Upton Village

South Oxfordshire

Vale of White Horse District Councillors Parish Update 06.02.2023

District Councilors Hayleigh and SarahMonday 6th February 2023

Monthly Parish Update

Vale of White Horse District Councillors

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley.

Hello from Hayleigh and Sarah.

Hello! A reminder that there are several community warm spaces available locally, providing a welcome space for all, with free refreshments and activities for children. The Didcot Wave and Abingdon White Horse Leisure Centres are offering warm spaces open to all, both leisure centre members and non-members alike, from 11.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. These spaces offer a warm welcome, comfortable seating, free tea, coffee & biscuits as well as the opportunity to charge your phone, use the free Wi-Fi and have a hot shower. The websites https://www.warmwelcome.uk/ and https://warmspaces.org/ have online maps of warm spaces nearby, and we are also aware of the following available in the local area:

  • Mondays
    • 10am – 3pm at the Didcot Baptist Church
    • 2pm – 5.30pm at Snell’s Hall in East Hendred (Community Larder at 4pm – 5.30pm)
  • Tuesdays
    • 9am – 2pm at St Michael’s Church Hall in Steventon
    • 11am – 2pm at the Village Hall in Chilton
  • Wednesdays
    • 10am – 3pm at the Didcot Baptist Church
    • 1pm – 5pm at Didcot Community Partnership, 99 Station Road
  • Thursdays
    • 10am – 12pm at the GWP Northern Community Centre
    • 10am – 2pm at the Didcot Baptist Church
    • 1pm – 4pm at The Harwellian Social Club in Harwell
  • Fridays
    • 10am – 12pm at the GWP Southern Community Centre
    • 9am – 4pm at Snell’s Hall in East Hendred

Blewbury Warm Space events will take place on Wednesday 15th February from 12.00noon to 2.30pm and Saturday 18th, 10.30am-12.30pm in the Vale Room in Blewbury village hall.

We use these monthly updates to keep you updated on our activities, general council news and any COVID-19 developments. We also post regularly on our councillor Facebook Page: Cllrs Hayleigh Gascoigne & Sarah Medley Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any issues or concerns, either via Facebook message or email: hayleigh.gascoigne@whitehorsedc.gov.uk and sarah.medley@whitehorsedc.gov.uk.  

Community Support

Cost of Living Support

If you or someone you know is in need of support over the winter months, a reminder that the council has put together a Cost of Living Help webpage for more information about financial and housing support, and local community food services. You can also contact the council’s Community Support Hub for practical support and advice: call 01235 422 600 (Mon to Thurs 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm) or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub. Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale can provide you with free, confidential advice via 0808 278 7907. Vale Community Impact can provide free advice too, call them on 01235 765348

Help is at hand for people finding it hard to pay for food and energy bills

The Household Support Fund scheme has opened again for people finding it hard to cope with the rising cost of food and energy bills.
The fund is initially open for applications to help eligible households that have not received any support from the fund previously. However, from 13 February, if funds remain, it will be opened up wider to households that have received some funding in the past but not since May last year. 

Residents can apply for support by filling in an online form on the councils’ websites or by calling their Community Hub team during office hours on 01235 422600. The fund closes on 31 March, or sooner if it is fully allocated.

Local News

Valley Park Update

Hayleigh and Sarah: this section of our report provides an overview of the current live planning applications for Valley Park. There are often are several live applications relating to the development, however those labelled ‘RM’ i.e. ‘Reserved Matters’ are typically the most noteworthy as they request planning permission for specific parcels of housing on the development. Residents can provide comments on these applications. Applications labelled as ‘DIS’ i.e. ‘Discharge’ relate to specific conditions from the outline planning permission and are not usually open for public consultation. The current live planning applications for Valley Park are listed below along with an update on the status of each provided by the Vale planning officers:

P22/V2744/RM – 246 dwellings

Following officers’ review of the application, Taylor Wimpey has been given an opportunity to provide more information, clarify issues, address consultee comments and revise the scheme. Amended plans are expected and re-consultation is likely on receipt. Unless the Harwell Parish Council withdraws its objections on review of an amended scheme, this application is likely to be taken to planning committee for a decision.

P22/V2338/DIS – Housing delivery document (HDD)

The applicants submitted a revised HDD as mentioned in the January update. This revised HDD it is largely acceptable. However, the phasing plan in the HDD needs to be updated in line with amendments sought in respect of the phasing plan application (see the next item below).

P22/V2407/DIS – Phasing plan

The applicants submitted a revised phasing plan as mentioned in the January update. However, the amendments do not sufficiently address previous matters raised and therefore, the applicants have again been asked to address them.

P22/V2624/DIS – Surface and foul water drainage

This application has not progressed since the January update: we have requested cross sections for the proposed swales and attenuation basins and asked the applicant to address the Vale drainage engineer comments together with demonstrating that the drainage scheme can be accommodated with other proposed infrastructure e.g. footways and cycle ways and meet the Strategic Design Code expectations.

P22/V2798/DIS – Framework Plan

This application does not address all matters required by the Framework Plan condition of the outline permission. For example there are no details of materials proposed, visitor parking or strategic drainage details. The Framework plan basically shows layouts for the first phases of Persimmon’s and Taylor Wimpey’s developments which officers are not wholly satisfied with. The applicants have been asked to address officer comments and revised details are awaited.

Didcot & Villages Healthcare

As your local councillors we are very aware of the pressure on our local GP services in the Didcot area – it’s one of the main issues residents contact us about. We will continue to work with the officers at the council and the staff at the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The ICB are responsible for delivering the GP surgery on GWP, using the money given by the developers. When we have any updates on progress, we will share them.

All three Didcot GP practices have now closed their books to new patients, as stated on their websites. The surgery websites have a search feature to find an alternative GP, however if you are struggling to register please contact the NHS Oxfordshire Patient Advice and Liaison service: bobicb-ox.palscomplaints@nhs.net

Healthwatch Oxfordshire are hosting an open forum on Tuesday 28th February at 4.30pm and all are welcome to attend. Please go along to:

  • Have your say about local health and care services
  • Hear about their work and tell them your views
  • Meet the board of trustees and put your questions to them

If you can’t make it but have a question to ask or an issue to raise please get in touch via 01865 520520 or hello@healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk  

Have you visited or been in touch with your GP recently? If so, what was it like? There is a Feedback Centre that allows you to leave reviews of GP surgeries in the county. It only takes a few minutes to do and is completely anonymous. Share your experience here.

If you want to receive the Healthwatch Oxfordshire directly to your own email address, you can subscribe using this sign-up form.
They also provide news and information updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

GWP Council Site

As residents on Great Western Park or Harwell parish may be aware, there is a live planning application submitted by the council for a storage yard for maintenance vehicles. The current store for these vehicles is near Crowmarsh, but the council is seeking a new site. A large proportion of the land owned by both councils is situated at Great Western Park, and so for a fuel economy point of view, having the store of the maintenance vehicles close is logical.

The site is currently used by Taylor Wimpey and they also use it for vehicles. The land (along with other pieces of land on GWP) will be transferred to the council in due course, as was outlined in the S106 agreement when planning permission was first given. The site will be 0.5 acres and be used for a small number of vehicles.

We understand that people living near the site are unhappy about this new application. We have called in the application to planning committee, so it can be heard by them. If accepted, residents can attend and speak about the application, and about their objections, or ideas to improve the application (like screening with vegetation, for example), or they may email the planning committee. Before that, I would recommend that people who are concerned log their comments on the Council’s planning portal, as the planning officers look at these when making recommendations.

Climate & Environment News

Climate Emergency Advisory Committee

CEAC was held on Monday 23rd January, and the draft minutes can be found on the Vale website. It was great to hear the progress made with the Climate Action Plan. Some highlights:

  • Decarbonisation grants for two leisure centres (White Horse and Wantage Leisure Centres) had been successfully attained after a bidding round. Engaging with consultants to help identify sites for decarbonisation for the whole council estate.
  • Climate Action Fund (CAF) – this had opened in October 2022 and was extended to January 2023. 18 applications were made. The maximum grant request was just over 55 thousand pounds. The results of the applications would be announced at the end of February. Small money can go a long way and behaviour changes were being made in the process. Schemes already supported by CAF funding were going well.
  • On trees and nature recovery – two tree planting sites have been identified in Abingdon, including Herons Walk for flower planting. These will be Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funded and works will be carried out within our parks team.
  • Councillors in the meeting considered the different options for how the council can help local efforts to retrofit homes. Retrofitting involves making changes to existing homes to improve energy efficiency, remove fossil fuel heat sources and replace with low carbon alternatives, and generate renewable energy onsite. Retrofitting is a critical part of achieving net zero and a major programme for retrofitting existing homes is required to reach net zero in our districts as 24.8% of carbon emissions in Vale of White Horse comes from residential buildings.

Council News

Fun, free and low-cost activities for families this February half term

There’s an array of free or low-cost activities this February half-term to keep the kids entertained across South Oxfordshire and the Vale.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils arts centres and Active Communities team have planned a week of theatre, workshops and physical activities for children and their families to engage with. There are many sessions planned locally including at The Cornerstone, Didcot and The Beacon, Wantage. Take a look at the webpage.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Consultation

The Government is asking people for their views on their proposed approach to updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The NPPF sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied by local planning authorities, such as Vale. We can only make planning decisions in accordance with this framework.

To find out more, visit the Government’s consultation webpage.

If you unhappy with planning process, or would like make comments, please respond to the government’s consultation, it closes on 2 March 2023.

Everyone will need photo ID to vote at the local elections 
The government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023, so please help spread the word in your local area.

Accepted forms of photo ID will include, but are not limited to, passport, driving licence (including provisional license), disabled parking blue badge, certain concessionary travel cards and identity cards with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme).

Anyone who doesn’t have accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for ID for the local elections is 25 April.

For more information, including details on how to apply, you can visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call the Electoral Commission helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Contact numbers for highway related issues

The Highways Team at Oxfordshire County Council have launched a new telephone number for Oxfordshire residents to call for urgent out of hours highway related issues if there are concerns about it causing an accident or damaging property.

The call adviser will discuss the urgency of the issue and take appropriate action as required.

Out of hours include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

The new telephone number 01223 849731

During normal working hours, you should continue to call the council’s customer service centre on 0345 310 1111.

If the situation is potentially life threatening, you should call emergency services on 999.

Minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on 17th January 2023

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 7pm in the meeting room in the village hall.

 

In attendance:-            Chairman                                Ben Shaw

Vice Chairman                       Neil Thorp

Councillors                             David Beckles, Brendan Heneghan

Clerk                                        Liz Cooper

District Councillor               Hayleigh Gascoigne

 

  1. To receive apologies for absence

        Peter McLaughlin, Sally Povolotsky           

 

  1. To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting

         B Shaw (any discussion on recreation ground bin collections)

 

  1. To receive the County Councillor’s report

         No report received this month.

 

  1. To receive District Councillor’s report

         Report received & distributed to Council members. In addition:-

  • The Council confirmed to HG it was not aware of any ‘Warm Spaces’ being run in Upton.
  • NT & BH asked for an update on the provision of new healthcare facilities? HG explained that no    planning consultations had yet been raised for healthcare facilities in Great Western Park or any    other new development. BH to provide HG with a list of related questions.
  • HG explained about the possibility of a future district council boundary change that may affect Upton village. This is the responsibility of the Boundary Commission & any changes would not be in the near future. 
  1. To receive a report from the PCSO

         No report received.       

 

  1. Open Forum

No members of the public were present.

 

  1. To hear an update from the PCC

       The following report was received from P Batho & J West:-

We were pleased to welcome good numbers to the Christmas services held at St Mary’s, and it was
great to see a full church for the Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

It was also a pleasure to welcome the Parish Council to the church on 15th December. This was a good
example of how the church building might be used more widely by the community especially once the
proposed improvements have been completed, aided maybe by a heating upgrade!

A newsletter and final appeal for the vestry improvements has been distributed to all houses in the village in the last couple of days. In summary, planning consent and a diocesan faculty have been received and a bat survey and tree protection measures are in hand. We are aiming to raise the final £12,000 which should enable us to seek tenders for the work in the spring, with the hope of undertaking the works as soon as possible thereafter.

Finally, we are still awaiting an estimate from Whites Bellhangers for the repair of the bell rope (which broke in September) and a general overhaul of the bell frame. It appears they may not be prioritising such a relatively small job, so we are looking at the possibility of undertaking the work using voluntary labour. In particular, if anyone in the village has access to a portable scaffold tower, we’d be very pleased to hear from them.

  1. To hear an update from a UVHAT representative on village hall operations

        There was no report nor attendance from any UVHAT representative. However, BS & BH reported that

the UVHAT AGM would be held on Wednesday 25th January.

 

  1. To hear an update from the Nature Garden representative

        There was no attendance from a Nature Garden representative. The following update was received

from K Humphrey:-

 

      Headlines from the nature garden are:

  • bulbs successfully planted
  • sign erected
  • the team was concerned to learn about the development proposal on the boundary – and dismayed that no parish council comment was recorded about the proposal and potential impact on the nature garden
  • next maintenance day in the works – probably in the spring      
  1. To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on:-

       UPC Meeting 23rd November 2022

Council agreed that the minutes were a true record of the meeting.

 

11. Planning

11.1 To agree / ratify the council’s response to the following consultations

11.1.1 P22/V2956/HH Icknield House, Chilton Road, Upton

Single storey rear extensions with double glazed full height frames & Ultraframe double

glazed roof.

Deadline 20.01.23

Returned 18.01.23. Four no objections & one abstention from UPC.

 

11.1.2 P22/V2432/HH Conifers, Stream Road, Upton

Convert existing single garage to habitable space & reorder interior. Create new flat-roofed

extension with small porch in the north re-entrant corner of the existing. Provide/extend

parking for 4 cars to the front.

Deadline 09.12.22

UPC returned no objections 20.12.22

 

11.2 To note planning permissions /withdrawals received during the month

None.

 

12. Finance & Administration

12.1 To receive an update UPC Finances

12.1.2 Treasurers Account to 31.12.22 £7,428.59

Business Bank Instant Account to 31.12.22 £13,080.14

Total funds available as at 31.12.22 £20,508.73

 

12.2 To agree the authorisers for this month’s payments.

NT & PM

 

12.3 To approve payments to be made noted spending powers and within budgeted amounts

 

DATE Description /Payee Amount
28.12.22/ 28.01.232 Clerk’s salary since last meeting [LGA1972 s112(2)] Not publicly disclosed
24.11.22/ 08.01.23 Clerk’s expenses [LG(FP)A 1963r5] £21.80
28.12.22/ 28.01.23 HMRC PAYE (Dec £84.50, Jan £85.40) [LGA 1972 s112(2)] £169.90
28.12.22 / 28.01.23 Microsoft subscription @£4.50pm [LGA1972 s111] £9.00
16.12.22 CloudAlly 1 year backup wef 16.01.23 [[LGA1972s111 ] £42.00
05.12.22 Dark White Digital – IT updates (Paid to be ratified) [[LGA1972s111] £40.00
06.12.22 Moore external audit (Paid to be ratified) [[LGA1972s111] £480.00
19.12.22 OALC W2284 BS Budgeting course [LGA1972s111] £66.00
18.01.23 OALC W2351 BH Training course [LGA1972s111] £132.00
18.01.23 OALC W2352 BH Training course [LGA1972s111] £144.00
18.01.23 OALC W2353 BH Training course [LGA1972s111] £48.00
Total £1152.70

(plus salary above)

 

Receipts Description Amount
Blewbury Parish Council SLCC Membership share [LGA1972s143] £124.00
Lloyds Bank Interest December 22 £2.99
Total   £126.99

 

12.4 To sign off bank reconciliation to end December.

Provided in advance of the meeting & signed by BS at meeting

 

12.5 To review the final budget for 23/24 & agree the precept

Council formally agreed, by majority (with one against), to increase the precept by 5%. The precept

application would therefore be in the sum of £26,500. EC to return precept application.

 

12.6 To hear / agree on any other financial or administration updates

End of Q3 results were distributed to Council ahead of the meeting & were accepted by Council.

 

  1. To hear any updates on any aspect of the recreation ground play areas

13.1 Play area inspections

13.1.1 RoSPA had carried out a quarterly inspection in January & Council had received the

subsequent report. The play area bin would be replaced as soon as a new one can be

ordered & delivered. The Slide was noted in the RoSPA report & would be taken out of use,

due to the wear on the wooden platform. Council to organise ASAP. PM & BS to issue a

notice via usual communication channels

13.1.2 Ground inspections were carried out by Council members on a regular basis.

13.2 Toddler play area

No areas of concern reported.

13.3 Adventure play area

See 13.1.1 above. A new sign has been ordered.

13.4 Pump track

No areas of concern reported. A new sign has been ordered.

 

  1. To hear any updates on the maintenance of the recreation ground

       14.1 New bin provision / new bin collection proposal

14.1.1 Council agreed unanimously to order two new single bins for the recreation ground. One

to replace the one by the play area & the other to be placed elsewhere on the recreation

ground. EC to order bins.

14.1.2 Council unanimously agreed that Organised Grime would be formally engaged to collect bin

refuse from the recreation ground with effect from 1st February 2023 for a trial period of 3

months. EC to formalise.

14.2 Current maintenance activity

Previously received quotes are to be reviewed & updated for further consideration.

14.3 New signage for the recreation ground

A new sign for the entrance to the recreation ground has been ordered.

14.4 Any other updates on the recreation ground

BH to speak to B Lott regarding additional storage within the UPC garage to house the marquee.               

 

  1. To hear an update on Speed Watch Activities from BH

        No update.

 

  1. To hear an update on UPC IT

EC reported a problem with the UPC laptop. Council agreed for EC to pursue outside help to sort out

the problems.

 

  1. To hear any update on Risk Management

Compliance, GDPR & any other risk management updates – no update.

 

  1. To hear an update on the production & issue of Upton News – NT

Agree content for next edition of Upton News – Council agreed to note the 23/24 budget had been

agreed & the precept would be increased by 5%. Also to include play area considerations.

 

  1. To set the date and venue of the next full council meeting

Full council meeting Tuesday 14th March 2023 at 7.00pm, meeting room in the village hall

 

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

 

 

Appendix A – Meeting Action Points

No. Actions from January Meeting By when
1. BH to provide HG with questions relating to health care provision on Great Western Park & other new developments. Actioned.
2. EC to return precept form. Actioned.
3. Council members to arrange taking the adventure play area slide out of use. ASAP
4. PM, NT & BS to issue notice via usual communications channels re slide taken out of use. ASAP
5. EC to order 2 new bins. ASAP
6. EC to formalise trial agreement with Organised Grime. ASAP
7. BH to speak to B Lott re marquee storage inside UPC garage. ASAP
8. EC to sort out laptop problems & report back. ASAP

 

No. Actions from previous meetings By When
6. BH to source fencing quotes for replacement of fence at end of recreation ground This is postponed until further notice.
7. BS to obtain quotes for chain & post fencing to delineate current overflow parking area. This is postponed until further notice.
8. BH to produce a specification for a new surface for overflow parking C’fwd
9. BS to obtain quotes for a new surface in the overflow area (once spec produced) C’fwd
10. Clerk to email UVHAT re parking considerations C’fwd
12. Clerk to organise formal agreement for new bin collection. Actioned
15. HG to let Clerk know what replacement VoWH signage is available. Actioned
16. BH to investigate further improvements to the inside of the garage. Actioned
17. BH & PM to arrange the installation of the speed watch signs. C’fwd until roadworks complete.
18. Clerk to check IT budget & report back to Council Actioned
19. All to consider IT back-up & future proof options C’fwd
3. BS & EC to work on Clerk in Training, Lengthman job descriptions & ads In progress
4. PM to organise fitting of nets to goal posts C’fwd
7. BS to invite villagers to state what they would like to see from a ‘welcome to the village’ pack. November meeting

Upton Parish Council Minutes 23rd November 2022

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held in the meeting room at Upton village hall on Wednesday 23th November 2022 at 7.00 pm.

 

In attendance:-

Chairman                                                       Ben Shaw (BS)

Vice Chairman                                              Neil Thorp (NT)

Councillors                                                 Peter McLaughlin PM)

Brendan Heneghan (BH)

Clerk/RFO                                                  Liz Cooper (EC)

County Councillor                                     Sally Povolotsky (SP)

 

 

  1. To receive apologies for absence

        District Councillors Hayleigh Gascoigne (HG)/Sarah Medley (SM)

Councillor David Beckles was not present

 

  1. To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting

         None.

 

  1. To receive the County Councillor’s report (see Appendix B below)

BS raised concerns over the Upton road works. BS to email position statement to SP regarding specific

concerns raised by residents & other concerns noted. SP confirmed the A417 now has a constant repair

schedule. SP will call in for review & an emergency site visit.

 

  1. To receive District Councillor’s report (see Appendix C below)

        Received in advance of the meeting & sent to Councillors.

NT to confirm recent fly tipping incidents to Clerk to forward to the District Councillors.

 

  1. To receive a report from the PCSO

         No report this month.

       

  1. Open Forum

No members of the public were present.

 

  1. To hear an update from the PCC

There was no PCC representation at the meeting.

 

  1. To hear an update from UVHAT representative(s) on village hall operations

        There was no UVHAT representation at the meeting.

 

  1. To hear an update from the Nature Garden representative(s) on progress

       There was no Nature Garden representation at the meeting.

 

  1. To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on:-

       UPC Meeting 29th September 2022

       UPC Finance Committee Meeting 3rd November 2022

Council agreed that the minutes were a true representation of the meetings.

 

11. Planning

11.1 To agree / ratify the council’s response to the following consultations

11.1.1 P22/S3609/FUL Horse & Harrow, Main St, West Hagbourne

Change of use of public house to 3 & 4-bed dwelling, plus erection of 3 further properties on

land adjacent to the public house.

Deadline 25.11.22

UPC agreed no objections to this consultation (3 no objections & 1 abstention)

 

11.1.2 P22/V2219/FUL Land at Alden Farm, Hollow Way, Upton

Proposed erection of a new agricultural dwelling with landscaping & associated works.

Deadline 02.11.22

UPC objected 01.11.22 & requested District Council to investigate further.

Clerk to note to the District Council that this application is not land at Alden Farm, it is land

owned by R Napper.

 

11.1.3 P22/V2281/HH Halt House, 4 Beeching Close, Upton

Erection of 2-storey side extension with partial basement for pool, 105 storey rear extension,

single storey front office & porch extension, conversion of first floor of garage to hobby room.

Deadline 27.10.22

UPC no response.

 

11.2 To note planning permissions /withdrawals received during the month

11.2.1 P22/V2103/FUL Manor Farm, Main St, West Hagbourne

Planning permission 07.10.22

11.2.2 P22/V1676/FUL Church of St Mary, Church St, Upton

Planning permission 14.11.22

11.2.3 P22/V1790/HH Winterbourne, Stream Rd, Upton

Planning permission 05.10.22

 

  1. 12. Finance & Administration

12.1 To receive an update on the Audit 2021-2022

12.1.1 To receive an update on the external audit conclusion

  1. To hear Moore’s final query on UPC’s EA submission

Moore’s final query asked the Council to restate its eligibility for exemption from an

external audit in 20/21.

  1. To confirm that the Certificate of Exemption for 20/21 is duly ratified as being correct &

complete. To countersign the Certificate of Exemption at this face to face meeting.

Council duly agreed that the Certification of Exemption was correct & this was counter

signed by both the Chair & Clerk.

 

12.2 To agree the authoriser for this month’s payments

Cllr P McLaughlin.

 

12.3 To approve payments to be made noted spending powers and within budgeted amounts

12.3.1 Council to note National Salary Award has been concluded & will apply to Clerk’s salary from

November 2022, back dated to April 2022.

 

DATE Description /Payee Amount
28.10.22/ 28.11.22 Clerk’s salary since last meeting

[LGA1972 s112(2)]

 Not publicly disclosed
30.09.22/ 23.11.22 Clerk’s expenses [LG(FP)A 1963r5 £5.40
28.10.22/ 28.11.22 HMRC PAYE (Oct £90.00, Nov £133.80) [LGA 1972 s112(2)] £223.80
27.10.22 / 27.11.22 Microsoft subscription @£4.50pm [LGA1972 s111] £9.00
27.10.22 G de Wilde expenses for Frog Alley clearance (Paid to be ratified) [LGA 1972 s137] £1017.43
03.11.22 Kompan play area remedial work (Paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)] £3865.80
24.10.22 RoSPA play area annual inspection (Paid to be ratified) [PHAAA 1907 s76(1)] £302.40
10.11.22 Royal British Legion donation [LGA1972 s137] £100.00
24.11.22 SLCC Membership (confirmed 14.11.22 to be split with BPC) [LGA 1972 s143] £186.00
24.10.22 Nature Garden – Gedneys bulbs [LGA 1972 s137] (Paid to be ratified) £368.70
10.10.22 Nature Garden –Etills water butt [LGS 1972 s137] (Paid to be ratified) £680.18
Total £6,434.91

(plus salary above)

 

Receipts Description Amount
Uptonogood Donation £3959.45
Lloyds Interest (Oct/Nov) £1.96
Total   £3,961.41

 

12.4 To sign off bank reconciliation to end October.

Provided in advance of the meeting & signed by the Chair at the meeting

 

12.5 To hear / agree on any other financial or administration updates

12.5.1 Treasurers Account balance at 31.10.22 £13,710.59

Business bank instant balance at 31.10.22 £13,075.75

Total funds held as at 31.10.22 £26,786.34

 

12.5.2 To hear & agree all items from the Finance Committee meeting held on 3rd November as

follows:-

12.5.2.1 Council priorities to the end of the financial year – full council ratified items i-iv .

i. Establishing the parameters around the car park extension (physical & financial)

ii. New recreation ground signage

A quote for two new play area signs had been received & was with Council for

consideration.

iii. New waste collection provision & new recreation ground bin. Clerk to order new

bin. BS will arrange installation. Clerk to complete new waste bin collection

documentation.

iv. Further work on footpaths & the cemetery field. Work had been carried out

to establish suitable contractors & one was recommended to the Council for

one-off work before the end of the financial year. Council acknowledged that the

footpath leading from behind the George & Dragon was particularly bad.

 

12.5.2.2 Council priorities for the next financial year. Council agreed that while investigative

work on projects to establish parameters could be carried out, due to the overall

financial crisis which was creating difficulties with suppliers & the supply chain, large

projects such as the recreation ground fence, may take up to 5 years to come to

fruition.

  1. Car park extension

BH to provide a quote for the supply of telegraph pole markers as a temporary

measure around the car park extension. BH also to speak to UVHAT on the same

subject.

  1. Recreation ground fence

iii. Recruitment of deputy Clerk

  1. Engagement of contractors to carry out green spaces maintenance & play area

remedial work.

12.5.2.3 PM is looking at alternative banking arrangements to present to Council

PM confirmed he is looking for alternatives to Lloyds Bank & would present a

comparison in due course.

12.5.2.4 Committee proposed £100 grant to the Royal British Legion

Full Council agreed to the continuation of this donation, & also agreed to the

continued donation of £50 to the CAB at the end of the financial year.

12.5.2.5 Committee proposed increase in Clerk salary to SCP27 with effect from 01.04.23

This was agreed by full Council.

12.5.2.6 Committee ratified UPC Overtime Policy

Duly acknowledged by full Council.

 

12.5.3 Following the issue of the draft budget to the full Council, Council to agree to proposed budget,

& the proposed precept for 23/24 of £28,000. This is an increase of 15% on the previous

precept, which is calculated to cover inflationary increases in costs across the board, together

with the employment of contractors & salary increases.

On reflection & in discussion with the full Council, Council recognised that in the current

circumstances, the budget & precept for 23-24 should be reconsidered. All agreed in principle

to keep the precept the same as last year (£24,326), with no increase. This would involve a little

work on the budget & largely means no increases in reserves to fund future projects. NT to

adjust the budget accordingly & forward to Council.

Council was mindful of obtaining villagers opinions on how the financial crisis is affecting the

Parish Council & it’s spending priorities. NT to prepare a written invitation to villagers

accordingly.

 

12.5.4 To hear an update on any other financial or administration activities

Council resolved to amend its Financial Regulations to include payment by debit card (held by

the Clerk) in paras 6.3 & 6.9.

 

12.5.5 Council agreed to ratify the following decisions made by the Finance Committee:-

  1. That the Council’s assets & liabilities are sound.
  2. That the Council’s Risk Management Policy is sound.

iii. That while the Council’s insurance is adequate, NT is to carry out a review & report to Council

before the next renewal on 1.6.23.

 

12.6 Lloyds Bank Mandates

12.6.1 To hear an update on the last Lloyds Bank mandate issued by the Clerk (remove Clerk as

signatory & add Cllr NT as signatory).

Clerk to contact Lloyds & request they fulfil the details of the last mandate issued.

 

  1. To hear any updates on any aspect of the recreation ground play areas

13.1 Play area inspection arrangements

The play areas were formally inspected by RoSPA in September 2022.

13.2 Toddler play area

No serious areas of concern were highlighted by the inspection report.

13.3 Adventure play area

13.3.1 The swings & swing basket have been removed due to safety concerns. The Council

Acknowledged the difficulties experienced in sourcing both suitable contractors & parts for remedial

work. Council agreed it was unfortunate that items may be out of use for some time.

13.3.2 Council agreed the wood chip surface of the adventure play area needed turning over &

topping up. Clerk’s note:- Top up last supplied by Giffords at a cost of £1590 + VAT.

13.4 Pump track

The pump track is in good order following its resurfacing earlier in the year.

 

  1. To hear any updates on the maintenance of the recreation ground

       14.1 New bin provision / new bin collection proposal

The Clerk is working on sourcing a new bin(s) to be sited at the entrance to the recreation ground.

The Clerk is also working on engaging a new contractor to collect from the new bin.

14.2 Current maintenance activity

BH to check on any planned maintenance activity by the volunteers via R Lott.

14.3 Review of recreation ground signage progress

Briefs for both the play areas signs & a new sign for the recreation ground entrance had been

submitted to suppliers to obtain quotes.

14.4 Any other updates on the recreation ground

                14.4.1 Provision of cycle parking at the Rec

BS/BH to consult with UVHAT on the potential provision of cycle parking in the village

hall/recreation ground area.

 

  1. To hear an update on Speed Watch Activities from BH

No Speed Watch activity can be introduced until the  Upton road works are complete. BH to write a

suitable paragraph for the next Upton News & forward to NT.

 

  1. To hear an update on UPC IT from PM

       PM confirmed further works to improve the web site would be carried out by Dark White Digital as soon

as a quote was received & approved.

 

  1. Risk Management

17.1 To receive an update on Compliance & GDPR

No update.

17.2 To receive any other updates relating to risk

See 13 above. Clerk also to speak to RoSPA regarding additional inspections.

 

  1. To hear an update on the production & issue of Upton News – NT

18.1 Agree content for next edition of Upton News

  1. Speed Watch update
  2. Budget/Precept update for 23/24

iii. Adventure play area remedial work update

 

  1. To set the date and venue of the next full council meeting

Full council meeting Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 7.00pm, meeting room in the village hall

 

 

The meeting finished at 9.35pm.

 

Appendix A – Actions from previous meetings

 

No. Actions from September Meeting By When
2. Clerk to check & update NG finances Actioned
3. Clerk & BS to consider response to external auditor Actioned
4. NT to confirm he is fully set up as a signatory for the Council Actioned
6. BH to source fencing quotes for replacement of fence at end of recreation ground November meeting
7. BS to obtain quotes for chain & post fencing to delineate current overflow parking area. November meeting
8. BH to produce a specification for a new surface for overflow parking November meeting
9. BS to obtain quotes for a new surface in the overflow area (once spec produced) TBC
10. Clerk to email UVHAT re parking considerations ASAP
11. BS & PM to organise removal of swings from play area pending replacement Actioned
12. Clerk to organise formal agreement for new bin collection. ASAP
13. BS to contact previous grounds contractors for new quotes. Actioned
15. HG to let Clerk know what replacement VoWH signage is available. ASAP
16. BH to investigate further improvements to the inside of the garage. November meeting
17. BH & PM to arrange the installation of the speed watch signs. ASAP
18. Clerk to check IT budget & report back to Council ASAP
19. All to consider IT back-up & future proof options November meeting

 

No. Actions from May meeting By when
3. BS & EC to work on Clerk in Training, Lengthman job descriptions & ads In progress
4. PM to organise fitting of nets to goal posts C’fwd
No. Actions from March meeting By when
7. BH to provide quote for rec ground posts & chain. ASAP
8. BS to invite Commissioner of Police for photo op following funding for new nets & wheels on goal posts. ASAP post installation
No. Actions November meeting By when
7. BS to invite villagers to state what they would like to see from a ‘welcome to the village’ pack. November meeting

 

 Appendix B

OCC news: cost of living special

Cost of living support for low-income pensioners and families: OCC are sending a one-off payment of £85 to 11,000 lower income pensionable households to support with energy bills. Eligible residents will receive an Oxfordshire-branded letter from the Post Office, redeemable for cash at Post Office branches. Schools and colleges will provide children entitled to free school meals with a £15 voucher.

100K pot to help community organisations with energy bills: Applications for grants between £250 and £3000 can be made through the Oxfordshire Community Foundation. Expected to be popular – deadline is 21 November 2022.

 

In November I proposed a motion around off grid living / energy parity, the council voted to request more energy support for off-grid residents: Many residents in rural areas live without access to mains energy and instead use heating oil, bottled gas, or other forms of fuel. The leader of the council will write to government to request off-grid residents receive the same level of support (£400) as on-grid residents. Conservative councillors abstained on the motion.

In East Hendred & Steventon we have Warm Spaces – I’ve attached the November details for Hendreds, I believe Steventon is every other Tuesday at St Micheal’s Church Hall, well done to everyone for making these happen! Yesterday I met with Cllr Medley and she has ideas for Harwell too!

 

**************************************************************************

OCC supports care business start-ups: OCC is supporting new ‘micro enterprises’ to become established care providers, helping local businesses to grow, and develop greater local choice for people looking for additional support. The Community Catalysts’ programme takes people through the standards, so that new micro-enterprises have a thorough understanding of what it takes to deliver quality care. Over one hundred people have signed up and have the combined capacity to support one thousand people in the county.

 

Renewed call on government to fund Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND): OCC is appealing to the government to urgently address the national funding issues facing all local authorities providing SEND services for children and young people. The county council has also submitted to the Department of Education bids for two further special free schools.

 

Tree services team successfully bids for funding: OCC tree services team has been successful in a bid to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Funding will be used to provide two new community tree and woodland planting officers who will work to increase tree cover across the county.

 

More sustainable streetlights policy: OCC has approved a new policy for streetlights to reduce impact on climate change and the environment. The policy considers the impact of light pollution on nature and dark skies in assessing where lighting should be added. When new lighting is necessary, dimming and reduction in operating hours will be used to preserve the night sky.

 

Parking standards for new developments: Developers will need to follow a revised set of guidelines when they consider parking provisions for new developments. New standards place much more emphasis on cycles, shared car clubs, and public transport than on multiple cars per household. A graduated approach is taken to allow for increased need for parking in rural settings.

 

Cheaper Park and Ride tickets up and running: Passengers can now buy a combined ticket covering both parking and return bus travel for £4 for a car with only 1 adult and £5 for a car and 2 adults. With both options, up to three children under 16 can travel for free. Drivers are encouraged to purchase a combined ticket through the RingGo parking app, or at one of the onsite ticket machines.

 

Oxford traffic filters: Public consultation closed on 13 October 2022. The next step is for the cabinet to take a decision on 29th November 2022, where the cabinet will consider the outcomes of the public consultation and the closure of Botley Road for a year by Network Rail to accommodate improvements to the railway.

 

**************************************************************************

Local News

 

  1. Harwell, annual Speedwatch data submitted to roads safety teams and once again I’ve asked for a review of Reading Road, also highlighted again concern over the SIDS data. Am also chasing final designs of the high street and now the S278 works for Grove road (which apparently is happening this month!!!). I’ve had more complaints about Grove Road, the “rural” section and it needs a resolution, it’s still too fast at 40mph, poorly maintained and used as a racetrack by LGV and drivers.

 

  1. Chilton – Hagbourne Hill issues have now raised this as a complaint to directors as simply getting no where. Now has a weekly monitoring station and minimal works due Nov – Dec, won’t solve the issues in my view. 20mph consultation is open.

 

  1. Chilton Fields – chasing legal on adoption – no news yet!

 

  1. Rowstock – Rowstock Relief consultation now closed for phase 1. This I’ll review with officers and speak to Steventon PC once data in, as the effected parish. Sadly Milton Heights isn’t in my division so will try and get engagement.

 

  1. Former Esso – Milton Hill Hotel – appeal set for January 2023, main points of objection for the review pending from VOWH. Noted RRA meeting set for Thursday 10th November, sadly I have 4 clashes on the same evening.

 

  1. East Hendred – 20mph consultation open (Let’s Talk Oxfordshire), listening to comments and ideas from residents. PC has asked for speed reduction on Newbury Rd to Ridgeway – it’s non residential and would be rejected I think, however it’s fair to ask up to Icknield way as part of active travel network / vision zero!

 

  1. Mill Lane – further complaints over football parking by residents, raised with Sports Club Committee, car park was rammed this weekend, and despite cones / markers by the club the traffic was still bad on a small access country lane!

 

  1. Mill Lane – chasing resurface / dressing as deteriorating, as well as “some” pot holes filled, others left despite being marked up!

 

  1. West Hendred – crossing feedback design to be completed by end 2022, reminder that this was an additional scheme “slotted” into forward plan due to a near miss incident. There’s a need for a retaining structure which meant further needs by Milestone who are the contractor. Noted the email of complaint by WHPC, but the scheme is in the work programme.

 

  1. Upton Crossing, delays for finishing communicated to PC, resurfacing shifted to December. Given the lead time of over 2 years to this and a decade before the scheme was even funded, I have written to cabinet member in disgust and confusion – I do hope he’s revising the KPIs of Milestone given their contract renewal is soon! Whilst I shout cries of “bring it all back in house!!”. Several issues arose and have communicated these with chair and clerk.
  2. Blewbury, chasing 20mph sign installation. Meanwhile safety review started with officers on Bessels and London road, early days. No other issues flagged in Blewbury

 

  1. Steventon – resurfacing is November for the subsidence on the High street side of the bridge, questions asked over how far does this work go, as far as I’ve seen it’s fairly isolated to the most effected area.

Stonebridge road defects rectified

Meanwhile we await WRSE report which due next week, and will be supporting GARD with series of public meetings to discuss.

Bells now installed, pending panting – hopefully that will slow down the HGVs

Barnett Road, ongoing concerns for safety due to parking – still trying to get sense of what can be done due to other localised parking issues

20mph scheme designed an waiting for consultation link!

 

  1. A417 Hendreds, now have a NO CUT sign for the wildflower Meadow and have bulbs to plant (native) and some foxgloves for plant now the ground is sodden, needs a cut around March and we going to go again!

 

Ongoing

 

– Village Safety cases – especially those around major A roads (4130 and 417 two main issues locally)

– 20mph schemes / casing the first block which was Steventon, Chilton, Blewbury and E.Hendred – either for signage or final designs, should all be complete by Dec 2022. Note that Harwell 20mph was a S278 scheme

– HIF1 – although now in planning

– Didcot masterplan on traffic, and representing the division at that table, my primary objective is reducing HGV movements!

– Valley Park – working with ward Cllrs Medley and Gascoigne to get residents forums up and running by Dec 22.

– I work at the community hub volunteering 3 x a week, and we distributing food around the local area, happy to discuss how we have made this work with anyone who wants to do something locally, all welcome at the Steventon and Hendred hubs!

– Raising concerns on SEND provision and supported local residents at recent OCC protest, have pulled together a cross party group to listen, and ensure these voices and issues are not forgotten.

– Looking at School Streets locally and school safety concerns, happy to discuss with PCs around how that works, if suitable, in their parishes.

– attended the Zero Hour event last week, around the CEE Bill, sadly although invited the MP didn’t attend

– ongoing letters and work on Thames water SESRO including county water summit which now has a date (finally!!)

– I’ve stepped off most of the committees now at County to focus on cost of living and division centric work, which is frustratingly experiencing delays, I now only sit on AONB, Place Scrutiny, and Localities (which I chair), as feel these are the three most important committees to influence for our people and place!)

 

That’s all folks, see you at PCs where I can this month, remember you can always ring me with any issues. Councillor priority funding is now all spent and we await to hear if we get anything in 2023. Meanwhile resources and budgets are getting tighter and tighter, especially in non-essential service delivery. It’s not going to be a good winter I feel, and am very concerned, let’s see what 17th November brings us all!

 

Sally

 

 

Cllr Sally Povolotsky FRSA (She / Her)

 

County Councillor for Hendreds & Harwell Division

 

 

Appendix C

Monday 7th November 2022 Monthly Parish Update

Vale of White Horse District Councillors

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne and Cllr Sarah Medley

Hello from Hayleigh and Sarah

Hello! November has started with some great local events in the community – firstly, the annual fireworks display on the Harwell recreation ground on Friday 4th November. Well done and thank you to the Harwell Scouts for organising the event, the fireworks were very impressive! On Saturday 5th November we attended the first ever Didcot Eco Fair at Cornerstone Arts Centre. Well done to Sustainable Didcot and South & Vale Business Support for organising – it was a perfect opportunity to shop local with eco-friendly small businesses in the area. Thank you to the local organisations there giving advice and information on home insulation, recycling and ways to save on your energy bills.

We know that the recent energy price increases and rising cost of living continue to be a concern for many residents. A reminder that the council has put together a Cost of Living Help webpage for more information about financial and housing support, and local community food services. You can also contact the council’s Community Support Hub for practical support and advice: call 01235 422 600 (Mon to Thurs 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm) or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub. Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale can provide you with free, confidential advice via 0808 278 7907. Vale Community Impact can provide free advice too, call them on 01235 765348.

We use these monthly updates to keep you updated on our activities, general council news and any COVID-19 developments. We also post regularly on our councillor Facebook Page: Cllrs Hayleigh Gascoigne & Sarah Medley Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any issues or concerns, either via Facebook message or email: hayleigh.gascoigne@whitehorsedc.gov.uk and sarah.medley@whitehorsedc.gov.uk.  

Community Support

The Council Community Support Hub

The Community Support Hub, originally set up by the council in 2020 in response to the pandemic, is still available for anyone in need of help: if you have COVID-19, or if you are struggling financially due to the cost-of-living crisis, or if you are just finding life difficult due to the pandemic. Whether it’s practical support or just advice, get in touch. Call: 01235 422 600 (Mon to Thurs 8.30-5pm and Fridays 8.30-4.30pm) or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communityhub.

Ukraine

General Ukraine queries:

For housing and community support in South and Vale:

Checking your benefits entitlement

From Age UK Oxfordshire – With financial difficulties becoming an issue for more and more people, now is a good time to check your benefits entitlement. Government grants for support with fuel bills commonly check if you were getting a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit, so it’s important to ensure you’re not missing out. You can ask a local advice centre to help you, or if you have access to the internet there are several well-known benefits check websites that you can use.

Age UK
https://benefitscheck.ageuk.org.uk

Entitled To
http://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

Turn2Us
http://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk

You can ring the Pension Service who can check your eligibility for Pension Credit over the phone on 0800 99 1234 (8am to 6pm weekdays). Age UK Oxfordshire Advice Line – 0345 450 1276
www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire

Local News

Didcot & Villages Health Care

Healthwatch Oxfordshire is hosting an online Open Forum on Tuesday 29th November from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, and all are welcome to attend to have your say about local health and care services. For details, including a Zoom joining link, see here.

As part of Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s support for Patient Participation Groups they also hold regular webinars for PPG members and patients on topics of interest. The next webinar will be held on Friday 25th November at 1.30pm and will explore ‘Who else can I see in my doctor’s surgery other than my GP’. More details on this, including a joining link, will be given on the website – click here.

Talented young people star in A Christmas Carol at Cornerstone

Young People from Didcot and the surrounding area will play starring roles in an adaptation of A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ festive tale of redemption and compassion, taking place at Cornerstone in Didcot.

To book tickets or find out more visit www.cornerstone-arts.org or call the box office on 01235 515144.

Climate & Environment News

Solar farm public consultation

A developer has launched a public consultation for proposals for a large solar farm in the Vale, West Oxfordshire and Cherwell. The developer proposing the Botley West Solar Farm advise that it is large enough to be considered a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, which means it will be determined by a government appointed Planning Inspector – you can read more about that process here.
The deadline to submit any comments is the 15 December and there will be public events taking place across the area from 19 November – 5 December. There’s more information on the developer’s website

Funding available for community climate projects – apply now!

Communities in the Vale have another chance to apply for funding to help grassroots projects aimed at tackling climate change. Local groups and town and parish councils can apply for a share of £50,000 from the latest round of Vale of White Horse District Council’s Climate Action Fund, with up to £5,000 on offer for individual projects.

The funding is aimed at projects that help to address climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency.  Work could focus on areas such as the natural environment, energy, waste and consumption, or transport and travel. Applications are open until midday on 25 November 2022.

New LEDs light up leisure centre

New LED lighting at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon has given the centre a new lease of life and is saving energy at the same time.

Council presents colourful bench to the winner of its litter bug trails competition

There’s a new ‘seat of learning’ at Wootton St Peters School after the school was presented with a bright multi-coloured recycled plastic bench for their playground by Councillor Sally Povolotsky, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Environment. Report highlights council’s work towards tackling the climate emergency

Report highlights council’s work towards tackling the climate emergency

Vale of White Horse District Council’s work towards tackling climate change has been highlighted in a new quarterly report. As part of its commitment to openness and transparency, the Vale publishes a performance report showing the progress of its Climate Action Plan. As part of its commitment to openness and transparency, the Vale publishes a performance report showing the progress of its Climate Action Plan.  The Plan sets out the steps it will take to become a carbon neutral council and how it will support local efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the district. You can read the full report on the cabinet meeting agenda page.

Claim a free tree for your garden

The International Tree Foundation and Oxfordshire Trees Collaborate are working together this autumn to offer free tree saplings for people to plant in their garden.
For more information and to order a free tree please visit the International Tree Foundations website.

Climate Emergency Advisory Committee – 5th December

The next climate emergency advisory committee meeting is 5th December.
The agenda will be published on the website closer to the time.

As always, if you wish to speak in this meeting, or any other, please email Democratic Services a few days in advance of the meeting. The contact is: democratic.services@southandvale.gov.uk

Council News

Full Council meeting – 12 October 2022

Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, delivered her Leader’s statement to Council at the meeting on 12 October 2022.
“At the forefront of my mind at the moment is the worsening Cost of Living Crisis and how we as a council can best support local people and businesses from huge energy bills, rising prices and runaway inflation…“
Head to press release to read the full statement.

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne proposed a motion pledging support for businesses struggling with rising costs. Following the approved motion, Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, will write to The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to ask him to consider lengthening the energy cap period for small businesses and provide more direct support for the hospitality industry, particularly pubs and restaurants struggling with rising food and energy costs. Read the press release for more information.

A new approach for community health and wellbeing

“We want our residents to be active, healthy and happy.” Those were the words of Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council about a new Active Communities strategy her council has launched in partnership wit South Oxfordshire District Council.

“Our aim is to give our local residents the ability and tools to make a real and sustainable difference to their own activity levels, their physical health and in turn their mental wellbeing,” added Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, South Oxfordshire’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing.

The strategy is a brand new approach to health and wellbeing developed by the two neighbouring councils to help their residents come together to take part in sport, health and recreational activities that improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while forging stronger social links within their local communities.

Bin day changes
Almost every household across Blewbury, Harwell, Chilton and Upton has been affected by the Bin Day changes.

The vast majority of collections have gone ahead without disruption following Biffa’s recent rollout of rerouted collection rounds, however there have been a few issues here and there. If you have been affected, then you can use the contacts below or contact one of us in the usual way to chase this up.

  • missed collections not connected to the changes should be reported by residents in the usual way to Biffa by calling 03000 610610.

Anyone needing to check their waste collection details can visit Binzone – whitehorsedc.gov.uk/binzone or southoxon.gov.uk/binzone