Parish Meetings 2018

Parish Councillors

Parish Councillors

• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms
• Peter Rance
• Brian Leach

County Councillor

• CCllr Liz Leffman

District Councillor

• DCllr Jake Acock

Parish Clerk

• Angela Barnes

Members of the Public

• No members of the public

1. Apologies

Received from Cllr Ranson. Cllr Carter reported that, sadly, Cllr Ranson had made the decision to resign due to his growing work commitments. Please refer to Matters Arising (i) Co-option.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on Monday 12 November 2018 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

3. Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest to record.

4. Financial Report

This was circulated prior to the meeting to all councillors.

Income

Village Charity £1000
Tiddy Hall £500
(Both towards the cost of a new defibrillator)

Costs:

Vanda Lights PV30 101147 £489.00 Pavilion
Corbetts (P Carter) PV31 101148 £429.00 Cooker Pavilion
Corbetts (P Carter) PV31 200001 £50.00 Cooker Pavilion
P Carter PV32 200002 £124.54 Mulled Wine
Tonnes Away PV33 200003 £125.00 Allotment Shed Waste
Lexis Nexis PV34 200004 £110.99 Admin Book
Bruern Farm PV35 200005 £204.00 Christmas tree
KopyRite PV36 200006 £30.00 Christmas leaflets

Financial Regulations

It was agreed that the councillors would meet in February to agree and finalise the Financial Regulation.

Precept

The Clerk had circulated a forecast to 31 March 2019. This was reviewed and it was agreed unanimously. Cllr Carter proposed that the Precept be set at £22,500.00, which remained unchanged from last year. This was seconded by Cllr Rance and unanimously agreed. The Clerk was asked to submit the Precept request to WODC.

5. Reports from County and District Councillors

County Cllr Liz Leffman and Cllr Carter would meet on Thursday 20 December to discuss the dropped curbs in Dawls Close, together with Mike Wasley from OCC. CCllr Leffman reported that the sign post on London Lane had been reported, but had not yet been fixed.

District Cllr Jake Acock

DCllr Acock reported on the chaos surrounding the installation of broadband by GigaClear and the confusion over which authority had approved this. He reported that there had been no consultation with the Parish Council via WODC / OCC. DCllr Acock reported that he had attended the Cow Shed Development consultation held in the Village and that infill, traffic, drainage and community parking were the main issues discussed by local residents.

6. Public Time

There were no members of public and so no public time recorded.

7. Planning

18/03395/FUL PROPOSAL: Erection of an agricultural building for livestock and storage. LOCATION: Fernhill Farmhouse Shipton Road Ascott Under Wychwood APPLICANT: Mr Charlie Barrett (referred from Shipton under Wychwood PC) –Under consideration

18/02921/FUL PROPOSAL: Change of use of land from agricultural to domestic garden. (Retrospective).LOCATION: 1 The Green Ascott Under Wychwood Chipping Norton APPLICANT: Mr And Mrs John And Debra Cull REGISTERED: 16th October 2018 – Awaiting Decision

Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654 12-18 London Lane, Development of 5 dwellings – Allowed 15 December 2017: (Original Application Ref 17/01067/FUL, dated 30 March 2017 -Refused by notice dated 10 July 2017) Keep listed for reference.

Cow Shed development

Bloombridge Development Partners held a village consultation on Thursday 15 November at the Tiddy Hall. This was very well attended. Boards explained the argument for a development on that site and illustrated in some detail what the final planning application would look like. Visitors were asked to comment which many did. Richard Cutler, Bloombridge has emailed to say that they expect to submit a formal application in January 2019. Bloombridge are representing Cornbury Estate.

8. Matters Arising

(a) OCC Grasscutting contract – Ongoing

(b) Footpaths
Kingstanding Farm incorrect signage on fences and public footpaths. Ongoing

Cllr Carter reported that she had discussed footpath deregulation with parishioner Sue Richards, who is willing to form a group of residents to check the latest Definitive Footpath Map. Cllr Carter had emailed 60 residents known to be keen walkers, but so far only 5 have replied showing interest in the project. More work will be done in the New Year.

(c) Defibrillator – Cllr Timms reported that the existing Defibrillator had now been installed and working at the Village Shop. The new one is scheduled to be installed at Tiddy Hall on 2nd January. Training will be organised and will take 1.5 hours, a date to be confirmed late January. Ongoing

(d) GDPR – Cllr Leach agreed to send an updated list to Cllr Carter.

(e) Heritage Lane new Dog Poo Bin – Ongoing

(f) Allotments – Cllr Leach suggested a trial of 2 small Water Butts / large containers to capture water for use by the allotment tenants. Cllr Rance proposed this suggestion and Cllr Timms seconded it. Cllr Leach would let the PC have costings/figures.

(g) Martyrs Seats – regular cleaning / contract – Ongoing

(h) England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Cllr Tony Merry Charlbury TC email Ongoing

(i) Co-option of a fifth councillor – Cllr Carter reported that the post will need to be advertised. It was agreed that this would be done after the Christmas break. Ongoing

9. Risk Assessment & Ground Maintenance

Cllr Carter reported on actions that needed addressing within 3 months, as follows:

(a) Village Notice Boards – to be discussed in January

(b) Trim ivy and fir from gate pillars of playing field

(c) Contact Zip Wire contractor to carry out RoSPA instructions

(d) Replace Toddler Swing shackles

(e) Renovate or replace slide and Witch’s Hat

(f) Replace vandalised picnic bench

(g) Protect pavilion boiler exterior pipe from freezing

(h) Purchase and install meter box covers – a quote had been received for £153.60 including VAT and delivery. Cllr Timms proposed this quote be accepted, Cllr Rance seconded.

(i) Replace posts at 5 Shilling Corner – a quote had been received for £350 (£200 labour and £150 + VAT for the posts). Cllr Carter proposed this quote be accepted, Cllr Leach seconded.
Cllr Carter gave an update on the following:

• Shane Barnes had carried out other RoSPA recommendations and the basketball edges will be installed in the spring.
• Nicholsons have undertaken the tree survey and the PC is waiting for their quotation.
• The Pavilion exterior lights and the blown panes of double glazing have been replaced this month.
• The electricity supply on the Village Green now has a “tamper proof” connection.

10. Community Emergency Plan

The Winter Team – have re-planned equipment storage and they hope to undertake the work within the month. In doing so they will be able to decide on salt stocks and order fresh salt if necessary. All new storage will come within the current budget.

Flood Signs – a site has been agreed to store the signs at the top of Chippy Hill. Cllr Carter proposed purchasing a strong plastic storage box from Wayfair.co.uk at a cost of £298 in total. This was seconded by Cllr Rance. Robin Walker will usually deploy the signs (after instruction from OCC) but the box will be accessible to others who might deputise (again under the instruction of OCC).

11. Transport

Trains

Cllr Rance explained a very unsatisfactory publication by Network Rail on the Train Times website of the pre-Christmas extra stopping trains to allow Ascott residents to travel on Saturdays to and from Oxford. Despite clear requests by CLPG to the GWR franchise who had passed this on to Network Rail, the website details gave an unusable service! Cllr Rance had complained to CLPG and GWR and awaited urgent corrections to avoid residents simply avoiding the trains completely which would be the very worst outcome.

Buses

Nothing to report.

12. Roads

Chipping Norton River Bridge – OCC consultation ongoing.

Email photographic evidence had been received from a parishioner showing an extremely large vehicle driving over the Chipping Norton Bridge. He was concerned about the proposed closure of Burford bridge to large vehicles and the effect on Ascott under Wychwood roads. The resident enquired about SpeedWatch and Cllr Carter explained that there had only been 1 volunteer to participate in a SpeedWatch programme following the PC’s leaflet drop in the summer. The parishioner has offered to contact this volunteer to discuss the possibility of increasing the number of volunteers.

Cllr Carter reported visiting a resident of Dawls Close to discuss the problem of dropped kerbs and off-street parking. The resident introduced others who were all Cottsway tenants and they reported that Cottsway continue to insist that vehicles are removed from their forecourts either because there were too many or because there was no dropped kerb. Cottsway contractors have recently laid a concrete drive on one forecourt and yet the residents are not allowed access to it because there is no dropped kerb. The cost of £2,000 quoted by Cottsway for each dropped kerb is prohibitive for some. Cllr Carter contacted CCllr Liz Leffman for help to resolve this matter. Information about the process had been provided and a meeting arranged with the relevant OCC officer. The Parish Council is most concerned that Dawls Close is kept as clear as possible to allow safe access to Emergency and wide vehicles.

Cllr Carter reported on the drainage problem in Church View and that there would be a meeting with an OCC drainage engineer to discuss solutions.

13. Reports from Organisations

(a) Ascott-under-Wychwood Sports Club
Cllr Carter reported that the Manager of Ascott FC had requested that the Pavilion had its own Defibrillator (to be sited inside due to vandalism). The Manager stated that the FA might offer a grant if there are contributions from the FC and the Parish Council. The Club plans to organise fundraising events. Cllr Timms and Cllr Rance proposed that the PC consider a grant of £500.

(b) Wychwood Library – nothing to report

(c) Helpers of Ascott-under-Wychwood – nothing to report

14. Correspondence

Email

From Parishioner John Cull – photographic evidence of large speeding traffic over C Norton river bridge – please refer to Item No. 12 Roads.
Clerk at Shipton under Wychwood PC re planning, please refer to Planning, Item No. 7

WODC Water Day Thursday 4 October – notes recorded from the day
Wychwood Day Centre Limited – a letter of thanks from Chris George for the PC’s donation

Cllr Drv Tony Merry – National Park for the Cotswolds – please refer to matters arising.

Cotwolds Conservation Board – Management Plan

Post

No post

15. Carols round the Christmas tree

The checklist was circulated to all councillors and responsibilities confirmed. It was agreed, unanimously that the beneficiary from the donations would be The North Oxfordshire Community Food Bank.

16. Any Other Business

Annual Litter Pick – Saturday 16 February has been pencilled in.

There being no further business, Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 10.05pm.

Cllr Philippa Carter (Chairman)

Date: Monday 14 January 2019

Parish Councillors

• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms
• Peter Rance
• Brian Leach

Parish Clerk

• Angela Barnes

Members of the Public

• No members of the public

1. Apologies

Received from CClllr Liz Leffman, DCllr Jake Acock and Cllr Ranson (on Paternity Leave).

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on Monday 8 October 2018 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

3. Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest to record.

4. Financial Report

This was circulated prior to the meeting to all councillors.

Income

No income.

Costs:

16/10/2018	Chq 101141	OCC Library	£282.79
10/11/2018	Chq 101142	P Carter Various	£79.94
12/11/2018	Chq 101143	A Barnes Ink Cartridge	£15.00
12/11/2018	Chq 101144	Margaret Johnson Stationers	£14.39
12/11/2018	Chq 101145	S Barnes	£165.00	(Work quoted for and agreed – carried out on the Pound and the Green)
12/11/2018	Chq 101146	Wychwood Day Centre	£500.00

Financial Regulations

These are to be discussed at the Financial Meeting to be held on Wednesday 28 November.

Precept Planning

The Budget for 2019/20 will be discussed at the Financial Meeting. The Precept figure will be confirmed and set at the December meeting.

Cllr Sandy Timms proposed to accept Bannor Electrical’s quotations for the following electrical works, seconded by Cllr Rance:

• installation of a defibrillator at the shop – £181.77 + VAT
• installation of a defibrillator at Tiddy Hall – £204.32 + VAT
• installation of 3 vandal proof lights – £100 + VAT
• installation of tamper-proof connections for the Xmas Tree lights – £70.60 + VAT

Cllr Sandy Timms proposed to accept Nicholson’s quotation to carry out the Village tree survey at a cost of £460 + VAT, seconded by Cllr Leach. Date to be arranged by Cllr Carter.

Cllr Carter proposed a £500 donation in response to the Wychwood Day Centre’s request, seconded by Cllr Rance.

5. Reports from County and District Councillors

County Cllr Liz Leffman

The Clerk presented CCllr Leffman’s report;

Local issues

I recently reported blocked gulleys at Melplash Farm and the corner of Heritage Lane. The one at Melplash Farm has been unblocked but I am not sure about the one at Heritage Lane as Gigaclear are doing work there at the moment.

I also reported potholes on Shipton Road which I believe have been sorted, but I am also aware of a lot of potholes on London Lane, which are scheduled to be fixed.
Unfortunately the signpost at the top of London Lane has still not been fixed – I will remind officers again that it needs sorting

County issues

At the recent County Council meeting I asked about the resources that were available for the process DMMO applications for the registration of unregistered footpaths. The Cabinet Member for Environment admitted that resources were extremely thin and that applications in the pipeline would take literally years to clear. She has committed to increasing the available resource, as she recognises that the deadline for registration is looming, and that there is likely to be an increased number of applications.

I was alerted recently by an elderly resident that the library service is not going to be communicating by post with users in future, which means that anyone who uses the library and wants to reserve a book will have to have either a smart phone or a computer. For many older residents this could mean limited access to library services. As a result of my question the Cabinet member will be looking at whether notifications by post can be retained for people who have not got access to other means.

District Cllr Jake Acock

DCllr sent the following report;

Planning –It was reported that there were no major planning issues as of yet and DCllr will be attending on Thursday. DCllr had no update regarding London Lane development.

It was reported that at the full council meeting, many issues were debated including a People’s vote motion, which was defeated- however, all Liberal Democrat’s votes in favour of the motion (proposed by DCllr Acock).

It was reported that DCllr Acock had been dealing with casework as when it came in and there were no major issues currently.

6. Public Time

There were no members of public and so no public time recorded.

7. Planning

Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654 12-18 London Lane, Development of 5 dwellings – Allowed 15 December 2017: (Original Application Ref 17/01067/FUL, dated 30 March 2017 – Developers have withdrawn their offer and the land is on the market again.

18/02921/FUL PROPOSAL: Change of use of land from agricultural to domestic garden. (Retrospective).
LOCATION: 1 The Green Ascott Under Wychwood Chipping Norton APPLICANT: Mr And Mrs John And Debra Cull REGISTERED: 16th October 2018 – Ongoing

Cow Shed development

Cllr Carter reported that the developers acting for Cornbury have advised on their intention to hold a full community consultation in November. DCllr Acock asked to be copied in on the final date agreed in order that he could plan to attend.

8. Matters Arising

(a) Wychwoods Working Together – nothing to report

(b) OCC Grasscutting contract – Ongoing

(c) Sign at the Ascott Earl Sheepwash – completed.

(d) Footpaths –update from CCllr Leffman, corrective action to the signage posted by Kingstanding Farm on fences and public footpaths. Ongoing

(e) Defibrillator – Cllr Timms reported that this had been ordered and that the Tiddy Hall had confirmed a £500 donation, a £1000 grant from Ascott Village Charity and £500 from the Parish Council, this would cover all costs. Ongoing

(f) GDPR – nothing to report

(g) Christmas Tree sheath & electricity on the Green – completed

(h) Heritage Lane; parishioner’s request for Dog Poo Bin (additional) – has been requested

(i) Allotments – parishioner Jacob Davies will remove all debris from the demolition of a shed etc. – Cllr Carter proposed the PC accept his quotation of £125. This was seconded by Cllr Timms. Ongoing

(j) Martyrs Seats – regular cleaning / contract – Ongoing

(k) Replacement Waste/Litter bin at the end of Dawls Close – completed

(l) Hedgecutting – this has been done, with the exception of the top corner (£35 + vat to revisit). Ongoing

(m) Cllr Tony Merry Charlbury TC – England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) Ongoing

(n) Dr Nina Brown – demise of Wychwood Walkers –Dr Brown asked if there were organisations/activities in Ascott-u-W which could be advertised at the Wychwood Surgery with the same goal as the Wychwood Walkers i.e. bringing people together for the benefit of their physical and mental health. Cllr Carter passed the information on to Kate Gidman and Ann Braithwaite.

9. Risk Assessment & Ground Maintenance

Playing Field /Pavilion – Rabbit Control will take place on Saturday morning 17 November at Sports Club expense. The playground and field will be closed for the morning. Cllr Carter reported on vandalism to the pavilion outside lights, utility meter cupboards and picnic benches in the playground. Cllr Carter proposed replacing the lights and utility cupboards as soon as possible. A supplier of Vandal Proof lights – Vandalite – was recommended by Bannor Electrical. Cllr Carter proposed £489 inc VAT for these lights, this was seconded by Cllr Timms. Cllr Carter will investigate a vandal proof way of replacing the utility cupboards. Cllr Carter recommended budgeting for vandal proof picnic benches for the year 2019/20. Cllr Carter met with Police Constable Wesley Smith who stated that he is now the only policeman covering the Chipping Norton catchment. PCSO Kirsten Tyrer has left the force and has not been replaced. PC Smith cannot give much time to petty vandalism cases and recommended installing CCTV. He suggested investing in a robust system with good recording. To be considered for the 2019/20 budget. Cllr Carter proposed that the annual transfer to the Pavilion Fund be increased to £1,000. The Milena window replacements will already spend more than the budget holds at present.

Pound and Churchyard Wall – The party wall between the churchyard and the Pound has been completed and the cost of stone shared between the Church and the Parish Council. Many thanks to Brian Mitchell for organising everything and to the Wychwood Project Volunteers for undertaking the building work. They have also repaired a bulging section of the perimeter wall at Church View. Brian Mitchell invited the Cotswold Warden Volunteers to undertake the cutting back of ivy on the churchyard wall. Many thanks are due to an extremely hard working team which completed the whole perimeter in a morning.

Thank you also to Shane Barnes for setting in a new Pound gatepost and re-hanging the gate.

The Green -Thank you to Shane Barnes for concreting in the Xmas Tree sheath. This will hopefully keep the Xmas tree more stable and upright.

Tree Surgery –A date to be arranged for a village-wide tree inspection by Nicholsons.

Notice Boards – Cllr Carter has not been able to find a material (such as cork) which is fully weatherproof and which can take drawing pins easily. She recommends the PC returns to using marine plywood as before and that this be budgeted for financial year 2019/20.

10. Community Emergency Plan

Flood Relief Works -Cllr Carter attended a meeting organised by the Evenlode Catchment Partnership (ECP) on 7 November 2018. The ECP is a partnership of a range of organisations and present at this particular meeting were representatives of Wild Oxfordshire, the Wychwood Project, the Environment Agency, Thames Water, WODC, Selva and the Forestry Commsision as well as the owner of Bruern Estate, David Astor, and several Parish Councillors and residents from the Wychwoods.

The meeting was held at Milton Village Hall and then on site at Bruern Estate. Mr Astor introduced the project which the ECP had facilitated on his land. A series of earth bunds and ‘catchpools’ have been constructed to hold back the flow of water in a tributary of the Evenlode in order to reduce the risk of flooding to Littlestock Brook in Milton-u-W. In addition, streams have been encouraged to return to their natural courses, meandering over the land rather than rushing through straight man-made ditches. Large numbers of trees have been planted. This is an experiment which has attracted sizeable grants and regular measurements are taken to determine whether these methods will be successful as more natural forms of flood risk management. More information can be found on the ECP website.

The work of the ECP is of great interest to Ascott-under-Wychwood and its own flood risk management. The Partnership has already completed the reshaping of river banks at Pudlicote/Chilson with the support of the landowners. This has enabled more high water to flow onto the surrounding fields. During the very snowy and subsequently wet conditions in the winter/spring of 2018 Ascott-u-W did not flood and it is likely that this was partly due to high water escaping more quickly downstream and onto the flood plain at Chilson. Now, with some water being encouraged to slow down and flood land at Bruern before even reaching Shipton and Ascott, we hope that this second project will improve flood risk management at Ascott even more.
The village is indebted to the ECP, Mr & Mrs Wickson and Mr Astor for committing so much time, effort, enthusiasm and money to these projects.

Flood Signs – Cllr Carter is in discussion with Robin Walker of College Farm about the best location for storing signs which are used at the top of the Chipping Norton Road.

11. Transport

Trains

From Ascott station, the timings and services originally posted were either erroneous or unviable, e.g. no return train! Cllr Rance was advised of this by a parishioner who has a large group wishing to use the service, and having advised CLPG, he awaits corrections being made.

Buses

Nothing to report.

12. Roads

Parking in Dawls Close – Cllr Carter reported on the continuing saga of parking space and dropped kerbs in Dawls Close. A meeting took place between a Cottsway officer, D Cllr Acock and P Cllr Carter. D Cllr Acock stated that it was the responsibility of the owner, Cottsway, to pay for dropped kerbs where there were none (4 houses of Cottsway tenants). Cottsway refused to take that responsibility. OCC quoted £2,000 per dropped kerb. P Cllr Carter asked that all parties looked for compromises as parking and access for Emergency Vehicles is now a serious issue in Dawls Close. Subsequently some tenants have been told to remove vehicles from their forecourts where there is no dropped kerb. Cllr Carter is asking again for all parties to come together and agree a solution for the sake of neighbourliness, improvement to outlook and appearance and maximising on-street parking for visitors while still maintaining Emergency Access.

Blocked drain at Heritage Lane and Melplash Farm – C Cllr Leffman will investigate these and P Cllr will send her the photographs.

Chipping Norton Road Bridge over the Evenlode:
Following the PC resolution at the September meeting to seek an OCC consultation on a potential priority system to the approach to the Chippy Norton road bridge, Cllr Rance received the OCC prospective signage diagram and layout. This was approved by the PC, ex committee. At this October meeting Cllr Rance proposed the expenditure of £800 to pay for the consultation and this proposal was seconded by Cllr Carter. Cllr Rance has informed OCC of the decision and awaits notification of the consultation commencing.

13. Reports from Organisations

(a) Ascott-under-Wychwood Sports Club
Ascott United Football club is well established now with a team playing at home most Saturday afternoons and a junior section training on Sunday mornings. It is traditional for the home team to entertain the visitors with something hot to eat after a match and normally they would de-camp to the Swan. However, the current owners have not been at all welcoming and so the Football Manager, Mike Ody, has asked if they could organise catering at the Pavilion. This has been trialled for a month and seems to be very successful. There has been a convivial finish to the game and everyone is off-site between 5 and 6pm. The caterers have cleared up very well and the Sports Club Management has made it clear to the Football Manager that any extra electricity, gas or cleaning should be paid for by the Ascott United. All would like to continue with the arrangement. However, the Pavilion cooker has not been working and the caterers have had to bring temporary alternatives. Cllr Carter arranged for an appliance engineer to inspect the cooker and it has been condemned. Given that this is a publicly used kitchen Cllr Carter recommends that we do not rely on another 2nd hand but purchase a new cooker. Cllr Carter recommended purchasing a cooker from Corbetts of Chipping Norton – cost £350 plus £75 installation (both inc VAT), free removal, as this was the best local price for that size of electric cooker. Cllr Carter asked that the budget for re-decorating the kitchen (agreed Dec 17 meeting) be spent on a cooker and the re-decoration undertaken by volunteers. This was proposed by Cllr Rance and seconded by Cllr Timms.

(b) Wychwood Library – nothing to report

(c) Helpers of Ascott-under-Wychwood – nothing to report

14. Correspondence

Email

Cllr Tony Merry Charlbury Town Council – refer to Matters Arising
Dr Nina Brown – refer to matters arising

Post

Clerks and Councils Direct

15. Carols round the Christmas Tree

The checklist had been circulated prior to the meeting. The beneficiary from the collection was yet to be decided, this would be confirmed to enable the Clerk to get the posters printed.

16. Any Other Business

There being no further business, Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 9.55pm and confirmed the next meeting will be held on Monday 10 December 2018.

Cllr Philippa Carter (Chairman)
Date: 10 December 2018

Parish Councillors

• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms
• Peter Rance
• Brian Leach

County Councillor

• Liz Leffman

District Councillor

• Jake Acock

Parish Clerk

• Angela Barnes

Members of the Public

• No members of the public

1. Apologies

Received from Cllr Ranson, currently on Paternity leave.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on Monday 10 September 2018 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

3. Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest to record.

4. Financial Report

This was circulated prior to the meeting to all councillors.

Financial Regulations

These were discussed again in more detail, but more time was needed to conclude. Cllr Carter suggested that a separate Financial Meeting would be more beneficial than trying to cover all topics within the general PC meeting. Cllr Leach proposed this, on the understanding that Stuart Fox (RFO) was present. Cllr Timms seconded this proposal. Cllr Carter agreed to speak with Stuart (RFO to organise a convenient date and time to meet.

External Audit

Moore Stephens, the External Auditor had now finished the audit and submitted their invoice for payment. The Conclusion of Audit will be displayed on the Website in due course.

Precept Planning

Cllr Carter presented a report, which detailed unspent items, savings and the status of projects for 2017/18 and 2018/19. This was for clarification following remarks from the auditors. All councillors were asked to consider this and bring suggestions for 2019/20 expenditure to the next meeting. The Clerk suggested that this could be included in the dedicated Financial Meeting. The 2019/20 precept will be set at the December PC meeting.

Cllr Carter reported on a request about PC funding for the Public footpath in the churchyard (funds already ring fenced). After the external auditors questioned the PC’s surplus bank balance, which included several ring fenced projects that had not yet been completed, it had been suggested that the funds for the footpath be donated to the Parochial Church Council by YE March 2019 on the strict understanding that they should be used for that project only. Councillors discussed this request and it was agreed, unanimously, that donating the money before the project had been started would set a dangerous precedent. The funds now ringfenced in the PC budget should, therefore, be used on another project this financial year and the Council agreed to budget for the churchyard footpath in 2019/20. The Clerk was asked to reply accordingly.

P Councillors’ agreed unanimously that the most important unbudgeted project for the village is to improve the safety of approach over the Chipping Norton bridge. (under negotiation with OCC Highways at the moment)

Income and Expenditure

Income

7th September	Interest	£13.03
26th September	Precept	£11250.00

Costs

Chq 101131	£65.95	P Carter	Top soil for the Playing Field
Chq 101132	£650.00	Ascott PCC	Contribution to half of the cost of the stone for the shared Pound/Church Yard wall (Unbudgeted. Project became urgent as wall badly bowing and Wychwood Project Volunteers became available to undertake the building work FOC)
Chq 101133	£653.94	A Barnes	Clerks quarterly net salary
Chq 101134	£163.40	HMRC	PAYE
Chq 101135	£116.10	A Barnes	Clerks quarterly expenses
Chq 101136	£5240.00	S Barnes	Grounds/grasscutting
Chq 101137	£165.20	Milena Windows	Deposit Pavilion Windows
Chq 101138	£40.00	R Lane	Railway Garden Steps
Chq 101139	£81.90	WODC	Commercial Waste
Chq 101140	306.00	Moore Stephens	External Audit

5. Reports from County and District Councillors

County Cllr Liz Leffman

CCllr Leffman reported on the Leafield Road which has been affected by badgers and confirmed that this was on the schedule to be repaired – she was unsure as to how. She also reported that the Ascott Road in Shipton had been resurfaced. Cllr Carter asked for the sign at the top of London Lane to be replaced. CCllr Leffman agreed to look into this but, in general, signs damaged because of a collision can a long time to be righted because of police and insurance issues. CCllr Leffman would look again at the “Private” signs being displayed on the public footpath by Kingstanding. C Cllr Leffman reported that she had spent all her grant budget for 2018/19 but would find out if other C Councillors had grant money left which could be applied for to help fund a water supply to A-u-W allotments.

District Cllr Jake Acock

DCllr Acock reported on the Local Plan and the lack of infrastructure planning for new developments. He reported on a planning issue in Shipton-under-Wychwood, which has resulted in solicitors being employed. DCllr Acock reported on an issue of “hate crime” within Witney TC. He also reported that in October Andy Graham, a councillor from Charlbury, would be helping him in letting the young people have their say on “Brexit”. There was discussion about the WODC roll-out of internet cable throughout the villages and P Councillors registered their dissatisfaction at the serious lack of information from WODC when there appears (from the experience of Finstock) to be so much disruption caused by this project.

6. Public Time

There were no members of public and so no public time recorded.

7. Planning

Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654 12-18 London Lane, Development of 5 dwellings – Allowed 15 December 2017: (Original Application Ref 17/01067/FUL, dated 30 March 2017 – Developers have withdrawn their offer and the land is on the market again.

Cow Shed development
Cllr Carter reported that the developers acting for Cornbury have advised on their intention to hold a full community consultation in November. DCllr Acock asked to be copied in on the final date agreed in order that he could plan to attend.

8. Matters Arising

(a) Wychwoods Working Together – nothing to report

(b) OCC Grasscutting contract – Ongoing

(c) Sign at the Ascott Earl Sheepwash – ongoing

(d) Footpaths – ongoing

(e) Defibrillator – Cllr Timms reported that a new Defibrillator was on order

(f) GDPR – nothing to report

(g) Christmas Tree sheath & electricity on the Green – Clerk to ask the contractor to concrete in the Xmas tree sheath as agreed previously. Cllr Carter reported that she met Bannor Electrical on the Green to explain the electricity supply to the Xmas tree lights. The supply is taken from the street light, through the fuse box and to the sheath in the ground by the Xmas tree. Street lighting is no more than 6amp and therefore the cable is not strong enough to power anything stronger than lights.

(h) Heritage Lane – overhanging branches – Cllr Leach had cut these back.
Dog Poo Bin (additional) – Clerk reported that this had been requested. The WODC Waste Team would need to carry out a full Risk Assessment. Cllr Carter requested that it should be sited at the top of the Lane where it meets The Orchard.

(i) Allotments – update from Cllr Leach
Two new families have joined the allotment holders. These have each accepted small allotments, the second of which became available following the merger of two existing half allotments now held by Lloyd Kimber and his release of one previous held that was not adjacent. There remains one full allotment free: both families said it was too large a project to take on. It would be advisable to split this into two small patches before seeking new occupants. There is still some uncertainty over the final allotment plan but this should be resolved as new holders come forward. The shed previously identified as a risk has been demolished and we await the removal of the debris. All allotment holders have been contacted with advice to purchase seeds through MUWAGA. I would also like to readvertise the vacancies in the Grapevine. The best method of supplying water to the allotments was discussed. Cllr Leach reported that this was the biggest problem for allotments holders.

(j) Fly tipping / rubbish dumped – Laurence Mellor had advised Cllr Carter of fly-tipping at Kingstanding Lane. She advised Mr Mellor to contact WODC directly and as soon as possible as this was the WODC preferred process. She also offered PC support if WODC did not respond to his satisfaction.

(k) Martyrs Seats – regular cleaning – Cllr Carter reported that Sally Franks had accepted the paid post of cleaning the seats once a week. Cllr Leach agreed to draw up a concise Contract.

(l) Ascott Martrys Educational Trust (AMET) The Clerk presented an email received from Paul Jackson, representing AMET, to the councillors. This contained a request from AMET to place a 3” square block showing the QR code on the top of one of the benches of the Martyrs Seats, to present a 5 year plan to the Parish Council. There was a previous request to ‘take ownership’ of the Martyrs Seats.

This was discussed and, after taking advice, the Clerk was asked to reply explaining that before the Parish Council could consider any request, they would need evidence of the charitable status of AMET. The Clerk agreed to reply accordingly.

(m) Replacement Waste/Litter bin at the end of Dawls Close – Clerk reported this has been ordered.

(n) Hedgecutting – Clerk has instructed the contractors to cut this back -ongoing

9. Risk Assessment & Ground Maintenance

Cllr Timms and Cllr Rance agreed to organise a date to carry out the village “walk around”. Cllr Carter to organise the 4 yearly Tree Inspection. Cllr Carter reported that Executive Fire Protection had completed their annual inspection of the Pavilion.

10. Community Emergency Plan

Cllr Carter did not attend the WODC Water Day as it concentrated on the River Windrush.

11. Transport

Trains

CLPG have formally applied to the GWR Franchise to run the popular pre Christmas Saturdays, stopping service including Ascott under Wychwood.

Cllr Carter reported on a statement in the Cotswold & Malvern Line News, Summer 2018, Number 130 which stated ‘Three of the Oxfordshire halts – Finstock, Coombe and Ascott-under-Wychwood now have a poorer level of service than after the Beeching cuts of the 60’s. Sadly our decade long campaign for better services from Ascott Station – ideally situated right in the centre of the village – continues to fall on deaf ears. This might be a helpful quotation when answering planning applications.

Buses

The user requests for the WOCT 210 service extension to Saturdays, has sadly not proved possible, due to insufficient numbers of volunteer drivers needed to make it viable and reliable.

12. Roads

-Cable laying in Finstock and Ascott – refer to D Cllr Report

-Parking on pavements – It was agreed to put a request in the Grapevine for residents to be considerate and not park on pavements in the village. Cllr Leach agreed to write this.

-Blocked drain at Heritage Lane and Melplash Farm – C Cllr Leffman will investigate these and P Cllr will send her the photographs.

-Chipping Norton Road Bridge over the Evenlode:Following the PC resolution at the September meeting to seek an OCC consultation on a potential priority system to the approach to the Chippy Norton road bridge, Cllr Rance received the OCC prospective signage diagram and layout. This was approved by the PC, ex committee. At this October meeting Cllr Rance proposed the expenditure of £800 to pay for the consultation and this proposal was seconded by Cllr Carter. Cllr Rance has informed OCC of the decision and awaits notification of the consultation commencing.

13. Reports from Organisations

(a) Ascott-under-Wychwood Sports Club – Cllr Carter reported that the additional maintenance programme for the playing field was under way and is costing less than budgeted. This was estimated and agreed before the drainage project was started. The new owners of Windrush Valley School have committed to using the facilities and agreed to a regular pay arrangement.

(b) Wychwood Library – Ongoing nothing to report

(c) Helpers of Ascott-under-Wychwood – Ongoing nothing to report

14. Correspondence

Email

OCC Publica – Cllr Carter to attend
OALC – update – Cllr Carter asked the Clerk to obtain a copy of ‘Arnold Baker’
AMET – QR code, assuming responsibility of the Martyrs Benches and presenting their 5 Year Plan to the PC (see Matters Arising (l)
OCC – Notification of new Chief Executive
WODC – Notification from WODC re the adoption of the Local Plan. Cllr Carter asked the Clerk to obtain a hard copy.

16. Any Other Business

There being no further business, Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 10.30pm and confirmed the next meeting will be held on Monday 12 November 2018.

Cllr Philippa Carter (Chairman)
Date: 12 November 2018

Parish Councillors

• Philippa Carter
• Sandy Timms
• Peter Rance
• Brian Leach

County Councillor

• Liz Leffman

District Councillor

• Jake Acock

Parish Clerk

• Angela Barnes

Members of the Public

• No members of the public

1. Apologies

Apologies received from Cllr Ranson, currently on paternity leave

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on Monday July 2018 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

3. Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest to record.

4. Financial Report

Income

No Income

Costs

Margaret Johnson	Chq 101127	£56.04	(part of £200 office & virus budget)
P Carter	Chq 101128	£303.30	charged to Playing Field Fund for fertilizer
RoSPA Playsafety Ltd	Chq 101130	£113.40	Playground Inspection (budgeted £100 + VAT)

Financial Regulations

The Financial Regulations were reviewed and it was agreed this would be finalised at the October meeting.

Internal Audit

-There was no Payment Voucher (P7) for £262.30 payment to OCC for donation to library. Cheque number 101069. It was recorded correctly in all other areas.

-VAT claim dated 9thMay 2017 of £3474.30 was recorded in Minutes as £3474.40.

-£270 payment to ROSPA cheque number 101063 was not recorded in the Minutes.

-Cheque number 101092 was recorded in the Minutes of 11th December 2017 as 101093. £32 for printing Carol Service leaflets

-Cheque number 101105 was recorded in Minutes of 12th February as 101015.

External Audit

Nothing to report, awaiting the report from Moore Stephens.

Precept Planning

Cllr Carter reviewed past expenditure, costs and savings and asked P Councillors to consider any expenditure which they may propose for the next budget. She asked the Clerk to carry this forward to the October meeting for further discussion.

RFO Stuart Fox reported that the PC had budgeted £1,000 for digging drainage grips in this financial year, but these have now been done at no cost to the Parish, so these funds could be reallocated.

Cllr Carter proposed £650 (50%) towards repairing/replacing the shared Pound/ Church wall, which was bowing and dangerous. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Rance. Cllr Carter agreed to contact the Rev’d Mark Abrey.

Cllr Carter spoke about the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the Martyrs Bench, which are the responsibility of the Parish Council. This was discussed and Cllr Timms proposed that regular cleaning once a week should be a paid job. Cllr Rance seconded the proposal and it was agreed unanimously. The Clerk was asked to carry this forward to the October meeting.

5. Reports from County and District Councillors

County Cllr Liz Leffman

CCllr Leffman reported on the roads and that a recent survey showed that 69% of people were angry at the state of the roads. She reported that the County Council had forecast £120m to resurface the roads. CClr Leffman reported that both parish councils and town councils should have a say about which roads are a priority. PCllrs reported the ongoing state of the dip caused by badgers in the Leafield Road to CCllr Lefman, who agreed to carry out a site visit herself and discuss with OCC Highways. She reported that Cherwell and West Oxfordshire would be joining services. CCllr Leffman reported on the interface between the County Council and the public. She reported that the overview of the recycling was ongoing.

District Cllr Jake Acock

DCllr Acock reported on the Local Plan and his frustrations with the lack of infrastructure being offered. He reported that he had been made aware that there was an ongoing drugs problem within the village. This was being monitored and that education via a “Drugs Bus” would be a positive way of combatting this issue.

6. Public Time

There were no members of public and so no public time recorded.

7. Planning

18/02112/HHD PROPOSAL: Fernhill Farm Erection of new detached garage block (Shipton under Wychwood) – passed from Shipton PC for information.

18/01931/HHD PROPOSAL: Erection of garden shed. (Retrospective).
3 The Green Ascott Under Wychwood Chipping Norton APPLICANT: Mrs Janet Badger REGISTERED: 27th June 2018 – Approved

Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654 12-18 London Lane, Development of 5 dwellings – Allowed 15 December 2017: (Original Application Ref 17/01067/FUL, dated 30 March 2017 -Refused by notice dated 10 July 2017) Keep listed for reference.

Cow Shed development

To monitor and review – no application received as at 10 September 2018.

8. Matters Arising

(a) Wychwoods Working Together;
Emergency Plan – confirmation from MUW PC that Ascott PC is referenced in their Emergency Plan for support if needed
Confirmation sent to SUW PC for Ascott PC to be included in the marking of the Death of a Senior National Figure through sharing a book of condolences with all 3 Wychwood villages.

(b) OCC Grasscutting contract – Ongoing

(c) Sign at the Ascott Earl Sheepwash – Matthew Davies has volunteered to repair perspex – Ongoing

(d) Footpaths – definitive footpath map to be obtained. Volunteers would be walking and mapping to ascertain what paths are not listed.

(e) Defibrillator – Cllr Timms proposed that the unused monies budgeted for grips should be used to purchase a second defibrillator. This was seconded by Cllr Leach. Cllr Timms agreed to order this and organise the installation.

(f) GDPR – Cllr Carter reported that the PC’s Privacy Notice was now displayed on the Website. She also reported that the PC area on the Ascott Community Website was evolving.

(g) Christmas Tree sheath & electricity on the Green – Cllr Carter will be meeting with Bannor Electrical for advice.

(h) Heritage Lane – RFO Stuart Fox reported that he had been approached by a parishioner about the overhanging hedgerows, the lack of a dog bin and a blocked drain. Cllr Rance proposed the purchase of an additional dog bin, this was seconded by Cllr Timms. Cllr Leach agreed to take a look at the state of the overgrowth with a view to cutting this back. Cllr Carter will investigate the blocked drain

(i) Allotments – Cllr Leach reported on some re-arranging of the plots, one tenant had given notice and a current tenant had swapped and that there was a new tenant, hopefully tenants.

9. Risk Assessment & Ground Maintenance:

RoSpa Report – Cllr Carter presented the report and stated that she will contact Shane Barnes and the original contractor to action the recommended improvements. In the long term Cllr Carter hopes to find someone living in the village who can inspect the equipment regularly and deal with smaller repair jobs as and when.

Playing Field Hedge – The Clerk was asked to contact Newmans to have the annual hedge cutting done this autumn.

Dawls Close/Shipton Road Litter Bin – The Clerk was asked to order a new bin

Pavilion – Cllr Carter to organise repair to pavilion outdoor light, utility cupboards and lagging to boiler outlet pipe.

Tree Survey – Cllr Carter to organise 4-yearly survey

Notice Boards – Cllr Carter/Mat Davies to investigate better materials for renovation

10. Community Emergency Plan

Cllr Carter reported that the emergency road signs for the level crossing are being stored conveniently nearby and that she will discuss with Robin Walker the most convenient location for storing the signs for the top of Chipping Norton Road. The Emergency Team will be informed of the details.

11. Transport

Trains

Since the last report in early July, the single weekday “halts” service has only been infrequently affected. One morning service was cancelled without explanation and an evening return cancelled lacking a driver. These issues have been shared with CLPG to raise them with GWR Operating staff at a recent meeting. GWR continue to suffer from insufficient new trains and trained drivers. A contract has been awarded for extension of station platforms (excluding halts!) on Cotswold line, to accommodate the longer new trains, to be completed by Dec 2018. HMG has vetoed a radical new timetable from Jan 2019, given the chaos of 2018 introductions elsewhere on the rail network! We await the full detail of HMG decisions from their public consultation on GWR franchise inc services on our line. There is no immediate prospect of any additions to our minimal Halts service!

Buses

The WOCT 210 service shows gradually increasing usage, but slower than desired. A user survey highlighted desire for a later final service from Witney and a Saturday offering. The former cannot yet be provided because of logistical issues centred on the current lack of an overnight dedicated bus depot, which is being pursued. The latter, can only occur if they gain more volunteer drivers, hence they would welcome new volunteers to contact them

12. Roads

Following a joint on site review at the River Bridge, of Cllr Leffman, James Wright OCC Highways Dept and Cllr Rance, to experience the dangerous vehicle movements there, OCC has ordered revised signage and placement, to emphasise the warning of these dangers. To further enhance the traffic controls there, would however need Ascott PC funding an OCC Consultation, and if that consultation proved positive, further PC funding to implement them. The cost of the consultation would be £800, a set fee, payable to OCC as confirmed by James Wright. Cllr Rance believes that PC should resolve upon that process soonest. The need for a Priority System at the Chipping Norton Bridge was proposed by Cllr Rance, at a cost of £800 and this was seconded by Cllr Carter and agreed unanimously. Cllr Rance to coordinate the progress of this.

13. Reports from Organisations

(a) Ascott-under-Wychwood Sports Club – Cllr Carter reported that 2 teams had now started and that junior coaching had started on Sunday mornings.

(b) Wychwood Library – Ongoing nothing to report

(c) Helpers of Ascott-under-Wychwood – Ongoing nothing to report

14. Correspondence

Email

OALC Update
OCC Oxfordshire Stakeholders Highways briefing
Mark Hopwood GWR – reminder of Oxford Rail upgrade work
WODC – Water Day – Cllr Carter to attend
WODC – Local Plan 2031
Playsafety Ltd – RoSPA Report
AMET – Martyrs Seats
Heritage Lane – please refer to Matters Arising

Post

None

16. Any Other Business

There being no further business, Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 10.30pm and confirmed the next meeting will be held on Monday 8 October 2018.

Cllr Philippa Carter (Chairman)
Date: 8 October 2018

Parish Councillors

• Philippa Carter
• Peter Rance
• Graham Ranson

County Councillor

• Liz Leffman

District Councillor

• Jake Acock

Parish Clerk

• Angela Barnes

Members of the Public

• No members of the public

Apologies

Apologies received from Cllrs Sandy Timms and Brian Leach.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on Monday 11 June 2018 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest to record.

Financial Report

Income

£10.00	Allotment Rent 11th May
£9.62	Interest 1st June
£527.75	OCC Grass Cutting Fee (Budget £528)

Costs

£282.79	OCC Library Subsidy	Chq 101122	(Budget £283)
£90.00	P Crapper Plumbing Repairs at Pavilion	Chq 101123	(Budget £500 )*
£653.94	Clerks quarterly salary	Chq 101124	(Budget £778)**
£163.40	HMRC PAYE	Chq 101125
£101.42	Clerks quarterly expenses	Chq 101126	(Budget £110)

*Part of the £500 annual provision
** The PC assumed a 1% increase, but lower paid staff were given a substantial national pay award.

Financial Regulations

These were discussed and it was agreed to carry this forward to the next meeting.

Internal Audit

This was carried out by Margaret Ismail and is now complete – a full report to follow

External Audit

This was now complete and the Annual Statement and supporting paperwork had been sent to Moore Stephens, the newly appointed auditors. The Clerk reported that Christina Clarke from Moore Stephens had contacted her today to ask for confirmation of the dates the public were made aware that the accounts were now complete and could be viewed. This is known as Public Rights. The Clerk confirmed that the dates were from 10 June to 10 July 2018. Moore Stephens explained that this was not quite the 30 days and asked that the PC leave it displayed for another 8 days. Moore Stephens also advised that a copy of this should be displayed on the Website. The Clerk explained to the auditors that the PC were in the middle of dealing with GDPR and the Website was part of this. They empathised with the PC, but advised that a copy must be displayed on the Website. The Clerk had advised Stuart Fox accordingly.

Reports from County and District Councillors

County Cllr Liz Leffman

CCllr Leffman reported that a paper on recycling has been presented to improve the rate of recycling.

She also reported on the way the CAB applies for grant funding from WODC is changing and they may have to apply for up to 10 different applications in order to get the same funding.

District Cllr Jake Acock

(a)Thames Water and Flooding/Sewerage:
D Cllr Acock has been in contact with Lawrence King who is the drainage engineer at WODC and he plans to ask how and when Thames Water will be improving the sewerage situation in Ascott. He will be calling TW to a meeting to discuss this, alongside Cllr Carter and Lawrence King. (Meeting date tbc).

(b)Speedwatch:
D Cllr Acock is currently setting up Speedwatch in Lyneham and waiting for Ascott PC to confirm when they have volunteers and then both groups can attend training together.

(c)Dawls Close and Parking:
D Cllr Acock has been in touch with a resident about parking on Dawls Close. There have been occasions when Emergency vehicles have had problems accessing residents/properties because of excess parking on the roadside. However, some properties do not have dropped kerbs and have been advised that they should not, by law, drive over the kerb to access their front garden. OCC Highways have quoted £2,000 per dropped kerb. D Cllr Acock is trying to arrange for kerbs to be dropped without tenants having to find £2,000.

Public Time

There were no members of public and so no public time recorded.

Planning

Approved

18/01617/HHD PROPOSAL: Single storey extension at Croft Barn 49 High Street Ascott Under Wychwood – APPROVED
18/01018/HHD 3 The Green Ascott under Wychwood Proposed first floor pitched roof side extension – APPROVED.

Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654 12-18 London Lane, Development of 5 dwellings – Allowed 15 December 2017: (Original Application Ref 17/01067/FUL, dated 30 March 2017 -Refused by notice dated 10 July 2017) Keep listed for reference.

Matters Arising

(a) Wychwoods Working Together – refer to notes from meeting held with Milton and Shipton PC

(b) Sign at the Ascott Earl Sheepwash – ongoing

(c) Footpaths Deregulation 1 January 2026
Cllr Carter reported that the Cotswold Warden Gerald Simper, Adrian Tremlett (ex Chadlington PCllr), Rachel Livingstone (British Horse Society) have given advice on Public Footpath regulation 2026. Residents Sue Richards and Juliette Heselwood have shown interest in forming a working party to carry this forward. Ongoing

(d) Defibrillator – Ongoing

(e) GDPR – Cllr Leach has been leading the Councillors and the Clerk on this and good progress has been made. Cll Carter presented the Privacy Notice to the meeting for approval. This was proposed by Cllr Rance and seconded by Cllr Ranson. Cllr Carter reported that developing the PC section of the Ascott-under-Wychwood Community Website was a work in progress.
Cllr Carter proposed the recommended changes to the email addresses of the Clerk and the Councillors. This was seconded by Cllr Ranson.

(f) Allotments

Cllr Leach reported that the Groundsman had cut back the wild plum trees and Cllr Leach had cut down weeds and grass on the unused allotments. He reported on revisiting the possibility of have water at the Allotment site – Ongoing

(g) Christmas Tree sheath and electrical amp – Ongoing

Risk Assessment & Ground Maintenance

Ongoing

Community Emergency Plan

Nothing to report

Transport

BUSES

WOCT, Margaret Burden has provided, in confidence, to the Wychwood’s PC Transport Reps, their latest 210 service usage stats. They show an encouraging upward trend. They intend to run a user survey too, and Cllr Rance provided one observation re timing of their last return bus from Witney. No direct meeting has been held. WOCT have received further grant assistance from Cllr Leffman, and they are exploring means to acquire another bus, better suited to our roads!

TRAINS

The Halts service remains vulnerable to cancellations, most recently, an evening return, cancelled at such short notice at Oxford, that taxis home meant a 7pm arrival, rather than 6pm by train!
From 7-22 July, due to major engineering work forcing closure of Oxford station, the Halts service becomes a bus, leaving Ascott at 07:10 rather than 07:43, and taking close to an hour to get to Oxford! The evening return is equally unattractive. That engineering work is posted to allow a half hourly service to Marylebone, and much better operation at Oxford itself. Seeing is believing.

Roads

Cllr Rance used Fix My Street to get three severely blocked road drains cleared, albeit needing a repeat posting as one drain was overlooked by the OCC team on their first clearance visit.

As agreed at the last PC Meeting, on Tuesday 19th June, Cllr Leffman arranged a site inspection at the River Bridge with James Wright OCC Highways and Cllr Rance, to consider ways of reducing the risk of traffic incidents. The morning timing, proved perfect to see numerous examples of bad driving, close shaves and the dangerous environment.

James Wright accepted that some actions were justified and proposed to have the sight line from Chippy Hill improved by cutting the significant verge vegetation, getting the excess road grit removed from that side of the road, have the road edge white lining reinstated to emphasise the narrow bridge itself, and to add warning signage on both existing “Road Narrows” signs. He also proposed that the Ascott side, Road Sign, be moved closer to the bridge, to avoid current hedge masking, and to increase its impact on road users.

Good progress has been made in that Cllr Rance gained Cornbury Estate approval for the relocation of the road sign, as it is placed beside their field, and the Chippy Hill verge overgrowth has been cutback by OCC.

Reports from Organisations

(a) Ascott-under-Wychwood Sports Club – The leak to the ladies’ toilet has been repaired. Thank you to Simon Gidman and Nick Carter for watering the pitch. The outside light to the Pavilion has been broken and Cllr Carter will call an electrician.

(b) Library – Nothing to report

(c) Helpers – Nothing to report

Correspondence

Email

OALC Update
OCC Oxfordshire Stakeholders Highways briefing
Mark Hopwood GWR – reminder of Oxford Rail upgrade work
Marking the Death of a Senior Figure

Post

Clerks & Councils Direct

Any Other Business

A leaflet about Speedwatch volunteers, vacant allotments and residents cutting back vegetation from their verges has been agreed and is to be distributed .

The Parish Council response to Paul Jackson’s letter was approved.

There being no further business, Cllr Carter declared the meeting closed at 9.40pm and confirmed the next meeting will be held on Monday 10 September 2018.

Cllr Philippa Carter (Chairman)
Date: 10 September 2018