News and Views
Faringdon montage by Al Cane
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Click Contact us to tell us your views, opinions and observations about local issues.
Do tell us Good News as well as being critical and please express any negative views without being rude or insulting. Please may I remind contributors that we require a valid email address or other contact details, though you can request that these are not displayed by including 'Name Supplied' at the end of your post. Your contact details will not be displayed or used elsewhere. Posts may be edited or deleted at the editor’s discretion You can read talking points back to 2002. Quite interesting to see whether issues are still the same now as in the past.
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Recommend a builder? - 26/2/15
I am wondering if anyone can recommend a local builder who would be able to convert a garage and add some French doors.
Many thanks
Ray Philpott
No Virgin Media in Faringdon? - 26/2/15
They are expanding all the housing and opening up the town to ousiders but not joining the 21st Century. Do we know if or when Fiber Optic Broadband will come to the town?
Very Angry Towny
Vale freezes council tax and pledges support for communities in 2015/16 budget- 25/2/15
Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed to freeze the amount of council tax people pay for services it provides in 2015/16.
The 2015/16 rate, which was confirmed at the full council meeting on 18 February marks the fifth year in a row in which taxpayers in the district will see their contribution to the council’s costs stay the same.
The council tax freeze means that for 2015/16 people living in a band D property in Vale will again pay just £116.69 for the services provided by the district council.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2015/2015-02/vale-freezes-council-tax-and-pledges-support-communities-201516-budget
Fun survey - 24/2/15
Just for fun and because someone is commenting about mobile service quality in the local area, can you take a min to complete this little survey?
I'll publish the results when done
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/69V6JCL
Mel Lane
Did you know that it is Faringdon's First Charity Market this Saturday? - 24/2/15
There will be lots of different individuals and groups supporting their favourite charities, local and national, and they are being sponsored by some of the town's best businesses so all the stallholders' profits can go straight to the charity they support.
The Mustard Seed will be there celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight, as well the Dog's Trust, Sunshine Cat Rescue (better not put them next to each other!), Friends of the Folly Tower and others. Come along and see what's happening!
Faringdon's First Charity Market, Saturday 28th, 10.00am-1.00pm.
Bethia Thomas
Vodafone Issues - 23/2/15
I, in common with most people locally started having issues with Vodafone during the time when they were building Tesco. I vaguely remember something about the mast being damaged during the construction.
Lots of people complained, including Sue Lund who managed to get it onto the local news and Paul Brame from the Chamber of Commerce and eventually, we got some service back but it remained patchy and poor quality.
I moved to EE as I was fed up of being ignored by Vodafone and being self employed, couldn't afford to be uncontactable. The call and data quality is improved but not great but still better than Vodafone.
I might knock up a quick online survey to see what people's experience is locally so we might get a view on the best provider.
Hope this helps.
Mel Lane
Vodophone issues - 21/2/15
I'm having countless issues on Vodafone. I can't use Internet Anywhere in Faringdon at all. My call quality is really bad as well. People can't hear me and I can't hear them. Has anybody else got these problems with Vodafone?
Clark Kent
RE: Humpty Appeal refused - 20/2/15
Excellent news about Humpty Hill. I assume that means that the public enquiry at Sudbury House starting on 16 March will now be cancelled.
Name supplied
ED(GW) As I understand it the public enquiry is about the Town Green application for that field. It is separate from the housing development appeal/refusal. It's an imortant occasions. Getting the field designated as a Town Green will protect it from development in the future.
Humpty Appeal refused - 20/2/15
The Secretary of Estate has rejected the Gladman appeal. Planning permission is refused
Read all about it!
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/405445/15-02-19_DL___IR_Highworth_Road_2210891.pdf
Ed
Lost phone - 19/2/15
I lost my phone last night (18/2/2015) somewhere between Pye Street Park and Tesco, it's a yellow iPhone 5C with blue bubbles as the background picture. If anyones picked it up or seen it could they please call 07917157187 or drop it through the letterbox at 54 Walker Drive, thanks
Another Family Board and Card Games Evening - 18/2/15
With Jacky, Nik, Joanne and Andy at The Rookery, Arthur's Hill, Marlborough Street, Faringdon
Friday 27th February, 6pm to 9pm.
Some of the games played last month were Splendour, Jaipur, San Marco, Jamaica, Qwirkle and Carcasonne
Never heard of them? Fancy finding out what they are like? Then come and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family. We’ll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play.
Stay as long as you like. Refreshments will of course be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Second2none- 18/2/15
I to have used Bob and the team over the past 10 years and find them honest and value for money, but most of all I know they tell me the truth and I have never felt being palmed off with work that is not needed!,
Keep up the good work second2none and I know you will be around for many years to come when you do a great job as you do and with people going out there way to spread the good word!
Mike Okeefe
Pcirepairs Faringdon
Re: Second2None - 18/2/15
I too have nothing but praise for them. It's a rare thing (in my experience) to find a vehicle repair/MOT/etc. place in which you feel you have 100% trust.
Helen Gilbert
FAB- Faringdon Appreciation of Berners - 17/2/15
This group has been reading and reviewing Lord Berners' books. You can read their reviews on this website
ED
Piles of mess.- 17/2/15
I think many of us are suffering from these ignorant nasty dog owners at the moment.
I have dogs and as a resposible owner I always clear up after them but I've just had to pick up mess from another dog which for the third time has been allowed to leave a large deposit on my front grass. On Saturday morning I had to pick up mess from the pavement outside my house.
This is on Fernham Road but the whole town seems to be suffering at the moment.
If anybody notices owners not clearing up after their dogs then please report them. It's so disgraceful that these owners care so little about the rest of us.
This is from the VWHDC website -
We take dog fouling very seriously as dog mess is not only unpleasant but it spreads diseases, which can cause illness and even blindness.
Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 a person who is in charge of a dog must clean up after it when it fouls any footpath, highway, verge or other open space to which the public have access. It is therefore a crime to allow a dog to foul in any public area without clearing it up. Those that fail to do so could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or prosecution.
You can email them on env.health@southandvale.gov.uk or call on 01235 540555
Lets embarrass these owners and get the town cleaned up.
Name Supplied
Southampton street loos - 17/2/15
The location for these toilets are about right for every one central to the town center perhaps just need identifying with signage in streets and a bit of a makeover. I have used these and know my daughter finds it useful for her children when in the town.
Perhaps there should be a central point for dog owners too so they dont get complained about so much.
While on the subject of central points why not consider some land to park up camper vans to save clogging them getting complaints for hogging the streets.
Well just a few thoughts best regards Frank
Second2None - 17/2/15
I endorse the comments made by HGM about the service provided by Second2None. They have carried out my work for some time now and every problem is discussed constructively and sympathetically and put through with the minimum of fuss and bother. Well done Bob and staff.
DEH
Wantage Counselling Service on “Pragmatism and Principle”- 16/2/15
This year’s Felicity Madden Memorial Lecture is titled “Pragmatism and Principle” and is to be held on Saturday 28th March in the Loyd Lindsay Rooms, Ardington. The presentation aims to outline how counselling young people goes on to help counselling adults, no matter how many sessions or how much support a client requires. Nick Luxmoore – who writes a blog for Psychology Today – will be leading the presentation and discussion.
The event will run from 10am until 1pm and tickets are available now from the Wantage Counselling Service page. Standard tickets are £45, and student and Wantage Counselling Service member tickets are £35.
This is also a chance for the Wantage Counselling Service to highlight keys areas of their services and the wider benefit to the community’s mental health, something which is often left out of the public eye. With a long service career, the charity has been described as “particularly valuable as a voluntary addition for patients in need of long term care beyond whatever the NHS can provide” by GPs and psychiatric consultants alike.
Everybody is invited to the Felicity Madden Memorial Lecture and the audience will be actively encouraged to ask questions, no matter how small. It is hoped that, by inviting more than just GPs and other professionals, the Wantage Counselling Service will receive more attention in the long run and hopefully be able to secure more funding in future, vital to keeping this well-established charity on its feet.
To book tickets for the event please go to: http://www.wantagecounselling.org.uk/training/training.html
Contact – for information on Wantage Counselling Service – Helen Carter (Trustee) 01235 764810 or Email: helen-carter@ntlworld.com
Details regarding event – Shaun Galloway 07736310443 or shaun@wantage-couriers.co.uk
Southampton St Toilets- 16/2/15
Yes, leave them were they are, perfect location, most importantly they have easy access and parking for the disabled. Why not refurbish what there is, any money saved could be spent on refreshing the scruffy shrub beds around the car park.
Ann Lewis
Piles of mess - 16/2/15
It appears that the idle person(s) who are allowing there large dog to leave piles of mess in The Pines, and the surrounding alleyways and the children's park need to be caught and reported to the dog warden.
They need to be educated in being a responsible dog owner and not a complete moron.
Name supplied
Second2None..Well Named - 15/2/15
I’ve just had my MOT done by Second 2 None in Park Road, Faringdon. As usual I received a very friendly welcome.... from the dog.
But all the Staff are equally pleasant as well as being very efficient
The charges are very reasonable and, unlike some dealers, I don’t feel that I am being ripped off to pay for a luxurious waiting room.
Thank you Bob and co.
HGM
RE- Southampton Street Toilets - 15/2/15
I agree the toilets are in a good place. If you come into a town and go to the most central car park and you need a loo, it's comforting to look across from your car and see the toilet block.
I agree they are a bit scruffy from outside, but whenever I've gone in, the toilets have been clean, well stocked with toilet paper, there is soap in the dispenser, the taps on the sinks work and the dryer works. If I'm caught short, those are the things I need and they are there.
Fiona Merrick
Southampton St Loos - 15/2/15
Yes they've needed replacing for a while now but why elsewhere? They are in the most useful place, near the town centre and like most towns they are in the car park which is where visitors expect them to be.
Name supplied.
ED(GW) VWHDC have refurbishment of the Public Loos in hand. FTC are trying to ensure that the best possible solution is put in place.
Southampton St Loos - 13/2/15
After the tragic death in the Southampton Street car park toilets on Monday, shouldn't the latter be pulled down, as the Vale had planned about 2 years ago? Who would want to go in there again? For a long time they have looked awful, and it's embarrassing when tourists come into town and want to use them. Now there is an extra reason to get rid of them and situate new ones elsewhere. I have heard that the local council opposes the Vale's plan, but, like many things this week, that might just be a rumour.
Carolyn Williams
LOST WALLET- 13/2/15
Has anyone found a wallet lost last Friday 6th February in or around the market place? This was lost by a visiting Welshman after their defeat at the Six Nations. He has stopped his credit cards but has other items of no value to anyone else but very hard to replace.
Please contact 241365. Thank you.
Helen Drawbridge
MIXED NETBALL TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER £800 FOR LEUKAEMIA & LYMPHOMA RESEARCH - 12/2/15
On Sunday 8th February at Wantage Leisure Centre over 100 people gathered to compete in a mixed netball tournament with 10 teams of mixed genders and abilities, to raise money for leukaemia and lymphoma research.
Predominantly a female sport, netball is a challenging and rewarding game which requires specific skills, strength, team work and discipline. The event provided members of the public with the opportunity to help raise money for an extremely worthy cause, whilst also being part of a friendly and fun competition and for many, to play a new sport.
Along with competing for 1st place, teams which consisted of up to three competitive netball players and a minimum of three of each sex, were also encouraged to dress up. Prizes for the top two teams and best dressed team were up for grabs. Outfits ranged from doctors, onesies, zombie lifeguards and animals to a collection of Where's Wally's, with the latter claiming the best dressed prize.
Many attendees helped further and made cakes to sell at the cake stall and the below local charities helped boost the charity donations by contributing some generous prizes for the raffle.
Wantage Leisure Centre
Wildwood Restaurant Wantage
Miele
The Eagle Tavern, Great Coxwell
Hair Studio, TFD
House of spice
Team Bath Netball
Calber Facilities Management
Bellingers
Sainsbury’s
Waitrose
Kelly cook’s cakes
Corinne Jones
Tuckers Park - 12/2/15
You are right, Tuckers Park does not exclusively belong to the Football Club it belongs to all residents of Faringdon for use and recreation but It is the Club that puts the most into looking after the grounds. Children breaking up for half term has nothing to do with Scarrott's Fair being granted permission to use Tuckers Park in June apart from the fact that they use it more because the Football Club puts on activities for them. Maybe we should just ask the club why they found it necessary to restrict the Fair to only a small part of the ground.
Old Faringdonian.
Persuade our local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire.Petition- 11/2/15
CPRE Oxfordshire and ROAR – the Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally, are petitioning Secretary of State Eric Pickles and local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire from unsustainable development.
We believe current planning rules are unfairly penalising particular villages and greenfield sites, a situation which is likely to get worse with the proposed 40% increase in housing in Oxfordshire by 2031. Whilst many would welcome more affordable housing for local people, developers are frequently bringing forward large and inappropriate developments that threaten to swamp existing communities and infrastructure. Unless we stand together, the rural nature and beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire will be at risk.
By signing our e-petition you can help us to persuade our local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire.
Please add your signature and make your voice heard!
Sign here: http://chn.ge/1IJvYUA
For more information go to: http://www.cpreoxon.org.uk/
Dr Helena Whall
Campaign Manager
Protect Rural Oxfordshire (PRO)
To find out more see our website (www.cpreoxon.org.uk) or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire) or Twitter (@CPREOxfordshire) and sign up to our monthly e-news bulletin (E: administrator@cpreoxon.org.uk / T: 01865 874780).
Card Games - 11/2/15
Hi Richard, please contact me at bubbascouse@gmail.com to discuss the use of some free space for your card game club.
Regards, Paul
Appeal for witnesses after unexplained death – Faringdon- 11/2/15
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an unexplained death in Faringdon.
At about 1.55pm yesterday (9/2), Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service called the Force to report a fire at the public toilets in Southampton Street, Faringdon.
A 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed, although a date is yet to be scheduled for formal identification.
A post mortem is planned to take place today (10/2).
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Chief Insp Kevin Brown said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw a white man wearing a light green and grey jacket and dark trousers in the vicinity of Southampton Street, or who may have used the public toilets themselves, which is situated close to Budgens, or was in the vicinity of the nearby car park between 10am and 2pm yesterday, to contact me via 101 quoting URN 765 9th Feb.
“Further, it has been reported that members of the public saw the fire and tried to help the man out of the toilet block. I would also like to speak to these people because they might have vital information that can aid our investigation.
“I appreciate that some people do not feel comfortable speaking to police directly, so alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
“Thames Valley Police officers are currently carrying out house to house enquiries and a scene watch is likely to be in place for the rest of today (10/2). I would like to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we continue our thorough investigation into this unexplained death.”
Thames Valley Police
Card games- 11/2/15
I have recently moved to Faringdon, I am a student teacher looking for a way to continue one of my hobbies. I would like to enquire about the possibility of using any free space, like the hall, to hold a weekly card game club, specifically the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It is a hobby of mine and unfortunately there is nowhere local that holds a league for players (closest is Bristol). I think it would be a great way to bring people together. It is a fun and educational game and would be officially supported by the pokemon company. Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Richard.
Tuckers Park- 11/2/15
I fail to see how the children breaking up at half term next week and a fair at the end of June have anything to do with each other.
I agree that the football club do a fantastic job but the ground was given to the whole town not just those who play football.
Green Witch
Tucker Park- 10/2/15
I think Faringdon Football Club reached the right decision
The schools will be breaking up for half-term in about a weeks time and you don't want them to be up to their knees in mud.
Having the Fair on Tucker's Park is a great idea but it does churn the ground up. One thing we must remember The Football Club does a good job of looking after Tuckers Park
Old Faringdonian.
Far Runners - Saturday Beginner Sessions - 10/2/15
If you've ever thought about jogging/running but been put off because you don't have anyone to go with; everyone else who does it seems:
Our very sociable beginner sessions are aimed at those who haven't run since school PE. There is always a Run England trained leader on hand to encourage and motivate you and no-one EVER gets left behind on their own.
We meet at Faringdon Leisure Centre Car Park at 9.30am and the best bit - Its totally FREE.
Please contact me if you have any questions:
Linda Woodward - woodwardj@btopenworld.com or take a look at our Facebook page Far Runners
Letter in the post- 10/2/15
This morning Tuesday 10th about 10.30, I found a letter dropped in the Southampton Street Car park. It was addressed to someone in Lancing, Sussex with a stamp attached.
With no other details on the envelope I hva put it into the post box. I only hope this was OK
Name supplied
Re Tuckers Park- 10/2/15
And more. I'm a little frustrated that the Football Club seem to have taken it upon themselves to restrict Scarrots Fair to a very small area citing the Town Council as the authority for this restriction. As far as I can find out they've done nothing of the sort and the whole of the field should be available.
Green Witch
Re Tuckers Park - 10/2/15
Mike Wise has looked up the original Trust papers for Tuckers Park. I'm sure that if you contact him he will give you the information you are looking for.
Green Witch
Regards Tucker park - 9/2/15
Somewhere on talking point in an old post the general rules of the park are that it was donated to the people of Faringdon for recreational activities, Not just the football club which seems to dominate the space today. It was donated to commemorate Michael Tucker who died in the war by the Tucker family. It would also be interesting to hear how the rules apply to the public space generally and what other clubs have the right of access. (Not that I need access, Just interested). Or anything about the man or family who left this legacy.The history society could organise a talk on the Tucker family.
You can google it but it links to the talking points page rather than the specific post and I can't find that in the archive here. Perhaps someone in the council could dig out the original documents and publish them afresh for a new generation to make best use of the ground for more than football, its not used most days apart from dog walkers. If it was more populated with other sports as well there would be less room for dog walkers and I think that would be a positive solution...
Run a campaign in the town to make better use of the space but please stop moaning about dog mess all the time!!! we need alternative solutions not more signs and rules... Get creative...
Name supplied
Lazyness.- 9/2/15
Continuing on from the parking theme, can't help but notice that people in the town really are getting lazy. Parking on the pavements all around the town, taking their cars don Canada Lane to pick up the kids even though a few minutes walk would benefit them, parking overnight on the lower end of London Street overnight has returned.
Also the camper vans on Coxwell Road and some appear unroadworthy but I am no expert, the overnight parking by Coach Lane Cemetery. Now that really is laziness. Tis a pity that not one agency in the Vale is interested in getting it sorted. Why aren't our elected officials at the VWHDC and the OCC not doing anything about it?
Are they also lazy?
Name witheld
Faringdon Market - 9/2/15
We've been working hard over the last few weeks - and now we are delighted to announce the Tuesday Weekly Market is going to have a whole new look.
With new traders coming to town, there will be much more to it than what we've been used to, so check it out tomorrow from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm in the Marketplace!
Bethis Thomas, Town Team
Skittles evening to raise money for Faringdon Day Centre - 9/2/15
Saturday 28 February at Faringdon Bowls Club, Gravel Walk. 7.00 p.m.
Tickets £10 to include a two course supper, a Ploughman's and a choice of hot and cold puddings.
There will be a Bar and a Raffle. All Welcome. This is a fun evening and not a serious competitive one. Same prize for best and worst.
Tickets from Eve 01367 241927 or Gill 01367 244176
Photography exhibition- 8/2/15
Hi, I am an amateur street photographer from Faringdon and I have a Crowdfunder.co.uk project just gone live to help raise enough funds to hold my first exhibition. I am hoping to exhibit in The Portwell Angel in April, May or June.
I would like some help in promoting this via the local community (and wider arts community). Please visit: @danjamesphotogs on Twitter, or search 'Street Photography Exhibition' to view details on the project. Many thanks.
Dan Homewood
Tabby home again - 8/2/15
Lost male tabby cat from Lechlade road area now thankfully home.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to help us.
Gina
Dog walking and fouling - 8/2/15
I wonder if someone could clarify the dos and don’ts about taking dogs into Tucker Park?
My understanding, from the notices placed in various locations round the field, is that:
a) Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
b) Dogs and owners must keep to the perimeter of the field; i.e. are not permitted on the pitches
c) Owners must pick up after their dog
d) There is a fine (of up to £1000?) for failing to do this
As someone who often walks their dog in this field, from my experience the vast majority of other dog walkers totally ignore items a and b, and a significant minority also ignore item c. (Try walking round the perimeter - it’s disgusting!)
These are football fields. Dogs are permitted only if their owners/handlers abide by these perfectly reasonable requests. I would LOVE to allow my dog to run off-lead in this field - he’d have a whale of a time! But if these are the rules, then they need to be enforced. Or perhaps more notices put up, since apparently those that are already there are invisible…!
However, if the rules have changed, please could somebody confirm it? I would love to be able to let my dog off the lead here. And while I’m on a roll (!) has anyone noticed that dog fouling throughout the town is on the increase? There are lots of bins, and for a while it seemed threats of fines and “area under surveillance” notices were working. However, these appear to have been no more than threats, and some owners (more and more) are now ignoring the notices, apparently safe in the knowledge that nothing will happen.
As a dog owner myself, the situation is becoming embarrassing. The old ‘railway lines’ path and the path up to the Health Centre, grassed areas, Tucker Park, alleyways and footpaths – all are areas where it’s not safe to walk when it’s dark for fear of what one could tread in. Even in daylight one often has to pick ones way carefully, particularly across grassed areas.
I know it would cost money, but how about a proper patrol, at least for a while, (or CCTV cameras) with actual prosecutions? Perhaps if people thought they WOULD be prosecuted/fined, they might start picking up and these areas would be nicer for all again.
Name Supplied
Video of Fire damage at Council - 7/2/15
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2015/2015-02/fire-damage-video-released-councils-declare-its-nearly-business-usual
The Town - 7/2/15
So the Vale is to be given funding to help in certain areas with Housing and the Infrastructure need to cope with all the new growth. How do you apply for help. Can our Town Councillors just apply or do we have to wait until Abingdon. Didcot and Wantage have had their share and if there is anything left it's ours. Faringdon Town and its needs have been forgotten for far too long. The Town Centres in other towns thrive and ours slowly dying. We see plan after plan put forward and discussed and then not a thing happens.
The design in the middle of Town is not inviting enough to attract visitors. Tourist Buses stopped coming into Town When we took away the Parking and put a large apron in front of the Old Town Hall. Come on Councillors. We need Aldi's and Waitrose but we also need a Town again.
Old Faringdonian
London Street Parking Again - 6/2/15
My Partner was nearly run over Saturday 7th Feb while walking the dog on the PAVEMENT on London street. A driver in 4 x 4 pulled in front of him and then started reversing. Luckily no one was hurt but it was very close. There is plenty of road for vehicles to use. Maybe those parking on pavement could park on Stanford road. I am sure there room on this road closer to cricket club. Maybe the little walk would do everyone a bit of good and hopeful being pedestrian for a change you would understand the dangers you are putting others in.
Name Supplied
Vale welcomes growth deal- 6/2/15
Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed news that government investment will be going towards a project the Vale as identified as crucial to support growth in the district.
As part of the Growth Deal announced in Oxford by Grant Schapps support will be given for further improvements to the A34, including the Lodge Hill Junction. This will relieve some of the significant congestion and improve local infrastructure, which will support future housing and economic developments.
As part of the Growth Deal, infrastructure, housing and other funding has been brought to together in a single pot, and is given to local authorities and businesses to invest in what is needed in their area to maximise potential economic growth.
Councillor Matthew Barber, leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is excellent news for the Vale, and we welcome the government support for the project to open the slip roads at Lodge Hill in Abingdon. In our Local Plan we’ve stressed the importance of this project and other crucial infrastructure to support the growth we have to provide.”
Another Planning app for Fernham Road - 6/2/15
12 dwellings and associated parking and landscaping, new access onto Fernham Road.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P15/V0154/O
This replaces an earlier application for (I think) 22 houses.
It includes transfering the SSSI land to the Fossil Trust (promised when Fernham Gate was built)
Ed
Humpty Public Enquiry - 6/2/15
Sorry folks, but a Public Inquiry is not designed for the attendance of the Public! Its for the Inspector to hear the appellant's case appealing the refusal. The district council and anyone who is registered as a Rule 6 party can also present evidence which has to be submitted in advance. The Inquiry is held in open forum and the public can attend, and will be allowed to present their own evidence but it my experience local opinion is largely ignored. The best chance is a coordinated presentation from the Parish Council or action group that presents the public evidence and local opinion in a professional and coordinated manner. Individual presentations are usually unfocussed and misguided. At a public Inquiry I attended, the legal teams of both the appellant and the district council actually chatted amongst themselves while the public were presenting their evidence! Humpty Hill Inquiry might be better, but I doubt it.
A Cynic
Name Supplied
Re Humpty Hill - 6/2/15
name supplied- I have read the notice and a vague line stating "'an evening session may be held from 6pm to 8:30pm on the first or subsequent days of the lnquiry session at the direction of the lnspector following a request from the Applicant or the Principal Objectors'" is not good enough. They can easily hold the enquiry over a weekend and or in the evenings, after all it's a public enquiry where they are supposed to be gauging the locals opinions. It should be at a suitable time for most residents to attend. If a planning inspector doesn't want to work evenings or weekends, then perhaps they should find alternative work. I have worked 7 days a week, 40+ weeks a year for two decades, because my work deemed it necessary. I hope I am wrong, but I think you will find the enquiry sparsely attended. Which will be a shame.
Grumpy Old Man
I am wondering if anyone can recommend a local builder who would be able to convert a garage and add some French doors.
Many thanks
Ray Philpott
No Virgin Media in Faringdon? - 26/2/15
They are expanding all the housing and opening up the town to ousiders but not joining the 21st Century. Do we know if or when Fiber Optic Broadband will come to the town?
Very Angry Towny
Vale freezes council tax and pledges support for communities in 2015/16 budget- 25/2/15
Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed to freeze the amount of council tax people pay for services it provides in 2015/16.
The 2015/16 rate, which was confirmed at the full council meeting on 18 February marks the fifth year in a row in which taxpayers in the district will see their contribution to the council’s costs stay the same.
The council tax freeze means that for 2015/16 people living in a band D property in Vale will again pay just £116.69 for the services provided by the district council.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2015/2015-02/vale-freezes-council-tax-and-pledges-support-communities-201516-budget
Fun survey - 24/2/15
Just for fun and because someone is commenting about mobile service quality in the local area, can you take a min to complete this little survey?
I'll publish the results when done
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/69V6JCL
Mel Lane
Did you know that it is Faringdon's First Charity Market this Saturday? - 24/2/15
There will be lots of different individuals and groups supporting their favourite charities, local and national, and they are being sponsored by some of the town's best businesses so all the stallholders' profits can go straight to the charity they support.
The Mustard Seed will be there celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight, as well the Dog's Trust, Sunshine Cat Rescue (better not put them next to each other!), Friends of the Folly Tower and others. Come along and see what's happening!
Faringdon's First Charity Market, Saturday 28th, 10.00am-1.00pm.
Bethia Thomas
Vodafone Issues - 23/2/15
I, in common with most people locally started having issues with Vodafone during the time when they were building Tesco. I vaguely remember something about the mast being damaged during the construction.
Lots of people complained, including Sue Lund who managed to get it onto the local news and Paul Brame from the Chamber of Commerce and eventually, we got some service back but it remained patchy and poor quality.
I moved to EE as I was fed up of being ignored by Vodafone and being self employed, couldn't afford to be uncontactable. The call and data quality is improved but not great but still better than Vodafone.
I might knock up a quick online survey to see what people's experience is locally so we might get a view on the best provider.
Hope this helps.
Mel Lane
Vodophone issues - 21/2/15
I'm having countless issues on Vodafone. I can't use Internet Anywhere in Faringdon at all. My call quality is really bad as well. People can't hear me and I can't hear them. Has anybody else got these problems with Vodafone?
Clark Kent
RE: Humpty Appeal refused - 20/2/15
Excellent news about Humpty Hill. I assume that means that the public enquiry at Sudbury House starting on 16 March will now be cancelled.
Name supplied
ED(GW) As I understand it the public enquiry is about the Town Green application for that field. It is separate from the housing development appeal/refusal. It's an imortant occasions. Getting the field designated as a Town Green will protect it from development in the future.
Humpty Appeal refused - 20/2/15
The Secretary of Estate has rejected the Gladman appeal. Planning permission is refused
Read all about it!
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/405445/15-02-19_DL___IR_Highworth_Road_2210891.pdf
Ed
Lost phone - 19/2/15
I lost my phone last night (18/2/2015) somewhere between Pye Street Park and Tesco, it's a yellow iPhone 5C with blue bubbles as the background picture. If anyones picked it up or seen it could they please call 07917157187 or drop it through the letterbox at 54 Walker Drive, thanks
Another Family Board and Card Games Evening - 18/2/15
With Jacky, Nik, Joanne and Andy at The Rookery, Arthur's Hill, Marlborough Street, Faringdon
Friday 27th February, 6pm to 9pm.
Some of the games played last month were Splendour, Jaipur, San Marco, Jamaica, Qwirkle and Carcasonne
Never heard of them? Fancy finding out what they are like? Then come and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family. We’ll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play.
Stay as long as you like. Refreshments will of course be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Second2none- 18/2/15
I to have used Bob and the team over the past 10 years and find them honest and value for money, but most of all I know they tell me the truth and I have never felt being palmed off with work that is not needed!,
Keep up the good work second2none and I know you will be around for many years to come when you do a great job as you do and with people going out there way to spread the good word!
Mike Okeefe
Pcirepairs Faringdon
Re: Second2None - 18/2/15
I too have nothing but praise for them. It's a rare thing (in my experience) to find a vehicle repair/MOT/etc. place in which you feel you have 100% trust.
Helen Gilbert
FAB- Faringdon Appreciation of Berners - 17/2/15
This group has been reading and reviewing Lord Berners' books. You can read their reviews on this website
ED
Piles of mess.- 17/2/15
I think many of us are suffering from these ignorant nasty dog owners at the moment.
I have dogs and as a resposible owner I always clear up after them but I've just had to pick up mess from another dog which for the third time has been allowed to leave a large deposit on my front grass. On Saturday morning I had to pick up mess from the pavement outside my house.
This is on Fernham Road but the whole town seems to be suffering at the moment.
If anybody notices owners not clearing up after their dogs then please report them. It's so disgraceful that these owners care so little about the rest of us.
This is from the VWHDC website -
We take dog fouling very seriously as dog mess is not only unpleasant but it spreads diseases, which can cause illness and even blindness.
Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 a person who is in charge of a dog must clean up after it when it fouls any footpath, highway, verge or other open space to which the public have access. It is therefore a crime to allow a dog to foul in any public area without clearing it up. Those that fail to do so could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or prosecution.
You can email them on env.health@southandvale.gov.uk or call on 01235 540555
Lets embarrass these owners and get the town cleaned up.
Name Supplied
Southampton street loos - 17/2/15
The location for these toilets are about right for every one central to the town center perhaps just need identifying with signage in streets and a bit of a makeover. I have used these and know my daughter finds it useful for her children when in the town.
Perhaps there should be a central point for dog owners too so they dont get complained about so much.
While on the subject of central points why not consider some land to park up camper vans to save clogging them getting complaints for hogging the streets.
Well just a few thoughts best regards Frank
Second2None - 17/2/15
I endorse the comments made by HGM about the service provided by Second2None. They have carried out my work for some time now and every problem is discussed constructively and sympathetically and put through with the minimum of fuss and bother. Well done Bob and staff.
DEH
Wantage Counselling Service on “Pragmatism and Principle”- 16/2/15
This year’s Felicity Madden Memorial Lecture is titled “Pragmatism and Principle” and is to be held on Saturday 28th March in the Loyd Lindsay Rooms, Ardington. The presentation aims to outline how counselling young people goes on to help counselling adults, no matter how many sessions or how much support a client requires. Nick Luxmoore – who writes a blog for Psychology Today – will be leading the presentation and discussion.
The event will run from 10am until 1pm and tickets are available now from the Wantage Counselling Service page. Standard tickets are £45, and student and Wantage Counselling Service member tickets are £35.
This is also a chance for the Wantage Counselling Service to highlight keys areas of their services and the wider benefit to the community’s mental health, something which is often left out of the public eye. With a long service career, the charity has been described as “particularly valuable as a voluntary addition for patients in need of long term care beyond whatever the NHS can provide” by GPs and psychiatric consultants alike.
Everybody is invited to the Felicity Madden Memorial Lecture and the audience will be actively encouraged to ask questions, no matter how small. It is hoped that, by inviting more than just GPs and other professionals, the Wantage Counselling Service will receive more attention in the long run and hopefully be able to secure more funding in future, vital to keeping this well-established charity on its feet.
To book tickets for the event please go to: http://www.wantagecounselling.org.uk/training/training.html
Contact – for information on Wantage Counselling Service – Helen Carter (Trustee) 01235 764810 or Email: helen-carter@ntlworld.com
Details regarding event – Shaun Galloway 07736310443 or shaun@wantage-couriers.co.uk
Southampton St Toilets- 16/2/15
Yes, leave them were they are, perfect location, most importantly they have easy access and parking for the disabled. Why not refurbish what there is, any money saved could be spent on refreshing the scruffy shrub beds around the car park.
Ann Lewis
Piles of mess - 16/2/15
It appears that the idle person(s) who are allowing there large dog to leave piles of mess in The Pines, and the surrounding alleyways and the children's park need to be caught and reported to the dog warden.
They need to be educated in being a responsible dog owner and not a complete moron.
Name supplied
Second2None..Well Named - 15/2/15
I’ve just had my MOT done by Second 2 None in Park Road, Faringdon. As usual I received a very friendly welcome.... from the dog.
But all the Staff are equally pleasant as well as being very efficient
The charges are very reasonable and, unlike some dealers, I don’t feel that I am being ripped off to pay for a luxurious waiting room.
Thank you Bob and co.
HGM
RE- Southampton Street Toilets - 15/2/15
I agree the toilets are in a good place. If you come into a town and go to the most central car park and you need a loo, it's comforting to look across from your car and see the toilet block.
I agree they are a bit scruffy from outside, but whenever I've gone in, the toilets have been clean, well stocked with toilet paper, there is soap in the dispenser, the taps on the sinks work and the dryer works. If I'm caught short, those are the things I need and they are there.
Fiona Merrick
Southampton St Loos - 15/2/15
Yes they've needed replacing for a while now but why elsewhere? They are in the most useful place, near the town centre and like most towns they are in the car park which is where visitors expect them to be.
Name supplied.
ED(GW) VWHDC have refurbishment of the Public Loos in hand. FTC are trying to ensure that the best possible solution is put in place.
Southampton St Loos - 13/2/15
After the tragic death in the Southampton Street car park toilets on Monday, shouldn't the latter be pulled down, as the Vale had planned about 2 years ago? Who would want to go in there again? For a long time they have looked awful, and it's embarrassing when tourists come into town and want to use them. Now there is an extra reason to get rid of them and situate new ones elsewhere. I have heard that the local council opposes the Vale's plan, but, like many things this week, that might just be a rumour.
Carolyn Williams
LOST WALLET- 13/2/15
Has anyone found a wallet lost last Friday 6th February in or around the market place? This was lost by a visiting Welshman after their defeat at the Six Nations. He has stopped his credit cards but has other items of no value to anyone else but very hard to replace.
Please contact 241365. Thank you.
Helen Drawbridge
MIXED NETBALL TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER £800 FOR LEUKAEMIA & LYMPHOMA RESEARCH - 12/2/15
On Sunday 8th February at Wantage Leisure Centre over 100 people gathered to compete in a mixed netball tournament with 10 teams of mixed genders and abilities, to raise money for leukaemia and lymphoma research.
Predominantly a female sport, netball is a challenging and rewarding game which requires specific skills, strength, team work and discipline. The event provided members of the public with the opportunity to help raise money for an extremely worthy cause, whilst also being part of a friendly and fun competition and for many, to play a new sport.
Along with competing for 1st place, teams which consisted of up to three competitive netball players and a minimum of three of each sex, were also encouraged to dress up. Prizes for the top two teams and best dressed team were up for grabs. Outfits ranged from doctors, onesies, zombie lifeguards and animals to a collection of Where's Wally's, with the latter claiming the best dressed prize.
Many attendees helped further and made cakes to sell at the cake stall and the below local charities helped boost the charity donations by contributing some generous prizes for the raffle.
Wantage Leisure Centre
Wildwood Restaurant Wantage
Miele
The Eagle Tavern, Great Coxwell
Hair Studio, TFD
House of spice
Team Bath Netball
Calber Facilities Management
Bellingers
Sainsbury’s
Waitrose
Kelly cook’s cakes
Corinne Jones
Tuckers Park - 12/2/15
You are right, Tuckers Park does not exclusively belong to the Football Club it belongs to all residents of Faringdon for use and recreation but It is the Club that puts the most into looking after the grounds. Children breaking up for half term has nothing to do with Scarrott's Fair being granted permission to use Tuckers Park in June apart from the fact that they use it more because the Football Club puts on activities for them. Maybe we should just ask the club why they found it necessary to restrict the Fair to only a small part of the ground.
Old Faringdonian.
Persuade our local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire.Petition- 11/2/15
CPRE Oxfordshire and ROAR – the Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally, are petitioning Secretary of State Eric Pickles and local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire from unsustainable development.
We believe current planning rules are unfairly penalising particular villages and greenfield sites, a situation which is likely to get worse with the proposed 40% increase in housing in Oxfordshire by 2031. Whilst many would welcome more affordable housing for local people, developers are frequently bringing forward large and inappropriate developments that threaten to swamp existing communities and infrastructure. Unless we stand together, the rural nature and beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire will be at risk.
By signing our e-petition you can help us to persuade our local MPs to protect rural Oxfordshire.
Please add your signature and make your voice heard!
Sign here: http://chn.ge/1IJvYUA
For more information go to: http://www.cpreoxon.org.uk/
Dr Helena Whall
Campaign Manager
Protect Rural Oxfordshire (PRO)
To find out more see our website (www.cpreoxon.org.uk) or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire) or Twitter (@CPREOxfordshire) and sign up to our monthly e-news bulletin (E: administrator@cpreoxon.org.uk / T: 01865 874780).
Card Games - 11/2/15
Hi Richard, please contact me at bubbascouse@gmail.com to discuss the use of some free space for your card game club.
Regards, Paul
Appeal for witnesses after unexplained death – Faringdon- 11/2/15
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an unexplained death in Faringdon.
At about 1.55pm yesterday (9/2), Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service called the Force to report a fire at the public toilets in Southampton Street, Faringdon.
A 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed, although a date is yet to be scheduled for formal identification.
A post mortem is planned to take place today (10/2).
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Chief Insp Kevin Brown said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw a white man wearing a light green and grey jacket and dark trousers in the vicinity of Southampton Street, or who may have used the public toilets themselves, which is situated close to Budgens, or was in the vicinity of the nearby car park between 10am and 2pm yesterday, to contact me via 101 quoting URN 765 9th Feb.
“Further, it has been reported that members of the public saw the fire and tried to help the man out of the toilet block. I would also like to speak to these people because they might have vital information that can aid our investigation.
“I appreciate that some people do not feel comfortable speaking to police directly, so alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
“Thames Valley Police officers are currently carrying out house to house enquiries and a scene watch is likely to be in place for the rest of today (10/2). I would like to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we continue our thorough investigation into this unexplained death.”
Thames Valley Police
Card games- 11/2/15
I have recently moved to Faringdon, I am a student teacher looking for a way to continue one of my hobbies. I would like to enquire about the possibility of using any free space, like the hall, to hold a weekly card game club, specifically the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It is a hobby of mine and unfortunately there is nowhere local that holds a league for players (closest is Bristol). I think it would be a great way to bring people together. It is a fun and educational game and would be officially supported by the pokemon company. Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Richard.
Tuckers Park- 11/2/15
I fail to see how the children breaking up at half term next week and a fair at the end of June have anything to do with each other.
I agree that the football club do a fantastic job but the ground was given to the whole town not just those who play football.
Green Witch
Tucker Park- 10/2/15
I think Faringdon Football Club reached the right decision
The schools will be breaking up for half-term in about a weeks time and you don't want them to be up to their knees in mud.
Having the Fair on Tucker's Park is a great idea but it does churn the ground up. One thing we must remember The Football Club does a good job of looking after Tuckers Park
Old Faringdonian.
Far Runners - Saturday Beginner Sessions - 10/2/15
If you've ever thought about jogging/running but been put off because you don't have anyone to go with; everyone else who does it seems:
- Younger
- Fitter
- Thinner etc etc
Our very sociable beginner sessions are aimed at those who haven't run since school PE. There is always a Run England trained leader on hand to encourage and motivate you and no-one EVER gets left behind on their own.
We meet at Faringdon Leisure Centre Car Park at 9.30am and the best bit - Its totally FREE.
Please contact me if you have any questions:
Linda Woodward - woodwardj@btopenworld.com or take a look at our Facebook page Far Runners
Letter in the post- 10/2/15
This morning Tuesday 10th about 10.30, I found a letter dropped in the Southampton Street Car park. It was addressed to someone in Lancing, Sussex with a stamp attached.
With no other details on the envelope I hva put it into the post box. I only hope this was OK
Name supplied
Re Tuckers Park- 10/2/15
And more. I'm a little frustrated that the Football Club seem to have taken it upon themselves to restrict Scarrots Fair to a very small area citing the Town Council as the authority for this restriction. As far as I can find out they've done nothing of the sort and the whole of the field should be available.
Green Witch
Re Tuckers Park - 10/2/15
Mike Wise has looked up the original Trust papers for Tuckers Park. I'm sure that if you contact him he will give you the information you are looking for.
Green Witch
Regards Tucker park - 9/2/15
Somewhere on talking point in an old post the general rules of the park are that it was donated to the people of Faringdon for recreational activities, Not just the football club which seems to dominate the space today. It was donated to commemorate Michael Tucker who died in the war by the Tucker family. It would also be interesting to hear how the rules apply to the public space generally and what other clubs have the right of access. (Not that I need access, Just interested). Or anything about the man or family who left this legacy.The history society could organise a talk on the Tucker family.
You can google it but it links to the talking points page rather than the specific post and I can't find that in the archive here. Perhaps someone in the council could dig out the original documents and publish them afresh for a new generation to make best use of the ground for more than football, its not used most days apart from dog walkers. If it was more populated with other sports as well there would be less room for dog walkers and I think that would be a positive solution...
Run a campaign in the town to make better use of the space but please stop moaning about dog mess all the time!!! we need alternative solutions not more signs and rules... Get creative...
Name supplied
Lazyness.- 9/2/15
Continuing on from the parking theme, can't help but notice that people in the town really are getting lazy. Parking on the pavements all around the town, taking their cars don Canada Lane to pick up the kids even though a few minutes walk would benefit them, parking overnight on the lower end of London Street overnight has returned.
Also the camper vans on Coxwell Road and some appear unroadworthy but I am no expert, the overnight parking by Coach Lane Cemetery. Now that really is laziness. Tis a pity that not one agency in the Vale is interested in getting it sorted. Why aren't our elected officials at the VWHDC and the OCC not doing anything about it?
Are they also lazy?
Name witheld
Faringdon Market - 9/2/15
We've been working hard over the last few weeks - and now we are delighted to announce the Tuesday Weekly Market is going to have a whole new look.
With new traders coming to town, there will be much more to it than what we've been used to, so check it out tomorrow from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm in the Marketplace!
Bethis Thomas, Town Team
Skittles evening to raise money for Faringdon Day Centre - 9/2/15
Saturday 28 February at Faringdon Bowls Club, Gravel Walk. 7.00 p.m.
Tickets £10 to include a two course supper, a Ploughman's and a choice of hot and cold puddings.
There will be a Bar and a Raffle. All Welcome. This is a fun evening and not a serious competitive one. Same prize for best and worst.
Tickets from Eve 01367 241927 or Gill 01367 244176
Photography exhibition- 8/2/15
Hi, I am an amateur street photographer from Faringdon and I have a Crowdfunder.co.uk project just gone live to help raise enough funds to hold my first exhibition. I am hoping to exhibit in The Portwell Angel in April, May or June.
I would like some help in promoting this via the local community (and wider arts community). Please visit: @danjamesphotogs on Twitter, or search 'Street Photography Exhibition' to view details on the project. Many thanks.
Dan Homewood
Tabby home again - 8/2/15
Lost male tabby cat from Lechlade road area now thankfully home.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to help us.
Gina
Dog walking and fouling - 8/2/15
I wonder if someone could clarify the dos and don’ts about taking dogs into Tucker Park?
My understanding, from the notices placed in various locations round the field, is that:
a) Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
b) Dogs and owners must keep to the perimeter of the field; i.e. are not permitted on the pitches
c) Owners must pick up after their dog
d) There is a fine (of up to £1000?) for failing to do this
As someone who often walks their dog in this field, from my experience the vast majority of other dog walkers totally ignore items a and b, and a significant minority also ignore item c. (Try walking round the perimeter - it’s disgusting!)
These are football fields. Dogs are permitted only if their owners/handlers abide by these perfectly reasonable requests. I would LOVE to allow my dog to run off-lead in this field - he’d have a whale of a time! But if these are the rules, then they need to be enforced. Or perhaps more notices put up, since apparently those that are already there are invisible…!
However, if the rules have changed, please could somebody confirm it? I would love to be able to let my dog off the lead here. And while I’m on a roll (!) has anyone noticed that dog fouling throughout the town is on the increase? There are lots of bins, and for a while it seemed threats of fines and “area under surveillance” notices were working. However, these appear to have been no more than threats, and some owners (more and more) are now ignoring the notices, apparently safe in the knowledge that nothing will happen.
As a dog owner myself, the situation is becoming embarrassing. The old ‘railway lines’ path and the path up to the Health Centre, grassed areas, Tucker Park, alleyways and footpaths – all are areas where it’s not safe to walk when it’s dark for fear of what one could tread in. Even in daylight one often has to pick ones way carefully, particularly across grassed areas.
I know it would cost money, but how about a proper patrol, at least for a while, (or CCTV cameras) with actual prosecutions? Perhaps if people thought they WOULD be prosecuted/fined, they might start picking up and these areas would be nicer for all again.
Name Supplied
Video of Fire damage at Council - 7/2/15
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2015/2015-02/fire-damage-video-released-councils-declare-its-nearly-business-usual
The Town - 7/2/15
So the Vale is to be given funding to help in certain areas with Housing and the Infrastructure need to cope with all the new growth. How do you apply for help. Can our Town Councillors just apply or do we have to wait until Abingdon. Didcot and Wantage have had their share and if there is anything left it's ours. Faringdon Town and its needs have been forgotten for far too long. The Town Centres in other towns thrive and ours slowly dying. We see plan after plan put forward and discussed and then not a thing happens.
The design in the middle of Town is not inviting enough to attract visitors. Tourist Buses stopped coming into Town When we took away the Parking and put a large apron in front of the Old Town Hall. Come on Councillors. We need Aldi's and Waitrose but we also need a Town again.
Old Faringdonian
London Street Parking Again - 6/2/15
My Partner was nearly run over Saturday 7th Feb while walking the dog on the PAVEMENT on London street. A driver in 4 x 4 pulled in front of him and then started reversing. Luckily no one was hurt but it was very close. There is plenty of road for vehicles to use. Maybe those parking on pavement could park on Stanford road. I am sure there room on this road closer to cricket club. Maybe the little walk would do everyone a bit of good and hopeful being pedestrian for a change you would understand the dangers you are putting others in.
Name Supplied
Vale welcomes growth deal- 6/2/15
Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed news that government investment will be going towards a project the Vale as identified as crucial to support growth in the district.
As part of the Growth Deal announced in Oxford by Grant Schapps support will be given for further improvements to the A34, including the Lodge Hill Junction. This will relieve some of the significant congestion and improve local infrastructure, which will support future housing and economic developments.
As part of the Growth Deal, infrastructure, housing and other funding has been brought to together in a single pot, and is given to local authorities and businesses to invest in what is needed in their area to maximise potential economic growth.
Councillor Matthew Barber, leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is excellent news for the Vale, and we welcome the government support for the project to open the slip roads at Lodge Hill in Abingdon. In our Local Plan we’ve stressed the importance of this project and other crucial infrastructure to support the growth we have to provide.”
Another Planning app for Fernham Road - 6/2/15
12 dwellings and associated parking and landscaping, new access onto Fernham Road.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P15/V0154/O
This replaces an earlier application for (I think) 22 houses.
It includes transfering the SSSI land to the Fossil Trust (promised when Fernham Gate was built)
Ed
Humpty Public Enquiry - 6/2/15
Sorry folks, but a Public Inquiry is not designed for the attendance of the Public! Its for the Inspector to hear the appellant's case appealing the refusal. The district council and anyone who is registered as a Rule 6 party can also present evidence which has to be submitted in advance. The Inquiry is held in open forum and the public can attend, and will be allowed to present their own evidence but it my experience local opinion is largely ignored. The best chance is a coordinated presentation from the Parish Council or action group that presents the public evidence and local opinion in a professional and coordinated manner. Individual presentations are usually unfocussed and misguided. At a public Inquiry I attended, the legal teams of both the appellant and the district council actually chatted amongst themselves while the public were presenting their evidence! Humpty Hill Inquiry might be better, but I doubt it.
A Cynic
Name Supplied
Re Humpty Hill - 6/2/15
name supplied- I have read the notice and a vague line stating "'an evening session may be held from 6pm to 8:30pm on the first or subsequent days of the lnquiry session at the direction of the lnspector following a request from the Applicant or the Principal Objectors'" is not good enough. They can easily hold the enquiry over a weekend and or in the evenings, after all it's a public enquiry where they are supposed to be gauging the locals opinions. It should be at a suitable time for most residents to attend. If a planning inspector doesn't want to work evenings or weekends, then perhaps they should find alternative work. I have worked 7 days a week, 40+ weeks a year for two decades, because my work deemed it necessary. I hope I am wrong, but I think you will find the enquiry sparsely attended. Which will be a shame.
Grumpy Old Man
Ref. Rosalind Hurford. 3/2/2015 Tucker Park- 6/2/15
I have always been given to understand that Tucker Park was given to the Town for recreational activities by the Tucker Family as a Memorial to a member of the Tucker Family, Michael Tucker who was killed in world War Two.
Michael Tucker was serving in the 5th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment and died on the 10th June 1940 and he is buried in All Saints Church Yard plot number 807.
Before the Second World War Mike Tucker was a member of the Faringdon Fire Brigade, the attached photo ( click to enlarge) was taken in 1937 and Mike Tucker is the Fireman standing on the right.
Bill Law.
Lost male long haired tabby cat - 6/2/15
...from around the lechlade road area in faringdon opposite the infant school. Please could people kindly check sheds and outbuildings. Please contact us with any info or sitings on 07736302901
many thanks.
Gina Kirby
Faringdon Free Food - 5/2/15
The next Faringdon Free Food session will be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (8th February 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
Because of the cold weather this month we'll work indoors, grafting apple trees for growing on and planting out later in the year.
We'll meet at 23 London Street, Faringdon, at 14.00.
Mark Crane
HUMPTY HILL PUBLIC ENQUIRY! - 5/2/15
For the Public Inquiry in March we need to have evidence in the form of witness statements documenting the usage of Humpty Hill by local people. This needs to be ready by Monday 16th February. If you are able to provide a statement we would be very grateful.
We are looking at the period from 1990 to present. This is not to say that users before this won't add weight.
The statement needs to include:
1) Your own activities in the field, especially if these involve the general use of the field rather than just the perimeter path.
2) Any activities that you have seen other people indulging in. (adults, teenagers or children)
If you would like to give a statement please contact by email, savehumptyhill@gmail.com. I will let you know what we need and give you and a map to sign.
Rob Stewart
4&20 Retail Development – Public Exhibition - 5/2/15
Some feedback from the exhibition at the Pump House on 4 Feb:
The plan is to develop just over half of the site as a retail park with a large Aldi, a small Waitrose (6000 sq ft - similar to those at motorway service stations but larger) and a drive-through Costa.
The developers expect the outlets to generate up to 120 new jobs and stop more people leaving Faringdon for their grocery shopping. They also hope to encourage passing trade and out-of-towners to visit the town centre (a tall order I suspect)
The remaining half is to be housing and an office block and is a separate development, i.e. it’s a different developer and the retail development is not dependant on its approval. The timeline for the retail park is late 2016, early 2017 (with a following wind...)
I’m not sure this will do as much for Faringdon’s existing retailers as the developers are hoping, but in the context of what else is happening in Faringdon - 380 houses on the other side of Park Road, 200 houses at Fernham Fields, 200 houses at Steeds Farm, 70 houses behind the youth centre and possibly 94 houses on Humpty Hill – the arrival of both Aldi and Waitrose is arguably both necessary and welcome. It will also bring some much needed employment to the area.
Folly Man
Petition- possible cuts to bus service - 5/2/15
I've started the petition "Oxfordshire County Council: STOP CUTS to VoWH subsidised Public Transport" and need your help to get it off the ground.
Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now ? Here's the link:
http://www.change.org/p/oxfordshire-county-council-stop-cuts-to-vowh-subsidised-public-transport
Here's why it's important:
Oxfordshire County Council are currently reviewing our subsidised bus services for 2015/16. Some services may be under threat of being reduced or even cut in our area. The review includes the 61/63, 65, 66, 67/67A/67B, including the Wantage Independent Advice Centre Community Transport Service, as well as others. I believe our existing services should remain untouched and, in fact, expanded. Approximately 950 new homes are to be built in our area over the next few years with the possibility of many of those new residents being non-drivers. Connectivity via Public Transport will be vital for those residents to travel to Family, Hospitals, Colleges, Work and Entertainment. Reduction of services in my opinion, and those of the signatories of this petition, are retrograde and make no sense of future planning. Please reconsider the review.
You can sign my petition by clicking here.
Thanks !
Ian Gillies Bell
Mobile Youth Centre, coming to Faringdon - 5/2/15
...... next Tuesday evening- starting at Berners Way around 7pm and moving to Marlborough Gardens around 8pm
Stephen Martin
Re Humpty Hill enquiry.- 5/2/15
People moaning that they will be at work and can't get there obviously haven't read it properly.
'an evening session may be held from 6pm to 8:30pm on the first or subsequent days of the lnquiry session at the direction of the lnspector following a request from the Applicant or the Principal Objectors'
Name Supplied
New Traders- Tuesday market- 5/2/15
There will be new traders at Faringdon Market next Tuesday including jewellery, scarves, bags, Forever Living, Kitchen & Vine hampers, gifts so please support them. More to come. If you wish to trade at Faringdon Tuesdays, Wantage Wednesday and Saturday or Didcot first Sunday each month then please message me. Lets make our market towns great markets
Jeanette Howse
Humpty Hill - 4/2/15
The FTC fought to get these hearings held in Faringdon so that local people could attend. They can't make them be held in the evenings and to be quite honest those involved also have a life. I'm retired so technically I could see the whole thing through. In reality, I have a life and whether I'm in work or not I can't attend the whole hearing although I will be there as often as I can.
Green Witch
Re- Humpty hill and other plans related to Faringdon- 5/2/15
Never before has Douglas Adams got it summed up so well:
ARTHUR DENT:
It's not exactly a noted social venue is it, The local planning office? And even if you had popped in on the off chance that some raving bureaucrat wanted to knock your house down, the plans weren't immediately obvious to the eye were they?
MISTER PROSSER:
That depends where you were looking.
ARTHUR DENT:
I eventually had to go down to the cellar!
MISTER PROSSER:
That's the display department.
ARTHUR DENT:
With a torch!
MISTER PROSSER:
The lights, had… probably gone.
ARTHUR DENT:
So had the stairs!
MISTER PROSSER:
Well you found the notice didn't you?
ARTHUR DENT:
Yes. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet, stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying “Beware of the Leopard”. Ever thought of going into advertising?
Rob Perkins
Cleaner wanted - 4/2/15
Can anyone recommend a local cleaner please? Struggling to find one and need some help due to ill health. Thanks friends.
Name supplied.
Tuckers Nursery? - 3/2/15
Wondering if anyone has memories of the nursery run by the Tucker family or the history of Tucker Park?
Rosalind Hurford
Humpty Hill Public enquiry- 3/2/15
Oh how convenient to have a "Public" enquiry when most of the "Public" are at work. 10am start?- well I will already have been at work two hours. I suppose having a hearing at a weekend when most people can attend would be far too sensible. At least the Town Council Meetings I went to were held in the evenings.
When I get home in the evening, I assume the people holding the "public" hearing have long gone home. I suppose it's an easy way of stifling any dissenting voices.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Barn Dance update: 1st Faringdon Scouts have an Early Bird Offer for families! - 2/2/15
A family ticket for the Barn Dance will be just £15 if bought on or before Saturday 28th February. During March and on the door family tickets will be £20. Adult tickets are £7.50 and child tickets are £5.
The Barn Dance will take place on Saturday 14th March at 7.30pm-10.30pm in Faringdon Corn Exchange. We'll have a bar throughout and tea, cakes and a raffle in the interval. The fabulous three-piece band Horseplay will play Irish Music to get you going and make it a night to remember. All funds raised will go towards 1st Faringdon Scouting costs. Call Faith on 01367 241237 for tickets.
Faith Carpenter
Public Enquiry Humpty Hill - 2/1/15
The Public Inquiry will start at 10 am on Monday 16th March 2015 in Sudbury House Hotel, 56 London St, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7AA and continue until 27th
March 2015 (excluding weekend), unless there is insufficient business. If those days prove to be insufficient, a further session or sessions will be arranged as necessary.
Notice and map can be found on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/council/news/
I have always been given to understand that Tucker Park was given to the Town for recreational activities by the Tucker Family as a Memorial to a member of the Tucker Family, Michael Tucker who was killed in world War Two.
Michael Tucker was serving in the 5th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment and died on the 10th June 1940 and he is buried in All Saints Church Yard plot number 807.
Before the Second World War Mike Tucker was a member of the Faringdon Fire Brigade, the attached photo ( click to enlarge) was taken in 1937 and Mike Tucker is the Fireman standing on the right.
Bill Law.
Lost male long haired tabby cat - 6/2/15
...from around the lechlade road area in faringdon opposite the infant school. Please could people kindly check sheds and outbuildings. Please contact us with any info or sitings on 07736302901
many thanks.
Gina Kirby
Faringdon Free Food - 5/2/15
The next Faringdon Free Food session will be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (8th February 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
Because of the cold weather this month we'll work indoors, grafting apple trees for growing on and planting out later in the year.
We'll meet at 23 London Street, Faringdon, at 14.00.
Mark Crane
HUMPTY HILL PUBLIC ENQUIRY! - 5/2/15
For the Public Inquiry in March we need to have evidence in the form of witness statements documenting the usage of Humpty Hill by local people. This needs to be ready by Monday 16th February. If you are able to provide a statement we would be very grateful.
We are looking at the period from 1990 to present. This is not to say that users before this won't add weight.
The statement needs to include:
1) Your own activities in the field, especially if these involve the general use of the field rather than just the perimeter path.
2) Any activities that you have seen other people indulging in. (adults, teenagers or children)
If you would like to give a statement please contact by email, savehumptyhill@gmail.com. I will let you know what we need and give you and a map to sign.
Rob Stewart
4&20 Retail Development – Public Exhibition - 5/2/15
Some feedback from the exhibition at the Pump House on 4 Feb:
The plan is to develop just over half of the site as a retail park with a large Aldi, a small Waitrose (6000 sq ft - similar to those at motorway service stations but larger) and a drive-through Costa.
The developers expect the outlets to generate up to 120 new jobs and stop more people leaving Faringdon for their grocery shopping. They also hope to encourage passing trade and out-of-towners to visit the town centre (a tall order I suspect)
The remaining half is to be housing and an office block and is a separate development, i.e. it’s a different developer and the retail development is not dependant on its approval. The timeline for the retail park is late 2016, early 2017 (with a following wind...)
I’m not sure this will do as much for Faringdon’s existing retailers as the developers are hoping, but in the context of what else is happening in Faringdon - 380 houses on the other side of Park Road, 200 houses at Fernham Fields, 200 houses at Steeds Farm, 70 houses behind the youth centre and possibly 94 houses on Humpty Hill – the arrival of both Aldi and Waitrose is arguably both necessary and welcome. It will also bring some much needed employment to the area.
Folly Man
Petition- possible cuts to bus service - 5/2/15
I've started the petition "Oxfordshire County Council: STOP CUTS to VoWH subsidised Public Transport" and need your help to get it off the ground.
Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now ? Here's the link:
http://www.change.org/p/oxfordshire-county-council-stop-cuts-to-vowh-subsidised-public-transport
Here's why it's important:
Oxfordshire County Council are currently reviewing our subsidised bus services for 2015/16. Some services may be under threat of being reduced or even cut in our area. The review includes the 61/63, 65, 66, 67/67A/67B, including the Wantage Independent Advice Centre Community Transport Service, as well as others. I believe our existing services should remain untouched and, in fact, expanded. Approximately 950 new homes are to be built in our area over the next few years with the possibility of many of those new residents being non-drivers. Connectivity via Public Transport will be vital for those residents to travel to Family, Hospitals, Colleges, Work and Entertainment. Reduction of services in my opinion, and those of the signatories of this petition, are retrograde and make no sense of future planning. Please reconsider the review.
You can sign my petition by clicking here.
Thanks !
Ian Gillies Bell
Mobile Youth Centre, coming to Faringdon - 5/2/15
...... next Tuesday evening- starting at Berners Way around 7pm and moving to Marlborough Gardens around 8pm
Stephen Martin
Re Humpty Hill enquiry.- 5/2/15
People moaning that they will be at work and can't get there obviously haven't read it properly.
'an evening session may be held from 6pm to 8:30pm on the first or subsequent days of the lnquiry session at the direction of the lnspector following a request from the Applicant or the Principal Objectors'
Name Supplied
New Traders- Tuesday market- 5/2/15
There will be new traders at Faringdon Market next Tuesday including jewellery, scarves, bags, Forever Living, Kitchen & Vine hampers, gifts so please support them. More to come. If you wish to trade at Faringdon Tuesdays, Wantage Wednesday and Saturday or Didcot first Sunday each month then please message me. Lets make our market towns great markets
Jeanette Howse
Humpty Hill - 4/2/15
The FTC fought to get these hearings held in Faringdon so that local people could attend. They can't make them be held in the evenings and to be quite honest those involved also have a life. I'm retired so technically I could see the whole thing through. In reality, I have a life and whether I'm in work or not I can't attend the whole hearing although I will be there as often as I can.
Green Witch
Re- Humpty hill and other plans related to Faringdon- 5/2/15
Never before has Douglas Adams got it summed up so well:
ARTHUR DENT:
It's not exactly a noted social venue is it, The local planning office? And even if you had popped in on the off chance that some raving bureaucrat wanted to knock your house down, the plans weren't immediately obvious to the eye were they?
MISTER PROSSER:
That depends where you were looking.
ARTHUR DENT:
I eventually had to go down to the cellar!
MISTER PROSSER:
That's the display department.
ARTHUR DENT:
With a torch!
MISTER PROSSER:
The lights, had… probably gone.
ARTHUR DENT:
So had the stairs!
MISTER PROSSER:
Well you found the notice didn't you?
ARTHUR DENT:
Yes. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet, stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying “Beware of the Leopard”. Ever thought of going into advertising?
Rob Perkins
Cleaner wanted - 4/2/15
Can anyone recommend a local cleaner please? Struggling to find one and need some help due to ill health. Thanks friends.
Name supplied.
Tuckers Nursery? - 3/2/15
Wondering if anyone has memories of the nursery run by the Tucker family or the history of Tucker Park?
Rosalind Hurford
Humpty Hill Public enquiry- 3/2/15
Oh how convenient to have a "Public" enquiry when most of the "Public" are at work. 10am start?- well I will already have been at work two hours. I suppose having a hearing at a weekend when most people can attend would be far too sensible. At least the Town Council Meetings I went to were held in the evenings.
When I get home in the evening, I assume the people holding the "public" hearing have long gone home. I suppose it's an easy way of stifling any dissenting voices.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Barn Dance update: 1st Faringdon Scouts have an Early Bird Offer for families! - 2/2/15
A family ticket for the Barn Dance will be just £15 if bought on or before Saturday 28th February. During March and on the door family tickets will be £20. Adult tickets are £7.50 and child tickets are £5.
The Barn Dance will take place on Saturday 14th March at 7.30pm-10.30pm in Faringdon Corn Exchange. We'll have a bar throughout and tea, cakes and a raffle in the interval. The fabulous three-piece band Horseplay will play Irish Music to get you going and make it a night to remember. All funds raised will go towards 1st Faringdon Scouting costs. Call Faith on 01367 241237 for tickets.
Faith Carpenter
Public Enquiry Humpty Hill - 2/1/15
The Public Inquiry will start at 10 am on Monday 16th March 2015 in Sudbury House Hotel, 56 London St, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7AA and continue until 27th
March 2015 (excluding weekend), unless there is insufficient business. If those days prove to be insufficient, a further session or sessions will be arranged as necessary.
Notice and map can be found on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/council/news/
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Fixing the Light - 2/1/15
Working hard to get the light back in action! Replaced the bulb but still not working. Will try again tomorrow. |
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01/02/15 Dog found - 1/2/15
...approximately 5.15pm on Highworth Road. There were two dog, this is the smaller of the two, couldn't catch older one. Will be taking to Elms Vets first thing in morning to check for ID chip.
Stephen Bint
Coxwell street even better news - 1/2/15
Knowing that there is a dog loving lady living in coxwell street gives me reassurance now that I will not feel guilty when walking my pup along this road in future. I assume she must inhabit one of the camper vans.
graves nd
Good News about Coxwell Street (for a change!) - 1/2/15
I think they've just changed route and use Fernham Road now!
Name supplied
...approximately 5.15pm on Highworth Road. There were two dog, this is the smaller of the two, couldn't catch older one. Will be taking to Elms Vets first thing in morning to check for ID chip.
Stephen Bint
Coxwell street even better news - 1/2/15
Knowing that there is a dog loving lady living in coxwell street gives me reassurance now that I will not feel guilty when walking my pup along this road in future. I assume she must inhabit one of the camper vans.
graves nd
Good News about Coxwell Street (for a change!) - 1/2/15
I think they've just changed route and use Fernham Road now!
Name supplied
Fernham Fields - 31/1/15
Has anyone fully looked at the decision notice about (now approved) the Fernham Fields development? DESPITE concerns about flooding, Nickel Contamination, Sewage, & Gas contamination, tree conservation, nesting birds etc etc - OUR district council said YES anyway - What is the point of having any say in electing local or national political representatives when they obviously DON'T represent the views of the people they are supposed to represent - SO looking forward (NOT) to my House & Contents Insurance renewal over the next few years when a computer decides that I live near enough (postcodewise) to this already blighted development to sting me for increased premiums for all this estate's issues relating to flooding, nickel, sewage, & methane gas! This is the direct link to the decision ......http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/dynamic_serve.jsp?ID=378796542&CODE=E8B2E978FA24281A69666005C7E09130
Teresa Reynolds
Fernham Fields - Planning permission approved - 31/1/15
Doesn't that say something just in the name - "Fields" WE obviously don't matter and our MP could not help despite being photographed next to a flooded area on which they propose to build houses (good luck by the way in getting House Insurance should you buy a house there!) & despite our local councillors strong objection - it meant ZIP! So if a councillor & an MP is ignored why do we have them? ihttp://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/dynamic_serve.jsp?ID=378796064&CODE=549690F4166A864D389EDE252B4CD581
Teresa Reynolds
Ed(GW) Just to clarify- Faringdon Town Councillors objected. Our District councillor on the VWHDC Planning committee supported the application
Good News about Coxwell Street (for a change!) - 31/1/15
The inconsiderate dog owner that has allowed their pooch to poop on a regular basis outside my house seems to have either adopted a more responsible attitude to pet ownership by now clearing up the mess (unlikely) or sadly now has an ex pet. So sorry for your loss, but at least I won't have to clean my carpet on a daily basis any more & buy new car mats to get rid of your beloved animal's disgusting mess. I work long hours and leave home before it is light and get home long after it is dark. As you were not feeding your dog Phosphorescent food which might have made the resulting poop glow-in-the-dark & visible, sadly I had no option but to wade through the hidden excrement.........
Teresa Reynolds
Banish the Bitingly, Bitterly Cold Blues- 31/1/15
Join us at The Bell Faringdon
Jamie’s Foodie- Fusion- Feast Friday 6th February 2015
It’s Faringdon’s very own rising star. Chef - Jamie New Now on his 2nd year apprenticeship,
Jamie has created a menu of fusion flavours to tantalise the most discerning of tastes.
Jamie has devised and created this menu himself and will produce all dishes from scratch using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Showcasing his improved knowledge and culinary skills that match any ‘celebrity’ Chef!
So come and join us for an evening not to be missed!
This popular event is booking fast to avoid any disappointment
Please call the Bell on 01367 358050 to reserve your table
Parking - 30/1/15
Having lived here most if my life 57yrs from childhood ive seen many changes to this lovely old town some good but im affraid now the town and most of its beauty is being squeezed out by our so called public minded local councillors who just like the idea of the power they have representing us. It is all about the money we dont need more retail outlets or houses as for the parking we do have ample spaces if the car parks were used and no charges people would use them more as they are convienient to town center. The focus for faringdon commerce should be bringing business back to the town center and empty premises not the open green fields.
eric
Local singer on local radio - 30/1/15
Local singer Mark Chilvers regular at the Swan and the 15 Minute Club was on 'Swindon Live and Local' on Swindon 105.5 on Wed. Hear Marks interview and singing his own original songs on the podcast version of this weeks show.
https://soundcloud.com/sean-hodgson/l-l-mark-chilvers
Sean Hodgson
Camper vans? - 30/1/15
Could there be a poor long lost traveller inside who sadly passed away on there first visit to faringdon? As good neighbours should we break in and check.
MW
Fernham Fields - 29/1/15
Once again the Vale of White Horse District Council knows better than the residents of Faringdon. The Developers of Fernham Fields has been given planning permission to go ahead with building of countless houses. What is the point of objecting to Plans that we feel are not right for the area when District in the end ignores every single thing we say.
Now some one wants to build more houses on the corner of Park Road and the A420.
Fed up Old Faringdonian
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose v Tesco became a class war as reported in many newspapers if you look online. People wanted Tesco because it was cheaper and they were wrong.
A supermarket, any brand, in Gloucester Street could have worked. Budgens is on a one way street and the deliveries do cause an obstruction. The plans in Gloucester Street would have taken deliveries away from the road. With the 140 extra car park spaces we could have seen a better, tidier town centre.
Originally the Tesco plan was turned down by VWHDC because it was too far from the town but enough people moaned and moaned and they eventually won but now they still moan. If it's not the broken freezers and the staff attitude then it's the higher than promised prices.
Too late to change.
Name supplied
Fernham Fields- Permission given - 29/1/15
VWHDC have agreed that this development should go ahead. See
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=FolderView&ID=377801736&CODE=27CF360D14A98B7194B67BFD98F6BE81&NAME=Decision+Notice&REF=P13/V0139/O
Some time ago I heard it said that permission wouldn't be given until the S106 (Planning gain) agreement had been reached. I've only had a quick look at the decision notice- can't see anything.
ED
Photos of Faringdon - 29/1/15
Don't forget that our display of old Faringdon pictures will be ready for you to see from next Monday 2nd February and will be here for the whole month. We hope it will bring back happy memories for some of you and show newer residents how the town used to look many years ago.
Please pop along to the Community & Tourist Information Office in Gloucester Street during Feb and have a look!
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose in Gloucester Street was turned down as it was a terrible idea - having a supermarket where people & deliveries have to go around a one-way system is a recipe for no end of congestion. Big stores in the centre of town would be nice, but the simple fact is there isn't the room for them there. Like every other town in the UK any big retail development has to go where there is a)space & b) enough transport access to make it viable.
Name Supplied
Plans for the town- 29/1/15
How short sighted the objectors to the plans by Waitrose were when they turned down the Gloucester Street plan in favour of Tesco's. People expected a huge Tesco's store with cheap prices and it's neither and on top of that when you leave you often struggle to turn right onto Park Road as it's so badly designed.
Waitrose would have given us a town centre store, no more expensive than any other (just options if you want a different range). We would have had a lovely big car park which I imagine would have given us at least two hours free parking like Wantage and Abingdon so enough time to shop and then pop to the town centre.
Gloucester Street residents have wanted permits and now may regret it especially if it's only one per household. A new car park would have eased many of the problems, given the school drop off more space, shoppers would have been far more likely to park in the car park so would have eased Glos Street etc.
The town centre desperately needs more parking but sadly the chance may have been lost.
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- 29/1/15
We applied to Oxfordshire County Council to have Humpty Hill registered as a Town Green under the Commons Act 2006 in April 2013. This would protect Humpty from development forever!
The application will be decided by public enquiry starting on the 16th March 2015.
We need to raise £300 for printing, stationary, Ordnance Survey maps, postage etc.
Any left over funds will be donated to charity.
link: http://fnd.us/c/dvxfb/sh/c4SKDd
Rob Stewart
Re: Parking. - 29/1/15
Most of the things related to the Parking Survey seem to have the same solution/problem - the rules are largely there but no-one is enforcing them. Issuing permits, double yellow lines & the like are all very well but until either the council or the police take responsibility for maintaining that these things are enforced I can't see much changing.
Thomas Tankengine
Here we go again.- 29/1/15
Would the idle person who allows their dog to leave piles of mess in and around the alleyways in The Pines,Beech Close and Maple road STOP.
Obviously a large dog who is not at fault, the owner knows better so PICK IT UP.
Name supplied
4&20 - 29/1/15
Brill. The more retail outlets the better,office space excellent. Tesco is very expensive they only stock a few lines and expensive. More competition the better.. Aldi would be brill the fruit and veg price half the price and better quality.
I'm sure the owners will make that corner look good and give passing travellers something to come into Faringdon for.
Name supplied
Breaking News - 29/1/15
Just in case you haven't heard on the grapevine, a local developer has put forward a proposal for the vacant 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, a "Little" Waitrose, a drive-thru Costa and some residential and office space.
The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th February between 1-8pm. This is going to have a radical effect on our town. Please try and make some time to come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Please also let us know what you think of these proposals as we intend to feed back the views of the Chamber of Commerce (if a consensus can be reached). It must be good news that this site is now viable and that employment land forms part of the proposal, but how many more supermarkets and coffee shops do we need?
What do you think?
Please let me know.
Paul Brame. Chamber of Commerce
president@faringdonchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Developments in Faringdon- 28/1/15
At the Town Meeting we were reminded of the time The Folly woodland was under threat. My recollection was that this was to allow replanting to take place, with the new trees now some 30 years old. But how many remember the more serious threat from Hills Aggregates proposal to quarry part of the hill? How many remember that where the sports field now stands used to be a hill only 20 feet lower than Folly Hill called Jespers Hill. The plan was to extend the quarry across the road and take off the shoulder of Folly Hill, using the top soil to partially restore the Jespers Hill site. Fortunately a campaign stopped this. Worth remembering that all these new houses require sand and lime for construction.
Cassandra
Parking - 28/1/15
I attended the Town meeting on the Parking Survey outcome and found it at odds with the assurances I was given when I met the team in the Market Place. I was told then that resident parking permits were not being considered as they were a disaster but now it appears that they will underpin the reformed and enforced parking in the town. There are apparently more than sufficient parking places for everyone if only we'd use the car parks. All we need are lots of new double yellow lines and a one hour limit for non resident permit holders. Am I the only one who has found the street and car park full on a night with residents' cars? And if we make the town center so hostile to visitors, who will come here to shop? Is the idea to turn it into a ghost dormitory town? At present there is a tidal flow as commuters leave, vacating spaces for visitors who later leave in time for the returning residents. Seems to me we are to be a cash cow for the council charging £50 or so per vehicle for more of the same lack of space to park. Yellow lines won't stop inconsiderate parking on pavements or across entrances, or make people park in one space not two. Council have been after a permit scheme for years because of the revenue raising it brings. For us, we may be able to park within 400 yards of our homes, a long way when burdened by shopping, children or age.
Cassandra
4&20 site - 28/1/15
The 4&20 site has permission for office/ light industrial use and that is what it should be used for. Why exactly does its owner, knowing this, want to create a retail / residential site 'with some office space'. Couldn't be profit by any chance??? The last thing Faringdon needs are retail outlets creeping out along the A420/ Not only will this jeopardise the viability of our town centre, it will destroy the existing designation of land use, and ultimately ruin the landscape setting and character of Faringdon. There were objections to siting Tesco on Park Road, & it now seems they were justifed, having created a precedent for retail in this part of Faringdon! Why are these plans only on show for one day? People need to see them & comment and this is too short a time.
Name supplied.
4&20 Development- 28/1/15
Potentially good and bad news for Faringdon if this site finally gets developed. It would create some much needed local jobs as well as adding welcome alternatives to Tesco. But I’m concerned about the mention of residential development being included in the plans. It will be interesting to see what the developers have in mind but we have enough (too much) new housing to deal with already and this area is not designated for residential development in the Local Plan. I suspect it may be a case of ‘We’ll build you an Aldi, Waitrose and some office space...but only if you let us make some money by building houses as well!’
Folly Man
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street- 28/1/15
I was sorry to read of Julie Griffiths’ experience of the dangers posed by the inconsiderate parking of campervans and motorhomes near Danetree Vets. Unfortunately she is not alone; there was another near miss before Christmas in similar circumstances where a delivery van travelling up Coxwell Road nearly took the front off a car trying to exit the vets. I’m surprised they haven’t done more to prevent this hazard to their customers. With increasing amounts of traffic using Coxwell Road it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens as a result of these vehicles. I just hope it’s not when kids and mums are walking to and from school.
Name supplied
GO Active - 28/1/15
Earlier this month we told you about our one month unlimited swim offer starting in February. Due to the recent fire at South Oxfordshire District Council, our IT system has been affected and we can therefore not register anyone for the swim offer at the moment.
However, we are in the process of getting this all sorted and will let you know when we are ready to launch this offer once again.
In the meantime, visit our website to find out about other activities taking place near you.
www.getoxfordshireactive.org
Tescos Freezers.- 28/1/15
I would be interested to know who supplied and installed the Freezers and their power supplies for Tesco's as they are obviously not fit for purpose.
Grumpy Old Man!
Re: Tesco Freezers - 28/1/15
Something is undoubtedly wrong with the freezers for them to break down as often as they are doing & something needs to be done to stop this happening, but I doubt the staff working there think it's a laugh with it happening so regularly either. The idea of giving the food away is nice, but with our U.S. inherited culture of "accidents don't happen & someone is to blame for everything" the risk (however minor) of being sued by someone receiving something for free, getting ill & then seeing £ signs, no-one will take that risk.
The Aldi/Waitrose idea sounds interesting - will they be situated next to each other so that Waitrose customers can look down their nose at those going into Aldi & the Aldi customers can wonder why those in Waitrose need slow baked focaccia with fennel & pine nuts? ;-)
Thomas Tankengine
Aldi? Waitrose? in Faringdon - 28/1/15
A proposal has come forward for the 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, Little Waitrose, Costa and some residential and office space. The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th Feb between 1-8pm. Come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Alex Meredith
School Kit - 28/1/15
A change to the news item re new FB group for selling school kit.
Due to popular demand I have extended it to include all the Academy of Schools. The new FB group is now called
Faringdon Academy of Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted
https://www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Faringdon.- 27/1/15
The burglary took place between 4.15pm and 9pm Sunday (25/1) in Marlborough Close.
Offenders forced open rear patio doors. Jewellery and electrical equipment were stolen.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact investigating officer DC Chris Leech, of Abingdon police station, via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Re Daffodil:- 27/1/15
Don't worry about the solitary daffodil - one will soon turn into many... a bit like a camper vans ;-)
Name Supplied
Tesco Freezers - 27/1/15
For the second time in four days, Tesco is piling the total contents of their freezers into rubbish bags and dumping it today, because of freezer breakdowns. Only last Friday the TOTAL stock of fresh and frozen food was dumped for the same reason. This is, I believe, the EIGHTH time since last summer that Tesco has been responsible for mass food dumping. A smirking assistant calmly informed me today that they were 'insured anyway', so, by implication, it's no loss to them!
Am I the only person that finds this obscene in an age when people are starving in many parts of the world, and even in the affluent country we live in, thousands regularly have to use food banks in order to eat? When I suggested that local care homes, hostels, night shelters and food banks might be keen to take this food, which was still visibly frozen, I was told that they wouldn't take the risk 'in case someone got sick'.
The sickest thing of all is Tesco themselves who ought to be utterly ashamed of their corporate irresponsibility and waste.
Name supplied.
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street - 27/1/15
Further to earlier comments, having visited Dantree Vets the other evening I was very nearly involved in what could have been an horrendous accident.
Due to the campervans/motorhomes being parked on either side of the clinic's driveway entrance I had to edge out very slowly in order to be able to see whether the road was clear for me to turn right. It was only down to pure luck that I did not have the front of my car taken off by another vehicle coming along the road towards town. Yes the oncoming car was speeding so was completely at fault but thankfully he was able to slam his brakes on & stop just in time, ending up only a couple of feet away from me. It scared the life out of me as I really thought he was going to hit me and there was nothing I could do about it.
My point is though had the campers not been there I would have seen him coming and not put myself in harm's way. I couldn't even see his headlights so how was I supposed to know he was even there? The owners of these vehicles should really think more carefully about where they park and consider the impact on other road users.
Julie Griffiths
Folly Light- 27/1/15
You might have noticed that the light at the top of the tower was off last night. It looks like the lamp needs to be replaced.
We have a new lamp on order and will be replaced ASAP.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Folly Tower Team
Parking on pavements - 27/1/15
Please, please, please can people stop parking on the pavements in Faringdon. It is becoming increasingly popular form of 'parking'. If I had a £1 for every time I've had to walk in the road (with small children) because some lazy driver hasn't bothered to take the time and park considerately I'd be rich!
Think before you park please, can someone in a wheelchair or with a pushchair walk past your car on the pavement?
Name supplied
Parking Survey- 27/1/15
I was unable to attend the Town Meeting on Monday night due to a family emergency. Would someone who was there be kind enough to post a summary of the main points regarding the parking survey?
Many thanks
Name supplied
Radcot Road Junction - 27/1/15
Yet another very near miss last evening at the junction of Radcot Road and Church Street. When will anyone in authority take seriously the notion that the prominent black-and-white chevrons facing Radcot Road indicting a sharp right turn are misleading. There is no need for this sign as the 'T' junction is obvious, and despite the Give Way sign at the junction, motorists unfamiliar with the geography are often led to believe - because of the chevrons - that Church Street is one way, and pull out in front of vehicles going straight on past the junction in the opposite direction.
Name Supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 26/1/15
I went to rehearsals to have a sneaky peek at how the panto is going and boy, is it a good one!
Tickets are still available for the evening performances, but the matinees are sold out.
Tickets are available online, at the Nut Tree, or on the door if there are any left.
Special Family Ticket - available online only for Friday night performances. £21 instead of £28.
Fiona Merrick
Daffodil - 25/1/15
I can't help thinking about that daffodil alone up the Highworth Road. It's like someone who turns up early at a party, only to find that there's no yet there and having to leave before any of the other guests arrive.
Name and address supplied.
Friday 30th January, 6pm to 9pm
FAMILY BOARD AND CARD GAMES EVENING with Jacky and Nik
The Rookery, 35 Marlborough Street, Faringdon SN7 7JL
Tel 01367 242030
Email - therookeryshop@gmail.com
Bored with the same old TV programmes? Why not try something different instead and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family?
We'll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play!
Stay as long as you like - refreshments will, of course, be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Camper Vans- 24/1/15
There is guidance on when it is an offence to park a vehicle on the public road in the DOE website:
http://www.doeni.gov.uk/vehicles_guidance.pdf
One of the categories is that it's an offence to abandon a vehicle.
The definition of such a vehicle is if it satisfies one or more of the following:
(a) untaxed;
(b) no current vehicle keeper on the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) record;
(c) stationary for a significant amount of time;
(d) significantly damaged or vandalised, run down or unroadworthy;
(e) burnt out;
(f) lacking one or more of its number plates;
(g) containing waste
At least one of the motorhomes in Coxwell Road falls into categories (c, d, g and probably a), so appears to have been abandoned.
Name and address supplied.
Unable to visit your library because of limited mobility or special circumstances? - 24/1/15
Talk to the Faringdon library. They will be able to arrange for someone to visit you, and bring and return your choice of books, videos, CDs
01367 240311
A daffodil- 24/1/15
Spring must be on the way,there is one solitary daffodil on the side of the Highworth Road near the viewing area.So nice to see this early in the year.
Name supplied
School Kit for sale/wanted on Facebook - 23/1/15
A new Facebook group has been set up called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted.
It is dedicated to selling or requesting school kit etc for all the Faringdon Schools. This has come from feedback from lots of people who have been trying to sell school kit on the other For sale sites but their things seem to be overlooked among the myriad of other stuff for sale. Here's hoping that the new page called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted will provide a one stop place to exchange school kit/uniform/P.Ekit/residential and ski trip kit/ musical instuments/afterschool sports kit etc. Please spread the word and find it here....
www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Nicola Brown
Rally in Witney - 23/1/15
Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally http://www.roartoday.co.uk/witney-rally.html
Rally organised in Witney against unsustainable developments in Oxfordshire.
Church Green Witney, OX28 4AZ 11.00 til 12.30
Low flying?- 23/1/15
Over the years we've had a history of Chinooks and other helicopters "homing in" on The Folly.
Recently this seems to have got worse. Larger aircraft have started to swoop around the town. Are the pilots trying to impress their families or is this part of the parking survey?
Either way, these guys could cause a safety issue by flying so low. Justified?
Name supplied.
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 23/1/15
Matinee shows are now SOLD OUT!
We still have tickets for the evening performances and we have extended the special Family Ticket price offer for the first night to the second Friday as well! This ticket is only available from our website.
Although this is not your 'usual' traditional panto, it has humour and playfulness, the usual struggle of good and evil ... but it's full of sparkle lovely costumes and songs galore!
Tickets available from our website, The Nut Tree, Corn Exchange, Faringdon, and (evening performances only) on the door.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
TOWN MEETING 26th January 2015 - 22/1/15
This is a meeting of the electors of Faringdon, not a meeting of the Town Council. ALL electors are welcome and may speak and vote on any item detailed in this agenda.
MONDAY 26th JANUARY 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange, Faringdon
You can see the Agenda on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-meeting-26th-january-2015/
Camper vans - 22/1/15
Allan- I have anticipated that the vehicle coming down Coxwell Road on the wrong side of the road ( due to the Camper Vans) is not going to slow or move over, so I have been as far into the kerb as possible. This still hasn't stopped my car being hit twice by said oncoming van/ car even though I have been stationary!.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Yet more on Motorhomes...- 22/1/15
I see this morning that the plague seems to have spread into Highworth Road. To say that you can drive round them seems to be missing the point somewhat - it's more the number that have appeared & that whoever is parking them there doesn't seem to live anywhere close by, so they want the vehicle but without the hassle of having to look after it.
They alone are not solely responsible for the issues on Coxwell Road/Street (e.g. whoever it is who thinks it's sensible to park on the opposite side to everyone else, where Coxwell Road meets Coxwell Street & the road is at it's narrowest), but they are making a bad situation worse, like the decision to make a lane for pedestrians where they are digging the pavement up when 90% of people are walking on the other side anyway.
Name Supplied
Purple hooded top found - 22/1/15
After fireworks night last year I found a purple hooded top with white drawstrings and yellow writing on the front. I haven't been able to find out who it belongs to and so now I'm putting it up on here. Email faringdonscouts@hotmail.co.uk with the size if it's yours!
Faith Carpenter
Parking - 22/1/15
It's interesting that the Parking Study proposes to stop inconsiderate parking outside the Leisure Centre/College site by introducing Double Yellow Lines, while at the same time working on a parking study focused on the current problem of people ignoring and parking on double yellow lines. I would hope that double yellow lines will help, but they don't seem to anywhere else in the town.
Faith Carpenter
The Sun - 22/1/15
Now that The Sun has dropped its fine tradition of displaying semi naked women on page three, might I propose that Faringdon Online takes up the challenge? I suggest that tasteful photographs of nude or nearly nude citizens be displayed on its pages. Entries to FO, anyone?
Bystander
Back to parking- 22/1/15
Re: the difficulty of visibility with the camper vans. It is no more difficult than the numerous times I've tried to get out of a normal parking space but the vehicle next to me is a van or a 4x4 which I can't see through so I have to take pot luck.
Jane Boulton
Re:Motorhomes Coxwell Road,- 21/1/15
.. putting aside the emergence on this site of Highway Code Parking experts versus camper van parking you might want to consider that it is still the responsibility of the driver to look,assess,decide & then act!...irrespective of either emerging onto a major road or assessing safe & adequate clearance on parked vehicles...why would you treat them any differently than a refuse vehicle that is stationary & positioned in a parked position whilst working...I drive down & up Coxwell St/Rd with my pups(pupils) and we make decisions based on assessing everything around us...if I published my in car camera footage of local residents up and down this road you might find they would be embarrassed at their own actions....don't blame the parking for your own lack of awareness and anticipation...however until the experts decide what should be done then drive carefully and you won't come to harm...you cant miss me & my pups as we have a great big L sign on the roof of the car
Allan Barrow
Re the motorhomes on Coxwell Road- 21/1/15
This is an ongoing saga. I understood all the relevant authorities had been contacted and are unable to do anything about this. Unfortunately an out of date tax disc is no longer an indication of an untaxed vehicle - it's all done online now and there's no requirement to display a current disc on your windscreen.
Two things spring to mind.
There is an offence of leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position: It is an offence to leave a vehicle or trailer in a position on a road where it could cause injury to someone using the road. I think it could be successfully argued drivers trying to enter Coxwell Road from the numerous entrances and driveways are putting themeslves in danger of injury due to the obvious obstruction to visibility these camper vans cause.
Secondly, and I think this has been mentioned before on here, do the vehicle insurers know the owners casually abandon their vehicles on this street - and not outside their own addresses? Are they technically uninsured? I note the local Police are at Tescos on Sunday fm 1200 -1300hrs - as below. I suggest as many people as possible moan about these vans to the neighbourhood team in person to push it up the agenda,
Name supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 21/1/15
Fri 30th Jan, 7.30pm
Sat 31st Jan, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Fri 6th Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 7th Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets are going well at the Nut Tree. Remember to get yours soon, to avoid disappointment.
We have a specially priced Family Ticket, only available on our website for Friday 30th January - £21 instead of the normal price of £28 for 2 adults and 2 children.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Parking - 15/1/15
The motorhomes parked on Coxwell Road are owned by different people. ( I talked to one of the owners). They are doing nothing illegal even though, I agree, they don't look good and are a nuisance. As Tax Discs have been abolished, the display of an out-of-date one doesn't signify that the vehicle is untaxed.
The owner I spoke to uses his quite frequently mostly at weekends, so that one does move.
Perhaps we need somewhere in Faringdon where people who have motorhomes, large vans, builders lorries etc can park. They then wouldn't park on pavements on our narrow streets.
We could ally that with parking for coaches!
Green Witch
Mobile Homes/Camper Vans on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Vehicles no longer have to display a tax disc but you can check if a vehicle is taxed by going to -
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
Name Supplied
Mobile Homes - 21/1/15
Re. Mobile Homes, or Camper vans as I call them. Yes they are a pain in the backside parked there. I would suggest that the owners park them on their drives or outside their own houses, rather than cause obstruction to traffic where they are,
As of Nov. 2014 Tax Discs no longer have to be displayed on Vehicles as the system is all electronic. You can check whether any vehicle is currently taxed by entering its registration on the DVLA website.
Regards Grumpy Old Man!.
Parking - 21/1/15
Why all of a sudden has the parking interest switched from Coxwell street to Gloucester street. Coxwell is not wide enough to cope with 2 way traffic which is surely unsafe. Gloucester street is a One way street which functions really well apart from when the bin lorries hold up the traffic. Why should there be parking charges anyway if the first 2 hours are free it seems adequate time for shoppers to use. As for employees parking in the side streets whats new?? this happens in most most towns the incentive though to encourage them to use the car parks should be no charge apart from a cover note from their employers. If you want people to use the car parks do not put charges in place.
Kevin Collins
Mobile Homes parked on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Who is it that takes the liberty to permanently park four mobile homes on the west side of Coxwell Road near the Old Surgery? One of these at least hasn't a valid tax disc and appears to be unroadworthy. These vehicles are never moved and appear to be either abandoned or permanently stored on the public highway, obstructing the road and making the town look more like a scrap heap. The police are to be informed of this and asked to check whether these vehicles are road legal and whether the owner(s) could be traced and asked to move them to a more suitable location.
Name supplied.
Parking survey - permits- 20/1/15
I wonder how this will work, Glos Street residents having permits to give them priority to park along the road. Will it be one per household? I imagine many of the houses along there have more than one car. If there are permit holders only and some short stay visitor and shopper spaces as well then won't it be even harder for residents to park there in the future if they have multiple cars?
At the moment I understand some residents from Lechlade Road and Gravel Walk also park in Gloucester Street. The knock on effect is a worry, presumably these cars will just end up in other areas and we'll be back to where we started!
A Glos Street resident permit in the car park is just £119 per year or £324 for non residents. I think if we were all offered the lower amount then there would be more takers but then I wonder if the car park is big enough!
Name Supplied
Thames Valley Police - 20/1/15
The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood:
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: East Hanney Village Hall
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: Tesco, Park Road, Faringdon
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.
Parking Report - feedback from the consultant - 20/1/15
The First Draft report is based on the responses of over 400 completed questionnaires, two engagement event days attended by over 200 people, a complete visual and photographic survey of the whole of Faringdon, and five days of parking accumulation surveys. The First Draft Report has been issued for your comment and we will be presenting our findings on Monday 26 January. We have already received comments and the report will be updated and amendments will be made based on the comments received on this site and those made at the presentation on Monday 26 January. Clearly we have some confusion which is understandable and we will try and clarify these as follows:
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15 Name published
The proposals for Gloucester Street would allow residents a priority to park with a permit, but would also allow visitors to park for a limited time or to use the car park.
Parking Survey - 17/1/15 Name Supplied
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. Yes, the report is based on what you have been saying to us on the questionnaire and at our engagement events.
Current permit rules and charges are available on the Vale of Whitehorse’s website, these should be taken as a guide.
The proposals for the College are not covered by this report as they are covered by the recent planning permission.
Parking Survey- 17/1/15 Local Yokel
Yes, we have a balanced set of proposals which will allow your Town to function and will protect it from the developments that are coming.
Parking survey- 16/1/15 Name supplied
The biggest issue raised was the lack of enforcement.
Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Grumpy Old man!
We are proposing one bus stop to be moved, we have a lot of other proposals that will benefit and protect your Town. You are correct that the lack of enforcement is the biggest issue.
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
When we wrote the report we were unaware that the "unused" bus stop outside the Bell was a taxi rank as it was not signed or marked. Our recommendations have been amended to reflect this amendment.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15 Folly Man
The Parking Survey recommendations are simplistic in order that everyone can understand them, we have prepared displacement figures for each proposal and Faringdon as a whole, these will be presented on the 26 January and included in the Final Report.
Parking Study: - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? Happy to discuss this one, as this proposal assists with issues near to this junction.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
The cost of the whole study is included in the Town Council meeting minutes, the report is not finished. It is currently a 65 page First Draft with over 200 pages of evidence in the Appendices, We are presenting our findings on the 26 January and it is subject to change based on the comments received. All comments received are most welcome. Please keep the discussion alive and try and attend the presentation on Monday 26 January, it’s your Town you need to get it protected and safe for all users.
http://www.garykaysmith.co.uk/faringdon-parking-study/
The pictures of old Faringdon are certainly interesting.- 19/1/15
Ann's Garage had several premises in Faringdon in the first half of the 20th century. The picture taken through the Town Hall is of the offices and show room built in 1912 to replace a former garage situated between what is now Perry Bishop and what was Barclay's Bank. This showroom had petrol pumps and even a hoist to lift cars up to the first floor. The main workshop was situated behind the Red Lion in what is now the lower Southampton Street carpark. There was also an Ann's Garage garage as shown in the picture of Marlborough Street and yet another with petrol pumps at the top of Marlborough Street where the show room of the Faringdon Garage now stands.
I think the tall man in a cap and long coat in the workshop picture is probably Charlie Smith who was foreman at Ann's Garage and also Captain of the local Fire Brigade.
The isolation hospital was on the left of Highworth Road just past the entrance to Westland Road. I understand food and coal were left at the entrance while the patients served out their quarantine period.. Notice the sparkling white aprons.
The market pictures are interesting. Hundreds of men but not a woman to be seen.
The saddest picture to me is the picture of Dr. Pulling's residence Overton House opposite Arthur's Hill. I felt it was a crying shame when that beautiful house was pulled down to make way for the Faringdon Garage forecourt.
Finally, the Duke of York, the old "Drum and Monkey" with Michael Giannadrea stood outside. Happy memories and many thanks for showing them
Dennis Haynes
Parking at Community College- 19/1/15
I've heard that there is parking at the school for students who drive to school. I hope that it's only those who live out of Faringdon who are allowed to park
Name Supplied
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15
Any Faringdon resident can buy a permit to park in the Gloucester Street car park but and many residents do. Like many of the residents of Gloucester Stree, I don't expect to be able to park outside my house but very much resent commuters and casual shoppers who park along Gloucester street when THEY could easily access the car park and 2 hours of free parking, and the semi-permanently parked camper vans! Day to day it would be great not to have to haul my shopping and children up and down from the car park. I think a residents parking scheme seems like a fair compromise
Name published
Parking Survey - 17/1/15
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. People park illegally and stupidly and lots of people buy homes without parking but then expect to be able to park outside.
Until I read it I didn't realise parking permits for the car park were available for Gloucester Street residents already, I think at about £120 per year. If they are to be given the opportunity to have permits to park outside their homes then presumably this will be the approximate cost? People who park along the road during the day for work, perhaps a discounted permit for the carpark would be fair?
Also I notice that the College may have to put double yellow lines 45 metres either side of the turning to enable buses to get around easily. The school may be having 10 extra spaces on site when a proposed new building goes ahead. Now last time I drove along that road there were many more than 10 cars parked outside the school, some in Carters Crescent and some along Fernham Road. I'm guessing then that these cars will just park further along, making the narrow end of Fernham Road (towards Fernham Gate) even more tricky?
Name Supplied
Re New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Fascinating! Could the garage interior photo also be Ann's Garage? If you look to the right of the shot behind the man standing you can see part of a sign which appears to be for Ann's Garage. But whether that's the premises or just part of a vehicle in for maintenance who knows?
The other photos show Ann's Garage as in 'the narrows' (where the McColls newsagents is now sited) and up Marlborough Street (near where the Police Station is now).
If this workshop was at the back of the town centre site the walls could be the rear of the Crown Coaching Inn?
I'm sure a local expert will know.............
Nigel.
New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Have a look at Early 20th century on this site
It seems there was a scarlet fever unit in Faringdon!
If anyone knows which garage is pictured, I'd be pleased to know
Ed(GW)
Parking Survey- 17/1/15
It's not surprising that parking enforcement is frequently mentioned in the report, we all know that enforcement is minimal in Faringdon. In most other parts of England parking enforcement has been taken over by Councils, so the on street enforcement is carried out with the car park enforcement- makes sense. Oxford CC and VWHDC have been resisting doing this- they say it will not be self funding. A bit surprising, given that other councils don't seem to think this as issue.
The recommendation in the report for changing the parking regulations on some streets, so that people can't park all day, seems to make sense to me. This may be of benefit to the shops and businesses. However, my guess is that it is the employees of these shops and businesses that park all day.
Whatever is done, without effective enforcement, there will be little improvement.
Just think- it's bad now, what will it be like when another 1000+ houses are built, most more than 1 mile from the Town Centre
Local Yokel
Parking survey- 16/1/15
Some very sensible and well thought through recommendations in this report, particularly regarding residents parking and the use of existing private car parking, and most importantly the need to reinforce the current parking restrictions!
Name supplied
Parking Survey - 16/1/15
I have to agree with the general consensus that the parking survey has been a waste of money. Moving bus stops a couple of hundred metres???- what a waste of valuable money. Just ticket the illegally parked vehicles and fix the pot holes, sunken drains and split carriageways.
name supplied. (Grumpy Old man!)
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
This is a draft copy which is why it is going to be on the Town Meeting Agenda on 26th January. This meeting is usually intended for the Town Council to put their proposal for the precept to the towns residents but the Survey has been added this time.
The "unused" bus stop is the one outside the Bell. It has been pointed out that this is in fact a joint bus/taxi stop and is used by taxi's, the Community Bus and the school bus that takes children to school outside of Faringdon.
Please come to the meeting to express your views. Then towns residents opinions are important and can often bring up ideas that no one else has considered.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15
The Parking Survey recommendations are overly simplistic in that they take no account of the knock-on effect on surrounding roads of enforcing existing parking restrictions.
As soon as we have a warden slapping £100 parking tickets on offending vehicles, people will start to move their cars to other areas of town which have not traditionally had a parking problem and which are not included in the report’s recommendations.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that owners of cars parked on pavements and double yellow lines should not be fined for their thoughtless (and illegal) behaviour, rather that any recommendations should take into account the impact of car parking on Faringdon as a whole. Otherwise the parking problems affecting, say, Coxwell Street today will simply become a headache for drivers, pedestrians and residents in Coxwell Road tomorrow.
Folly Man
Parking Study: - 16/1/15
The much awaited report is one of the thinnest reports that I have ever seen! I think that it may have been written by a schoolchild as it woefully fails to come up with effective solutions. There are 20 references to enforcing restrictions consistently. Who is going to do this? The Police do not have time to be there all of the time. Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? They are pretty close already and to move them closer would create a traffic hazard. Why recommend relocating the bus stop in the Market Place? This is the busiest bus stop in Faringdon but the reports authors are clearly unaware of this. The bus stop outside of the Bell Inn is NOT "unused". It is where the community buses from Stanford, Baulking and Hinton Waldrist park. This report has been a complete waste of money.
Name supplied
Fire at South Oxf Council Office - 16/1/15
The message below is sent out on behalf of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils:
Due to a major fire at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils’ offices there's disruptions to some services.
For the latest update and information please click on the link below:
www.southandvalecouncils.wordpress.com
The following services are running:
Services affected by the fire include, planning, environmental health, finance and housing.
We will provide more updates next week.
We’d be grateful if anybody with any day to day enquiries can wait until fully we’re up and running again.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15
money well spent it seems? existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently” - we can leave that to the near constant police presence in the town in that case.
Does the "news" that most of VWHDC work around 30 miles from Faringdon begin to explain their lack of focus on the town & surrounding area.
Name Supplied
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15
Interested to read the draft recommendations from the Parking Survey. So after months of consultation, the key recurring recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”. Right, so that wasn’t obvious then. Further in the report another recommendation is to “Remove the unused bus stop outside the Coaching Inn, and replace it with a loading bay” That would be the bus stop outside the Crown Coaching Inn presumably? The one that the 66, 67, community bus etc all stop at... How much did this report cost the Town Council?!
Name supplied
District Council Offices - 16/1/15
I see on the news this evening that someone has burnt down the South Oxfordshire District offices. This will have a major effect on the Vales residents as the most of the administration was done from those offices.
Jane Boulton
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-30843089
Looking for a fitness buddy.- 16/1/15
Beginner level. Interested in running, swimming, gym, yoga, classes etc. keen to get fit, lose weight and tone up. Want to set realistic goals but have a fitness buddy to get inspiration from.... Please do get in touch.
Tori toriray1@googlemail.com
Sport camp at Faringdon Infant School - 16/1/15
February - Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th.
We are running football 9am-4pm, Fencing 9am-12:30pm, Tri golf 12:30pm-4pm.
Prices:
Full Day £15.00
Half Day of Fencing or Tri Golf £7.50
Extra time £5.00 if needed.
Early Bird Discount Available if booked 2 week before camp due to start.
please contact Alana on 07954138599 for more details.
http://chewits.premiersport.org/
Faringdon Parking Survey - 15/1/15
Faringdon Residents will have the opportunity to discuss and comment on the first draft of the Parking Survey. The documents are available on the FTC website
Please come to the Town Meeting on 26th January at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange and share your views.
At the meeting residents will also have the opportunity to hear about the Town Council precept plans for the coming year.
The Agenda will be available on Wednesday 21st January.
A417 flooded - 15/1/15
Reassuring to see that the A417 is still flooding at Challow after the road having been effectively closed for 3 months.
Thomas Tankengine
Bad driving - 15/1/15
This comment is directed to the male driver who verbally abused me in Market Square this morning in the hope that he sees my response:
Your presumption of superiority over all the other drivers in the vicinity and the loss of right of way over traffic coming down the road did not justify your appalling language. I hope you felt some remorse once you realised that there was a medical emergency blocking the road ahead. I also hope that you aren't a Faringdon resident as it wasn't your proudest moment.
Name supplied
Faringdon Regent Cinerma - 13/1/15
Help the Regent Cinema provide a better service!!
Please spare just a few minutes to complete our short survey to leave us all your feedback and any suggestions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ3Z29M
Creative Computing- 12/1/15
Science Oxford are running two taster days and one creative project day for 11-16 year olds in creating and building your own computer-controlled creations.
Taster Days: Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th of February
Project Day: Friday 20th of February*
Cost: Free
Location: The Old Town Hall Faringdon, Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7HL
*attendees at the Project Day must have attended one of the Taster Days
For more information and to reserve a place, see www.scienceoxford.com/live
Email: creativecomputing@scienceoxford.com
Tel: 01865 810022
Pool - 12/1/15
this is comment for rob if you go to the wheatsheaf pub and ask brian or ally they will advise you how to go about finding a pool team phone number is 01367 244219
Jane Lewis
Youth Exchange Programme- 12/1/15
Tuesday 14th July to Monday 20th July 2015
A group of French children from our twin town of Le Mele in Normandy will visit Faringdon (age 12+).
Monday 20th July to Saturday 25th July 2015
A group of Faringdon children will visit Le Mele (age 12+).
If you are interested in hosting 1 or 2 French children and then your children returning to Le Mele then please do contact me as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for your children to improve their own French and make new friends.
We are also looking for 2 Leaders aged 18+ to lead the group to Le Mele. All travel and accommodation will be paid for. This is a great experience to develop confidence in speaking French and gaining Leadership Skills. If you know of anyone interested then please ask them to get in touch.
Carolyn Murphy
(Faringdon Youth Twinning Association Volunteer Organiser)
cmurphy@brookes.ac.uk
Play Pool - where? - 12/1/15
Does any one know where there is a good place to play pool in or very near to Faringdon? I used to play extensively for various teams in Abingdon and Oxford years ago but now the kids are a bit older I'm keen to play once more. Snooker would be nice too. I'm just wondering what is available where it is reasonable to play on and as local to Faringdon as possible.
Thanks in advance for any help
Rob.
Development behind Regent mews and Volunteer - 11/1/15
The application says
3.1 Access would be taken from a modern development through Regent Mews. Visibility splay on to the main road from the existing access are good, especially given the relatively slow moving traffic,which is moving one way only.
Presumably the Regent Mews road will be 2 way. Is it wide enough?
Name Supplied
Development behind Regent Mews- 11/1/15
Looking at the plans it seems that a number of parking spaces belonging to Regent Mews will be lost, unless I'm missing something and the spaces will be included in the new development.
Don't suppose Dr Scott-Brown wants the cars using the access by his house then!
I like that they've taken the photos of the car park when it was nearly empty, waiting for residents to go to work. Some of them park in Gloucester Street anyway so can we expect even more parking issues along this road?
Name Supplied
Another planning application, this time in conservation area.- 11/1/15
I see another housing planning application ( see http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/V2892/FUL ) is submitted, this time for the woodland area behind Regent Mews and the Volunteer pub. Given that notification to local residents seems rather patchy. Please have a look to see if you are affected and if so make an objection before 28th January.
This is a conservation area, and outside of the development boundary which was so carefully included in the Faringdon Development Plan,
If you need background documents to support your arguments on material planning considerations, please do contact planingobjection@hotmail.com and I will send what I have.
Name Supplied
New Libdem prospective parliamentary candidate from Faringdon - 10/1/15
I am very pleased to announce that I have been selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Wantage constituency for the general election on May 7th.
I live in Faringdon so I want to use the opportunity of the campaign to raise our town's profile as well as tackling the key issues we face in Faringdon - maintaining and improving sustainable housing, transport, jobs and public services.
I'll be out and about around Faringdon and across the constituency over the next four months so hope to meet as many people as possible. In the meantime if there are any issues that I can help with on the campaign or if there are local groups that I can attend to hear more about how I could help please email me: alex@brightgreendragon.com or call me on 01367 243450 or 07592447794
You can keep right up-to-date on the campaign at my website: www.alexmeredith4wantage.com, on Facebook - www.facebook.com/alexmeredith4wantage, or on Twitter www.twitter.com/faringdonlibdem
I hope that by standing I can provide a positive alternative choice for people on May 7th and do some good for Faringdon and other communities in the constituency along the way. If you would like to help in any way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Alex Meredith
One month unlimited swimming for £5 in South and Vale - 9/1/15
http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/class-news/2015/01/one-month-unlimited-swimming-for-gbp5-in-south-and-vale
VWHDC
Re- Dog Toy Found- 9/1/15
We named him Floppy, and last night he was wearing a hat that someone left behind in the shop!
We don't think Floppy really likes the hat though, so maybe the owner of the hat, or their mummy, should go into Budgens to the tills at the car park end and see if the hat belongs to them.
Fiona Merrick
Old Bras - 9/1/15
Birdy's Underwear Shop 54 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6HJ 01993 703806
Collect used bras
Monica Graham
Soggy dog toy found - 9/1/15
Found yesterday morning 8 January, in Budgens car park a rather soggy cuddly dog. Hes two tone brown very soft. He is waiting on the tills in Budgens for his owner.
Carol Townsend
Free Food Planting Session - 9/1/15
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As it’s a chilly and wet time of year we’ll only have one session this month.
The next Faringdon Free Food session will therefore be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (11th January 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
We can't yet finish the raised beds opposite the Swan Inn because the soil that we need to fill the beds is too wet for delivery. Instead, this month we'll tidy up the Town Centre planters and prepare them for future planting.
We'll meet in the Market Place at 14.00.
Best wishes
Mark Crane
Time to get in your attics, check in the backs of cupboards and blow the dust of the old photo albums! - 8/1/15
Here in the Community & Tourist Information Centre we are putting on a display of old Faringdon photos during February. We noticed the subject has been so popular on Facebook that we thought it would be great to have them all in one place for people to see,
Ideally photos as old as possible and up to the 1970's.
If you don't want to leave your photos with us then we can scan or photocopy them here.
Anything else you think of that may be of interest then we'd love to know about it.
If you could get to us by January 30th we'll have it all ready for Monday 2nd February!
Thank you,
Faringdon Community & Tourist Information
Glos Street.
01367 242191
Message for Joan - 8/1/15
A Naomi Gratton left a message on my answer phone (landline) over Christmas for " Joan" and her husband.
Unfortunately Naomi left no contact number so I am unable to tell her that she left the message at the wrong number - no Joan has lived here in recent years.
The impression left by the message was that Joan and Naomi lived fairly near each other, but hadn't been able to see each other recently, therefore I think they are probably local and maybe just a wrong didget in the telephone number.
If anyone knows Naomi Gratton please could you let her know that her message did not reach Joan.
Many thanks
Miranda Boscawen
Faringdon Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Following a major consultation, the recommendations to improve parking in the centre of town are in the process of being finalised. This could be the start of major changes to parking in Faringdon. If you park regularly in Faringdon Town Centre, or are a resident or business owner on one of the central streets - Market Place, London St, Church St, Marlborough St, Gloucester St, Coxwell St - this could affect you!
There will be a public meeting on the recommendations at the Corn Exchange on Monday 26th January at 7:30 or, if you want a preview, the draft report will be discussed at the Town Council meeting next Wednesday 14th at 7:15. It would be great to see as many people as possible at the meetings so we can get a clear sense of opinion about the proposals before they are sent to the Vale.
Alex Meredith
Old Bras - 7/1/15
I know that Sue in Cariad Bride used to collect old bras to be recycled. Does anyone know where we can take or send old bras now that the shop has closed?
Thanks
Ann Jerome
Re: Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Will there be any outcome/response to the things mentioned on the survey? as parking issues seem to have got worse since the survey ended.
Name Supplied
ED I think the report is being finalised. Whatever is recommended, getting it implemented by Oxfordshire County/VWHDC will be the next task
Faringdon Community Bus AGM - 6/1/15
The Annual General Meeting of Faringdon Community Bus Ltd will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015 @ 4:00pm in the Jubilee Room, The Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon. Everyone is welcome!
Steve Wright
Re parking in disabled bays at Tesco - 5/1/15
Not just the disabled bays but also the mother and child ones. I've seen work vans, cars full of teenagers and drivers with no children parked there as well.
Name Supplied
Volunteers wanted - 5/1/15
Oxfordshire Befriending for Life (OXBeL) is seeking volunteers who live in and around Faringdon to help raise awareness about the support available to families where someone is living with a serious life threatening illness. Help needed designing and producing leaflets and posters, arranging meetings and contacting local community groups.
(OXBeL) supports anyone over the age of 18 who is living with an advanced life threatening illness. The service is comissioned by the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group. We are part of Age UK Oxfordshire. Please see www.oxbel.org.uk
Get in touch to find out more.
Joan Gardner
Parking in disabled bays at Tesco.- 4/1/15
I had to get some last minute items from Tesco this Sunday around 15:45 and I appreciate the car park and store was quite busy but why do people insist on using the disabled spaces when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and they have no blue badge! I counted three when I went into the store.
Why also does Tesco not do anything about this?
Name Supplied
Glos St parking - 4/1/15
So tired of trying to find parking along Gloucester Street when there are so many permanently parked camper vans etc. I understand that no parking laws are being contravened but you'd think that owners who need to park their cars for longer periods of time could play fair! A number of these vehicles do not belong to Gloucester Street residents and the situation is further compounded by the number of commuters parking up for the day before heading off to Oxford for work. I don't think a residents parking scene is the entire answer but it would go someway to ensuring a more equitable arrangement for all.
Name supplied
Ferndale Community Choir. First session January 7th, 7pm - 3/1/15
Term starts 7th January 2015 7pm, Ferndale School, Bromsgrove, Faringdon, SN77JF.
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 5 minutes walk away.
£2.50
Louise Woodgate, a professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome.
You can find out about the songs we will sing and get the words and listen to some of them on http://ferndalehcc.weebly.com/index.html
If you need more information do phone 01367 242222
Gene Webb
Stamps - 3/1/15
The Sunshine Cat rescue collect stamps. You can read more here http://www.sunshinecatrescue.org.uk/version2/news.php?showarticle=1000052
Louise D
Pie Maker - 2/1/15
I read about a piemaker from Faringdon, but lost the article and I now cannot find any info about him. Any ideas?
Regards
Patricia Walker
Has anyone fully looked at the decision notice about (now approved) the Fernham Fields development? DESPITE concerns about flooding, Nickel Contamination, Sewage, & Gas contamination, tree conservation, nesting birds etc etc - OUR district council said YES anyway - What is the point of having any say in electing local or national political representatives when they obviously DON'T represent the views of the people they are supposed to represent - SO looking forward (NOT) to my House & Contents Insurance renewal over the next few years when a computer decides that I live near enough (postcodewise) to this already blighted development to sting me for increased premiums for all this estate's issues relating to flooding, nickel, sewage, & methane gas! This is the direct link to the decision ......http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/dynamic_serve.jsp?ID=378796542&CODE=E8B2E978FA24281A69666005C7E09130
Teresa Reynolds
Fernham Fields - Planning permission approved - 31/1/15
Doesn't that say something just in the name - "Fields" WE obviously don't matter and our MP could not help despite being photographed next to a flooded area on which they propose to build houses (good luck by the way in getting House Insurance should you buy a house there!) & despite our local councillors strong objection - it meant ZIP! So if a councillor & an MP is ignored why do we have them? ihttp://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/dynamic_serve.jsp?ID=378796064&CODE=549690F4166A864D389EDE252B4CD581
Teresa Reynolds
Ed(GW) Just to clarify- Faringdon Town Councillors objected. Our District councillor on the VWHDC Planning committee supported the application
Good News about Coxwell Street (for a change!) - 31/1/15
The inconsiderate dog owner that has allowed their pooch to poop on a regular basis outside my house seems to have either adopted a more responsible attitude to pet ownership by now clearing up the mess (unlikely) or sadly now has an ex pet. So sorry for your loss, but at least I won't have to clean my carpet on a daily basis any more & buy new car mats to get rid of your beloved animal's disgusting mess. I work long hours and leave home before it is light and get home long after it is dark. As you were not feeding your dog Phosphorescent food which might have made the resulting poop glow-in-the-dark & visible, sadly I had no option but to wade through the hidden excrement.........
Teresa Reynolds
Banish the Bitingly, Bitterly Cold Blues- 31/1/15
Join us at The Bell Faringdon
Jamie’s Foodie- Fusion- Feast Friday 6th February 2015
It’s Faringdon’s very own rising star. Chef - Jamie New Now on his 2nd year apprenticeship,
Jamie has created a menu of fusion flavours to tantalise the most discerning of tastes.
Jamie has devised and created this menu himself and will produce all dishes from scratch using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Showcasing his improved knowledge and culinary skills that match any ‘celebrity’ Chef!
So come and join us for an evening not to be missed!
This popular event is booking fast to avoid any disappointment
Please call the Bell on 01367 358050 to reserve your table
Parking - 30/1/15
Having lived here most if my life 57yrs from childhood ive seen many changes to this lovely old town some good but im affraid now the town and most of its beauty is being squeezed out by our so called public minded local councillors who just like the idea of the power they have representing us. It is all about the money we dont need more retail outlets or houses as for the parking we do have ample spaces if the car parks were used and no charges people would use them more as they are convienient to town center. The focus for faringdon commerce should be bringing business back to the town center and empty premises not the open green fields.
eric
Local singer on local radio - 30/1/15
Local singer Mark Chilvers regular at the Swan and the 15 Minute Club was on 'Swindon Live and Local' on Swindon 105.5 on Wed. Hear Marks interview and singing his own original songs on the podcast version of this weeks show.
https://soundcloud.com/sean-hodgson/l-l-mark-chilvers
Sean Hodgson
Camper vans? - 30/1/15
Could there be a poor long lost traveller inside who sadly passed away on there first visit to faringdon? As good neighbours should we break in and check.
MW
Fernham Fields - 29/1/15
Once again the Vale of White Horse District Council knows better than the residents of Faringdon. The Developers of Fernham Fields has been given planning permission to go ahead with building of countless houses. What is the point of objecting to Plans that we feel are not right for the area when District in the end ignores every single thing we say.
Now some one wants to build more houses on the corner of Park Road and the A420.
Fed up Old Faringdonian
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose v Tesco became a class war as reported in many newspapers if you look online. People wanted Tesco because it was cheaper and they were wrong.
A supermarket, any brand, in Gloucester Street could have worked. Budgens is on a one way street and the deliveries do cause an obstruction. The plans in Gloucester Street would have taken deliveries away from the road. With the 140 extra car park spaces we could have seen a better, tidier town centre.
Originally the Tesco plan was turned down by VWHDC because it was too far from the town but enough people moaned and moaned and they eventually won but now they still moan. If it's not the broken freezers and the staff attitude then it's the higher than promised prices.
Too late to change.
Name supplied
Fernham Fields- Permission given - 29/1/15
VWHDC have agreed that this development should go ahead. See
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=FolderView&ID=377801736&CODE=27CF360D14A98B7194B67BFD98F6BE81&NAME=Decision+Notice&REF=P13/V0139/O
Some time ago I heard it said that permission wouldn't be given until the S106 (Planning gain) agreement had been reached. I've only had a quick look at the decision notice- can't see anything.
ED
Photos of Faringdon - 29/1/15
Don't forget that our display of old Faringdon pictures will be ready for you to see from next Monday 2nd February and will be here for the whole month. We hope it will bring back happy memories for some of you and show newer residents how the town used to look many years ago.
Please pop along to the Community & Tourist Information Office in Gloucester Street during Feb and have a look!
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose in Gloucester Street was turned down as it was a terrible idea - having a supermarket where people & deliveries have to go around a one-way system is a recipe for no end of congestion. Big stores in the centre of town would be nice, but the simple fact is there isn't the room for them there. Like every other town in the UK any big retail development has to go where there is a)space & b) enough transport access to make it viable.
Name Supplied
Plans for the town- 29/1/15
How short sighted the objectors to the plans by Waitrose were when they turned down the Gloucester Street plan in favour of Tesco's. People expected a huge Tesco's store with cheap prices and it's neither and on top of that when you leave you often struggle to turn right onto Park Road as it's so badly designed.
Waitrose would have given us a town centre store, no more expensive than any other (just options if you want a different range). We would have had a lovely big car park which I imagine would have given us at least two hours free parking like Wantage and Abingdon so enough time to shop and then pop to the town centre.
Gloucester Street residents have wanted permits and now may regret it especially if it's only one per household. A new car park would have eased many of the problems, given the school drop off more space, shoppers would have been far more likely to park in the car park so would have eased Glos Street etc.
The town centre desperately needs more parking but sadly the chance may have been lost.
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- 29/1/15
We applied to Oxfordshire County Council to have Humpty Hill registered as a Town Green under the Commons Act 2006 in April 2013. This would protect Humpty from development forever!
The application will be decided by public enquiry starting on the 16th March 2015.
We need to raise £300 for printing, stationary, Ordnance Survey maps, postage etc.
Any left over funds will be donated to charity.
link: http://fnd.us/c/dvxfb/sh/c4SKDd
Rob Stewart
Re: Parking. - 29/1/15
Most of the things related to the Parking Survey seem to have the same solution/problem - the rules are largely there but no-one is enforcing them. Issuing permits, double yellow lines & the like are all very well but until either the council or the police take responsibility for maintaining that these things are enforced I can't see much changing.
Thomas Tankengine
Here we go again.- 29/1/15
Would the idle person who allows their dog to leave piles of mess in and around the alleyways in The Pines,Beech Close and Maple road STOP.
Obviously a large dog who is not at fault, the owner knows better so PICK IT UP.
Name supplied
4&20 - 29/1/15
Brill. The more retail outlets the better,office space excellent. Tesco is very expensive they only stock a few lines and expensive. More competition the better.. Aldi would be brill the fruit and veg price half the price and better quality.
I'm sure the owners will make that corner look good and give passing travellers something to come into Faringdon for.
Name supplied
Breaking News - 29/1/15
Just in case you haven't heard on the grapevine, a local developer has put forward a proposal for the vacant 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, a "Little" Waitrose, a drive-thru Costa and some residential and office space.
The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th February between 1-8pm. This is going to have a radical effect on our town. Please try and make some time to come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Please also let us know what you think of these proposals as we intend to feed back the views of the Chamber of Commerce (if a consensus can be reached). It must be good news that this site is now viable and that employment land forms part of the proposal, but how many more supermarkets and coffee shops do we need?
What do you think?
Please let me know.
Paul Brame. Chamber of Commerce
president@faringdonchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Developments in Faringdon- 28/1/15
At the Town Meeting we were reminded of the time The Folly woodland was under threat. My recollection was that this was to allow replanting to take place, with the new trees now some 30 years old. But how many remember the more serious threat from Hills Aggregates proposal to quarry part of the hill? How many remember that where the sports field now stands used to be a hill only 20 feet lower than Folly Hill called Jespers Hill. The plan was to extend the quarry across the road and take off the shoulder of Folly Hill, using the top soil to partially restore the Jespers Hill site. Fortunately a campaign stopped this. Worth remembering that all these new houses require sand and lime for construction.
Cassandra
Parking - 28/1/15
I attended the Town meeting on the Parking Survey outcome and found it at odds with the assurances I was given when I met the team in the Market Place. I was told then that resident parking permits were not being considered as they were a disaster but now it appears that they will underpin the reformed and enforced parking in the town. There are apparently more than sufficient parking places for everyone if only we'd use the car parks. All we need are lots of new double yellow lines and a one hour limit for non resident permit holders. Am I the only one who has found the street and car park full on a night with residents' cars? And if we make the town center so hostile to visitors, who will come here to shop? Is the idea to turn it into a ghost dormitory town? At present there is a tidal flow as commuters leave, vacating spaces for visitors who later leave in time for the returning residents. Seems to me we are to be a cash cow for the council charging £50 or so per vehicle for more of the same lack of space to park. Yellow lines won't stop inconsiderate parking on pavements or across entrances, or make people park in one space not two. Council have been after a permit scheme for years because of the revenue raising it brings. For us, we may be able to park within 400 yards of our homes, a long way when burdened by shopping, children or age.
Cassandra
4&20 site - 28/1/15
The 4&20 site has permission for office/ light industrial use and that is what it should be used for. Why exactly does its owner, knowing this, want to create a retail / residential site 'with some office space'. Couldn't be profit by any chance??? The last thing Faringdon needs are retail outlets creeping out along the A420/ Not only will this jeopardise the viability of our town centre, it will destroy the existing designation of land use, and ultimately ruin the landscape setting and character of Faringdon. There were objections to siting Tesco on Park Road, & it now seems they were justifed, having created a precedent for retail in this part of Faringdon! Why are these plans only on show for one day? People need to see them & comment and this is too short a time.
Name supplied.
4&20 Development- 28/1/15
Potentially good and bad news for Faringdon if this site finally gets developed. It would create some much needed local jobs as well as adding welcome alternatives to Tesco. But I’m concerned about the mention of residential development being included in the plans. It will be interesting to see what the developers have in mind but we have enough (too much) new housing to deal with already and this area is not designated for residential development in the Local Plan. I suspect it may be a case of ‘We’ll build you an Aldi, Waitrose and some office space...but only if you let us make some money by building houses as well!’
Folly Man
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street- 28/1/15
I was sorry to read of Julie Griffiths’ experience of the dangers posed by the inconsiderate parking of campervans and motorhomes near Danetree Vets. Unfortunately she is not alone; there was another near miss before Christmas in similar circumstances where a delivery van travelling up Coxwell Road nearly took the front off a car trying to exit the vets. I’m surprised they haven’t done more to prevent this hazard to their customers. With increasing amounts of traffic using Coxwell Road it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens as a result of these vehicles. I just hope it’s not when kids and mums are walking to and from school.
Name supplied
GO Active - 28/1/15
Earlier this month we told you about our one month unlimited swim offer starting in February. Due to the recent fire at South Oxfordshire District Council, our IT system has been affected and we can therefore not register anyone for the swim offer at the moment.
However, we are in the process of getting this all sorted and will let you know when we are ready to launch this offer once again.
In the meantime, visit our website to find out about other activities taking place near you.
www.getoxfordshireactive.org
Tescos Freezers.- 28/1/15
I would be interested to know who supplied and installed the Freezers and their power supplies for Tesco's as they are obviously not fit for purpose.
Grumpy Old Man!
Re: Tesco Freezers - 28/1/15
Something is undoubtedly wrong with the freezers for them to break down as often as they are doing & something needs to be done to stop this happening, but I doubt the staff working there think it's a laugh with it happening so regularly either. The idea of giving the food away is nice, but with our U.S. inherited culture of "accidents don't happen & someone is to blame for everything" the risk (however minor) of being sued by someone receiving something for free, getting ill & then seeing £ signs, no-one will take that risk.
The Aldi/Waitrose idea sounds interesting - will they be situated next to each other so that Waitrose customers can look down their nose at those going into Aldi & the Aldi customers can wonder why those in Waitrose need slow baked focaccia with fennel & pine nuts? ;-)
Thomas Tankengine
Aldi? Waitrose? in Faringdon - 28/1/15
A proposal has come forward for the 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, Little Waitrose, Costa and some residential and office space. The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th Feb between 1-8pm. Come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Alex Meredith
School Kit - 28/1/15
A change to the news item re new FB group for selling school kit.
Due to popular demand I have extended it to include all the Academy of Schools. The new FB group is now called
Faringdon Academy of Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted
https://www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Faringdon.- 27/1/15
The burglary took place between 4.15pm and 9pm Sunday (25/1) in Marlborough Close.
Offenders forced open rear patio doors. Jewellery and electrical equipment were stolen.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact investigating officer DC Chris Leech, of Abingdon police station, via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Re Daffodil:- 27/1/15
Don't worry about the solitary daffodil - one will soon turn into many... a bit like a camper vans ;-)
Name Supplied
Tesco Freezers - 27/1/15
For the second time in four days, Tesco is piling the total contents of their freezers into rubbish bags and dumping it today, because of freezer breakdowns. Only last Friday the TOTAL stock of fresh and frozen food was dumped for the same reason. This is, I believe, the EIGHTH time since last summer that Tesco has been responsible for mass food dumping. A smirking assistant calmly informed me today that they were 'insured anyway', so, by implication, it's no loss to them!
Am I the only person that finds this obscene in an age when people are starving in many parts of the world, and even in the affluent country we live in, thousands regularly have to use food banks in order to eat? When I suggested that local care homes, hostels, night shelters and food banks might be keen to take this food, which was still visibly frozen, I was told that they wouldn't take the risk 'in case someone got sick'.
The sickest thing of all is Tesco themselves who ought to be utterly ashamed of their corporate irresponsibility and waste.
Name supplied.
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street - 27/1/15
Further to earlier comments, having visited Dantree Vets the other evening I was very nearly involved in what could have been an horrendous accident.
Due to the campervans/motorhomes being parked on either side of the clinic's driveway entrance I had to edge out very slowly in order to be able to see whether the road was clear for me to turn right. It was only down to pure luck that I did not have the front of my car taken off by another vehicle coming along the road towards town. Yes the oncoming car was speeding so was completely at fault but thankfully he was able to slam his brakes on & stop just in time, ending up only a couple of feet away from me. It scared the life out of me as I really thought he was going to hit me and there was nothing I could do about it.
My point is though had the campers not been there I would have seen him coming and not put myself in harm's way. I couldn't even see his headlights so how was I supposed to know he was even there? The owners of these vehicles should really think more carefully about where they park and consider the impact on other road users.
Julie Griffiths
Folly Light- 27/1/15
You might have noticed that the light at the top of the tower was off last night. It looks like the lamp needs to be replaced.
We have a new lamp on order and will be replaced ASAP.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Folly Tower Team
Parking on pavements - 27/1/15
Please, please, please can people stop parking on the pavements in Faringdon. It is becoming increasingly popular form of 'parking'. If I had a £1 for every time I've had to walk in the road (with small children) because some lazy driver hasn't bothered to take the time and park considerately I'd be rich!
Think before you park please, can someone in a wheelchair or with a pushchair walk past your car on the pavement?
Name supplied
Parking Survey- 27/1/15
I was unable to attend the Town Meeting on Monday night due to a family emergency. Would someone who was there be kind enough to post a summary of the main points regarding the parking survey?
Many thanks
Name supplied
Radcot Road Junction - 27/1/15
Yet another very near miss last evening at the junction of Radcot Road and Church Street. When will anyone in authority take seriously the notion that the prominent black-and-white chevrons facing Radcot Road indicting a sharp right turn are misleading. There is no need for this sign as the 'T' junction is obvious, and despite the Give Way sign at the junction, motorists unfamiliar with the geography are often led to believe - because of the chevrons - that Church Street is one way, and pull out in front of vehicles going straight on past the junction in the opposite direction.
Name Supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 26/1/15
I went to rehearsals to have a sneaky peek at how the panto is going and boy, is it a good one!
Tickets are still available for the evening performances, but the matinees are sold out.
Tickets are available online, at the Nut Tree, or on the door if there are any left.
Special Family Ticket - available online only for Friday night performances. £21 instead of £28.
Fiona Merrick
Daffodil - 25/1/15
I can't help thinking about that daffodil alone up the Highworth Road. It's like someone who turns up early at a party, only to find that there's no yet there and having to leave before any of the other guests arrive.
Name and address supplied.
Friday 30th January, 6pm to 9pm
FAMILY BOARD AND CARD GAMES EVENING with Jacky and Nik
The Rookery, 35 Marlborough Street, Faringdon SN7 7JL
Tel 01367 242030
Email - therookeryshop@gmail.com
Bored with the same old TV programmes? Why not try something different instead and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family?
We'll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play!
Stay as long as you like - refreshments will, of course, be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Camper Vans- 24/1/15
There is guidance on when it is an offence to park a vehicle on the public road in the DOE website:
http://www.doeni.gov.uk/vehicles_guidance.pdf
One of the categories is that it's an offence to abandon a vehicle.
The definition of such a vehicle is if it satisfies one or more of the following:
(a) untaxed;
(b) no current vehicle keeper on the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) record;
(c) stationary for a significant amount of time;
(d) significantly damaged or vandalised, run down or unroadworthy;
(e) burnt out;
(f) lacking one or more of its number plates;
(g) containing waste
At least one of the motorhomes in Coxwell Road falls into categories (c, d, g and probably a), so appears to have been abandoned.
Name and address supplied.
Unable to visit your library because of limited mobility or special circumstances? - 24/1/15
Talk to the Faringdon library. They will be able to arrange for someone to visit you, and bring and return your choice of books, videos, CDs
01367 240311
A daffodil- 24/1/15
Spring must be on the way,there is one solitary daffodil on the side of the Highworth Road near the viewing area.So nice to see this early in the year.
Name supplied
School Kit for sale/wanted on Facebook - 23/1/15
A new Facebook group has been set up called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted.
It is dedicated to selling or requesting school kit etc for all the Faringdon Schools. This has come from feedback from lots of people who have been trying to sell school kit on the other For sale sites but their things seem to be overlooked among the myriad of other stuff for sale. Here's hoping that the new page called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted will provide a one stop place to exchange school kit/uniform/P.Ekit/residential and ski trip kit/ musical instuments/afterschool sports kit etc. Please spread the word and find it here....
www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Nicola Brown
Rally in Witney - 23/1/15
Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally http://www.roartoday.co.uk/witney-rally.html
Rally organised in Witney against unsustainable developments in Oxfordshire.
Church Green Witney, OX28 4AZ 11.00 til 12.30
Low flying?- 23/1/15
Over the years we've had a history of Chinooks and other helicopters "homing in" on The Folly.
Recently this seems to have got worse. Larger aircraft have started to swoop around the town. Are the pilots trying to impress their families or is this part of the parking survey?
Either way, these guys could cause a safety issue by flying so low. Justified?
Name supplied.
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 23/1/15
Matinee shows are now SOLD OUT!
We still have tickets for the evening performances and we have extended the special Family Ticket price offer for the first night to the second Friday as well! This ticket is only available from our website.
Although this is not your 'usual' traditional panto, it has humour and playfulness, the usual struggle of good and evil ... but it's full of sparkle lovely costumes and songs galore!
Tickets available from our website, The Nut Tree, Corn Exchange, Faringdon, and (evening performances only) on the door.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
TOWN MEETING 26th January 2015 - 22/1/15
This is a meeting of the electors of Faringdon, not a meeting of the Town Council. ALL electors are welcome and may speak and vote on any item detailed in this agenda.
MONDAY 26th JANUARY 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange, Faringdon
You can see the Agenda on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-meeting-26th-january-2015/
Camper vans - 22/1/15
Allan- I have anticipated that the vehicle coming down Coxwell Road on the wrong side of the road ( due to the Camper Vans) is not going to slow or move over, so I have been as far into the kerb as possible. This still hasn't stopped my car being hit twice by said oncoming van/ car even though I have been stationary!.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Yet more on Motorhomes...- 22/1/15
I see this morning that the plague seems to have spread into Highworth Road. To say that you can drive round them seems to be missing the point somewhat - it's more the number that have appeared & that whoever is parking them there doesn't seem to live anywhere close by, so they want the vehicle but without the hassle of having to look after it.
They alone are not solely responsible for the issues on Coxwell Road/Street (e.g. whoever it is who thinks it's sensible to park on the opposite side to everyone else, where Coxwell Road meets Coxwell Street & the road is at it's narrowest), but they are making a bad situation worse, like the decision to make a lane for pedestrians where they are digging the pavement up when 90% of people are walking on the other side anyway.
Name Supplied
Purple hooded top found - 22/1/15
After fireworks night last year I found a purple hooded top with white drawstrings and yellow writing on the front. I haven't been able to find out who it belongs to and so now I'm putting it up on here. Email faringdonscouts@hotmail.co.uk with the size if it's yours!
Faith Carpenter
Parking - 22/1/15
It's interesting that the Parking Study proposes to stop inconsiderate parking outside the Leisure Centre/College site by introducing Double Yellow Lines, while at the same time working on a parking study focused on the current problem of people ignoring and parking on double yellow lines. I would hope that double yellow lines will help, but they don't seem to anywhere else in the town.
Faith Carpenter
The Sun - 22/1/15
Now that The Sun has dropped its fine tradition of displaying semi naked women on page three, might I propose that Faringdon Online takes up the challenge? I suggest that tasteful photographs of nude or nearly nude citizens be displayed on its pages. Entries to FO, anyone?
Bystander
Back to parking- 22/1/15
Re: the difficulty of visibility with the camper vans. It is no more difficult than the numerous times I've tried to get out of a normal parking space but the vehicle next to me is a van or a 4x4 which I can't see through so I have to take pot luck.
Jane Boulton
Re:Motorhomes Coxwell Road,- 21/1/15
.. putting aside the emergence on this site of Highway Code Parking experts versus camper van parking you might want to consider that it is still the responsibility of the driver to look,assess,decide & then act!...irrespective of either emerging onto a major road or assessing safe & adequate clearance on parked vehicles...why would you treat them any differently than a refuse vehicle that is stationary & positioned in a parked position whilst working...I drive down & up Coxwell St/Rd with my pups(pupils) and we make decisions based on assessing everything around us...if I published my in car camera footage of local residents up and down this road you might find they would be embarrassed at their own actions....don't blame the parking for your own lack of awareness and anticipation...however until the experts decide what should be done then drive carefully and you won't come to harm...you cant miss me & my pups as we have a great big L sign on the roof of the car
Allan Barrow
Re the motorhomes on Coxwell Road- 21/1/15
This is an ongoing saga. I understood all the relevant authorities had been contacted and are unable to do anything about this. Unfortunately an out of date tax disc is no longer an indication of an untaxed vehicle - it's all done online now and there's no requirement to display a current disc on your windscreen.
Two things spring to mind.
There is an offence of leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position: It is an offence to leave a vehicle or trailer in a position on a road where it could cause injury to someone using the road. I think it could be successfully argued drivers trying to enter Coxwell Road from the numerous entrances and driveways are putting themeslves in danger of injury due to the obvious obstruction to visibility these camper vans cause.
Secondly, and I think this has been mentioned before on here, do the vehicle insurers know the owners casually abandon their vehicles on this street - and not outside their own addresses? Are they technically uninsured? I note the local Police are at Tescos on Sunday fm 1200 -1300hrs - as below. I suggest as many people as possible moan about these vans to the neighbourhood team in person to push it up the agenda,
Name supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 21/1/15
Fri 30th Jan, 7.30pm
Sat 31st Jan, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Fri 6th Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 7th Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets are going well at the Nut Tree. Remember to get yours soon, to avoid disappointment.
We have a specially priced Family Ticket, only available on our website for Friday 30th January - £21 instead of the normal price of £28 for 2 adults and 2 children.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Parking - 15/1/15
The motorhomes parked on Coxwell Road are owned by different people. ( I talked to one of the owners). They are doing nothing illegal even though, I agree, they don't look good and are a nuisance. As Tax Discs have been abolished, the display of an out-of-date one doesn't signify that the vehicle is untaxed.
The owner I spoke to uses his quite frequently mostly at weekends, so that one does move.
Perhaps we need somewhere in Faringdon where people who have motorhomes, large vans, builders lorries etc can park. They then wouldn't park on pavements on our narrow streets.
We could ally that with parking for coaches!
Green Witch
Mobile Homes/Camper Vans on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Vehicles no longer have to display a tax disc but you can check if a vehicle is taxed by going to -
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
Name Supplied
Mobile Homes - 21/1/15
Re. Mobile Homes, or Camper vans as I call them. Yes they are a pain in the backside parked there. I would suggest that the owners park them on their drives or outside their own houses, rather than cause obstruction to traffic where they are,
As of Nov. 2014 Tax Discs no longer have to be displayed on Vehicles as the system is all electronic. You can check whether any vehicle is currently taxed by entering its registration on the DVLA website.
Regards Grumpy Old Man!.
Parking - 21/1/15
Why all of a sudden has the parking interest switched from Coxwell street to Gloucester street. Coxwell is not wide enough to cope with 2 way traffic which is surely unsafe. Gloucester street is a One way street which functions really well apart from when the bin lorries hold up the traffic. Why should there be parking charges anyway if the first 2 hours are free it seems adequate time for shoppers to use. As for employees parking in the side streets whats new?? this happens in most most towns the incentive though to encourage them to use the car parks should be no charge apart from a cover note from their employers. If you want people to use the car parks do not put charges in place.
Kevin Collins
Mobile Homes parked on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Who is it that takes the liberty to permanently park four mobile homes on the west side of Coxwell Road near the Old Surgery? One of these at least hasn't a valid tax disc and appears to be unroadworthy. These vehicles are never moved and appear to be either abandoned or permanently stored on the public highway, obstructing the road and making the town look more like a scrap heap. The police are to be informed of this and asked to check whether these vehicles are road legal and whether the owner(s) could be traced and asked to move them to a more suitable location.
Name supplied.
Parking survey - permits- 20/1/15
I wonder how this will work, Glos Street residents having permits to give them priority to park along the road. Will it be one per household? I imagine many of the houses along there have more than one car. If there are permit holders only and some short stay visitor and shopper spaces as well then won't it be even harder for residents to park there in the future if they have multiple cars?
At the moment I understand some residents from Lechlade Road and Gravel Walk also park in Gloucester Street. The knock on effect is a worry, presumably these cars will just end up in other areas and we'll be back to where we started!
A Glos Street resident permit in the car park is just £119 per year or £324 for non residents. I think if we were all offered the lower amount then there would be more takers but then I wonder if the car park is big enough!
Name Supplied
Thames Valley Police - 20/1/15
The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood:
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: East Hanney Village Hall
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: Tesco, Park Road, Faringdon
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.
Parking Report - feedback from the consultant - 20/1/15
The First Draft report is based on the responses of over 400 completed questionnaires, two engagement event days attended by over 200 people, a complete visual and photographic survey of the whole of Faringdon, and five days of parking accumulation surveys. The First Draft Report has been issued for your comment and we will be presenting our findings on Monday 26 January. We have already received comments and the report will be updated and amendments will be made based on the comments received on this site and those made at the presentation on Monday 26 January. Clearly we have some confusion which is understandable and we will try and clarify these as follows:
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15 Name published
The proposals for Gloucester Street would allow residents a priority to park with a permit, but would also allow visitors to park for a limited time or to use the car park.
Parking Survey - 17/1/15 Name Supplied
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. Yes, the report is based on what you have been saying to us on the questionnaire and at our engagement events.
Current permit rules and charges are available on the Vale of Whitehorse’s website, these should be taken as a guide.
The proposals for the College are not covered by this report as they are covered by the recent planning permission.
Parking Survey- 17/1/15 Local Yokel
Yes, we have a balanced set of proposals which will allow your Town to function and will protect it from the developments that are coming.
Parking survey- 16/1/15 Name supplied
The biggest issue raised was the lack of enforcement.
Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Grumpy Old man!
We are proposing one bus stop to be moved, we have a lot of other proposals that will benefit and protect your Town. You are correct that the lack of enforcement is the biggest issue.
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
When we wrote the report we were unaware that the "unused" bus stop outside the Bell was a taxi rank as it was not signed or marked. Our recommendations have been amended to reflect this amendment.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15 Folly Man
The Parking Survey recommendations are simplistic in order that everyone can understand them, we have prepared displacement figures for each proposal and Faringdon as a whole, these will be presented on the 26 January and included in the Final Report.
Parking Study: - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? Happy to discuss this one, as this proposal assists with issues near to this junction.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
The cost of the whole study is included in the Town Council meeting minutes, the report is not finished. It is currently a 65 page First Draft with over 200 pages of evidence in the Appendices, We are presenting our findings on the 26 January and it is subject to change based on the comments received. All comments received are most welcome. Please keep the discussion alive and try and attend the presentation on Monday 26 January, it’s your Town you need to get it protected and safe for all users.
http://www.garykaysmith.co.uk/faringdon-parking-study/
The pictures of old Faringdon are certainly interesting.- 19/1/15
Ann's Garage had several premises in Faringdon in the first half of the 20th century. The picture taken through the Town Hall is of the offices and show room built in 1912 to replace a former garage situated between what is now Perry Bishop and what was Barclay's Bank. This showroom had petrol pumps and even a hoist to lift cars up to the first floor. The main workshop was situated behind the Red Lion in what is now the lower Southampton Street carpark. There was also an Ann's Garage garage as shown in the picture of Marlborough Street and yet another with petrol pumps at the top of Marlborough Street where the show room of the Faringdon Garage now stands.
I think the tall man in a cap and long coat in the workshop picture is probably Charlie Smith who was foreman at Ann's Garage and also Captain of the local Fire Brigade.
The isolation hospital was on the left of Highworth Road just past the entrance to Westland Road. I understand food and coal were left at the entrance while the patients served out their quarantine period.. Notice the sparkling white aprons.
The market pictures are interesting. Hundreds of men but not a woman to be seen.
The saddest picture to me is the picture of Dr. Pulling's residence Overton House opposite Arthur's Hill. I felt it was a crying shame when that beautiful house was pulled down to make way for the Faringdon Garage forecourt.
Finally, the Duke of York, the old "Drum and Monkey" with Michael Giannadrea stood outside. Happy memories and many thanks for showing them
Dennis Haynes
Parking at Community College- 19/1/15
I've heard that there is parking at the school for students who drive to school. I hope that it's only those who live out of Faringdon who are allowed to park
Name Supplied
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15
Any Faringdon resident can buy a permit to park in the Gloucester Street car park but and many residents do. Like many of the residents of Gloucester Stree, I don't expect to be able to park outside my house but very much resent commuters and casual shoppers who park along Gloucester street when THEY could easily access the car park and 2 hours of free parking, and the semi-permanently parked camper vans! Day to day it would be great not to have to haul my shopping and children up and down from the car park. I think a residents parking scheme seems like a fair compromise
Name published
Parking Survey - 17/1/15
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. People park illegally and stupidly and lots of people buy homes without parking but then expect to be able to park outside.
Until I read it I didn't realise parking permits for the car park were available for Gloucester Street residents already, I think at about £120 per year. If they are to be given the opportunity to have permits to park outside their homes then presumably this will be the approximate cost? People who park along the road during the day for work, perhaps a discounted permit for the carpark would be fair?
Also I notice that the College may have to put double yellow lines 45 metres either side of the turning to enable buses to get around easily. The school may be having 10 extra spaces on site when a proposed new building goes ahead. Now last time I drove along that road there were many more than 10 cars parked outside the school, some in Carters Crescent and some along Fernham Road. I'm guessing then that these cars will just park further along, making the narrow end of Fernham Road (towards Fernham Gate) even more tricky?
Name Supplied
Re New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Fascinating! Could the garage interior photo also be Ann's Garage? If you look to the right of the shot behind the man standing you can see part of a sign which appears to be for Ann's Garage. But whether that's the premises or just part of a vehicle in for maintenance who knows?
The other photos show Ann's Garage as in 'the narrows' (where the McColls newsagents is now sited) and up Marlborough Street (near where the Police Station is now).
If this workshop was at the back of the town centre site the walls could be the rear of the Crown Coaching Inn?
I'm sure a local expert will know.............
Nigel.
New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Have a look at Early 20th century on this site
It seems there was a scarlet fever unit in Faringdon!
If anyone knows which garage is pictured, I'd be pleased to know
Ed(GW)
Parking Survey- 17/1/15
It's not surprising that parking enforcement is frequently mentioned in the report, we all know that enforcement is minimal in Faringdon. In most other parts of England parking enforcement has been taken over by Councils, so the on street enforcement is carried out with the car park enforcement- makes sense. Oxford CC and VWHDC have been resisting doing this- they say it will not be self funding. A bit surprising, given that other councils don't seem to think this as issue.
The recommendation in the report for changing the parking regulations on some streets, so that people can't park all day, seems to make sense to me. This may be of benefit to the shops and businesses. However, my guess is that it is the employees of these shops and businesses that park all day.
Whatever is done, without effective enforcement, there will be little improvement.
Just think- it's bad now, what will it be like when another 1000+ houses are built, most more than 1 mile from the Town Centre
Local Yokel
Parking survey- 16/1/15
Some very sensible and well thought through recommendations in this report, particularly regarding residents parking and the use of existing private car parking, and most importantly the need to reinforce the current parking restrictions!
Name supplied
Parking Survey - 16/1/15
I have to agree with the general consensus that the parking survey has been a waste of money. Moving bus stops a couple of hundred metres???- what a waste of valuable money. Just ticket the illegally parked vehicles and fix the pot holes, sunken drains and split carriageways.
name supplied. (Grumpy Old man!)
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
This is a draft copy which is why it is going to be on the Town Meeting Agenda on 26th January. This meeting is usually intended for the Town Council to put their proposal for the precept to the towns residents but the Survey has been added this time.
The "unused" bus stop is the one outside the Bell. It has been pointed out that this is in fact a joint bus/taxi stop and is used by taxi's, the Community Bus and the school bus that takes children to school outside of Faringdon.
Please come to the meeting to express your views. Then towns residents opinions are important and can often bring up ideas that no one else has considered.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15
The Parking Survey recommendations are overly simplistic in that they take no account of the knock-on effect on surrounding roads of enforcing existing parking restrictions.
As soon as we have a warden slapping £100 parking tickets on offending vehicles, people will start to move their cars to other areas of town which have not traditionally had a parking problem and which are not included in the report’s recommendations.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that owners of cars parked on pavements and double yellow lines should not be fined for their thoughtless (and illegal) behaviour, rather that any recommendations should take into account the impact of car parking on Faringdon as a whole. Otherwise the parking problems affecting, say, Coxwell Street today will simply become a headache for drivers, pedestrians and residents in Coxwell Road tomorrow.
Folly Man
Parking Study: - 16/1/15
The much awaited report is one of the thinnest reports that I have ever seen! I think that it may have been written by a schoolchild as it woefully fails to come up with effective solutions. There are 20 references to enforcing restrictions consistently. Who is going to do this? The Police do not have time to be there all of the time. Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? They are pretty close already and to move them closer would create a traffic hazard. Why recommend relocating the bus stop in the Market Place? This is the busiest bus stop in Faringdon but the reports authors are clearly unaware of this. The bus stop outside of the Bell Inn is NOT "unused". It is where the community buses from Stanford, Baulking and Hinton Waldrist park. This report has been a complete waste of money.
Name supplied
Fire at South Oxf Council Office - 16/1/15
The message below is sent out on behalf of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils:
Due to a major fire at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils’ offices there's disruptions to some services.
For the latest update and information please click on the link below:
www.southandvalecouncils.wordpress.com
The following services are running:
- Waste collections and street cleaning
- Leisure centres
- Housing benefits (payments aren't affected)
- Council tax payments by phone: 0845 303 8506 (South residents) or 0845 372 3201 (Vale residents)
- The Beacon in Wantage
- Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot
- limited Food and safety and building control services
Services affected by the fire include, planning, environmental health, finance and housing.
We will provide more updates next week.
We’d be grateful if anybody with any day to day enquiries can wait until fully we’re up and running again.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15
money well spent it seems? existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently” - we can leave that to the near constant police presence in the town in that case.
Does the "news" that most of VWHDC work around 30 miles from Faringdon begin to explain their lack of focus on the town & surrounding area.
Name Supplied
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15
Interested to read the draft recommendations from the Parking Survey. So after months of consultation, the key recurring recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”. Right, so that wasn’t obvious then. Further in the report another recommendation is to “Remove the unused bus stop outside the Coaching Inn, and replace it with a loading bay” That would be the bus stop outside the Crown Coaching Inn presumably? The one that the 66, 67, community bus etc all stop at... How much did this report cost the Town Council?!
Name supplied
District Council Offices - 16/1/15
I see on the news this evening that someone has burnt down the South Oxfordshire District offices. This will have a major effect on the Vales residents as the most of the administration was done from those offices.
Jane Boulton
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-30843089
Looking for a fitness buddy.- 16/1/15
Beginner level. Interested in running, swimming, gym, yoga, classes etc. keen to get fit, lose weight and tone up. Want to set realistic goals but have a fitness buddy to get inspiration from.... Please do get in touch.
Tori toriray1@googlemail.com
Sport camp at Faringdon Infant School - 16/1/15
February - Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th.
We are running football 9am-4pm, Fencing 9am-12:30pm, Tri golf 12:30pm-4pm.
Prices:
Full Day £15.00
Half Day of Fencing or Tri Golf £7.50
Extra time £5.00 if needed.
Early Bird Discount Available if booked 2 week before camp due to start.
please contact Alana on 07954138599 for more details.
http://chewits.premiersport.org/
Faringdon Parking Survey - 15/1/15
Faringdon Residents will have the opportunity to discuss and comment on the first draft of the Parking Survey. The documents are available on the FTC website
Please come to the Town Meeting on 26th January at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange and share your views.
At the meeting residents will also have the opportunity to hear about the Town Council precept plans for the coming year.
The Agenda will be available on Wednesday 21st January.
A417 flooded - 15/1/15
Reassuring to see that the A417 is still flooding at Challow after the road having been effectively closed for 3 months.
Thomas Tankengine
Bad driving - 15/1/15
This comment is directed to the male driver who verbally abused me in Market Square this morning in the hope that he sees my response:
Your presumption of superiority over all the other drivers in the vicinity and the loss of right of way over traffic coming down the road did not justify your appalling language. I hope you felt some remorse once you realised that there was a medical emergency blocking the road ahead. I also hope that you aren't a Faringdon resident as it wasn't your proudest moment.
Name supplied
Faringdon Regent Cinerma - 13/1/15
Help the Regent Cinema provide a better service!!
Please spare just a few minutes to complete our short survey to leave us all your feedback and any suggestions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ3Z29M
Creative Computing- 12/1/15
Science Oxford are running two taster days and one creative project day for 11-16 year olds in creating and building your own computer-controlled creations.
Taster Days: Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th of February
Project Day: Friday 20th of February*
Cost: Free
Location: The Old Town Hall Faringdon, Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7HL
*attendees at the Project Day must have attended one of the Taster Days
For more information and to reserve a place, see www.scienceoxford.com/live
Email: creativecomputing@scienceoxford.com
Tel: 01865 810022
Pool - 12/1/15
this is comment for rob if you go to the wheatsheaf pub and ask brian or ally they will advise you how to go about finding a pool team phone number is 01367 244219
Jane Lewis
Youth Exchange Programme- 12/1/15
Tuesday 14th July to Monday 20th July 2015
A group of French children from our twin town of Le Mele in Normandy will visit Faringdon (age 12+).
Monday 20th July to Saturday 25th July 2015
A group of Faringdon children will visit Le Mele (age 12+).
If you are interested in hosting 1 or 2 French children and then your children returning to Le Mele then please do contact me as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for your children to improve their own French and make new friends.
We are also looking for 2 Leaders aged 18+ to lead the group to Le Mele. All travel and accommodation will be paid for. This is a great experience to develop confidence in speaking French and gaining Leadership Skills. If you know of anyone interested then please ask them to get in touch.
Carolyn Murphy
(Faringdon Youth Twinning Association Volunteer Organiser)
cmurphy@brookes.ac.uk
Play Pool - where? - 12/1/15
Does any one know where there is a good place to play pool in or very near to Faringdon? I used to play extensively for various teams in Abingdon and Oxford years ago but now the kids are a bit older I'm keen to play once more. Snooker would be nice too. I'm just wondering what is available where it is reasonable to play on and as local to Faringdon as possible.
Thanks in advance for any help
Rob.
Development behind Regent mews and Volunteer - 11/1/15
The application says
3.1 Access would be taken from a modern development through Regent Mews. Visibility splay on to the main road from the existing access are good, especially given the relatively slow moving traffic,which is moving one way only.
Presumably the Regent Mews road will be 2 way. Is it wide enough?
Name Supplied
Development behind Regent Mews- 11/1/15
Looking at the plans it seems that a number of parking spaces belonging to Regent Mews will be lost, unless I'm missing something and the spaces will be included in the new development.
Don't suppose Dr Scott-Brown wants the cars using the access by his house then!
I like that they've taken the photos of the car park when it was nearly empty, waiting for residents to go to work. Some of them park in Gloucester Street anyway so can we expect even more parking issues along this road?
Name Supplied
Another planning application, this time in conservation area.- 11/1/15
I see another housing planning application ( see http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/V2892/FUL ) is submitted, this time for the woodland area behind Regent Mews and the Volunteer pub. Given that notification to local residents seems rather patchy. Please have a look to see if you are affected and if so make an objection before 28th January.
This is a conservation area, and outside of the development boundary which was so carefully included in the Faringdon Development Plan,
If you need background documents to support your arguments on material planning considerations, please do contact planingobjection@hotmail.com and I will send what I have.
Name Supplied
New Libdem prospective parliamentary candidate from Faringdon - 10/1/15
I am very pleased to announce that I have been selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Wantage constituency for the general election on May 7th.
I live in Faringdon so I want to use the opportunity of the campaign to raise our town's profile as well as tackling the key issues we face in Faringdon - maintaining and improving sustainable housing, transport, jobs and public services.
I'll be out and about around Faringdon and across the constituency over the next four months so hope to meet as many people as possible. In the meantime if there are any issues that I can help with on the campaign or if there are local groups that I can attend to hear more about how I could help please email me: alex@brightgreendragon.com or call me on 01367 243450 or 07592447794
You can keep right up-to-date on the campaign at my website: www.alexmeredith4wantage.com, on Facebook - www.facebook.com/alexmeredith4wantage, or on Twitter www.twitter.com/faringdonlibdem
I hope that by standing I can provide a positive alternative choice for people on May 7th and do some good for Faringdon and other communities in the constituency along the way. If you would like to help in any way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Alex Meredith
One month unlimited swimming for £5 in South and Vale - 9/1/15
http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/class-news/2015/01/one-month-unlimited-swimming-for-gbp5-in-south-and-vale
VWHDC
Re- Dog Toy Found- 9/1/15
We named him Floppy, and last night he was wearing a hat that someone left behind in the shop!
We don't think Floppy really likes the hat though, so maybe the owner of the hat, or their mummy, should go into Budgens to the tills at the car park end and see if the hat belongs to them.
Fiona Merrick
Old Bras - 9/1/15
Birdy's Underwear Shop 54 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6HJ 01993 703806
Collect used bras
Monica Graham
Soggy dog toy found - 9/1/15
Found yesterday morning 8 January, in Budgens car park a rather soggy cuddly dog. Hes two tone brown very soft. He is waiting on the tills in Budgens for his owner.
Carol Townsend
Free Food Planting Session - 9/1/15
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As it’s a chilly and wet time of year we’ll only have one session this month.
The next Faringdon Free Food session will therefore be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (11th January 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
We can't yet finish the raised beds opposite the Swan Inn because the soil that we need to fill the beds is too wet for delivery. Instead, this month we'll tidy up the Town Centre planters and prepare them for future planting.
We'll meet in the Market Place at 14.00.
Best wishes
Mark Crane
Time to get in your attics, check in the backs of cupboards and blow the dust of the old photo albums! - 8/1/15
Here in the Community & Tourist Information Centre we are putting on a display of old Faringdon photos during February. We noticed the subject has been so popular on Facebook that we thought it would be great to have them all in one place for people to see,
Ideally photos as old as possible and up to the 1970's.
If you don't want to leave your photos with us then we can scan or photocopy them here.
Anything else you think of that may be of interest then we'd love to know about it.
If you could get to us by January 30th we'll have it all ready for Monday 2nd February!
Thank you,
Faringdon Community & Tourist Information
Glos Street.
01367 242191
Message for Joan - 8/1/15
A Naomi Gratton left a message on my answer phone (landline) over Christmas for " Joan" and her husband.
Unfortunately Naomi left no contact number so I am unable to tell her that she left the message at the wrong number - no Joan has lived here in recent years.
The impression left by the message was that Joan and Naomi lived fairly near each other, but hadn't been able to see each other recently, therefore I think they are probably local and maybe just a wrong didget in the telephone number.
If anyone knows Naomi Gratton please could you let her know that her message did not reach Joan.
Many thanks
Miranda Boscawen
Faringdon Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Following a major consultation, the recommendations to improve parking in the centre of town are in the process of being finalised. This could be the start of major changes to parking in Faringdon. If you park regularly in Faringdon Town Centre, or are a resident or business owner on one of the central streets - Market Place, London St, Church St, Marlborough St, Gloucester St, Coxwell St - this could affect you!
There will be a public meeting on the recommendations at the Corn Exchange on Monday 26th January at 7:30 or, if you want a preview, the draft report will be discussed at the Town Council meeting next Wednesday 14th at 7:15. It would be great to see as many people as possible at the meetings so we can get a clear sense of opinion about the proposals before they are sent to the Vale.
Alex Meredith
Old Bras - 7/1/15
I know that Sue in Cariad Bride used to collect old bras to be recycled. Does anyone know where we can take or send old bras now that the shop has closed?
Thanks
Ann Jerome
Re: Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Will there be any outcome/response to the things mentioned on the survey? as parking issues seem to have got worse since the survey ended.
Name Supplied
ED I think the report is being finalised. Whatever is recommended, getting it implemented by Oxfordshire County/VWHDC will be the next task
Faringdon Community Bus AGM - 6/1/15
The Annual General Meeting of Faringdon Community Bus Ltd will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015 @ 4:00pm in the Jubilee Room, The Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon. Everyone is welcome!
Steve Wright
Re parking in disabled bays at Tesco - 5/1/15
Not just the disabled bays but also the mother and child ones. I've seen work vans, cars full of teenagers and drivers with no children parked there as well.
Name Supplied
Volunteers wanted - 5/1/15
Oxfordshire Befriending for Life (OXBeL) is seeking volunteers who live in and around Faringdon to help raise awareness about the support available to families where someone is living with a serious life threatening illness. Help needed designing and producing leaflets and posters, arranging meetings and contacting local community groups.
(OXBeL) supports anyone over the age of 18 who is living with an advanced life threatening illness. The service is comissioned by the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group. We are part of Age UK Oxfordshire. Please see www.oxbel.org.uk
Get in touch to find out more.
Joan Gardner
Parking in disabled bays at Tesco.- 4/1/15
I had to get some last minute items from Tesco this Sunday around 15:45 and I appreciate the car park and store was quite busy but why do people insist on using the disabled spaces when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and they have no blue badge! I counted three when I went into the store.
Why also does Tesco not do anything about this?
Name Supplied
Glos St parking - 4/1/15
So tired of trying to find parking along Gloucester Street when there are so many permanently parked camper vans etc. I understand that no parking laws are being contravened but you'd think that owners who need to park their cars for longer periods of time could play fair! A number of these vehicles do not belong to Gloucester Street residents and the situation is further compounded by the number of commuters parking up for the day before heading off to Oxford for work. I don't think a residents parking scene is the entire answer but it would go someway to ensuring a more equitable arrangement for all.
Name supplied
Ferndale Community Choir. First session January 7th, 7pm - 3/1/15
Term starts 7th January 2015 7pm, Ferndale School, Bromsgrove, Faringdon, SN77JF.
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 5 minutes walk away.
£2.50
Louise Woodgate, a professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome.
You can find out about the songs we will sing and get the words and listen to some of them on http://ferndalehcc.weebly.com/index.html
If you need more information do phone 01367 242222
Gene Webb
Stamps - 3/1/15
The Sunshine Cat rescue collect stamps. You can read more here http://www.sunshinecatrescue.org.uk/version2/news.php?showarticle=1000052
Louise D
Pie Maker - 2/1/15
I read about a piemaker from Faringdon, but lost the article and I now cannot find any info about him. Any ideas?
Regards
Patricia Walker
