the area, and help unlock the long-term potential of the area in a sustainable way. It will give communities a chance to shape the long-term future of their area and will help ensure the benefits of growth are felt across the region.
Explore the creation of an Arc Growth Body– this would be a clear economic leadership voice for the Arc, championing its talent and assets internationally, supporting businesses, and fostering innovation.

You can read the announcement on gov.uk.

Census update

Census day is 21 March. Currently our communications focus on reminding residents of the date, to watch out for their census letter in early March and the benefits of completing the census. If you have any questions contact Lisa Stead at lisa.stead58@field.Census.gov.uk or on 07452 942723 (Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse) and Sinead Leach at sinead.leach49 @field.Census.gov.uk or on 07452 948074 (South Oxfordshire and Oxford City).

APPENDIX B

Upton Parish Council, Thursday 18th March 2021

Report from District Councillors Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley

Coronavirus Update and Community Support

Community Support Hub

The Community Hub continues to be available to help people access support and essentials during the lockdown if they have nobody else to turn to and can be contacted on the usual details below. The councils’ Housing Needs team are available to help people who are at risk of being made homeless or who are sleeping rough – for more details visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/housing. Support is also available to residents who are experiencing financial difficulties – to find out more please visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/benefits. If you are having difficulty paying your council tax please visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/counciltax or call 0345 302 2315.

To contact the Community Support Team: call: 01235 422 600 Monday to Thursday 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm email: communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk

fill in an online form at: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub

Remember, for the most up-to-date coronavirus information relating to district council support and any changes to services, please take a look at the dedicated Vale webpage for updates: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/covid19

COVID-19 rates across Oxfordshire

The number of positive cases in Oxfordshire overall is still falling but more slowly than it has been recently, with a five per cent reduction in cases over the last week. The “R” rate in Oxfordshire is currently between 0.6 and 0.8. We’ve seen a very slight increase in weekly infection rate in the Vale, which is 61 cases per 100,000 – up from 59.6 last week. The rate in South Oxfordshire has gone down again this week and is currently at 54.2 cases per 100,000.

Vaccinations

39,122 people have been vaccinated in South Oxfordshire (population:140,504)
35,117 in the Vale (population: 133,732)

The latest figures are updated on the county council’s interactive dashboard on a daily basis. It’s important we continue to stay vigilant and stick to the rules to protect ourselves and others. The ‘hands, face, space’ rules remain important to follow even for those who have been vaccinated. We are continuing to promote the help and support available for those who have to self-isolate or who are facing financial difficulties due to COVID.

The Beacon now an asymptomatic test centre

From 23rd February, The Beacon in Wantage became a COVID-19 testing site for public-facing workers and volunteers who are not displaying symptoms. The capacity for regular testing for public-facing workers is good, with testing now expanded to include everyone who needs to leave home to work or volunteer and cannot access workplace testing from their employer. This includes taxi drivers, independent retailers, and tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians.

People in these roles who cannot work from home and do not have access to workplace testing can book a free test at the centre via the county council’s online booking system. Tests take only 15 minutes with results available within an hour. South and Vale district councils have worked closely with partners across Oxfordshire to help set up this rapid symptom-free testing site to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and vital social care services, and ultimately to save lives. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 have no symptoms but can still pass it on and so regular testing of public-facing workers will help to stop the spread of the virus.

Garden waste collections have resumed We have good news for garden waste customers – collections resumed from 15th Feb. Please share this news far and wide and with any friends and family in the district. The service will happily collect any real Christmas trees from garden waste customers if they still have them. We’re just asking them where possible to cut the tree up and pop it inside the bin. Otherwise it can be put out for collection next to the brown bin. There are more details on the service resuming on our garden waste webpage . We had to delay the restart of the service as many of our bin crews were off sick or were having to self-isolate due to COVID-19. While we are pleased to say that we now have enough crew members to complete the rounds we are still working on tight staffing levels and cannot rule out more disruption if those levels dip suddenly as they did before.

Business support during the pandemic

The government has confirmed details of the next payment period for the Local restrictions support grant (closed) addendum, which provides ongoing funding for rate-paying businesses that have been forced to close due to the national lockdown.

The second payment cycle covers 16 February to 31 March 2021:

businesses with a property of rateable value £15,000 or less, may be eligible for £2,096
businesses with a property of rateable value over £15,000 but less than £51,000, may be eligible for £3,143
those with a property of rateable value £51,000 or above, may be eligible for £4,714.

So far, we have paid out more than £2.6million from the first payment cycle of this grant, covering 5 January to 15 February, supporting more than 1,000 businesses across South and Vale. All eligible businesses should have received an email confirming their payment arrangements for this period.

The Vale will now begin the process of preparing the new grants in advance of payment, subject to us receiving final clarification, including grant funding, from the government. We expect to be able to email eligible businesses confirming the payment process and their grant allocation week commencing 8 March if not before. Businesses in receipt of this grant do not need to take any action, they will continue to receive the money automatically without having to apply again. For more details about the grants available to businesses visit svbs.co.uk.

Budget 2021 – Restart grants for businesses

In the Budget this week, the Chancellor announced that pubs, restaurants, shops and other businesses hit hardest by the pandemic will be able to access a £5 billion grant scheme to help them reopen as lockdown is eased. Non-essential retailers will get help to reopen and trade safely with the new ‘Restart grants’, of up to £6,000 per premises. Hospitality, hotels, gyms, as well as personal care and leisure firms, will be eligible for up to £18,000 per premises – a larger grant as they are due to open later in the roadmap than retailers. We will have responsibility for distributing these grants and will receive the funding in April. We’ll have more information on the processes for this in due course once we’ve had the full details from the government.

Local News

Valley Park We were very pleased with the outcome of Vale of White Horse District Council Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 16th February – the committee agreed unanimously to DEFER the decision on the Valley Park planning application! This is great news, as it means there is now more time available for residents and councillors to really push for our own local vision of what Valley Park should be. Deferring the application was voted for on the basis that further clarity needs to be sought on the following key issues with the Valley Park proposal before a decision can be made: B4493 Roundabout between Harwell and Didcot – committee asked council officers to look at this design again and consider alternative options to make this monstrous 5-arm roundabout safer and more accessible for cyclists. Thank you to the HarBUG – Harwell Bicycle Users Group and Sustainable Harwell for your excellent speeches on this issue, and special shout out to local resident Kate Stevenson Weal for your Facebook comment about an underpass on the roundabout – this sparked an entire debate the possibility of an underpass, bridge or another alternative solution to be explored in the design! Healthcare Provision – the committee asked council officers to go back to the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group – OCCG once again to obtain a proper answer regarding the medical provision for Valley Park. This site would bring 10,000 new residents to the area and yet there is no provision in the plans for a GP surgery or any Primary Medical Care, primarily because the OCCG didn’t even respond to the consultation in the first place! Thank you to Patient Participation Group (PPG) chairman Stewart Lilly for speaking on behalf of all 3 Didcot Medical Centres – we’re certain that your eye-opening statistics about the pressure our local services are under was key in influencing this decision. Biodiversity – massive well done to Sally Povolotsky for your fantastic speech raising the issues with biodiversity considerations on the site, including the protection of red kites. Thanks to you, the committee asked for the financial contributions from the developer relating to biodiversity off-setting (totalling £200,000) to be brought forward from a staged payment (after 1000th house is occupied) to a full amount paid upfront prior to commencement of the development. A brilliant win for protecting the natural environment before the first house is even built! The link below contains our extensive written statement that we submitted to the committee in advance of the meeting – we used this to clearly lay out our objectives, with the council policies to back them up. Two different members of the committee commended us for the high quality of our statement!

https://sustainable-harwell.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ward-Councillors-Statement-Planning-Committee-16.02.21-Valley-Park-P14-V2873-O.pdf

If you didn’t catch the meeting, you can catch up any time on the YouTube link below to see the speeches and debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xZR4Ks-N3o Updates since the planning committee meeting on 16th February:

The Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG) have now responded to the Valley Park planning application, asking the developer to provide just under £4million for healthcare provision, as well as allocating land for a GP surgery site, in the event that the one on Great Western Park does not get built. This is brilliant news, as previously there was no response and hence no money or land allocated for healthcare, which was extremely concerning, and one of the key reasons the planning committee voted to defer the decision on the planning application. The response from the OCCG needs to pass various planning tests so it is not yet set in stone, but we are very happy that this is a big step in the right direction.
There have been many rumours flying around about when Valley Park will be coming back to planning committee for further consideration. We would just like to clarify that it can only come back to committee once the planning officers are satisfied that the issues raised at the deferral decision have been addressed. We have been informed today that due to purdah, i.e. the time before an election period (in this case local elections on May 6th) in which councils are not permitted to make big decisions, the application for Valley Park will not come back to planning committee until May at the earliest.

Finally thank you to everyone who attended our residents’ feedback session on Valley Park last week. It was great to hear your views, it is clear that there are still a lot of concerns and questions around the roundabout design, the healthcare and biodiversity/sustainability. We plan to organise further feedback sessions in future to focus on these topics, so watch this space! In the meantime please feel free to email us your ideas and thoughts about the roundabout design, we can pass these on to the planning officers for consideration by the developer. • The news of the decision on Valley Park was featured in a recent edition of the Didcot Herald: https://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/19111212.plans-4-000-homes-valley-park-near-didcot-delayed/?fbclid=IwAR2itsHerQwA3Ghqs8J1xdgNZGn1zMsK6nW0GPI6Zz6cnDVmPQ_8IwK9iVE

Neighbourhood plans

Chilton Parish Council has submitted its draft neighbourhood plan to the council and the council is now carrying out a consultation which launched on Wednesday 17 February and will run until midnight on Wednesday 7 April 2021.

Council News

2021/2022 Budget at Full council 10th February

The most recent meeting of Full Council was on Wednesday 10th February – the agenda and link for viewing online can be found at http://democratic.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=108&MId=2722

The key agenda item for discussion was the proposed budget for 2021/2022. The council set out budget plans which protect front line services, continue to support local residents and businesses through the pandemic and help stabilise the council’s finances for the medium term. The budget would result in an increase of less than 10p per week on Band D Council Tax. Annual council tax will be £141.69 for services provided by the district council, up from £136.69 this year. The Vale currently has the 15th lowest council tax in the country for a shire district and significantly lower than the national average of £194.22. Since the pandemic began, the district council has re-allocated significant resources in order to provide vital support for residents and businesses across the district. This has included: administering more than 3,300 Covid-19 grant payments to local businesses totalling £21 million. We provided the new Community Support Hub, supporting 5,208 vulnerable residents, including providing direct assistance for 785 people. It is currently expected that this work will need to continue well into 2021. The council’s income also remains significantly affected by the Covid-19 restrictions. Like many councils, the Vale still faces significant financial challenges which have been caused by years of reduced funding from government, and the lack of clarity about the future of local authority financing. Along with the other Oxfordshire councils, the Vale has repeatedly called on the government to urgently provide additional funding to help ensure the future of vital public services. To see the full press release on the budget proposals, please visit https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/budget/councils-2021-22-budget-report-addresses-covid-19-challenges/ Councils looking into the possibility of a joint South and Vale Local Plan The two district councils in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are looking into the possibility of developing a joint Local Plan for the area to significantly reduce costs and help the councils meet their ambitious targets for making the two districts carbon neutral. Local Plans are used to help determine planning applications and set out how and where new housing developments should take place, along with identifying the infrastructure needed to support them. They also set out policies on what kind of housing is appropriate and acceptable; what the local requirements for affordable housing are; and can even set requirements on the energy-efficiency levels of new developments. These are all key themes and aspirations that are addressed in both councils’ recently adopted new Corporate Plans, which set out their visions for their districts. Both councils have also committed to do everything they can to address the climate emergency. According to reports being seen by the councils’ Scrutiny Committees next week, the significant consensus on these issues makes this a rare opportunity to create a joint Local Plan. The reports were discussed by the two councils’ Scrutiny Committees on 8 and 9 March in South and Vale respectively and will then be debated at the Vale’s Cabinet on 17 March and South Oxfordshire’s on 18 March. Any recommendations from the Cabinets would then be debated and voted on at the full Council meetings on 24 and 25 March at Vale and South respectively.

Low carbon leisure centres

Faringdon leisure centre is to get a £400,000 refurbishment with the potential to reduce its carbon footprint by 500,000 kwh over a year – the equivalent of the annual energy use of 135 houses.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has been awarded a £361,746 grant from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The rest of the funding needed will come from S106 money. The refurbishment will enable centre to use low carbon and renewable energy by replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps powered with new solar panels.

In February 2019 the council joined a growing number of local authorities and other organisations in declaring a climate emergency. The council is calling on the government to support action on climate change locally. All councils in Oxfordshire are signed up to carbon reduction targets through the Oxfordshire Energy Strategy and are committed to a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emission between 2008 and 2030.

The Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC) recommended that the Vale of White Horse reduce carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2030. The council has also committed to becoming a carbon neutral district by 2045. In their Corporate Plan, published last year, Vale Cabinet members identified Tackling the Climate Emergency and Building Healthy Communities as two of their key priorities. The work on this project will start this month and be completed by the end of March 2022. The council’s officers are now commissioning studies to help them seek further funding for the decarbonisation of more leisure centres.

New waste calendars

Residents will shortly be receiving their new waste collection calendar for the coming year – it’ll be included in with the council tax bills hitting doormats this month. Residents who get their council tax bills electronically will get a link to an online version of the calendar in their email bill. The new calendar which runs from April 2021 – March 2022 is available here – www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/waste-calendar

South and Vale residents are top recyclers in the country… again

We’re very pleased to reveal that in the latest government figures, our environmentally conscious residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are the second and third best recyclers in England. South Oxfordshire recycle 64 per cent of its waste, with the Vale recycling 63.3 per cent. This puts the two districts way above the national recycling rate of 45.5 per cent and they are also two of only 11 local authorities in the country with a recycling rate above 60 per cent. Both districts have consistently been in the top ten in the past five years. As the figures cover the period from the beginning of April 2019 to the end of March 2020, they only include the very first week of the national lockdown last year. So the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns on the collection of household waste in the districts will not be revealed until next year’s figures.

Call for people to help at the elections

We are looking for people to take on paid work at this year’s elections. On Thursday 6 May our residents will go to the polls to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner and Oxfordshire County Council elections. Some areas will also have local by-elections and neighbourhood plan referendums. The various counts will then take place over the following days. To help ensure the smooth running of this event, we need to recruit as many people as possible. There are lots of roles available, paying a flat rate or from £14 per hour, and plans are being put in place to ensure all staff can work in a Covid-19 safe environment.

If you know anyone who may be interested in working at the elections, please encourage them to visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/electionjobs to find out more and to register their interest.

Census packs to arrive from 3 March

Some residents will now have started receiving their Census 2021 pack, which will be dropping on doormats until 13 March. There is a lot of information on the Census website.

Two district councils join Oxfordshire Greentech to help local businesses tackle the climate emergency

As part of their commitments to help the districts become carbon neutral, Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils have struck up a brand-new partnership to help local businesses reduce their carbon footprint. As Strategic Partners, the councils will be working with Oxfordshire Greentech to help connect businesses with specialist suppliers, customers and support organisations, and access funding streams and networking opportunities to help them minimise their emissions and impact on the environment.

Launched in 2019, Oxfordshire Greentech brings together a wide array of businesses, academia and other organisations to encourage innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer. The growing network now has over 100 members as more companies see the benefits of sustainable business and new, circular economy focused business models.

For businesses wanting to take advantage of the discount in membership, visit Oxfordshire Greentech for more information via http://oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk/

Changes to Vale parking arrangements confirmed following public consultation

Following a public consultation, Vale of White Horse District Council’s Cabinet have approved several changes to parking arrangements to help reduce vehicle emissions. Last November almost 200 people commented on proposed changes to the parking arrangements. At their meeting on Friday 5 February, the council’s Cabinet considered the consultation results, and approved that the following measures which will now be included in the district’s new parking policy:

Reducing vehicle emissions

In Abingdon, lorries will no longer be able to park in Rye Farm car park and specific spaces will be allocated for a coach and campervans in Hales Meadow car park. This popular move to free up more spaces in Rye Farm for smaller vehicles, should encourage people visiting from the A415 to park here on edge of town rather than joining the traffic in the town centre, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Encouraging electric vehicle use

The Vale is currently working with Oxfordshire County Council with a view to introduce electric vehicle charging bays in some district council car parks. If this happens then, under the new policy, parking enforcement officers will have new powers to fine motorists who park non-electric vehicles in electric charging bays, or who leave an electric vehicle parked in a charging bay when it’s not charging.

Tackling the car parks deficit

The Vale’s car parks, in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage, collectively cost more than £700,000 a year to run. Once the income from parking fees has been taken into account, there is an average shortfall of over £300,000 a year, which is currently subsidised by council tax.

To help address this deficit, Cabinet agreed that the price of resident permits, which provide significant discounts on daily parking rates, would need to go up by 10 per cent each year until 2023. This decision was taken after carefully considering feedback from the public and taking the potential impact on individual residents and families into account. Members rejected options to implement a price increase of up to 100 per cent, in favour of a 10 per cent increase per year over the next three years.

Minutes of the extraordinary meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Thursday 18th February 2021 via an e-conference system.

March 17, 2021

In attendance:- Cllr B Shaw (Chair/BS), Miss E Cooper (Clerk/EC), Cllrs N Thorp, P McLaughlin. Four members of the public.

Apologies for absence

None received prior to the meeting. Cllr D Beckles joined the meeting at 7.50pm. Cllr B Heneghan was not present.

Declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

None.

Representations from the public

Those present reiterated their thoughts & responses formed in the Working Group.

To formally agree & ratify the council’s response to the Chilton Road & A417 London Road Proposed Traffic Management & Toucan Crossing Consultation (deadline 19.2.21)

Council unanimously agreed to accept the Working Group’s summary findings, which were confirmed in terms of the consultation responses & associated narrative.

Clerk to submit response on 19.02.21 (deadline).

The meeting finished at 8.12pm.

Date of next full council meeting:-

Thursday 18th March at 7.30pm, via an e-conference system.

Minutes of the extraordinary meeting of Upton Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Thursday 11th February 2021 via an e-conference system.

March 17, 2021

In attendance:- Cllr B Shaw (Chair/BS), E Cooper (Clerk/EC), Cllrs N Thorp (NT), P McLaughlin (PM), B Heneghan (BH), D Beckles (DB). One member of the public.

To note or receive apologies for absence

None.

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

NT declared that he lived in Chilton Road.

Cllr Thorp was told by the Clerk that he would not be able to vote on anything

specific to Chilton Road. This has subsequently been corrected & apologies made to

Cllr Thorp.

To hear representations from the public

None made.

To discuss & agree the council’s response to the Chilton Road Closure Consultation

4.1 Council agreed that under normal circumstances a meeting would have been

held for all villagers to attend to discuss the consultation. As this had not been

possible, a questionnaire (with a question on the road closure) had been

completed and a small working group had met to put together a response.

4.2 BH agreed to create a series of questions for the council to agree & for those questions to be put as appropriate to the County Council, District Council & Sustrans to fully establish the status of the Chilton Road closure – before the deadline of 19.02.21. Other councillors offered assistance in this endeavour.

4.3 Council agreed that the closure had been accelerated under the pandemic situation, to meet a larger objective of increasing the ability to more easily cycle/walk in the wider area.

4.4 Council also agreed that all issues surrounding the road closure were not being addressed in the consultation & that all other issues must be addressed. This included the state of Hagbourne Hill & it’s unsuitability to carry increased traffic. Council agreed that the plan for this area is a priority.

To discuss & agree delegation of working groups led by Councillors following the successful implementation of the Chilton Road Closure Working Group

The formation of Working Groups is currently covered in the council’s Standing

Orders, para 27, Advisory Committees.

BH to propose an amendment to this para.

To agree the PC’s response to the following planning consultations: –

P20/V3363/HH Owlscote Barn, High St, Upton

Retrospective – External Sunken seating area and patio

Deadline 12 noon on 12.02.21

The council agreed no objections to this consultation, noting that it was another

retrospective application from this property.

To agree the following payments:-

7.1 OALC, GDPR & Data Protection training, Cllr PM £60

7.2 OALC, GDPR & Data Protection training, Cllr BH £60

7.3 OALC, Finding New Councillors training, Clerk £60

7.4 OALC, Finding New Councillors training, Cllr BS £60

Council unanimously agreed to all payments above. PM agreed to authorise.

Council agreed (proposed BH, seconded BS, all in favour), to hold a further meeting on Thursday 18^th February 2021 at 7.30pm to finalise a response to the consultation.

The meeting finished at 21.38.

Date of next meeting:-

Full council meeting Thursday 18th March at 7.30pm, via an e-conference system.

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To note or receive apologies for absence

To note any declarations of interest in the items on the agenda

To hear a report from the District Councillor

To hear a report from the PCSO

To hear representations from the public

To hear an update from the UVHAT representative

To hear an update from the PCC representative

To hear an update on the Upton Nature Garden Project

To report on outstanding actions carried forward from previous meetings: –

To ratify or agree the council’s response to the following planning applications: –

To receive an update on UPC Finances and Administration

To hear an update on the recreation ground Play Areas

To hear an update on the maintenance of the recreation ground

To hear any update on UPC IT (PM)

To hear an update on Speed Watch & 20s Plenty for Upton (BH)

To agree the council content for the next online Upton News (NT)

To agree the date of the next meeting

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