Faringdon News & Views

faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	january 2009

A heartfelt thank you - 31/1/09 ......... to everyone who turned up yesterday to the public consultation and showed their support for Wicklesham Quarry. Quite a few people had stuck yellow Post-it notes supporting the site as a new industrial business park and to safeguard Faringdon's jobs. Let's hope the planners now understand the depth and breadth of the local support behind this proposal so that they include it the next draft of the LDF. The feedback I've received from them so far is that we have every reason to believe they will, provided we continue to put forward a good case. For anyone who didn't manage to make it yesterday, you can still submit your views on the LDF - this is a formal consultation procedure and every view submitted counts, so don't let Faringdon's case for more local jobs go unheard. For more information, go to http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Planning/LDF_preferred_options_consultation/ and to submit your view, email planning.policy@whitehorsedc.gov.uk. Thanks again for all your support. Yours Tom Allen-Stevens
The Faringdon Soapbox - 31/1/09 .....is a great idea, good fun. I shall certainly be watching the videos Bear in mind that the views expressed will not however be representative of 'the town', but only of those - self selected - people who a) enjoy expressing their views in public. b) want to see themselves on U-Tube/in the paper c) happen to be there at the right time d) have strong personal feelings on, or a vested interest in,[whatever] etc. That said, I eagerly await the Faringdon 2009 version of 'Speakers' Corner' name supplied
Re Hush festival - 31/1/09 i too paid for a couple of tickets, and last year we were told that we could have our money back, or we could wait for this years festival, which would cost more per ticket....but we could get the tickets for last years price. It would be nice however to hear something about this years festival. Steve Leech
Coming soon to Faringdon - 31/1/09 Two people, two cameras (video and still), one topic of the day and YOUR VIEWS. The Faringdon Soap Box will be making its first appearance on the streets of Faringdon on Saturday 14 February at 11am for an hour under the Old Town Hall. We want people's views on a question we'll pose on the day - it could be on the future of the Corn Exchange, Community Theatre, Tescos, the possible demolition of the Lees, mucky streets, traffic problems....you get the idea. You'll get up to 30 seconds to say your piece. Look out for us, we'll be looking out for you. Clips will be posted on our Youtube page. http://www.youtube.com/FaringdonSoapBox Citizens Gildert and Cane
White vans obstruction- Marlborough Gardens - 31/1/09 Many people post comments concerning parking/double parking in the town. Places such like Goodlake Avenue, London Street and Coxwell Street amongst others. Am I the only person who feels that the BIG white vans parked on the corner of Marlborough Gardens (by the phone box) are a danger and an utter nuisance? On many occasions, I have nearly had a head on collision while negotiating that bend. Alot of the time, approaching and taking on that bend is guess work and a total gamble. At night, the only way to tell if there is a car coming the other way is to look for a reflection in the glass of the phone box!!! Do the council, or local bodies ie police ever notice this and ''IF'' they do, why hasnt this issue been addressed??? Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Name Supplied
The Hush Festival.- 30/1/09 I'm confused I thought the proposed Hush festival was supposed to happen 2008 but ran into difficulties. As I understand the organizers promised to pay back all people who bought tickets. But this was all last year. Why has someone suddenly come out of the mists of time? Sam Prince
VWHDC plans(ideas?) for Faringdon to 2026 - 14/1/09 VWHDC are required to produce a Local Development framework(replaces Local plan)- it shows where it believes 11,560 new homes, sites for employment, shopping and leisure facilities should be developed in the Vale up to 2026. Our views on the plans for Faringdon are needed: 30th January, Exhibition Corn Exchange 3pm - 7pm, Discussion 7pm - 9pm Comments may also be submitted by email to planning.policy@whitehorsedc.gov.uk or by post to Development Policy, Abbey House, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3JE The Chamber of Commerce and Faringdon Town Council will be making their views known, but it is important that individuals do too Basically it's suggesting that the land off Park Road(on right as you're leaving the town) should accommodate 420 houses and the area around Budgens store and Southampton Street car park could be redeveloped to provide more shopping floorspace and better car parking (hope that means more!) No land has been earmarked for industrial /business development. See Do we want a dormitory town?below - 23/1/09 You can find the full document onhttp://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Images/Complete%20document_tcm4-4713.pdf (pdf pages 62 - 64, section 5.12- 5.14, doc pages 55,58,59 and Appendix 6 (pdf pages 117 - 121, doc pages 112-116) are about Faringdon)
The Lees?!- 28/1/09 as a resident of the lees i would be very happy to see the houses demolished, they are old and falling apart. they could rebuild or reallocate us somewhere else in faringdon. i am not alone in this at least half of the people who live here would agree.. at least then maybe we would also save on heating as most of the warmth is lost through dodgy windows and doors. i hope there is some truth in this and not just another silly rumour Name Supplied
Does anyone have any info on the Hush festival? - 28/1/09 Despite them still having a wad of my cash, I can't get a response from the organisers. I know it's call the Hush festival, but they are being a little too quiet.......I'm sure others are in the same situation?? Name Supplied
Can anyone offer a home to Ricky - an 8 year old, pedigree black labrador. - 28/1/09 He belongs to my dad who is now away quite a lot working and thinks its not fair on Ricky. Ricky has been "done" has a pedigree as long as your arm, is house-trained, doesn't go on furniture or upstairs and needs a decent walk and one shorter one every day. he doesn't have any health issues common to labradors such as hip dysplacia etc. He'd be ideal with children and is used to being pulled about and poked by very young grandchildren. Before you ask, I have a new baby, two dogs, a cat and 3 chickens of my own which is why I can't take him in. We're all a bit upset about having to rehome him but think its for the best. He will come with bed, various squeaky toys, bowls and leads. He is fully vaccinated and micro chipped and we'd get the chip transferred into his new owner's name. If you are interested and would like to meet Ricky, please can you email me at garthpool@btinternet.com Many thanks Mel
Housing development - Planning gain for Faringdon - 28/1/09 FTC have been negotiating with VWHDC the planning gain (106) for Faringdon as a result of the additional housing. This has been going on for (guess) at least a couple of years, but it is now coming to an end. The full list of monies and where they will be spent is attached.(word 37kb) Those that are directly in the control of FTC are: · Parking survey ----£20,000 · Pump Rooms -----£80,000 · Corn Exchange--- £80,000 · Community bus --£30,000 Total 210,000 Other amounts are in the control of either Oxfordshire County or VWHDC. They include education, folly park extension, replacement cricket pitch and pavilion, rugby pitch, skate park. I'm told by Alan Hickmore (who kindly provided this information) that the only outstanding negotiation point is the timing of the payments and that it is important to know that the sums have to be used within the local area, not to improve facilities, but to maintain them at present standards despite the pressures from increased population. Gene Webb
Demolition of the Lees?! - 27/1/09 The best thing that could ever happen in Faringdon in my opinion (I'm sure that won't be shared by those that live there though?!) What a great car park we could have then and I'm sure the residents would be far better off in new housing too? Aren't some of them privately owned though?! Name Supplied
Demolition of the Lees - fact or fiction????? - 27/109 The Chamber of Commerce's response to Faringdon Town Council's comment on the Local Development Framework includes: It is known generally speaking the Chamber do not consider the presence of a Tesco store in Faringdon to be a good thing. We do see the benefit of developing the Budgens car park and the area beyond. Indeed, further investigation has established that the occupants of the Lees have received notice that the premises are likely to be demolished and the area redeveloped. It would make sense to us to see housing relocated in accordance with the Local Development Framework leaving the area currently occupied by the Lees available for commercial development.' Name Supplied
In response to Techie's post - 27/1/09 I would suggest many internet users have dynamic IP addresses, not static ones. For non "techies" this means every time you log off and back onto the internet you will be assigned a potentially different IP address by your ISP (internet service provider) & therefore logging them in a poll would be pointless! I would also suggest that "usually" cookies are used to log 'voters' on a website's poll and by simply deleting the cookie someone can vote multiple times. IMO the above issue is meaningless anyway... someone could vote from their mobile, home computer, work computer, laptop, internet café, friend's computers, old computer in the basement. it's not difficult to make your IP/ computer appear as if you are in Canada etc etc. The point is if someone wants to sway the result it would be all too easy! & with such a small population of votes someone voting 10-20 times will statistically "throw" the result by a large margin. I think this is why Focus on Faringdon (not the chamber of commerce- whose members views/ interests and opinions have nothing to do with the poll- Alan?- As far as I'm aware the chamber of commerce have already expressed their views) have posted what is obviously a 'fun' poll on their site to 'roughly' gauge the views of the people of Faringdon and to get people talking about Tesco's potential arrival. it appears to have done the job! Unfortunately it must have become apparent to Focus on Faringdon the poll was being abused and had to be taken down. Name Supplied
The Corn Exchange - 27/1/09 An interesting dilemma for the council and without the benefit of all the facts and figures a difficult one comment on. Whichever route they take someone will accuse the council of "getting it wrong". I like Gene's idea of a debate lead by two councillors with opposing opinions. This would enable those without the facts and figures to better understand the benefits and the liabilities that ownership will inevitably present. Either way, I wish Steve Leniec and his team good luck. I agree that the town needs the Corn Exchange as a venue. The question is only how best to achieve this goal without incurring huge costs. The performance venue that Focus on Faringdon is promoting will not really conflict with the Corn Exchange. It is proposed that the new venue will have a substantial capacity: in the Vale we do not have an indoor venue that can adequately accommodate just 300 people. Focus on Faringdon would like to change that! Nick Elwell
26th January, Faringdon Town Council Precept meeting, 7.30pm Corn Exchange Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Have you say on the proposals FTC have for spending our local tax
First responders have a new vehicle - 25/1/09 The 41 club(Ex Round Table) have donated enough money for our First Responders to have their own vehicle (these volunteers have been using their own cars, at their own expense). FTC provided funds for the van to be equipped. Look out for it - the ambulance/paramedic livery with an orange light on top. Apparently Faringdon is the first town in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (our ambulance area is SCAS) to have raised money locally for a designated vehicle The First responders provide an excellent service, usually being the first to arrive for a category A medical emergency. Gene Webb
SSSI?? - 25/1/09 Had to Google SSSI from previous post about Wicklesham Quarry. For any one else who is puzzled - it stands for "Site of Special Scientific Interest". Jill Dean Ed(GW) Thanks Jill- I should have noticed this. For those interested in SSSI have a look at http://www.faringdon.org/hygeologyindex.htm
Wicklesham Industrial Park - 25/1/09 People who have lived here for a long time will remember that Park Road used to be a dead end, so the Industrial estate was well hidden- no one saw it unless they went there for a specific purpose. Now as the main road into town, it is seen by everyone and it is not the prettiest of sights. With the current and possible plans for more housing, it will be surrounded by housing. Doesn't it make sense for there to be a new Industrial Park across the road at Wicklesham? This would provide space for new business and somewhere for existing businesses to move to if they wanted to expand. As the current industry moved there would be more space for housing- OK that would take a long time, but that is what strategies take into account. There is already one tranch of land between the Park Road industrial estate, Volunteer Way and the Berners Estate, designated for industry, that has been languishing for many years - presumably the owner was just waiting for a change of use to housing. - I understand this is now recommended as part of the Local Development Framework. The land owners along Park Road will eventually hang onto their land for housing too. It was inevitable that when the bypass was built that the land the Faringdon side of the road would be developed. Given the current developments, it is almost by default housing land. But we do need enough business to provide work for local people. So lets think ahead and prepare the way by encouraging the VWHDC planners to include Wicklesham quarry in the development plan. I understand too there would be another gain for Faringdon - a SSSI on the edge of the quarry and currently inaccessible. This would become another amenity for towns people and would encourage visitors. Name Supplied
RE: Town Centre Development - 25/1/09 Please vote this person to be head of development!. Obviously Budgens is too expensive for the council to buy at the moment, but after Tescos, who knows. In a free market this is a good solution. Then convert Pump house into good quality private flats, the rear into a public car park. Move all the council into 'Budgens Public Venue' and existing council offices into rented office space. - (then convert the Market Place back to the way it was)- Name Supplied
Nominations for Oxfordshire LINk, hosted by the charity Help and Care. - 23/1/09 Oxfordshire Link are holding an election for a Stewardship Group whom will support the voice of the people in the community in regards to health and social care. On the website you will find various information sheets and papers, together with a nomination form. Any nominations for the Stewardship Group, should be returned via email or post to reach us by noon on Friday 30th January. www.makesachange.org.uk. kelly.rowland@helpandcare.org.uk
Ref: Bus hitting a blue Suzuki jeep in the Town Centre, December 17th 2008 - 23/1/09 As I was in a position to take clear photos of the event (ref. January's Folly), I have had contact with the gentleman who was driving the Suzuki. Apparently the bus company are trying to say it was his (not the bus driver's) fault, and so the gentleman is trying to find witnesses to support him. Unfortunately I didn't see the actual accident, but was able to take photos for him shortly afterwards. If you witnessed the actual accident (or know someone who did) and are able to help, please contact me via email, so that I can pass on your details. davidfarquhar@gmail.com
Re: What a mess - Pitts Estate - 23/1/09 Parking down Goodlake Avenue, everyone parks down one side of the street but there is always one idiot that decides to park on the other side opposite someones driveway. There's minimal gap to get your car through. The same goes with the corner on the enterance to Pye Street. There are times where you got to crawl round there because of where people park. Just think if a fire engine or ambulance had to get round. No chance. Some people just dont think! Name Supplied
Pros and Cons re the Corn Exchange - 23/1/09 How about a proper debate at the meeting on 3rd about the Corn Exchange. One councillor could put the case for accepting it, and another the case against. We could then vote Gene Webb
Town Meeting to discuss the 09/10 precept - 23/1/09 MONDAY 26th JANUARY 2009 at 7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange, Faringdon AGENDA 1. Mayor's Opening Address 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Minutes of the Town Meeting held on 28th April 2008 4. Matters Arising 5. Town Council Budget and Precept for 2009/10. To receive presentations on the proposed budget for 2009/10 from Council Committee Chairmen and to receive suggestions from residents for additional projects to be considered. 6. Public Speaking Time and General Discussion
Do we want a dormitory town? - 23/1/09 The Vale of White Horse District Council has published its Preferred Options for where housing and employment land will be allocated up to 2026. The plan will result in: · An extra 420 homes - when included with the Bloor Homes development, Faringdon's population will swell by around 35% · A net loss of employment land, meaning more people will have to drive to work from Faringdon · No provision of land for Faringdon's industry - any firms, such as Red Lake group and Bray group, wishing to expand will have to move away from Faringdon, resulting in a loss of local jobs The plans go against the wishes of Faringdon Town Council, Faringdon Chamber of Commerce, Faringdon Area Project, Focus on Faringdon and Faringdon Association of Residents. All of these groups and organisations support the allocation of Wicklesham Quarry as a new industrial park for Faringdon. This would: · Provide enough employment land to secure jobs in the town and allow room for future growth · Be hidden from view, so Faringdon's townscape will remain unspoiled by industrial sheds · Have its own access off the A420, taking heavy lorries away from Park Road · Allow the redevelopment of Park Road without the loss of any businesses that needed to relocate · Be linked to the town with a new footbridge over the A420, providing a link for cyclists and walkers to the quarry and to the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside beyond So why has the VWHDC done this? · Because it wants to concentrate job creation in Milton Park and Harwell in the eastern fringe of the Vale · Because its review of business land needed in the Vale has not taken account of local requirements of Faringdon, the main settlement to the west of the Vale, in particular the town's need to preserve its industry · Because the Vale's vision of creating only hi-tech job growth has disregarded the fact that Faringdon's unique business make-up contains ancillary trades and businesses that feed Swindon's mighty industrial growth The result? · Faringdon slips further into dormitory town status · More businesses relocate to Swindon or beyond · The town's retail outlets suffer · Community spirit suffers as the commuter population swells Don't let it happen! The plan comes to Faringdon Corn Exchange for public consultation on Friday January 30. · If you value your job in Faringdon · If you value your right to live in an area uncluttered with heavy industry · If you would like to see Park Road, Faringdon's gateway, improve as the town's entrance · If you believe that Faringdon must grasp this golden opportunity to future-proof its industry, the life-blood of a community's prosperity Make your view heard by taking part in the consultation. Make sure the planners understand that Faringdon needs a good mix of both industrial land and office space Tom Allen-Stevens
Town Centre Development - 22/1/09 How about: abandon the Corn Exchange as a performance venue - it's past it's sell-by date. Welcome Tescos (or somebody) to provide the slightly out-of-town-centre (which isnt in the centre of the town anyway) modern, convenient, up to date retail park. Leave the historic town centre to develop as an enticing, quirky specialist and individual shopping area with cafes etc. Forget the Pump House 'theatre' - it was never well designed and doesn't belong to us anyway; and on the Budgens site, put a decent performance venue, theatre and music etc. with access on to the attached car park. Sorry Budgens, but when you (as Carters) expanded and niftily acquired planning for an access to the municipal car park, you destroyed the livelihoods of at least four grocery stores, a couple of butchers and sundry other retailers. No one mourns them now...that's change, and unless the human race ceases to go forth and multiply, and come to roost in Faringdon, It's inevitable. name supplied
Corn Exchange - VWHDCs offer - 22/1/09 The future of the Corn Exchange as a community building for the residents of Faringdon is soon to be finalised. After months of negotiation first for a new lease and more recently on a possible "gift" to the town we are now in a position to put the facts to a town meeting. This meeting is planned for the 3rd Feb and as Chair of FTC Finance committee I am preparing a paper on the likely cost of the building to the taxpayers of the town. Once the meeting is over I will post it here and on the town council website. The outline of the offer as posted by Gene is correct, however I do not recognise some of the figures she includes in her report. I appreciate that following the debate at committee without all of the relevant papers can lead to confusion and I would like to correct one or two of the more misleading ones. Running costs based on current levels of usage and including rates,gas,electricity etc £17270. Monies due from Bloor Homes agreement to improve the building £80,000. The building was sold to the Vale by the old Faringdon Rural District Council (disbanded when the Vale formed under local government reorganisation) and not the Town Council. It is also true to say that the monies paid for the building were handed back to the Vale to help finance it's refurbishment! On the issue of the possible performance venue somewhere out of town, we would all welcome this but, hand on heart, do you really believe it is achievable in a five year timescale in the current economic climate? and what will we do once the hall closes after April 2010 if we walk away? There is no plan b, the Vale have indicated their clear intention to dispose of the building by that date. I do not pretend that these are easy decisions and I intend to give an open and clear picture of the cost implications at the meeting and look forward to hearing the views of the people who ultimately pay, the council taxpayers of Faringdon. Steve Leniec
Corn Exchange - VWHDCs offer - 22/1/09 I went to FTCs Finance meeting last evening to hear about this. The deal is:- Conditional contract by 31/3/09 VWHDC will contribute £10k in 09/10 towards maintenance work on the building arising from the condition survey, and £2k towards 'fabric related maintenance' eg boilers Ests total £29k and include decoration, roof repairs, refurb of toilets, kitchen upgrade, floor repairs, general repairs, not sound proofing Running costs are estimated as £10.3k pa and include cleaning, insurance, maintenance, but exclude heating costs (e .£9k ) and rates(c £3k)- so the real total is £14k In 2010/11 VWHDC will fund a further £7k towards maintenance, and in 2011/12 £5k IF FTC sell the building before 2015/16, the proceeds will be split 50:50, if sold 2017/18 onwards, the split will move by 5% pa in favour of FTC, moving to 100% for FTC in 2026/27 FTC will be contracted to continue community use of the building until 2011/12 FTC discussion included: Possible letting of the offices (if FTC move to Pump Rooms, move cost e£10k)) Independant estimate for Toilet refurbishment £30k, to include disabled toilet (VWHDC figure is £8k) £8k expected from Bloor Homes (106 money) - no timescale given Estmated cost for replacement of 2 boilers £9k each( not in VWHDCs figures) Marketing of venues needed - no great success in letting Pump House Grants could be available, given the historic value of the Corn Exchange This will be discussed at a special Town Meeting on 3rd Feb, in Corn Exchange, 7.30pm No mention was made of the current market value of the building, or that FTC sold it to VWHDC for £35k in the mid 1970s. There was virtually no discussion on the impact for plans for the Pump House theatre and community room if the 'gift' is accepted There was no mention of the implications of the Focus on Faringdon plan to build a purpose built performance venue in the next 5 years My own view is that while it doesn't feel right for the Corn Exchange to be anything other than a hall for community us, I feel maybe it has outlasted its usefulness in a modern world. Maybe it would be better to put all energies(and resources) into a custom built performance venue- one that is sound proofed, larger and more versatile and has parking - and that would also mean no further ££ to be spent on the small theatre and community room beind the Pump rooms. Gene Webb
Chamber of Commerce.- 21/1/09 I suggest if Alan Hickmore has a problem (as it sounds he does) with anything the Chamber has done or is doing then he should be speaking directly with them, as at a very recent meeting he wanted to work with them! take your comments directly Alan and not through a public website!! Name Supplied
The government requires all entertainment venues to use sound limiters. Is this the final blow for all music requiring electricity. See www.maddfaringdon.co.uk Sam Prince
In Response TO Mr Allan Hickmore and the chamber of Commerce.- 20/1/09 If No organisation is interested representing the people of Faringdon in this debate then I would Like to On Saturday Afternoon i would like to set up a Video Booth in the Town Square (or The Corn Exchange or any other establishment as long as their willing to give me the space for free Please get in touch) where i would Urge the People of Faringdon to come and make their Views Clear on whether or not they want A Tesco in Faringdon. these results would not be flawed and a DVD made of the raw video and given to The Town Council District Council and the Chamber of commerce so they can see what people are saying. and for all those worried about their face being seen we can blot it out but i would urge you not to have your face blotted out as then this poll could be deemed as flawed. BE BRAVE AND MAKE A STAND Scott Gildert
Re; Chamber of Commerce Poll.- 19/1/09 I don't know how they determined that the poll was false BUT as a techie I have a clue as to how it usually works. The same theory works for phone polls and computers. Every computer has an IP (address) number. If you vote from that computer, every other vote from it is discounted as a false vote. The same with phone voting. Any vote from the same number will be ignored. and there may be several members in the same household with differing opinions. Soooh the first vote is counted as legitimate from Mum, then son logs in with a different opinion - his vote won't count as it's on the same computer/phone. They don't realise this and it applies to TV voting as well. Techie
Gym Equipment - 19/1/09 Why is it that Faringdon always gets second hand equipment. The equipment we have had since Soll took over leisure centre was from Wantage. Will we ever get new equipment straight from manufacturers. Dee England
The Chamber of Commerce "Poll" - 19/1/09 The attempt by the Chamber to "spin" the result of their "poll" is ridiculous. I understood the original note to say that they would accept the result - they haven't (and neither should they if they truly represent their members). This brings to the fore a more worrying aspect of the development of the Chamber's activities. It appears that, far from trying to represent the views of their members (as they rightly and clearly should), they are trying to put it about that they represent the views of the people of Faringdon. They are an organisation that represents the views of (some) businesses within the Town. That is what their members joined for. In recent times the Chamber seems to have subsumed the Faringdon Area Project, Faringdon Association of Residents, and the recently set up Community Interest Company ("Focus on Faringdon") It is clear that there is a serious conflict of interest here. It is certainly not clear that the interests of the business community coincide with those of the residents. These other organisations have a very important role to play in the Town. They should not be constrained by being in bed with an organisation that has as its overriding object to help the trades and businesses within the Town. It will not be long before the needs of the people of Faringdon could well diverge from those of the Chamber (as witness the true result of the "poll"). Please do not read this as an attack on the Chamber per se-it also has an important function - but let them, and us, be clear that their function is to represent the interests of their members, not try to pretend that they represent the Town as a whole. Alan Hickmore
Changing times - 19/1/09 The poll a fix whats new . Its ok to have vast amounts of industrial units on the park road and wickelsham a420 section but not tescos in park road. Both will bring traffic problems in fact but times are changing. Name Supplied
New gym equipment at the Leisure centre - 19/1/09 The gym will be closed for a week from 23/1/09 while the gym is redecorated and re-equipped - I'm told as a 'techno' gym. I'm told it's super kit, though not new(from Henley) Gene Webb
Parking Buy Back Scheme - 19/1/09 Buy Back Scheme works as the follows:- You just need to obtain a receipt from either of the car parks and when you spend £5 in one of the participating shops they will refund your first hours parking (40p) on receipt of the parking ticket All participting shops have the buy back logo displayed either on windows or doors Denise Palmer
Re- The Tesco's Poll - 19/1/09 Someone once said 'there are lies, there are damn lies, and there are statistics'? A statement perhaps relevant now, methinks. Si Nical
Two points re Tesco: - 18/01/09 Neither of the points (below) are logical - First; that Tesco can afford to minimise it's tax bill, in itself, is entirely irrelevant to the question of its potential arrival in Faringdon, (and presumably all the existing local traders would, if they could, adopt exactly the same taxation strategy) Second; Why should local traders spend a greater proportion of their income locally than any other residents? In my experience the people who make good profits locally still choose to spend it elsewhere - for example - on holidays, investments, second homes, nice consumer goods, their children's education etc....There is only so much to spend it on in Faringdon and buying a few local veggies & groceries isnt the same as ploughing profits into the community with no financial advantage to themselves. The chamber are quite right and reasonable to try to defend their members' livelihoods against what they see as a threat. Why not be honest and say that, instead of using disingenuous arguments which don't really make sense. ps Presumably the online poll is for entertainment - everyone should know that such 'surveys', while fun, are totally unreliable as fact and not meant to be taken seriously. Name supplied
What a mess - Pitts Estate - 17/1/09 Has anyone been down goodlake avenue and untons place lately especially any local councilors and seen what a mess it is. untons place resembles a building site mud everywhere, uneven pavements specially goodlake avenue and vehicles parking wherever they feel like it. Name Supplied
Vote rigging?? - 17/1/09 So the Chamber of Commerce pollsters decided amongst themselves that there were anomalous voting patterns (while surely not being able to have any proof that that was so), and then decided to reset the voting to a figure of their own choosing, which just happened to support their case? The producer of Blue Peter got the sack for doing exactly that. It seems democracy spoke, and the CoC didn't like what it said. Name Supplied
Gloucester Street Parking. - 16/1/09 Well done to the numpty who rather than try and park there car on the Street, decided it would be far better to drive into my daughters car and "leg it". Her car is now sporting a large dent to the rear panel just behind the door, its a 3 door car. I do hope the perpetrator comes down with an incurable and long painful demise and that they lose every single possession they have as they lose there job, house, marriage and get a driving ban. Colin
Folly Tower Special opening- to see the Star - 12/1/08 Sunday 18th January 4pm - 8pm Come and see the STAR, before it disappears for another year. The trees looked beautiful covered in frost. See the 2 minute video on Youtube by Scott Gildert
Tesco v local businesses- 16/1/09 In answer to a question raised earlier about Tescos "How many traders, local or otherwise, really 'worry' about whether a fair proportion of their revenue reaches the governments' coffers...?" I accept that most would like to keep their profits and not give them away. However, there are two important differences between the local shop keeper and Tesco: Tesco can and do afford an army of tax specialists to minimise their tax bill. (And so they should as they are working for their shareholders.) Local traders do not have that ability. But the other and more important point is this. A local shopkeeper who makes profits will spend a substantial percentage of those profits locally - increasing the wealth of the other businesses. Tescos profits are not (I suggest!) spent locally. (I would be happy to meet with the author of the question to explain our opinions in more detail). Nick Elwell
FTC response to the Local Development Framework(LDF) - 16/1/09 FTCs Planning and Highways committee, with representatives from groups in the town, have met to discuss VWHDCs LDF. The summary of their views can be found here, and the full meeting minutes on FTCs website. Please contact Hilary Sherman by 5th February, if you have any views on their summary. These will be discussed at the next Planning and Highways meeting on 10th February
New Benefits Advice Service - 15/1/09 This is being organised by FAP to help compensate for the closure of the VWHDC office To start with dates are:- 27/01/09, 24/02/09, 31/03/09 and 28/04/09 June Rennie Room, the Pump House, 9:30 – 12:00 Anyone with questions and queries about housing and council tax benefits will be welcome to either make an appointment or just drop in Jane.Haynes@bordengate.com
Chamber on-line Tesco poll. - 15/1/08 Where on earth did the 2.1 against figure come from? As of tonight the results show 40% strongly in favour, 37% strongly against and the other two groups exactly even. This is, of course, in no way a representative nor in any way a mathematically correct poll, but please don't try and mis-represent the result. Incidentally when does it finish, or is that delayed until the Chamber are happy with the result? Alan Hickmore Ed(GW) It was said at the chamber meeting that the 'yes for Tesco' vote increased significantly over a very short space of time(when only 3 people were logged in), indicating that someone had over ridden 1 vote per person limitation. The 2:1 against est excludes those rogue votes. The poll is now deemed to have ended
Vale to gift Corn Exchange to Tesco. - 14/1/09 As shoppers have felt the pinch of the crunch this christmas they downgraded their shopping baskets buying up low quality, nutritionally devoid and flavourless food. Tesco profits have soared due to their irresistible offer of free parking outweighing the risk to ankles from trolley rage and mind numbing exposure to the customer service skills of mouth breathers. Tesco's yesterday released a 2008 profits statement declaring it had more money than sense and didn't know what to do with it. The money would clearly not be safe in the banks and as they didn't even trust the investments of tesco finance, they are going to buy up a quadrillion pounds worth of tangible assets. Starting with the town of Faringdon. The Park Road land has already been purchased but just in case any objection to this development is upheld on the grounds that that an out of town development is not in the best planning interest for a historic market town, tesco have considered town centre locations. Originally the budgens site was considered for development by tesco but discounted due to the fact it would not consume enough of the spare cash. The corn exchange has been selected for its prime location, value on Talking Points and because no-one knows what to do with it. The Vale is planning to gift the Corn Exchange to tesco on the proviso that a whole pile of money is thrown at it. Initial plans include raising the building off the ground to allow access to a mega (free) underground car park with tesco's very own all-weather bus station and turning circle. The listed frontage will be turned into a themed tesco pub and a competition run to decide on a name. The name currently 3 votes ahead in the online poll is The White Elephant. If you have opinions on this or any other development in the Faringdon, please keep them to yourself. Sir Caustic
Fortnightly waste collection, part two - 14/1/09 Yes, reading the Vale's press release it appears that it'll be waste collection one week, recycling collection the next. One thing buried in the press release is that recycling bins will be chipped with our addresses, they claim that this will only be used to identify lost bins.... But this won't happen until October next year, quite a way off. A new contractor, Verdant, has won the contract to service both South Oxfordshire and the Vale. They claim that this will save big bucks, but don't hold your breath on council tax reduction from the Vale in the light of current economic situation. The full press release is available through this website under press releases on the front page. The Rubbish Man Ed(GW): I wonder what will happen following Bank Holidays. I do hope they have contracted to keep to the normal schedule as much as possible. Many people don't look at the collection day changes, so the streets are littered with black bags- not a good impression for visitors.
Re Fortnightly waste collection? - 14/1/09 -take a look at the Vale DC website http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news_views/press_releases/article.asp?id=tcm:4-4719&rtn=D Jane Haynes
Fortnightly waste collection? - 15/1/09 Is it correct, that we will soon only have a fortnightly waste collection? If so I suppose the council tax will be reduced. Observer
Important Town Meetings - 14/1/09 26th January, Faringdon Town Council Precept meeting, 7.30pm Corn Exchange Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Have you say on the proposals FTC have for spending our local tax 3rd Feb Town Meeting. -7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange To discuss an offer by the VWHDC to gift the Corn Exchange to the Town Council, and whether or not to accept it. FTC are currently working on the costs to the town of accepting it, or not.
VWHDC plans(ideas?) for Faringdon to 2026 - 14/1/09 VWHDC are required to produce a Local Development framework(replaces Local plan)- it shows where it believes 11,560 new homes, sites for employment, shopping and leisure facilities should be developed in the Vale up to 2026. Our views on the plans for Faringdon are needed: 30th January, Exhibition Corn Exchange 3pm - 7pm, Discussion 7pm - 9pm Comments may also be submitted by email to planning.policy@whitehorsedc.gov.uk or by post to Development Policy, Abbey House, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3JE The Chamber of Commerce and Faringdon Town Council will be making their views known, but it is important that individuals do too Basically it's suggesting that the land off Park Road(on right as you're leaving the town) should accommodate 420 houses and the area around Budgens store and Southampton Street car park could be redeveloped to provide more shopping floorspace and better car parking (hope that means more!) A VWHDC representative said that the density is likely to be about 50 homes per hectare - similar to that in areas of London. It seems little account is taken of needs for gardens, or big enough homes for people to live comfortably together. Unless any future developer makes representations to government, 40% of any new homes will be Social Housing. You can find the full document on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Images/Complete%20document_tcm4-4713.pdf (pdf pages 62 - 64, section 5.12- 5.14, doc pages 55,58,59 and Appendix 6 (pdf pages 117 - 121, doc pages 112-116) are about Faringdon) Gene Webb PS: The VWHDC chap said as far as he knew, Tesco had not made a formal approach for permissions. Apparently the Chamber of Commerce website survey indicates 2:1 against Tesco coming to Faringdon. 300 people completed the shopping questionnaire - these results are still being analysed. Another questionnaire is planned
Faringdon Area Project - action plan for Faringdon 2008-2012- 14/1/09 Read the new plan (pdf 3.8mb) - projects include a performance and conference venue, visiting cinema, cycle paths, Faringdon carers, coach parking, Saturday fine food market
Help wanted - 14/1/09 African Children's Fund and the Porridge Club are asking for help from volunteers to support their fund raising events. If you could be of help in setting up a fund raising group we would love to hear from you. Telephone Alison 01367 253003/243743 Thank you
Thankyou from Mary- 13/1/09 I would like to thank everyone who has wished me well on my recent retirement from the Library. Faringdon will always be in my heart even as I move on to pastures new. With Best wishes Mary Fellows PS Please pass the message on to Library users who are not connected to the internet
Bad Luck? - 13/1/09 whats faringdon going eco and leaving xmas tree and decs up, aint this bad luck.? Burt
URGENT Animals need Re-homing quickly from Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, Stadhampton - 13/1/09 Would you pass this on to anyone you know who may be considering getting a pet, as the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary Home have announced closure as they can't continue to fund looking after all these poor animals. Here is the website to look at the animals: http://www.oxfordshireanimalsanctuary.org.uk/animal_gallery.html The animals will have to be put down if they can't be re-homed
New pharmacy? - 11/1/09 Does anyone have any idea when the new pharmacy is due to open in London Street? It seems to have ground to a halt. Trish Reynolds
Beauty and the Beast - 11/1/09 Faringdon Dramatic Society would like to invite you to their forthcoming performance of: Beauty and the Beast A pantomime by our own Carolyn Taylor: 30/31 Jan, 6/7 Feb 2009 Faringdon Junior School Director: Carolyn Taylor Tickets are available from The Nut Tree or on the door. Adults £7, concessions £5 Please visit our website for further details and an A4 size poster.
Next Chamber of Commerce meeting- 8/1/09 Will be held on Wednesday 14th January 2009 from 6pm. The venue for this month is SUDBURY HOUSE HOTEL, not Brunel House. Our guest this month will be Grant Audley Miller of the Vale of White Horse District Council. This meeting will give us the opportunity to discuss the Local Development Framework – Preferred Options, you can look at the detail on the District Council website http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/planning/ldf_preferred_options_consultation/detailpage4-4350.asp - there are significant plans for Faringdon Town Centre included. Jane Haynes
Parking- 8/1/09 The issue of parking illegal or otherwise often pops up on this website. If you really have a gripe about it though you should to speak with relevant authorities. The controlling bodies of Southampton Street Car Park and Coxwell Street are NOT the same. The "Budgens" car park is owned by the Vale of White Horse District Council whose main offices are in Abingdon (Tel 01235 520202). Coxwell Street comes under Highways and is controlled by Oxfordshire County Council (Tel 0845 310 11 11). Call them. They will take on board your comments. David Reynolds
Against Tesco- 8/1/09 I do have strong feelings against Tesco because I have grown to love the town I chose to live in. Faringdon is a fantastic example of a busy market town with a variety of interesting independent shops, excellent for good food. The town centre defines Faringdon with the historic buildings, markets and shops as well as all the arts, music and community events held throughout the year. While organic and sustainable growth is required to provide housing, leisure and business opportunities this must not be allowed to happen at the expense of the town centre diversity. If you support Tesco then Faringdon will lose: The busy town centre The great range of shops and services and you will only be able to purchase what Tesco can source at the lowest price Opportunity to purchase from local suppliers Choice will disappear Revenue of local traders which ends up being spent locally will be lost Jobs will be lost as the head count required at a large store is a lot lower than all the individual shopkeepers selling a wider variety of produce sourced locally An out of centre site could not possibly provide the safe access by foot, bus, bike or car that the town centre currently does, without an increase in cars. Tesco is not a done deal, but I would hate the mistake to be made due to apathy and for Faringdon to wake up one morning with no independence, no interesting shops and no life of its own. What does Tesco actually offer as a benefit? Faringdon already has a cheese counter, butchers counters, grocery aisles, bread counter, flowers, dry goods, store cupboard items, a book section, gifts, kitchenware, a sweet section, an opticians, insurance, banking, wine, beers and spirits aisles as well as café and restaurant. Andrew Robertson
Sensitive Issue Mental Health - 8/1/09 Do you sufffer mental illness of any sort? Do you feel the professionals don't listen? Do you feel that you are given medication to keep you quiet? When you are seen by professionals do you feel they at times you are a tick in the box?. Do you feel you dont have enough support when you really need it? Do you feel that our GP,s are doing a better job at supporting us than those who are supposed to be professionals in the mental health sevice. If you have any comments or feel you would like more support and your views known ring 07872955333. Full confidentiality.
For/Against Tesco - 04/01/09 I have no strong feelings about Tesco, however, I do question the reasons offered by the Chamber for rejecting the idea. How many traders, local or otherwise, really 'worry' about whether a fair proportion of their revenue reaches the governments' coffers...? Where does most of the revenue taken by local traders end up? Does that particular point imply that most traders would like to donate their profits to the local council as opposed to 'London or overseas'? Somehow I doubt it. Surely they'd like to keep as much of it as possible in their own pockets - just like Tesco does. Does the Chamber really want to encourage us to shop online or drive out of town when we want an 'easy' supermarket experience? and what about those who don't drive or use a computer, but who would still like the convenience of a greater range of goods under one roof? As for traffic; yes I would hope that it would substantially affect those who live and work here - for the better - by providing a decent sized, free car park, for those from the surrounding areas, and so that we locals can stop trying to squeeze our cars through the town centre chicanes and between illegally parked vehicles whenever we want to venture away from home. No one wants the town centre to die - but it is the heavy domestic traffic and inconvenient parking as much as anything which is killing it. Stow on the Wold, & Moreton in the Marsh, both fairly local towns, seem to have survived in spite of large edge of town supermarkets, by encouraging unique, unusual, attractive and affordable shops into their centres. Faringdon has a pretty town centre with striking historic buildings. We have a lot to offer; make the most of our assets and make people want to come here, don't drive them away. name supplied
Happy New Year - 02/01/09 Despite popular opinion, last year I must have been a very good boy because Santa brought me a new computer. What he didn't bring me,so maybe I wasn't as good as I should have been, was the ability to connect to the internet. Once again feeling quite suicidal I had to phone Raoul (It was either him or the Samaritans) and he came and had a long phone chat with a nice Indian man. I couldn't follow what was going on but after an hour I was back on line. So now I can say.Happy New Year to all TPers HGM
FARINGDON SKATERS - 02/01/09 Don't Miss it! 6.30 FRIDAY EVENING BBC1 Dee England
A Good Read - 02/01/09 Billabongo, the fantasy novel, sponsored by the Arts Council and set in Faringdon is already on sale at most bookshops, on line at Amazon, at Barns & Noble, WH. Smith, Waterstones, etc. ISBN 978-1849231008 in paperback. The blurb reads: When a ghost fails to scare-off three highly- spirited children from spending their summer holidays in a Faringdon Manor House, the scene of a murder-mystery, something HAS to happen. The police are puzzled by the Sherlock Holmes type crime but nothing alters until the children, finding an Indian artefact with shape-changing powers, call up a silky Unicorn for many adventures. The children must complete their mission or be doomed to Billabongo forever, though adults Jarge and Nakota Towa try to help them. The magical Unicorn and the children continue to fight against the evil witch and the slippery grave-digger. Feel the tension mount in the furious battle between Roman General Marginus and the evil ratter Black Rufus. Run with the gypsies, flee from the Blue-Monkey men, grab the Dragon Gold and remember to get home safe and sound. Experience a stunning finish and that WOW factor. Cleveland W. Gibson
Parking - 01/01/09 I agree with the comments made on the illegal parking in Coxwell St, with cars parked both sides of the road it creates an unnecessary hazard, the situation is not confined to Coxwell St, London St is equally as bad and on double yellow lines too, also people have taken to parking on the footpath opposite the church outside the Salutation flats leaving little room to walk pass. So perhaps in 2009 could we have more considerate parking from those people responsible, and perhaps a reminder from the Police for the persistent offenders. name supplied
For previous Talking Point entries- going back to April 2002 - go to Talking Points Archive

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