www.westoxon.gov.uk
Creating Futures West Oxfordshire District Council’s newsletter for residents
Summer 2012
Our moment to shine Olympic excitement is coming to West Oxfordshire on Monday 9 July when the Olympic Torch relay travels through Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. Thousands of people are expected to welcome the Olympic Flame along the route and celebrate the achievements of the Torchbearers. Many Oxfordshire residents have already been involved in the torch relay. Last month Josh McEachran (pictured), a former student at Marlborough School in Woodstock and a Chelsea footballer carried the torch in Wiltshire. Josh, who could be playing in the Olympics, was selected as a Torchbearer because of his dedication to sport and the charitable schemes he is involved with. On 9 July the Olympic Flame will travel from Luton to Oxford, covering 112 miles through 16 communities. 133 Torchbearers will carry the Flame before it arrives at the Evening Celebration in Oxford.
WIN dinner for two... p7
Photograph courtesy of London 2012
For more information about the route and the day, see pages 4 -5.
Planning issues... p8 -9
Help for small businesses... p15
Welcome
from Barry Norton Leader of the Council
2012 is a big year - both for the UK as a whole and for West Oxfordshire. Recently we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and now, in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic games, the torch relay is generating a huge amount of national excitement with thousands of people lining the streets. We are thrilled to be hosting the relay on the 9 July when it comes to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. Thank you to all those who have so far contributed their views and comments towards our ‘Core Strategy’, outlining the development of West Oxfordshire up until 2026. However, taking into consideration recent changes at both local and national level, we are carrying out further consultation starting in August.You can read more about this on page 8. Despite our budget being put under severe pressure following grant cuts as the Government tries to redress the nation’s debt, we have frozen our council tax bill for a second year. We hope this will benefit taxpayers at a time when inflation is a particularly large strain on finances. We will continue to do all we can to help residents by making efficiency savings, with minimal impact on services. Through an approach that includes improved purchasing contracts and shared services we are now saving £2.1m per annum - equivalent to some £50 per Band D property. Our council tax charge remains less than half the national average and the second lowest in the country. I am proud to think that our district remains one of the best places to live and work and visit. Good news is that we have recovered nearly £6.5m from Iceland’s failed banks, with more to come. The way this money is spent is controlled by government regulations and cannot be used for running day to day services, but is part of the Council’s capital investments which earn interest which itself can help fund our services. I have always felt confident that we would get our money back and this is welcome news as our capital investment income is also helping us to weather ongoing financial pressures. Finally, our new website will be launched later this autumn - boosting our efficiency and bringing savings. The new site will make it easier for residents who prefer to contact us this way and even for this development we are sharing the costs with another council.
We are happy to provide this newsletter in other formats. Please contact us if this is required. 2
Know your councillors West Oxfordshire District Council is made up of 27 electoral areas, called wards, represented by 49 councillors. All councillors are listed below by ALVESCOT & FILKINS Cllr David McFarlane Conservative 01367 253079 ASCOTT & SHIPTON Cllr Hilary Biles Conservative 01993 831822 BAMPTON & CLANFIELD Cllr Martin Barrett Conservative 01993 202561 Cllr Mark Booty Conservative (Deputy Leader)
01993 851003 BRIZE NORTON & SHILTON Cllr Verena Hunt Conservative 01993 841853 BURFORD Cllr Derek Cotterill Conservative (Chairman) 01993 823188 CARTERTON NORTH EAST Cllr Norman Macrae MBE Conservative Cllr Henry Howard Conservative 01993 844631 CARTERTON NORTH WEST Cllr Peter Handley Conservative 01993 842147 Cllr Maxine Crossland Conservative 01993 212654
CARTERTON SOUTH Cllr Michael Brennan Conservative 01993 212863 Cllr Joe Walcott MBE Conservative CHADLINGTON & CHURCHILL Cllr Neil Owen Conservative 01993 830875 CHARLBURY & FINSTOCK Cllr Hywel Davies Conservative 01993 868004 Cllr Liz Leffman Liberal Democrat 01608 810153 CHIPPING NORTON Cllr Eve Coles Labour 01608 643570 Cllr Rob Evans Labour 01608 643800 Cllr Annie Roy-Barker Conservative 01608 644107 DUCKLINGTON Cllr Steve Hayward Conservative 01993 622511 EYNSHAM & CASSINGTON Cllr Peter Kelland Conservative 01865 880028
THAMES VALLEY POLICE ELECTIONS
the ward they represent. If you’re unsure which ward you live in, call 01993 861410 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo EYNSHAM & CASSINGTON cont Cllr Larry Poole Liberal Democrat 01865 375130 Cllr Edward James Conservative 01865 731009 FREELAND & HANBOROUGH Cllr Colin Dingwall Conservative 01993 706363 Cllr Toby Morris Conservative 01993 849402 HAILEY, MINSTER LOVELL & LEAFIELD Cllr Simon Hoare Conservative 01993 869241 Cllr Warwick Robinson Conservative 01993 774386 KINGHAM, ROLLRIGHT & ENSTONE Cllr Andrew Beaney Conservative 01993 832090 Cllr Nigel Colston Conservative 01608 643209 MILTON-UNDERWYCHWOOD Cllr Jeff Haine Conservative 01993 830078 NORTH LEIGH Cllr Barry Norton Conservative (Leader)
01993 702302
STANDLAKE, ASTON & STANTON HARCOURT Cllr Hilary Fenton Conservative 01993 852082 Cllr Steve Good Conservative 01865 882668 STONESFIELD & TACKLEY Cllr Charles Cottrell-Dormer Conservative 01869 347110 Cllr Derrick Millard Conservative 01993 891484 THE BARTONS Cllr Arthur Goffe Conservative 01869 347712 WITNEY CENTRAL Cllr Andrew Coles Labour 01993 703812 Cllr Pete Dorward Conservative 01993 705359 WITNEY EAST Cllr Duncan Enright Labour 01993 200012 Cllr Sian Davies Conservative 01993 700916 Cllr James Mills Conservative 01993 700884
WITNEY NORTH Cllr David Snow Conservative 01993 703365 Cllr Richard Langridge Conservative 01993 704493 WITNEY SOUTH Cllr Alvin Adams Conservative 01993 772098 Cllr Jane Doughty Conservative 01993 774945 Cllr David Harvey Conservative 01993 706501 WITNEY WEST Cllr Louise Chapman Conservative (Deputy Chairman) 01993 773560 Cllr Harry Eaglestone Conservative 01993 702915 WOODSTOCK & BLADON Cllr Julian Cooper Liberal Democrat 01993 811519 Cllr Elizabeth Poskitt Liberal Democrat 01993 811590 Councillors can also be emailed. Please use the following format: name.surname@westoxon.gov.uk
On 15 November, for the first time ever, the public will elect a ‘Police and Crime Commissioner’ who will be accountable for how crime is tackled in their police force area. The commissioner for Thames Valley Police will be elected by you.
Look out for your electoral registration forms To be able to vote, you must re-register to be on the Electoral Register. Registration forms will be sent to households during July and confirming details can now be done very easily, either by text, online or by calling a freephone number. If changes need to be made, the form can be amended and returned in the prepaid envelope provided. Please respond promptly as this not only ensures you are included on the register, but also saves money on the expensive process of issuing reminder letters and carrying out door to door visits. Anyone who has not received an electoral registration form by 16 July should contact us on 01993 861410 or at www.westoxon.gov.uk/ register.
For more information visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk/councillors
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Olympic Torch Relay
Woodstock Gate
Schools and community groups have come together to prepare for when the famous Olympic Flame passes through Woodstock and Blenheim 3.40pm* Palace on its 70-day and 8,000 mile tour around the UK. Arriving in Woodstock on Monday 9 July, the Flame will be carried by a succession of Torchbearers. It will be preceded by a convoy of sponsor’s vehicles, some will be providing entertainment and handing out keepsakes. The Torch Relay will start from Cadogan Park at 3.30pm, making its way along the A44 past the main gates to Blenheim Palace and then down the High Street and through Woodstock Town Gate (3.40pm) into Blenheim Palace where it is scheduled to leave at 4.30pm. Roads will close whilst the Olympic Flame passes through.
Parking Because of the additional pressure on parking in Woodstock that day, we are advising visitors to either use public transport or park in Blenheim Palace, which will be free after 1.30pm.
Over 2,000 young people from local schools, sports clubs and disability groups will be helping to celebrate the day, including: • Coaches and participants from ‘In it together’ - a programme for learning disabled adults • Step2Dance - street dance world champions • Woodstock Harriers • Woodstock Tennis and Bowls Club • Windrush Valley Boxing Club • Oxfordshire Playbus • Adventure Plus • Marlborough School, Woodstock • Local primary schools • Springfield School, Witney
Burford’s Peter Radford, pictured, competed in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 1960 Olympic Games winning two bronze medals. He also broke the 220 yards and 200m world records.
Personal bests: 100m 10.29 secs (1958) 200m 21.04 secs (1960)
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Museum and Stocks
Inspiring young people
Fastest man in the West?
Now 72, he’s looking forward to cheering the Olympic Flame on the 9 July, saying, “Taking the torch round the country has raised the excitement level and for people to be involved in carrying it, is a lovely idea.”
PA RK ST RE ET
BLENHEIM PARK
Toilets
4.00pm*
Blenheim Palace
Finish 4.30pm*
FREE PARKING IN BLENHEIM PARK AFTER 1.30PM
Find us on Twitter and follow the Torch’s progress through Woodstock and Blenheim Palace at: @WodcNews
For traffic information: BBC Radio Oxford 95.2FM @bbcoxtravel
For general information: www.westoxon.gov.uk/2012 01993 861000
Route through Oxfordshire: 9 July
10 July
Bicester Kirtlington Woodstock Blenheim Palace Kidlington Oxford - evening celebration
Oxford Abingdon Wallingford Crowmarsh Gifford Nettlebed Henley-on-Thames
For maps see: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/london2012
Toilets
Front row seats
HIG
Town Hall
H S TRE
WOODSTOCK
ET
Hensington Gate
OX
Route map
FO
RD
Excitement is mounting for the residents of Cottsway Housing’s Caroline Court sheltered scheme in Woodstock, who will have a front row view as the historic torch is carried right past their home. David Hadrill, a resident at Caroline Court said:
RO
“Many of our residents remember the 1948 London Games quite clearly. We are delighted to think we are having another chance of seeing the Olympic Flame passing by some 64 years later.”
AD
* All times are approximate.
Start 3.30pm*
Inspirational Torchbearers Seven Torchbearers will run a section of the relay and the first three to be named are: Graham Warland Graham Warland’s passion is canoeing, recently coming third in his age group in the National Canoe Championships.
Pat Pearce MBE
Roland Read In 1987 Pat Pearce founded the charity, Dreamflight, to take seriously ill and disabled children on a holiday of a lifetime.
Graham’s son Ross was a keen canoeist with aspirations for the Banbury & District Canoe Club’s future, but sadly he lost a battle with cancer in 2000.
Each year Dreamflight takes 192 children, without their parents, but with a team of medical carers, to Orlando, Florida. This costs the charity £800,000 - £1m annually.
Graham took on his son’s vision and, with the help of others, the Club has become extremely successful, now ranked second in the country. Graham, the Club’s Chairman also sits on the National Marathon Racing Committee. He said, “It’s a great privilege and honour to be chosen to carry the Olympic Flame.”
Pat is thrilled to be chosen as a Torchbearer and said, “I’ll be carrying the Torch on behalf of all the children we’ve taken to Orlando.” At the last Paralympics 7 medallists had been Dreamflight children.
For over 30 years Roland Read has run local karate clubs in Wheatley and Thame. They welcome people of all ages and fitness, including those with special needs. His desire isn’t to create black belts, but to build confidence, character and awareness, as well as having fun. Describing his excitement at being chosen as a Torchbearer Roland said, “It is such an honour, I’m chuffed and proud. It’s fantastic to be running through Woodstock. I often visit Blenheim Palace; it’s a place I love.”
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An inspirational project has been changing lives for many disabled people in West Oxfordshire.
Inspired by the
Play for FREE! Celebrate National Playday on Wednesday 1 August from 10am - 3pm at the Leys Recreation Ground,Witney.
Paralympics The way in which the Olympic and Paralympic Games has inspired a group of over 100 people in West Oxfordshire will be celebrated on 9 July when the Torch Relay goes through Woodstock and Blenheim Palace.
Activities are free and include go karts, climbing wall, sensory bus, den building, arts and crafts, sports and much more. Adam
Visit www.oxonplay.org.uk or call 01865 779474.
Your leisure centre
A project called ‘In it together’ has encouraged people with learning disabilities to try out a range of Olympic and Paralympic sports including sitting volleyball, football, basketball, trampolining, tennis, boccia and zumba.
We are constantly working towards making our leisure centres accessible to everyone.
For many participants, it has been life-changing. They’ve not only learnt new skills, but it’s boosted their confidence and has been a fantastic way of making new friends.
If you have found something that prevents you from using them or you feel we could do better please let us know: www.westoxon.gov.uk/ comment or by calling 01993 861000.
Lucie, from Witney, had played boccia at school and was keen to take it to another level, so was funded to do a Boccia Leaders course. She said: “I really like boccia and wanted the rest of the group to learn, so we can play together.” Adam from Witney, came along to some of the sports sessions. When he scored two goals in a football tournament, the fans reaction gave him a real buzz. “I’ve never scored a goal in my life before this - I liked the clapping and want to score more goals!” The ‘In it together’ project was granted the London 2012 Inspire Mark. Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This project has inspired many disabled people to get into sport and we’re pleased that individuals who have participated will have the chance to showcase the sports they have tried out at the Torch Relay celebration event.” For more information call 01993 861557 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/inittogether
Music diary Summer is the perfect time to venture out for entertainment and you may not have to go far! Music Diary is a free online listing of concerts and performances in the District. For more information, or if you’d like to register an event for inclusion, call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/musicdiary
Seniors directory Information for older people and their families about organisations, things to do and issues such as healthcare, financial advice and staying connected with the community: www.westoxon.gov.uk/seniors
Faulty electric blankets can cause fires! Book your free check for: • Witney - 12 October • Chipping Norton - 26 October Lucie
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www.westoxon.gov.uk/blankettesting or call 01993 861060 to book.
Around one million people in the UK suffer from food poisoning every year - be more informed about where you eat or shop for food.
Food for thought You can check out food hygiene standards at eateries across Oxfordshire and England through a new nationwide scheme. With the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme you can quickly and easily check food hygiene standards at all types of food businesses, ranging from takeaways and restaurants to butchers and school kitchens. Simply visit: www.food.gov.uk/ratings Hygiene ratings are based on inspections carried out by our environmental health officers. Ratings range from zero (which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’) to a top rating of five (‘very good’).
A LOT OF WORK GOES INTO KEEPING A BUSY KITCHEN HYGIENIC 12 HOURS A DAY
Our hygiene inspections include food handling practices and procedures, temperature control, cleanliness, ventilation and condition of the structure of the kitchen area. Also taken into account is the overall management of the business, particularly whether satisfactory documented food safety procedures are in place. Food businesses are given a ratings certificate and sticker to display in their store for customers to see, but this is not obligatory. Over 500 premises in West Oxfordshire have achieved the maximum food hygiene rating, including the Sunshine Day Nursery near Brize Norton (inset picture) who have received 5 stars since 2009.* Mike Burkert at the Hollybush in Witney (pictured with manager, Luke Champion) is the Head Chef of one such venue. He said: “A lot of work goes into keeping a busy kitchen hygienic 12 hours a day. The fact that we achieved a maximum score in our small kitchen is great news.” To find out more about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/FHRS or call 01993 861000. * The scheme builds on the success of ‘Scores on the Doors’ that West Oxfordshire District Council has been part of since 2009.
WIN Sunday dinner for two To celebrate the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, we’ve teamed up with The Hollybush in Witney to give you the chance of winning Sunday dinner for two. To enter the prize draw, simply visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/competitions before 18 August and fill in the online form. Alternatively, send your name, address and telephone number to: Communications,West Oxfordshire District Council,Woodgreen,Witney OX28 1NB. One winner will be picked at random. Full terms and conditions are online.
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Planning for the future: latest update In Creating Futures we have been following the progress of the ‘Core Strategy’ which sets out how West Oxfordshire could develop over the next 15 years. This includes new housing and business growth, services and facilities such as schools and roads, ways to help address climate change and maintaining the special character of the area.
Chipping Norton Your town needs YOU! Your town... Your ideas... Your time to shape our future
A key issue is the location of new housing, with the strategy focusing mainly on Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton with more limited development elsewhere. Our planners are currently working on the next draft of the strategy. This will take into consideration: • The change in the amount of homes required by the MOD for service personnel in Carterton. • National changes to planning rules. • Feedback from residents and stakeholders. We hope to finalise the revised draft soon and will carry out further consultation on this in August. We will then assess the responses and prepare the Final Core Strategy and invite final comments before sending it to Government early in 2013. Then an independent inspector will examine the strategy, comments and evidence gathered, and recommend changes if necessary. We hope to adopt the final strategy in late 2013. The Core Strategy has been the subject of extensive consultation to date and all information received has been taken into consideration. Over 2,000 responses have been received so far and summaries of these can be viewed online. For more information and to view previous consultation responses visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/corestrategy or call 01993 861420.
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The Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan gives you the chance to say how you would like to see the town develop in the future:
• • •
What’s important to the town? What needs to be done? What should the town be like in 2026?
If you live or work in Chipping Norton you can get involved. For more information: Visit: Chipping Norton Town Council, The Guildhall, Goddards Lane Online: www.chippingnortontown.info Email: cntc@btconnect.com
Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan _______________________________________________________________ The Chipping Norton Town Appraisal 2003 said ‘the vision for 2013 would see a working Cotswold Town thriving economically and socially as a rural hub - but keeping the strong community spirit and local services and facilities’.
Planning issues answered: Conservatories
Adding a conservatory can raise your home’s value and is a relatively simple and cost-effective way of increasing your space. Building a conservatory does not neccesarily require planning permission, it is often exempt from building regulations too. However, it’s always a good idea to check with our planning and building control teams to ensure your project complies with any regulations. Below are some of the most common reasons for needing planning permission:
Your new conservatory means more than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions or other buildings.
If any part of your conservatory comes within 2 metres of your property’s boundary and the height of the eaves would exceed 3 metres.
If the conservatory would be taller than 4 metres. You plan to add a conservatory on the side elevation
The term ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if it was built before that date. You may not have extended the house but a previous owner may have.
of your home and it would exceed 4 metres in height or a width more than half that of the original house.
If you are building your conservatory at the front or side of your property fronting a road, and part or all of the structure will project in front of the current building line.
If your conservatory extends beyond the rear wall of the original house by more
than 4 metres if a detached house, or by 3 metres in the case of any other house.
You live in a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You may also need planning permission if your home is a listed building. Please contact our planning team to find out more. Where work is proposed to a listed building, whether inside or out, listed building consent may be required. When extending your home it is always wise to keep your neighbours informed ahead of the project. Their cooperation can be useful.Try to choose a design that complements the style of your home. It’s also worth thinking about its position: a south-facing conservatory needs ventilation and shade, while a north-facing room requires good heating. If you build something which needs planning permission without first obtaining permission, you may have to put things right later, which could prove costly. You may even have to demolish any unauthorised works.
Building regulations and planning permission in brief
We’re here to help If you’re 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 will respond within 15 working days of receipt of your enquiry. (We’re unable to tell you if planning permission is needed over the phone due to the complexity of the regulations). If you need planning permission or building regulation approval our website outlines what steps you need to take. If your project does not require permission or consent, it can be helpful to have something in writing from us stating that - especially if you sell your property in the future. You can find more about your property, including if it’s in a Conservation Area or an AONB, or is a listed building, from the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ section of our website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo For further advice and guidance see www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning or call 01993 861420.
Most people realise that they may need approval for their proposed building work. However, it may not always be clear how planning and building regulations differ.
Planning permission: deals with the appearance of the proposal, the effect it will have on neighbouring properties and the general environment.
For many types of building work, separate permission will be required for both planning and building regulations as they are separate pieces of legislation. For other building work, such as internal alterations, buildings regulations approval will probably be needed, but planning permission may not be.
Building regulations: deal with the construction details of the building works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around the building.
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Benefit
from the changes The government is trying to simplify the way the welfare system works. We take a closer look at the proposed changes to benefits and how they’re going to affect you... Income Support for lone parents If your youngest child is aged five or over, or will turn five in 2012, your Income Support may stop this year. The Jobcentre will be in touch to let you know when your last payment is due and will invite you to see an advisor who will explain how you can make a claim for another benefit if you have not found paid work. You will be able to apply for either:
Seeker’s Allowance - for people • Job unemployed and actively seeking work.
& Support Allowance • Employment - for those unable to work due to a health condition or disability. These changes do not apply if you receive Income Support for additional reasons, such as you: children who are entitled to • have the middle or the high rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
• receive Carer’s Allowance • have a foster child living with you. If you have any questions about Income Support, please call the Jobcentre Plus Information line on 0800 055 6688.
Working Tax Credits From April this year the working hour rules for couples with children have changed:
•
If both you and your partner are employed - you must work at least 24 hours per week between you, with one of you working a minimum of 16 hours per week
of you works, that person • Ifmustonlybeoneworking at least 24 hours per week.
However, there are some exceptions to the new rules. If you have any questions about Working Tax Credit, please call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 3000 3900.
Council Tax Benefit From April 2013 the current Council Tax Benefit will be replaced with a local Council Tax Support scheme. We are currently working with our partners to design a scheme that: pension age claimants, so • Protects that they qualify in exactly the same way as they do now
financial incentives for • Provides people who are employed and working to increase their earnings. We will be consulting on plans for this scheme in the autumn.
Disability Living Allowance This will be replaced with a Personal Independence Payment in 2013-2014. People currently receiving Disability Living Allowance will be given plenty of notice of the upcoming changes. If you currently receive Disability Living Allowance you will not automatically transfer on to the new scheme, you will have to apply for it. Central Government is yet to decide the payment amounts for the scheme.
Universal Credit To simplify the benefits system, the Government is creating a new benefit, called Universal Credit. This will replace many existing benefits and tax credits for people of working age - wrapping up all these kinds of payments into one benefit. The benefits being replaced include:
• Working tax credit • Child tax credit • Housing benefit • Income support • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance employment and • Income-related support allowance. It is planned that all claimants, existing and new, will be moved onto the Universal Credit by 2017. Claimants will be ‘means-tested’ and will have their income and savings assessed. No-one will be ‘worse-off’ as a result of moving onto the new scheme, as a ‘cash protection’ plan will be in place and a top-up payment will be made to ensure income levels remain the same. However, this income would not be guaranteed if your circumstances change.
More information See www.westoxon.gov.uk/benefitchanges Our benefits advisors are also available to help you complete any housing benefit forms and offer advice on your benefits claim, call 01993 861030 for assistance.
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Affordable homes - update Last year our housing association partners completed 181 new affordable homes and 12 people got an equity loan to buy on the open market. There are now over 5,700 affordable homes in West Oxfordshire. More new homes are on the way: • Coles Field, Burford - 15 homes for rent and shared ownership • Shilton Road, Carterton - 19 homes for rent and shared ownership • Little Lees, Charlbury - 15 homes for rent and shared ownership • Foxes Farm, Stanton Harcourt - 2 homes for low cost home ownership • Burford Road, Witney - 8 homes for rent and sale Work will also begin soon on a 44 apartment extra care housing development in Miltonunder-Wychwood. Plans are also well advanced for a similar scheme in Witney. Preference is given to people who have a West Oxfordshire connection and some schemes require a local connection with the village concerned. For all schemes you must be registered on our housing waiting list - call 01993 861010 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/waitinglist _________________________________
Warm homes grants Householders claiming benefits who are aged over 60, or who have a disability, can apply for financial assistance to keep their homes warm (terms and conditions apply). Up to £250 is available for a limited period for work such as: • • • • •
Draft proofing and repairing doors/windows Secondary glazing Insulated loft hatches Clearing lofts for insulation Improvements to heating systems and controls etc.
The work is carried out by our small repairs team who can also help with a range of property repairs. For more details call 01993 861000 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/HIA You may also be entitled to free loft or cavity wall insulation. Call 0800 8048777 or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk
With local house prices so high, buying a home can be hard but the HomeBuy loan scheme could be the answer.
Room for a train track!
Ellen Woodrow, a secondary school teacher, had been looking to buy a house for herself and her four-year old son, William, where they could be near their family in Long Hanborough. Open Market HomeBuy is available to first time buyers and through the scheme she could receive a loan up to the value of £50,000 alongside a mortgage, making her monthly repayments less as no interest is charged on the loan for the first three years. The loan need only be repaid when their home is either sold, at the end of 25 years or upon final payment of the mortgage. Once she was given the go-ahead for a HomeBuy loan, Ellen visited estate agents and is now the proud owner of a two-bedroom house in Long Hanborough. She said, “The house is ideal for us and being able to live in the village has made such a difference to our family. It’s easy for my son to see his father regularly and I’m really happy here. Without HomeBuy, this wouldn’t have been possible.” William also said how much he loved his new home and especially having his own big bedroom, “Now I have a bedroom big enough for a train track and a platform bed!” Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Housing said, “I’m really pleased that we are working alongside Sovereign Living to offer HomeBuy loans to help people like Ellen. The scheme is helping many people gain a foot on the property ladder and having a positive impact on their lives.”
HomeBuy is run in partnership with Sovereign Living and anyone interested should call 0845 602 1618 or email living@sovereign.co.uk Ellen and William
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Let’s talk Rubbish We are often asked where all the recycling from black boxes goes... All materials collected are reprocessed in the UK. Packaging, fleece clothing, outdoor furniture, pipes and many other items. New cans/tins, car parts, aeroplanes and lots of other new metal items. Hazardous elements are removed and parts are made into new metals. Made into new cardboard packaging. Can be recycled time and time again into new bottles or jars. Reused around the world; unusable clothes are recycled into dusters etc. Newspapers and packaging material.
Waste collection calendars Look out for 2012/13 calendars in the post in September.
Oops - sorry! If your waste and recycling is collected on a Friday and you’re in the pink collection zone, there is an error in your calendar. September collections will be as follows:
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M
September 2012 T W Th F
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
S 1 8 15 22 29
Plastic fantastic YES PLEASE
Loose in your box: • Plastic bottles eg drink, shampoo and cleaning products • Plastic containers eg yoghurt pots, tubs and food trays
YES PLEASE
In a separate plastic bag in your box: • Flyaway plastics eg carrier bags, polythene, small clear food packaging, bubble wrap, cling film, compost bags
ay August Bank Holid
IN BRIEF recycling Food Waste and recycling
s: Waste collection date
Food waste from Oxfordshire powers over 4,000 homes.
collection calendars
to a processing plant near Cassington, homes is taken Food waste Lookcollected out 2012 from / 13 calendars in September power 4,200 homes and fertiliser for electricity produced year be which last - they’ll sent outenough with your polling tocards. 3,000 hectares of farmland.
Oops - sorry!
For West Oxfordshire alone, the amount of food waste we have recycled is equivalent If your waste recycling is collected comparable greenhouse gas emissions). year (inon road each off the cars and 10,000 to taking a Friday and you’re in the pink collection This is in addition to having diverted over 3,800 tonnes of waste from landfill. zone, there is an error in your calendar. collections be as follows:from landfill and put to good use” diverted being of wastewill a huge amount “This isSeptembers says Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment. “A big thank you to all September 2012and for those who are not, please try it out, it’s their waste food households recycling T for W Th F S the environment.” easy and aMbig saving 1 about how to get started: If you are3not already 4 doing 5 this,6below 7is an explanation 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 2 21 22 3 1 24 25 26 27 28 29
Normal collection: Mon 27 August Tues 28 August Wed 29 August Thurs 30 August Fri 31 August
Revised date: Tues 28 August Wed 29 August Thurs 30 August Fri 31 August Sat 1 September
ume 3 September. Normal collections res
If you don’t have a food bin or kitchen caddy, please contact us.
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Please put your bins away after collections Please remember to remove your emptied bins and boxes from the kerbside by the end of your collection day, or early the following day at the latest. Put in any food waste, such as You don’t have to line your stops from being bones, meat and raw peelings, may you pavement but the caddy kitchenThis cluttered and causing a potential obstruction leftovers. or cooked wish to. Only use sheets to the partially sighted. of newspaper or a 100% number bag (with compostable We would appreciate it if residents could local many EN13432) tidy away their neighbours’ bins and boxes them.are away from home for a sell they supermarkets too when while. Otherwise, they could be a sign to thieves that a house is unoccupied.
Using your August Bank Holiday
• •
Put your outside bin at the kerbside for collection each week on your designated day.
L O A F
‘Love Food Hate Waste’ to bagels, the bread From sliced Waste collection dates: campaign has lots of top tips for making the most of your bakery products. Normal collection: Revised date:
•
When full, empty the caddy (including the liner) into your small outside bin and return the caddy to your kitchen for reuse.
a ‘best28before’ bakery Most Mon 27products August have Tues Augustdate - these dates refer to quality, so items can still be eaten after this date, but Tues 28 August Wed 29 August be at their best. longer may no go stale quicker. The make in the fridge can bread Storing Wed 29 August Thurs 30itAugust best place to store bread is in a cool, dark and dry place, Thurs 30 August Fri 31 August your bread bin or store cupboard is perfect. Fri 31up August 1 September it very briefly under a hold a day old loaf,Sat To freshen running cold tap. Give it a good shake and pop in a hot oven Normal collections resume 3 September. for about 10 minutes; it will be as soft and crusty as freshly baked bread.
breads, pitta breads, crumpets, bagels and hot cross • Sliced buns are all great for freezing and can be toasted from
• •
frozen as and when you like. Freeze leftover cake in slices; defrost slice by slice for a tasty treat - or if you have a whole cake to freeze, wrap in clingfilm, then in a layer of foil, and freeze for up to one month. Make slightly stale bread and leftover bread crusts into breadcrumbs by whizzing up in a food processor, and store in the freezer to use later in bread sauces, savoury crumbles or as a coating for chicken or fish.
For more information from Love Food Hate Waste visit www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk
www.westoxon.gov.uk/waste 01993 861025 13
Looking for more effective pest control? We can help...
Price from s only
£17.0
5!
We provide very competitive rates for dealing with most pests:
• Wasps • Flies • Moths
• • •
Rats & Mice Cockroaches Squirrels
• • •
Fleas Bed bugs Ants
For a competitive fee (reductions may apply), we will visit your property and investigate and treat the problem. Sometimes more than one visit will be necessary to ensure that the problem pests do not return. Let us know the details of your pest problem and we’ll arrange a suitable time to visit. We also offer annual contracts for businesses and schools. All treatments are carried out as humanely as possible and we only use approved products.
West Oxfordshire District Council has been providing a range of pest control services to commercial and residential customers for over 30 years.
“I was very impressed with how promptly the pest control officer got to grips with the problem. He arranged an appointment to come over and showed me the process he was going to use to get rid of them. As well as being very professional, he was also knowledgable and I felt very confident that he could deal with the problem. The service is also very good value for money.” C Willetts, Ramsden
To find out more or for free advice: Call: 01993 861000 Visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk/pestcontrol * A 1.35% administration charge will be added for any payments made using a credit card or non UK debit card.
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*
Common pests Last year we dealt with over 1,100 pest problems in West Oxfordshire. The top ten offenders were:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Wasps Rats Mice Fleas Flies
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Cockroaches Bed Bugs Moths Squirrels Ants
Don’t panic! Rats may have come
second on the list and while they can pose a health hazard, we don’t want to unduly alarm you. Most cases we dealt with were not inside homes, but outside.You can cut the risk by: • Ensuring your compost bin is sealed on all sides, including the bottom, so rats can’t get in - do not put meat into your home composter, use your food waste bin instead. • Not scattering bird food around your garden. Use a feed container or bird table, only put out small amounts of food and check there is none left at night. • Ensuring no food is stored to which rats can get access, inside, outside or in sheds and out-houses. • If you have pets in the garden, ensure food bowls are removed after feeding. • Keep rubbish sealed where possible.
Running your own business can be hugely rewarding, but if you’re thinking about turning your dreams into reality, it is worthwhile seeking expert help and advice.
Help at hand for
small businesses Christoph Corvin started Olamalu Web Development about two years ago and soon afterwards got in touch with Oxford Business Mentors, a service that offers support from experienced business people. Christoph was mentored by Brendon Cross who founded Spire Telecom in 1995, building it into a major business which was sold to Carphone Warehouse in 2004. He then started STL Communications which now has a turnover in excess of £5m. After each mentoring session Christoph says he always feels ‘pumped up’ with lots of ideas about things to do, “It can sometimes be lonely running a business and it’s really good to talk to someone who has been through things a number of times before and who’s been successful. “It’s a really nice, low pressurised mentoring environment where you are able to chat about things and are given advice and direction, but not told what you must do. It’s a support mechanism that’s worked for me. “I’ve learnt that a lot of business success is about building relationships, getting to know people, sharing contacts and giving something back.” Brendon Cross recently set up Hexagon Business Centres in Witney to support small businesses needing short term office space and support as they grow. He gives freely of his time as a business mentor; “I’d like to say that I became a volunteer mentor to give something back, or because it’s the right thing to do, but the truth is that I really enjoy it and nothing gives me a buzz like sharing thoughts and ideas with anyone who is keen to grow their business.” For more information about Oxford Business Mentors see details, right.
IT’S A SUPPORT MECHANISM THAT’S WORKED FOR ME. Organisations offering business advice: In West Oxfordshire there are many organisations offering FREE or subsidised support and sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start, below is a guide.
Oxfordshire Business Enterprises
Advice on starting and running a business. Call: 01295 227082 Visit: www.oxonbe.co.uk
Oxford Business Mentors
Support for owner-managed businesses from experienced business mentors. Call: 01865 893305 Visit: www.oxfordbusinessmentors.org
Fredericks Oxfordshire
Lends money to small and start-up businesses that have been turned down by banks. Overseen by local business people who understand what businesses need. Call: 01865 893383 Visit: www.fredericksoxfordshire.org
Growth Accelerator (subsidised)
Support from coaching experts for businesses with high growth potential. Call: 08444 632995 Visit: www.growthaccelerator.com
Business Link
Essential information and services for businesses of all sizes. Visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk
UK Trade & Investment
Runs global network of advisors to help businesses break into overseas markets. Call: 08452 789600 Visit: www.ukti.gov.uk
West Oxfordshire District Council The Council offers help and advice in many ways and works closely with various business support organisations. Contact us about any business issues and we will do our best to help. Call: 01993 861485 Visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business Christoph Corvin and Brendon Cross
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In Oxfordshire there are two tiers of local government - county council and district councils. Each of these has responsibility for a particular range of local services. There are also parish and town councils.
You can access lots of council services 24/7 via:
Below is a summary of who does what:
www.westoxon.gov.uk
Oxfordshire County Council
Responsible for services countywide. Archival records Concessionary travel Consumer/public protection Education Fire and Rescue Service Highways Libraries and museums
Refuse disposal (tips) Registry service Social services Strategic planning Trading standards Transport co-ordination
You can find out more at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk or by calling 01865 792422.
West Oxfordshire District Council
Covers a smaller area than the County Council. Housing and council tax benefit Building regulations Car parks Community safety Council tax collection Economic development Electoral administration Environmental health Food safety Housing
Landscaping and open spaces Leisure and arts Licensing Planning and new developments Pollution control Public conveniences Rubbish collection Recycling - incl. food and garden waste Street cleaning Tourism
You can find out more at www.westoxon.gov.uk or by calling 01993 861000.
Parish/Town Councils*
Operate at a level below the District Council. Parish or town councils are elected and can help on a number of local issues, like planning applications or running local sports grounds and community halls. Allotments Cemeteries Local open spaces
Local recreation facilities Planning (consultation only) Town/village halls
* Parishes may be responsible for the above services, although this varies from parish to parish. To find your Parish Council visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk/parishes Police service Thames Valley Police non emergency number is 101. In an emergency call 999. You can find out more at www.thamesvalley.police.uk Your council tax bill helps pay for services provided by all these local councils and Thames Valley Police. The bulk of the bill (80%) is payable to the County Council. 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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CONTACTING US
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 & 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.nexuscommunity.org 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.
COUNCILS - who does what?