update

 

This is an update of our actions against the list of ongoing issues which we have used as part of our overall meeting agenda this year 2003/4. From this we have put forward our main issues list for the next period 2004/5

 

This key list has served as a reminder of matters minor and major, and allowed us to now report on the progress of our actions.

 

 

We undertook the following:

·        To identify the issues affecting the village and take the appropriate action

·        To avoid excessive procrastination /and meetings for the sake of meetings

·        To Listen and Act wholly in the best interests of the ‘whole’ village

·        To improve the communication of all issues to everyone in the village

 

The Parish Council also looked to update things like:

·        a website and by further developing the newsletter - this will allow us to keep our electorate fully aware of our actions, and up to date on news

·        implement email from clerk to parish councillors – for things like minutes, dates, urgent issues, things to remember etc. change the Format of the minutes to include ongoing issues list, so nothing gets overlooked, ie post box

·        improve the power and visual impact of our outgoing documentation

 

The Council asks

·        for your continued contributions and thoughts on important issues

·        help with village maintenance, planting and keeping it tidy

·        for help and involvement in campaigns to improve the village

 

the issues for 2003/4

 

1          Continue and intensify our opposition to Didcot West development – and in doing so improve the ‘group of villages’ lobby

 

We have made considerable input and objection to the second draft of the SODC Local Plan which contains details of the Didcot West and other housing growth in the region. We will have made representation to the inspectorate appointed in the Public Inquiry.

 

We have made extensive objections to the methods of planning consideration of the Didcot West development.

 

 

We have made considerable effort to bring West Hagbourne to the forefront of the campaign against the development.

 

The Parish Council has communicated with all the other Parish Councils to the west of Didcot, in order to encourage better relations and to lend weight to our and their opposition to the Didcot West development.

 

 

There have been extensive objections lodged against the first deposit Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2004 –

 

 

·        If and when the development goes ahead, to evaluate the Parish Boundary re-drawing to retain village scale and identity and avoid urbanisation *

 

* is not yet relevant

 

·        Insist on reduction of traffic through the village, by planning and consultation before then proposing a non-village road solution - from the development to the A417 – proposals being discussed with East Hagbourne ( and Harwell, Didcot tbc ) to remove all through traffic.

 

 

We have met with various consultants and planning specialists to discuss the reality of the significant increases in the volume of traffic that will be caused by the development of Didcot, in any direction, but in particular to the West. Until the planning application is either considered or approved we are not able to commence demanding a suitable route is included in the scheme that would allow main traffic to reach the A417 or the A34 without the need to travel through West Hagbourne. However we have shown both East Hagbourne and the consultants a solution which would allow Harwell and the Hagbournes to be relieved of most of their through traffic.

 

2.         To look at basic traffic strategy, the implications of safety, calming and speed control

 

 

We have attended and made representation to the appointed consultants Halcrow who worked on the Didcot Integrated Transport Study. Through persistence and presentation we have achieved a considerable amount of success – which includes the proposal for electronic speed warning signs, the narrowing / priority of the road at Green Thatch, gated entrances with chicanes at the entrances to the village and changes to the signing to discourage Heavy Goods Vehicles from using the village as a shortcut. All this in addition to the replacement of the bollards on corners, new chevron signage and the removal of Didcot from the A417 signage.

 

 

3.         To campaign for the re-instatement of village waste collection – helping to avoid fly-tipping, as well as supporting the new Green Waste collections.

 

 

We have written, filled forms and taken part in consultation to have some form of localised waste collection re-instated. It appears that SODC are not going to re-instate this useful service, but will possibly bring a ‘green waste’ only collection in, to help reach their government set targets for recycling.

 

4.         Take up the issues of ongoing Ditch digging by landowners + culvert cleaning - i.e. in Brook Lane – with specific reference to due responsibility. In order to reduce the road flooding.

 

 

The culverts have all been cleared at least once in the last year, and we have requested another trip to coincide with the next village spring clean. General improvements and changes around the village have happened, the dry summer made some impact on the drainage ditch system.

 

5.         Re-arrangement of speed, signing and weight restrictions –see separate item on traffic - see point 2

 

 

6.         Monitor and react to waste water and foul water system issues as they arise

 

 

The weather has not caused anything other than short lived minor flooding. We have been promised a review of the Brook Lane drain by OCC Highways.

 

 

There have been two instances of sewerage problems, the latest at the entrance to Moor Lane. We have liaised with SODC and we will continue to monitor these issues.

 

7.         Get the village Post Box replaced with one that has a larger aperture

 

 

After five years of perseverance, the Post Box has been replaced with a larger, more modern one.

 

 

8.         Continue and progress the footpaths project in Moor Lane

 

 

We have weedkilled the path itself, gained material to spread on the lower end of the lane, had the main growth cut back regularly and the ditch has now been re-instated.

 

 

9.         Continue Tree Planting / maintenance of existing works

 

 

The Millenium Tree planting scheme is an ongoing project and we have agreed to defer some work until the Autumn of 2004. New planting on the railway embankment is being considered under the umbrella of the Parish Plan

 

10.       Continue and improve on maintenance of Village Flower Planting

 

 

We have maintained and replanted the planting pots in the square, by the bus shelter and the pond, and ensured the entrances to the villages are kept tidy. The current grass cutting contractor will continue to undertake the verge maintenance.

 

 

11.       Continue to keep the Village Newsletter, allow it to be more informative and to investigate the coverage in the parish magazine. To encourage more input and publicise events etc.

 

 

The Newsletter has been overhauled, slightly re-designed and is carrying as much information as is made available to the volunteers that produce and distribute it. The Parish Council only pay for the printing. Every effort has been made to keep residents fully informed of current issues, news etc.

 

12.       To make provision for a Parish Plan

 

 

We held a very successful initial meeting introducing the concept of a Parish Plan. The reaction and attendance was very good, and the first meeting of the steering group has been held. There will be an update on the project in May.

 

We have requested and been promised a ‘Character Study’ will be undertaken by the Conservation Section of SODC Planning and Design. This will be incorporated into the Parish Plan.

 

 

13.       Consider a Cycle track to between York Road and Didcot Wheatfields – and to support / promote the implementation of the new Upton cycle track.

 

 

We have asked SUSTRANS and SODC to consider making a safe cycling route from York Road to Didcot, especially for the children of the village.

 

Within reason we have supported the Upton cycle track scheme, but it did destroy a very much loved part of the Parish and those responsible have been held accountable. However this does not change the damage which they inflicted on the embankment. We have continued to raise issues with SUSTRANS on safety of access points with some success, and on measures needed to exclude access to the track by motor bikes. We have taken into account pro’s and con’s of the structural seating on the embankment, and will duly consider the ‘other’ sculpture and art being produced in conjunction with Hagbourne School.

 

We intend to oppose Moor Lane being made into a link to the embankment, so that it remains a ‘green road’ If anywhere it seems more sensible that the hard link is made along school path, where a hard footpath exists, but which is becoming damaged by rabbits and age.

 

14.       To re-investigate a Children’s play area – if another site can be identified ?

 

We have asked and so far been completely unsuccessful in getting an offer or suggestion of land to be considered as some form of play area. We hope the Parish Plan may identify and suggest alternative solutions.

 

15.       Monitor the status of Manor Close roadway –

 

 

We will continue to monitor the status of this private road.

 

 

16.       Improve the visual impact of all of our outgoing documents.

 

 

We have produced our own corporate stationery which is now used for all outgoing letters and reports.

 

 

17        to continue to modernise and make our views / actions appropriate

 

 

Consultation created by the Parish Plan and views identified and suggested will influence the work of the Parish Council over the next 3 years and will be incorporate into the issues for 2004/05

 

Ongoing Main issues in order of priority for 2004 / 2005

 

 

1.         Continue and intensify our opposition to Didcot West development

 

 

2.         To continue to forge good relations between our neighbouring Parishes

 

 

3.         Support and stimulate the Parish Plan project ( consultation created by the Parish Plan and views identified and suggested will influence the work of the Parish Council over the next 3 years )

 

 

4.         Campaign for the re-instatement of village waste collection

 

 

5.         Implement the traffic strategy, calming and speed control

 

 

6.         To try to provide some sort of Children’s play area

 

 

7.         Reduce traffic through the village, by proposing a non-village road solution

 

 

8.         Consider a Cycle track to between York Road and Didcot Wheatfields

 

 

9.         Monitor and react to waste water and foul water system

 

 

10.       maintenance of Village Flower Planting

 

 

11.       continue the Village Newsletter

 

 

12.       keep in view the issues covered in the 2003/4 list

 

 

new Issues added / to be added

 

 

1.         Produce a guide for living in the conservation area. Do’s and don’ts. Cans and Can’ts

 

 

2.         Produce a plan for planting and tree re-generation of the railway embankment

 

 

3.         Help and assist in the implementation if possible, the wants of a Parish Plan

 

 

4.         Build and implement a web site for the Parish ( which might be Parish Plan enabled ) once the website is up and running residents will be able to view minutes and other PC information to ensure that what we do is transparent and responsive to people's needs and that a good feedback loop between residents and the PC is provided

 

 

5.         Support and sustain the bus services through the village