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

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Faringdon Dragon Country- 27/8/03 There is an audiobook called Faringdon Dragon Country that tells 82 minutes of stories about the Faringdon area. The Writers Forum have featured the audiobook in the September issue of the magazine. The audiobook is also available through the Faringdon library; it is also on sale at the top of the Folly Tower on the 1st Sunday of the month(April to October) Cleve Gibson, local writer

Pump House- Extraordinary Council Meeting 31/7/03 This meeting was to put before the Council the preferred option of the Pump House Working Group. De Facto had put forward 4 options A Repair and handback B Residential C Residential and meeting rooms, demolish theatre D As C, plus theatre Amazingly, the working group had made up a new option which they were recommending. (This is option C, but instead of demolishing the theatre, it is mothballed for up to 5 years, in case money can be found to do it) So this uncosted, undocumented option was agreed by all but 2 of the 9 councillors present, even though the need for more meeting rooms in the town has not been proven. It was my understanding from earlier meetings that if this was the outcome of the DeFacto investigation, FTC would listen and act accordingly. The problem seemed to be that a decision was essential that day, in order that preparations/conversations with Lord Faringdon's solicitors can be started in readiness to go to court on 15th August. I wonder why FTC agreed that De Facto provide the report by end of July - they have known since April that a court hearing would happen in August? These deadlines meant that the working party was presented with a 46 page report and at the same meeting had to digest it and come to a decision. Still I don't expect more time would have made a difference - it is clear from FTC's recent newsletter that they had already made the decisionto retain the building. Councillor Don Moorhouse said that while he felt that the council would like to hand back the building to Lord Faringdon they are unable to do this because the costs of repairs(estimated at £149k ex vat by De Facto) could increase to £300k or £400k if Lord Faringdon insisted on this (that this could happen has been suggested by FTCs solicitor). An additional problem is that FTC have been advised that the loan they took out to repair the building can only be used to turn the building into a community facility. It cannot be used to repair and hand back. Another instance of FTC actually deciding to keep this building no matter what - otherwise the loan requirement would have been specified in a more flexible way. Who knows whether this is the complete situation/only option. At no time at the full council meeting was the subject of ongoing costs and income discussed. The costs under discussion were wholly about the upfront/one off costs. The full report indicates that for option C the negative running costs are £21.7k but this excludes interest on the loan and I feel realistic maintenance costs. So to summarise FTC have agreed to retain the Pump House, initially refurbish the front rooms, turn 2 floors into residential accommodation (if Lord Faringdon agrees - and presumably VWHDC agree to change of use), mothball the theatre, all at a cost of somewhere between £700k and £800k. It appears to be FTCs view that the De Facto's cost estimates are worst case- I hope so - but the building projects I have been involved with always go over estimates! FTC have yet to persuade Lord Faringdon's solicitors that they will do it, properly and within agreed timescales. De Facto have as good as said that there are no significant grants available to fund the work. I have since heard that there may be a possibility of getting about 10%. We were told originally that their fees would be paid on a percentage of grant monies they achieved - this is not wholly so - they are being paid £2.5k per month min. FTC appear to have no intention of consulting with residents of Faringdon - who will be paying for all this. The net annual impact for (the original) option C is minus £21.7k per annum- but this relies on £13k income from rent of the flats, and includes only £3k pa maintenance and £3.5 pa centre management( £300 month = 2 days per month? - surely not!!). Insurance, light, heat is estimated at £2.5 k pa - not clear if this includes rates. Estimated annual income from letting meeting rooms is £7k based on £10 per letting. Feels to me that the minus £21k could become minus £80k without too much difficulty(interest on capital of £820 @ 5% is £41k, £3k pa maintenance must be inadequate- just think about the cost of external painting!) With around 2500 households in Faringdon, and based on the above, my conservative estimate is that the cost to residents will range from £8 to £32 per household for the next 32 years( remaining lease). FTC employs 2 part time office workers and a parks superintendent. Is this an organisation of sufficient size to properly manage this building? All councillors are volunteers and could change every 4 years. In my view most of the existing councillors are likely to stand down over the next 5-15 years. More than £90k has already been spent on the the Pump House - this I believe, includes legal fees, consultancy fees and the asbestos removal Gene Webb August 2003

Pump House Comment- 29/7/03 The recent Press Release by De Facto effectively skirts the important issues, as perhaps might be expected by an organisation selected (carefully) by the Town Council so as to be far away from the town as possible, and obviously completely ignorant of the goings on in Faringdon over the past ten or so years. So far away in fact that they appear to be completely ignorant of the fact that the Pump House lacks even a rudimentary car parking facility - an essential to any present-day public facility whether social, commercial or administrative. Without such a facility the idea of the Pump House becoming a public facility is dead in the water. Furthermore if only 71% of the groups consulted said they 'might' use the new facility I assume that means that 29% said that they wouldn't use the facility. Of the 71% who might use it I suppose that some of that group would require performance or rehearsal space which at an additional cost of £500,000 makes the existing bill of nearly £300,000 pale into insignificance. In Consolation Prize Councillor Illots style of bookeeping this would mean an extra 4 or 5 bottles of beer in addition to the 3 or so he reckons we will have to fork out every year for the next 20 - 25 years. We can assume that such funding is unlikely to materialise and that the aforementioned 71% who might use the centre will be appropriately reduced. All in all there seems to be very little enthusiasm in Faringdon for the resurrection of the Community Centre. Perhaps this is just as well. Faringdonians seem to have very little interest in Council inspired projects or indeed in the Town Council itself. In the recent local elections the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties couldn't even be bothered to put up candidates to fight the election, with the result that there were insufficient candidates to warrant an election and those candidates who had stood were all returned unopposed. Put more bluntly this means that Faringdon has no elected representatives and the present Councillors have no electoral mandate to do anything. To add insult to injury three Labour candidates who stood for the District Council elections were thoroughly defeated but still had the gall to claim seats ( presumably as some sort of consolation prize) on the Faringdon Town Council. This is not a new development, the same problem arose in the previous election and at a guess the town has not had any elected representatives for eight or more years. While this might not be a matter of any importance if the Town Council's responsibilities were limited to managing the emptying of the dog pooh bins it was probably during the last ten or so years that the gross mismanagement of the Community Centre/Pump House came to a head. There is no point in raking over the whole sorry story but it is worth recalling that Trustees, presumably appointed by the Council, appear to have resigned before there was any mismanagement - although there seems to be no trace of their resignation letters. Naturally the Management Committee, who I understand would have reported to the Trustees, had nobody to report to, and sadly the Town Council appears not to have noticed this. To add to the misery the bar manager went missing and is now living, so I understand, in Spain, presumably on the Costa de los Escondidos, and at about the same time a largish sum of maney also went missing. Somebody also sub-let part of the building as a residential flat, but so far I have been unable to find out what tenancy agreement ( if any) there was, how much rent was paid, and whom it was paid to - I dont even know if the sub-letting was allowed within the terms of the lease. I was told by a Councillor that all this would have been the responsibility of the Management Committee but they appear to have had nobody to report so their actions could not be monitored. In the midst of all this the roof was leaking and the water that leaked in, apart from doing the normal sort of damage to the decorative state of the building, also got at the asbestos used earlier in the building, creating a major health hazard that has been very expensive to remedy. As I have said there is no point in raking over the whole sorry story but I have tried to put in a nutshell the problems of the building which look as if they are going to cost the Council Tax payers of Faringdon something of the order of £300,000. All of this happened under the noses of the Town Councillors, many of whom have recently been returned unopposed. It is difficult to believe that in a small town such as Faringdon they were unaware of what was going on. However, despite having no electoral mandate, and despite appearing to be guilty of gross mismanagement they now seem to want to continue the lease on this white elephant of a building for a further 20/25 years. We can only hope that the Trustees of the Faringdon Collection Trust will give very serious consideration to the suitability or otherwise of the Faringdon Town Council as a lessee. Norman Snelling.

Pump House - comment - 27/7/03 3/4 years ago when FTC decided to keep the Pump House, this was on the basis that the necessary repair costs would be £70k and by keeping it there would be grant funding to turn the building into a place with flexible community space. Both these points have changed - the repair cost is now £250k and from your press release there is unliklihood of grant funding. FTC also believed that there was a real need for the possible facilities. From the Press release it is apparent that a substantial need for meeting room accommodation has not been identified- existing groups already have meeting places. It is imperative that FTC review the situation in the light of current knowledge and not simply carry on because of a decision made 3/4 years ago. This might be difficult for them as it could involve an element or impression of 'we were wrong' - but as we all know, decisions are made in the light of current knowledge - as information changes then decisions should be reviewed. Performance space is desireable. I'm sure the Drama group would want this. It seems unlikely to me that that refurbishing of the existing theatre (Poss £500k) together with other repair and maintenance costs could be supported, even if there was someone employed who could energetically find other hirers for the space. Alternatives are needed- maybe -flexible foldaway seating/stage in the Corn Exchange. Dorking Halls have this so the room can be used for cinema, theatre and dancing/social occasions etc. VWHDC would need to be involved as owners of the building - upgrade an existing school hall/stage- a bit tricky as it involves Oxon County and access issues -campaign to add a theatre to the leisure centre- VWHDC cooperation needed. In the past FTC have given assurances that they will involve the town in making the final decision. It seems to me that they and residents will not be able to do this until the facts from your investigations are made known ie initial and running costs, and income projections for each option- for at least 5 years where appropriate. Options Repair and hand back, Repair and keep all of it for use, including the theatre, Repair and keep in use, excluding the theatre, Repair and keep, but with just a few rooms suitable for use Residents have not been given information about the landlords views of the situation - I suspect, understandably, his concern will be about the state of the building. Maybe there is a possibility of negotiating a payment to cover repairs and terminating the lease. The landlord can then carry out the repairs. Arguing with the landlord will just cost more money in legal fees Gene Webb.

Pump House - comment - 26/7/03 Just some comments/observations- random order!! There is much concern that the Pump House will continue to be a drain on local resources. It has been empty for at least 3 years, maybe longer. We were assured 2 years ago that it had been made weather proof. Evidently this was not the case. The original money FTC estimated (or told us about) was £70k- more than this has already been spent on non fundamental repairs, legal fees and I expect your fees. We can't afford this. The building is very unsuitable - for the aged and disabled, for small children (except I suppose at significant costs for lifts and ramps), and has no parking. The theatre is probably attractive to the Drama Group - but for 3/4 productions a year cannot, I feel be sustainable. I would prefer to see money spent on enhancement of an existing facility - say at one of the schools, so wider / more use will be made of it. The Corn Exchange does not cover its costs - and thats with VWHDC paying for repairs. Do Community facilities such as this ever?? Many District Councils have outsourced the running of community/leisure facilities!! Faringdon TC have a very poor track record for managing venues (or anything!!). They were part of the original Trustees for the old Community Centre - and look what happened!! All are volunteers, so who would manage a venue manager - there is no one there to do it!! There will be more facilities available for hire soon - new Bowling Club(this year), Tennis Club (year or 2 away I guess), United Church(when not known) At no time have we been shown real information about the income and expenditure projections. What was called a business plan is not. We need realistic projections of income and expenditure for say 5 years, plus some sort of extension into the future and be able to compare this with repair/hand back costs. Some people believe, that as the lease expires in about 20 years time, we will simply be funding refurbishment on behalf of the landlord- or I guess have prohibitive rent set. We have been so long without such a facility, that groups have made other arrangements I think we should bite the bullet, get the building repaired - to the conditions only of the lease - and hand it back. I understand you will be reporting to FTC at the end of July. It is important that the townspeople has the opportunity to see all your findings BEFORE the Council makes a decision. Please let me know how and when this will happen. Gene Webb resident

Pump House - comment - 26/7/03 I was surprised to hear about the idea to knock down the theatre at the back of the pump house. Surely we need to increase facilities in Faringdon not demolish those we have and the theatre is potentially a marvellous facility for many users. As to the cost apart from the fact that £500,000 seems extraordinarily high, although the place has been left to moulder for six years, can we not look at the facilities which many other towns and villages seem to have, such as Lechlade Memorial Hall, which cost the local rate payers not a penny! I will certainly be attending the Council meeting on Thursday 31st July at 7.15pm to express my views and hope you can ensure as many people as possible are aware of the meeting to enable them to do the same. Carolyn Taylor

Pump House - comment - 23/7/03 As you are probably aware, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the Pump House here in Faringdon. The Town Council did not oversee properly the running of the facilities and have been slow in taking responsibility back. Therefore, the Town Council have allowed this nice example of a Georgian building to deteriorate. It is now probably beyond the means of the Council to repair and refurbish the building. This is very sad as the building could have been a real asset here in Faringdon, especially since there are no purpose-built meeting rooms/theatre/ social club/youth club in town. It is in a very good location in the town centre, near parking and the main bus stop, also restaurants and pubs. It could be a very useful and vibrant centre for the town providing the Council was not the managing authority I would like to see it refurbished and I feel the funding could be found if a properly constituted Managing Committee drew up a viable business plan. Obviously, the Management Committee would need to include Lord Faringdon (or his representative), local groups and businesses and preferably only one Councillor. I believe the loss of the Pump House would, literally and figuratively, create a large dead space in Faringdon. It would also be a black mark against the town when further funding for our historic buildings was required. Debra L Keasal

Pump House - comment - 23/7/03 I would like to respond to some of your findings which were recently passed on to me: 60% want meeting rooms with decent kitchen facilities - the Corn Exchange is perfectly adequate on both scores but these could be included as a part of the theatre restoration, as well as bar facilities. 50% groups use churches, Corn Exchange, Old Town hall, leisure centre, Bowling Club, Friends meeting house - yes, because the theatre was so badly run by the previous management and has been shut for years. None of these alternative venues are suitable for putting on performances. Some want to see a youth 'hub' in the building - this could be included as part of the theatre as in the past, if seating is removable, or as you say, there are plenty of existing facilities that could equally well be used for this purpose. The theatre could be demolished and outdoor play/community space created - the park area near the town library already attracts enough drinking, litter and general yobbish behaviour so close to the centre of town. There are sufficient of such areas already in the town and being a rural town there are many areas outside that could be used or developed. The theatre could cost £500k to bring it up to today's standards - money attracted by theatrical events of various kinds will give a significantly better return than the other uses mentioned and will attract people into the town. Money should also be obtained from the state lottery funds for such a worthwhile community project. Ian Lee (Webmaster) Faringdon Dramatic Society website: www.faringdondramatic.org.uk email: ian@idlee.co.uk

Pump House - comment/letter to De Facto - 17/7/03 Dear Clare, I have just read about the ideas for the pump house, and I must admit that the idea of knocking down the theatre shocked me. In the report it states that other venues are used for shows and the like, and that of course is true, simply because the theatre is no longer in use. The stands in the corn exchange can hardly be called a stage, and all the other venues we have had to use since the demise of the community centre ( brought on by a few, at a cost to many) to put shows on, are all woefully inadequate. That theatre could be an asset to the whole of Faringdon, not just the usual pushchair/ old dears brigade who seem to be the only benefactors in Faringdon. All manner of shows could be put on there( travelling groups and our own local talent) I personally went quite a lot to Wantage civic hall to see some of the copy-cat groups which are popular at the moment. Every show was sold out, the shows were good, the theatre clean, smart, and comfortable. This could be how the theatre in Faringdon could be. Another remark was that groups MIGHT use it, this is said, I believe, because no-one believes, or trusts anything that they are told by the so called "powers that be" in Faringdon anymore. We all know what, and how, and who destroyed the community centre, and unfortunately now we assume if it can go wrong, it will go wrong as the same people will no doubt be involved again. If the plans go ahead for a garden, can I suggest it be a garden of remembrance, to let the people of Faringdon remember the day, once again, we all got shafted, and lost what any other community would give their high teeth for. Yours faithfully, Jim Horton.

Traffic Calming, Coxwell Road and Street- 2/7/03 I have just heard that there is a proposal from the County Engineer to put speed cushions at 100 metre intervals in Coxwell Road and Coxwell St. These are the type that can be straddled by Ambulance, Fire Engines and the like, so that their speeds are not affected. I'm told that residents will be consulted - but the form of this consultation is not known. Gene Webb

Faringdon Pump House -Decision Time- Speak out or lose it - 2/7/03 This is a precis of a press Release from DeFacto, the company FTC have employed to investigate the options for the Pump House The future of the Pump House as a Community facility will be decided at the end of July. Faringdon Town Council are seeking your views. Findings Of 60 groups consulted (numbers responsing not known) - 60% want meeting rooms with decent kitchen facilities - a number want rehearsal or performance space - some want to see a youth 'hub' in the building (reservations expressesd as to whether this is an ideal location) - 71% said they MIGHT use the facility - Faringdon appears to be reasonably well served - 70% consider that suitable facilities already exist - 30% consider existing facilities are not entirely suitable - 50% groups use churches, Corn Exchange, Old Town hall, leisure centre, Bowling Club, Friends meeting house - cost of bringing Pump House back into use is high - theatre could cost £500k to bring it up to todays standards - theatre could be demolished and outdoor play/community space created Time is of the essence- without intervention this Listed Building (owned by Lord Faringdon) will continue to deteriorate If you have views please let them be known. Email clare.evans@defacto-uk.com Full press release from the Home Page

Pubs in Faringdon - Have your say - 2/7/03 Make the most of a chance to have your say, and enter a draw for £50 worth of Champagne (or other drink of your choice). Market research is currently being undertaken to gather the community's views regarding the present facilities offered by the licensed establishments in Faringdon. Please email MartinPhillips2@aol.com (a Faringdon resident) for a questionnaire. Over 18s only. Confidentiality is assured - your details will not be passed to others.

Local Plan Consultation - 2/7/03 Faringdon Council have organised a company to conduct a telephone survey to gather the views of local people on the Local Plan - ie the need for more employment and housing land. About 500 people will be contacted (no idea how these will be chosen) during July, at a cost of £3145 Gene Webb

More Houses, Coxwell Pit Site - 27/6/03 Builder Ede has applied for permission to build 33 more houses Can Fernham Road cope with this?? Gene Webb

Faringdon Broadband - 10/6/03 Faringdon exchange should be upgraded for BT broadband - ADSL by August 20th, 2003. This is great news for Faringdon, as BT's model foresaw that we would not receive broadband until October - so great that it has been bought forward !! This has been down to all those who registered and assisted in campaigning to finally bring 21st century commmunications to Faringdon. A big thank you to everyone and a large pat on the back to all!! BT have passed on that they are offering some deals at the moment if you sign up with them (on-line is even better) by the end of June. The choice is yours, but you may wish to speak with your own ISP first Sarah Allen-Stevens

Swan Lane Development - 13/6/03 Planning permission for a development of sheltered accommodation and low cost housing has been refused. This land is currently designated as light industrial Gene Webb

The Pump House - 13/6/03 DeFacto, the company that the Town Council have engaged to assess the use and viability of the Pump House, will report their findings to the Council at the end of July. I assume it will include an analysis of potential use and income, ideas/plans for refurbishment, with estimated costs and potential grant funding. Gene Webb

Market Square Improvements - Latest News - 13/6/03 All the money has been found (£350k), most available in 2003/04, but some in 2004/05. The Vale's current plan to is let the tenders after 18/6/03(when permission to do this will be sought), with a view to starting the work in January 2004 Gene Webb

Madd May Fest May bank Holiday 2004- 14 June 2003 We are planning to hold a carnival event as part of the festival,and would like groups to enter into the spirit of the day by participating eg. floats, costumes, dancers, musicians, join in and make it a colourfull event. There is no theme but the festival is over the May day bank holiday. If you can help please contact the organizers, Sam or Hilary on 01367-243-806 or email mail@nprince.fslife.co.uk Many thanks, Sam.

18 Coxwell Road Development - 10/6/03 On Monday the 9th of June, at a time when many people were waiting to see the latest re-run of The Darling Buds of May, The Vale of White Horse Development Control Committee (better known as the Planning Department) refused, by an almost unanimous vote, to pass the outline plan for development of the land behind the old Health Centre site. Almost 300 Faringdon Residents signed a protest petition and a significant number made their views clear in other ways. During this protest campaign it became clear that the majority of those signing believed that the final outcome had already been decided and the Old Boy Network would prevail against the feeling of the Faringdonians. I have to admit I was one of these and I am happy to admit I was wrong. Every participant in this effort deserves thanks and it would not be fair to name individuals but, Judy H. Alison T. or Martin D. you are welcome to a cup of coffee at my place anytime...as long as my offer is not misconstrued as a bribe. The problem of illegal carparking and speeding in Coxwell Road remains but we are now assured that it will not be exacerbated in the near future. Harry G Mitchell

PC in the Tourist Office- 31/5/03 I learnt today that the Tourist Information Office now has a PC- good news!! It will be even better when it is replaced by the correct hardware and connected up- it seems it was delivered on 31st March (possibly to beat the financial year deadline??), and there it has sat for 8 weeks TI Staff have been trained, but are waiting for 'someone' - VWHDC?? English Tourist Board?? to sort it out and get it working.

TV reception problems - 15/5/03 The complaint about the Tetra masts at Faringdon and Berinsfield have filtered back to the Head of Engineering at Carlton TV. It seems that there might be a case if the viewer is experiencing reception difficulties and is not using any form of amplifier (just an aerial and a downlead). If they are using an amplifier the case will not stand for very good technical reasons. If you know of anybody who has such a setup and is still suffering interference can you drop me a line . Thanks Gary Bates gary.bates@carltontv.co.uk News Operations Abingdon Central News 9 Windrush Court Abingdon OX14 1SA

Quality Parish Status- 15/5/03 Faringdon Town Council have agreed to apply for Quality Parish Status by 4/2004. This involves taking on responsibilities, currently undertaken by the County and the District, and with their agreement and partnership. It would mean that FTC had responsibilities similar to those of the old Rural District Council (pre 1974) Gene Webb

Councillor Thomson - 14/5/03 At the Faringdon Town Council meeting 14/5, Cllr Thompson said that her objectives for the next 4 years are Street Cleanliness and Development of the Folly Park Gene Webb

Skate Park - 14/5/03 Faringdon Town Council, Recreation and Open spaces 23/4/03 minutes state that ............report from Tribe indicated that although none of the sites were wholly suitable, none were ruled out. Members felt that the land behind Willes Close had most potential, although it was acknowledged that more work would need to be carried out prior to installation. Cllr Mrs England was asked to pursue the possibility of an indoor facility on privately owned land in Faringdon.(does anyone know anything about this??) Actions agreed: 1 Contact VWHDC for their views on siting the facility at Marlborough Gdns 2 Arrange a site meeting with Environmental Health officers to discuss the above site and land adjacent to Willes Close 3 Commission Tribe enterprises to design a facility suitable for either location, on a pad of sufficient size to allow future additions and from quieter materials. I'm puzzled - having see the whole Tribe report I fail to see how this conclusion has been reached. I thought Tucker Park looked best!! Gene Webb

Pump House/Community Centre - 14/5/03 The first Full Town Council Meeting of this term met 14/5/03. In minutes that they approved it was stated: £16k of emergency repairs, to make the building waterproof, are being carried out now. Completion is due 23/5/03 . Another program of work is out to tender, with a view to work starting in July The Corn Exchange Committee will be considering the employment of a facilities manager as it is intended that the front of the building (ie the original building) is open very soon. It was not made clear how many floors of the building will be open. Below are taken from the Clerks Report Monies to be paid out in period to 8/5 Andrew Townsend architect £5200 H&E Heating engineers £1525 Defacto Project Management monthly fee £2350 (I thought they were benig paid on results only!!) Bills that require payment in the normal way ( I've no idea how this is different from above!!) Darby's solicitors £5175 DPDS Consulting Group £1528 (think this may be to do with local plan) The Landlord's solicitor (Faringdon Collection Trust) will meet Faringdon Town Council's solicitor in Court in July. The landlords solicitor is insisting that a consent agreement - a detailed list of work needed to fulfill the terms of the lease, is produced. FTC don't think this is necessary but can do nothing about it. FTC are liable for any costs associated with this - presumably because they have not kept to the terms of the lease. More money down a black hole Gene Webb

Skate Park - results of site assessment- 07/05/03 The report produced by Tribe, dated February 19th 2003, is now available to the public. I have summarised the recommendations in Skate Park Assessment or if you prefer you can see the full report from Town Council Office. Doesn't look to me as if any of the 3 locations is ideal - the common problem being one of proximity to housing - but maybe it would be acceptable at the furthest point from the housing. Gene Webb

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