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Traffic Calming at The Leys

 

The speed hump on the road alongside the Leys
The speed hump on the road alongside the Leys

The long anticipated redevelopment of the leys by Courtside in partnership with Witney Town Council is well underway.

With the new, bigger Coffee Shed café destined to become a multi-activity community hub and with additional courts and other enhanced and new recreational facilities, the project aims to promote physical and social well-being and the Leys is set to become the flagship recreation destination for Witney. With greater numbers of people expected to use the Leys and and a likely increase in vehicles accessing the site, traffic calming measures have been put in place to mitigate risk to pedestrians.

Speed Cushion on the road alongside the Leys
Speed Cushion

The road alongside the Leys was already identified as an area where some antisocial driving behaviours had been observed and speeding was also regularly happening.

Speed Hump

Witney Town Council consulted with local residents and as a result of feedback contributed a sum of £5000 toward the traffic calming project, comprising speed cushions and a hump in The Leys, which was delivered and co-funded by Oxfordshire County Council.

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Statement of Persons Nominated -West Oxfordshire District Council Election of a District Councillor

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for the

Witney Central Ward
Date of election: Thursday 2 May 2024
(No. of seats: 1)

Name of Candidate/ Home Address Description (if any)/ Reason why no longer nominated*/   

CATHER
Rae
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Green Party

COLES
Andrew Stanley
34 Farmington Drive, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 5GJ
Labour Party

MARTIN
Serena
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Liberal Democrats

MUBIN
Abdul
23 Springfield Oval, Witney, Oxon, OX28 6EG
Local Conservatives

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for the

Witney East Ward
Date of election: Thursday 2 May 2024
(No. of seats: 1)

Name of Candidate/ Home Address Description (if any)/ Reason why no longer nominated*


ENRIGHT
Duncan Shaw Thomas
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Labour and Co-operative Party

MARSHALL
Harriet
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Green Party

ROBERTSHAW
James
1 Kingswalk Cottages, High Street, Witney, Oxon, OX28 6ES
Local Conservatives

ROELL
Sophie Stephanie
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Liberal Democrats

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for the

Witney North Ward
Date of election: Thursday 2 May 2024
(No. of seats: 1)

Name of Candidate/ Home Address Description (if any)/ Reason why no longer nominated*

COULSON
Michelle Ann
12 Early Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 1EN
Liberal Democrats

LANGRIDGE
Richard Andrew
5 Hoyle Close, Witney, Oxon, OX28 1JD
Reform UK

MEADOWS
Georgia Jonathan
36 Eastfield Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 1HN
Labour Party

PROSSER
Andrew Peter
81A Newland, Witney, OX28 3JW
Green Party

TEMPLE
Dean
37 Westfield Road, Witney, OX28 1JQ
Local Conservatives

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for the

Witney South Ward
Date of election: Thursday 2 May 2024
(No. of seats: 1)

Name of Candidate/ Home Address Description (if any/) Reason why no longer nominated*


COX
David Roy
46 Glenmore Road, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 1TX
Heritage Party

EDWARDS-HUGHES
David
77 Mary Ellis Way, Witney, OX29 7BH
Local Conservatives

MCCARROLL
Stuart
24 Spring Meadow, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 5DJ
Labour and Co-operative Party

ROLISON
Ed
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Green Party

WHITTEN
Peter Daniel
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Liberal Democrats

 

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for the

Witney West Ward
Date of election: Thursday 2 May 2024
(No. of seats: 1)

Name of Candidate/ Home Address Description (if any)/ Reason why no longer nominated*


COULSON
Dan
12 Early Road, Witney, Oxon, OX28 1EN
Liberal Democrats

DOUGHTY
Jane
50 Idbury Close, Witney, OX28 5FE
Local Conservatives

PONTON
Penelope Barbara
(address in West Oxfordshire)
Green Party

THOROGOOD
Sachin David Singh
23 Witney Road, Ducklington, Witney, Oxon, OX29 7TX
Labour Party

The persons above, where no entry is made in the last column, have been and stand validly nominated. (No entries for anyone in last column).

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Statement of Persons Nominated – Election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Area

STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED
Election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Police Area
The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Police Area

Name of Candidate (surname first)/Home Address Description (if any)/Reason why no longer nominated./ Decision of the Returning Officer that the nomination is invalid or other reason why a person nominated no longer stands nominated.

BARBER
Matthew David
Orchard View, Church Street, West Hanney, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 0LW
Conservative Candidate – More Police, Safer Streets

BEARDER
Tim
2a Stanley Road, Oxford, OX4 1QZ
Liberal Democrats

FOWLER
Russell Douglas
(address in the Thames Valley Police Area)
Independent

HOLDEN-CROWTHER
Ben
(address in the Thames Valley Police Area)
More Police Officers for Thames Valley
STARKEY
Tim
(address in the Thames Valley Police Area)
Labour and Co-operative Party

The persons above against whose name no entry is made in the last column have been and stand validly nominated. (No entries have been made against any names).

Dated Friday 5 April 2024

Nigel Lynn
Police Area Returning Officer
Printed and published by the Police Area Returning Officer, West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD

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Looking Back – Fifty Years of Witney Town Council – April 3rd 1974

 

 extract from the minutes – minute 3

The Council considered the position that had arisen as to office accommodation for the Town Council following the apparent failure to agree with the West Oxfordshire District Council as to successor Parish Council rights in the matter. The Chairman explained the outcome of the meeting held on the morning of Saturday 30th March, 1974 between herself and members of the Parish Council with the acting Clerks and the Chairman and Treasurer of the West Oxfordshire District Council. The requirements of both Councils was referred to and following a private meeting between the two Chairmen it was found that there was no basis of agreement. It was suggested by Mr. Edgington that the matter should go to arbitration and the Chairman of the new Oxfordshire County Council was suggested.

Following a comprehensive discussion of the problem that had arisen, and bearing in mind the efforts previously taken by the Witney Urban District Council over a long period to resolve this matter before  1st April, 1974, it was decided that this whole question should be referred to the Department of the Environment as a formal matter of dispute on the basis of the situation that currently exists and the acceptance by this Council of the resolution of the Witney Urban District Council of 27th March 1974 dealing with this matter.

The question of the exclusive use of the offices specified in the resolution currently being used was raised, and the Clerk explained that until such time as the District Council moved its storage equipment out, including the fixed safe, and the Parish Council subsequently moved in, there would have to be a mutually acceptable means of access for both parties to a number of rooms in the building.

 

 

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Splash Park Opening date

The construction of the Wheeled Sports Park has just been completed, and the redevelopment of other sports and leisure facilities at the Leys is currently underway.
Due to alterations required to the splash park’s supporting infrastructure, Witney Town Council has postponed the opening from the Easter break and an update on progress will follow
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Opening of the New Wheeled Sports Park

 

Calling all Witney Skaters, BMXers, Scooterists and Roller Bladers! The Leys Wheeled Sports Park is now open for business! We are thrilled to announce the official opening of our re-envisioned ramps, ledges and rails. It’s a dedicated space for all wheeled sports lovers, where you can enjoy trying out the revamped space and practicing your tricks and skills. The new facility was funded by a £57,975 grant from FCC Communities Foundation along with a £100,000 contribution from Witney Town Council.

With a focus on inclusivity, the Leys Wheeled Sports Park was designed to accommodate individuals of all ages, skill levels and abilities, providing a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy wheeled sports.

Young people at the Skate Park

The timing of the opening could not have been better. Just a couple of months away from the first ever Olympic Qualifier Series in May. Earlier this month, the six skateboard park skateboarders who will represent Great Britain were announced. The squad is made up of six men and six women, including self- taught Lilly Strachan (aged 16) from Thame. The youngest member of the team is 13 and the oldest 50 which demonstrates that this is a sport that everyone can enjoy, and this was borne out at the opening by the generational and gender spread of those keen to be among the first to showcase their skills over the new obstacles.  Age and gender are no barrier to success.

Youth flipping skateboard on a ramp

So, what are you waiting for?

Bring your wheels – be it roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or BMX, and enjoy the rush! Whether you’re a beginner trying to find your balance or a pro looking to perfect your tricks, we have something for everyone.

BMX Bike trick on a ramp

Mayor, Councillor Owen Collins, of Witney Town Council is delighted to see the new space open and commented,

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to reopen the wheeled sports park, and to see over a hundred young people come down to get stuck in immediately.

This project has been an ongoing ambition of the Town Council for a few years and it’s the product of so much hard work from so many people. In particular, though, I want to highlight the many, many young people that have provided feedback and input throughout the process – the success of this design owes a lot to them, and I hope it’s a reminder that not only is the Council here to serve all our community, but that when young people do get involved and engage, amazing stuff happens as a result.

I couldn’t be more delighted to see so many people enjoying the park in the well-timed sunshine of the first true afternoon of spring. This park belongs to them now and I hope they have many, many years of enjoying it ahead. (And yes, I have had a go and have the bruises to prove it!)”

The Leys Wheeled Sports Park opened at 4:30pm on Friday 22nd March with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony with local enthusiasts, members of the public and councillors, including the town’s Mayor and its Leader, all getting their first experience of the new design.
BBC Radio Oxford and Witney Radio came along to gauge the reactions and impressions of those who were keen to get their very first taste of the new wheeled sports area and members of Witney’s new Youth Outreach scheme, The Station, were also present.

Collectable stickers featuring the cool re-imagining of the lamb from the Witney Town Council logo were given out to the park users who attended the opening, a unique addition to a collection, and a fun way to decorate wheels and boards.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ruth Smith added,

“This project benefited from community input into the design and sustainably kept existing concrete and features. It will bring pleasure and skill to many and will bring people into Witney. It was a joyous opening, with skateboards, scooters and BMXs ridden by the very young to the very…experienced.”

Youth jumping with scooter

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, says:

“It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to the lives of so many people across Witney. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities, and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”

The opening has sparked excitement and positive reactions within the community. Its design ensures a fun and challenging experience making it a valuable asset to the local community. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Notice of Election West Oxfordshire District Council

           

NOTICE OF ELECTION

WEST OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION OF DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

Ward

Chadlington and Churchill

for each of the Wards listed below:

Charlbury and Finstock

Chipping Norton

Eynsham and Cassington

Freeland and Hanborough

Hailey, Minster Lovell and Leafield

Kingham, Rollright and Enstone

Milton under Wychwood

North Leigh

Standlake, Aston and Stanton Harcourt

Stonesfield and Tackley

Witney Central

Witney East

Witney North

Witney South

Witney West

Woodstock and Bladon

The number of councillors to be elected is one in each Ward.

NOMINATION PAPERS

Nomination Papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon, OX28 1NB on Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

DELIVERY OF NOMINATION PAPERS

Nomination Papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer, at the Electoral Services Office, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon, OX28 INB, on any date after the date of publication of this notice, on Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, but not later than 4 pm on Friday 5 April 2024.

POLL Where any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

APPLICATIONS TO REGISTER TO VOTE Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer no later than 12 midnight on Tuesday 16 April 2024 if they are to be effective for Thursday 2 May 2024. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

APPLICATIONS TO VOTE BY POST OR PROXY Applications to vote by post, or to vary or cancel existing postal or proxy voting arrangements, must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5 pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.

Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Oficer by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Oficer by no later than 5 pm on Thursday 2 May 2024 telephone the Electoral Services Ofice (01993) 861521.

All applications regarding absent voting must be sent to the Electoral Registration Officer, Electoral Services Office, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon, OX28 INB. Application forms for postal and proxy voting are available from that address, or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/elections

VOTER AUTHORITY CERTIFICATE Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Applications can be made online at https://voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/

ELECTION INFORMATION

For further information about elections and voter identification please visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/elections; or www.westoxon.gov.uk/voter-id alternatively, telephone the Electoral Services Office on 01993 861410.

Dated: Monday 25 March 2024

Giles Hughes Returning Officer

 

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Notice of Election – Police and Crime Commissioner – Thames Valley Police Area

     

 

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Police and Crime Commissioner election For the Thames Valley Police Area 1. An election is to be held for a Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police Area.

2. Nomination papers can be obtained from the office of the Police Area Returning Oficer, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD during the times stated below.

3. Nomination papers must be delivered in person to the Police Area Returning Officer at Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD on any date after the date of this notice from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) between the hours of 10am and 4pm, but no later than 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024. Appointments can be arranged by email or telephone – paro@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 519468.

4. If the election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

5. During the period for the delivery of nomination papers, the sum of £5,000 must be deposited with the Police Area Returning Officer and can be made by legal tender, a banker’s draft, or by the electronic transfer of funds. Funds must be cleared before the nomination is valid. Please contact the Police Area Returning Officer, paro@westberks.gov.uk for the bank account details.

6. Applications to register to vote must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

7. New applications for postal votes, or amendments or cancellations of existing postal votes must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

8. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for- photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

9. New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

10. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Thursday 2 May 2024.

Printed and published by the Police Area Returning Officer Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD.

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Inspiring International Women’s Day Videos from the Town Clerk and the Leader of Witney Town Council

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion.

Here are links to the #IWD2024 videos from our Town Clerk/CEO, Sharon Groth and Leader, Cllr Ruth Smith with their views on the importance of the roles of women in Local Government and how times have changed over the years.

Witney Town Council is proud to have strong and positive women among councillors and staff working across all it’s departments, including the works and maintenance team. Gender is not a barrier to ambition here. #IWD

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Celebrating our Citizens of the Year 2023

It was truly a night to remember on Friday at the 2024 Civic Reception. Mayor Owen Collins presented the 2023 Citizen awards and in Witney Town Council’s fiftieth year we took a fond look back at some old photographs in a slideshow on the big screen. ⭐

Happily, several former Mayors were able to join us and enjoyed spotting themselves and others among the historic photos. It was a sentimental and heart-warming time and we recalled with affection, the mayors who were unable join us.

Also joining us were current councillors and previous town clerk, Judy White, who started her career at the Witney Town Council from the its very first day in 1974.

The main hall of the Corn Exchange  was stunning with gold themed highlights to further complement the 50 years theme of the event.

These were provided free of charge by @brideandbeautifulevents. Thank you to them for their beautifully designed room.

The proceedings began with the cutting of a huge celebration cake featuring the Gold 50 version of Witney Town Council’s logo.

The mood was also suitably celebratory with current Mayor, Councillor Owen Collins producing some great one-liners and some pretty bad puns as he joked with guests.

The very talented Paul Ashton-Bridges provided music and more laughs with his engaging delivery and selection of guaranteed audience participation songs.

The well -deserved awards began with a special award to the Rev Toby Wright, who has been Witney’s Team Rector since 2009. He has supported Civic events and been generous with his time despite being extremely busy. Later this year he will be leaving the parish to serve as the Dean of Wells.  We will miss him and there isn’t an award big enough to convey our thanks to him!

Next up Witney Vikings were awarded Sports Team of the Year with acknowledgments paid to the hard work of all the incredible volunteers that support the club, and the young people that bring such enthusiasm to the game.

The third award went to the volunteers at Witney Food Revolution who run the Witney Larder, for which there is a small membership fee and the Fridge, which is free to everyone. This impressive organisation combats food waste and provides the community with access to cheap or free food, by taking and redistributing surplus food and other goods from supermarkets.  The initiative is not about need, but about reducing waste and the tons of food that is going to landfill every week.  The team took home the Community Organisation of the Year award.

Finally, the Citizen of the Year Award went to Squadron Leader Mike Caffrey, the dedicated and popular leader of 2120 Squadron, Witney Air Cadets. Support for this nomination had poured in from across the town, from cadets themselves, colleagues and other cadet leaders  and from Councillors and staff at the Town Hall.  The Citizen of the Year award is the most prestigious of the Citizen awards and Mike was a hugely popular winner, as was very obvious  as he accepted his award from the Mayor.

Congratulations to the well-deserving winners, and grateful thanks to all who gave their time to nominate them. A Citizen award is the perfect way to acknowledge the great work that happens in our town.

 

Our 2023 winners

Well done to Reverend Toby, Wright, the Witney Vikings Youth Football Club, Witney Food Revolution, and Mike Caffrey.

 

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Work begins on the All wheeled Sports Park at The Leys

Building work is under way to create an improved wheeled sports facility for wheeled sports enthusiasts in Witney.

The Leys Wheeled Sports Park project is a step closer now that the first new features are in place at the site in Witney.

The project, which is being funded by a £57,975 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, will provide exciting new challenges with its redesigned layout and new features including ramps curbs, boxes and rails for users, once it is open on 28th March this year.

Cllr, Dr Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council is excited that the project is starting to take shape.

She says:

“It’s gratifying to see our vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to opening to the public.”

She added:

” It’s been great to find out the range of age groups, uses and abilities that the wheeled sports park caters for. I’ve spoken to young children on scooters right through to, let’s say, “veterans” of skating. Youth facilities in Witney are a high priority, and there’s no doubt this facility will also please teens.”

FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, says:

“It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape. We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefitting all those wheeled sports enthusiasts within Witney and the surrounding areas.”

Details of the plans were warmly received by local skaters and other wheeled sports enthusiasts and the opening is now eagerly awaited.  Witney Town Council will be keeping them informed of progress on TiK Tok and its other social media platforms.

BMX Bike and Skateboard at the site of the new all wheeled sports park

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Community Speedwatch

The first Community Speedwatch session in Witney was a terrific success! The volunteers did an excellent job monitoring the speed of 200 vehicles in just an hour earlier this week. Around 79% of motorists were travelling safely and responsibly but one driver was recorded travelling at 48mph in the 20mph zone outside a local primary school.

speedwatch volunteers

The volunteers were congratulated on their efforts by a local resident who came out to thank them in person. This support and appreciation is testament to the positive impact that Community Speedwatch can have on road safety in their communities and the role they play in promoting road safety and encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits.

With such a fantastic response, further sessions are planned, and additional volunteers are welcome to join the team. If you’re interested in becoming a part of this initiative, you can contact the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee, who run the scheme, via the town council.

You can also find more information about Community Speedwatch on their website https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php

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Construction work is to begin at the Leys

CAUTION: Work is due to begin on the new Wheeled Sports Park at the Leys on Monday 22nd January and is due to complete at the end of March.
Access to the wheeled sports park construction site will be from The Leys off Station Ln as shown on the map.
All park users including motorists, pedestrians, dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, children and seniors should exercise extreme caution when entering the Leys during construction phase.
Map showing route to the leys for construction traffic. Traffic will use the access road and then pass through the Town Council depot and through the tennis courts
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Witney Town Council Precept 2024-25 Announced

Witney Town Council has agreed to increase its precept for the coming year, which will see residents pay an extra 85 pence a month for services. In real terms, the Town Council’s council tax portion has gone down since 2022 because inflation since the precept was last raised has been 20%.[1]

Councillors debated the budget proposals for the 2024/25 financial year, before agreeing to a 6.1% per cent increase to the precept at the Council meeting on Monday 8th January 2024. This means that from April the average Band D property will pay £177.00 a year for services, an extra £10.17 than last year.

The precept is the main source of income the Town Council gets and is just 7% of the total council tax bill paid by residents. The precept is used to deliver, maintain and enhance local services including community grants such as for youth work, early years, mental health drop-in; events such as Christmas lights, Remembrance and the Music Festival; parks and play areas, sports pitches, wheeled sports park, our public halls, the Corn Exchange, the lake and country park, cemeteries, street furniture and allotments.

Illustration

The precept ensures that although the Council needs to charge fees for some services these are kept as low and affordable as possible for everyone.

The Town Council has a duty to demonstrate sound financial management and responsible governance and will continue to reinvest in its services and meet the expectations and aspirations of its residents by maximising the benefits from the precept.

Cllr Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council said:

“I am immensely proud of our councillors and staff team for having the finances in such good shape, with ambitious plans for Witney’s facilities. Witney residents will see the impact of the precept – with investment in new sports and cafe at the Leys, at the West Witney Sports and Social Clubhouse, with enhancements at the Lake and Country Park, our youth services and the continued growth of the Corn Exchange as an arts centre and hub.

Cllr Smith was keen to stress that,

“Witney’s facilities serve an area far larger than Witney itself and we embrace the role Witney plays in West Oxfordshire. With inflation so high throughout 2023, when the precept was frozen, we do need to raise it this year to cover costs and continue to offer great services, that inspire, exercise and serve our community. “

[1] Based on the increase in the Retail Prices Index from November 2021 to November 2023, the last full two years which are available.

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REVAMP FOR POPULAR SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB IS ON THE WAY

West Witney Sports Club Refurbishment

Witney Town Council is delighted to have been granted planning permission for the refurbishment to West Witney Sports and Social Club Clubhouse on Burford Road.

The Council worked closely with the West Witney Sports Club Committee to develop the plans for improved facilities at this valued community and sports hub, used by multiple sports teams and organisations.

Phil Horne, Chair of West Witney Sports & Social Club said,

Our Chairperson and Secretary of West Witney Sports & Social Club have been working positively with Witney Town Council over the last few months to put together a plan for the refurbishment of West Witney Sports & Social Club.

We are over the moon to hear that planning permission has now been granted. This will give our members and the community an improved facility to carry on catering for all our sports clubs and other organisations that are currently using the club for sports and a social setting.  

We would like to thank Witney Town Council for their support and positive working relationship.

 

Funded by the Town Council and existing developer contributions, the West Witney upgrade represents a significant investment in local grass-root sports, enhancing a much-improved space for current and future generations of players.

The project will deliver upgrades to toilets and changing room facilities, provide a new lift to the first floor as well as external works for rendering, cladding and new windows. Along with upgrades to other facilities across the Council’s estate in recent years, this work highlights its continuing commitment to invest in the town’s infrastructure and heritage.

Cllr Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council,

“It’s high time this heavily-used and well-loved clubhouse and changing base got the renovations it needs. It’s been a long road, but once the current club committee hit upon these designs, everything felt achievable and more positive than it had in years.

I really look forward to the finished building and all the versatile ways it will support local sport. “

 

The approved plans can be seen here https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S1JJWNRK0GL00

Work will begin at the site in 2024.

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Wheeled Sports Park Final Plans Revealed

Press Release

8th December 2023

FUNDING APPROVED FOR NEW WHEELED SPORTS PARK IN WITNEY

 

 Wheeled sports enthusiasts in Witney are set to get a NEW wheeled sports park thanks to a £57,975 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.

The money will be used to redesign and add exciting new challenges to the skatepark at The Leys Recreation Ground.

Councillor Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council believes the facility will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in the area.

She says: “This project will provide a real boost to the people of Witney. It’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to our wheeled sports park taking shape over the next four months.”

FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, says, “We’re delighted to be supporting the Witney, Leys Wheeled Sports Park project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for the Town. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”

Wendy Davies, Commercial Director at Bendcrete, contractor for the new park build says, “Bendcrete are delighted be returning to The Leys after constructing the original park 20 years ago.

The new design will offer a fresh and exciting wheeled sports park that will be suitable for all ages, abilities, and wheel types. The new facility will retain some of the much-loved original features, as well as creating some exciting and challenging new lines.”

 Phil Russell, Head of Design adds,” The park will also offer lower-level ramps for beginners and be a safe space for everyone. It is designed to be very inclusive and will help develop riders’ skills. The new design was very well received at a community consultation, and we were delighted to take their feedback into the final design.

 It is an exciting time for wheeled sports with both skateboarding and BMX in the Olympics. The new wheeled sports park will offer a fantastic opportunity to develop local skills and opportunities for the local community. We are looking forward to starting the construction early in 2024.”

Councillor Ruth Smith hopes the wheeled sports park will be ready to use by Easter.

She adds, “Bendcrete has listened to the community and come up with a design that unites the old and new, and really maximises the space. Witney’s young people are talking about the designs and seem aware and expectant. Let’s see what it enables them to do!

 

Wheeled Sports rendered image

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For further press information please contact Polly Inness 01993 777828  polly.inness@witney-tc.gov.uk

 Notes for the editor

About Witney Town Council – https://www.witney-tc.gov.uk/

Witney Town Council is the third tier of local government for Witney. Established in 1974, it serves a population of more than 28,000 residents. There are six electoral wards within the town boundary and 17 elected town councillors who form the democratically elected body.

Witney Town Council declared a climate emergency in June 2019 and is committed to ensuring that the town does everything possible to become net-zero carbon neutral and to ensure a cleaner, better future for its residents.

 

  • FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund. Since 1998, FCC Communities Foundation has granted over £200m to more than 7,000 projects which benefit people living within 10 miles of a FCC Environment landfill site. For more information please visit www.fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk

 

  • FCC Environment is the leading UK waste and resource management company and is part of a global group with a strong heritage in providing services for communities and business. Its vision is to be the environmental company of choice, delivering change for a sustainable future. It employs 2,400 people and operates more than 200 facilities across England, Scotland and Wales. FCC Environment donates the landfill tax credits that are generated by its operations to FCC Communities Foundation, in order to add value to the environmental and social infrastructure of the communities around landfill sites. www.fccenvironment.co.uk

 

  • The Landfill Communities Fund and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund – any waste that is discarded which cannot be reused, reprocessed or recycled may ultimately be disposed of in a landfill site. To encourage the re-use, recycle and recovery of more value from waste and use more environmentally friendly methods of waste disposal, Landfill Tax is charged on each tonne of waste sent to landfill. Landfill Operators (LOs) are able to redirect a small proportion of landfill tax liability to support a wide range of community and environmental projects in the vicinity of landfill sites through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SLCF). The LCF is regulated by ENTRUST on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs, and the projects are delivered by enrolled Environmental bodies (EBs). The SLCF is regulated by SEPA on behalf of Revenue Scotland and projects are delivered by Approved Bodies (ABs).
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Restoration of St Mary’s Churchyard Walls

You might have been aware of damage to the Churchyard wall at St Mary’s Church. Witney Town Council has been part of a lengthy process, working closely with the church to ensure that restoration work is carried out by a suitably qualified and approved contractor.
 
The Church is an important part of the history of the town and the Town Council is pleased that work will begin shortly. The protective fencing will be installed shortly and work can commence once the diocese has signed this off.
St Mary's Church
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New Headstone Honours Casualty of WWI

Imagine having just a scant 66 characters including spaces (less than half that of the original short messages posted on Twitter) to convey an outpouring of all that families need to say in a final goodbye to a loved one. Now imagine that at a rate of 3½d per character this would add up to more than half your weekly salary!

This explains why many of the UK Commonwealth War Grave headstones contain only the basic facts about the fallen whose final resting place they mark.

These and more interesting facts are easily discovered when exploring the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s website.

https://www.cwgc.org/who-we-are/our-story/equality-in-commemoration/

In 2017 Witney Town Council did just that while researching its war graves as part of the Heritage Open Day event that revealed the history of Tower Hill Cemetery.  Part of the exhibition included the very first book of burial records for Tower Hill which covers the war years of WWI.

There has been cause, recently to revisit that information and history with the installation of our latest CWGC headstone. The stone is that of Royal Engineer, Pioneer Frederick, George Reginald Moore who died aged just 22 years old and although his stone is the latest to placed in the cemetery, he is among the first of those recorded as interred there.

Along with his stone there is also now a green plaque that declares the existence of War Graves in the Cemetery.  There are twelve in total in Tower Hill Cemetery (seven WWI and five WWII). Some of our war dead are interred in family plots and do not have a CWGC headstone, some are in graves that are not marked with any sort of memorial.

A map showing the locations and a list of each of the fallen has been placed in the Tower Hill cemetery noticeboards for those wishing to discover them on a short walk.

A chart listing information about the War graves

Map showing locations of the War Graves

You can locate War Graves anywhere using this link

https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/

There are two more WWI stones and a plaque at Holy Trinity Churchyard, while Lucy Harris is recorded as being laid to rest in the Churchyard at St Mary’s Cogges (though her grave is not marked).

All the Commonwealth War Graves are kept cleaned and maintained by the commission, and each year poppy markers are placed on each of them.

A walk through the cemeteries is a great opportunity to take a more in depth look at some local history. The CWGC website is a must for more insights into the origins of the headstones and the difficult choices that had to be made while allowing as much freedom as possible for people of all cultures to honour their loved ones.

List of information from the War Graves Chart

1 Beale Walter Leonard Harold:  Age 24:  T/133335: 19-Jul-40 Driver: Royal Army Service Corps:
Husband of Kathleen May Beale, of Witney:
Section 6 Grave 6160

2 Salt Albert Walter: Age 21: 1316986: 05-Sep-43
Sergeant: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve:
Son of Ivy M. Salt, and stepson of Mr. F. Clanfield, of Witney:
AGE SHALL NOT WEARY HIM NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN
Section 6 Grave 6161

3 Miles SJ:  Age 27: 200630: 25-Oct-18
Cadet: Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry 1st/4th Bn.:
Son of Charles William Miles, of 47, The Lodge, Wood Green, Witney:
Section U Grave 4369

4 Townsend A: Age 51: 33885: 28-Dec-16
Private: Royal Defence Corps 24th Protection Coy.:
Husband of Florence Townsend, of 57, The Crofts, Witney:
REST IN PEACE
Section L Grave 2538

5 Moore Frederick George Reginald:  Age 22: 24327: 22-Oct-17 Pioneer: Royal Engineers 26th Field Coy.:
Son of Frederick Moore of Little Ducklington, Witney, Oxon:
Section L Grave 2450

6 Churchill H:  SS/23077: 21-Oct-18
Private: Army Service Corps Secondary Unit, Regiment transf. to (299174) Labour Corps:
Section P Grave 3264

7 Yeoman Bryan Frank Lawson: Age 21  11-May-18
Royal Air Force Secondary Unit, 1st/4th Bn.: London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers):
Section P Grave 3269

8 Cox James:  Age 36: 54658: 20-Jan-19
Private: Welsh Regiment 13th Bn.:
Son of Henry and Fanny Cox, of 14, Station Rd., Witney; husband of Matilda Cox, of 21, Highworth Place, Witney:
PEACE PERFECT PEACE
Section P Grave 3371

9 Doolittle Charles Massie:  Age 23: 08-Oct-18
Second Lieutenant: Royal Air Force 33rd Training Depot Station: Son of Charles L. and Jessie Doolittle, of Elora, Ontario, Canada.: Enlisted in 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles at London, Ontario:
Section P Grave 3485

10 Free Walter Thomas:  Age 22: 1923801: 26-Jul-41
Sapper: Royal Engineers:
Son of Charles Thomas Free and Gertrude Amelia Free, of Stratford, Essex:
SWEET IS THE MEMORY THAT WILL NOT FADE OF HIM WE LOVED BUT COULD NOT SAVE
Section J Grave 2957

11 Simpson Harold: Age 26:  EX.2938(T): 06-Jun-44
Lance Corporal: Royal Marines No. 48 R.M. Commando:
Son of John and Nora Simpson, of Witney.
SO HE GAVE HIS BELOVED LIFE. “TO THE WORLD A MARINE, TO US THE WORLD”
Section N Grave 3295

12 Florey Randall Clifton:  Age 25: 5387950: 10-Dec-44
Lance Corporal: Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry 1st Bn:
Son of Herbert Ernest and Elsie May Florey; husband of Nellie Florey, of Witney.: Buried in family plot -not CWWG headstone. His brothers Graham Starkey and Reginald Alan Florey also fell:
Section M Grave 3280

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More Living Roof Bus Shelters for Witney

More Living Roof Bus Shelters for Witney

Four new bus shelters have been installed in Witney as part of a joint project by Oxfordshire County Council and Witney Town Council following a review of bus stops in Witney. Both councils worked with bus shelter contractor, Externiture, to look at how improvements could be made.

The majority of the funding for the project has come from Oxfordshire County Council, as the work also includes kerb changes and additional hardstanding to make bus stops more accessible for residents.

The shelters have sedum living roofs which will help toward both Council’s climate objectives.

Contrasting, green coloured seats are designed to assist visually impaired passengers. The changes demonstrate a commitment to enhancing active travel options and travel routes for all.

Cllr Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council said:

“The council is delighted to be working with Oxfordshire County Council to bring new and updated shelters for waiting for buses. The county has adopted the style that has worked well on Burwell, with the living roof (the first in Oxfordshire!). We continue to encourage and support travel by bus.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:

“Many people rely on the bus to get them where they need to be, and we want to improve public transport wherever we can. So, it’s great news that these shelters with their innovative living roofs will soon be in place, making life more pleasant for passengers while they wait.”

The new shelters are located at Newland, High Street and Thorney Leys (x2). Temporary bus stops will be located nearby, for the duration of the works.

A bus shelter and roadworks barriers
The newly installed bus shelter in High Street
Green seats in a black bus shelter
The contrasting green seats are designed to assist visually impaired travellers
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