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talking points |
| january - february 2005 |
| Bus Pass Rules -
27/2/05 The bus pass option, which is free of charge, entitles the user to half price bus journeys within the Vale's area and can also be used to travel to Oxford, Swindon, Didcot, Witney and Newbury, including hospitals in Oxford and Swindon The following people are eligible to participate in the scheme: Everyone over the age of 60, Blind or partially sighted persons, Profoundly or severely deaf person, A person without speech, A person who has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk, A person who does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms, A person who has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning, A person who would, if he applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his application refused pursuant to Section 92 of that Act (physical fitness), In certain cases, companions of severely disabled eligible persons. The half fare bus pass may be used for journeys: Within the Vale - e.g. Abingdon, Wantage and Faringdon To designated towns outside the Vale area. The designated towns are Oxford, Didcot, Newbury, Swindon and Witney. To Oxford and Swindon hospitals. The half fare bus pass may be used any time on a Saturday or Sunday or on any day which is a bank holiday in England. The half fare bus pass may be used during the period 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. on any other day. Information provided by VWHDC |
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| Bus only parking
-22/2/05 I have noticed over my 6 months of catching the early heyfordian bus that a number of people are using the "bus' only" part of the square to drop off children/pick up papers. Every so often there is a reason like two big lorry's coming together and one HAS to use the slip. I'd just like to point out that there is a bus that runs from Faringdon to Wantage every day with a very reasonable price unlike stagecoach. Thomas Mildenhall |
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| C&G Closure -
21/2/05 Carol Filleul is sharing the view of many Faringdonians when she complains about the C&G closure and she may well have a good reason for wanting to go to Highworth every week but I think she will have a frustrating journey if she is looking for a C&G branch. The nearest will be Witney, a 20 mile round trip. Perhaps, Ed, she could share the cost with your mum.(10.2.05). If her petrol costs are 30p/mile she must have a big car or is that the taxi fare ? A car sharing scheme would, in any case, make economic and environmental sense for anyone needing to make this weekly journey. HGM |
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| Bus Tokens -
20/2/05 How funny (funny-peculiar that is) is it that while there is not much growing about Faringdon, the only thing that is increasing is the number of elderly residents, and then they stop the bus tokens for the over 60's. Very strange. And what will happen to the community bus? Sylvia Bowley |
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| Bus Tokens removal, C&G
closure - 19/2/05 Bus token removal is a serious blow. However, not as serious in my mind as the closure of the C&G which leaves me in particular in a difficult position. It now means that I will have to go to Highworth EVERY week. The bus tokens were worth £27, the weekly trips to H'worth will total £187.20 (taking 30p per mile) so I will be less well off by some £200 annually. Will the Pensions board make this up for me? - I think not! Carol Filleul |
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| Window vibrations, nasty
business - 18/2/05 Thank you for the reply J Hurst, or can I call you James?, you can call me Jim as we are all friends here are we not Harry? ( nice to see you back Harry. (I thought you were protesting sat up a tree in Orchard hill to stop it being cut down !) Let me tell you a little bit about myself, if I didn't like children, I would not have bought a house near a school. If I didn't like church bells I would not buy a house next to a Church, and then try to ban them. If I didn't like the smell of curry, I would not buy a house next to a Tandoori restaurant. (do you see where I'm going with this?) If I didn't like traffic noise, I would not buy a house in the centre of a town, and then try to ban traffic. The town centre is the heart of Faringdon and as such is everybody's not just the people that live within spitting distance of the Portwell. As the heart of the town was given a bypass operation several years ago ( now that was noisy, as any one living here longer than five minutes will tell you) it managed to plod along quite well for several years. The old adage, if it's not broken why fix it, was it's motto. Then the infamous improvements came along, and sadly I am now watching my Faringdon die. Don't get me wrong, I am all for making life better, but it's got to be for all Faringdonians, not just the few that live in the centre. Jim Horton |
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| Bus Tokens - 16/2/05 By her own admission the Ed. is rapidly approaching middle age and so will be disappointed not to receive her £29's worth of free travel ...but I don't think it will ruin her day. The state pension is not over generous but there are a few 'perks' she can still look forward to. e.g The £10 Christmas bonus with a warning not to spend it all at once, the heating allowance which really is worth having, in fifteen years time a free TV license and in twenty years time an extra 25p/ week. An in-depth study of a cross section of Faringdon Pensioners reveals that many, like me, don't really NEED the tokens. Some don't collect them, some stick them in a drawer and forget them, some 'sell' them. But for some people their withdrawal will have a serious impact on their lives. Public transport in the Vale is very seldom convenient and the occasional use of a taxi could be a life saver. How difficult would it be to apply some form of means test so that the really needy are not deprived of this 8p/day addition to their pension ? To take the tokens away from everyone is taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut ! Reasonably Affluent Pensioner (PS. I don't open begging letters) |
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| Petition - Closure of TIC and discontinuing
of Bus Tokens - 16/2/05 This morning I spoke to a number of traders in the Town who are of course rightly concerned about the Lib Dem plans to close the TIC. A number of other residents have also been in touch with me about the plans to withdraw bus tokens for the over 60's. As promised I have produced a petition which I hope can be circulated around the town and made available in as many retail outlets as possible. The petition is attached. Matthew Barber FTC and VWHDC Councillor Petition More information about Bus tokens and bus passes How about printing a copy and getting friends and neighbours to sign it. I think Matthew is hoping to take the petition to a council meeting on 23rd March |
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| Town Meeting- Closure of the TIC and discontinuing
of bus tokens- 15/2/05 The VWHDC has decided to remove the grant to the South East Tourist Board that supports the TICs in Faringdon, Wantage and Abingdon. The result of this will be the closure of those centres within three months. It has also been decided to discontinue the over sixties travel tokens. Both of these decisions will have serious and lasting effects on Faringdon and the local villages. In order that the Town can have it's say about these decisions, a special Town Council meeting has been called for Thursday 24th February Corn Exchange 7.15 It is intended that the meeting, whilst under the auspices of FTC, will be organised in such a way that the people of Faringdon and the local villages will be able to make their views known. Please come along to the meeting if you have a view, and please pass the information to any other contacts that you think would be interested An Agenda will be available tomorrow and posters are being designed as we speak for distribution around the town. The Chamber of Commerce, Faringdon Area Project, FAR, Joint Economic Forum for Faringdon have been invited and we are hoping that the public will turn up in force. |
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| Town Centre Traffic -
15/2/05 Oscar Wilde was a brilliant writer but he had some queer ideas ..literally. He loved men and hated sarcasm. I disagree with him on both counts. I like sarcasm and my only reservation is that otherwise intelligent people have been known to misunderstand it (See Christmas ..Bah Humbug by Ebenezer Scrooge.) Which leads me in a long winded way to James Hirst's suggestion for the Town Centre. He seems to want to exclude traffic from using Cornmarket. He then seems to propose a stream of puzzled motorists driving round Gloucester St, Marlborough St and Gravel Walk while an equally frustrated lot circumnavigate London St. Church St. and Coach Lane. As a sarcastic spoof it's brilliant but as a plan for the simplification of our Town Centre it leaves a lot to be desired. So here are some of my suggestions to the Highways and Byways people ...Seriously ! Really discourage illegal parking particularly in Gloucester St and London St.and issue householders in these streets with Residents Parking Tickets allowing them to park within a reasonable distance of their HOMES. Stop any parking in Gloucester St outside the Corn Exchange.. yes, even for those with GENUINE Disabled Stickers. Traffic waiting to take their chance through Cornmarket form a necessary queue but anyone wanting to turn right up Marlborough St is blocked by the cars outside The Corn Exchange. Allow cars from Cornmarket to use the slip road in front of The Crown to join Church St. This route is presently used, very infrequently, by Coaches, Taxis and ignorant yobs who ignore the signs...( but some days it's very tempting to follow them.) Admit that the road narrowing opposite the LloydsTSB Bank, Portwell House and Salutation Mansions is a mistake and remove it. Finally if anyone from the appropriate department ever ventures into Faringdon please turn the sign outside the chemist's so that it faces the traffic from London St...not the bus shelter. I know that few locals take any notice of the signs but the occasional tourist just might. Harry G Mitchell |
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| Black belt (Faringdon Dojo) to attend
National Blood Service award ceremony - 14/2/05 Peter Combes has been invited by the NBS (National Blood Service) to attend an award ceremony(10th March 2005) as a thankyou for his longevity and regularity of donating blood, 78 pints to date. Peter has been a volunteer instructor at Faringdon Judo club for 11 years For more information about the Faringdon dojo see www.oxfordshirejudoclubs.co.uk |
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| Speed bumps, traffic
congestion -14/2/05 As a motorist J. Horton I don't like speed bumps either but as a market place resident do I like my windows vibrating? No. No idea what suggestions have been made for making the area traffic \ people friendly but here's my tuppence worth... Prevent traffic from going through the market place from London Street to Marlborough Street or Gloucester Street to London Street. Keep Marlborough Street & Gloucester Street as one way systems. Where Gloucester Street reaches the junction with Marlborough Street, traffic should be routed up Marlborough Street and along Gravel Walk. Make London Street a one way road heading into town. Where London Street reaches the junction with Church Street, traffic should be routed up Church Street and along Coach Lane. James Hirst Ed: Good solution!! |
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| Geology walk 26th Feb 2005
- 14/2/05 Oxfordshire Geology Trust (OGT) are producing several geological trails around Oxfordshire, and one of these trails includes a walk around Faringdon. The trail will explore the geology of the area, which includes looking at the world-famous Faringdon Sponge Gravels, how the landscape of the area around Faringdon is related to the geology, and will also look at the town's building stones. We are holding a Trail Testing Weekend in February, and are testing the Faringdon Trail on Saturday 26th February, meeting at 10am outside the Old Town Hall in Faringdon. We need lots of volunteers of all ages to come and test the trails, and suspect that most of the interest will come from the local area. Volunteers will need to bring a packed lunch, suitable walking shoes and wet weather clothing. If people are interested can they contact OGT on 01367 243260, or e-mail contact@oxfordshiregt.org. |
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| Bus Tokens to be
discontinued - 14/2/05 VWHDC have announced that bus tokens are to be discontinued. Last year the Vale issued about 18000 sets of tokens at a cost of £522,000. These were accepted by local taxis so they covered a 24/7 personalised service. The replacement bus passes will be free and will entitle users to half price tickets when they are issued in the Vale.So a return or single ticket from Faringdon to Swindon would be half price but a ticket back from Swindon, bought in Swindon, would be full price. The council will reimburse the bus company for the other half of the fare. This service, if it can be classified as such, will be restricted to the bus time table and published bus routes. With only one bus shelter in Faringdon this means wet and windy waits for the majority of users... The dial a ride service will only apply to special needs people e.g disabled. Name supplied Ed: - I'm so disappointed - I was looking forward to getting mine!! |
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| Faringdon Twinning Events
- 13/2/05 Following the January Newsletter we thought it helpful to keep everyone informed of the progress on Twinning plans for 2005, as time is creeping up on us quickly. We are seeking information on the youth exchange at Faringdon,planned for Easter and the Fete de la Paix - in Le Mele from the 5th 8th May. We particularly need to firm up on the host families for the youth exchange; and the number of singers available for the May trip - if there is a large enough group to present 3 or4 songs separately, and if not we could join in with the European Hymn which will be sung in Czech, German, English and French. Can we also ask you to contact us very soon if you plan to attend the May event. We have had limited response so far, but the organizing groups in LeMele need to know soon as they are catering for groups from Germany, Czech Republic and Faringdon, in what is essentially a 60th anniversary of VE day, but to celebrate the peace.. We hope a significant number will be interested, and we have provisionally booked a coach, which will cost £60 for adults and £30 for children under 16 years David and Mary Tutt Tel: 01367 241297 or email: tutt.faringdon@tesco.net |
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| Poor Faringdon-
13/2/05 So, the Cheltenham & Gloucester is closing down, the tourist information is closing down, the Post office is being shoe horned into the paper shop (which I give 18 months survival rate) Buses and coaches can no longer use the Market place with any ease, people in the town centre still wanting more tarmac dumped to form yet more restrictions on the poor motorist in the shape of speed ramps. For Christ sake. tell me, why is it that when people move to Faringdon, they start off loving the quaintness a small market town gives, and then within a short space of time, try to change it into" something better," totally mess it up, then move on to another Faringdon and do the same to that poor little town, leaving behind the tumbleweed blowing across the streets of yet another ghost town. Ah deep sigh!! Jim Horton |
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| Musical Fund Raising event
-11/2/05 M.A.D.D. joins hands with One World Beat with a musical fund raising event at the Faringdon Junior School. This years event is titled One World Beat against Aids. All information on www.oneworldbeat.org Any musicians wanting to be involved please contact Sam on 01367-243806 |
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| Tourist Information Office is to
close - 11/02/05 I've just heard that VWHDC are to close the TI Offices in Wantage, Faringdon and Abingdon - in order to save £100k . How on earth this supports the financial health and vitality of small towns is a mystery. There is a group of people in town trying to improve Faringdon so that visitors want to come here, and spend money, to keep existing businesses financially viable. I thought VWHDC was meant to be doing this too Gene Webb |
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| Dog Mess on pavements- 11/2/05 If you know or see anyone who is not clearing up after their dog please phone: The Environmental Warden, David Coates on 01235 547641 or 07909 535558 He will progress all complaints with the dog owners. Name supplied |
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| Cheltenham and Gloucester is Closing
- 10/2/05 I have just heard that our C&G branch is to close on 8th April 2005. This bustling, friendly, helpful branch is presumably deemed to be unprofitable by Lloyds who own C&G. It would soften the blow for the people (not the staff) if Lloyds bank offered the C&G services in their building almost next door - but I gather this is not to be. Their leaflet points out that our nearest branch is in High St, Witney- some help for people like my mother whose pension is now paid into a C&G account I'm really irritated - apart from having to rethink how I manage my financial affairs its another nail in the coffin for the vitality of Faringdon Gene Webb |
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| Moan for the New Year-
9/02/05 Hi, First of all thanks for the great web site, it’s informative and sometimes quite funny. My moan relates to a perception that Faringdon appears to be left out when it comes to sharing services and facilities. Failing that, it’s an inability of the town council to fight the residents of Farringdon’s corner or use money wisely. A good example is the state of children’s play areas in Faringdon. The majority, are dirty, broken, and often littered with broken glass and have poor play equipment. I have on many occasions spent a good deal of time clearing away broken bottles before it was safe for children to play. Another example is the state of the country park, the access to it, and the impossibility to walk or play without getting covered in dog mess. This comment is also appropriate to the area around folly tower. By contrast, visit the park in Great Coxwell. It’s clean, has excellent facilities including an all weather five aside and basket ball pitch. And you could roll around all day without cutting yourself or getting covered in dog mess. Now, how is it that Great Coxwell with a relatively small population can achieve such facilities when Faringdon cannot. Also while I am ranting, can someone explain to me the situation regarding the Pump house. As I understand it, the town council at some stage decided to take on a listed building liability which has become a money pit, causing higher community charges for residents and preventing money being used for more useful community facilities. The existing owner, is rubbing his hands with glee since he will not take it back until all repairs are carried out. If this is right, it would be funny, but for the fact that it is costing residents money and facilities. Who made the decision to take on the building, what financial advice was taken. Clearly, the advice was either wrong, in which case the town council should be suing someone, or the town council have made a real blunder which we are now paying for. Who was responsible for making this monumentous turkey of a decision Name Supplied Ed: To report litter/rubbish problems see http://www.faringdon.org/tareportproblems.htm If you trawl through Talking Points and some of the meeting minutes in Town Affairs you can see some of the history of the Pump House. It was a former set of councillors that took on the building. No doubt in 10 years or so time, the then councillors will be blaming the current councillors for the high costs of the Pump House |
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| Speed Bumps-
9/02/05 What a good idea, yes, lets have speed bumps in the market place, that way we can rid Faringdon of the few brave car owners that venture into the market place in the vain hope of ever finding a parking space (since the so called improvements, I've managed it once!!) Better still, as mid town residents want it all to themselves, sprinkle tin tacks all over the road, that will even get rid of the Faringdonians that live further than two minutes walk away from the centre. In fact shut the whole place down, get everyone to wear smocks, bustles and all other manner of turn of the century clothing and call it a Heritage centre. Jim Horton ( born in Faringdon, live in Farindon, and have every right to voice an opinion on Faringdon!!) |
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| Speed Bumps - 9/02/05 I think speed bumps, although irritating do seem to be working in the centre of Faringdon, slowing down traffic. Can we have some in the Bromsgrove area please???! We are all tired of the 'boy racers' with their over sized exhausts, blasting their way down our little road. My windows vibrate with the noise. Sooner or later one of these cars will drive into the barrier on the bridge or cause some kind of accident.There have been several near scrapes. My husband and I have seen a few cars go round the corner on with a wheel off the ground.. Wasn't some work being orgnasied at one time??? The Faringdon moaner- Caroline |
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| Tradesman- 8/2/05 Can this site be used to help us all get the best out of local tradesmen and avoid some pitfalls? I'm currently having a problem with a builder and believe that I can probably help others avoid what I'm experiencing and I'm sure there's someone out there who might have been able to warn me. At present the website gives businesses the opportunity to advertise themselves; how about us, the people who use their services, doing it instead.... the good reviews and the bad Name supplied Ed A tricky one. It could be very useful but we can't publish anything that might be libellous. Any suggestions how it could be done? |
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| Speed Bumps- Market Square
- 8/2/05 I for one would gladly back speed bumps along Market Square. As a resident of the area I get sick of listening to cars burning up and down the main street, not to mention the safety aspect. Do the police patrol Faringdon (on foot)? I've yet to see any James Hirst |
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| Tsuanmi Charity Concert -
7/2/05 I felt I just had to send a note to say how proud I was to be a Faringdon resident on Saturday night. 3 great local bands played to a packed Corn Exchange to raise money for the Tsunami disaster. The atmosphere was electric and everybody had a fantastic time. A lot of time and effort went in to the organization of the event and the result was amazing. Faringdon folk benefited from a wonderful night’s entertainment for a fiver and well over £2000 was raised for the disaster fund. Thank you to all involved. Sally TIC Ed Concert by Kiff, Sad Dads, and the Beamers |
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| Mrs Allnatt- London St -
7/2/05 I have learnt over this last weekend 5th Feb. that Mrs Allnatt (her of sweet shop fame) has passed away. I would like through your guest book to offer my condolences to her family. Those of us now in our 50's from Goodlake Avenue, Bennett Road, Pye Street, etc. grew up knowing this lady, she saw our children grow and she knew of my grandson although never met him. I think she deserves a mention on your web site, bless her, she sold the best sweets. Margaret (nee Rogers) Ed Mrs Allnatt had the little shop in London St opposite the Indian Restaurant |
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| Faringdon - what is it like?
- 4/2/05 Dear Faringdon, It's very interesting to read your comments on local matters, especially sewage treatment (and the success of people power), parking, litter, vandalism etc. My wife and I are considering moving to your area in the near future, perhaps to Faringdon, depends on the availability of housing. Big question, perhaps unfair, should we consider Faringdon as an option, in your opinion? Also relevant, are newcomers welcome? We have had a very bad experience of our current village in Shropshire. Any advice welcome. Ray ray.jordan@btinternet.com Reply Dear Ray, We moved to Faringdon from London last October and believe it was the best possible decision we could have made (despite my 2 hour commute to and from the City every day!) We were welcomed into various social circles within days of arriving and everyone has been wonderful. We managed to find a wonderful builder (Farmer brothers) and plumber (Mike Banfield) just from asking around the pub. There are local characters like everywhere else but Faringdon seems a cosmopolitan mix of locals and people from all over the country. There are great takeaways, a Threshers, wine bar, loads of pubs, good hotels and restaurants, fabulous walks around the town..... There's lots of events too - the Portwell wine bar has open mike nights and a regular live music slot on Sundays, quiz nights are all over town and the Corn Exchange seems to have plenty of knees-ups. People did initially warn us of gangs of older kids doing whatever it is they do but our experience has shown so far that they tend to just mooch around in the rain in packs, sulking and seem to be quite tame compared with other parts of the country. Good luck with the move Mel |
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| Faringdon Sewage Treatment
Works - 1/2/05 It is FANTASTIC news that Thames Water has decided not to turn our town into the Sewage Sludge Capitol of Oxfordshire. The Faringdon Alternative Energy Group (FAEG) are also delighted that TW are looking at "other technologies" . Thanks are due to many. Our local MP has been making his own headlines recently but Robert Jackson (after initial reservations) did initiate a meeting between FAEG and the Managing director of TW. Ed Vaisey provided strong and effective support and special mention to Judith Heathcoat for her boundless energy! The VWH District Council were first in with a motion condemning TW's plans and after a ferocious email bombardment, the leader of Oxfordshire Council sent a forceful letter to the MD of TW. Huge thanks to fellow members of FAEG ; Tim Fane bravely hosted and chaired the weekly meetings to discuss tactics, Hamish Wood (lucky not to be arrested for fly posting), Pat and Daphne Saunders, Gordon Dowell, Mike Cawsey (Coordinated the invaluable contribution from Lechlade) and John Wilmer. But, most important of all were the two thousand six hundred and one signatures on the Petition, the eighty individual letters (authors aged from 4 to 94) and the massive support of the people of Faringdon. People Power won the day. Thank you all, be proud!! Danny Bell Ed: Hear Hear!! |
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| Litter problems again-
31/1/05 Sorry to whinge - whilst out on my walk on Sunday I have noticed so much litter, especially at the closed end of Stanford Road (the approach to crossing the A420). All kinds of rubbish, cans, bags, bottle, boxes - somebody has even dumped their old kitchen furniture in the trees. Also on my return at the top of Coxwell Street the same thing is happening, all kinds of debris in the hedgerow. I can't do any more than take a carrier bag with me to collect this rubbish, but who should I get on to to ask them to collect it regularly? Name supplied The photos from the Crane are brilliant. Ed: waste.team@whitehorsedc.gov.uk Tel: 01235 520202 ext 640 Fax: 01235 531981 Other report it contacts on http://www.faringdon.org/tareportproblems.htm |
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| The Sludge and the Crane -
31/1/05 Very pleased to hear the news that Thames Water have backed off from their crazy proposal to drive the sludge through Faringdon's narrow streets. I had only been in Faringdon two weeks when I heard their proposal. I just hope that another place doesn't get dumped with the same or similar scenario. Well done to the campaigners, a victory for the people! On another matter I've enjoyed looking at the photos of Faringdon from the crane, always like to see things from above, and as a photographer myself appreciate how differently the world seems from a great height. The intrepid photographer isn't named, who is it? Al Cane Ed: SHE will get in touch with you |
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| Car Parking in Faringdon -
31/1/05 Yawn, yawn not again I hear everyone moan but I feel I must add my voice to the chorus of those who take issue with the way illegal parking is managed in Faringdon; Why is it that people continue to park in restricted parking areas and on double yellow lines throughout Faringdon – it is simply that they have nothing to fear. I can only suggest that regular ticketing of fixed penalty charges by a traffic warden (imported from another area of Oxfordshire!!) or indeed the police would have people scuttling to use the car parks in Faringdon, and net a tidy income for someone. I for one am tired of opportunist shoppers and Faringdon workers who park illegally along Gloucester Street. Alice Randall ED I agree - but the police say they have no time!! |
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| Town meeting 24th January
2005- 30/1/05 Unfortunately I couldn't go to this but I understand that around 35 people including councillors attended. Motion 1 Proposed by Cllr David Hughes 'When essential repairs have been completed on the Pump House that it is offered back to the Owners(Lord Faringdon Collection Trust)' Cllr Hughes produced a paper for the meeting that indicated since 1999 and when the repairs are complete around £500K will have been spent. (I think this excludes the theatre/back of the building). A consultancy report (2002/03)and cost £25k ) indicated that the community need for the facility is unproven and not viable unless grant funding is found. No such funding is available. The owners have indicated that they will not consider accepting the building back until repairs are complete., and also penalties may be incurred. The motion was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor Dee England Councillor Steve Leniec produced figures at the meeting to justify why the building should be retained. He said it would cost £444k to hand it back - but the meeting realised these were wrong - £138k was much more likely. Interestingly though he provided no figures showing the cost of refurbishment if the building is kept for use by the town. Councillor Leniec's paper suggested that it would cost the town about £30k per annum after the repair works (Loan repayment £12.5k, 50% Hall Manager £10k, Revenue(unexplained) £20k, less £12.5k income). Just based on these figures it means that the Pump House will cost the town nearly £1m for the remainder of the lease (about 25/30 years) A resident pointed out that Faringdon's precept is the highest in Oxfordhire: 5.5 times Woodstock 2.5 times Eynsham 2 times Chipping Norton 1.5 times Wantage 1.5 times Grove The reasons for this are high salary costs (salary for an additional person is included for 05/06) and of course the Pump House. Motion 2 proposed by Cllr Tim Evans 'that the Town Council should sell back the land adjacent to Willes Close to Oxfordshire CC because of the unresolved difficulties of gaining access to carry out maintenance, and the potential risk of liability' This motion was lost There is currently a covenant on this land (it used to be part of Faringdon Junior school and therefore owned by Oxfordshire CC) which states: a) Not to use the property other than as open or public open space and in the event of the property ceasing to be used for either of such purposes to transfer the property back to vendor in consideration of the sum of seven hundred and fifty pounds (£750) free from encumbrances other than those subsisting at the date hereof and b) To further maintain the boundary marked with an inward T on the attached plan.(I haven't got the plan) The boundary indicated by the T mark is along the south-east of the site. The land is bordered by Willes Close, and a footpath between Park Road and Southampton St (the other side of which is industrial land which no doubt will be developed some day), and the Industrial Estate. In 1996, when FTC bought the land, the Health centre and the Volunteer Way housing had not been developed. The Folly Park did not exist. More housing development may happen on the cricket field and beyond. What was once land on the edge of the town is now within the town boundary. Hopefully FTC will keep the land and make thorough investigations of the possibilities for the future. Faringdon Town Council Meeting 26th January 2005 Cllr Matthew Barber proposed some changes to the 05/06 budget to reduce it. These largely involved employing a contractor to do the grounds maintenance work rather than an additional FTC employee. Though there was a lengthy discussion, it was apparent that the Council, (and 2 councillors in particular) had no intention of considering the alternative budget seriously. It seems that 'Best Value' for services will be considered for 06/07 The proposed FTC budget was agreed by all but 2 councillors. This years figure is £25k, a £19k reduction from 04/05. ( If you want to see the breakdown , look at meeting notes for 26th January on http://www.faringdon.org/tatownmeetings.htm. It was interesting to note that even though the Town Meeting on Monday was intended to hear residents views on the proposed budget, there was no item to discuss any points made at the Town Meeting on this Council agenda. Clearly there is no intention to change the budget no matter what residents views are. So there was no discussion at all about any points that residents raised on Monday. The amount of time between the Town meeting(Monday) and the Council meeting (Wednesday) was insufficient to submit questions in writing arising from the Town Meeting- 3 days notice is required. However in public speaking time I suggested that, given the closeness of the vote on the Pump House, that residents were asked their views again, but this time with complete factual information available. eg Spend so far, projected spend - keeping the building or giving it back, predicted annual costs for the rest of the lease. And for about the 4th year running I requested a business plan for the Pump House. The reactions from councillors ranged from nods of approval, to, oh no she's whingeing again to sarcastic smiles. Gene Webb |
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| Thames Water Sludge Plans - they've changed
their minds - 28/1/05 Good News! I have today received the following letter from Mr Sexton, Managing Director of Thames Water and it reads thus:- “The project team have now completed a detailed review of a wide range of options for the plant necessary to treat sludge in the Western Provinces Area, including the possibilities opened up by other technologies that were not considered initially. The focus of the review was, of course, on how best to meet the new statutory requirements, taking into account both environmental and financial aspects, rather than on any individual site. I am able to tell you that it is clear from the review that Faringdon STW is not, on balance, the best location for this additional sludge treatment process. I can, therefore, confirm that we will not be pursuing this option. We are now consulting with key stakeholders in the alternative areas that have been identified by the review”. I hope that everyone is happy! I know that I’m in 7th heaven! Judith Heathcoat Ed. This is really excellent news - Very well done to all those who persisted with the campaign. A wonderful success story |
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| Faringdon School of Performing
Arts - 28/1/05 To be started after February Half term Already there are the schools drama, Faringdon Amateur Dramatics, Contemporary Dance Club(Tues) and now - possibly on Mondays 5.30-6.15 Gp 1 Drama/Singing Gp2 Dance 6.15 -7 Gp 2 Drama/Singing Gp 1 Dance At Faringdon Junior school (Gym and Hall) on Mondays preferably Skill sessions in each discipline to start and then working towards a production for Faringdon Madd May Festival. Contact Carolyn Murphy 01235 225787 or email: carolyn@murphy111.fsnet.co.uk |
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| Obstructive Parking in
Faringdon - 25/1/05 Many people complain about the lack of parking in central Faringdon, but life is not made any easier by people who deliberately cause obstructions by parking without regard to other people. Church Street became completely blocked by someone who parked nose-in to the Church wall. Within minutes a large queue of trucks blocked the Market Place as none could turn into Swan Lane. This morning the footpath was blocked by a car parked on the pavement outside Salutation Mansions. Such parking forces anyone with a pushchair to have to walk in the road on a very dangerous corner. Grrrrrrrr John Gillman |
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| Tsunami Fund Raising Event - 22/1/05 Sat 5th February The Sad Dads, Kiff, and the Beamers Show at the Corn Exchange Tickets £5.00 available at various outlets in the town, or phone 01367 243478 In aid of the Asian Tsunami fund |
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| Pavements in Faringdon - 22/1/05 Saw 2 chaps in yellow jackets surveying the state of the pavement in Marlborough St. They told me they were doing the same up towards the Church. Oh good I said Does that mean that Oxfordshire County Council will be improving them? I doubt it, he said, they are obliged to carry out a survey under some European Legislation, but I don't expect they'll do anything about it. Perhaps they will though?? Perhaps they'll plan something in for the future Perhaps they'll at least make the results of the survey public? Maybe this is the time to start making a fuss. The pavements are a mess and very difficult for old folk and wheelchair users Gene Webb The OCC contact is: Oxfordshire County Council, Drayton Tel:01235 531331 |
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| Faringdon Arts Festival fund raising event -
21/1/05 Dinner and Dance Friday 4th February Sudbury House, 7.30pm for 8pm Buffet Meal, Black Tie Live Band (Celebration) and auction of celebrity memorabilia £40 per ticket or £35 for table of 10 from David Reynolds 01367 243663 Fund Raising event for Faringdon Arts Festival |
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| Vandalism in Skinners Lane - 20/01/05 I would like to nominate Skinners Lane as the vandals paradise . Not only is behaviour completely unseen - being sick - throwing bottles, breaking one of my windows (15.01.05) - daubing red sauce (3 times) over my newly painted white wall ripping off the Skinners Lane sign that took 5 years to get installed - but it seems completely unnoticed by any police who never seem to have cause to stroll round here on a Fri. Sat, or Sunday night. Felicity Cormack |
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| Vandalism - 19/01/05 Further to the correspondance about vandalism in the London Street area; firstly: Might I suggest that as this occurs on a repeated basis the affected persons contact the Community Safety Officer, see below Community Safety Email: communitysafety@whitehorsedc.gov.uk Tel: (01235) 540309 It is worth noting that in some counties, e.g. Somerset, a portable CCTV camera scheme allows this device to be used on a short term basis in various locations. It may be worth suggesting this to the local district council. (I dont think Oxfordshire/VWHDC operates this scheme at present) secondly: The problem mainly occurs after closing time on Saturday/Friday nights. If interested local residents can ascertain where the vandals are drinking - and that shouldnt be too difficult, they can make representations re. the relevant premises to the police and the licensing authority. It is as you know an offence to serve under-age drinkers alcohol. I believe it is also an offence to serve alcohol to anyone who is obviously drunk. ed. Faringdon Online |
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| Plea for Volunteers- 17/1/05 In Faringdon we have some wonderful people who work for the community and ask for no reward except for the occasional thank you, and the pleasure of knowing that they have done something to enhance somebody else's life. 2 of the Organisations that I am involved in are in need of extra Help. FARINGDON COMMUNITY BUS- we need help in all sections of running this incredibly well used service. Administration, bookings, telephone answering, and DRIVING. 2 or 3 hours a month would make a huge difference to our workload, and new volunteer drivers doing one morning a month driving would help us keep the service that many people (5,534 passengers in 2004) use it as their way to be able keep going out, for shopping and our afternoon trips etc. ACTION FOR CHILDREN IN CONFLICT. I am looking for volunteers to help in the Faringdon Shop and also at our Highworth Book Shop. I especially need help in both shops on Wednesdays and Thursdays, again a few hours a week would make a huge difference. So can you or do you know anybody who can help please let me know on 01367 243743 ot the AfPic shop 01367 242013. And to the gentleman who doesn't like christmas decorations in shops AfPic spent not one penny on decorations in our shop every single thing was donated and our window displays gave a lot pleasure to a lot of people and the money we raised gave hope and a reason to live to many people not only in Great Britain and Northern Ireland but to many street children in Africa. Many thanks for reading this talking point and thanks to Gene for suggesting it. Alison Moore |
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| and
more........16/01/05 Nice little poem Harry, not exactly Pam Ayres,( now there is a poet,) but not bad none the less, a thought crossed my mind, (not a long journey you understand,) that concerning vandalism, in some areas of London they play Des O'Connor music in places where young scally's hang out, and because it is torment to their delicate ears, they move on. Now, if we could temp Harry to record his musings, it could be played in the darkest parts of Faringdon to move the street urchins into the centre, whereupon they could be rounded up and shipped to say,Beachy Head, thus restoring Faringdon to the quiet peaceful town it always was, and enabling it to be twinned with Brigadoon. On a serious note though, I parked my car in London Street Christmas eve, yes I was invited to, and some toerag kicked my headlight in at a cost of eighty pounds. Is London street now the crime area of Faringon? wasn't you was it Hils?. And as Harry has fired me up again about the new facelift of the market place, is anyone else annoyed about the lack of road width as you leave the square to go to say, Witney. As you approach the Church, you inevitably have to drive in the centre of the road because of parked cars and a stupid rounded path outside the old Faringdon hotel. It's a great pity Faringdon has not got a "systems restore" on it, putting it back to how it was. And as to all the people that actually liked the improvements, it hasn't turned out to be the horse and carriage picture postcard town you hoped, has it? (As with all my ramblings there is slight(!) sarcasm about this letter, so for all those that think that there is only room for serious issues on this site, tharrrruump!!!!!!) Jim Horton |
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| and........more -
16/01/05 Last night ( Saturday) my enjoyment of Casualty was rudely interrupted by noise directly outside my house on London Street. I got up to look and sure enough just opposite the house four youngsters - 15/16 year olds , two boys and two girls - were in what looked like somewhat drunken conversation. Rather more disturbing was the fact that as they made their way down London Street towards the Market Place one of the boys appeared to be attempting to vandalise wing mirrors ! By the time I had got my shoes and coat on the group had disappeared down the road. I decided to take a stroll down the street on the off chance that I might be able to get a better recognition of the kids. I didn't see them again but I did bump into a police patrol - en voiture. I told them my story and they gave me a number to contact - the one mentioned by Harry. I have every intention of using it should the need arise again. So Harry I'm with you. Whilst I'm on the subject of 'criminal behaviour' perhaps I could also ask others to report instances of people using mobile phones whilst driving. Yesterday morning I and my wife witnessed a local resident on her mobile make a sweeping u-turn at the junction by the Folly pub apparently unaware that a car was following close behind. An accident was narrowly avoided. But guess what - as the car driver in question proceeded down London St. She was still in earnest conversation. I know who she is , where she lives , what car she drives etc. What would should I do ? Peter Pettit |
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| More on Vandalism -
15/01/05 Many years ago I was in a Boy Scout Parade watched by my mother. Afterwards she said how proud she was because, as she said "they were all out of step but you" It seems that from the comments I get as feedback I am still the only one in step. The attached poem....if Hil and Gene print it, gives you my philosophy..and I make no apology for it. Now to the real reason for this message: Peter Pettit suspects that I had my tongue firmly in my cheek when I mentioned the endangered species "Bobbies on the Beat." Well of course I did but that shouldn't invalidate my message. In my opinion the yobs are taking over in Faringdon in the evenings simply because they are bored and nothing is done to stop them because most victims of trivial acts of vandalism don't think it is worth complaining about. The police are overstretched and cannot be everywhere at once but they will concentrate their limited resources where they see they are most needed and the only way they can assess the need is if EVERYONE who feels they have a complaint, however minor, lets them know. So Peter, if you haven't done already, telephone 08458 505 505 and report the problem. From my own experience I know that you will get a polite hearing and your complaint will be followed up. And while I have my self-righteous hat on..Am I the only one in Faringdon who wonders why the traffic sign outside the Chemists can only be read by people in the bus shelter or why two parking slots are provided for taxis which are not a public service while the community bus which is has to pull in where it can. Harry G Mitchell read Harry's poem |
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| Vandalism -
15/01/05 Somehow I suspect that Harry Mitchell has his tongue planted firmly in his cheeks. However , he makes a very valid point about observable police presence. Would that they had been around in the early hours of Saturday morning when person or persons unknown decided they would rudely dismantle the wing mirrors of a number of cars - legally parked - on London St. Peter Pettit |
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| Planning - 15/01/05 I am glad the writer of 13th Jan agrees that the outline planning requirements fall woefully short of what is required in this instance, and that it precisely why ………….. 1 The planning department after discussion with residents, needs to set requirements for the developer with regard to dwelling design, size, colour and, very importantly, density – has anyone worked out the number of houses that could be built if the density was the same as the surrounding Orchard Hill Estate?. 2 The owner and developer need to play their part by taking on board the planners requirements and submitting absolute final plans down to the last detail. 3 Orchard Hill residents can then be expected to make considered judgements on facts rather than suppositions. I am surprised at only one response to the points I raised 11th January – I am not into confrontation, merely hoping to find solutions, and if this is “assuming negotiation” then surely to get everyone to talk together would be a major step forward. Having dealt with various aspects of the building and developing business for the last thirty years I am well versed in the vagaries of planning, and what can happen if local people can’t agree and others make decisions for them. Again, comments welcome Sandra Wheeler |
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| Bobbies on the Beat? - 14/01/05 On Thursday 13th January at midday I was driving down Park Road at my usual 44ft/second ( I don't think the metric system will catch on) when I saw walking towards me two chaps in Fluorescent jackets and peaked caps.They could have been Prince Harry and his Aide looking for another Fancy Dress Party and they could have been traffic wardens confusing London Street (where there is always illegal parking) with London Road (where there isn't) but I am convinced they were Walking Policeman. Now they may just have been going for a well deserved cup of coffee, they may just have been lost but whatever the reason it would be nice to think that in the coming summer we might see more of this endangered species. It would be great to hear, once again, their distinctive calls of "Allo Allo Allo" as they tell the driver of a people carrier that her son's urgent need to change his video is not a very good reason for parking in a the disabled slot outside LloydsTSB. Did anyone else see this vision of what used to be ? Or was it just wishful thinking on my part ? Harry G Mitchell |
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| 18 Coxwell Road Proposed Development - 12/1/05 My response to the perspective expressed in the note dated 11/1/05 below. The writer makes absolutely no mention of the safety aspects of this proposal. An access road anywhere on the Orchard Hill Estate is dangerous. The resulting considerable increase in traffic movement would cause unacceptable danger to residents, and especially children who for decades have enjoyed the safety of playing on these roads. The writer might have misinterpreted the opposition of residents but the one thing that has been staggeringly refreshing in my personal contact with over 100 residents is that not a single person has raised concerns over anything financial! They are, bar none, concerned about the adverse effects on their lives; safety, pollution, noise! Regarding the writer’s proposed solution she assumes a level of negotiation. Negotiation by definition is mutual agreement where ALL parties reach a win/win situation. Let’s take the writer’s classification of parties. Set aside the Planning Controllers who have nothing to gain or lose by doing their job. That effectively leaves two camps; Owner(s) and Developer on one side and residents on the other. The former has already proved to be vague with their development proposals. What they seek is outline permission. The writer might not be aware, but this plan can then be changed in its entirety once it has been agreed in principal! How fair is that? The residents (over 300 of them) lose out big time for the enormous gain of maybe 3 or 4 people! Call that negotiation? One further “outside of the box” thought is this. Look at the wider issues at play here. If approval is given to knock down a perfectly functional 35 year old 4 bedroom house to access infill land it will set a precedent and thereby open the floodgates for this to happen anywhere in Faringdon and the surrounding area! The effect on the local population could devastating! When one adopts a steadfast position it does not mean they HAVEN’T “looked outside the box” to get the facts and knowledge that led to that position! Sorry, writer I might be “off my trolley” but I’m definitely staying “inside my box” David Reynolds |
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| Development of Carters land, rear of Coxwell
Road - 11/1/05 Further to previous proposals and objections - these are the salient points as I see them - 1. There are four camps to be satisfied the OWNER, the DEVELOPER, the PLANNING CONTROLLERS and the LOCAL RESIDENTS. 2. Give and take is the only way that this predicament can be solved so that everyone is moderately satisfied and no-one feels railroaded. 3. The Orchard Hill estate was built in the 1970's and 80's on three sides of Carters land. 4. Had their land been available at that time the development would have been planned to include it and there would be no problem now. PROPOSED SOLUTION TO SATISFY EVERYONE - to design a fully integrated access and extension to/from the Orchard Hill estate and then build homes that are exactly the same as those they are integrating with, in design, size, colour and, very importantly, density. The end result would be that the OWNER and the DEVELOPER may make a smaller profit but within a foreseeable timescale; the PLANNING CONTROLLERS would need to use all their powers to ensure full integration to the existing development but would save taxpayers money by getting the matter settled; and the LOCAL RESIDENTS would have all the facts and a complete 'known quantity' to deal with, accept and move on. While the building is happening it will be disruptive to all in the area - I live on the Orchard Hill estate and can see Carters land from my house so I will be affected, although not as much as some. Each of the four camps needs to "think outside the box" and be totally open and honest with their requirements and expectations in order to quickly move towards a solution. Comments welcome. Sandra Wheeler |
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Faringdon Arts Festival Fundraising Dinner/Dance-8/1/05 Friday 4th February Sudbury House Hotel (Black Tie) includes: Buffet Meal Live Music from Celebration Auction of various items: Signed books from famous authors Signed items from the casts of top TV shows (inc. Dead Ringers, Casualty, Cutting It and Emmerdale) A day out behind the scenes of one of the UK’s top publishers A flight in a Tiger Moth And various other items kindly donated by local and national businesses. All profits donated to the Faringdon Arts Festival Trust to help support this year’s event. £40.00 per ticket (£35 per head for a table of 10). Please call 01367 243663 for tickets or send your cheque to:Faringdon Arts Festival Trust, PO Box 2390,Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7ZN David Reynolds, Festival Chairman |
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| Christmas Cheer -
6/1/05 Amidst the negative comments regarding both the controversial building development at Swan Lane, and the standard of the Christmas lights in the town, I would just like to thank the builders at Swan Lane on my two year old daughter's behalf, for the Christmas lights on the crane! She has loved looking out for the crane and it has made our journeys into, out of and around the town so much more fun!!! Maria Timms |
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| FIRE STATION RECEIVES REPLACEMENT
APPLIANCES-5/1/05 Faringdon Fire Station has been issued with two replacement Fire Appliances. It has always been the policy of Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service that brand new vehicles spend the first two years of their working life at a Whole time Fire Station,( a kind of running in period) Then for about eight years they are stationed at a retained Fire Station like Faringdon, then for about two years they are used as reserve / spare appliances. This gives them a total working life in Oxfordshire of about twelve years with the Fire service getting the best use of them over this period. If you look at the registration numbers you will see they are consecutive(OV51 FB3 OV51 FB4) & if you look at the side of the vehicles you will see lights which are used at night to illuminate the working area around the vehicle. How the Firefighters of thirty,forty or fifty years ago would have enjoyed this facility. Bill Law |
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| 18 Coxwell Road – Update on Planning
Proposal GFA/4905/5-X -5/1/05 The residents of the Orchard Hill Estate received a wonderful Christmas mail surprise in the form of the amended proposal to the development of 18 Coxwell Road. The amendment was requested from the developer because they, apparently, forgot to mention in the original that they intend to bulldoze through the family house that is No. 31 Elm Road! (Yes, they forgot! Incompetence?) The amended plan for the developed site (available for inspection at the Town Council Offices) also shows many mistakes and inconsistencies which both go against planning rules and, frankly, contradict what the developers themselves have previously stated! This amended plan merely reinforces the reasons why this proposal should be rejected. The danger from increased traffic movement, poor parking facilities, and pollution leap out of this plan as will be obvious to anyone who views it. (except perhaps the developers themselves, it seems). All in all the application shows an astounding display of amateurism and it must be questioned whether the developer should be afforded the trust to be handed a chunk of Faringdon to play with! The Town Council have displayed wonderful support against this proposal. Having rejected the previous version of this plan in December they unanimously rejected this amended proposal at the planning meeting last night (4th January). They too believe there are safety issues and that the plan is too vague on which to base objective planning decisions. There is still time to send objections to the Vale of White Horse (closing date 10th January). There is already massive (and, I’m told, largely unprecedented) opposition to this plan but your voice still counts. If this development affects you in any way write to the Vale and let them know how you feel. You are also more than welcome to contact me on 01367 243663 (and this offer includes the developers and owners of any of the properties at the centre of the application!) Happy New Year! David Reynolds |
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