The Clerk and Cllr. Charlett had a successful meeting with the representative of Network Rail to discuss the condition of the surface of Cow Lane. Network Rail would be getting an estimate from their contractors to dig out the worst areas and lay type 1 surfacing. It was agreed to stop unauthorised access by installing a vehicle barrier. This would mean that the only other organisations apart from the Parish Council able to use the lane would be Network Rail, Thames Water and the Preservation Trust who own land on the east side of the railway line. A pedestrian access to Otters Reach would still be available.
There were to be two new bus shelters and a new litter bin installed at the bus stops by the shop either side of Kennington Road near Kenville Road. The old shelters would be removed before the installation in early February. The Parish Council apologised for the time that there was no protection which could not be avoided. The three additional Real Time displays at the other bus stops should be working by the end of December.
There was the first Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Community Wood in November. They planned a community planting day on Sunday 13th January starting at 10am and was hoped there would be a good turn out of volunteers from the village to help plant more trees and do some weeding in the west field. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact the Clerk who was elected as the secretary of the group.
There had been a successful lighting of the Christmas tree lights followed by Carols and mulled wine and mince pies in the St Swithun’s Church Hall. The Parish Council was very grateful for the large tree donated by St Johns’s College and the music provided by Kennington (Oxford) Band. Father Christmas was in attendance and collected £174 for this year’s charity, NSPCC.
The Parish Council were very keen that as many families as possible completed the questionnaire that was included in this edition of the Chronicle. It would provide the Play Areas Working Group with valuable information.
Did you know according to the Vale’s Background Information for their consultation on their plans for the next twenty years that Kennington is the most sustainable community? This means it has a good range of facilities such as schools, shops, health clinic, public transport etc.
