Parish Councillors:
- Philippa Carter (Chair)
- Sandy Timms (Vice)
- Mark Tribe
- Peter Rance
District Councillor:
- Tom Simcox
Parish Clerk:
- Angela Barnes
Members of the Public:
- Steven Jones
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from CCllr Rodney Rose and Cllr Laurence Mellor
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Minutes from the July Meeting were discussed, agreed and then duly signed, dated and filed.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest to be recorded.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Authorisation of payments
| Payments | ||
| £120.00 | BDO Stoy Hayward External Audit | Chq No. 100922 |
| £765.00 | TGMS Drainage (to be repaid) | Chq No. 100923 |
| £1640.10 | Wel Medical Ltd (Defibrillator) | Chq No. 100926 |
| £81.60 | RoSPA Safety Inspection | Chq No. 100927 |
| £10.00 | CLPG Membership | Chq No. 100928 |
| Income | ||
| £700.00 | WODC Defibrillator Grant |
COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Apologies received from CCllr Rodney Rose. Please refer to report provided below:
COUNTY’S THRIVING FAMILIES SCHEME ON NATIONAL STAGE
Oxfordshire County Council’s Thriving Families project is set to expand ahead of schedule after the Government named it as one of the best performing in the country.
The scheme is part of a national initiative to identify the families most in need of help within society and directly tackle problems such as crime and antisocial behaviour, poor school attendance and unemployment. It is also aimed at making long-term savings by reducing the financial burden these issues place on society.
The Government will provide funding for the council to begin working with more than 400 new families by the end of March 2015. As an ‘early starter’ area, the results from Oxfordshire will also inform and influence the national roll-out of the expanded programme in April 2015.
Families are assigned a dedicated worker from the County Council’s Thriving Families Team who acts as the single point of contact for the family. The worker liaises with other agencies including police, health services, probation, schools, job centres and voluntary agencies to deliver an agreed plan of action geared towards achieving specific results.
Progress is measured through real-terms improvements in school attendance, behaviour and reductions in levels of offending over a sustained period of time.
Each family taking part meets national criteria identifying them as among the most in need of help in terms of poor school attendance and behaviour, anti-social and criminal behaviour, youth offending and adults out of work.
The expanded Thriving Families programme will target families where a combination of two or more of the following issues has been identified:
- Parents and children involved in crime and antisocial behaviour
- Children not attending school regularly
- Adults out of work or at risk of financial exclusion and young people at risk of worklessness
- Families affected by domestic violence and abuse
- Parents and children with a range of health problems
This is all part of the County Council’s on-going commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
ROAD PROJECTS AROUND OXFORDSHIRE
The reduction in road use during the school holidays often means the County Council conducts major transport schemes over August. We have a number of projects taking place at the moment and we are trying to minimise disruption as much as possible, but sometimes we are restricted as to when we can do work (for example where Central Government funding has a time limit placed upon it).
We assess the entire county’s road network based on surface condition and vehicle usage so that we can get the best value for money from our limited funds. Much of the work will provide significant improvements that are expected to increase capacity and reduce journey times.
- KENNINGTON & HINKSEY HILL ROUNDABOUT
The improvements to Kennington and Hinksey Hill roundabouts is a £6 million project that is designed to increase capacity by 30 per cent in the evening peak period for the 60,000 vehicles a day which pass through the junctions. Work is due to be completed by the end of November 2014. This will cause delays and we urge road users to find alternative routes or methods of transport.
- DUCKLINGTON STAGE OF WITNEY TRANSPORT STRATEGY
The Ducklington Lane corridor is the first phase of the Witney transport strategy and we have just finished resurfacing Corn Street, along with resurfacing a large section of the B4044 Farmoor Road.
- A4130 BIX MAINTENANCE PROJECT
The A4130 Bix maintenance project is a 2.5km section of dual carriageway located just north of Henley-on-Thames between Bix Village and Fair Mile at the junction of the B480 to Lower Assendon.
- OXFORD CITY
Enabling work will start on Frideswide Square to improve the junction ahead of the new station and Westgate development. As part of the Cycle City bid there will be work at The Plain to improve the junction.
- MILTON INTERCHANGE
Major project work on the Milton Interchange and Chilton A34 Junction will help to improve traffic flow along the A34.
- A420 AT SHRIVENHAM
We work closely with our contractors to try to reduce the time a scheme takes to deliver and I’m delighted to say that the £3.5 million resurfacing of the A420 at Shrivenham was completed a week early.
- A44 (NR WOODSTOCK)
The recent work on the A44 will extend the life of the road for several more years.
EXAM RESULTS: ‘A’ LEVELS & GCSES
‘A’ LEVELS
Thousands of students received their ‘A’ level results on 14th August. Provisional data shows that results are similar to 2013 with 93% achieving at A*-E in at least two or more subjects. Around 43% have achieved two or more ‘A’ levels at A*-B. Confirmed results are always published later in the year.
GCSES
On 21st August more than 6000 Oxfordshire students received their GCSE results. The Government has introduced a number of changes to the system so the County Council will only be able to provide the A*-C percentage after the results are verified in the autumn. At this stage the council has received a mix of results from schools and academies, with some reporting their ‘best results’, and others reporting results based only on ‘first exams’ taken.
CHANGES TO ELECTORAL REGISTRATION
Since 10th June, the voter registration system in England and Wales has changed. Previously the ‘head of the household’ was required to register all its eligible residents. The new system, known as IER, requires that everyone is individually registered using their National Insurance number and date of birth.
The Government has stated that 35 million voters will automatically be transferred using the Department of Work & Pensions database.
If you have concerns that you might not have been transferred, more information is available here (including a link to register): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biggest-change-to-voter-registration-in-a-generation
MAJOR CYCLING RACE THROUGH SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE
Oxfordshire residents will get a rare chance to see some of the world’s best cyclists, including Sir Bradley Wiggins, on Friday 12th September when the Friends Life Tour of Britain passes through the area.
More information at: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/news/2014/aug/southern-oxfordshire-welcome-friends-life-tour-britain
TRADING STANDARDS AIDS ELDERLY RESIDENT
The County Council’s Trading Standards team has taken part in the prosecution of a dishonest trader. He had attempted to charge a 72 year old Carterton resident £13,600 for work that was not required.
More information is available at:
FOOTPATH CONSULTATIONS ACROSS OXFORDSHIRE
There are a number of diversions proposed to public footpaths around the county:
- North Leigh Footpath No. 26 (ends 10th September) https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/northleighfootpath26/consultationHome
- Piddington Footpath No. 6 (ends 15th September)
https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/piddingtonfootpath6/consultationHome
- Goring Heath Footpath No. 18a (ends 15th September)
https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/goringheathfp18a/consultationHome
ONGOING CONSULTATIONS
There is still an opportunity to comment on the developments at Oxford Station (Frideswide Square) and the county’s flood risk strategy:
- Frideswide Square Transport & Public Realm scheme (ends 12th September) https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/FWSAug14/consultationHome
Draft local flood risk management strategy consultation (ends 15th September) https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/floodriskmgmt/consultationHome
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
DCllr Tom Simcox reported that the Local Plan was now subject to public consultation and that Shipton-under-Wychwood PC had requested an extension to this. DCllr Simcox reported that this request had been declined to ensure security for the land to be built on. He reported that the District Council would debate this in October.
Cllr Philippa Carter asked DCllr Simcox if he was aware of the procedures for a Parish Plan. DCllr Simcox agreed to look into this and report back.
PUBLIC TIME
Cllr Carter welcomed parishioner Steven Jones and invited him to address the meeting. Steven expressed his concerns about the effect of the drainage works being carried out on the Playing Field and the effect this could have on the Brook through his land. Cllr Carter explained that Cllr Mellor is taking the lead in this issue and would give Mr Jones regular updates. So far a topographical survey has been done by consultants employed by Sport England and a range of drainage options considered. No decisions have been made and no work will commence until after Easter 2015 at the earliest.
MATTERS ARISING
(a) Defibrillator
The Clerk reported that the Defibrillator had been delivered to Dick Tracey of South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS). The Clerk was asked to contact Dick Tracey to confirm delivery instructions to the PC. Cllr Carter agreed to speak with Richard Haddon of the Swan Public House with regards to installation.
(b) Culvert under Tyack’s Yard
It was confirmed that the field belongs to Cornbury and it was agreed, unanimously, that this should be recorded under Transport in future as the culvert passes under the railway line. Cllr Rance was happy with this.
(d) Parish Plan
This was discussed and Cllr Tribe agreed to accept this as his responsibility. The Clerk was asked to add this as a main item on the Agenda in future.
(e) Parish Councillors’ individual roles & responsibilities
Please refer to Appendix 1 at the end of the recorded Minutes. It was agreed unanimously that the list of roles and responsibilities should be posted on Ascott Village website as a separate item from the minutes and that they should be published in the next Grapevine.
(f) Additional Dog Bin on London Lane
The Clerk reported that the cost of an additional Dog Bin, to be sited on London Lane, would be £195.00 + VAT. After discussion Cllr Carter proposed the installation of an additional Dog Bin. This was duly seconded by Cllr Timms and agreed unanimously. Cllrs Carter and Tribe agreed to meet on site to mark the exact siting and advise the Clerk accordingly.
(g) Roads (formerly OCC Highways)
- London Road South (Charlbury) – Gullies outstanding
- London Road South (Charlbury) – Vegetation on roadside – Cllr Carter agreed to speak to Chris Badger.
- London Road South (Charlbury) – private garden pond and spring – Cllr Carter to speak to Mrs Beveridge and monitor.
- Northern Road to A361 – Gullies – now complete
(h) RoSPA Report
The Report was circulated and it was agreed any findings to be added to the Risk Assessment.
(i) Notice Boards – FlyPosting
The Clerk was asked to write to Shipton-under-Wychwood PCC with regards to the FlyPosting In Ascott without permission. This issue was discussed and agreed that all are welcome to use the PC’s Notice Boards, but no larger than A4.
PLANNING
No new planning applications received. The Clerk was asked to obtain hard copies of all planning applications and deliver them to Cllr Tribe and advise all Cllrs by email. Councillors decided unanimously that they would like to meet and give their comments together. Cllr Tribe will co-ordinate this new arrangement.
ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD RECREATION GROUND
Cllr Carter reported that the PC had walked and covered this within the Risk Assessment. Tidying up works will be carried out by the Helpers.
Cllr Mellor sent his report; Following the PC’s successful bid to Sport England there have been two visits from drainage experts appointed by the funding body. Thermal image surveys and ground composition examinations have taken place and work has begun on an analysis of the data and eventually a report setting out the options will be produced. It has been made clear that no work will be undertaken until May/June 2015 when suitable contractors will be available to do any ground works recommended. I have been asked to obtain a diagram/drawing of the drainage system along High Street and have contacted Laurence King of WODC to seek his help. Richard Smith has kind agreed to deal with the legal issues concerning the proposal.
PROJECT SAFE PLAY
Cllr Carter reported that the Contractor was due to start works next week.
ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SPORTS CLUB
Cllr Mellor sent his report; Two village family fun cricket matches have taken place recently with about 20 parents and children taking part in a limited overs format. Tea and cake was served and the events were enjoyed by all. The challenge now is to build on that success and develop a village team to play friendlies against surrounding village teams.
The village football team has started pre-season training with much huffing and puffing in evidence. The team manager is still hopeful of increasing player numbers and has been busy in the transfer market!!
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN
Cllr Carter reported that she had now updated the Plan and all agreed that this should now be displayed on the Website.
Cllr Mellor sent his report; I have received a request to apply for stocks of salt as usual and will deal with this before the month end when I have checked current stock levels and storage capacity with Chris Badger. I am in the process of updating the “Snow Volunteers” call out list and will arrange training in the use of the equipment for those who need it.
HELPERS OF ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD
Cllr Carter reported that the Helpers would be carrying out works on the Playground, The Pound and London Lane.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Cllr Carter reported on the Risk Assessment, which was now complete. All Cllrs were happy with this and agreed to update the Risk Assessment on a rotating basis.
TRANSPORT
Cllr Rance reported that he would be meeting Danny Douglas from GoRide and would place an article in the Grapevine to notify the parishioners of progress.
WYCHWOOD LIBRARY
Cllr Timms reported that she had contacted James Hazlewood with regards to nominating a representative from Ascott.
VILLAGE CHARITY
Cllr Timms reported that the Charity met quarterly and that the next meeting would be Wednesday 15 October. Cllr Timms confirmed that she would report back to the PC accordingly.
CORRESPONDENCE
-Letter from Fred Russell re bus service – Please refer to Transport
-Letter from Mr R Martin-Oliver re The Swan Public House
-RoSPA Safety Inspection (carried out on 10 July 2014) – Included under Matters Arising
-Cotswold & Malvern Line News Summer 2014
-Cotswolds Conservation Board Annual Review
-Cotswold Lion
-Letter from the Citizens Advice Bureau – request for donation
-WODC Leaflet Creating Futures Housing
-Email from Chadlington Parish Council re Dean Pit
-Letter re Milton-under-Wychwood Post Office
-Clerks & Councils Direct
Cllr Rance took the correspondence envelope and agreed to pass on to the next Cllr.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr Carter and Cllr Tribe agreed to attend the meeting at Chadlington regarding the closure of Dean Pit.
Cllr Carter reported that Shipton-under-Wychwood Post Office had been given a reprieve to 2018.
There being no further business Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 10.15pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 13 October 2014 at 7.30pm.
Cllr Philippa Carter
Dated 13 October 2014
Chairman