Latest News from the Parish Council

Tritax Park, Oxford - Phase 2 Exhibition

A detailed Planning Application is being prepared to deliver Planning Permission for up to 163,338 sqm (Gross Internal Area) of logistics and general industrial floorspace, within Class B8 and B2 of the Town and Country Planning Use Classes Order with Ancillary Offices Use Class E(g)(i), together with associated site infrastructure at Tritax Park Oxford. The site is located on land to the north of Junction 9 M40, between the motorway and the A41, adjoining the Siemens Healthineers development, accessed from the existing Tritax Park Oxford (please see the Location Plan, with the site outlined in red).

Members of the public have been invited to attend an exhibition which has been arranged for:
THURSDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2024 BETWEEN 3.30pm -7.30 pm
AT WENDLEBURY VILLAGE HALL, MAIN STREET, WENDLEBURY, BICESTER, OX25 2PR

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Cherwell District Council - Cost of Living Information Support

Cherwell District Council have put together some really useful cost of living information to help all in one place. If you want help accessing grants and debt advice, support getting all the money you're entitled to, or simply want to know more about the government's recent support fund please visit their Cost of Living support webpage.

Should you need any help with ccessing the information or printing please do contact the parish clerk.

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Household Eligibility for Winter Support Schemes

The Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are reminding households receiving certain benefits, including Pension Credit, that they could be eligible for extra money to help keep warm during the cold weather until the end of March 2025.

DWP’s Cold Weather Payments are an automatic bank top-up of £25, triggered to be paid to eligible households when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible person’s postcode.

The £25 payments will be paid automatically to households receiving certain benefits including, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.

This comes alongside the £150 Warm Home Discount to support eligible customers with energy bills, extension to Household Support Fund and Winter Fuel Payment (for those claiming Pension Credit).

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Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant Scheme

OxLEP Business are delivering Cherwell District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant Scheme – a new fund that aims to back capital projects for rural-based small businesses in the Cherwell area.

Funding for this particular grant scheme has been made available through Cherwell District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) window for this grant is now open until 10am on Monday 11 November (this deadline has been extended beyond its original deadline of 4 November).

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Thames Valley Police: Trick or Treat Poster

If you don’t want to be disturbed by Halloween callers please cut out this notice and display it in a prominent position by your front door, and use the reverse too if you’d like.

If you are concerned and don't have access to a printer please contact the clerk who can print the poster for you.

Follow these tips to help keep everyone happy and safe this Halloween.

If you have young children:
•Never let them go trick or treating on their own.
•Make sure you accompany them and only visit people you know.

If you have teenagers:
•Make sure they don’t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour.
• Explain why they must not play tricks on strangers.
• Tell them that if nobody answers the door, or a ‘No trick or treat’
sign is on display, they must leave immediately.
• Remind them to stay with their friends and make sure they know that they should never enter the
home of a stranger.
If you do need to talk to the police call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency

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Home Upgrade Grant - Closing Date is 31st October 2024

Make your home the hero! Energy efficiency is an important form of climate action and it will save you money too.

Oxfordshire County Council is working with Welcome the Warmth to deliver Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) funding to people in our district.

HUG2 grants can help you install insulation, heating systems and solar panels at home.

School Admissions Information from Oxfordshire County Council

Entry to primary or infant school – September 2025. Is your child 3 or 4 years old?

If your child was born on or between 1^st September 2020 and 31^st August 2021, you need to apply for a primary school place now. You must still apply even if your child already attends a nursery attached to the school.

Deadline date for applications - 15^th January 2025.

Parents/carers must apply by this date, online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/primaryadmissions

For help and information please contact:

Email: admissions.schools@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0345 241 2487

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Allotments To Rent - In Middleton Stoney

Full and half plots available immediately - plan and cost of the plots available as at 20th September 2024.

Please contact Hannah Wright at Laws & Fiennes on 01295 256870 if interested.

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Thames Valley Police - Have Your Say Event: Saturday 14th September 2024, 12:00 - 12:30, at Weston Village Hall

Your local Neighbourhood Policing team, look forward to seeing you to discuss any issues you may have or chat about crime prevention measures at the next Have Your Say event.

PCSO's Ian Wilkins & Thomas Nichol will be holding event/s in your area on:

Saturday 14th September 2024, 10:00 - 10:45, at Otmoor Lodge Hotel, Horton Hill, Horton-cum-studley.
Saturday 14th September 2024, 11:00 - 11:45, at Islip Village Hall, Church Lane, Islip.
Saturday 14th September 2024, 12:00 - 12:30, at Village Hall, Mill Lane, Weston-on-the-Green.
Saturday 14th September 2024, 13:00 - 13:45, at Kirtlington Golf club.
Saturday 14th September 2024, 15:00 - 16:00, at Budgens Woodstock Road, Yarnton.

They will be offering advice, discussing local issues and answering any questions you may have. There will also be a questionnaire to help set the Neighbourhood policing priorities for the next 3 months https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...

Please come along and say hello.

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Pension Credit - Check Your Eligibility

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are launching a Pension Credit Week of Action to help increase take-up of the benefit. Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care and a free TV licence for those over 75.

You can check your eligibility using the quick online calculator: https://ow.ly/tzB350Te2Ub

Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Pension Credit backdating rules mean it is possible for individuals to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to three months if they were entitled to claim in that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.

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Health Checks Oxfordshire: Free NHS Health Checks: 40-74 year olds

Why have a FREE NHS Health Check?

Be proactive – tackle problems before they become a concern
Gain a snapshot of what is going on inside your body
Use the results to prioritise lifestyle changes confidently

How do I get a FREE NHS Health Check?

Health Checks Oxfordshire has set up conveniently located Community Hubs for face-to-face health checks across Oxfordshire. They are close to transport links with flexible opening hours. You can book your health check with our expert health coaches at a time and place to suit you.

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Church Lane: Removal Vans on Friday 30th August 2024

Residents are moving out of the Olde Shoemakers cottage on Church Lane on 30th August 2024. There will be two large moving vans there from 6:30am and it is unknown what vehicles the new owner will have but just to make people aware that the removal vans are likely to obstruct the lane to some extent while loading up happens.

The vans will have to be parked on the road as there is no driveway.

Many thanks for your understanding.

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Your Oxfordshire is Oxfordshire County Council's regular resident newsletter

Topics include:
• Advice and support available for health and lifestyle across the county
• Waste and recycling tips
• Libraries and the arts
• Jobs available at Oxfordshire County Council
• Transport updates for the drivers and cyclists
• Updates on climate action
• Consultations and ways for residents to share their perspective
…and much more!

Sign up to hear from us | Oxfordshire County Council
The form allows residents to sign up and opt in, to receive the information that is relevant to them.

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MYBUS - A NEW BUS TICKET FOR COUNTYWIDE BUS TRAVEL

Countywide bus travel, simplified.
MyBus offers almost unlimited bus travel across the county - all on one ticket.
With access to over 150 bus services run by 12 different operators, MyBus offers a simple, joined-up travel solution for Oxfordshire residents and visitors.
Whether you want to explore new places, or simply make your journey to work a little easier, the
MyBus ticket offers daily or weekly travel around the county for a fixed price. Prices start at £3.50 a
day or £14.50 a week for under-19s, and £6.50 a day or £25 a week for adults.
Find out more by visiting www.mybusoxfordshire.org.uk

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NHS Blood Stocks Low - O Group Donors

On 25th July 2024, NHS Blood and Transplant wrote to hospitals to issue an “Amber Alert” asking them to restrict the use of O type blood to essential cases and use substitutions where clinically safe to do so.

O group donors are asked to urgently book and keep appointments at Donor Centres in town and city centres to help increase stocks.

Individuals can register and book an appointment through the website, on the GiveBloodNHS app or call 0300 123 23 23.

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Village Meeting - Gigaclear: Tuesday 23rd July 2024, 7pm in Village Hall

MEET SENIOR LEADERS OF GIGACLEAR

AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT:

INSTALLATION & ACCESS

QUALITY OF SERVICE

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

RELIABILITY OF SIGNAL

COMPETITIVENESS

The journey towards having full fibre access available to all villagers has been long and difficult. As many of you will know, we started in 2020 with street meetings via zoom during the first lockdown when we explained how full fibre was different from broadband delivered by copper cable. The company interested in the village applied for National and County funding. Although successful at the National level, they were not successful locally. At that point Gigaclear indicated that they would provide access to full fibre through their programme of bringing full fibre to the rural community.

They arrived last summer and began a very invasive infrastructure project in the village. Once that was done, they seemed to disappear. As various villagers tried to get hooked up to their homes, a series of cancellations, poor advice, missed appointments occurred. Of those who were successful in being connected, the increase in speed was at once amazing. Then began a troubling series of dropouts. Word spread around the village and a lack of confidence in the company became dominant.

The Parish Council takes the view that all villagers have the right to be able to make a choice about connecting to the service. It is your right to decline the offer of being a customer of Gigaclear BUT if the day comes when copper cabling is removed, there will only be the fibre optic network in the village.

SO, we need you to come to the meeting with your observations and complaints and demand a better service.

The Parish Council has made a formal complaint to the senior leadership of Gigaclear who have appointed Oliver Ward, Senior Project Manager at Gigaclear for the greater Oxford area. He will lead the meeting alongside an Executive Customer Complaints Manager and our area Project Delivery Lead, Joseph Goodliffe alongside Rezia Khan, Community Engagement Manager.

Diane Bohm rarely has a conversation in the village without a comment being made about Gigaclear. Some have taken up a contract and cancelled it, others have waited ages for an appointment, others arrived home from an outing and found that a contractor has decided where the entry point for the cable would be!! Others are still waiting for an appointment and have been doing so for ten months.

It would be appreciated by the Parish Council if you would attend the meeting and make your problems and views known. A list will be made of all issues and action will follow.

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Cherwell District Council Planning Policy Consultation

Cherwell District Council have prepared a new Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule for Cherwell and would like your views.

The public consultation will commence on the draft CIL Charging Schedule on Thursday 11th July 2024 for a period of 6 weeks. The consultation will close at 11.59pm on 24 August 2024. Cherwell District Council are presenting a draft of the proposed CIL charging schedule for consultation, in accordance with regulation 16 of the CIL regulations 2010 (as amended) so that the public can consider the proposed rates for different forms of development.

During the consultation the draft CIL Charging Schedule, Infrastructure Funding Gap Statement and CIL Viability Assessment will be available to view at Bodicote House and libraries across the District. All documents will also be available on the Council’s website and its Citizen’s Space consultation platform.

Submitting Comments:

Comments on the draft Cherwell CIL Charging Schedule and supporting documents can be made online using our engagement portal or can be sent:
By email to: PlanningPolicyConsultation@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
By post to: Planning Policy Team, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA.

Response forms are available at the locations above and can be downloaded from:
https://cherwell.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/cil-2024

All documents are also available on Cherwell District Council’s website at:
www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/33/planning-policy/385/community-infrastructure-levy-cil

If anyone has difficulty accessing the documents online or any questions regarding the consultation please contact the Planning Policy Team for assistance on 01295 221779 or email: planning.policy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk

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Climate Action Oxfordshire Engagement Hub: Climate Engagement Survey

Please respond to this survey as a resident, community group, Town and Parish Council or small business and let Oxfordshire County Council know about your attitudes and practices on reducing carbon and adapting to climate change.
This information will help them develop their climate engagement route map so do get involved!
They want to hear from as many people as possible not just groups or people concerned with climate issues. The survey will close at the end of August 2024.

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Healthwatch Oxfordshire: share your experience of leaving hospital

Have you, or an adult that you look after, stayed in hospital during the last 12 months? If so, Healthwatch Oxfordshire would like to hear from you!
The county’s independent health and social care watchdog would like to hear about your experience of leaving hospital, and any care and support you got in the first few weeks afterwards.
Healthwatch Oxfordshire would particularly like to understand what worked well and what could be
improved, so it can help shape the support people receive when they leave hospital.
You can share your views and experiences by completing this anonymous survey
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/leavinghospital

The survey also includes an option to leave your contact details so that Healthwatch Oxfordshire can get in touch with you for a more in-depth conversation about your experience.

If you would like a paper copy of this survey to complete, would like it in another format or language, or would prefer to speak to someone about this, please contact Healthwatch Oxfordshire on 01865 520520 or at hello@healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk

For more information about this work see: www.healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/news/leaving
hospital

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Watch and report any sightings of Asian Hornets this summer

The government is urging UK beekeepers and the public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of Asian hornets and report any sightings.
Asian hornets are distinctive and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.

If individuals suspect they have seen an Asian hornet, they should report this using the app ‘Asian
Hornet Watch’ or by using this online report form. Alternatively, they can e-mail
alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk and include a photograph if the individual can safely obtain one.

Identification guides and more information are available and bee keepers you should keep up to date with the latest situation on the GOV.UK sightings page and on BeeBase.

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Instruments of Time & Truth: Free tickets to under 26 year olds

Instruments of Time & Truth, Oxford's leading period music ensemble is returning to Christ Church Cathedral with its annual Summer Concert Series from the 2nd July.

This chamber music series takes place every Tuesday evening (8pm) between the 2nd July and 6th August and with the support of the CAVATINA Chamber Music Foundation they are able to offer free tickets to anyone under the age of 26.

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Neighbourhood Police Team - 'Have Your Say' Event: Saturday 22nd June 2024

The Bicester and Kidlington Neighbourhood police team will be holding “Have Your Say” events in Bicester and Kidlington rural area's.

These events aim to gather residents’ views about the issues they would like the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to prioritise over the next three months. Prior to the events, you can also submit your views online via a short survey by visiting this link: https://orlo.uk/nHqdR

They will be visiting Weston on the Green at the Village Hall on:

Saturday, June 22, 2024:12:00 - 12:30 PM if you wish to speak to them.

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Road Closure - Akeman Street, Chesterton: 10th June 2024 for estimate of 1 week

A request has been received from Thames Rail Ltd for a temporary road closure to apply to a section of Akeman Street, whilst essential replacement of the bridge joints across the carriageway from parapet to parapet, surfacing repairs and line painting where required works are carried out.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 10/6/2024.

The estimated duration of the works is 1 week.

Diversion route map.

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Annual Parish Meeting - Save the Date: Monday 15th April 2024

Please join us at 7.30pm at the Village Hall for the annual parish meeting where you will hear about key projects in the village including the playground and Gigaclear along with the Save Our Shop committee.

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Volunteer needed for Village News Team

Our bi-monthly Village News has been very well received in its current format. We circulate 600 free copies to every home in the parish and at the shop for those from other villages to enjoy. This can only be done with the contribution of our wonderful advertisers and careful financial management. Our outgoing Head of Marketing, Colin Rosser, has done a great job in setting up the system and keeping good relations with our advertisers. Sadly, Colin is now retiring from this position.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable in recruiting and managing advertisers, maintaining a good relationship with them from recruitment to billing. We have six magazines per year so this is not an onerous job. However, it is a key role in keeping the magazine solvent and at its current standard.

The ideal candidate needs to be able to work with a small team and enjoy a volunteer role.

If you enjoy the magazine and appreciate it arriving on your doorstep free of charge, perhaps you could offer to help with this role.

Please email: admin@wotgnews

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Playground Works - Closure: 9th March - 16th March 2024

The Parish Council are excited to announce that contractors from Playdale will be undertaking repair and renovation work on the playground at the Jubilee Playing Field, the week commencing 11^th March 2024.

As a result the playground will be closed from 9am on Saturday 9^th March 2024 to allow enabling works, including removal of the existing swings, until Saturday 16^th March 2024 (exact timings depend on how quickly they install the equipment).

The team will be carrying out repairs and are replacing the two swing structures which have rotted at the base with a new children's swing and a new basket 'team' swing.

These items are funded from the Parish Council's 'Development of Playing Field, Spinney & Playground' budget line created from precept requests, S106 money and grant money via the Oxfordshire County Council Councillor Priority fund.

Waste will be left in the playing field car park prior to removal and a portaloo will also be situated there.

We apologise in advance for any noise disturbance or inconvenience you may experience.

If there are any issues please contact the clerk or a Councillor.

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Annual Village Litter Pick - Saturday 16th March 2024

Please come along and help with the annual village litter pick on Saturday 16th March 2024 linking in with the Great British Spring Clean and supported by Cherwell District Council.

Please meet at the Village Hall at 09.30am. All equipment and guidance will be provided.

The litter will be placed in the playing field car park and collected by Cherwell District Council during the week following the event.

If you are unable to attend at this time but wish to participate please contact the clerk on clerk@westononthegreen-pc.gov.uk / 01869 350282 and we can arrange equipment to be delivered to you for you to litter pick at your convenience.

The Parish Council can also provide equipment throughout the year if you wish to litter pick at other times.

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Oxfordshire County Council - Free Limited DIY Waste Disposal Service Booking Information

A new system is in place at recycling centres following change in legislation. Oxfordshire residents can now dispose of limited amounts of DIY waste free at the county’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) by using an online booking system. The booking system, which was launched by OCC last month, means householders wanting to use their free DIY waste allocation will need to book in advance through the website. The move follows a change in government legislation which now permits small amounts of household DIY waste to be disposed of free. The legislation came into force at the beginning of January. Online bookings for free DIY waste only are for a single visit. Oxfordshire residents will need to register their address, vehicle registration number, email address, and the date they wish to visit, along with the site they want to use. They will then receive an immediate email confirmation of their booking, which must be shown to site team on arrival. It is important residents stick to their booked date otherwise they may be charged, and only authorised bookings will be accepted.

Free allocations are limited to five standard DIY items for free, or one plasterboard sheet, once every seven days. Where more than the allocated free allowance is presented, the cheapest items will be treated as free. Any DIY waste above this level or deposited more frequently than every seven days will remain fully chargeable at the advertised rates. Full details and examples of charging scenarios are available on the Oxfordshire County Council website and will be available on site. Examples of DIY waste include baths, sinks, toilets, cisterns, and a 20-litre bag of rubble or tiles. Five of these items would make up a household’s free seven-day allocation. The booking system for free DIY waste will only permit residents to make one visit every seven days. For example, if a free booking is made for a Tuesday, the next free allocation will not be permitted until the following Tuesday. However, all residents can visit more often than every seven days, but the DIY waste brought on those visits will then be fully chargeable at the advertised rates. The booking system and free DIY allowance is only for Oxfordshire residents. Non-Oxfordshire residents can still use the county’s sites for DIY waste without booking but will be charged in full at the advertised rates.

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Cherwell District Council Request - Budget Consultation 2024-25

Like councils up and down the country, we face significant financial pressures driven by rising costs, particularly in energy, fuel, and materials. These inflationary impacts highlight the need for savings or more income, all while ensuring we maintain essential, high-quality services.

With the budget for 2024/25 requiring £1.5 million in savings, we have diligently explored internal efficiencies and cost-reduction strategies.

Efforts include maximising in-house expertise for projects, securing additional grant contributions, using digital technology to streamline processes, and achieving better value from our contracts and suppliers, such as switching insurance providers.

These efficiencies will contribute £1.2million of savings next year and take us a long way to bridging the budget gap.

We have pulled together draft proposals to find the additional £0.3million of savings and income required to balance the budget, and we are seeking views on the draft proposals at cherwell.citizenspace.com.

The consultation runs until Friday, 22 December 2023.

The views of all residents can help shape the budget deliberations.

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Cherwell District Council Waste & Recycling Collections Over Christmas

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Community First Oxfordshire Oil Scheme - Free Membership from Cherwell District Council

Cherwell District Council are collaborating with Community First Oxfordshire (CFO) to offer Cherwell residents the chance to become part of CFO’s oil scheme for FREE (usual cost: £24 per year). Valid until end 2024.

The Community First Oxfordshire oil scheme is in partnership with AF Affinity who purchase over 100 million litres of oil every year from a variety of oil suppliers and, due to their relationship with the suppliers, can give the best possible price available to them on the day of your oil order. The scheme also offers direct debit and payment plan options, making it very simple and easy for you.

Please note, if you are already a member of the scheme and live in Cherwell but have paid this year, then CFO will reimburse you (they have your details and will be in touch shortly).

For more information or to join the scheme please visit the Community First Oxfordshire, call 01865 883488 or email: oil@communityfirstoxon.org

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School Admissions Information from Oxfordshire County Council

Entry to primary or infant school – September 2024. Is your child 3 or 4 years old?

If your child was born on or between 1^st September 2019 and 31^st August 2020, you need to apply for a primary school place now. You must still apply even if your child already attends a nursery attached to the school.

Deadline date for applications - 15^th January 2024.

Parents/carers must apply by this date, online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/primaryadmissions

For help and information please contact:

Email: admissions.schools@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0345 241 2487

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Update from The Weston SOS ('Save Our Shop') committee:

Share offer now live!

Our community share offer is now live - you can now purchase your withdrawable community shares to help bring the Weston Pantry into community ownership. This is our only chance to secure its long-term future as a vital asset to the local community.

Thanks to being able to secure some early investors, we've already raised nearly £20,000 through the purchase of community shares and donations towards our total on Day 1 - a fantastic start to our share offer!

To find out more about our share offer, including our share offer prospectus and detailed business plan (paper copies are also available in the Shop) you can visit https://weston-sos.org/share-offer/

To buy your community shares now on the Crowdfunder platform: https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/weston-sos

If you'd prefer to make a donation, visit our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/weston-sos-donations

Our share offer is open until the 13th December (although we may extend if we're close to our target) and the minimum shareholding is just £100 to become a member of the Society, have your say in the future of the Weston Pantry and help us promote its success within the local community.

Village Meeting

Weston SOS will be holding a public meeting at the Village Hall on the 6th November at 7:00pm to mark the launch of our share offer. Come along to find out our plans to bring the Weston Pantry into community ownership, our progress so far and get information about our share offer - how you can show your support and purchase shares.

Help us spread the word

Due to our limited resources, we can't personally speak to everyone in our extended local community (residents and businesses of Weston and the surrounding villages) - so please help us spread the word about our share offer whether that's a chat over the fence or liking and sharing our posts on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090922982698

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SSEN Distribution Yellow Alert – Storm Ciarán: 1/2 November 2023

This morning, in response to the latest weather forecast, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has moved to Yellow Alert status ahead of Storm Ciarán. It is due to hit central southern England overnight on Wednesday and continue into Thursday, leading to several hours of strong winds, heavy rain and a risk of localised flooding. At this time, SSEN would like to reassure its customers and partners that it is well prepared for this period of bad weather.

The decision to move to Yellow Alert status comes as a result of the increasing certainty about the storm’s duration and route, and the potential it has to cause damage to the electricity network.

SSEN has been monitoring this weather system for several days, and is now activating its well-rehearsed contingency plans, bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may impact customers’ power supplies.

These additional teams, aided by colleagues from SSEN’s north of Scotland distribution area and contractor partners, will respond to faults and carry out repairs quickly and safely. Teams answering customers’ queries over the phone are being bolstered, and SSEN is already calling its most vulnerable customers to offer them help and advice. In total, more than 250,000 customers who are on the Priority Service Register will be contacted ahead of the storm. SSEN is also organising for welfare provisions to be put in place for affected areas.

SSEN’s latest weather model shows a likelihood of southerly and south-westerly gusts of up to 70mph along the Hampshire and Sussex coast overnight on Wednesday and throughout the day on Thursday, with inland gusts of up to 60mph in Dorset. Gusts in excess of 50mph are possible in Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. The winds will be accompanied by persistent, heavy rain.

SSEN will continue to monitor this storm closely as it develops and issue regular updates.

Customers are encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

Saving the emergency power cut number - '105' - to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network
Visiting SSEN's Power Track Website to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app
Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service

Customers are also eligible for SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) if they:

Are deaf or hard of hearing
Have a disability
Live with children under five
Are blind or partially sighted
Have a chronic illness

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Oxfordshire County Council - Health and Wellbeing Strategy Public Consultation

Oxfordshire County Council are asking residents to comment on the new draft health and wellbeing strategy which is open for comment until 12 November.

As a county, we’re facing challenges with an ageing population, increased demand for services, mental health and wellbeing concerns in young people and significant inequality in our health.

A partnership across the county have been working to develop a strategy that gives power to our communities to help deliver what is needed to support people to make healthy choices, live independently and stay happier and healthier for longer.

Oxfordshire County Council are now asking whether it makes sense for you in your community? Get involved and have your say https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/health-wellbeing

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Cherwell District Council - Notice of a Parish Councillor Vacancy

Cherwell District Council have issued a Parish Councillor Vacancy Notice following the notification of the resignation of Colin Rosser.

In accordance with the Local Elections Rules an election to fill the vacancy shall be held if, within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 27 October 2023), a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury OX15 4AA by TEN electors for the said Parish.

It has been confirmed that the 14 day notice period to demand a by-election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of a Councillor has expired and that no by-election has been demanded. The Council is free to fill the vacancy by Co-Option.

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Katharine House and Sobell House Hospice - Volunteering Opportunities

NHS are currently reaching out to as many people as we can to support the recruitment of new volunteers for Sobell House and Katharine House Hospices.

Within Sobell House they currently require volunteer support on their In-Patient Unit and Volunteer Drivers to help them in the transportation of our patients and equipment.

Bereavement Volunteers and Volunteer Companions are needed to support both Katharine House and Sobell House Hospice.

To find out more or to apply please see linked poster or contact: pallcarevolunteerservices@ouh.nhs.uk / 01865 225994 / 01865 225868

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Draft Cherwell Local Plan Public Consultation: 22 September - 3 November 2023

Cherwell District Council are preparing a new Local Plan for Cherwell and would like your views. They are presenting a draft of the Plan for consultation so that you can consider their emerging proposals. It has been prepared to prompt discussion and feedback on new planning policies to guide the delivery of sustainable development across the district.

The draft Plan sets out a vision and proposes homes, employment land, infrastructure and other essential services required to support the local community over the Plan period.

Inspect the Documents

The draft Cherwell Local Plan Review 2040 and supporting documents are available to view on-line at https://cherwell.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/cherwell-local-plan-review-2040-consultation-draft

Hard copies of the documents are available to view at library locations in the county (see attached notice).

Submitting Comments

Comments on the draft Cherwell Local Plan Review 2040 and supporting documents can be made online using our engagement portal https://cherwell.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/cherwell-local-plan-review-2040-consultation-draft or can be sent:

By email to PlanningPolicyConsultation@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Or by post to: Planning Policy Team, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA.

Response forms are available at the library locations and can be downloaded from https://cherwell.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/cherwell-local-plan-review-2040-consultation-draft

All documents are also available on Cherwell District Council’s website at: https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/local-plan-review-2040

If anyone has difficulty accessing the documents online, they can contact the Planning Policy Team for assistance on 01295 221779 or email planning.policy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.

Comments should be received no later than 11.59pm on Friday 3 November 2023.

Public Exhibitions

The following public exhibitions will be held during the consultation period:

Wednesday 4 October, 3pm – 8pm: Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT:

Friday 13 October, 2pm – 7pm: The John Paul II Centre, The Causeway, Bicester, OX26 6AW

Tuesday 17 October, 2.30pm – 6.30pm: Woodstock Community Centre, 32 New Road, Woodstock, OX20 1PB

Saturday 21 October, 11am – 3pm: Lock 29, Castle Quay Waterfront, Castle Street, Banbury, OX16 5UN

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DEFRA - Ban and restrictions on some single use plastics from 1 October 2023

The ban includes single use plastic cutlery, single use balloon sticks, extruded and expanded polystyrene cups and food containers and a restriction to the supply of single-use plastic trays and bowls to members of the public.

The new ban on certain single use items compliments the existing restrictions on other single-use plastic items including plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers and the carrier bag charge.

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Gigaclear - Schedule of Works in Weston on the Green (updated 21st September 2023)

Gigaclear have provided the Council with the build update (including traffic controls) for the region of Oxfordshire including works to be carried out in Weston on the Green relating to the fibre project:

Northampton Road: 19 September - 2 October (multi-way signals)
Northampton Road: 28 September - 6 October (multi-way signals)

Permit information can also be found at the website one.network. This information will also be sent via email to all residents who have previously registered their details. Any other interested residents can also register for periodic permit updates at //Gigaclear.com/mycommunity

If residents would like to get in touch with Gigaclear, please contact their dedicated Customer Operations team on:

Email: networkbuildqueries@gigaclear.com

Phone: 01865 591131

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Cherwell District Council - Notice of a Parish Councillor Vacancy

Cherwell District Council have issued a Parish Councillor Vacancy Notice following the notification of the resignation of Jack Maxton.

In accordance with the Local Elections Rules an election to fill the vacancy shall be held if, within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 21st August 2023), a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury OX15 4AA by TEN electors for the said Parish.

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Cherwell District Council - Notice of a Parish Councillor Vacancy

Cherwell District Council have issued a Parish Councillor Vacancy Notice following the notification of the resignation of Robin Stafford Allen.

In accordance with the Local Elections Rules an election to fill the vacancy shall be held if, within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 27th June 2023), a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury OX15 4AA by TEN electors for the said Parish.

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