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welcome to longwittenham.com

The website is being redesigned. New features that you have asked to be added include a local directory and a back catalogue of Parish Council minutes. If you have anything you would like to add, see included or comment on, please email us at website@longwittenham.com.

LATEST NEWS

IMPORTANT NEWS - DIDCOT EXPANSION THREAT

SODC have all but decided to build 2000 houses on their 'perfered' Site A - that is, on land in Long Wittenham parish to the northeast of the Ladygrove Estate, almost to the top of the Abingdon Road (or the Didcot Straight).

The West is Best campaign is back. We have only a few weeks to make District Councillors realise that they are about to make the same mistakes all over again. With no concern for the impact on traffic and pedestrian safety through the already 'rat-run' infested villages (Long Wittenham, Appleford, Clifton Hampden & surrounds) not to mention the environmental impacts, the Council want to build on a recognised floodplain. The development is the other side of town from both existing & soon-to-be-created jobs (Milton Park & Harwell), transport infrastructure (A34, railway station, bus hubs), new facilities at Great Western Park (schools, shops, community & sports centres).

Local Parish Councils are joining together to fight this development, and we already have specialists who have offered their advice and support. Join the Facebook group West is STILL Best to show your oppostion. If you think you can help the campaign please email paul_otter@hotmail.co.uk or this website. A separate email will be set up shortly. Further updates and information on the campaign will be available shortly.

ACKLINGS REDEVELOPMENT

Most of you will by now be aware that Acklings Playground is being redeveloped. For many years the playground has been unusable in the main, and LWPC decided that it should be redeveloped to provide sport and recreational activities for villagers. LWPC was successful in winning a Big Lotto grant for just under £10,000 to build a multi-sports area. Once complete, Acklings will provide a 5-a-side football pitch with goals and a basketball hoop and mini-court. Additional funding is being sought for a cricket net. LWPC are pleased to contribute some of its own funds to help complete this project and hope that it will be used by all parishioners for many years to come. An opening date has not yet been set but LWPC hope that you'll join them for this special occasion. Watch this space!

DIDCOT HOUSING EXPANSION AND LONG WITTENHAM PARISH

On Wednesday 26th May LWPC learnt of SODC's preferred option to site nearly 1500 houses on land to the northeast of Didcot, encroaching into our parish and potentially causing huge problems for the infrastructure, traffic and social aspect of ours and surrounding villages. The PC rapidly worked to provide information, leaflets and a petition for villagers, with some members taking time off paid employment to ensure the best possible case against the expansion was presented at the Core Strategy meetings next week. Thankfully, just as the leaflets were going to press on Friday 28th, the Secretary of State abolished the Regional Spatial Strategy, removing government targets and putting the ball firmly back in the court of District Councils. But, it is unlikely we are out of the woods yet. The PC will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep parishioners informed. Expressions of support are welcomed by all concerned parties and can be emailed to website@longwittenham.com or any of the other Councillors.

For more information visit http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/content/cmt/press-releases/may-2010/council-announces-delay-in-consideration-of-core-strategy.en

Changes to Long Wittenham Parish Council
A new chairman and vice chairman have been elected to the PC at its AGM, held on 18th May. Paul Otter has taken over the role of Chairman, and Anne Byard was elected to vice-chairman. As chairman, Paul's responsibilities on the PC change from Parish Assests to being the External Liaison, which can include issues such as the proposed Didcot expansion, gravel extraction, and the incinerator. Anne remains responsible for the Financial policies and aspects of LWPC. Further details of Parish Councillor's roles are available on the PC page.

New PC Vacancy
Due to the resignation of Jason Sherwood, a casual vacancy has arisen on the PC. If you are interesting in joining a proactive and dynamic team the please contact the Clerk in the first instance. Details on the PC page.

New co-options
Two vacant Parish Council positions have been filled. The PC are pleased to welcome Tom Bowtell, who is taking on the transportation remit, and Teresa Benke, who will take on either the parish assests or the internal village liaison role. We wish them all the best in their new roles.

The minutes of the April 2010 meeting are now available for viewing online

Changes to Bus Service from 5th June 2010