Agenda for Policy, Governance & Finance, Monday, 27th March, 2023, 6.00 pm
The agenda for Policy, Governance & Finance, Monday, 27th March, 2023, 6.00 pm has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Gallery Room, The Corn Exchange, Witney
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Minutes |
4 | Public Participation |
5 | Financial Regulations Review |
6 | Open Water Policy |
7 | Metal Detecting Policy |
8 | Internal Audit – Second Interim Report 2022-23 |
9 | Effectiveness of Internal Control: Corporate & Financial Risk Assessment 2021/22 |
10 | Payment of Accounts |
11 | Banking Arrangements – Authorised Officers |
12 | Grants & Subsidised Lettings |
13 | Youth Services Grant Monitoring 2022-23 |
14 | Financial Report & Associated Matters |
15 | Burwell Heating System |
16 | Council Vehicle Fleet |
17 | Exclusion of Press and Public |
18 | Property & Legal Matters |
19 | Major Strategic Projects |
20 | Staffing Matters |
Agenda – Climate, Biodiversity & Planning – Tuesday 28th March, 6pm
The agenda for Climate, Biodiversity & Planning, Tuesday, 28th March, 2023, 6.00 pm has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Gallery Room, The Corn Exchange, Witney
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Public Participation |
4 | Minutes |
5 | Planning Applications |
6 | Planning Decisions |
7 | WODC – Planning Validation Checklist |
8 | Notification of Planning Appeal – 118C Quarry Road |
9 | Notification of Planning Appeal – Land South West of Downs Road, Curbridge Business Park, Witney |
10 | Application for a Premises Licence – 355C Thorney Leys, Witney |
11 | Application for a Premises Licence – 91 Corn Street, Witney |
12 | Address Management – Road at Glenmore Business Centre, Witney |
13 | Management of Watercourse – Snipe Meadow |
14 | Open Spaces Strategy |
15 | Treescape Report |
16 | Swift Bricks |
17 | WODC – Electric Vehicle (EV) Car Club Scheme at Woodford Way |
Tower Hill Cemetery Wildflower Bank Restoration Project
Witney Town Council is working with the Rotary Club of Witney to rejuvenate the wild bank behind the chapel in Tower Hill Cemetery.
Steep banks that slope, as this one does, pose particular challenges. Routine maintenance such as mowing cannot be carried out with conventional mowers and watering is a problem due to run off. The trees that line the path above the bank shade the area and drop leaves onto the bank.
Carefully selected planting, suitable for the light and soil conditions will improve the appearance of this particular area and once established, create a more attractive and easily managed space. Wildflowers grow best in low quality soil, so it’s likely that the top layer of four inches or so will be removed to reach poorer soil and remove some of the grass roots to prevent new flowers from having to compete.
Thanks to around £600, donated by Rotary Club of Witney, the Town Council has been able to purchase wildflowers in different planting media to trial on three test areas.
One area will have seeds, another some seed matting and the final area will be planted with seed plugs. The intention is to complete the work for early spring planting and flowering in summer 2023. Wildflower plantings usually take a number of years to establish properly, but the hope is that ultimately the bank will be beautifully transformed by this restoration plan.
John Summers of the Rotary Club said,
“The Rotary Club of Witney is pleased to be able to provide funds so that this project to take place, in partnership with Witney Town Council, because of the Club’s focus on the enhancement of the community and the local environment. This project is centrally located in town where the site is in need of some improvement. The steep grassy bank is difficult to maintain and appropriate wildflower meadow planting is intended to provide year-round interest and summer colour.”
Work has already begun with five members of the Rotary Club assisting on site, transplanting existing spring bulbs and perennials from the trial area, so that they will not be lost when the ground is prepared for planting the wildflowers.
The welcome offer of help from The Witney Rotary club comes from a new area of involvement for them – Environment and Community- which focuses on “supporting families and working with local government to improve where we live.”
This is the first stage of the project. The Club says it looks forward to assisting in the next stages, and is pleased to be associated with this community and environment project. The Club President, Ron Spurs, explained, “This project is exactly the type of community action that our Club thrives on”.
Cllr Ruth Smith, Chair of the Climate, Biodiversity and Planning Committee, added,
“Wild flowers cheer everyone up and this project will build more insect food and habitats into the well-loved cemetery, which has had several successful nature enhancements in recent years. Our officers and in-house maintenance team have more expertise and flexibility than ever to respond to residents’ requests for nature-friendly management of our green spaces.”
This exciting joint project fulfils the Town Council’s desire for community engagement and partnership working and also addresses aims stated in its recently adopted Open Spaces strategy to improve biodiversity and habitat management.
The Rotary club has invited the Witney Photo Group to document the project as it unfolds.
Volunteers from Rotary transplanting Primroses from the test areas
Witney Town Council Partners with Witney Music Festival
On Thursday 16th March Witney Town Council and the Witney Music Festival Festival signed a partnership agreement that will see the Town Council providing core sponsorship and free use of The Leys to facilitate the Musical Festival each year.
Witney Parkrun Agreement Extended
Witney Town Council is pleased to be able to support the extension of an agreement to permit Witney parkrun to continue using West Witney sports ground for a further four years.
Witney Parkrun ticks a lot of boxes for our residents. It’s free, friendly, inclusive and provides a fun challenge that is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities. For many it is a chance to socialise and for others it has a positive impact on their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Cllr Vicky Gwatkin, Chair of the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee said,
“The success of Parkrun in Witney is a credit to the volunteers who organise and manage it week in week out. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, it has proved its value to our community during the Covid lockdowns and continues to support mental wellbeing, social interaction and provide volunteer opportunities for everyone.
We are immensely proud that Witney parkrun is our parkrun, and so pleased we have been able to offer an extended license in the hope it will continue for many years to come.”
Smoke Free Play Poster Competition Template
Annual Town Meeting Agenda
Agenda for Climate, Biodiversity & Planning, Tuesday 7th March 2023, 6pm
The agenda for Climate, Biodiversity & Planning, Tuesday 7th March 2023, 6pm has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Virtual Meeting Room via Zoom
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Public Participation |
4 | Planning Applications |
5 | Witney Traffic Advisory Minutes |
6 | Witney Air Quality Action Plan Steering Group |
7 | Flood Mitigation & Riparian Ownership |
8 | Notice of Definitive Map Notice of landowner deposit |
Agenda for Parks & Recreation, Monday 6th March 2023, 6pm
The agenda for Parks & Recreation, Monday 6th March 2023, 6pm has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Gallery Room, The Corn Exchange, Witney
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Minutes |
4 | Participation of the Public |
5 | Finance Report |
6 | The Leys Traffic Calming |
7 | West Witney Cricket Boundary Advertising |
8 | West Witney Bowls Green Irrigation System |
9 | Exclusion of Press and Public |
10 | Property & Legal Matters |
11 | Major/Strategic Projects Update |
SPRING 2023 NEWSLETTER & RESIDENTS SATISFACTION SURVEY,
New Hedgerow planned for Snipe Meadow
Annual Town Meeting
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
THE CORN EXCHANGE WITNEY
WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH 7:30pm
JOIN THE CONVERSATION -The meeting is an important part of local democracy and is open to all registered electors in the town.
The Annual Town Meeting is facilitated by the Town Council on behalf of the electorate.
It’s not a Council meeting, but an opportunity for residents to raise and discuss matters affecting the town.
Reports are presented by the Mayor and Town Council committee chairs to let you know what the Council has been working on for the last year, and about the Council’s future plans.
The evening also includes a display by charities and organisations that have received financial grants from Witney Town Council.
Tea and coffee will be available before the meeting.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the public question session. If you have any questions you would like to raise it would be helpful, but not essential, if they could be submitted in advance of the meeting.
Questions asked in advance can be researched in order that a more informed discussion can take place and a comprehensive answer may be provided at the meeting. Submit your questions by letter or email to the Town Clerk: townclerk@witney-tc.gov.uk
For those who might be a bit shy about speaking at the formal meeting or who would like a more in depth chat, there follows an opportunity for residents to speak with the Town Councillors in small groups.
Corn Exchange Refit is Officially Unveiled
Volunteers Needed to Help With Hedgerow Planting
Agenda for Climate, Biodiversity & Planning, Tuesday 14th February 2023, 6pm
The agenda for Climate, Biodiversity & Planning, Tuesday 14th February 2023, 6pm, has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Virtual Meeting Room via Zoom
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Public Participation |
4 | Planning Applications |
5 | Brize Norton Airspace Change Proposal |
Agenda for Full Council, Monday 13th February 2023, 7pm
The agenda for Full Council, Monday 13th February 2023, 7pm, has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Main Hall, The Corn Exchange, Witney
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for Absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Minutes |
4 | Public Participation |
5 | Witney Community Policing Issues |
6 | An Update from Witney Oxfordshire County Councillors and West Oxfordshire District Councillors |
7 | Report Back from the Councillors on the Work with External Bodies where they serve as the Town Council’s Nominated Representative |
8 | Minutes of Committees and Sub Committees |
8a | Climate, Biodiversity & Planning Committee – 6 December 2022, 3 January and 24 January 2023 |
8b | Parks & Recreation Committee – 9 January 2023 |
8c | Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee – 16 January 2023 |
8d | Stronger Communities Committee – 23 January 2023 |
8e | Policy, Governance & Finance Committee – 30 January 2023 |
9 | Civic Announcements |
10 | Standing Orders |
11 | Appointment to Advisory Committees and External Bodies/Outside Organisations |
12 | Civility & Respect |
13 | Witney Music Festival Partnership Agreement |
14 | Designation of the Responsible Financial Officer |
15 | Projects Update |
16 | Council’s Vehicle Fleet |
17 | Vandalism and Health & Safety |
18 | Communication from the Leader |
19 | Correspondence |
19a | Witney High Street |
19b | King Charles III’s Coronation |
19c | A40 Highways Infrastructure – Smart Corridor |
20 | Questions to the Leader of the Council |
21 | Sealing of Documents |
Coronation Bunting
We are looking for volunteers to make bunting for Witney’s Coronation celebrations.
We are asking you to make 3m lengths of red, white and blue bunting from fabric that you might otherwise throw away.
Almost half of us in the UK put unwanted clothing in the dustbin, where it currently goes to landfill and it would be lovely to see old clothing, fabric scraps and charity shop bargains upcycled and recycled into beautiful bunting to decorate the town!
We have a template of a flag that is 15.5cm wide and 21 cm deep and some instructions that you can download from our website.
Our recommendation is to use a cotton or cotton mix type fabric rather than anything stretchy which isn’t easy to sew. Oh, and your bunting must be red, white and blue, of course. 😊
Sadly, knitted and crocheted bunting won’t work as it will be very heavy if it gets wet.
We will need your finished bunting back by Friday, 7th April so we have enough time to put up the bunting by the beginning of May.
Please bring it to our Reception on Market Square.
We still remember the fun we had a few years ago creating the poppy mile with our incredibly enthusiastic community army of crafters and hope that you will all enjoy our Bunting Challenge.
Instructions and templates below.
Bunting challenge Instructions.pdf
Interlocking the flags as much as possible maximises the number of flags you can get from your material. Doubling the material over will obviously make cutting out quicker.
Emergency Road Closure – West End
Posted on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council:
Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice – S14 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Temporary Emergency Road Closure at Witney, 65 West End, OX28 1NF.
Oxfordshire County Council has been informed of a temporary emergency road closure on West End whilst service pipe repair >33mm unmade works are carried out for public safety reasons.
A temporary Emergency Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 21 January 2023 up to and including 25 January 2023.
Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.
Further information regarding the works may be obtained by contacting Thames Water Helpdesk on 0800 316 9800.
T11534/AC
Stronger Communities, Monday 23rd January 2023, 6pm
The agenda for Stronger Communities, Monday, 23rd January, 2023, 6.00 pm has just been published.
To see the publicly available information, follow the link: Agenda details on public web site
Meeting venue: Gallery Room, The Corn Exchange, Witney
The following items are included in the agenda:
No. | Item |
1 | Apologies for absence |
2 | Declarations of Interest |
3 | Minutes |
4 | Public Participation |
5 | Finance Report |
6 | Communications Report |
7 | Community Engagement Report |
8 | Coronation of King Charles III |
9 | Third Party Events Report |