www.westoxon.gov.uk
Creating Futures West Oxfordshire District Council’s newsletter for residents
Tell us your views on the draft Local Plan Have your say on the latest proposals for how West Oxfordshire should develop until 2029, including:
•
5,500 new homes over the next 17 years
• Further growth concentrating on
Carterton and Witney and where these homes are built
• Smaller-scale development elsewhere
• Services, transport improvements and facilities needed to support growth
• Action plans to deliver affordable housing, promote a strong local economy, address climate change and protect our environment
See pages 2 - 5
Winter 2012 Co
Mo Mon a unc Ou nday day 2 re c il o lo ffi 4, 3 to f h 1 De Tuesd sed ces ou cem ay on rs : em ber a 25,W nd edn erg T e en cie uesda sday s: y 1 26, 08 45 Janua r 30 3 9 y. 7 06 Council
Welcome
from Barry Norton Leader of the
2012 will go down in history with the success of the Olympics, Paralympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. We hope that the legacy of the Olympics can go on both nationally and locally, and our Council will continue to support and promote local sporting opportunities. However, the Olympics and Paralympics were about much more than this. The British spirit was illustrated through the thousands of volunteers who helped to make the events such a success and this is something we are familiar with here. West Oxfordshire has a strong voluntary community which plays a key role in making our District the wonderful place that it is. Our Council recognises this work and supports voluntary groups as much as possible. As well as sporting triumph, this year brought the wettest summer in 100 years. It was five years ago that the District was hit by devastating floods and a substantial amount of protection work has since been undertaken. So far, we have secured over £1m in external funding to help pay for this. Fortunately, the District escaped serious flooding this summer, but this issue remains
a priority and we are working with partner agencies to bring further improvements. Flooding is just one of the issues addressed in our latest draft Local Plan, which sets out how our District could develop until 2029. You may be aware of the previous work that has gone on to help shape these important proposals and we would like to thank you for your feedback and patience on this matter. We are now at a key stage in progressing this Plan and I would encourage you to have your say. See pages 2 - 5 to find out more. As we look ahead to the New Year, the Council will be preparing its budget for 2013/14. Although the economic situation remains tough, you can be assured that we remain committed to providing high quality services, improving efficiency and finding savings wherever possible - while keeping council tax low. More financial information is on pages 6 - 7. Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with best wishes for 2013.
Planning for the future We have refined our plans for how the District could develop following changes to MOD housing requirements at Carterton, transport proposals at Witney, various national policy amendments and previous consultation.
We have consulted extensively over the last few years about plans for the District’s future development. In 2011 we received around 1,000 responses to the former Core Strategy consultation.
The draft Local Plan (previously called the ‘Core Strategy’) sets out our approach to housing and economic growth, and all the services needed to support this.
Summaries of these comments can be viewed at www.westoxon.gov.uk/draftlocalplan
Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Housing, said: “Our aim is to strike a balance between the requirement to accommodate growth and stimulate economic activity, with the need to protect and, wherever possible, enhance West Oxfordshire’s distinct and beautiful environment.” The plan includes: An overall presumption in favour of ‘sustainable development’. Provision for at least 5,500 new homes up to 2029. Plans for the majority of housing to be built at Witney and Carterton, with strategic housing sites at West and East Witney, East Carterton and on MOD land in Carterton town centre. Development on a smaller scale elsewhere, with new homes in other towns and villages to meet local housing needs. Around 60 hectares of land for business focused on the main towns. New junctions at Downs Road and Shores Green, Witney together with improvements in the Ducklington Lane / Station Lane area. Guidance, known as core policies, to ensure a good mix of new housing including affordable homes, promotion of the rural and visitor economy, and protection of local services, town centres and the District’s rich natural and historic environment.
• • • • • • •
We would now like your views on the latest proposals.
Tell us your views:
(All comments will go online).
Online: www.westoxon.gov.uk/draftlocalplan Email us: planning.policy@westoxon.gov.uk Write to us (specifying which part of the plan you are commenting on): Planning Policy, West Oxfordshire District Council, Elmfield, New Yatt Road, Witney OX28 1PB
Consultation ends 19 December 2012. Find out more about the draft Local Plan: • Online: www.westoxon.gov.uk/draftlocalplan or call 01993 861420 • At District Council offices in Witney and Chipping Norton, Carterton Town Hall or your local library • At the following roadshows: Witney Methodist Church, 40 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HG Sat 24 November 10am - 1pm and Thurs 29 November 12 noon - 6.30pm Elderbank Hall, Station Road, Brize Norton, OX18 3PS Tues 27 November 4 - 8pm Carterton Town Hall, 19 Alvescot Road, Carterton, OX18 3JL Thurs 6 December 12 noon - 6.30pm Carterton Community Centre, Marigold Square, Shilton Pk, OX18 1AX Sat 8 December 10am - 1pm
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How we got to this stage
February 2010 Preferred Approach At this stage, earlier options discussed in 2008 and 2009 were shaped into a preferred strategy for comment.
January 2011 Draft Core Strategy Taking account of previous comments on the preferred strategy a draft plan was published for comment called the ‘Core Strategy’.
June 2011 Further consultation Additional information was made available for further comment.
November 2012 Draft Local Plan Taking account of comments received previously, further information and various national and local changes we are now consulting on a new draft Local Plan.
Spring 2013 Publication Following this current round of consultation we will consider all responses and look to publish and invite comments on the final version of the Plan.
Summer 2013 Submission and examination The final version of the Plan and the responses received will be sent to Government and then considered by an independent inspector through a public examination. We hope to adopt the new Local Plan in early 2014.
The overall strategy Based on five key principles including: A presumption in favour of ‘sustainable’ development Locating development in the right places (ie, focused mainly at the larger towns) Ensuring the prudent use of natural resources Achieving high quality design Making proper investment in supporting infrastructure such as schools and roads.
• • • • •
New homes: how many and where? The draft Plan provides for 5,500 new homes to be built between 2011 and 2029. Of these, around 350 have already been built, leaving just over 5,000 to find. In accordance with the overall strategy the majority of new homes will be provided at the three main towns with more modest growth elsewhere. New homes to 2029: Location
No. of homes
Witney sub-area
1,900
Carterton sub-area
1,850
Chipping Norton subarea
600
Eynsham - Woodstock sub-area
450
Burford - Charlbury sub-area
350
Around 1,200 of these are already in the pipeline through existing planning permissions and allocations. In the Witney sub-area, strategic housing sites are identified at West Witney (1,000 homes) and East Witney (300 homes). In the Carterton sub-area, strategic housing sites are identified at East Carterton (700 homes) and on MOD land in the centre of the town (400 homes). In the Chipping Norton sub area, we will leave it for the ongoing Neighbourhood Plan to determine the most appropriate locations for future growth.
The latest Plan takes the following changes into account: • In March the MOD announced that they needed fewer homes for service families at Carterton meaning some of their land could be made available to the open market • Also in March the Government published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which all councils must take into account in preparing their own local plans and strategies
• In June the Government determined that the compulsory purchase of land needed for the Cogges Link Road scheme at Witney could not go ahead • In July new information from the 2011 National Census was made available.
In the two more rural sub-areas, development will focus predominantly on the larger centres and villages. No specific sites are identified.
What type of new homes? The Plan aims to provide a good mix of new homes, balancing the increasing trend towards smaller households with the need for family housing. A key aim is to increase the supply of affordable housing within the District and it is expected that on average, around 35% of all new housing built will be affordable.
The environment West Oxfordshire is fortunate to benefit from a rich natural, built and historic environment. The Plan seeks to safeguard and where possible enhance this. New policies have been introduced on flood risk, environmental protection and the historic environment.
Transport
Providing for new jobs The Plan is not just about new housing and aims to ensure West Oxfordshire is well-placed to compete with economic growth areas nearby. Provision is made for around 60 hectares of business land, to be focused mainly on the main towns but also delivered through a strengthening of the rural economy. The aim is to protect our town centres and safeguard important local community facilities.
The Plan encourages more walking, cycling and use of public transport whilst recognising that as a rural area the car will continue to play an important role.The Cogges Link Road scheme at Witney will no longer go ahead and will be replaced by a combination of measures including new and improved junctions onto the A40 at Downs Road and Shores Green to be supported by improvements around Ducklington Lane and Station Lane.
Strategy at the local level The Plan sets out how the overall strategy will be applied at the local level. New town centre strategies have been drawn up for Witney and Carterton and for the rest of the District broad principles have been identified to help guide future development.
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Witney
Provide 1,900 new homes in the local area Have we identified the right sites for development on the edge of Witney??
Witney is identified as one of the District’s two main centres of growth. Some options considered in earlier consultations have been reassessed due to responses received and the decision for the Cogges Link Road scheme not to go ahead. The plan proposes 1,900 new houses within or around Witney - of which around 1,300 will be built as ‘strategic’ extensions to the town: West Witney - 1,000 homes plus 10 hectares employment land; and East Witney - 300 homes.
• • • •
• •
A previous option to build on land to the north of Witney has been ruled out.
Roadshows are being held at: Witney Methodist Church • Sat 24 November 10am - 1pm • Thurs 29 November 12 - 6.30pm
West Witney site
• •
East Witney site
•
Identified in previous Local Plan Close to job opportunities and provides new employment land Not at risk of flooding and has no significant constraints Deliverable with a planning application for the site currently being considered Good public transport and excellent links to key destinations Will deliver a new 4-way junction onto the A40 at Downs Road which, in combination with other schemes, will help to reduce congestion in Witney
• • • • •
Mainly employment development on available land. Burford
Witney Deer Park
Golf course
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved LA 100024316 2012
4
Town centre
Thorney Leys
A40
Curbridge
Madley Park
Land reserved for potential Park and Ride.
Rd
1,000 homes, new school facilities, open space and land for business.
Windrush Valley
New employment and leisure development.
Wo od sto ck Rd
Land reserved for West End Link Road.
Very close to the town centre good opportunities for walking and cycling to key destinations Good public transport links Not at risk of flooding and has no significant constraints to development Landscape impact is likely to be acceptable provided development is kept to lower parts of the site Now the Cogges Link Road is not being built, previous concerns about site being ‘separated’ from the town no longer apply Will deliver improvements to the Shores Green A40 junction, which in combination with the new Downs Road junction and other improvements, will help to reduce congestion in Witney
Cogges 0
A4
300 homes, open space and landscaping.
KEY: Proposed housing
Biodiversity Target Area
Other development site
Landscape buffer
Strategic development area
Scheduled Ancient Monument
Employment site
New junction and other highways improvements Land safeguarded for potential: Park and Ride scheme New link road
Carterton
Provide 1,850 new homes in the local area
Have we identified the right sites for development at Carterton??
Promote new job opportunities using available employment land.
Shilton Village
Cou
ntry
Park Burfo
rd Rd
Mona ha
n Way
Shilton Park
Focus on enhancing the biodiversity and leisure value of the Shill Brook Valley.
MOD
Shill Brook Valley
n Way Upavo
Carterton Town centre cot
es Alv
Improve the town centre with new shops. A site has been identified and a project is underway to deliver new development.
Carterton
on
ort
N rize
d
Roa
playing fields, contributions to the leisure centre, new pedestrian and cycle links and measures to reduce flood risk off-site.
At the eastern site a landscape buffer will form an extension to the Kilkenny Lane Country Park to ensure Brize Norton is kept separate from Carterton.
• Elderbank Hall, Brize Norton Tues 27 November 4 - 8pm • Carterton Town Hall Thurs 6 December 12 - 6.30pm • Carterton Community Centre Sat 8 December 10am - 1pm
•
The development will have a number of other benefits including new affordable housing, a local centre and primary school,
Redevelopment of large areas of substandard MOD housing (REEMA North/ Central) - 400 homes
B
Carterton is also considered a main centre of growth. Some 1,850 new homes are proposed in the local area to include the majority at: East Carterton - 700 homes as a strategic extension to the town; and Former Ministry of Defence land 400 additional houses within the town
•
Brize Norton Village
Rd
Rd
RAF Brize Norton is an integral part of the local community. Its expansion is positive for the local economy.
Previous options to the north and west of the town have been ruled out at this stage.
East Carterton site 700 homes, new primary school and open space.
East Carterton site
• • • • • •
Excellent access to existing roads Good links to town centre and close to shops and local services Best access to public transport Not affected by flood risk Limited landscape impact No significant constraints to development
Roadshows are being held at:
To find out more information and have your say on the draft Local Plan see page 2.
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved LA 100024316 2012
200 new homes and new link road already planned.
Maintain a landscape buffer on the northern edge between Carterton and Brize Norton to form an extension to the country park.
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Financial focus
Still good value at £1.57 The percentage of your council tax bill that West Oxfordshire District Council receives (6%) goes towards all the services provided by this Council - from waste and recycling collections, leisure centres and free car parks in our towns, to providing help with housing problems and overseeing the development of our District.
We are responsible for collecting
council tax payments in West Oxfordshire. However, we get less than 6% of the total amount you pay through council tax - the bulk of it goes to Oxfordshire County Council (80%) and the rest to Thames Valley Police and your local parish or town council, for the services they provide. Based on an average Band D property, our charge for this financial year is £81.63, which equates to just £1.57 a week per household for all the services we provide.
How Council services are paid for Although it helps pay for services, council tax does not raise enough money to pay for the total cost. Currently in West Oxfordshire, £3,549,000 is collected in council tax each year and the total cost of the services we provide is £18,758,000.
Cash balances Government grants including business rates
Charges for services such as commercial waste
Investment interest
Rental income
Council tax
Council tax has been frozen since 2010/11 to help you during the difficult economic times. Next year’s bill will be set at the Council’s budget meeting in February. For more information about council tax, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/counciltax
Second lowest in the country West Oxfordshire has the second lowest council tax charge of all 201 shire district councils in England and the lowest of all five district councils in Oxfordshire. The table below shows how we compare:
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Authority
Council tax charge Band D 2012/13
Rank out of 201 shire district councils
Breckland
£65.48
1st - lowest
West Oxon
£81.63
2nd
White Horse
£116.69
14th
South Oxon
£120.64
15th
Cherwell
£123.50
18th
Oxford
£262.96
197th
Ipswich
£309.69
201st - highest
£18.76m Council tax charges are set locally by the relevant authorities. Bills are based on the value of your property in 1991 and each household is
Few everyday items cost as little as a week’s council tax in West Oxfordshire
assigned to one of eight bands, A-H, depending on this valuation. If your property is in Band A, you pay the least amount and so on.
Free range eggs x 6
Protecting services in the face of cutbacks
a week Here are just some of the services you get for £1.57 a week:
• Waste collection and recycling • Free car parking • Leisure centres, sports facilities • Planning services • Street cleaning • Housing services • Benefits (housing, council tax) • Environmental health • Environmental protection • Community safety • Licensing • Public toilets • Visitor information centres • Energy efficiency At the heart of all that we do, as both councillors and officers, is the committment to be a cost efficient and continually improving council that delivers quality services for you. We will continue to be vigilant in our campaign to cut out waste while delivering value for your money. Cllr Simon Hoare, Cabinet Member for Resources
As the necessary national public spending cuts continue, we are maintaining a commitment to safeguarding the high quality services that matter most to you - whilst keeping council tax low and doing what we can to protect key voluntary organisations.
Why the Council has to make savings: In money terms our net cost of services this year is nearly £9m, compared to £13.2m, five years ago. This decrease is due to: in government grant to help pay • Aforreduction services - a 25% drop, with a further 20% decrease over the next four years.
in money from council • Ataxreal(Thistermhasdecrease been frozen for the last two years to help residents). reduced return from investments and other • Aincome streams, due to the economic climate. An efficiency savings programme has delivered savings in excess of £2m in the past four years and further savings are planned for the future. Some of the key savings so far include: Sharing services with Cotswold District Council - including joint working, with our Chief Executive and senior management among some shared posts, and plans to extend this further including joining our IT services A new finance, procurement, human resources and payroll system - shared with three other councils (Cotswold, Forest of Dean and Cheltenham). Procurement savings - for example insurance and building maintenance contracts Staffing changes - service redesign has led to new structures to deliver services and reduce staffing levels whilst not impacting upon performance Pay freeze - a three year pay freeze for staff and allowances freeze for Councillors has helped to keep our costs stable
• • • • •
Increasing Council income Half a pint of lager
Pack of sandwiches
Long-term investment income has always contributed to the cost of running our services. With fluctuating money markets, we took the decision to move some of our capital reserves into commercial property investment. This is proving successful. This is saving every household £50 per year through enhanced returns. We will continue to ensure that we maximise the return on the capital funds set aside for investment.
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Planning issues answered: front gardens
Paving over front gardens can lead to increased risk of flooding in built up areas, especially during heavy downpours. However, it is usually possible to avoid paving your entire front garden and by using permeable surfacing and planting, you can help prevent flooding and improve your property’s appearance (and potential value).
You do need planning permission* if:
There are various ways of allowing the water to soak away: Permeable or porous block paving: These allow water to soak through. The base layer under these should consist of large pieces of stone that have spaces between to aid water drainage or store water if it cannot soak into the ground as fast as the rain falls. Loose gravel: This is the simplest type of construction - a hardcore base layer is covered with gravel or shingle. However, gravel is not suitable for steeply sloping drives and care may be needed to prevent it spilling onto the pavement. Wheel tracks: To keep hard surfaces to a minimum, wheel tracks can be created from a solid material such as tarmac or blocks and the surrounding area filled with gravel, or planted with grass. The tracks should be installed so that water drains away to the grass or gravel. Rain gardens: A rain garden is a small dip planted with flowers or shrubs, alternatively gravel or cobbles can be used as decorative features. Directing rain water into a ‘rain garden’ allows water to slowly soak into the ground or flow to the drains. Soakaways: The drive could also be designed to channel rainwater into a soakaway - a trench or container which allows water to soak gradually into the ground. These are more suitable for larger front gardens though, as they should not be situated close to buildings.
• •
•
The new paved area is impermeable (ie concrete, tarmac or paving slabs that are cemented in place), larger than 5m2 and rainwater drains directly onto the adjoining road, pavement or neighbouring properties. It includes a new access or alterations to an existing access onto a classified road. It involves changes to the ground level.
Installing a drop kerb
•
If you want to lower the kerb outside your house, you need to obtain permission from Oxfordshire County Council - visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 0845 310 1111.
•
We are here to help
• •
Do I need permission? Planning permission is not necessarily needed for paving over your front garden. It is often exempt from building regulations too. However, it is always a good idea to check with our planning and building control teams to ensure your project complies with any regulations.
You do not need planning permission*:
• • •
If the new paved area is smaller than 5m2 regardless of the material used for paving. For any size of paved area if it is made of a material that will allow water to drain through it naturally. This includes gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt. If the new paved area is larger than 5m2 and is made of a material that does not allow water to drain through but rainwater can drain naturally to a porous area within your property, such as a lawn, flowerbed, rain garden or soakaway.
* Please note: These rules apply to houses only and not to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
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•
If you are not sure if you need planning permission or building regulation approval we will happily give you free advice first. Simply complete the ‘Do I need to submit an application’ form at www.westoxon.gov.uk/permission or call 01993 861420 and we will send you an enquiry form. (We’re unable to tell you if planning permission is needed over the phone). You can find out more about your property, including if it is listed, in a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ section of our website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo For further advice and guidance: www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning
West Oxfordshire residents will soon be able to apply for help to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Green Deal for you ‘Green Deal’ is a government initiative to give householders the chance to access upfront funding to carry out improvements, then repay the money through their energy bill. There are many improvements that could be suitable for your property, including:
• • • • More information about how the funding works Funding is provided through a Green Deal loan. This is different to a conventional loan because it is attached to your property and not to you personally. If you move, the repayments stay with the property and the loan continues to be repaid through its energy bill. Repayments are made via your energy supplier to the company that financed the work and you will not have to get involved. A subsidy may be available from your energy supplier to help towards the cost of some works if the value is too high to be covered by a Green Deal loan. An accredited Green Deal advisor can notify you of this.
solid or cavity wall insulation loft insulation draught proofing double glazing
• • •
new boiler/heating system under-floor heating renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We welcome anything that gives residents the chance to save energy at home. As well as reducing bills, this helps the environment and that is good news for everyone. “The Green Deal has the potential to make a big difference to anyone who wants to make their home energy efficient and we hope people will take advantage of it.”
How the funding works Funding will only be available if repayments can be met through energy savings achieved by the improvement works. This means your bill cannot rise as a result of the works carried out. For example, if you install cavity wall insulation and this reduces your normal energy bill by £100 per year, repayments cannot be more than £100 per year. To access funding an assessment of your property must be carried out by an accredited Green Deal energy assessor, who will advise on suitable works, whether funding may be available and what to do next.
Local help and advice Our Council is working with a consortium of other local authorities, a not-for-profit energy advice company and an environmental charity to set up a community interest company to be a Green Deal provider in West Oxfordshire. This will launch in early 2013 and we would like to hear from you if you are interested in having a Green Deal assessment: • www.westoxon.gov.uk/greendeal • 01993 861020 You will be contacted with more information in the New Year. Alternatively, independent and impartial advice can be obtained on 0300 123 1234 or at www.direct.gov.uk/greendeal
Is your home losing heat? Volunteers are carrying out thermal imaging surveys in some parts of West Oxfordshire during the winter months to give residents the chance to find out how to save money on energy bills. A thermal imaging camera is used to capture images of heat loss from outside properties. Advice is then offered about improvements that could be made to reduce this, and cut energy costs.
The scheme got off to a successful start last winter, with more than 1,000 homes surveyed. We would like to thank all the volunteers who are giving up their spare time to support this project and help others. To find out more about the project, including booking a survey, call 01993 861000 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/thermalimaging
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N
EW
Sign up now to
demand faster broadband Residents and businesses are being urged to get involved in an important project to help improve the future of broadband across Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire County Council is leading a £13.86 million investment to improve broadband across the county by 2015. If you need or want faster broadband, either individually, for your business or community, it is vital that you register your support of this project by 31 December: • Online: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/broadband • Fill out at a postcard at your local library Registering your support will show there is demand in the County for better connectivity.
Why high speed broadband is important Basic broadband is fine for surfing the web or ordering groceries online, but many of us want to use the internet to watch television, play online games and use live video links to catch up with family, and this creates a need for high speed broadband. Many businesses seek out fast broadband when choosing new premises as it is essential for them to be competitive. It accelerates business development and provides new opportunities for innovation, expansion and e-commerce. Other users who can benefit from fast broadband include: • Schools who increasingly use the internet for online resources which can be accessed by children from home. • Homeworkers, as it saves them time, money and travel. • Doctors and healthcare specialists who are looking at the opportunities of Telemedicine where they can work together as a virtual team. Patients’ conditions can be monitored remotely without the need for them to leave home. High speed broadband is therefore important to West Oxfordshire’s economy and future development - register your support now.
FREE microchipping Make sure your four-legged friend can be easily identified and quickly returned to you if they go walkies alone. Book now for our free microchipping service at WFS Country Shop, Burford Rd, Witney: • 26 & 30 November
• 14, 18, 28 & 30 January
Booking essential! Call 01993 861020 or request an appointment online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/dogs Microchipping only takes a moment and lasts forever. Normal cost £16.50.
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!
Support for people with dementia Lights Up, is a free arts-based club for people with dementia or memory problems, their friends, families and carers and people worried about their own memory loss. Visitors can share their experiences and take part in a host of arts activities, from dancing and making music to storytelling. Studies have shown that engagement with arts can bring many benefits to those with dementia and their loved ones. The club meets: • Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month • From 10.45am - 12.30pm • At Highlands Day Centre, 73 Burford Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5EE There is no need to book, simply turn up. Help with getting there is available for people who have no other means of transport. For more information call 0845 1204048.
__________________________________ Boost for Shopmobility Look out for improvements to Shopmobility, which provides a free service for disabled people to borrow a wheelchair or scooter to get around Witney. The Council is taking over the service from Oxford City Council in the next few weeks and is looking into ways of making it better. Further information about the improvements will be available on the Council’s website as soon as possible: www.westoxon.gov.uk/shopmobility
__________________________________ Carterton benefits advice service Information and advice on housing and council tax benefits is available on alternate Thursdays in Carterton. Drop in anytime between 9.30 - 11am at the Town Hall. If you would prefer a private consultation, make an appointment by calling 01993 861030. Forthcoming dates: Thursday 22 November Thursday 6 & 20 December The service can also advise you about the changes to welfare benefits rules and how you may be affected.
Independent living Artist’s impression: Buttercross Works, Witney
West Oxfordshire is set to get its first affordable ‘extra care’ housing to help older residents live independently within their own homes. The properties are aimed at local people over the age of 55 who can live by themselves, but need a little extra help.
almost 18% of • Inour2011, 110,000 residents
•
Work on the first of three developments will start in the coming months to provide one and two bedroom apartments for low-cost rental, shared ownership and some for outright sale. As well as having their own apartments, residents will have access to communal facilities, such as dining areas and computer rooms, in addition to 24-hour care and assistance from specialist on-site staff if needed. The developments are being provided by the Council’s housing partner, Cottsway, as part of work to increase housing opportunities for older people in West Oxfordshire. They include: Green Lane, Milton-under-Wychwood: 44 apartments with priority for people who have a local connection to the Wychwoods. Completion due late spring 2014. Milestone Road, Carterton: 93 extra care apartments in nearly three acres of grounds within the town centre, alongside a nursing home. Building should finish late 2014. Buttercross Works, Witney: 80 extra care apartments close to the town centre, scheduled for early 2015.
• • •
•
were 65 or older and this is expected to rise to 24% by 2026. The Council is working with partners, such as Oxfordshire County Council, health trusts and housing associations, to help meet the needs of our ageing population. Key elements are housing and care. Extra care housing is being provided to increase choices for older people and support them to live independent lives. We have a target of providing 940 extra care homes by 2031.
We will work with Cottsway to allocate the apartments and are keen to hear from anyone over 55, with a care need, who would like to be considered. Sandra Baldwin contacted us on behalf of her elderly parents, Gerald and Rose Nichols, who live in Milton-under-Wychwood and are interested in the village development. Her father is 91 and has dementia. Despite having heart problems, her 86-yearold mother is his main carer. The couple currently live together in their family home. Mrs Baldwin, 65, said: “My father’s lived in the village all his life and both of them want to keep their independence but it can be hard, especially for my mother. It would be wonderful for them to have their own place and have help on hand if they need it.These developments are a fantastic idea.” To register, find out more about extra care housing, or for details about different housing options for older people, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/olderpeople or call 01993 861010. Alternatively, contact Cottsway on 01993 890000 or email contact@cottsway.co.uk
Sandra Baldwin with her mother, Rose Nichols
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Across the UK, there will be around 3 million tonnes of waste this festive season...
Festive food for thought
...including enough gift paper to wrap around the whole of Witney!
As well as cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill, it means your leftovers are put to really good use.
Here in West Oxfordshire not only will we collect more waste, but more of this than usual will be sent to landfill. Last December and January, there was around a 6% drop in the District’s recycling rate as residents put more items into their refuse bins. This Christmas, please recycle as much of your waste as possible and help us to keep it out of landfill.
Christmas and New Year Bank Holiday waste collection dates Normal collection:
Revised date:
Tues 25 December
Thur 27 December
Wed 26 December
Fri 28 December
Thur 27 December
Sat 29 December
Fri 28 December
Mon 31 December
Mon 31 December
Wed 2 January
Tues 1 January
Thur 3 January
Wed 2 January
Fri 4 January
Thur 3 January
Sat 5 January
Fri 4 January
Mon 7 January
Mon 7 January
Tues 8 January
Tues 8 January
Wed 9 January
Wed 9 January
Thur 10 January
Thur 10 January
Fri 11 January
Fri 11 January
Sat 12 January
Normal collections resume 14 January. No garden waste 22 December - 6 January.
Not surprisingly, we collected more food waste last December and January than any other month of the year. Please use your food waste bins this festive season and help us to recycle even more.
Food waste is taken to a processing plant in Cassington. Here it is broken down into gas, which is captured and turned into electricity and a liquid, which is used as organic fertiliser on local farmland. Farmers have been spreading this rich fertiliser into their land - the photograph here shows the effect this can have (light green area has not been treated). Any food waste, such as peelings, bones, meat, raw or cooked leftovers can be put into your food waste bin. If you don’t have a bin or kitchen caddy, please contact us.
Think pink! You can now recycle small electrical items more conveniently at pink electrical banks, located across the District. The banks can be used for anything with electrical or electronic parts such as hair straighteners, shavers, kettles and toasters. Electrical recycling banks can be found at:
• • • • •
Burford: Guildenford car park Carterton: Co-op Carterton: Stanmore Crescent Clanfield: Marsh Lane car park Ducklington: Aston Road car park
• • • • •
Eynsham: Back Lane car park Witney: Edington Square Witney: Sainsbury’s Witney: Woodford Way car park Woodstock: Hensington Road
Larger items such as TV monitors, washing machines and anything that doesn’t fit in the chute of the banks should be taken to a household waste and recycling centre (tip). Alternatively, for a small charge, you can order a bulky household waste collection online or by calling us. Please do not leave items at the side of recycling banks.
www.westoxon.gov.uk/waste 01993 861025 12
IN BRIEF Christmas Waste and recycling tree recycling collection calendars
From Look 7 January real out 2012 / 13 calendars in September Christmas trees and - they’ll be sent out with your polling cards. greenery such as holly, ivy Oops - can sorry! and wreaths be put out If yourwaste. waste and recycling is collected on as garden
Watch your waste this Christmas!
after collections
Batteries
Please remember to remove your emptied Batteries: rechargeable bins and boxes from the kerbside by the end / sweet tins of your collection day, or early the Biscuit following day at the latest. Brussel sprouts This stops the pavement from beingCandle stubs cluttered and causing a potential obstruction Christmas cards to the partially sighted. trees: real We would appreciate it if residentsChristmas could tidy away their neighbours’ bins and boxes Christmas trees: artificial too when they are away from home for a while. Otherwise, they could be a sign to / textiles / shoes Clothes ____________________________ thieves that a house is unoccupied. Corks: natural
Be August alerted Bank Holiday Corks: plastic
Don’t forget, you collection can sign up for dates: Fairy lights* Waste email alerts about bin collection Foil / foil containers days andNormal service changes due toRevised date: collection: things like weather disruption or Mon 27 August Tues 28 August Holly and mistletoe Bank Holidays. Simply register at: Tues 28 August Wed 29 August Polystyrene packaging
* See ‘Think pink!’ article
Wed 29 August Thurs 30 August Sweet / cake wrappers ____________________________ Thurs 30 August Fri 31 August Tinsel Find usFrion31Facebook August Sat 1 September Toys: good condition for all the latest Normal collections resume Toys:3broken information and September. tips on how to reduce and Turkey bones / food waste Wrapping paper
www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo
recycle your waste - search ‘Recycle for Oxfordshire’
Charity shop
away
Council tip**
Garden waste will not be collected from 22Please Decemberput - 6 January. your bins
Recycling banks
a Friday and you’re in the pink collection Place your tree in your zone, there is an garden error in your calendar. waste bin or cut it up and leavewill be as follows: Septembers collections beside your bin. Remove the pot, Here’s a handy reminder of where some of those festive extras September 2012 can go. For a full list of what can and cannot be recycled, recycling decorations, wire etc. M T W Th F S bank1 and council tip locations see our website (address below): You don’t need to be signed up for garden waste -5simply6 3 collections 4 7 8 At home Away leave your10 tree out on your 11 12 green 13 14 15 Black box Food bins Garden bin Rubbish collection17 week as18shown19on your 20 21 22 waste calendar online.26 24 or25 27 28 29
** Household Waste & Recycling Centre
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Leisure and health
Active health You might think they are all about gyms, working out and swimming, but West Oxfordshire’s leisure centres also play an important role in helping some residents on the road to recovery from illness and gaining a better quality of life.
With specialist courses, classes and individual training programmes tailored to specific needs, the centres are seeing more and more people using exercise as a therapy to improve not only their health, but day-to-day lives as well.
The centres work with people who have a range of health conditions, from cardiac and pulmonary disease to obesity and those who are sedentary. Patients need a referral from their GP or other health professional and receive a substantial discount on leisure centre activities. They will be offered a health and lifestyle check with a specialist instructor and a personal exercise programme. This year has seen an increase in referrals, particularly in Witney, and extra classes have been introduced where needed. Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member responsible for leisure, said: “We all know exercise is good for us, but it can be absolutely invaluable in aiding recovery for people who have been ill or getting over surgery, as well as boosting confidence.This is a good example of how we are working to ensure everyone can use our facilities.”
Your leisure centre may be able to help you become more active and help with:
• Losing weight and weight management • Managing stress and anxiety • Reducing the risk of, or controlling, type-2 diabetes • Breathing more easily • Improving mobility • Increasing your strength and flexibility • Controlling your blood pressure
Stuart Rigg, 57, started on an exercise programme at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre after suffering a stroke which resulted in loss of use in his right arm and leg as well as dysphasia - a condition that affects speech. His programme was tailored to his specific needs and Mr Rigg has made excellent progress - now attending the gym 2 to 3 times a week and regularly cycling 5km on the exercise bike. His wife, Joanna, said: “The staff in the gym who have helped Stuart have been marvellous - finding things Stuart could do and gradually adding new challenges. When you look back it’s truly amazing what he’s achieved with the team’s help.” William Langley is among those who attend pulmonary rehabilitation sessions at the Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney, run by GLL Better and the pulmonary team from the Churchill Hospital. Despite stopping smoking more than 50 years ago, Mr Langley has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes regular breathlessness. The 91-year-old, from Witney, said: “I feel better for attending the classes. Although I do sometimes feel a bit stiff the next day, I like to think it’s a sign I’ve worked hard.”
Speak to your GP or health professional about getting a referral to qualify for discounted membership or entry to the leisure centres.
Revamped gyms Improvement works are taking place at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney, including: • A new fast track access system in reception • Extension and redecoration of the gym The gym at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre has also undergone refurbishment, including some new cardiovascular equipment, new flooring and redecoration. Work has been funded by the Council’s leisure centre management contractor, GLL Better.
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William Langley with Heidi Portlock, class instructor
NEW Police and Crime Commissioner Our first local Police and Crime Commissioner* is getting down to work following the elections this month. The Commissioner is accountable for how crime is tackled in the Thames Valley police force area including:
Lighting the way with lanterns Carterton’s Winter Lights Procession will take place on Friday 14 December with a magical stroll lit by lanterns. Workshops led by Oxfordshire artist Emma Reynard are being held in the town to give people the chance to create paper lanterns for the event. To create your own lantern, simply drop in at one of the free workshops: Carterton Community Centre on Sunday 25 November, 1.30pm - 5pm or Saturday 1 December,* 10am - 3pm St John’s Church Hall on Saturday 8 December, 11am - 4pm.
• •
The workshops are open to all ages and everyone is welcome, although under-8s should be accompanied by an adult. Lanterns are also being made by schoolchildren and community groups in Carterton.
Funding for sport and playwork training Grants are available for groups wishing to develop their staff and volunteers skills in coaching, officiating and playwork.
The procession will start at 6.30pm from Carterton Community Centre, in Marigold Square on the Shilton Park estate, and finish at St John the Evangelist Church, Burford Road.
Grants of up to £200 are on offer to help cover up to 90% of the total cost of courses to help with training and development needs such as sports coaching, first aid and playwork.
The mile-long stroll takes about 40 minutes and all are welcome.
The grant aims to support groups in the work they do in providing sport and play opportunities to local communities.
For more details call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/ winterlights
The next deadlines for applications are 2 January and 4 March 2013. For information call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/grants
* Space limited
Music Diary The Music Diary is a free online listing of concerts and performances in the District. For more information, or to register an event for inclusion, call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/musicdiary
• Cutting crime and delivering an effective and efficient police service • Consulting with the public to set policing priorities • Ensuring local and national priorities are suitably funded by setting a budget and the local precept • Holding to account the local Chief Constable for the performance of the police force • Ensuring community needs are met as effectively as possible to deliver a real, tangible difference to the lives of the electorate they represent For more information see www.apccs.police.uk *We have not named the Police and Crime Commissioner as the election had not taken place at the time of going to print.
0800 138 1625
Hate crime can be related to disability, race or nationality, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
24 HOUR HELPLINE
Abuse can be verbal, physical or emotional and include attack to property, written notes, emails and text messages. Victims can now report hate crime and receive practical and emotional support, if wanted, via our Council or a 24-hour charity helpline, as well as to the police.
Report hate crime to: • Thames Valley Police: Call 101 • West Oxfordshire District Council: Call 01993 861000 www.westoxon.gov.uk/hatecrime • Stop Hate UK 24 hour helpline: Call 0800 138 1625 www.stophateuk.org With the victim’s consent, details of any incident can be passed to the police,Victim Support or other helpful agencies.
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Christmas market dates
CONTACTING US
Carterton:
Thursday 20 December Monday 24 December Thursday 3 January
Chipping Norton:
Farmers’ markets: Witney:
Thursday 20 December Saturday 22 December Thursday 27 December Saturday 29 December
Wednesday 19 December Wednesday 2 January
Woodstock
Saturday 1 December
Charlbury
Saturday 8 December
Chipping Norton
Saturday 15 December
Witney
Friday 21 December
Christmas lights switch on Towns and villages across West Oxfordshire are preparing to glitter and shine with twinkling lights as the festive season is launched with the switching on of Christmas displays. Why not go along, experience the fun and support local traders:
Burford - Sun 2 December
Chipping Norton - Fri 7 December
Father Christmas, events in shops and hotels and a switch on at around 4.30pm.
Father Christmas, stalls in town centre and late night shopping 5.30 - 9pm.
Carterton - Fri 30 November
Witney - Fri 30 November
6 - 8pm. Traditional Christmas carols with the lights switched on by a special guest. Featuring funfair and stalls selling mulled wine, refreshments, Christmas gifts and craft items. Many local shops open late.
Entertainment in Market Square and Langdale Hall from 5pm. Light switch on at around 7pm. Many shops open until 8pm.
Charlbury - Fri 14 December
Woodstock - Sat 24 November Woodstock Town Square 6pm - ‘The Night of a Thousand Candles’
Local shops open late until 8pm. For more information about other Oxfordshire towns/parishes: www.otcn.co.uk
arking’s FREE
10% discount Use this voucher to pick up some great Christmas gifts at our Visitor Information Centres in Burford and Witney. (Selected items. Terms and conditions apply). Valid until 24 December 2012.
With a variety of independent and high street shops, traditional markets and free parking, West Oxfordshire’s a great place to do your Christmas shopping. Our Council is proud to support traders and keep costs down for local residents and workers by offering free parking at all 16 of the car parks that we operate. Find out more about parking, including bicycle and disabled parking at www.westoxon.gov.uk/carparks or calling 01993 861000.
Get the latest Council news straight to your Twitter feed. For more information visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/twitter All information contained in this newsletter is correct at time of going to print.
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You can access lots of council services 24/7 via:
www.westoxon.gov.uk It’s quick and easy to book a service, pay a bill or report a problem online. From a postcode search you can: • view planning applications on your property or street • find your waste collection dates • register for email alerts • see your council tax banding • find the name of your councillor and much more...
Call: 01993 861000 OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES: 0845 3039706
Useful numbers Benefits Business Support Community Services Council Tax Electoral Services Housing Services Leisure and Tourism Licensing Planning Street Scene Waste and recycling
01993 861030 01993 861485 01993 861060 01993 861040 01993 861410 01993 861010 01993 861080 01993 861060 01993 861420 01993 861020 01993 861025
Leisure centres www.better.org.uk Bartholomew 01993 861830 Bartholomew School, Eynsham OX29 4AP
Carterton
01993 861981
Broadshires Way, Carterton OX18 1AA
Chipping Norton
01993 861951
Burford Road, Chipping Norton OX7 5DY
Windrush
01993 202020
Witan Way, Witney OX28 4YA
Visitor information www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org Burford Chipping Norton Witney Woodstock
01993 823558 01608 643384 01993 775802 01993 814106
Printed on environmentally sustainable and recycled paper.
General markets: