Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire

The Chairman of the Parish Council (PC) writes …

2025 was a busy year for the Parish Council.  We managed or helped with lots of exciting projects, including:

• A massive improvement project at Acklings Playground.  Helped by residents, two Councillors managed a scheme costing over £100,000 to change the playground from a “field “ to an  “adventure area”.   Fortunately the bulk of the funds came from two large grants so it only cost the village time, effort and about £5,000.
• Support for the Fun Run, organised by residents, but funded by the PC and covered under our insurance.
• Safety in our open spaces.  Each week we carry out visual checks of all the playgrounds to ensure they remain safe for our children.  We also have an annual RoSPA inspection by a professional, and carry our repairs as problems are identified.
• Replacement of the ageing swings at Bodkins with modern swings and a new “tango” seat which enables parents to support younger children.  This special seat was grant funded by South Oxfordshire District Council.
• Support for Bonfire Night at Wards Field.  Run by a village group, the PC enables this by paying for the fireworks up front until the profit comes back after the event, and our insurance keeps costs down so that any profit can go to other village groups.
• Managing the “look” of the village.  We organise grass cutting on the verges and open spaces like Saxons Heath and our contractor also cuts the Church Yard.  We have planted hundreds of Spring Bulbs and numerous trees, many of which were grant funded to keep the costs down.
• Commenting on all planning applications within the area.  Work also continues on our major project, the Community Hub, working with developers to hopefully build a new Primary School and Village Hall.  This is made possible by the generosity of a local farmer and his offer of land for the development.
• Managing the Neighbourhood Plan to protect the village from unwanted over development.
• Providing a Grants System which allows us to give cash to groups and projects around the Village.

We have lots more projects we would like to take on for the benefit of the village but we now have two vacancies on the council and until we fill these places we are being held up.

Could you help?  It doesn’t have to be a big job.  Three or four hours a month would mean we can get a lot more done around the village.  We have the funds but need your help to get started.

If you are interested in joining the Parish Council, or would like more information, email the clerk at clerk@longwittenham-pc.gov.uk or come along to a meeting.