There was a busy meeting on 13th October; amongst the items discussed was the installation of the BMX dirt track. As the track will go around the Leylandii trees, a few have to be felled before work can start on the track. On inspection the ones to be removed are in a poor state. It is expected that this work will be completed by the end of October. The main contractor will be delivering a large amount of soil to build up the mounds. He will endeavour not to disturb neighbours.
The members of the Parish Council agreed to the cost of installing a water supply at the War Memorial. This will ensure that the lawn surrounding the Memorial will be cared for in the summer. As the new setting of the War Memorial was the village’s Millennium Project it was felt that while the capital cost was high it was essential work.
There was a discussion about how the village would celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend of 2nd to 5th June 2012. It was decided to hold a public meeting open to all individuals and representatives of local organisations. This has been arranged for Friday 25th November, 7–9 pm. If any ideas come forward that require funding by the Parish Council this date will allow any suggestions to be considered at the budget meeting of the Parish Council in December. If you cannot attend the meeting but have an idea please send it to the Clerk – contact details below.
The Parish Council considered three grant requests: The Friends of Kennington Library was awarded £250, The South and Vale Carers Centre £220 and Oxfordshire Association for the Blind £150.
The ROSPA play inspection report has been received for the two play areas at Playfield Road and Forest Side. There were one or two items that would be dealt with urgently.
The Vale has been informed that the Parish Council would like the numbering of the new housing development to be based on Simpson’s Way to avoid confusion.
The members of the Parish Council checked all dog waste bins in the village to make sure that there were not any overflowing, following complaints about the one by the Memorial Field entrance in The Avenue. An approach would be made to Vale officers to ensure that the bins were emptied weekly.
On a personal note, I [Pam Johnston] would like to thank all the many people in the village who have wished me well while I receive treatment at the Churchill Hospital. The plan is that I am working from my home office doing Parish Council business. A locum has been appointed to attend meetings. The Parish Council will in the New Year consider the procedure to appoint a new Clerk.
