As many of you are aware, we do not currently have a front desk clerk to open the police station due to the departure of Liz to pastures new.
We are endeavouring to maintain a level of service for you and as a result, an officer will be covering this task on a temporary basis.
As the officer will also be working at Wantage, this will mean that Faringdon Station will be open on occasions rather than full-time.
However, the benefits will be that when the station is open, it will be for the whole day and sometimes at weekends.
The opening hours will be posted on the front door of the station on a regular basis to keep you informed
WPC Kirsty Reed
Governors wanted for Primary Schools - 21/10/04
If you are keen to volunteer to become a School Governor, please contact me on this email address.Mjhoxon@aol.com
The LEA (Local Education Authority) Governorships are my gift, and I have to write to the LEA proposing any candidate.
I look forward to being absolutely inundated with volunteers.
Judith Heathcoat (C/Cllr. Faringdon Division)
In reference to the debate on the proposed sewage treatment plant. Photographed the sign on Park Road today with new additions.
Al Cane
Sorry ..............- 20/10/04
I had not forgotten the cd, I said at the time it was a wonderful way of celebrating the millennium, and I still think the hard work and commitment that was put in was awesome.
Harry has already corrected me over my lack of one line, that being, the "town council has done nothing', I thank him, and apologise to you.
However I will take you up on one point, I do care a fig about who does thing for us in Faringdon, the councillors are there for us, not to make themselves look good or to bolster their own ego's, they, like us have become reliant on individuals to make this town the envy of other towns.
Will the council be putting a Christmas light on the folly?, no.
Will they produce a calendar of events for Faringdon to raise funds to replace the money lost on court cases?,no.
Was the music festival their idea? no.
I could go on, but even I am getting bored, therefore, I offer it to the house......
On a more personal note, many of you know that my wife, Gilly, died at the end of August, after a long battle with a brain tumour, There will be a celebration of life gig at the corn exchange, on the 27th November, ( from 7.30 onwards) the idea is to raise a shed load of money for the Prospect Hospice at Wroughton.
The Sad Dads, and a support jazz band will supply the music. There will be an auction of autographs ( Sir George Martin, Rory Bremner, Jilly Cooper,Jennifer Saunders, Kylie & Dannii Minogue plus many more)
Entry is free, donations in a bucket.
Come along, have a dance, or even sing with the band.
I hope to see you there, you can put me in my place in person!!!!
Jim Horton.
Ed: I kind of agree with your view about councillors - but I do try and remember that Faringdon Town Councillors are all unpaid volunteers
Lottery Surgery day - 20/10/04
Faringdon Area project(FAP) arranged for a Lottery expert to come to Faringdon to advise local people on whether their projects would be eligible for Lottery funding.
It was a great success- of the 16 projects it was felt that 13 would benefit from making an application for grant funding.
Both groups and individuals came forward with a range of initiatives including cycling, skating, transport, food, youth and even a museum project
There's lots happening in and around the town
Gene Webb
Find out more about FAP by clicking on Frequently asked questions
Find out even more by coming to the meeting on 25th November at Sudbury House - look out for posters and details in the Folly
Sorry, HGM, - 19/10/04
....obviously I didnt make myself clear. My letter wasnt meant to sound 'wrathful', merely factual. The council helped us financially when we asked for assistance, and I think it unfair to say "they jumped on the bandwagon" when it was obvious that it would be a success. That was simply not the case.
In the event the project worked better as a private initiative because we didnt have to wait for approval while it was discussed and modified endlesly by various committees. We could get on with it while the enthusiasm was there.
Personally I dont think it matters a fig who runs events/projects etc. in the town - anyone can do it if they have the interest and aptitude - and there have been many local events and many organisations which prove it.
Hilary Taylor
FotoFaringdon 2000... Credit where it's due.- 19/10/04
Jim Horton obviously hit a nerve when he left out a little phrase which would have avoided him incurring Hilary's wrath.
He should have said , and I'm sure meant to say, and given the chance would now say.. "We haven't got a millennium anything.... PROVIDED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL".
The CD of FotoFaringdon 2000 was, and still is, a fantastic and unique concept. I sent copies to friends and keep a copy on my computer and I find it invaluable. But it was the result of private enterprise.
Hilary admits that her idea received no recognition from the Council until it became obvious that it was going to be a success when they jumped on the bandwagon. It also sounds as if the Council are also off the hook if the councillor who received the suggestion originally made a unilateral decision to file it under B1N.
Without naming names would I be correct in assuming that the far sighted Councillor is the same one who still relies on gas lighting as he/she maintains that electricity will never catch on ?
HGM
Oh, come on - ".........we havent got a Millennium anything.......". - 18/10/04
Some people have a short memory indeed. What about the cd, available to anyone - FotoFaringdon 2000?
Produced for the town, by the volunteers of the town, over a period of many months and much tedious work.
Dave Heady's marvellous interactive tour of Faringdon, coupled with a record of every single building, not to mention the mammoth exhibition of the project in All Saints' Church, was a terrific memorial project and will be a perennially valid historical document.
Just to put the record straight, though - I set out the idea for this project, together with some suggestions for the methodology - and sent it in a letter to one of our town councillors, at the time when they were asking for suggestions for a Millennium scheme.
I heard nothing, and only months later when a group of us had decided to go for it by ourselves (and at our own expense) did I discover that the letter had been binned without the suggestion ever having been put to the council.
Later the council did make a financial contribution.
Hilary Taylor.
In Praise of....sort of - 18/10/04
I keep hearing about, and reading about the new statue, about how good or bad it is depending on your opinion.
I would like to add my tenpeneth if I may.
At the moment it looks too clean, too new, like a new mushroom shining in the ground, on a misty, cold November morning, as much of a beacon as Pete White's on top of the folly. When its aged, it will look fine.
Years ago farmers used to age new barn and outbuilding roofs with buckets of slurry, so that the moss would make it look like its been there for years( just apply like paint, and leave to dry, a bit smelly, but it works)
Any way I digress, what I'm amazed about is the fact that something was actually built, it was discussed, planned, and executed with very little fuss. Pity the now fabled and forgotten Millennium clock wasn't treated in the same way.
O.k so no one with any sense wanted the clock, not at fifteen grand anyway, but nearly five years down the road and we haven't got a millennium anything, apart from an abandoned community centre and less car parking, (and still we keep moaning, are we Farindonians never satisfied)
There, I've said my piece apart from one thing,
I remember a visitor to Faringdon once said to me,( this is not me talking you understand, I like Faringdon) "If God ever wanted to give the world an enema, Faringdon is where he would stick the pipe,"
Now, we are having problems with sewerage lorries, something about moving in mysterious ways springs to mind.
Jim Horton
Thames Sewage Treatment - 16/10/04
ALL IT TAKES FOR EVIL TO FLOURISH IS FOR RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING!
OK..... Thames Water isn't really evil and I'm not particularly righteous but the principle is the same. So I want to register my objection to a scheme which involves carting lorry loads of sewage through Faringdon and to point out that for everyone who does bother to complain there are probably hundreds who don't !
Like everyone I mention this sewage business to I am appalled by the suggestion that we are to have an uncertain number of vehicles containing an unknown quantity of sewage passing through Faringdon.
I admit I don't know why it might be considered desirable to bring it here and I also admit I don't know exactly what it is. That's not quite correct. I do know exactly what it is but I don't know what form it will take as it accidentally gets dropped in Park Road and Gravel Walk.
What I also do know, as every right minded resident of Faringdon must know, is that it doesn't matter too much what the contents of the lorries will be. What is important is that neither of the roads involved should have to be made even more dangerous than they already are, particularly for school children who use them every morning and evening.
I have become accustomed to the farm vehicles, buses and refuse lorries which regularly use these roads for I realise that they are a necessary evil.
But it is hard to understand how anyone who has driven on this route can justify extra lorries no matter what they contain. My objection would be just as strong even if they were loaded with Thornton's chocolates- which they aren't !!
Chocoholic
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts- 14/10/04
Faringdon could start a second Beaver Colony and Cub Pack
If only we had the leaders!
If you're interested contact Denise Pargeter
Tel: 01367 241911, email d.pargeter@btinternet.com
Parking standards in Faringdon - 14/10/04
Information from VWHDC once indicated that Faringdon is treated as an urban area for guidance in numbers of off road parking spaces per new dwelling. It seems this is not the case..................
The parking standards, which are maxima levels as per the government guidelines, are subscribed to rather than set by the Vale.
They are the same for all five district councils in the county, in an effort to ensure consistency.
Faringdon is not in Type 1 (Urban= 1 space per dwelling up to 2 rooms, 2 or more bedrooms on merit) which covers the central areas of Abingdon and Wantage. Actually we are in Type 2(Rural=1 space per 1 bedroom dwelling, 2 spaces per 2/3 bedrooms, >4 bedrooms on merit) which covers the rest, ie rural parts of the Vale.
These standards are too low, but at the moment that is where it stands. The fact that we share these standards with the other districts will make it harder to change so we would need to convince the whole of Oxfordshire in order to change them.
It is also worth noting that these are guidelines and there are exceptional cases. Tto suggest these were firm rules would be to misrepresent their intention.
Info provided by a local councillor
In praise of...contd- 13/10/04
In the midst of some very serious issues being discussed on the site may I offer further thoughts on the lighter subject of the statues.
Harry, Caroline and Philistine (his/her self description...not mine!) have all stood up and voiced an opinion. All credit to you and I have no doubt there are many, many more who think the same way but have not been vocal.
But my further point is this. All art is "modern" at some point...Monet, Escher and Strauss all had a problem with being seen as too modern in their day. Would we generally consider that still to be the case? I think not.
And a further question to ponder... I wonder what our resident modern art critics think of the rather "modern" abstract form a horse that adorns White Horse Hill?...or is that acceptable because it's 2000 years old?
It's all subjective.
Any of those people mentioned above (or anyone with a view for that matter) are welcome to join us in shaping the next Faringdon Arts Festival...we want to put on something for everyone, so your input is welcome!
Anyone interested can contact me via email at david@faringdonartsfestival.org
David Reynolds
Chairman Faringdon Arts Festival
106 (Planning Gain) for the Market Place improvements- 13/10/04
This article brings into focus three facts if Planning Gain money has been, or may be, used for anything other than building houses.
1..90% of people reading it will not have a clue what it means and are quite happy to remain in ignorance.
I would like to find out more about the VWHDC's interpretation of the Section 106 guidelines but I don't know where to start looking.
2..At the moment my understanding of Section 106 agreements is that Planning Permission for developments may be granted if the developer agrees to include in the package a few Affordable or Low cost houses ( and what they are is anybody's guess). In other words it seems to be a form of legal backhander which benefits the community at the expense of the developer and I can live with that.
3.. And this is the difficult bit... I cannot see how it could be justified to subsidise any work in the Market Square either in the past or in the future unless the Council consider that any Planning Gain Cash is theirs to use as they think fit for any project. Also... If the Council had allocated Swan Lane 106 cash to the Market Square BEFORE planning permission for the Swan Lane Development had been formally given it rather implies that the granting of Planning Permission was a foregone conclusion.
Harry G Mitchell
Ed I understand the rules around planning gain are many and various, but in principle it is likely to cover things like required changes to roads, utilities, education, play areas/open spaces. VWHDC planners negotiate with the developer on our behalf. Faringdon Town Council are asked their view - for significant developments
Sewage Treatment Proposal- 13/10/04
As at yesterday evening, the Petition has been signed by an amazing 1879 people!!
We are still receiving more forms and letters in the post
I believe that there are at least a further 250 signatures yet to be processed and hopefully more.
We have about 30 excellent individual letters but could do with more...please write more letters!!
Many thanks to Sqn Ldr Mike Cawsey for a tremendous effort in Lechlade.
The current breakdown of the Petition is:
1192 Faringdon (63%),
384 Lechlade (21%),
249 Local Villages (13%)
and 54 others (3%).
Others includes an ex pat living in Spain who visits Faringdon on a regular basis, a daughter of an elderly Lechlade resident who lives in Exeter etc.. Obvious "fakes" such as Mickey Mouse have been voided .
We need to keep up the momentum and explore all possible avenues to ensure that Thames Water abandon this ill thought out proposal.
The recently published Environment Agency "at risk from flooding map" shows part of the existing Sewage Treatment Plant Site to be in the "at risk" area.
I would also urge the Highways Authority to let TW know that the access to the site is both narrow and badly placed and would undoubtedly constitute a significant additional hazard on the A417.
Danny Bell
Charge for taking rubbish to the Stanford tip - 12/10/04
I have heard that VWHDC have decided to charge everyone who takes rubbish to the tip if they have more than 3 bags.
No idea what charge or from when
Does anyone know??
Gene Webb
Response from Oxon CC
The Stanford Waste Recycling Centre is owned by Oxfordshire County Council.
Household waste can be deposited by the householder free of charge and the Council has no intention of changing this.
The centre will however accept DIY waste from householders and has done so for four years. There is a charging system for DIY wastes which are classified as industrial wastes.
This is preferential to making householders dispose of such wastes at commercial waste centres and at commercial waste prices. All the monies raised from this system are used to improve facilities at the centres.
John Cherry Service
Development Officer Waste Management Group OCC
Information from a local resident
The VWHDC Waste Management referred me to OCC Waste Management and they said there are no plans to increase charges and they remain at:
up to 3 bulky Items free then a charge of £1.00 per item,
also tyres cost £1.25 each and a wheel and a tyre £1.75.
Market Place refurbishment- 12/10/04
I've heard that VWHDC are planning to make some alterations to the market place. No idea what they are.
I've also heard that VWHDC earmarked some of the 106(Planning gain) money for the Swan Lane development to fund their contribution to the Market Place refurbishment. Full planning permission has only just been granted, so it seems that VWHDC were anticipating the success of this planning application.
I think it unlikely that Faringdon Town Council would have agreed to this, though I am assured that their views are considered in defining 106 agreements
I have no memory of us ever being told this. If it is true it is another example of VWHDC not being open about the financial dealings in relation to 106 agreements.
I'm trying to find out what else has been included in this 106 agreement for Swan lane development
Gene Webb
Pump House Faringdon- 12/10/04
At the last full council meeting Cnclr David Hughes raised a motion that sufficient repairs are made to the Pump House and that it be returned to the owner, Lord Faringdon.
This has been suggested a number of times over the past 4 years, but this time some progress has been made. Although many members voted against the motion, it was agreed that the suggestion should be looked into.
1 Lord Faringdon will be asked if he would accept the return of the building.
2 Whether the Public Works loan can be used for this purpose( and the building not become a community facility) will be ascertained.
3 Repair, refurbish and running costs will be calculated
Comment from Ed
1 I find it amazing that after so long FTC do not know the answer to this already. Clearly all the options for the Pump House have not been considered - certain members of FTC have been determined to keep the building irrespective of costs to us.
2 Three councillors have been very vocal on this in the past stating categorically that the terms of the loan did not allow the money to be used only for repair. This has found to be totally untrue. It has now been established that the money can be used wholly for repairs or it can be repaid early - though in the latter option penalties(not quantified) would arise.
Your guess is as good as mine as to how and why this mis information was put about
3 We were told that a full business plan would be produced as long ago as 2001- it still has not been, despite spending £12k on consultants(who indicated that use of the building by community groups had not been established and grant funding was unlikely). Current annual costs to us are estmated at £30k, but the general view is that this is very low and could be as much as £60k. This excludes anything to do with the theatre
I am told the matter is to be discussed again at the council meeting 10/11/04
Redevelopment of Faringdon Former Health Centre - 12/10/04
Beacon Housing Association purchased the Health Centre in Coxwell Road, from South West Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust in November 2002.
The original Victorian building, constructed 1892 as the local Cottage Hospital, has now been refurbished and converted into a terrace of 2 x 2 bed and 1 x 3 bed houses. The single storey 1960's extension has been refurbished and converted to form 5 x 2 bed bungalows and 1 x 1 bed bungalow around a central courtyard. Four of these units open onto the courtyard, which has been subdivided to provide private enclosed patios.
The former Physiotherapy Centre is now a detached 1-bed bungalow. The development is set in communal grounds with allocated and visitor parking to the front. Each unit is fully carpeted (vinyl sheet in kitchen and bathroom) and also benefits from a separate external store.
Having shown interest in the architecture and design, I was delighted when Jonathan Brookes, Development Manager of Beacon Housing Association, offered to take me on a guided tour of the finished building.
I was very impressed by the way the building has been sympathetically restored and converted to provide high quality residential accommodation.
The external appearance of this classic Victorian building has been retained, any additional brickwork and windows being perfectly matched to the original design. The front section has been converted to a two-storey building and the additional windows blend well with the original design, even enhancing the overall appearance.
Each unit has a unique layout to optimise the available space. All have modern kitchens and bathrooms, several of them having generous living rooms.
Grant funding from the Housing Corporation has assisted the cost of converting the complex of buildings to provide high quality residential accommodation. As a condition of this funding, 9 of the units are to be made available for shared ownership purchase and the detached 1 bed bungalow for intermediate rent by key workers, who have a reasonable income but are unable to afford a home of their own on the open market.
Beacon Housing Association is therefore targeting public sector workers i.e. teachers, nurses/health workers, social workers, occupational therapists, fire fighters, police, police civilians, probation service staff and council planners. Prospective applicants should also have a local connection i.e. they must already live or work in Faringdon, or have family in the town or surrounding area.
It is proposed (subject to agreement with Royal Mail) that the scheme be known as "Dundas Court". Captain Dundas initiated public subscriptions to help build the original hospital and contributed a considerable amount of the money required. It is fitting, therefore, that the development should be named in his honour.
The development of this important Faringdon landmark was of great concern to many residents. I am delighted with the outcome and would like to congratulate Beacon Housing Association
Anyone interested in the units at Dundas Court and able to meet the key worker/local connection qualifying criteria should contact Brenda O'Flynn, Sales and Marketing Manager, on 01753 606420.
Eddie Williams
Ed I understand that these properties have not been properly put on the market as there is some question over the fact that planning permission was given for social, not key worker housing. May only be a rumour!!
Red House Barn, Coxwell Road- 12/10/04
Faringdon Association of residents and residents have succeeded inpreventing theis site from becoming an industrial area. The owner appeared to be developing it without planning permission.
VWHDC have taken legal action requiring the barn to be demolished.
Historical Society Books - 12/10/04
In reply to Harry Mitchell’s concern regarding the Historical Societies book stock.
We are pleased to tell you that a new location has been found within the library building where all the Societies books, periodicals and documents are held and can be referred to.
Please ask staff for details.
The library is currently being refurbished and will re-open at 2pm on Monday 25 October.
We look forward to seeing all readers existing and new .
Mary Fellows Faringdon Library Manager
As old as the Hills- 11/10/04
Is the Folly Park in Faringdon ..a famous tourist spot ?
Some people say it may be … but others say it's not.
It hides behind a garage far from the Market Square
But many of the townsfolk don't even know it's there.
The Council in their wisdom discussed it and decreed
A landmark like the Folly Tower is what we really need.
Now useless towers are costly though they may improve the view
But we already had one and we don't have room for two.
They discussed it and researched it and said that for a start
They really would get with it… and buy some Modern Art.
Could it be a fountain or a speaking floral clock
Some might think these rather bland (and some might even mock..)
And so it was decided…a sculpture would fit the bill
And the obvious place to put it was on the Folly Hill.
So now we have four statues…
Tourists…Come and see
But if you're not sure what they are..
I hope you won't ask me
Harry Mitchell
Alternative proposal for the Sludge - 10/10/04
A proposal to Thames Water for a
More Environmentally-Friendly and Financially Sounder Long- term Solution to the Problems of Sludge Disposal
in the Wantage, Witney, Faringdon and Abingdon area, Oxfordshire has been made
Supported by the Countryside Agency, VWHDC, Faringdon Town Council, SEEDA and DEFRA.
Download the proposal to Thames Water
Better Utilisation of Faringdon Police Station - 9/10/04
Liz Watson has left the Faringdon Police Station so it will no longer be open on a regular basis.
The Faringdon Historical Society is looking for a new home for what the Faringdon Folly calls its collection of Boos. ( presumably books not booze?)
Surely the Police Station must have a fairly secure room/cell which they could allow the Society to use.
The Police Station carpark is still the largest under used parking area near the town centre.
How difficult would it be to use a few spaces for Marlborough St Residents parking ?
Just a thought !
Harry G Mitchell
Ed I agree with your idea in principle - a small town like Faringdon needs to make best use of its facilities by sharing. Not sure that the use of the police station car park by the general public would work - there are lots of visiting police people. However there is a large space behind the nearby telephone exchange that is mostly empty.
I'd like to see other publicly owned buildings and spaces made more available for multi use - schools- buildings and outside space, council offices, library,
Request to write letters of objection -Sewage Treatment proposal - 5/10/04
A message of thanks to all the 130 Faringdon folk who came to the meeting in the Faringdon Infants school tonight. To those who weren't able to come, the Alternative Energy group are sending, by attachment, a proposal that they have made to Thames Water. Click to open Proposal to Thames Water
T.W. have said they will respond in 10 - 12 days time.
The group would like you to read the proposal, to write letters to:
John Sexton, Managing Director of Thames Water, 14, Cavendish Place, London W1M 0NU,
Margaret Beckett Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA, House of Commons, London
..... and to others. preferably, ... write by email - ( or post) to:
Tim Fane at Northfield Farm, Radcot Road, Faringdon,
or Pat Saunders at Woodhouse, Faringdon, SN7 7NL
The group will then photocopy your letters onto others who may be able to help or influence.
Tonight, a suggestion was made, and it is to be taken up, - to make a place available in Budgeons where petitions can be signed.
Please encourage Faringdon folk to do this. Also, please pass this onto those friends and neighbours who will also contribute to the large number of letters that is needed to change Thames Water's present plan ... that is to start building the lime dosing plant on the Lechlade Road in Jan 2005. It will be a permanent sludge storage site for the growing towns of Abingdon, Wantage and Witney. If building starts, Faringdon will never be the same as now.
Sincerely
Pat Saunders, Tim Fane, Danny Bell, Hamish Wood,
and others from The Alternative Energy Group
Letter to Judith Heathcoat, Oxon CC, dated 28th Sept 2004
Comments on Thames Water Sludge report, August 2004
Sewerage Treatment Plan- 07/10/04
Just to say thank you to all the people who attended the meeting at Faringdon Infants School. We are very aware that this is a battle worth fighting!
Thank you to all the people who took away petition sheets, and the people who put their names forward for signature collection on Saturday in the town centre.
There was a great turn out, including a lady from Thames Water!
There were also residents in the audience from Lechlade, they to have offered help and support. Its our understanding that petitions are now being circulated around their town. Every single one counts!
Once again thank you to all concerned.
Hamish Wood.
Faringdon Sewerage Treatment Plan- 06/10/04
Yesterday evening, a Public Meeting was held at the Faringdon Infants school to discuss Thames Water's plan to build a Lime Treatment Plant at the local Faringdon Sewage Treatment Plant (see Gordon Dowell's letter of the 15th September).
The venue was packed out with 130 worried residents from Faringdon and Lechlade. Thames Water's proposals and their implications were discussed ...3500 large HGV vehicle movements each year, significant odour pollution, increased danger on the A417 as lorries try and manoeuvre in and out of the narrow single track access road etc.
The Faringdon Alternative Energy Groups (FAEG) alternative proposals were also read out. Members of FAEG answered many good questions from the audience and emphasised that this is not a case of "Nimbyism" as a well researched practical and environmentally friendly alternative proposal has already been sent to TW.
It is now hugely important to try and convince TW and any individuals/organisations that an alternative solution must be found as the implications of the existing proposals are truly horrific. Time is tight as TW are planning to start work in January.
Petitions are being placed in many of the town's shops and will be taken round the town this weekend. Please sign the Petition and also write to Mr John Sexton MD of Thames Water expressing your concerns.
It would be very helpful if your letters and petitions could be sent to FAEG, Northfield Farm, Radcot Road, Faringdon, SN7 8DT so that copies can be taken and sent to those in a position of influence. Anyone requiring petitions or further information or able to volunteer some time this weekend( 9th ,10th Oct) please contact
danielbell@btopenworld.com.
Thank you
Danny Bell
In answer to :'In Praise of the Folly Park Sculpture' 06/10/04
I am one of those people who enjoy seeing the sunrise, sunset, visiting traditional old pubs, old houses, walks in the unspoilt country side e.t.c.
I am not old (29!) but have been brought up to appreciate the beauty of the world..natural beauty. There IS a place for modern art (studios/galleries, peoples own homes) for those who like it to appreciate it, with whatever value it may hold for them..but why on an unspoilt piece of land which has to be viewed by all?
I am afraid I can't agree that the sculptures 'raise the profile of Faringdon another notch!'...more like having to add another notch on your belt because of an expanding and unwanted waistline!
Caroline
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder - 28/9/04
I appreciate David Reynold's defence of the Folly Sculpture. He states that art is subjective and I accept that 'As Old as the Hills' may well merit a place in Tate Modern.
He suggests that I broaden my vision and 'let it mean what I want it to mean'.
He sees it as an eye catching focal point for travellers on the A420 and all I see is a group of beautifully carved stones with holes.
The intention of Modern Art is to provoke a positive reaction. Tracy Emin's 'Unmade Bed' and Damien Hurst's 'Cow in Formaldehyde' may well have been acclaimed by the judges for the Turner Prize but both leave me with a feeling of disgust.
It could be argued that as art they succeed because they certainly provoked a positive reaction in me. My only reaction to the Faringdon Four is bewilderment.
I know that as a Faringdon Council Tax payer I must have contributed a few pennies to the cost of this installation but I would have preferred the money to have been spent on a bus shelter or a skate park despite the fact that I will never have use for either.
As to the Folly Tower. It is now undoubtedly a positive attraction in Faringdon but initially it was not a popular project.
When it comes to planning matters, who you know is important, and Lord Berners knew a lot of people. He commissioned it but even he felt that a hundred foot high square brick tower was too stark so he insisted on having it crowned with a Gothic Turret.
In my opinion it became a worthwhile work of art when it served as a background for the poppies earlier in the year and when it was surmounted by a rotating beacon and an illuminated Star at Christmas Time.
Finally my apologies to our Mayor. I got it wrong when I gave Jerry Patterson the credit for cutting the ribbon when it should rightly have gone to her. Mea Culpa.
Puzzled Philistine again
Ed. Any chance of putting a photo of our latest acquisition on the website ? A lot of readers won't know what it is or even where it is.
Good idea - soon to be done- Ed
Who Cut the Ribbon?- 27/09/04
I would like to correct who opened the Folly park. Dee England Cut the ribbon not Jerry Patterson.
Dee England
Parking Back in Focus- 27/09/04
I was wondering if there is any further news on the parking situation in the Bromsgrove area (particularly outside our house!) We were on holiday when the request for suggestions was made but thought that a 'residents parking only' would be a good solution.
I understand this method is used for the area by the piano shop/opposite chip shop in Faringdon.
Also...what has happened to the idea of the speed humps that were going to be introduced down our road? Any information would be gratefully received.
Thank you
Caroline,Faringdon
In Praise of the Folly Park Sculpture26/09/04
I don't know why but I'm surprised at the negative attitudes appearing on the website about the new statues in Folly Park. I thought I should redress the balance a little by adding something positive.
As Chairman of the Faringdon Arts Festival I presided over many meetings in the formative stages where the issue of "is it art?" came up time and time again when deciding whether an event should be included. What became clear is that there is no clear! What is art to one person is a complete non entity to someone else. But then that's the beauty of art isn't it? It's subjective and means what it means to the person viewing/listening/performing it.
For me, the best art is usually the less obvious variety.
Can I suggest therefore to those who don't "understand the meaning" of the statues to broaden their vision a little and allow themselves the privilege of letting them mean whatever they want them to. I think the statues are eye catching and another Faringdon focal point for people passing by on the A420. (The other, of course, being the Folly Tower which I'm sure was also vilified when it went up all those years ago!).
Apart from the artistic merit we should be praising anything that raises the profile of Faringdon another notch!
David Reynolds
Resident and Faringdon Arts Festival
Folly Park Sculpture-19/9/04
As from Saturday 18th September 2004 the "As old as the Hills" sculpture in the Folly Park is officially part of our Nation's Heritage and to travellers along the A420 it will be an ever present reminder that they have just missed Faringdon.
In time I'm sure that The Faringdon Four will be as famous as Gateshead's Angel of the North and the Concrete Cows of Milton Keynes.
At the inaugural festivities The Wantage Silver Youth Band gave their usual enthusiastic entertainment but the main attraction was to be Rory Bremner's unveiling (of the statues).
Fortunately the rain stayed away but unfortunately so did Mr Bremner.
With only a few minutes notice our Mayor had to take over from him and in the absence of our famous guest I rather hoped she might do an impersonation of Margaret Thatcher.
The ribbon was cut by the Leader of the District Council, Jerry Patterson, causing one old lady to say "How long has Rory Bremner had a beard"
I asked one teenager what he thought of the sculpture and he assured me he thought it was "cool" but I am still unclear about the message being conveyed ...I'm sure I'm not the only person who would appreciate an explanation.
Still Puzzled Philistine.
New Sculpture in the Park - 21/09/04
My family and I have decided we must write to say what a HIDEOUS site the new sculpture is on the Folly hill. Unfortunately you can see it from a great distance away. What a waste of money! Was this really the best idea people could come up with to spend money?
Surely the historic town of Faringdon could benefit in numerous ways which do not ruin the views for those people with different artistic tastes. I could go on...my whole family and friends think it's a bad choice!
Caroline, Faringdon
Faringdon Arts Festival Needs You! -17/9/04
This year's Faringdon Arts Festival was a huge success.
To make 2005's event (during the week ending 11th July) even better, we're looking for volunteers at all levels, with roles to suit however much time you have available .
It's tremendously satisfying work, ideally suited to those with a gift for organisation and/or an interest in the arts. Help put something back into the town we love!
Either call Paul Cornell on 01367 243912 or join us for drinks and nibbles at our recruiting evening in the Portwell Bar on Wednesday October 6th, anytime from 7pm
As Old as the Hills - 17/9/04
I have just taken a muddy walk to get a sneak preview of the Sculpture which is to grace the Folly Park.
I thought that the expected crowds at the unveiling ceremony might prevent my full appreciation of its artistic merits.
At school I distinguished myself by being the first, in fact the only, boy to be thrown out of my art class because I informed my art master that my total inability to learn how to appreciate anything artistic was his fault not mine. This view was not shared by my headmaster nor by my father who had to write a letter of apology to the aggrieved teacher.
So will someone please try to do what my teacher failed to do and update my appreciation of modern art by explaining what this sculpture is all about.
It looks to my untutored eye like four aliens wondering how they finished up in Faringdon.
Specifically: Why is it called "AS OLD AS THE HILLS" ....for it clearly isn't !
Also I notice that anyone seven feet tall can line up and peer through the two holes in the tallest figures and get a clear view of the fourth lamp post on Park Road.
Is that significant ?
Puzzled Philistine
Proposed New Lime Treatment Plant at Faringdon Sewerage Works- 15/9/04
I would like to bring to the attention of the people of Faringdon, my concerns regarding the proposed sighting of a lime treatment plant at Faringdon sewerage works.
The main problem will be the smell, especially when the treated sludge is moved away from the site. The smell will be awful and carries a long way on the wind, plus the extra flies and traffic.
I had 17 years working at sewerage works. 11 at Witney main works and 6 at Faringdon works.
I retired in 2003, take my word you do not want this.
Witney is the most obvious place to add lime to the sludge, because Witney is a main sludge centre.
20 odd years ago sludge cake was stored at Witney works but the people of Witney soon put a stop to it and they won’t allow it to happen again because of the smell etc.
So why should we have this at Faringdon.
Please go and protest to Oxfordshire county council now!
Sincerely Gordon Dowell - Faringdon
The Corn Exchange- 10/9/04
There has been a question mark over whether Faringdon Town Council would continue to run the Corn Exchange(owned by VWHDC). Apparently VWHDC wanted to charge FTC a significant amount of money as rent.
The matter appears to have been resolved.
"The Executive Committee of the VWHDC met last Friday and discussed the terms of the lease (which had already been agreed by the Town Council).
Apparently, the Executive Committee approved the terms and we are just waiting now for their Legal Department to draw up the necessary documents for signature.
The main terms were
1. 5 year lease
2. Peppercorn rent
3. Equal sharing of costs for internal and external repairs"
Gene Webb
Folly Park Entrance - 6/9/04
The District Council say they will finally do something about this eyesore. It doesn't do to rush these things.
They will clean up the entrance presumably so that Rory Bremner won't be offended by it (though the potholes, despite any red carpet, may make his eyes water ) and the Environment Agency will inspect the site and gather evidence in order to activate an enforcement action.
The evidence that is to be gathered is the presumably the rubbish which the DC are going to remove. I'm sure that the two visits will be carried out in the correct order (well fairly sure) but just in case........Please inspect it THEN remove it.
My apparent lack of faith is because the Technical Officer (Waste Management) seems to think the official Opening is on the 19th and this website says that it is on the 18th.
I know which date is in my diary and I haven't checked with Rory Bremner but I think his diary will also have a big red ring round the same one.
Harry G Mitchell
Faringdon Fossil Trust - 3/9/04
Faringdon Residents will be pleased to learn that after a legthy gestation the setting up of Faringdon Fossil Trust is virtually complete.This will enable the town to take over the fossil site in Fernham Road and to develop it as a geological and natural history reserve.
The site will be administered as a trust, the trustees being the representatives of Farindon Town Council, the (OGT) Oxfordshire Geology Trust (formerly known as RIGS) and the faringdon Community College, with provision for 3 additional co-opted trustees.
The trustees will be Alan Hickmore(FTC), Tim Evans(FTC), Dr Bill Horsefield(OGT), Prof Norman Snelling(OGT), the Faringdon Community College representative has yet to be nominated.
Prof Snelling has been elected the first chairman of the Trustes for a period of 4 years.
The appropriate documentation is at present with the Charity Commissioners awaiting their final rubber stamp.
Once this has been dealt with the formal hand over of the site will take place.
Visits will not be possible until all construction work has been completed and the Reservve formally opened. We hope this will be sometime in 2005
Prof Norman Snelling
Path around the Folly- 1/9/04
For the past five years folk who have enjoyed the unique openness and views from the Folly may have appreciated the 20m circle of set aside that was sown just below the circular footpath.
Many will have enjoyed seeing the wheat rops, prdominantly attractive with poppies.
Five years is the maximum time that set aside can be grown on agricultural land. Both stubble and set aside is now reseeded with a deep rooting, long lasting mixture of grasses, lucern and clovers.
It should look green and attractive, and will be harvested and fed to cattle through next season.
A proposed new hardcore track from the Stanford Road to the Folly, will provide car access for disabled people on Folly open days
Pat Saunders
Opening of the Folly Park - 3/9/04
The unveiling event in the park is on the 18 September. We will be in the park form 2.30 to 4.30 pm (some of us will be there a lot earlier). Rory Bremner will be unveiling the sculpture at 3.30.
The sculpture has been made by a local artist, Michie Herbert.
We're having an arts company organising activities for the children and after the unveiling at 3.30 the Folly tower will be open for people to walk up to and enjoy the view.
Environmental Health are organising the removal of the rubbish from the entrance, its really sad people have started dumping there.
Sorry we missed the deadlines for the free papers
From Mary Lambe, VWHDC
Thames Water - Sewage Treatment- Lorry Movements - 28/8/04
I sat down last night to figure out just how many lorries will be going along Park Road, Gravel Walk, and Lechlade Road.
The numbers look like this ( based on Thames Water information!).
I have also included a small allowance for staff, and maintenance.
Deliveries to site. 4 lorries in + 4 lorries out per day = 8 per day 8 per day x 22 days average per month = 176 per month Collection from site. 36 lorries in + 36 loaded lorries out= 72 per month Staff, deliveries, manager, maintenance, and loader. 1 extra member of staff 5 in + 5 out = 10 per week = 40 per month
Weekly delivery of lime 1 in + 1 out = 2 per week = 8 per month
Loading shovel deliver + collect from site= 4 per month
Manager/maintenance visits (approx) = 24 per month
This makes a monthly total of 324 additional vehicle movement. I have not included Saturday working, which Thames say will happen!
This is a great deal of extra loading on what is already a busy road, but of particular concern should be the school children who use this road!
There are three crossings. Park Road, Gravel Walk, and The Lolly Pop Lady at the top of Lechlade Road. She looks after the safety of children who attend the Junior, and Infant schools!
It should also be noted that children cross Park Road during the working to use the Tuckers Park sports field.
Thames Waters proposals will increase the risks for all of the population of Faringdon, regardless of age!
Hamish Wood.
Information from Judith Heathcoat
Sewage Transport - 27/8/04
The fight goes on!
I recently attended a site visit to Fleet sewage works.This was arranged by Thames Water to view what will be happening on the Faringdon site.
I can now say the lime mix does smell, but sadly the site at Fleet does not deal with imported 'cake'.
This is apparently sewage sludge that has been pressed, or spun to reduce the water content. This process should reduce some of the smell, but does not kill the pathogens that live in the sludge.
As yet I have not been able to witness the smell from this 'cake', but have been told that even after the pressing process, the smell is highly offensive.
I suspect that a trip to the plant in Wantage is now in order! The people of Faringdon will have to put up with this being transported by road from Witney, Wantage, and Abingdon.
Once processed at the Lechlade Road site, this mix will, once again, hit the roads! This time with articulated lorries delivering this mix to suitable land in the Cotswolds!
We should remember that what goes in, must come out. With four lorries in every working day for a month (4 lorries x 22 days a month average) this totals 88 lorry loads. This will exit the site over a 2-4 day period, Thames Waters own figures.
The lorries used to empty the site will be bigger than the ones coming in, but Thames Waters own figures state that 36 loads will come out. With between 8 and 16 loads trying to get back in (and back out empty), we may need to close the Lechlade Road to allow Thames Water to operate efficiently!
Hamish Wood.
GFA/4905/4-x - Yes again - 31/8/04
On Tuesday 31st August the VWHDC Planning and Development Committee discussed yet again, the proposal to build 9 houses in the garden of 18 Coxwell Road and by an overwhelming majority refused permission for the development.
It would be nice , but probably naive, to hope there will not be a GFA/4905/5-X.
Harry G Mitchell
Folly Park Entrance - 30/8/04
I took two pictures today (Monday, August 30) of the
shameful mess at the entrance of the Park. Unbelievable! Who is going to do something about it and when?
Rochus Zuurmond
Reply from VWHDC
The entrance issue was brought to my attention a little while ago.
Unfortunately it has not turned out to be an easy one to resolve. This area is private land and therefore the Vale has no obligation or responsibility.
There is permitted access across the land to get to the park, however as this is not a public footpath/bridleway/byway the District Council would not have any responsibility in this case.
I have spoken with the landowner regarding the removal of the items. On this occasion we have agreed to remove the items as a gesture of goodwill and as the official opening of the park is on 19 September, it will be cleared by then.
I have also spoken with the Environment Agency and know that they are interested in enforcement action in this case, so will need time to inspect the site and gather evidence.
Technical Officer (Waste Management)
Opening of the Folly Park is 18th Sept- see above
Planning Application GFA/4905/4-x 18 Coxwell Road- 25/8/04
To build or not to build a small estate in the grounds of 18 Coxwell Road has been under discussion for about 18 months.
The problems associated with extra traffic etc on Coxwell Road as well as the disruption to the lives of the owners of the adjacent properties has been widely discussed.
The Town Council at their meeting on 24th August gave yet another 'thumbs down' to the proposal but the final decision will be made by the Planning and Development Committee at their meeting in the FARINGDON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, FERNHAM ROAD at 6.30 on TUESDAY 31st August.
Why not come along and see democracy at work ?
Free admission, unfortunately no refreshments !
Harry G Mitchell (Self Confessed owner of one of the adjacent properties)
More on the proposed Sewage Works - 20/8/04
Investigation into other places where sewage treatment works are in place and views about the impact on Faringdon. See the letter to Judith Heathcoat
The letter concludes
We know there are less-odorous systems that Thames Water are presently using than the system they are proposing for the Faringdon site.
The proposal at Faringdon is the worst that could be used.
The smell of untreated pressed sewage sludge as experienced at Wantage and Abingdon was dreadful. However the removal of this material from Wantage and Abingdon is done on approximately two days every two months. This is on average one day per month that the smell/odour has to be tolerated by the general public.
The proposal at Faringdon is that the smell/odour/transport/pathogens will have to be tolerated by the general public and school children on 5 days per week and twelve hours per day throughout the year, because in the Faringdon proposal, TW will be continually moving this untreated material through Faringdon.
See also Letter to Thames Water
Tim Fane
Folly Path - 19/8/04
I learnt during that last Folly Path campaign two years ago, a number of things about local government (pretty eye watering most of it), amongst which
- the VWHDC are responsible for the dogs mess and any litter/broken glass on the Folly Path, the CC for the weeds and overgrowth.
One path, two councils. That's English rural bureaucracy for you. You couldn't make it up.
Because it is 'paved', the CC are involved.
The Town Council have no responsibility to it all. And aren't interested in taking any up either, including it seems, speaking up on its behalf on a regular basis to the VWHDC or the CC, to keep the Town and or The Folly looking tidy;
if they do - it is almost 100% ineffectual as the look of the place will testify.
Nor do the TC put any pressure on The Folly Trust to maintain the area around The Folly itself, or so it would seem given the near ruinous state in which it is usually to be found.
Why would they, after all it has nothing to do with them, what with it being the biggest tourist attraction in Faringdon and everything, an emblem for the town, why would the TC bother getting involved in that?
Much better to have really long meetings about nothing in particular (apart from agreeing that nothing to do with the town is their responsibilty) and finish them by agreeing to another really long meeting about nothing in particular (apart from agreeing that nothing to do with the town will continue to not be their responsibilty) in a few months time, during which time, absolutely nothing will have been achieved.
So it would seem that three local councils couldn't care less about the appearance of Faringdon.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Far better to spend money on some pretend 'historic' town walls on Park Road, announcing your entry into 'historic' Faringdon as you sweep past an 'historic' light industrial estate and past a revolting looking but clearly 'historic' new petrol station.
The only way the Folly Path gets cleared other than at times that suit no one, is if someone rings the OCC and asks specifically for it to be done.
DM
Folly Park - 16/8/04
IT seems that the VWHDC and the Town Council are unable to act to improve the disgusting situation in, and into, The Folly Park.
However there is one thing the Town Council could do and that is take down the sign in Park Road which might tempt the unwary tourist to pay it a visit.
The Park and its access should be kept as a shameful secret and there is no reason to advertise its location to visitors until we can be proud of it.
Harry Mitchell
Raw Cake ?..Flour, Eggs and Milk...I don't think so ! - 16/8/04
It seems that the Lechlade Road Sewage Works may become the recipient of 15000 cubic metres annually of Raw Cake from Abingdon, Witney and Wantage (this includes our own modest offering).
Hamish Wood in his letter refers to it as Sewage Crust.. I have obviously spent a rather sheltered life in some respects because I'm not sure what it is ! I don't even think I want to know.
Is 15000 cubic metres a small mountain or a medium sized lake? What I am quite sure about is that 15000 cubic metres sounds like an awful lot of .....whatever it is.
I don't think Park Road and Gravel Walk will benefit from its passing, though the occasional Tomato Grower might notice an increase in the size of his crop and how will the Witney contribution be routed ?
The Government has decided that the rather dubious honour of being the dumping ground for this....whatever it is.. belongs to Faringdon so the OCC, VWHDC and Town Council seem powerless to act.
Roll on the next general election.
Harry Mitchell
Folly Hill again - 12/8/04
I would just like to make a comment regarding our lovely Faringdon FollyTower.
We all remember how beautiful the folly was when the poppies were in bloom, but I would be very interested to hear from other walkers after they have taken a walk up the Folly now!
I know that all farmers have to plough their land. What I do not understand is the need to plough so close to the circular path that surrounds the folly walk. Me and my children walked up the folly today and practically had to walk in single file !!
I am surprised that at a historical place (which is visited by the townspeople and tourists)it is not specified that a certain amount of 'Green' should be kept along side the path to make the walk more pleasant, and not so restricting.
We have taken much pleasure in the walks alongside the stunning poppies and now it seems that no thought has been given to the fact that this is one of our few special places that many people enjoy.
I have written a polite letter to Mr Saunders, who is the farmer who rents this land and will be interested to see if he replys to me
Name supplied
Maybe worth asking the Folly Trust chairman if he can do anything Ed
Folly Hill - 12/8/04
Anybody hoping to go for a picnic, dog walk, kite flying session, people looking forward to a safe place to stroll with toddlers and buggies ? Forget it.
Any disabled, elderly or Thames Water Board men hoping to drive up the hill? Forget it (unless you treat yourself to a 4WD first).
For some reason, the owner of the land has decided that you can no longer enjoy the beautiful area surrounding the Folly Tower. He's ploughed it all up. Usually he leaves some grass areas around the top - but not anymore. Just a single track is left, the rest is mud.
The path leading up from Stanford Road is now too narrow for most cars to risk, which obviously affects people with disabilities.
Yes, I appreciate that money was lost with the poppies ruining the crops, but was this drastic action really necessary ?
I do hope the extra money that is made from the extra crops that can be planted this year will make the owner happy - sadly it is at the expense of a beautiful, historic and popular landmark.
I ask myself why he did it - the only answer I can think of is - because he can
What's that old saying ? - 'Support Your Local Farmer'. I try to, I just wonder why we bother sometimes.
Name Supplied
Folly Park and Volunteer Way - letter to VWHDC- 11/8/04
I went for a run through Folly park the other morning, and whilst I was pleased to see that a bin has been installed, it was full to overflowing, and there was rubbish lying around on the ground.
Also the entrance track/road to the park has had yet more household waste dumped on it, to the point where it would be difficult to get a car through to the car park area. Will notices warning of fines for dumping rubbish here be put up at some point?
It will be a difficult area to prevent dumping, as it is tucked away behind the industrial units, but perhaps something could be done.
Are the council planning to clear the large pile of sofas etc that has so far been left here? It looks very scruffy, and I suspect that if it isn't cleared, more people will be tempted to dump things there.
Also the bins in the Volunteer Way playground were again full to overflowing. How often are these supposed to be emptied?
Name supplied
VWHDC Response - 12/8/04
Folly park:
The litter bin should be emptied on a regular basis by the Parks department's contractor - I think that it is weekly.
The entrance issue was brought to my attention a little while ago.
Unfortunately it has not turned out to be an easy one to resolve. This area is private land and therefore the Vale has no obligation to remove the fly-tipping.
I understand that there is a permitted access across the land to get to the park, however as this is not a public footpath/bridleway/byway we would not have any responsibility in this case. (I am checking with our legal department to confirm the specific details)
I have got the details of the land owner and will contact them regarding the removal of the items.
For this reason we are also not able to erect signage, but the land owner may wish to.
Volunteer Way:
At this stage, this park has not been adopted by Oxfordshire County Council. The developer is still responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the park, play area and surrounding roads.
I have made them aware of this problem and they have assured me that this is in hand.
Any comments from others, Ed??
Sewage Treatment Works, Lechlade Rd - 9/8/04
Extract of letter to Robert Jackson MP
Thames Water (TW) have selected Faringdon, Farnham and Crawley as the TWA Southern area sites for lime dosage treatment plants. The Faringdon site will deal with the raw cake imported from Witney, Abingdon, Wantage and Faringdon. Their estimation is of 15,000 cubic metres per annum, which we believe to be low. The plant lay out briefly involves a cake reception area , a lime silo, conveyers, mixers and storage area of 4000+ cubic metres. A loading shovel heaps the treated cake into a storage area at 3 metres high before loading it onto lorries.
At present there are 16 lorry movements in 4 weeks, in the future there will be 356 lorry movements per 4 weeks. In the 13 (4 weeks) year there will be 4628 lorry movements.
The potential odour problems could be huge with Faringdon itself at 1000 metres and closer residential properties listed. Three National Trust cottages 274 metres, Step Farm house (listed National Trust) 425 metres, Cottages on Northfield Farm 487 metres, Park Farm buildings 487 metres, Northfield Farm house (listed) 639 metres, Manor Farm house and 2 properties 700 metres, Dove Lodge (listed) 913 metres, Faringdon House (listed) 974 metres. Faringdon Circular Path and cycleway 2 metres. Faringdon House parkland (Heritage site gardens open) site of many Faringdon events, Round Table Bonfire Night, Scouts camping site, Guides (worldwide event 2000 campers), Sealed Knott 2000 taking part in the battle of Radcot 1645.
Tim Fane
Full letter to Robert Jackson
Letter to Folly July 2004
Volunteer Way childrens play area -5/8/04
Whilst I understand the children's play area belongs to the developer and I would imagine is likely to for a while, I would like to ask the District Council to come and have a look at the state of the park which is a health hazard for people of all ages.
Not only is there broken glass, there is rubbish on the ground as the bins are overflowing with hazardous waste that includes soiled nappies and remains of food etc.
All this while children are playing there.
There are waste bins throughout the town which are emptied regularly, realistically how much extra is it going to cost the council to empty the two at the park as well to make a safer environment whilst still being owned by the developers who are long gone from the site.
Name supplied
Contact parks@whitehorsedc.gov.uk if you want to report similar situations
Faringdon's Future~ Thriving Market Town or Commuterland - 5/8/04
A few weeks ago I contacted the VWHDC requesting information about the Old Health Centre Building...I wanted to know why it was still empty and mentioned that it looked neglected.
My query led to a response from The Regional Development Manager of The Nucleus Housing Group Ltd. He implied that my comments were, to say the least, unkind and definitely unjustified.
He told me that the building was completed in February but there were financial problems associated with getting them occupied which I don't pretend to understand.
He conceded that the grounds were rather scruffy but said that "this problem had already been identified and will soon be addressed.
He also said The Association is about to launch a sales drive targeting public sector workers i.e. teachers, nurses/health workers, social workers, occupational therapists, fire fighters, police, police civilians, prison staff, probation service staff and council planners.
That was five weeks ago. The building is still empty, the grounds are still scruffy and as far as I am aware there is no queue of eager Public Sector Workers gazumping each other for this rather striking and very nicely refurbished accommodation.
Throughout the country, according to John Prescott, families are in urgent need of homes.
But here in Faringdon we seem to have homes in urgent need of families... Do we really need hundreds of extra houses ? And if we do who are they for ?
Harry G Mitchell
Parks and Open spaces - 4/8/04
I thought I'd have a go at the poor quality of grassed and open space maintenance in the town, so I took some photos and sent them off as examples to VWHDC, Parks dept.
This was the response:-
- The road way into the Folly park, I believe, is owned by a Mr Barnsfield
- Volunteer Way is still in the ownership of the developer. It is hoped that it will be transferred to the DC in the near future.
- The paved area at Westbrook is owned by the Vale Housing Association (01235 536001).
- New trees at junction of Lechlade Road were planted by Oxfordshire County Council
- Grass encroaching onto adopted pavements/paving slabs is the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council. The VWHDC have cut back edges in the past at the request of OCC for which they have been charged
- The two roundabouts are not the District Councils I would suggest you contact OCC who I am sure will be able to inform you.
All this is another way of saying - not our responsibility- but is it any wonder that this fragmented approach does not result in a well cared for town!!
This is what VWHDC do:
The standards and frequency of maintenance does vary from site to site and is adjusted according to the season etc. In general the grass is cut 12 times per season; shrub beds visited monthly and play areas inspected weekly during the winter and twice per week during the summer
I hope visited and inspected means doing some maintenance work!!
If you have any comments on this type of maintenance you can email VWHDC on parks@whitehorsedc.gov.uk, which I'm told is looked at regularly.
GW
Bureaucracy Rules OK- 4/8/04
I've just had to re submit an application for sheltered accommodation for my mother, because VWHDC have changed the rules or the computer system or both.
What amazed me was that even though my mother has been on the Housing register for more than 10 years, is in receipt of a pension, has lived in Faringdon all her life and so has paid Rates,Community Charge, Council Tax to VWHDC, I still had to provide proof of residency and a copy of her birth certificate
I can well understand that in this day and age this is necessary for new applicants, but was it really necessary in this instance? Such details could easily have been checked on making/accepting a housing offer.
I wonder who made up this rule? Not someone with efficiency in mind I guess
Still it provides people with jobs I suppose!!
Gene Webb
Free car parking at school times and Parking permits- 2/8/04
Why not combine both these issues. Why not issue 'Parent Permits' for Gloucester St car park. These will be available to people taking children to school who live a certain distance away. (I will leave how far to the debate.)
Only valid for the times that school starts & finishes.
This will have a number of effects:
1. The car park will have spaces for those who need to park in the morning/afternoon.
2. The roads will be clearer of those who could walk the kids to school.
3. Kids get a nice walk to/from school.
David Poultney
Thanks David -see below - I've just added what VWHDC offer- sounds good - but at a price
Noise from Pioneer Road - 1/8/04
Has anybody else noticed the excessive noise that appears to come from one of the industrial units in the Pioneer Road area, particularly at weekends and evenings ?
I hesitate to describe the noise as music, however it certainly does not appear to be within the scope of normal light industrial operations.
I suppose that all aspiring musicians need somewhere to practice, but it is unreasonable to inflict it at full volume for extended periods on the rest of us.
Today, a hot sunny Sunday, when most of us are relaxing in our gardens, the cacophony has continued non stop from lunchtime through to late evening.
Name supplied