Cllr. Charlett and the Clerk attended an informal briefing with the Environment Agency about the Oxford Flood Strategy. Initial concepts for a solution to reduce flooding in Oxford were planned to be published in March. The plans would include a proposal for an extra water channel parallel with the Hinksey and Seacourt stream and flowing to the Thames through the water meadows at Kennington. They believed this would allow extra capacity at the start of a flood and prevent west Oxford from flooding. It would be a very expensive option and it was being put forward for approval for central government funding in the next few years. Once funding was secured then a detailed design would be worked up for public consultation.
On the evening of 9th February, a large volume of water caused by the snow melt and the heavy rainfall started coming out of the blocked culvert under the house in Upper Road. It flooded four properties in the village and caused major problems in Kennington Road with water on the road and sewage overflow issues at the north of the village. The Fire Brigade responded well to the emergency overnight. However water continued to be pumped out of the gardens a number of days later. It was agreed to write to Thames Water and express concern that this event had happened again. It was felt that the work that had been done in Bagley Wood to clear access to the storm water pipes near Bagley Close might have made matters worse.
The Clerk had reported a number of potholes to Oxfordshire Highways in Bagley Close, Bagley Wood Road, Meadow View Road, Manor Grove, St Swithun’s Road and Kennington Road The condition of the roads had deteriorated because of the winter weather. It was agreed because of the increase in the number of potholes to reinstate an old practice of having a book so that members could record the problems at each meeting and the Clerk would have a record she could use to monitor the speed of repairs.
It was agreed to support South Hinksey Parish Council’s request to have a 40mph speed limit along the whole of the stretch of Foxcombe Road from the top of Hinksey Hill to Boars Hill.
The members of the Parish Council would be supporting the Kennington4Fairtrade event on Saturday 28th February. They would be taking part in the world record for banana eating during the Fairtrade Fortnight.
As fewer people were attending the Saturday office it was decided to open for one hour each month from 10am to 11am.
