Welcome

Creating Futureswww.westoxon.gov.uk

West Oxfordshire District Council’s newsletter for residents Winter 2013

Council offices

are closed on:

Wednesday 25, Thursday 26,

Friday 27 December and Wednesday 1 January.

Out of hours emergencies: 0845 303 9706

Local life-saving

kits...p12

Bank holiday bin collection

calendars...p11

Investing in the

community...p8

Supporting your local townsPages 4-6

from Barry Norton Leader of the CouncilAs we begin to reflect on 2013, everyone in West Oxfordshire has good reason to feel proud.

Aftershocks of the recession and the effects of public spending cutbacks are still being felt, but there are many positives locally as we see full and bustling high streets and low unemployment.

At a time when many towns are struggling, it is heartening to hear we have low shop vacancy rates, with our main shopping destination of Witney going from strength-to-strength and over 97% of units full (see page 4).

Of course, 100% capacity is what we aim for and we will continue working to support the local economy to ensure that West Oxfordshire carries on bucking the trend.

Latest figures also show that the District’s tourism industry is significantly benefiting the economy, bringing in over £260m annually, and we will also carry on supporting this sector.

The Council remains committed to providing free 24/7 parking as we are told by retailers, shoppers, residents and visitors alike that this is a huge attraction which, we believe, supports everyone. Some changes have been made recently in Witney to cater for demand for short-stay parking (see page 5).

Despite the Council’s finances being under extreme pressure, we remain committed to protecting our frontline services and providing financial support, wherever possible, to voluntary organisations that support our District and residents.

We are doing this by further developing our shared working and making more savings (see page 8). Our annual budget will be set in February and we will ensure that council tax remains as low as possible.

We will also continue to work with other agencies to represent West Oxfordshire and achieve the best outcomes for our District, for example, on issues such as securing high-speed broadband for all in our rural communities.

We recognise West Oxfordshire as one of the best places to live and work in the country. We will keep working to encourage more affordable homes to enable local people to stay living in the place we all love, while ensuring future developments enhance the District and its distinct character.

As we head towards 2014, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Welcome

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All information in this newsletter is correct at time of going to print.

The plan addresses a wide range of issues including transport, the environment, climate change, town centres and the economy. One of the most important issues for the Local Plan to address is the amount of new housing needed.

To help inform the Local Plan, a new study known as a ‘Strategic Housing Market Assessment’ (SHMA) is being prepared to identify the amount and type of new housing that is likely to be needed across Oxfordshire by 2031. Once the results of the study are known, the Council will be in a position to decide how to progress the Local Plan including whether there is a need for any further consultation.

Alongside the SHMA, the Council is also in the process of updating its Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) which considers potentially suitable and deliverable housing sites within the District.

Work is progressing on the potential introduction of the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’ (CIL) in West Oxfordshire. CIL is essentially a charge placed on all new development to help fund local infrastructure such as roads, schools and open spaces.

For further information visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/draftlocalplan

Extra care schemes startWork is underway on two exciting new housing schemes for older people - the first of their kind in West Oxfordshire.

These developments will help people aged 55 or above, who need a little extra help to continue to live independently within their own home.

Both developments are a mix of affordable rental and ownership. They are being provided by our housing partners Green Square and are due to complete in spring 2015. Details are:

• ‘The Wychwoods’ - Green Lane, Milton-under-Wychwood: 44 apartments, with priority for people with a local connection to the Wychwoods.

• ‘Fernleigh’ - Buttercross Works, Witney: 80 apartments close to the town centre.

More information about extra care housing is on www.westoxon.gov.uk/olderdisabled or call 01993 861010 if you wish to be considered for an apartment.

West Oxfordshire Local PlanUPDATE:The Council is preparing a new Local Plan to guide development within the District up to 2029.

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Planning round-upSeveral applications of wider significance have been received recently by the Council and, in some cases have been approved and work has already started.

Bampton• Two applications have been received: one for

127 new homes at Aston Road and one for up to 160 homes at New Road.

Carterton• Town centre improvements including a

new Market Square, creating town centre walkways, landscaping and refurbishing the Black Bourton Road car park are underway, thanks to developer funds from the new Morrisons superstore and money from Carterton Town Council.

Chipping Norton• Aldi have held consultations for a new

supermarket at Banbury Road.

• A planning application has been received for 60 houses on Churchill Road.

• Work on the Co-op supermarket expansion has started.

Great Tew• Planning permission to convert Tracey

Farm in Great Tew into a hotel and leisure complex has been approved in principle.

Standlake• Noble Foods are building a new egg packing

and distribution centre set to open Spring 2014, creating around 180 new jobs.

Witney• A new development of up to 1,000 homes

in West Witney is expected to start 2014. The development will provide significant improvements and contributions towards local infrastructure and facilities.

• Work on 106 new homes on the former Buttercross Works in Station Lane continues. First homes will be completed early 2014.

• Premier Inn’s 57-bed hotel and restaurant on Ducklington Lane will open in February 2014.

• Planning permission has been granted for 36 new homes at Springfield Nurseries, Curbridge Road.

Woodstock• A planning application for 64 homes on

Shipton Road has been received.

We have been supporting and assisting Chipping Norton Town Council with the development of the first Neighbourhood Plan in West Oxfordshire.

A Neighbourhood Plan gives local residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on future development within their locality.

Residents were recently asked about the future needs of the town in relation to housing, health and education, environment, economy and transport.

The Neighbourhood Plan will include policies and proposals

which, if adopted, will form part of the statutory planning framework.This means that planning applications in the town will be assessed against the Neighbourhood Plan, along with the District Council’s Local Plan.

The Neighbourhood Plan, therefore, has potential to be influential at steering the type, level and location of development in Chipping Norton over the next 15 years.

For more details visit: www.chippingnortontown.info

“ The Local Plan is key to the future success of West Oxfordshire, guiding much needed homes, jobs and infrastructure

for the area to 2029.

We need to ensure that it is supported by a sound and robust evidence base which underpins this important development strategy, and as soon as the new Strategic Housing Market

Assessment has been completed we can move forward. ”

Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Planning & Housing

Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan

Artist’s illustration of Fernleigh, Witney

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Shop local this Christmas

“I come into town most days and it’s really lovely here. You can get pretty much everything you need without having to travel too far.”

Sally Kerr, Witney

“The Marriotts Walk development is first class and for the size of the town, the shopping facilities are excellent. Long may free parking continue!”

David Hughes, Minster Lovell

Times have been extremely tough for High Streets, towns and cities across the country since the recession hit five years ago. There has also been a growing trend towards online sales - expected to account for almost 14% of all retail sales by 2015 - putting increased pressure on traditional shops.

Here in West Oxfordshire, our town centres have fared well and continue to buck the trend when it comes to empty shops and unemployment rates. In fact, there have been some major retail developments in our main shopping town of Witney, with extra shops created at the Marriotts Walk shopping centre, Woolgate shopping centre and most recently in Welch Way.

One of our Council’s priorities is to support the local economy and we work together with others to do this. We are keen to encourage a mix of shopping and leisure opportunities - things like cafés and places to eat - in our town centres, and continue to ensure that parking remains free as people tell us that this is a major attraction.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, said: “We are extremely proud of the success of West Oxfordshire, and particularly Witney as the main shopping town, during what has been a few very difficult years. While some other towns have struggled, things here have continued to thrive.

“We are in the position where we can say that West Oxfordshire has something to offer for everyone when it comes to shopping and leisure activities, and there is no better time than Christmas to really make the most of this. After all, why travel further afield when you have it on your doorstep?”

Pictured on our front cover are just a few of Witney’s friendly independent retailers. Left to right: Dentons Toys & Cycles, Bakers Butchers, Fresh Cards & Gifts, Witney Buttercross Market fruit and vegetable stallholder, Rapture, Keates of Witney & Blossom Bridal & Occasion Wear.

Although Witney is our main shopping town, the District is full of small, dynamic retailers. Pictured above are some of Chipping Norton’s independent shops. Left to right: (front row) Twist Interiors, Tickittyboo, The Chipping Norton Tea Set, Jaffé & Neale (back row) Beadles Butchers, Harpers and MASH.

It might not quite be December, but Christmas is definitely in the air – and what better way to do your shopping than heading into your local town? You might just be surprised to find everything you need for the festive season.

“The independent shops offer something different, but I also like the high street shops. The parking’s really convenient and I like the atmosphere.”

Kerry Townsend,Long Hanborough

Bucking the trend• The national average for empty

shops in towns of a similar size to Witney is almost 12%*.

• A recent survey showed more than 97% of units in Witney town centre were full - at 2.4%, the vacancy rate is less than a third of the national average.

• Highest vacancy rate for shops was 37% (Morecambe, Lancashire) and lowest with just 1% of shops empty (Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire).

• A retail impact assessment carried out last year showed that several national food stores and supermarkets were trading well in West Oxfordshire compared to company averages.

* Source: Local Data Company, September 2013

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Parking changes to cater for demandFree parking is extremely popular and will continue across the District for the benefit of everybody.

However there is an increasing demand, particularly in Witney, which needs to be addressed. We recently started a 12-month trial change to some spaces to ensure that all of the town centre’s car parks are best utilised, including:

• Woolgate Car Park: turning 144 long-stay spaces into 3-hour spaces. This is the busiest car park and the switch will help to meet demand for short-stay parking there and keep traffic flowing. The rest of the car park remains short-stay.

• Marriotts Walk Multi-Storey: making the top two floors (145 spaces on Levels 7 and 8) 9-hour, instead of 5. These levels were under-used and the move will ensure that the whole of this car park is used. The rest of the multi-storey will continue to have a 3-hour time limit.

There has been no reduction in the overall number of long-stay (408) or short-stay (1,387) spaces in the town centre, and the 12-hour time limit remains at Woodford Way Car Park.

It is estimated that around 100,000 people visit Witney town centre each week and demand for off-street parking is rising by 5% each year.

The changes are part of a Witney Parking Strategy, setting out how to meet this increasing demand. Longer-term plans to meet future parking needs are also being explored.

We are one of only a handful of councils in England, to provide free 24/7 parking and we do this to support the local economy. Other authorities are now looking to West Oxfordshire as a model for their own parking schemes.

“ With free 24/7 parking, leisure facilities and a fantastic

array of shops, more people are visiting Witney and that’s great

news, particularly given the economic situation across the UK. These changes will mean

greater availability of short-stay spaces, supporting local retailers

and shoppers alike. ”

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for

Environment

Taxi safety: If you are using a taxi please make sure it is licensed by the council and it is pre-booked or on a taxi rank. See www.westoxon.gov.uk/licences

Show your support, shop localWhile our market towns are doing well, it’s vital local residents continue to support our local towns – and the best way you can do this is by shopping locally.

There are hundreds of shops in West Oxfordshire, including more than 250 in Witney town centre with a mix of independents and national chains.

Lesley Semaine, Witney Chamber of Commerce Chairman, said: “Without independent shops towns just die. We do need the multiples and the big names but there needs to be a balance – this is spot-on.

“Everyone thinks the free parking is great and people do like to shop locally. We are fortunate we have this support here in West Oxfordshire.”

There are active groups – often known as ‘Chamber of Trades’ – in all of our local towns bringing together retailers and businesses passionate about what they do, and many are involved in events such as late-night shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

Alison Green (pictured above left) runs the independent shop Twist Interiors and is part of Experience Chipping Norton, an enthusiastic campaign by local businesses to promote Chipping Norton, established after funding was given by the Government’s Mary Portas Review. (www.experiencechippingnorton.com)

She said: “We want to make sure Chipping Norton thrives this Christmas. It’s a one-stop shop, with something for everyone here. Let’s celebrate the town and local shopping!”

10% discountVoucher for selected gifts at Visitor Information Centres in Burford and Witney.Excludes accommodation bookings, stamps, events and National Express tickets. Valid until 24 December 2013.

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WIN, WIN, WIN! £50 of market goodiesWe have fresh, local produce to give away just in time for Christmas! One lucky person will be able to choose the products they would like from the market - ranging from fruit and vegetables to bread, cake, cards and flowers - to the value of £50.

To be in with the chance of winning, simply enter online at: www.westoxon.gov.uk/news

Alternatively, send your name, address, email and phone number to: Witney Buttercross Market Draw, West Oxfordshire District Council, Woodgreen, Witney, OX28 1NB.

Deadline for entries is 12 noon on Friday 6 December 2013.

Christmas market datesGeneral markets:Carterton:Thursday 19 DecemberThursday 9 January

Chipping Norton:Wednesday 18 DecemberWednesday 8 January

Witney: Thursday 19 DecemberSaturday 28 DecemberThursday 2 JanuarySaturday 4 January

Farmers’ markets:WoodstockSaturday 7 December

CharlburySaturday 14 December

WitneyFriday 20 December

Chipping NortonSaturday 21 December

Safeguarding marketsMarkets have played a key role in West Oxfordshire’s retail history and work is under way to make improvements to ensure that they continue to feature in its future.

We are in the process of rebranding Witney’s centuries-old Charter Market as the ‘Witney Buttercross Market’ and hope to bring in new stallholders at the Thursday and Saturday markets to complement the variety of products already on offer.

Specialist markets are being introduced in the town to bring variation and provide new opportunities for shoppers (see bottom right). Further changes, such as improvements to the appearance of the market, are being explored. Witney’s Market Square was refurbished earlier in the year.

The go-ahead has also been given for Witney Farmers’ Market to have the option of running alongside the Buttercross Market on a Saturday, although it will continue to trade in Market Square one Friday a month for the time being.

These changes are being made following a review into Witney’s markets. Our Council is responsible for the Buttercross Market and is hoping that the lessons learned from the review and improvements made will benefit the District’s other markets as well.

Markets are at the centre of thriving towns. Their importance to the local economy and role as an incubator for new business start-ups was recognised in the 2011 Mary Portas review into the future of high streets.

National research shows that markets help to bring in visitors and support local businesses, and it is estimated that the District’s markets turnover around £1.2m annually.

Markets are often described as the ‘lifeblood’ of local communities, but this can only continue with the support from local residents and shoppers.

Witney Christmas Market:22-24 DecemberCome and visit Witney’s first specialist three-day Christmas Market providing festive foods and craft stalls - a great way to celebrate Christmas in your local town!

Christmas lightsFor information about Christmas light switch-ons across Oxfordshire, visit: www.otcn.co.uk

For more details: www.westoxon.gov.uk/markets

Pictured: Andy Harbon of Flowercraft, Witney Buttercross Market

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Planning issues answered: installing a satellite dish at home

Satellite dishes on homesYou may need to apply for planning permission if you want to install a satellite dish or television antenna on your house.

Whether you require permission depends on the kind of property you live in, the size of dish/antenna, where you want to put it and if you already have any on your property.

If you do not need planning permission, you still need to ensure that your dish/antenna is not in an obtrusive location on your home and take into consideration the effect on the outside of your house and local area. If no longer needed, dishes should be removed.

Do you need planning permission?For houses or blocks of flats below 15m tall, planning permission is not needed as long as:

• There will not be more than two dishes/antennas on the building or in the garden.

• The first does not exceed 1m in size; and any second dish/antenna is 60cm or less.

• The cubic capacity of each dish/antenna is 35 litres or less.

• The dish/antenna does not protrude more than 60cm above the highest part of the roof, or chimney (whichever is lower).

For properties in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or World Heritage Site, you will not need permission as long as you meet the above criteria and also ensure that:

• The dish/antenna does not protrude above the highest part of the roof and is not on a chimney, wall, roof slope which faces, and is visible from, a road.

You may need permission if you live in a:

• Listed Building;

• New build property;

• Block of flats of over 15m; or

• Property where permitted development rights have been withdrawn.

As the issue can be complex, please contact us if you are in any doubt.

You can find out more by viewing an interactive guide at: www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission

At a glance guide• Find out if you need planning

permission or listed building consent before installation.

• Use reputable and authorised installers.

• Avoid breaking the skyline with a dish/antenna and, wherever possible, do not install at the front of your property.

• Select a dish that blends in with its chosen background (in some cases a mesh or transparent dish may be less obtrusive than a solid one).

• Remember - you may need landlord/landowner’s consent too.

We’re here to helpIf you’re not sure if you need planning permission or building regulations approval we will happily give you free advice. Simply complete the ‘Do I need to submit an application’ form at www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning or call 01993 861420 and we will send you an enquiry form. (We’re unable to tell you if planning permission is needed over the phone).

You can find out more about your property, including if it is listed, in a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ section of our website.

For further advice and guidance: www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning

Shopmobility open dayFind out about our Shopmobility scheme, which provides wheelchairs and scooters for people with disabilities to get around Witney town centre:• Thursday 28 November• 9.30am to 4.15pm• Shopmobility office, Langdale Gate,

Witney (disabled parking nearby)

Alternatively, find out more online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/shopmobility or call 01993 864787 or 861000.

FREE microchipping Booking is essential for our free dog microchipping service at:• WFS Country Shop, Burford Road,

Witney: 21, 23, 28 & 30 January • Countrywide, Banbury Road,

Chipping Norton: 7 &14 February Request an appointment online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/dogs or call 01993 861020. Normal cost £16.98.

Registered to vote?Don’t forget to return your electoral registration form, or confirm your details online or by phone or text, otherwise you will not be on the register to vote at the May elections.

Not being on the register can also affect your credit rating, making it difficult to get a loan, mortgage or open a bank account. Visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/register or call 01993 861410

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We are now looking to make further developments to deliver even more savings to enable us to provide the best services and continue investing in our District.

Our efficiency savings programme started in 2008 with a decision to share our Chief Executive with Cotswold District Council. Today, a number of staff work across both councils and some teams such as IT, building control and revenues have merged.

The Council is also benefiting by working with a wider number of organisations to deliver HR, payroll and finance services. These organisations include Cotswold, Cheltenham and Forest of Dean councils.

Improving facilitiesThe savings we have made through our efficiency programme have enabled us to continue investing in communities through grant schemes and improvements to public facilities that we own.

A state-of-the-art, all-weather artificial pitch in Carterton is among work carried out this year as part of this ongoing investment. Located at Carterton Community College, the third generation (3G) surface replaced a worn-out pitch that had been in use since 1998. It is the first of its kind in West Oxfordshire, looks and feels like grass, and can be used for different sports. The pitch is used by the school and is also available for community use. Our Council invested over £167,000 in the improvement work.

A new multi-use pitch has also been built at Bartholomew School, Eynsham, with funding of £150,000 that we secured from developers of a housing scheme in the village, plus a £47,000 school contribution.

Through shared working, principally with Cotswold District Council, we have made joint savings of £4.25m across both authorities in the last five years.

Protecting services, investing in the community

“ Delivering high quality services for local residents and keeping district council tax low

are the driving forces of our efficiency savings programme.

Shared working is enabling us to meet the challenges that

lie ahead, with no impact on our residents. It is a win-win situation and good news for

council taxpayers. ”

Cllr Simon Hoare, Cabinet Member for Resources

Investing in a NEW website: Accessing council services online will be even simpler with the launch of our new website, coming soon. As well as being easier to use, our investment in the website will bring long-term efficiency savings for the Council. Look out for the new website at www.westoxon.gov.uk

Did you know?We have protected voluntary sector grants in 2013/14, while other councils have reduced support, with over £275,000 for organisations like West

Oxfordshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Chipping

Norton Theatre.

Carterton Community College pupils playing on the new 3G artificial turf pitch

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Wheels for allSessions first Sunday of every month, 12.30 - 2.30pm, at our artificial turf pitch in Witney to give disabled young people the chance to try cycling using specially-adapted bikes. Cost £3. To book or find out more call 01865 252678 or visit www.oxfordshiresport.org/wheelsforall_______________________________

Boccia – a sport for all Boccia sessions, similar to bowls, cost just £1. Come along to the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney 12.30 - 1.30pm on Fridays to try your hand._______________________________

Music DiaryAn online listing of concerts and performances in the District. For more information, or to register an event for inclusion, call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/leisure

Gym offer for young people: Through a lottery-funded programme, gym sessions are available for 19-25 year olds for just £2.50 - almost a quarter of the usual peak-time cost - at Carterton and Windrush (Witney) leisure centres. Anyone who attends 12 sessions in 12 weeks will qualify for discounted leisure centre membership. Offer ends April 2014. Email catherine.alexander@gll.org or call 07595 080 379.

Carterton Winter LightsResidents are once again preparing for a magical, festive stroll through Carterton with sparkling lanterns created by the local community.

The Winter Lights Procession is a celebration of community life, open for all to enjoy, and takes place on Friday 29 November from 5.30pm, starting at Carterton Community College and finishing at Carterton Library. The procession ends with singing, refreshments and a chance to meet Father Christmas.

See www.westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993 861080 for more information.

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Fly-tipping down: Thanks to residents vigilance, fly-tipping has reduced by almost a third in our District - down from 736 to 503 incidents since 2006. Every report of fly-tipping is investigated by our Environmental Enforcement Team, set up to combat environmental crimes. If you spot something suspicious, please tell us about it: www.westoxon.gov.uk or 01993 861060.

Last December and January we

collected an extra 200 tonnes for landfill - costing

c.£18,000! Please don’t forget to think green and recycle

as much as possible this festive season.

Make more of your Christmas waste collectionsDid you know that over the festive season, our crews will collect more of your recyclable waste?• Extra recycling can be put out on your collection day next to your black recycling boxes in dry, open cardboard boxes, clear sacks

or carrier bags, but not in black bin liners. Please ensure that there is only one type of recyclable material per box/bag. (For health and safety reasons, glass must be put inside recycling boxes).

• You can put both your kitchen caddy and your outside food waste bin out for collection over Christmas.

Helpful reminders:• Your food waste bin can be used for any raw or cooked food waste, such as peelings,

bones and meat – ideal for turkey carcasses.

• Excess recycling can be taken to local recycling banks or to your nearest waste and recycling centre.

• Garden waste will not be collected from 21 December until 5 January to enable our crews to concentrate on picking up the extra recycling and waste.

• Items that can be recycled as part of weekly black box collections are paper and cardboard, tetrapaks, plastic bottles and containers, tins, cans and aerosols, newspapers and magazines, glass, batteries, textiles and shoes.

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www.westoxon.gov.uk/bins 01993 861025

Christmas & New Year

Normal collection: Revised date:

Wed 25 December Fri 27 December

Thur 26 December Sat 28 December

Fri 27 December Mon 30 December

Mon 30 December Tues 31 December

Tues 31 December Thur 2 January

Wed 1 January Fri 3 January

Thur 2 January Sat 4 January

Fri 3 January Mon 6 January

Mon 6 January Tues 7 January

Tues 7 January Wed 8 January

Wed 8 January Thur 9 January

Thur 9 January Fri 10 January

Fri 10 January Sat 11 January

Normal collections resume 13 January.(No garden waste collections 21 December - 5 January).

Easter Bank Holiday 2014

Normal collection: Revised date:

Good Fri 18 April As normal

Easter Mon 21 April Tues 22 April

Tues 22 April Wed 23 April

Wed 23 April Thur 24 April

Thur 24 April Fri 25 April

Fri 25 April Sat 26 April

Normal collections resume 28 April.

May Day Bank Holiday 2014

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 5 May Tues 6 May

Tues 6 May Wed 7 May

Wed 7 May Thur 8 May

Thur 8 May Fri 9 May

Fri 9 May Sat 10 May

Normal collections resume 12 May.

Spring Bank Holiday 2014

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 26 May Tues 27 May

Tues 27 May Wed 28 May

Wed 28 May Thur 29 May

Thur 29 May Fri 30 May

Fri 30 May Sat 31 May

Normal collections resume 2 June.

August Bank Holiday 2014

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 25 August Tues 26 August

Tues 26 August Wed 27 August

Wed 27 August Thur 28 August

Thur 28 August Fri 29 August

Fri 29 August Sat 30 August

Normal collections resume 1 September.

Bin calendarsWaste collection calendars providing bin collection dates over the next year can be downloaded at www.westoxon.gov.uk

Simply enter your postcode in the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ search on the website.

If you do not have online access, paper copies are available from:• Our Elmfield office, Witney• The Town Centre Shop, Witney• The Guildhall, Chipping Norton• Or upon request by calling

01993 861000.

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Christmas tree recyclingFrom 6 January real Christmas trees and greenery such as holly, ivy and wreaths can be put out as garden waste.

Place your tree in your garden waste bin or cut up and leave beside it. Remove pot, decorations, wire etc.

You don’t need to be signed up for garden waste collections - simply leave your tree out on your green collection week (visit ‘My West Oxfordshire’).

Garden waste not collected 21 December - 5 January.

_________________________________

Recycling adviceWhy not come along to one of our roadshows for advice on recycling and reducing waste over Christmas. These will be held at:• Witney: Market Square,

Thurs 5 December, 11am - 3pm• Witney: Sainsbury’s,

Mon 9 December, 11am - 3pm• Carterton: Co-op,

Thurs 12 December, 11am - 3pm• Witney: Christmas Market,

Mon 23 December, 11am - 3pm

Be alertedDon’t forget, you can sign up for email alerts about bin collection days and service changes due to weather disruption or Bank Holidays at:

www.westoxon.gov.uk

Cut out and keep

Waste and recycling collection day changes due to Bank Holidays:

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At the heart of the communityAston, near Bampton, has recently had a defibrillator installed in the centre of the village thanks to a fundraising effort by parish councillor Paul Sparrowhawk, the Red Lion pub landlord Andrew Cripps and Aston Repair Depot owner Andy Ball.

It took the trio just a few months to raise enough money for the machine, which included a contribution from Witney Round Table. It is now installed outside Mr Ball’s garage.

Paul was inspired to launch the fundraising campaign after attending a first aid course, where he was told that a rural village is the “worst place to live” if you suffer cardiac arrest, due to availability and response of emergency services.

Andy said: “We just felt we had to get one and there was lots of support from everyone in the village. The cost is tiny when you think about the impact it could have.”

With help from the Ambulance Service, the group is organising awareness training for local people and planning to fundraise for a second defibrillator for the village.

IN AN EMERGENCYIf you come across someone collapsed, not breathing or breathing erratically, call 999.You will be advised what to do by the operator while you wait for emergency services to arrive. This may involve:

• Performing CPR

• Being told if there is a defibrillator nearby - you will be given an access code if it is locked away

• Continuing CPR while someone else gets the defibrillator

When the defibrillator arrives, it will give clear, spoken instructions on how to use it, including:

• Attaching pads to the person’s chest

• What to do next – the machine is specially designed to monitor heart rhythm and will only administer an electric shock if necessary.

We are working with South Central Ambulance Service to get more life-saving defibrillators in local communities.

Local life-saving kitsAccording to the British Heart Foundation, there are around 60,000 cardiac arrests outside of hospital every year in the UK and defibrillators, also known as AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), can triple the chances of survival by delivering an electric shock to the heart to try to restore its normal rhythm.

The small, portable machines can be fitted in central locations for easy public access and are simple to use. Giving clear, spoken instructions they are designed to be used by anyone, even without training.

Defibrillators are fitted in some public buildings in West Oxfordshire, such as doctors’ surgeries and Council leisure centres.

The cost, with a security box, is around £1,850 and some communities have taken action to raise funds to get their own installed – for example, in Chipping Norton a disused telephone box is being put to good use housing one of the machines.

Further details of the initiative that we are involved in to get more of these vital machines for West Oxfordshire will be announced in the New Year.

In the meantime, any communities interested in fundraising to get their own defibrillator should contact the Ambulance Service, which can provide help and support, on 01869 365000 or visit www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk

They can also provide awareness training for communities with defibrillators and keep a register of the locations of defibrillators. You can view a map showing where these are locally on their website.

Pictured: Andrew Cripps and Andy Ball from Aston.

“ The clock starts ticking as soon as someone collapses and these machines can play

a vital role in determining whether or not that person

survives.

Their availability is even more important in a rural district like ours and it is our hope that all communities will

eventually have the chance of getting one. ”

Cllr Mark Booty, Cabinet Member for Health

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Our Council is part of the Affordable Warmth Network for Oxfordshire, which supports residents who are at risk of fuel poverty and offers free, impartial advice on a range of issues including:

• Financial support, loans for home improvements and help if you struggle to pay your fuel bills

• Switching to a cheaper energy supplier

• How to deal with unpaid fuel bills

• Claiming benefits you are entitled to

• Support organisations within the area

• Energy efficiency to keep bills down

For free impartial advice call the Affordable Warmth Network on 0800 107 0044.

Home improvementsIf you are a local homeowner over the age of 60, you could get a Flexible Home Improvement Loan from our Council towards work to make your home warmer, healthier and more comfortable for you.

A loan up to £100,000 may be available, provided on a not-for-profit basis, with no hidden small print, no hidden charges and the peace of mind that it is provided by your local Council.

If you receive benefit, are over 60 or have a disability, our Home Improvement Agency provides a ‘value for money’ small repairs service.

For more information visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/olderdisabled or call 01993 861000.

Stop heat loss, save moneyWe are once again working with community groups to offer free thermal imaging surveys to show where heat - and therefore money - is being lost from your home.

To find out if this service is available in your area, contact our local energy advice partner, National Energy Foundation, on 01908 256926 (answerphone available) or email: dale.hoyland@nef.org.uk

Being warm and well during winter can keep coughs and colds at bay, but can also protect you from serious illnesses such as pneumonia.

Warm homes, healthy people

If you have taken out a payday loan, or are considering doing so, it is advisable to research exactly what this will mean for you.

The Consumer Empowerment Partnership (CEP) for Oxfordshire has been set up to campaign, educate and protect consumers on issues just like this and advises that:

• It is not acceptable for lenders to call you day and night.

• Lenders do not have a right to take money from your account without telling you.

There have been problems with payday loans and consultation is being carried out (until 3 December) into new regulations proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority. See www.fca.org.uk

The CEP is based at local Citizens Advice Bureau offices and has produced a video, Neil’s Story, giving advice on payday loans and consumer rights. View it at www.caox.org.uk/consumer

You can also join a mailing list to receive information, or volunteer to help in Oxfordshire, by calling 01865 304125. Alternatively, follow the CEP on Twitter @OxfordConsumer or email davidCEP@cab-oxford.org.uk

Payday loans - know your rights

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Feeling unwell?It does not have to be Accident & Emergency (A&E)Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is making sure you have all the information you need to choose the right health services, first time should you become ill.

If you feel unwell then ‘Choose Well’ for expert advice and help. Choose Well means knowing about the different health services available and choosing the best one for your illness or injury.

A&E and 999 are for serious or critical conditions or life threatening emergencies only. There are many alternatives available.

Choosing Well will help to ensure that the right NHS care is available when you need it.

By choosing well:• You get the right care, first time• You will often be treated more

quickly than at A&E• It helps free up the emergency

departments to treat people with life threatening conditions.

There are lots of different ways people can access the right NHS service and make sure they get the right treatment, at the right time and a place that is convenient for them.

By choosing well you will get the right treatment and help busy

NHS services care for the people who really need them.

1. Self-Care – be preparedMaking sure you are as well as you can be, and protecting yourself from winter infections and viruses is important. To begin with, make sure you are prepared and your medicine cabinet is stocked up with:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and /or fever in adults or children

• Anti-diarrhoeal medicine• Rehydration mixture• Plasters• A thermometer

If you are unlucky enough to get a cough, cold or flu, buying over the counter medicine, staying at home and keeping warm will make you feel much better. Of course, if your symptoms worsen, you should seek a routine doctor's appointment or call NHS 111 for advice.

If you are pregnant, are aged over 65, or have a long term

health condition (such as diabetes, asthma or a heart

condition), you can get a free seasonal flu jab from your GP.

If you have a computer, the NHS Choices symptom checker can be very useful in helping you to manage any worrying symptoms.

There is a wide range of up-to-date health information on the NHS Choices website. Please visit: www.nhs.uk

2. PharmacistsPharmacists can offer a range of healthcare services such as advice about minor illnesses (for example coughs, colds, diarrhoea and vomiting), stop smoking advice, the morning after pill, advice on how to manage your medicines as well as ordering repeat prescriptions. Most pharmacists also offer private consulting rooms so you do not need to talk over the counter. People are urged to be aware of local pharmacy openings times and also to restock their winter medicine cabinet with remedies to treat common winter ailments.

3. NHS 111If it is not a 999 emergency and you do not know who to call for medical help, perhaps because your GP surgery is closed, then you can call NHS 111 for advice. Calls from landlines and mobiles will be free.

4. Minor Injuries UnitsThese units can treat injuries such as deep cuts and grazes, broken bones (fractures), sprains and strains, bites and stings, minor head injury, minor burns and scalds, eye infections and scratches or something stuck in your eye.

Many people go to A&E when they could be treated just as well and probably quicker at a minor injuries unit.

In A&E staff must give priority to serious and life-threatening conditions, so if you go there with a minor injury you may have to wait longer to be seen. It is better to go to a minor injuries unit if there is one locally.

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Feeling unwell?It does not have to be Accident & Emergency (A&E)Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is making sure you have all the information you need to choose the right health services, first time should you become ill.

You do not need an appointment to visit a minor injuries unit. They are run by a team of highly qualified nurse practitioners with a lot of experience and expertise in the treatment of minor injuries.

In West Oxfordshire, there is a minor injuries

unit in WitneyWitney Community Hospital

Welch Way, Witney, OX28 6JJTel: 01608 648262

It is open seven days a week, 10am to 10.30pm.

There is also a First Aid Unit at Chipping Norton War Memorial

Community Hospital, open weekday evenings 5-9pm and 10am to 9pm at weekends and

bank holidays. Tel: 01608 648233.

5. Urgent dental services when your dentist is closedFor emergency advice or treatment please call: 0845 345 8995 • 6.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to

Thursday• 6.30pm to 10pm on Fridays• 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm at

weekends• 9am to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm on bank

holiday weekends and bank holidays.

6. GP surgeriesGP surgeries provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. They can give urgent advice between 8am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Check with your GP practice directly for information.

7. GP out-of-hoursIf you think that you may need help from a doctor when your GP is closed, call the NHS on 111.

The out-of-hours service provides urgent medical care from 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays and round the clock at weekends and bank holidays. Remember to call first before going to an urgent care centre as you will be given an appointment and will avoid an unnecessary wait.

Patients do not need to register for out-of-hours services.

8. A&E / 999A&E departments should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. They provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or who are badly injured.

Dialling 999 and stating that there is a medical emergency will result in an emergency response vehicle being sent to your location.

IN AN EMERGENCY PHONE 999(e.g. serious injury, loss of consciousness, chest pain or suspected stroke)

And finally…

Your checklist Have you got your repeat

prescriptions to cover you during holiday periods?

Do you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet? (Please keep medicines out of reach from children)

Have you had your seasonal flu jab?

If you are pregnant, are aged over 65, or have a long term health condition (such as diabetes, asthma or heart conditions), you can get a free seasonal flu jab from your GP.

Do you have a thermometer?

Do you know the opening hours of your GP practice and pharmacy?

If you become unwell, Choose Well! Remember, a range of NHS

services exist to help you get the right care, when you need it.

Where to get further information: NHS Choices www.nhs.uk15

CONTACTING US

You can access lots of council services 24/7 via:

It’s quick and easy to book a service, pay a bill or report a problem online.

From a postcode search you can:• view planning applications on

your property or street• find your waste collection dates• register for email alerts• see your council tax banding• find the name of your

councillor and much more...

Call: 01993 861000OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES:

0845 3039706

Useful numbersBenefits 01993861030Business Support 01993 861485 Community Services 01993 861060Council Tax 01993 861040 Electoral Services 01993 861410Housing Services 01993 861010 Leisure and Tourism 01993 861080 Licensing 01993 861060 Planning 01993 861420 Street Scene 01993 861020Waste and recycling 01993 861025

Leisure centreswww.better.org.uk

Bartholomew 01993 861830Bartholomew School, Eynsham OX29 4AP

Carterton 01993 840933 Broadshires Way, Carterton OX18 1AA

Chipping Norton 01993 644412 Burford Road, Chipping Norton OX7 5DY

Windrush 01993 202020Witan Way, Witney OX28 4YA

Visitor informationwww.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

Burford 01993 823558 Chipping Norton 01608 643384 Witney 01993 775802 Woodstock 01993 814106

www.westoxon.gov.uk

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Be prepared this winterSnow has become a regular feature of recent winters and we all know the disruption and delays it can cause.

Flood prevention work: Ditch clearance is under way to reduce flooding risk in the District as part of ongoing work by our Council. We have also invested £5,000 in recent work to cut the risk of flooding at Burford’s main public car park.

The following information may be of help preparing for, or during, adverse weather:

Bin collectionsOur contractors always work hard to carry on as normal during snow and ice, but sometimes collections need to be postponed for safety reasons. In the event of bad weather, find out the latest information online at: www.westoxon.gov.uk

You can also sign up to ‘My West Oxfordshire’ online to receive alerts about service changes and weekly emails about which bins to put out for collection.

Roads and travelOxfordshire County Council is responsible for salting: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/salting

Information about travel disruption is available at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/roads

School closuresEach school decides whether it will open or not during adverse weather. Information about closures is updated regularly: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/schoolclosures

Community salt binsMany communities have salt bins. More information, including a location map, can be found at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/salting

If you feel your local community would benefit from a salt bin it is usually best to speak to your local town or parish council, however it can take time for requests to be processed.

Clearing your own pathYou can clear snow and ice from your own paths or footpaths near your home. To ensure this is done carefully, the Government website GOV.UK says you should: • Do it early in the day - it is easier to

move fresh, loose snow.• Not use water - it might refreeze and

turn to black ice.• Use salt (ordinary or dishwasher) to

melt ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight.

• Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways - using more salt may help.

Flooding You can get the latest information on flood warnings direct to your phone or email from the Environment Agency:www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline0845 9881188

SandbagsOur Council provides sandbags free-of-charge when there is an imminent risk of flooding. There are also a number of neighbourhood sandbag centres where you can make up your own sandbags.

For more advice on flooding, see www.westoxon.gov.uk/flooding

In the event of an emergency, our website will be regularly updated and we will keep local radio stations and media informed.

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