Faringdon News & Views

faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	january - april 2003

More 'Some people' - 28/4/03 With reference to Some People 13/3/03. The writer wants to know what the people of Faringdon are really like.. It seems he met a couple of people in Budgens who appeared to be bad tempered and thoroughly anti-social and this may be because they are bad tempered and thoroughly anti-social and I wouldn't try to excuse their behaviour. However it is sometimes unfortunately true that the wrong impression may be given due to a misunderstanding and I wrote this poem to illustrate how this happened to me. Jehovah's Witnesses come to our house, Thursday's the day that they choose They know we can all be saved from hellfire and it's their job to give us the news. This Thursday the weather was freezing and I was out cleaning my car when up drove a very smart Passat with a baby, a Ma and a Pa. Now my views on religion are simple.. if God made this world with his hand He'd destroy it and then start all over again for this cannot be as he planned. But the Witnesses have a solution, which offers Salvation for free But that day I was cold and didn't want to be told, how their plan would benefit me. So as these people approached me I stopped them before they could speak I said I was not in the mood, didn't want to be rude, but perhaps I'd feel better next week. I have to admit they looked puzzled as they left and drove off in their Volks And just then the postman came over and said." I see you've just met the new folks… It seems they've been living in London where making new friends is quite hard They've just asked me what people are like here so I told him that you'd mark their card. " Now I have to admit I feel guilty..and also I feel rather sad Our town is half dead but when all's done and said.. The people who live here aren't bad. Anon
Broadband in Faringdon - 28/4/03 Just checked the broadband availability at the BT.COM web site as it shows 250 people have registered. Only 100 to go..... David Poultney
Traffic Calming in Coxwell Road/Street. - 28/4/03 It would seem that rumours about traffic calming in Coxwell Rd/St have no foundation but the fact that so many people are interested in the possibility indicates the dissatisfaction with the status quo. So, as I have nothing better to do at the moment, I would like to add my own thoughts. The houses in Coxwell Street and to a lesser extent Coxwell Road were built when traffic was confined to horse drawn vehicles proceeding at a leisurely 4mph. The horses have gone, but at peak times the speed has remained almost the same. Traffic calming is therefore not really an issue though we do have the Faringdon equivalent already . The legally parked cars provide the Road Narrowing favoured by many Traffic Calming Schemes and the illegally parked cars and skips provide the Chicane alternative. Combine these features with the Bus Stop located between the skips and add the very conscientious School Crossing Lady and it is not surprising that some drivers (not me or you of course) feel that this part of Faringdon has been designed to ensure we never get into any gear above second. It would seem that there is no viable solution to our problem…in other words we are stuck with it and without destroying a few homes in Coxwell Street/Rd things cannot be improved. But it is unfair to blame the Planning Department for the situation. However things can be made considerably worse. Planning Permission may be given to build a small estate behind the old Health Centre Site. If this goes ahead it will add a significant number of frustrated drivers to the queue of commuters and child bearing people carriers at peak times . For this situation the Planning Department would be entirely to blame. The fact that the development would be in my back yard is, of course, a coincidence…. Harry G Mitchell
Speeding in Coxwell St and Road - 25/4/03 I wish to express my concerns at the limited speed control of the traffic volume now flowing through Coxwell Road and Street; in particular downward from the new service road at the top of the mini roundabout. I may be said to be 'looking after my own back yard', but do feel that some real control is needed in this area. It is patently obvious that speed limit signs have little effect on a proportion of the traffic. The road is a straight run down...an inducement to speed, add to that the constant presence of rubbish skips on the left, and the frequent illegal parking on the right at the lower end of the street, and constant accident hazard exists. To my certain knowledge a car colliding with a skip has already occurred. I do not presume to advise on control required, whether road humps or half way islands, but suggest that two examples of traffic calming are the approach road to Brize Norton village(A4095) and Corn Street, Witney Reg Eyles
Market Place Improvements - Good News - 22/4/03 Have just heard that VWHDC have now found all the £350k for the market place improvements. The final £95k will come from Oxfordshire County Council in their 04/05 budget- though this has yet to go through a committee for ratification. The contributors for 2003/04:- VWHDC ...........................................£175k Faringdon T own Council......................£10k Joint Environmental Trust.......................£10k Oxon CC maintenance programme........£20k Oxon CC capital programme.................£50k Grundon Landfill......................................£5k and for 2004/05 Oxon CC..............................................£95k So it looks as if the improvements will happen - though possibly in a phased way, given the spread of funds over 2 years Gene Webb
More on Traffic Calming in Coxwell St/Rd - 22/4/03 Does anyone actually have any information regarding proposals for Coxwell Rd/St. I keep hearing references to it and people are commenting about it but I cant find anything concrete. I spoke with the County Council (eventually) and was advised that there are presently no scheme in place, no preferred options and that the process of looking for options has not yet begun but was imminent. I was also advised that all households in Coxwell Rd/St would be consulted, when options had been drawn up. Concerning previous correspondence (below), I have to respectfully disagree with the writer of the previous letter, and will refrain from making any judgements until the facts/alternatives are in the public domain. As I understand the issue however, traffic calming is being considered due to the speed at which traffic drives along these roads and not the frequency of traffic, plus the specific problem of congestion at the lower end of Coxwell Street. The matter of slowing traffic down (depending on the solution), is unlikely in itself in my view to cause any greater congestion, or relocate the congestion elsewhere along the Street. The congestion in my experience is at the lower end of Coxwell Street, where the road narrows and where vehicles park on both sides of the Road. Far be it for me to pre-empt any options, but there are limited solutions if the congestion problem is to be solved. The obvious one is to widen the road, which cant be done given the constrains of the highway. It simply isn't wide enough unless the properties are knocked down. Clearly not an option which can be given any serious further thought. The only other option is to restrict parking to one side of the road where it narrows and completely remove all parking at the narrowest point. This solution will inevitably cause parking problems for those who currently park in these locations. And the question must be asked whether it is right to prevent people from parking outside their own property, personally I don't think that it is. However, if a solution is really required take your pick. Then again I'm not a highway engineer Peter King
Traffic Calming in Coxwell St/Rd - 13/4/03 We all know about the high volumes of traffic using Coxwell Street/Road during the busy periods, especially around the time that children go to and from school. Something definitely needs to be done but any form of traffic calming would only result in massive traffic queues. Additionally, traffic calming would cause drivers to access the A420 via the dangerous Great Coxwell junction, rather than use the safer Park Road Roundabout. We're all desperate to have the problem resolved but need to find a more creative solution. Meanwhile, it seems like the problem is only going to get worse with the redevelopment of the old Health Centre and if it goes ahead, the proposal to build houses in the grounds of 18 Coxwell Road (behind the Old Health Centre). Eddie Williams
Faringdon Folly - and its care - 9/4/03 The pursuit of cleaner, well maintained network of Folly paths continues. As an environmental body within the C.C to whom the Folly Trust (charged with the upkeep of the Folly and its network of paths) are accountable I have written to the County Council ................. "My reason for writing is that the the Folly and its network of paths are not kept up, that the Folly Trust seem to have either no real interest, or more probably, no means with which to do so. The result is that the area is left to look terrible, and as such, a magnet for yobs. On the basis that, if a place is well maintained, then people willl treat it with more respect. For example, Kensington Gardens is well maintained, and therefore people don't feel the need to let their dogs foul it everywhere, or themselves smash bottles and leave a lot of litter. Nobody wishes to see the Folly and its network of paths turned into a 'park' area, but brambles, nettles and dogs mess does not equal wild and natural. I am talking about the paths and benches being cleared- all year round." and a letter to VWHDC ............. The reason for the delay in my response is that I was prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt re your assertions about dogs mess signs on or around the Folly footpaths. I guessed perhaps that you were having difficulty paying for them, or were waiting for their delivery, or the right departmental workmen who carry it out to show up. Or something. Because there aren't any. If they are, they are extremely well hidden. Furthermore, there is a dogs mess bin at the foot of the main surfaced footpath to the Folly, but not half way up. Putting another half way up would further encourage people to use them, and also reinforce the seriousness which which you consider this situation. Right now it seems a little half hearted. Maybe on the basis that you think I will go away. I don't know, I can't think of another reason for the apathetic approach this issue attracts. The County Council have so far upheld their commitments to keeping the footpaths clear of brambles nettles and so forth, now it is your turn. The main footpath is still a target for lazy dog owners, who will only start to change their behavior once you and/or your department start to punch your weight. Everyday there is dogs mess on Stanford Road and the main Folly footpath. It is disgusting, a health hazard and your department should be ashamed of themselves for their apparently wanton negligence of this well known and potentially far more popular beauty spot in Faringdon. As it stands, your continued neglect underlines the already perfectly obvious indifference the Vale has towards Faringdon. And this is unacceptable. I would be very grateful to hear from you as to what you are going to do about it. A whole year on from the original petition. With thanks. Dominic Matterson cc. Alison Thompson
Traffic Calming - 28/03/03 Traffic calming is being considered for Coxwell St/Rd and other routes into Faringdon(not specified) Consultation will take place - with whom not specified! Currently 'bumps' are not favoured. Narrowing was mentioned Gene Webb
Market Square Improvements - 28/03/03 Progress is being made - but slowly! Approval(presumably Committee approval) for tender documents is being sought- the work has been split into 3 parts in case all the money is not available. VWHDC are currently minded to proceed on a phased basis as there is still £80k(I think) needed Timing would be: Contracts placed late June/early July 2003 Start work mid September, allowing 8 weeks VWHDC know work must not run into December Phase I would be time controlled parking. The Tuesday market would not be incomoded!! Gene Webb
Broadband for Faringdon- 28/3/03 http://www.btplc.com/Mediacentre/Archivenewsreleases/2003/nr0311.htm Exchanges due to have broadband demand triggers set by Monday March 31 Details on the link above. Hurrah, Faringdon is there !!!! Matthew James
Church Wall repairs - 28/03/03 Repairs were started a while ago but were stopped by VWHDC as the contractor was using modern sand and cement. I have no information as to when the work will be started again and whether there are any cost implications. Gene Webb
Roadworks on A420/A417- 28/03/03 It is evident now that this is to create a roundabout at the junction of the Stanford/Wantage road. I have heard it said that there are no plans to open the Stanford Road Gene Webb
Open Town Meeting on 5th April 2003. Vale Local Plan - 21/03/03The basic idea is to enable the people of Faringdon to have input to the planners at the Vale on the objections to the First Draft plan. Under the present arrangements anybody can view the plan - and the consultation process is reasonably inclusive - but if they do not officially object they can have no further input to the final draft. This is an attempt to enable everybody to have their say in the strength of objection. After all that is where the final draft will come from. First there will be a closed meeting on the 25th March with the Vale planners as the initial draft local plan was drawn up without the benefit of the "Healthcheck" work.. We will then follow this up with an open meeting on 5th April 2003 (seminar- chat - presentation etc.) by as many of the objectors as possible so that the Townspeople can find out what people think of the draft plan. Following this (early April) there will be a note to everybody in the Town putting the various objectors views so that a wider audience has the information. At the end April/early May there will then be a telephone opinion poll of a representative section of the Town - conducted by a professional polling organisation - to get an even wider view of opinion . By the end of May, the views and conclusions of the survey will be submitted to the Vale. An updated draft plan will be produced by the Vale in the Autumn 2003, when only then will it be possible to see how our views have been incorporated. The net result of all this will (hopefully) be two fold: 1) The view of the entire Town will be known and will be available to the planners when making their decisions on the final draft. Hopefully they will take this weight of opinion on board and amend the plan. 2) If they fail to do so then it will be possible to use this very heavy evidence at a subsequent tribunal to influence the inspector. While this actual process has not (I believe) been used before, opinion polls have been and they do carry a lot of weight in evidence. The Town Council is using a planning consultant to help in the process and he is currently giving a factual basis to our rather woolly objection. His figures will form the basis of the Council stand at the meeting on April 5th, Corn Exchange, 2pm - 6pm We really want as many townspeople as possible to come to the meeting and give us their views Cnclr Alan Hickmore.
Faringdon Broadband - 18/3/03 There has been great progress in the attempt to provide Faringdon with broadband telecommunications. However BT has indicated that they will not invest in this for Faringdon. We have therefore, been liasing closely with SEEDA (South East Economic Development Agency) who, together with various telecommunication bodies, are seriously considering in assisting Faringdon and the outlying area in the installation of Broadband We urgently require details of anyone interested in receiving broadband (including those that have already registered with BT or their ISP) and ask if you could register your interest here by emailing sallenstevens@wicklesham.co.uk or richard.grecian@whitehorsedc.gov.uk Please include: Your Name Your Postal Address incl. postcode Your Telephone number An E-mail Address where we could contact you Whether you are a residential or business user We will then contact you further to discuss your requirements. As more information becomes available we shall publish it on www.faringdon.org, so please feel free to return to get an update on Broadband at Faringdon. This is a Faringdon Chamber of Commerce initiative
Vale District Local Plan- 4/3/03 There will be a presentation to Vale of the White Horse District Council (VWHDC)on 25th March to present the findings of the Faringdon Project (initially known as the Faringdon Healthcheck) and their relevance to VWHDC including the Local area plan, currently in draft. The aim is to get amendments to the local plan in line with the Faringdon project findings, before it is finalised. Participants are Faringdon Chamber of Commerce, Faringdon Town Council and Faringdon project manager Gene Webb.
Faringdon at the Forefront - 18/3/03 Faringdon is on track to host one of the first of the new Enterprise Gateways being set up by the South East England Development Agency and Business Link. In addition to the normal business support services available from Business Link, each Enterprise Gateway will include an incubation unit designed to encourage the creation of new businesses. This will include help to find funding, serviced office and workshop space on flexible terms and practical advice on how to succeed during the vital early stages and beyond. It will also reach out to those not traditionally helped by established business support, from community-based enterprises such as credit unions, to businesses run by those from the ethnic community or young people, and not-for-profit companies. A working party has been developing a detailed business plan, with a view to launching the Gateway in summer 2003. Among those represented are the Vale of the White Horse District Council, the Faringdon Chamber of Commerce, and various local educational establishments and businesses. "Our aim is to offer this new and unique facility to the whole community in Faringdon," explained Graeme Finch, chief executive of Business Link for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. "Provided we can put up a strong economic case, SEEDA has promised to fund the Enterprise Gateway but we need to work together to find suitable premises and make it a reality." All those interested are invited to put their views to Business Link via its customer service team on 0845 606 44 66 or by emailing joanna.bruce@businesslinksolutions.co.uk. To access Business Link services, telephone the customer service team on 0845 606 44 66 or log onto the web site at www.businesslinksolutions.co.uk
Some People- 12/3/03 On Saturday morning I visited budgens (which is not ideal if you have a double buggy) while my wife was training for a half marathon. In one of the narrow walkways I said excuse me to a gentleman who was blocking the way, and was met with abuse about being impatient. A minute or so later I approached another gentleman and waited politely for him to move aside, when he did I said thank you very much. As I got passed I heard him complaining that I didn’t even say excuse me. I went back to him to say that I had said thank you and that I was sorry if I had offended him in any way, to which he told me to go away, and I heard him continue his complaints to staff members. To my horror I heard one of the staff reply to him that if she was 10 years younger she would have sorted me out. What is the world coming to?. I’ve only recently moved to Faringdon, is this what I will have to endure every time I go shopping, are the people of Faringdon really like this? I have applied to be a retained fireman out of a concern to provide a public service. When things like this happen I wonder why I am bothering. To the two gentleman, you know who you are, relax and be nice to people Name supplied. Thanks for your letter, it will put it into the Comments and News page, - this is just to say I'm sorry you had such an unpleasant experience, but I've lived in Faringdon for thirty plus years and we arent all like that!. Hope it hasn't put you off too much. I'm glad you've applied to the fire service, they are in need of recruits; it's good to know there are still some public spirited folks around Ed
Roadworks on A420- 2/3/03 I have heard that the roadworks on the junction to Stanford and Wantage do not include opening up the Stanford Road. Does anyone know what is being done?? Perhaps its the frequently talked about roundabout? Gene Webb
SSSI Coxwell Pit - news 11/2/03 A while ago Oxfordshire RIGS formally established the Faringdon Earth Heritage Project and also helped establish the Western Association of Geoconservation Groups together with the RIGS organisations from Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Shropshire. These two groups have now made successful bids to the Aggregate Levy Substainability Fund for grants and have been awarded £42,000 for the Faringdon Earth Heritage Project and £99,000 to the Geoconservation Group. The award to the Geoconservation Group is to advance the development of four sites in each county. In Oxfordshire one site will be the Coxwell Rd. Pit and the others are still under discussion. The grant to the Faringdon Earth Heritage Project will be used for the general enhancement of the Coxwell Pit site ( in addition to the £20,000's worth of work in kind to be undertaken by the Developer) and will also be used to establish a RIGS office in Faringdon. It is now also possible for RIGS to appoint a full time Project Officer and to make some financial recompense to Mike Windle (until now wholly voluntary) who will be formally employed as a p/t Director of the Oxfordshire RIGS. Mike has been the driving force in setting up the Western Association of Geoconservation Groups, and the prime mover in pushing through and assuring the success of the grant applications. A County RIGS Office in Faringdon is to be set up and we are particularly grateful to the Faringdon Town Council which has kindly made a room available in the Corn Exchange at a purely nominal rent. We are now setting up a programme of geological excursions and visits for the coming year . There is no further news on setting up the Faringdon Fossil Trust but hopefully the Town Council is seeking the appropriate legal advice. Norman Snelling
Coxwell Pit Housing development - 11/2/03 All of the most contaminated material has now been removed from the Coxwell Rd. pit - some 23000 tons or about 9000 cubic metres ( for comparison Silbury Hill represents about 250,000 cubic metres of rock and soil). This is the material, the removal of which was recommended in the survey of the site and required by the Vale of White Horse Environmental Authorities. Most of the site has since been sealed with a thick layer of clay ( which will prevent any further upward migration of any remaining contaminants) and covered with a thick layer of crushed limestone. This in time will be covered by a layer of top soil. The housing development will of course have its own drainage system above the clay barrier. Norman Snelling
Job Opportunity - 7/2/03 FARINGDON TOWN COUNCIL require a PARK SUPERINTENDENT/HALL CARETAKER Salary equivalent to the NJC Local Government Spinal Column Point 14-16 (currently £13,122 - £13,716) 40 hour week plus overtime Driving Licence essential; some unsociable hours Further details and application form from Mrs. J. Rennie, Town Clerk, Faringdon Town Council, The Corn Exchange, Faringdon, Oxfordshire (Tel: 01367-240281) Closing date for applications: Thursday 20th February 2003
Radio Mast in Park Road - letter from Radiocommunications agency - 6/2/03 Since the new "Airwave" transmitter is operating correctly and is not in or near the television reception band, BT Airwave are not legally obliged to do anything. We had rather hoped they might pay at least part of the cost of filtering to affected customers, however since Sue Moore has referred you to us that outcome doesn't sound hopeful. I agree it seems grossly unfair that something like this can happen, and you are of course at liberty to complain to your local M.P. His enquiries may take some time, meanwhile you're stuck with the interference. The reason ITV is affected is that it's vision frequency is a near exact second harmonic, or double, that of the "airwave's" frequency, and the "mixing" of the frequencies occurs inside peoples' masthead amplifiers. Those living closer to the transmitter site experience the problem on all channels. If you have a knowledgeable friend who can climb up to your aerial and make the necessary connections, I will gladly supply technical details of suitable filters, and one very effective type which just consists of a short piece of cable, a "quarter wave stub". We supply a range of filters as part of our interference diagnostic service, but we make a charge of £50 unless you receive a free TV licence, and in many cases you would still require the services of an aerial contractor to install the filter. I am sorry I cannot be more helpful, John C Weedon Technical Investigations Radiocommunications Agency, Bristol Southwest. John.Weedon@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Radio Mast in Park Road- 6/2/03 In order to publicise the fact that a large number of homes have been affected by the new Police transmitter in Park Road and they can no longer receive ITV, Central News are sending Wesley Smith to the Market Square on Friday 7th Feb . He will be reading out the news for Faringdon at 14:00. Central news will also be carrying a full report in their programme at 18:00 Gary Bates 9 Windrush Court Abingdon Business Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 1SA PBX +44 1235 554123 DDI +44 1235 558147 fax +44 1235 538301 mobile +44 7831 125189
Faringdon Town Council Budget meeting 29/01/03 The special Council meeting on 28th January 2003 agreed the budget for 2003/04 with little discussion. The 2002/03 budget was £147593 and for the next financial year is £208512, an increase of more than 40%. Much of the additional expenditure is to contribute towards the development of a Skate Park and progress the repairs and refurbishment of the Pump House. In addition £8000 is budgeted to employ a venues manager (Corn Exchange, Old Town Hall) from September 2003. Councillors agreed that it is likely that this is not a big enough sum. The General Fund will stand at around £37500 at the start of 2003/04. The District Auditor requires the Council to have at least 3 months running costs in this contingency fund. In April 2002 it was around £60000. None of the Council papers available to the public indicate how the £22500 difference was spent. It seems likely that once again Faringdonians will pay the highest Council tax in the Vale District. The meeting closed after 16 minutes Gene Webb
Tell Radio Communications Agency about The Star - 2/2/02 Thanks to Gene Webb for Sue Moore's telephone number and to 'The Faringdon Folly' for its front-page report. I telephoned Sue Moore, who advises all those residents affected by interference from the new mast to contact the Radio Communications Agency in Bristol (0117 9597200), if for no other reason than to indicate how widespread the problem is in the town. Am I alone in wondering how the planning application for this particular mast remained so low-key? Alison Truman
Circus Berzercus - 31/1/03 This performance, in the Corn Exchange, was wonderful. Gerald and Wallace clowning around, juggling, jokes and with superb interaction with an audience with age ranges of 2 - 70s/80s. It was lovely to hear the children chuckling and 'ad libbing' as things happened on stage. It was a pity there were so few in the audience - I guess around 40 - and less than half were children. There could have been more than twice as many to fill the Corn Exchange - but perhaps Circus Berzercus will come again next year and more people will hear of it and join in. I understand this event was sponsored by VWHDC and the Town Council Gene Webb
More comment on the Folly Star- 29/1/03 Really? This is interesting and I haven't heard much about this. I wonder why it just affects Central reception from Oxford? I can get all other channels (including 5) perfectly but I have absolutely no Central at all! Retuning my TV picks up a very poor HTV (although my aerial is facing completely the wrong way so it's not surprising) The only reason I suspect the star is the issue is that a Central TV picture is almost visible during the daytime when the star is not switched on. But this could also be a coincidence... I guess we'll have to wait until the 14th Feb. Only then will we know for sure. Martin
Folly Park News - 29/1/03 Vale of White Horse District Council's Landscape Section has successfully completed phase one of work to Folly Park in Faringdon. Work started at the park in mid October. So far the contractor has completed the fencing, constructed some of the paths, installed seats and picnic tables and planted trees and shrubs. The next phase of work is due to start in late January and will include the construction of a small car park and entrance feature. More trees will also be planted. Mary Lambe, Vale Landscape Manager says, "The first phase of work was completed successfully despite the very wet weather in the autumn. Visitors to the park will already be able to see a difference. The park is going to be a wonderful asset for the town and complements the Faringdon Project." The work is being carried out following a successful bid by the Vale for funding for Folly Park from the Countryside Agency's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. The Council was awarded a 75% grant of £78,375 towards to project. For further information, please contact Mary Lambe on 01235 540344 I found this on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/news0032.asp Ed
Faringdon Star - 27/1/03 I have heard that it may not be The Star on the Folly that is causing poor ITV reception. It seems that a Tetra radio mast, located at Peter Kinch plant hire, and installed around the time the Star was put up, is likely to be the culprit. If you are experiencing TV reception problems you should report it to the owning company BT Airwaves (contact Sue Moore 07764 350834). I am told that the Star will be switched off around 14th February Gene Webb
The 'Star' TV Scrambler - 29/1/03 I appreciate the 'star' is quite a visual attraction but for how much longer do we have to put up with unwatchable TV? Does anyone know when it to be decommissioned? When I called a local aerial company they politely suggested I get a satellite dish to avoid prolonged disappointment - an expensive solution to the problem. Martin
Broadband Update - 24/1/03 Just checked the number of registrations to trigger the Faringdon telephone exchange for broadband availability. As of today it is 164. This is great. If we can get this figure upto 250, BT will set the trigger level. To register your interest for Broadband for Faringdon, please go to: http://www.adslguide.org/availability/btprereg.asp?order=trig Many thanks, Bharesh Mandalia bhareshm@yahoo.co.uk
Faringdon Tennis Club - 13/1/03 Planning permission for houses has been given for the current tennis club site. This development has been included in the draft local plan. However it will not happen until an alternative club site has been secured. The club is still seeking an alternative site. Planning permission on land at Steeds farm was rejected by VWHDC without going to committee. This land is still on offer. Purchase of a site behind the RAC garage on Park road has been pursued, however the landowner is wanting a housing development price rather than industrial/leisure value which is currently the designated use. From FAR meeting 13/1/03
Faringdon Market Square improvements- 13/1/03 There have been 3 planning applications so far, each going into a further level of detail. The total cost estimate is £350k of which VWHDC will provide £175K. £80k has been raised from other sources. VWHDC are reasonably confident of raising the balance of £95k. Concerns were expressed that as time passes the possibility of starting the work this year reduces, which in turn could mean that VWHDC use the money for something they believe is more pressing!!!!! From FAR meeting 13/1/03
2003 local Elections - 13/1/03 Steve Leniec hopes that more than 14 people will put their names forward to become a Town Councillor, so that there is an election. There are currently 10 councillors. The last Town Council election was 6 years ago. VWHDC elections will be in May of this year also. Current VWHDC councillors are Alison Thompson and John Allen Stevens.(both Conservative) From FAR meeting 13/1/03
Folly Park( Country park)- 13/1/03 Steve Leniec(Town Councillor) said: The delay in the Folly Park was largely due to lack of rigour in the 106 agreement and failure of Vale WHDC solicitors to sort out the legalities surrounding access and the ransom strip. VWHDC have now insured to ensure accessibility of the site. Phase I includes drainage, land levelling, rabbit fencing, picnic tables, parking spaces. Funding of £78k has been found through the landfill tax and £28k from the 106 agreement . 1000 young trees and grassing were meant to be provided under the 106 agreement, but it doesn't seem that this has been done. Phase II will provide more footpaths and a gateway feature. Regrading of the lakeside for safety reasons (costing £30k) was mentioned, but it is not known if this is to be done. Per Steve Leniec the park can be used now. From FAR meeting 13/1/03
Pump House - 13/1/03 Steve Leniec reported that the asbestos survey has been completed for the rest of the building. A tender will be advertised for works to the front of the building. This includes rewiring, disabled access, toilets.(Phase I). This will be a fixed price contract. Additional costs will only arise if unforeseen problems arise or there are specification changes. Quotes to deal with the heating system are being obtained. The town council will employ consultants on a fixed fee basis to develop a Business Plan which will be used to find grant aid from eg Lottery, Heritage, Community fund. £150k from the Public Works Loan Board is now in the Town Councils Bank Account. (interest charges not mentioned) Phase I will cost £70-£80k, this excludes decoration and furnishing, and the flat. The Town Council hope that the building will be usable within 6 months. Lord Faringdon has offered to rescind the 146 forfeiture notice providing certain actions take place. A schedule of works must be agreed, and who is responsible for the legal costs will be put before a judge. Steve Leniec said this was imminent. From FAR meeting 13/1/03
Skate Park - 13/1/03 Per Steve Leniec(Town Councillor), Tribe UK are to evaluate the possible Skate park sites. These are:- Willes Close, Marlborough Gardens play area, Tucker park, and the Country park. The evaluation report (hopefully completed by end Jan/early Feb 03) will be in the public domain, but probably not until the Town Council have considered it. No mention of consultation with Faringdon residents was made. The Town Council's preferred site is Willes Close because it is near the town centre and is owned by the Town Council designated for leisure space, providing issues raised by nearby residents can be overcome. No other uses for this land, owned by the town, have been considered. Building of the skate park will go out to tender. £25k has been allocated to fund the development, some of this is 2002/3 Town Council budget and some will be in 2003/4 budget year. No mention was made of the running costs of the park. Steve Leniec hopes the skate park will be ready to use by the summer. From FAR meeting 13/1/03
Star of Faringdon - 18/1/03 Congratulations and thanks to all involved in the Town Centre Christmas decorations. The lights really brought a sparkle to the town. The star on the folly, more appropriately referred to by the Rev, Charles Draper , as "The Star of Faringdon" was really outstanding and when it is finally extinguished I hope it will be found not to be the cause of poor TV reception and will reappear as bright as ever for Christmas 2003. I have heard many positive comments about the star from people living outside the town. Paul Amos
Broadband in Faringdon - 17/01/03 If you want the latest information of the number of registerations for avaliability of broadband for Faringdon, please go to http://www.adslguide.org/availability/btprereg.asp?order=trig. As of 10/1/2003 there are only 154 registrations. Something needs to be done to inform the residents of Faringdon about broadband. Is it possible to place an article about the advantages of broadband in the local newspaper? Regards, Bharesh Mandalia bhareshm@yahoo.co.uk
1st Faringdon Scout Group - Volunteers wanted Although running well we are always looking for additional adult support. No experience needed -just enthusiasm Tel: 01367 241911 d.pargeter@btinternet.com
Faringdon Community Bus - 9/1/03 MORE DRIVERS NEEDED Contact: FCBGROUP@aol.com
Star of Wonder!!!!! - 14/1/03 The star has certainly been a highlight and a good idea for Christmas - thank you. However now that Christmas is over please could you tell us when the star will come down - too many of us are watching Central Television with a snow storm. I know of a good few people who have spent money trying to correct their television reception. Will they have to spend more money correcting it again when the star comes down? Julie Summerfield
New Computer Skills Centre in Faringdon- 6/1/03 Experience Corps in partnership with Age Concern are pleased to announce the opening of a Computer Skills centre in Oakwood House, Faringdon. Age Concern, who run day centres in Oakwood House on Tuesdays and Thursdays, have provided the equipment, and Experience Corps, the volunteers, aged in the 50+ bracket, to run it. Nick Liddiard, local organiser of excorps, says 'This is a really exciting way forward and shows how 50+ volunteers can make a real difference in their local community.' The centre will be opened on Tuesday January 14th at 11.00am by the Mayor of Faringdon, Dee England. All are welcome to the opening especially potential volunteers who can find out more about excorps and local volunteering opportunities throughout Oxfordshire. For more information contact; Nick Liddiard of experience-corps 07900 887697 Richard Wales of Age Concern 01865 717614
Star on the Folly - 2/1/03 Once again the lighting of the Folly has provided pleasure for the residents of Faringdon and passing car drivers. The initiative of Peter White in putting power in the tower is a real benefit to the Folly Trust and provides potential for a variety of lighting to denote significant occasions. It seems though, the star caused interference to television reception for residents on the Berners Way Estate- I gather the local aerial services companies had lots of calls in December. Presumably all has been resolved now!! Gene Webb

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