Witney News
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[edit] Witney’s new development opens
27th October 2009
On Thursday 29th October at 10am the first shops at Marriotts Walk open their doors. More will follow soon.
Marriotts Walk is in the heart of Witney and an extension to the town centre. Since construction work started in January 2008 people have been watching the development take shape through viewing panels in the hoardings. On Thursday 29th they will walk down Witney’s new mall, Marriotts Walk, for the first time.
First to open at Witney’s exciting new development are M&S, Debenhams, New Look, Wallis, Monsoon, Accessorize and Dorothy Perkins along with Frankie & Benny’s and Café Rouge restaurants, a Cineworld five-screen cinema and a 590 space multi-storey car park. The development also brings 143 new homes, a play park and public conveniences.
The multi-storey car park will be FREE, the same as all council-owned car parks in West Oxfordshire. The District Council believes this is a real draw for shoppers and supports the local economy.
On Friday 30th October, the Rt Hon David Cameron, MP for Witney, is visiting and will unveil a commemorative plaque at 12.45pm.
Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council said, “Marriotts Walk is a much-needed addition to the facilities of Witney, helping to catch up with the town’s expansion in recent years, yet successfully preserving Witney’s historic market town centre. The retail and leisure development will provide wider retail choice to complement the existing range of shopping on offer in the town and will add to future economic prosperity of the area. The development will help put Witney firmly on the map as a retail destination and retain a much greater share of shopping spend within the district that is currently lost to larger towns and cities. The restaurants, five-screen cinema and free parking provide additional facilities for residents to enjoy.”
Marriotts Walk is one of only a very few retail and leisure developments opening in the UK this year. It has been developed by Simons Group on the former Marriotts Close and highway depot site in Witney, land owned by West Oxfordshire District Council.
Paul Hodgkinson, Simons Group CEO said, “Times are very challenging for the retail sector, and it’s a huge achievement to have let over 85% of trading space. Retailers have shown great confidence in Witney and we hope to make further announcements in the run up to Christmas.”
It is estimated that over 300 new retail jobs will be created.
Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said, “West Oxfordshire has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, but figures have risen over the past year. The creation of new jobs during this recessionary period is welcome news and helps to keep our local economy buoyant.”
Work on the Marriotts development has tied in with the formation of the Witney Town Forum, a partnership of retailers, service providers and local councils. Forum Members are keen to capitalise on the benefits of the new development and have spearheaded improvements with environmental and marketing initiatives. For example there are now more litter bins through business sponsorship and street furniture and signage is being improved. To coincide with the opening of Marriotts the Forum has produced large town maps, town guides and a new website.
Lesley Semaine, Chair of Witney Town Forum said, “We believe that Marriotts can provide a really positive spin-off for the rest of the town. Witney is a great place to visit with lots of unusual and interesting shops, a great history and it is just getting better.”
[edit] New Marks & Spencer Store Opening
26th October 2009
The brand-new Marks & Spencer store in Witney will open on Thursday 29th October 2009 at 10.00am.
Store Manager, Chris Taylor and his team will open the 25,300 sq ft store and invite customers to join in the celebrations with a complimentary glass of champagne.
The store will open under Marks & Spencer's signature style with bright, contemporary interior design and will include a number of initiatives in line with Plan A, M&S' 100-point, five-year 'eco' plan such as water saving features in the staff and customer facilities and solar roof panels.
There will be a wide choice of womenswear, including per una, as well as menswear, kidswear, lingerie and accessories.
A 52-seater M&S Café will offer a variety hot and cold refreshments while the Food Hall will offer quality product ranges and an in-store bakery.
[edit] Excellence Award for Council team
22nd October 2009
West Oxfordshire District Council’s revenues and benefits team has scooped a national award for Excellence in Education, Training and Development.
The team was picked from three finalists shortlisted from around 25 local authority entries to win the Award from the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV).
The Awards Panel chose the team after it was demonstrated that they not only excelled in education, training and development, but were also able to provide evidence of new approaches, which have improved individual performance and contributed to the Council’s success.
The Council’s Vice Chairman Derek Cotterill praised the team for their Award and hard work at a meeting of the Full Council yesterday (Wednesday 21 October).
He said: “There is a clear link between our approach to training and development and the vastly improved service that our customers have benefitted from over the last 18 months, and this award is testament to this. Our Council has the best performance in Oxfordshire for dealing with benefit applications promptly and we are committed to continuing to provide the highest standard of service for our residents.”
The other finalists in the Excellence in Education, Training and Development Award category were Waltham Forest London Borough Council and Fife Council.
[edit] Public art for new Witney development
14th October 2009
A public art centrepiece for Witney's new leisure and retail development was installed on Monday 12th October.
Designed and created by sculptor and public artist Michael Fairfax, the 'Buttercross Needle', is the second of two pieces of public art for Marriotts Walk. It has been commissioned by West Oxfordshire District Council and funded from the developers, the Simons Group.
Michael Fairfax's contemporary 'Buttercross Needle' design was chosen as it reflects the internal architecture of the development and materials of the leisure square. Using modern materials of predominantly stainless steel and glass, the interior houses fibre optic lights, which will illuminate at night through slender strips of glass.
A floor mosaic was also commissioned as public art and this is at the Welch Way entrance to Marriotts Walk. Created by specialist mosaic artist, Rob Turner, the mosaic represents a more traditional style. Made up of 32 sections it captures key points in West Oxfordshire's commercial history.
Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member said, “Both pieces complement the development and the town as a whole. The mosaic reflects the traditional style of the Welch Way elevation of Marriotts Walk in traditional materials of natural stone, brick and render, as well as depicting the district's heritage. Although the 'Buttercross Needle' is very modern, its design references well-known local landmarks such as the spire of St Mary's Church in Church Green and the roof of the Buttercross.”
Mosaic artist Rob Turner and sculptor, Michael Fairfax are well-known public artists and their work can be seen all over the UK.
Representatives from Witney Town Council and West Oxfordshire District Council have worked together with the developers to ensure that these works really reflect the local area and complement the development.
[edit] Free Advice for Rural Businesses
8th May 2009
Rural businesses in Oxfordshire are facing a tough time. Research* shows 30% of small and medium sized rural firms expect turnover to decrease in the next 12 months, compared with 25% of small and medium sized urban companies.
Rural areas contain a higher proportion of small businesses which are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in costs for energy, fertiliser and fuel. To help guide and support them through this challenging time, Business Link is running a series of free half-day workshops for rural businesses in Oxfordshire at Worton Park, Cassington.
These workshops will offer advice on negotiating the planning process, outline any grant opportunities that may be available to businesses, and demonstrate how it is possible to cut energy costs by making use of sustainable resources.
Yvonne Wright, Worton Farms Ltd said: "Worton Farms are pleased to be hosting Business Link’s workshops at Worton Park. We recognise their important role in supporting small businesses in Oxfordshire and wish them every success."
Workshops run from 9.30am – 12.30pm with networking afterwards; lunch is included and is locally-sourced and organic wherever possible.
12th May - Earth, Wind & Fire, Profiting from Alternative Energy 28th May - Business Diversification and Possible Grant Opportunities 4th June - Prepare to Meet Thy Planner!
For more information and to book your place please visit www.ruralbookings.co.uk or call 0845 600 9 006.
[edit] Funding for Citizens Advice Bureau
27th February 2008
The District Council has agreed to grant £132,000 to West Oxfordshire Citizens Advice Bureau to help it to continue providing an information and advice service.
West Oxfordshire District Council will allocate £112,000 from its budget for 2009/10 towards the core work of West Oxfordshire CAB, which has offices based in Witney and Chipping Norton and operates across the District.
A further £20,000 has been set aside to fund the charity’s Rural Advice Project for another year. The funding will allow the CAB to continue a home-visiting service to residents in West Oxfordshire who otherwise would not be able to access its services. This includes older people, those with disabilities, residents in rural areas without transport and those with young families who find it difficult to get to one of West Oxfordshire CAB’s offices.
Cllr Jill Dunsmore, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The Citizens Advice Bureau provides a valuable service helping people to resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice. With the economic downturn, their service is now more vital than ever. This significant funding from the Council will help to ensure that this support service can continue.”
The Council has allocated substantial funding in previous years to support the West Oxfordshire CAB’s core work. It has also given additional funding for other CAB initiatives such as the Rural Advice Project. In August last year, the Council gave £25,000 from its Homelessness Grant towards housing and debt advice work and allocated £10,000 for the CAB to set up a court desk service at Banbury County Court to help West Oxfordshire residents who are in financial difficulty and in need of advice while attending court.
West Oxfordshire CAB Manager Barbara Shaw said: “We are extremely pleased and very grateful for the continued support of the District Council. Without this funding, we would be unable to continue providing this level of service. Last year, with the support of the Council, we were able to deal with over 15,000 enquiries and help West Oxfordshire residents to access a further £1 million in benefits to which they were entitled.”
West Oxfordshire CAB is a charity and is dependant on grants and fundraising to cover its costs. It has a workforce of professionally trained volunteers who give free, confidential, impartial advice and its service is available to everyone.
Offices are based at The Old Print House, Marlborough Lane, Witney, telephone 01993 705691, and High Street, Chipping Norton, telephone 01608 641367.
[edit] Council stays ‘on board’ with ‘Dial-a-Ride’
19th February 2009
West Oxfordshire District Council has pledged its continuing support for the Octabus Dial-a-Ride service.
Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door minibus service for people who find it difficult to use public transport, such as the elderly or disabled. The buses are designed for accessibility, which includes loading wheelchairs and drivers are trained to help people with mobility problems as well as being first aiders.
The service helps people gain access to work, social and leisure opportunities and last year in West Oxfordshire over 3,000 Dial-a-Ride journeys were made.
Cllr Jill Dunsmore, Cabinet Member for Communities said, “With the closure of so many Post Offices we are at a time when rural services are being especially hit hard. I am therefore pleased that we are supporting the continuation of the Dial-a-Ride service, which is a much-needed service in our rural District. It is a lifeline for those who find it difficult to travel on public transport and who might otherwise be isolated.”
Dial-a-Ride operates between 9 am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and is run by Walters Limousines.
There is a charge but the Council’s concessionary bus pass or transport tokens can be used. More information about the service is on www.westoxon.gov.uk and places can be booked by telephoning 01865 876176.
The Octabus Dial-a-Ride service is provided in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and operates in Oxford City Council and the Vale of White Horse areas in addition to West Oxfordshire. The service does not provide journeys to social centres operated by Oxfordshire County Council or to hospitals for appointments as alternative travel support is available for these types of journeys.
[edit] Sponsored bins take to the streets
9th January 2009
In a bid to cut down on street litter, local businesses have joined forces with West Oxfordshire District Council to install more litter bins in Witney.
A total of eight new litter bins have been sponsored by Henry Box School, Sharpe Business Support, Witney and District Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Oak, IZI Café Wine bar, Mac’s Garage (Witney) Ltd, Petersons Accountants and Rushbrooke Associates Ltd.
The new bins are in the following town centre locations:
- Church Green
- Buttercross area
- Market Square (2 additional bins)
- High Street (4 additional bins)
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment at West Oxfordshire District Council said, “Litter is unsightly and it reduces people’s pride in, and enjoyment of, public areas. Having more litter bins on the street will help enormously and I am delighted that we are working alongside local businesses on the sponsorship scheme.
“The Council spends about £650,000 each year cleaning streets and paths, which includes emptying bins and picking up litter. The Street Cleaning Team start work at 6.30am 364 days a year, picking up large amounts of litter before it is even seen.”
Carol Sharpe, a member of Witney Town Forum and the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the sponsored bins initiative and liaised with the Council and other businesses in town. She said, “I live and work in Witney and love the town. I was dismayed at the amount of litter in the streets and reading the letters in the Witney Gazette I was not alone. I wanted to do something about it and saw the Forum as a vehicle to get things done.
“The Council can do so much but everyone must take responsibility by putting their litter (including cigarette stubs and chewing gum) into the bins or taking it home. I asked businesses to sponsor litter bins to demonstrate that they care about the town.
“The aim is to try to ensure that people of all ages understand that dropping litter is not acceptable. I hope to visit the schools and college over the next few months to get my message across. It would be something to be proud of if other towns looked upon Witney as an excellent example of a clean and tidy town. We must all work towards this goal. It can be achieved.”
Littering and fly tipping is an offence and any incidents can be reported to West Oxfordshire District Council on: www.westoxon.gov.uk or by telephoning 01993 861020.
[edit] Get £700 off your Council Tax
3rd December 2008
West Oxfordshire District Council is running a prize draw to give householders the chance to get their Council Tax bill cut by £700.
One lucky winner will be picked at random to receive the £700 discount on next years bill. This is equivalent to getting your Council Tax paid for six months if you live in a Band D property in West Oxfordshire.
The draw is being organised to encourage more people to pay their Council Tax by safe, secure Direct Debit, which helps save money and keep Council Tax bills down.
All householders who pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit will automatically be entered into the free draw. Those who do not already pay in this way can enter if they sign up to Direct Debit before January 19th 2009. All they need to do is complete a Direct Debit mandate online at www.westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993 861040.
Cllr Simon Hoare, the Councils Cabinet Member for Resources, said: West Oxfordshire District Council has one of the lowest Council Tax charges in the country and strives to keep bills low for residents. Paying by Direct Debit can make a real difference if everyone in the District changed to paying by Direct Debit the Council would have nearly £70,000* extra next year to spend on services for residents.
At present, 71.29% of households in West Oxfordshire pay by Direct Debit. As well as helping to save money and keep Council Tax bills, Direct Debit is a convenient, trusted payment method backed up by a guarantee.
The prize draw closes on January 19th and the winner will be picked on January 20th.
[edit] Public invited to vote for favourite poster
24th November 2008
Earlier this year West Oxfordshire District Council invited primary school age children to send in colourful posters as part of a competition to help brighten up the large hoardings surrounding the Marriotts development site in Witney.
Shortlisted entries were enlarged and have been on display on the hoardings since July.
West Oxfordshire District Council and the Simons group are now inviting the public to help choose the overall winning poster. Voting can be done online at www.westoxon.gov.uk. The closing date for voting is 18 December 2008.
The competition was open to all primary schools in the District and paintings by pupils from six schools were shortlisted. The primary schools were: Aston & Cote, Hanborough Manor and from Witney: The Batt, Blake, Tower Hill and Witney Community primary schools.
Cllr Jill Dunsmore, Cabinet Member for Communities said, “There was a fantastic response and the children who took part all put in such a lot of work and they have really brightened up the hoardings. Anyone voting will find selecting the best one very difficult.”
The Simons Group is donating a cash prize to the winning school and an individual prize to the pupil.
The secondary schools competition closed at the end of October. Abingdon & Witney College and four secondary schools sent in over 60 posters. Judging is due to take place in November and the best will be enlarged and displayed on the hoardings in the New Year.
The Marriotts development is due for completion in autumn 2009. It will include shops and restaurants, a multi-screen cinema and multi-storey car park plus a recreational area and new homes.
[edit] Flood Protection Products Fair
2nd October 2008
West Oxfordshire residents can find out more about protecting their homes at a Flood Products Fair on Thursday 9th October from 2.30 - 6.30pm at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney
Entry to the Fair is free. As well as companies displaying flood protection products there will be help and information from public service agencies for those who have been affected by, or are at risk of, flooding.
At the Flood Fair visitors will be able to: Check if their home or business is in a flood risk area Find out about flood warning services and how to sign up Get advice on practical steps to protect their property from flooding Pick up a range of information and check out useful websites Check out the range of flood defence devices on sale Develop their own home or business flood plan See the Council’s latest Parish Flood Reports
The Fair is being organised by West Oxfordshire District Council, the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum.
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment at West Oxfordshire District Council said, “I’m sure anyone who has been flooded or is at risk of flooding will find the Fair extremely useful. There are many products now available that help to safeguard homes against any future flooding.”
The Witney Flood Fair is one of many being held in the Thames Valley during October as part of a Flood Awareness month.
Flood awareness campaign coordinator for the Environment Agency, Helen James, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support these events. Fairs like these give residents an idea of some of the products available out there which may protect their homes during events such as those we experienced recently.”
[edit] Concerns over elderly care plans in West Oxon
30th September 2008
The District Council is raising concerns about proposals for Witney Community Hospital which it believes could reduce the number of beds available for West Oxfordshire residents.
The proposals by Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust concern the treatment of elderly patients in need of specialist medical care and would mean a change of use, from care at a level that GPs can provide to specialist geratology-supported care, for 25 beds at Witney Hospital. The PCT is proposing the same for Abingdon Community Hospital, in the Vale district. It would mean that patients from across the county could be treated at Witney or Abingdon Community Hospitals if they require specialist geratology care.
The PCT says the proposals would mean “bringing together all patients who need to be cared for by specialist gerontologists into one place in order to deliver the right level of medical care in the best way possible.”
At a meeting, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Members said that while they welcomed specialist care for the elderly, they were concerned the proposals would lead to a loss in beds for local patients as the PCT did not plan to replace the beds being set aside for specialist care. The Members called for 25 extra beds to be provided to ensure this would not happen.
There were also serious concerns about a lack of public consultation over the proposals. Although the PCT has invited the Council to give its views and comments, and has liaised with Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it does not plan to consult members of the public.
Cabinet Members agreed a motion put forward by Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Health, that: The Council does not believe there has been adequate consultation with the public The Council has serious concerns about the prospect of a loss of beds for West Oxfordshire patients at Witney The PCT is requested to provide of minimum of 25 extra beds to ensure there is no loss in the number of beds available to local people
Cllr Hilary Biles said: “We only received the letter about these proposals at very short notice and were given only a short timeframe to respond. There are several concerns. Although we all want to see complex care being delivered by the correct specialists, there is an issue over having a certain number of beds dedicated to patients needing specialist care which can be accessed by anyone in the County, whereas previously, patients attended the hospital from the Witney area. This will put a strain on the current beds at Witney Hospital and the PCT do not intend to increase the number of beds overall. We would be like to see an increase in bed numbers to take into account that patients are able to access the beds from outside West Oxfordshire.”
The Cabinet agreed that the Council’s Chief Executive, David Neudegg, should write to the PCT setting out these and other concerns, including highlighting rural transport issues and the lack of public transport in the District, which may affect relatives of patients who would have to travel to Witney.
Under the proposals, the PCT says that Chipping Norton Community Hospital and other community hospitals in the Vale and South districts would be provided with “appropriate medical cover from GP colleagues as best serves their need.”
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