Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, that the Oxfordshire County Council
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
LOCATION: Road Closure: Witney, High Street
Parking Suspension: High Street between Witan Way and Corn Street
REASON: Emergency closure to facilitate public safety for Covid-19 SafeStart Restrictions, road change.
DURATION: Starting on 17 June 2020
The anticipated completion date is 25 June 2020 (date included). This is a 24 hour road closure.
(Traffic Regulation Notices cover a maximum of 5 consecutive days.)
ACCESS: Limited access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles, buses, deliveries, disabled drivers and for frontages within the closed section of road.
TRO: The relevant parts of the “Oxfordshire County Council (Various Roads – West Oxfordshire) (Prohibition and Restriction of Waiting and Permitted Parking) Order 2012” () as amended, will be temporarily suspended
SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: via A4095, Woodford Way, Welch Way and vice versa
You can play your part in stopping the spread of #coronavirus.
If you’re planning to go out over the bank holiday weekend, make sure to keep 2 meters apart from others.
Public spaces may be busier this bank holiday weekend.
The safety of yourselves and others relies on people remembering to maintain 2 meters social distancing and if a place is too busy, please be prepared to make the necessary decision to leave and try somewhere else instead.
Notice of Temporary Traffic Order
Witney – Burwell Drive and Farmhouse Meadow
Prohibition of Through Traffic and Waiting
Date of Order: 20 July 2020
Coming into force: 27 July 2020
This Order is being introduced because of carriageway resurfacing works which are anticipated to be completed 7 August 2020.
This will operate between 07:00 and 19:00hrs. The effect of the Order is to temporarily prohibit any vehicle proceeding or waiting in the whole length of Burwell Drive and Farmhouse Meadow.
Appropriate traffic signs will be displayed to indicate when the measures are in force.
Exemptions are included for emergency services and for the works and for access to premises which are only accessible from the closed sections of road.
The alternative route for traffic is via Ducklington Lane, Curbridge Road and vice versa.
This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.
Traffic Regulations Team (Ref.T7826/AC) for the Director for Infrastructure Delivery, County Hall, Oxford OX1 1ND. 0345 310 1111.
Witney Town Council is encouraging people to keep faith with the lockdown exit strategy, continue to follow government guidance and not take part in public gatherings in the town’s parks.
The Government’s guidance is clear – public gatherings of more than two people are prohibited and social distancing should be maintained at all times. Signs are up in Witney’s parks, reminding people to respect social distancing rules and that play equipment is still off limits to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Luci Ashbourne says,
“We are living through unprecedented times, and I have been so proud of the community response in our town, with many people going above and beyond to help their neighbours. One of the most important ways we can keep each other safe is to respect and value social distancing at all times – it is the one most important, and frankly life-saving, acts of solidarity and care that we can carry out. I understand it is hard, but without it more lives will be unnecessarily lost. We will get through this, and all do our part while we stay apart”
Cllr Ashbourne wished to pay particular tribute to the local neighbourhood policing team who have worked tirelessly patrolling the town and estates ensuring that public spaces were being used appropriately and social distancing observed.
As the government navigates a path out of lockdown it is vital that people continue to observe the guidelines. Flouting precautions that remain in place only makes a return to lockdown more likely.
Witney Town Council is also making preparations for the lifting of restrictions while following government guidance on opening facilities and services to the public and putting safe working practices in place to protect staff and the public/service users.
Although the skate park, splash park and play equipment remain closed for the time being, some play areas are being refurbished with the installation of new equipment and safety checks taking place in anticipation of reopening as soon as permitted.
Picture of The Leys with St Mary’s Church in the background
Premier Tennis is opening courts and the Coffee Shed with additional precautions in place to protect users and while the Corn Exchange remains closed – facilities within are being improved and upgraded.
It is in everyone’s interest to get through this and back to a semblance of normality as soon as possible.
Things are moving forward and we are keen to keep that momentum, but it does rely on the patience and full co-operation of members of the public in sticking to the rules and keeping things on track.
In a historic first for the town, local councillors, officers, and members of the public stayed at home and gathered around mobile devices to join Witney Town Council for its first ever ‘virtual’ Annual Council meeting. They tuned in via a remote conferencing app to witness the election of Councillor Joy Aitman as the new Mayor of Witney on 13th May 2020.
The Covid-19 outbreak has brought about a temporary change in legislation permitting local councils to meet remotely, so that they are able to continue to take decisions that allow them to function and provide continuity in their delivery of services.
Councillors casting votes at the Annual Council meeting held remotely for the first time
Witney Town Council was well prepared for this, having, over the last two years, updated its business continuity and resilience contingency plans. This has included investing in cloud data storage, a web-based telephony system and digitalising its democratic processes that leaves it well placed to work and hold meetings remotely when necessary.
Councillor Aitman has no intention of serving as a virtual Mayor though. She has a straightforward, hands on approach to the role and is looking forward to the end of the pandemic so that she can fulfil her position in the town with the enthusiasm for which she is renowned. Having served as Deputy Mayor last year she has a good idea of what is in store. She is passionate about the youth of Witney, having taught at both primary and secondary level both here and in London.
She said,
“I am thrilled to be elected as Mayor and look forward to representing Witney. I hope to focus on rebuilding the spirit of the town when our current situation changes. I am sure we will work to celebrate the reopening of Witney.
I am enjoying working with the Youth Council and supporting them in putting on events for the town. They are an ambitious group and have many exciting ideas.
On the Corn Exchange Working Party we have been working to create a heart for our community. I am excited that we will soon be seeing some fabulous changes.
I hope to spend my year focused on our young people. They are the future of our town”
Councillor Aitman joined Witney Town Council in May 2019 and represents East Ward.
Serving as her deputy this year will be Cllr Liz Duncan, while the new Leader of the Council is Councillor Luci Ashbourne and the Deputy Leader is Cllr Vicky Gwatkin.
A recent temporary change in legislation brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak has allowed local councils to meet remotely for the first time. This enables them to continue to take decisions that allow them to function and provide continuity in their delivery of services.
As a result, we are making history in the town with our first Virtual Annual Town Council Meeting at which our new Mayor will be elected.
To watch you will need the following details
Topic: Annual Council Meeting of Witney Town Council
Oxfordshire County Council are seeking your views on the proposals to make changes to the structural weight limit restrictions at various bridge locations to help ensure the longevity of the bridges whilst a program of improvements is planned for remedial work (subject to available finance). Specifically the proposals include: a) introducing a permanent 18t structural weight limit on the Windrush River Bridge in Minster Lovell, b) introducing a permanent 3t structural weight limit at Ninety Cut Hill for the Windrush River Bridge in Asthall, and c) updating the existing traffic regulation order covering the 7.5t weight limit for the B4437 Forest Road/Dyers Hill in Charlbury to better clarify the descriptions. In light of this, please find the following consultation documents attached:
Public Notice,
Statement of Reasons,
Draft Traffic Regulation Orders.
The proposed Traffic Regulation Orders have been requested to be advertised in the Witney Gazette newspaper today; Wednesday 29th May 2020, and details are also available to view on the Councils consultation pages at the address below:
Windrush Against Sewage Pollution Group have recently been in correspondence with Thames Water about the discharge of untreated sewage into Witney’s Waterways, following up on articles that indicate that Covid-19 can be present in both treated and untreated sewage. They asked Thames Water if they could be updated when discharges take place in order to remind people of the dangers of entering the rivers, stream and lake around the Country Park area.
In response, Thames Water have said that updates will not be issued, as currently there is no proof that Covid-19 can be transmitted in this way.
Consequently, as a precautionary measure, signs will be in place advising visitors that continued caution with regard to not allowing dogs and people to enter the water is wise.
Our 2020 survey has been launched. We ask you to feedback on our services and we have a special focus on Youth Services. Answers from the Youth Services element will help inform how the council allocates money from its new Youth Funding pot, so please have a go at that part, particularly if you have or work with children.
It’s important when so much is changing from the norm to take care of ourselves. If you are finding it all a bit much and need some support with anxiety or other mental health conditions MIND offers help and support Link to Mind website
Please don’t forget Volunteer Link Up who always need volunteers and will need them more than ever right now. Volunteer Link Up is the Volunteer Centre for West Oxfordshire, linking people who have time to spare with opportunities to help local residents and charitable organisations that need their services.
and there are others offering help in the surrounding towns and villages such as Carterton & Brize Coronavirus community assistance group- which offers “Advice, Resources and Kindness”
There are lots of excellent Community Action and Business Resilience posts dotted around on Facebook. Many of you have one for your own village or area and they are great for keeping your fellow residents up to date with what is going on.
Witney Land Army are centrally organising volunteers through their page and you can sign up using this form. This will help co-ordinate all the offers of general help.
#StayhomeStaySafe is the advice but if you are spending time outside in our green spaces – new guidelines were issued by the government on 23 March and you may see posters reminding you of these.
observe social distancing by keeping at least 2 metres/6 foot away from other people
keep dogs on a lead to avoid unnecessary contact with other space users
encourage people to wash their hands before leaving home and as soon as they return from being outside.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PICNICKING IN OUR PARKS AND GREEN SPACES
The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why the government has introduced three new measures.
Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes.
Closing certain businesses and venues.
Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public.
Every person in the UK must comply with these new measures, which came into effect on Monday 23 March. The relevant authorities, including the police, have been given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
You will have seen signs going up around the town reminding residents of the new guidelines we should follow to keep ourselves and others safe and protected while outside,
issued by the UK government on 23rd March. There are signs in the parks and green spaces including the cemeteries. We are publishing them here to serve as a reminder.
Taking into account the third measure on the list we have been asked by the Police to remind you that picnicking constitutes a gathering and is therefore prohibited at this time. The government continues to review the measures in place and will keep us updated if things change.
In the meantime we thank you for your co-operation.
At this really challenging time when so many things have, out of necessity changed or become unavailable here is a really useful at a glance, searchable guide to local shops, suppliers and services in Witney. Hopefully using this we can mutually support each other through the COVID-19 crisis and lend a helping hand to keep our local businesses going.
Tower Hill Cemetery pedestrian access is open as normal. However, vehicle access is restricted to funerals only for the time being and we cannot open the gates on request at other times. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Appropriate traffic signs will be displayed to indicate when the measures are in force.
