Minutes of the Meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in the Youth Club, Church End, on 11th February 2025 at 7.30pm

Present:

          Mr. B. Parnham               Chairman

          Mr. D. Jeffcoat               Vice Chairman

          Mrs. A. Knipe

          Mrs. J. Macdonald

          Mr. J. Clements

          Mr. J. Rippin

          Mr. B. Smith

          Mr. D. Bevan                   Clerk

 

          WODC Cllr. S. Cosier. Mr. Andrew Couper (Aston Road)

1.         APOLOGIES – OCC Cllr. Levy, WODC Cllr. C. Maynard

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None.

3.         PUBLIC ITEMS –. Mr. Parnham closed the meeting at 7.45pm. Mr. Couper introduced himself as a resident of Aston, also speaking on behalf of other residents, and wished to draw the council’s attention to the condition of Aston Road. There has been a large increase in HGV traffic on the road, leading to damage to pavements and verges as well as contributing to the deterioration of an already poor road surface. Mr. Couper also stressed the potential danger these vehicles caused to pedestrians, given the very limited provision of footpaths on the road, and he concluded by saying that there must be a solution to this problem.

There was some general discussion about possible destinations of these vehicles and alternative routes but without representation of OCC at the meeting this was inconclusive. Cllr. Cosier suggested that, although this was outside his remit as a WODC councillor, that a weight limit should be investigated.

Mr. Parnham thanked Mr. Couper for his comments and said it was unfortunate that Cllr. Levy was unable to attend as this was an OCC problem to solve. Mr. Parnham continued by saying he had been in dialogue with Cllr. Levy and had agreed that a face-to-face meeting would be beneficial, but to include representatives from Aston and Bampton which were likely destinations for these vehicles; this suggestion would be followed up with Cllr. Levy.

Mr. Parnham re-opened the meeting at 7.55pm.

4.         COUNTY and DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS. Full County and District councillor reports are available on the council website – www.standlakepc.org.uk . There were no relevant questions from councillors.

5.         PLANNING – 25/00181/HHD: Erection of a shed: 5 New Lincoln Meadow Standlake Witney: Mr Andrew Hanneman. No objection.

Mr. Jeffcoat noted that the fence at 138 Abingdon had not been moved despite the WODC planning committee’s recent decision. Cllr. Cosier said he would look into this but it was pointed out that the applicant had three years to comply with the ruling.

6.         MINUTES - Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record, and were signed by the chairman.

7.         MATTERS ARISING

Sewage/Flooding – Mr. Parnham reported that, despite his chasing, he had still not received any updates from Thames Water or OCC: he will continue to chase.

Roads/Speedwatch/20mph – Mrs. Knipe reported that during January 14 roadside sessions were held.  70 offenders were reported.  In the 30mph zone 1% were recorded as speeding with a maximum of 49mph.  Within the 20mph zones 18% were recorded as exceeding the speed limit with an average of 30mph.

Over the past year, 1315 offenders have been reported to TVP.  On average we hold 4 sessions per week at the various approved locations in Standlake and Brighthampton. A sincere thank you to all volunteers who give up their time including a number who also have work commitments.  If you would like to become a volunteer, please send an email to speedwatch@standlakepc.org.uk.

New Speedwatch signage has been put up at the entry points to the village and we are investigating costs to have metal signage put on the village gates.

Briefly on other matters, the condition of Aston Road and use by HGV's is a major concern and we are working with our OCC Councillor Dan Levy and the OCC Highways Engagement Team.  Further information will follow.  Traffic calming and additional SID devices are also under review, but funding is a major issue.  Hopefully as we go into the new Financial Year, we may be able to move forward on some of the issues.

Playgrounds/Recreation Ground – Mr. Parnham reported that there was a rotten bar on the monkey climbing square in the Rack End Playground; the clerk will report this to Absolute Solutions. Mr. Clements reported that there were no issues at Windrush Way. Mr. Parnham said a date will be decided for the usual spring ‘walk around’ to ascertain what work was required in the playgrounds.

Environment/Nature Recovery Network - Mrs. Macdonald reported the following:  Litter Pick – the Spring litter pick is planned for Saturday 8th March (10 – 12) as usual, with kind support and refreshments provided by the WI. at the village hall. • New Burial Ground – It has been requested that there should be a PC rep, for the consultation plans (instigated by the PCC) for the landscaping of the hedgerow between the two burial grounds, and the plans to make accessible pathways for access to the graves, and a pathway linking the car park to Horns Way for pedestrian access to school. I am happy to take on that role. • Hedge Laying – Following the excellent work of hedge laying the boundary between the new burial ground and the Glebe Land field, Stuart Bridger and his team, are planning to lay the remaining section of hedgerow between the car park and the new burial ground. Weather permitting this will be on Tuesday 18th February. We will assist by removing debris and providing refreshments. • LWVP– Nature Recovery met with the new LWVP coordinator Martyn Lane, in November, to discuss the continuing plans for the pollinator patch and the maintenance of the wildflower bank at the village hall. Photo evidence of the planting and subsequent repairing of the flower beds after the emergency building work on the porch, will be sent to LWVP in due course. He also gave useful advice about the ongoing management of the wildflower bank, which we will try to implement in the spring. • Planters – these are growing well, and bulbs will be added shortly to give added colour.

8.         CORRESPONDENCE. – Thanks for grant to First and Last Mile bus company. The clerk said that repeated efforts to obtain bank details from Age UK Oxfordshire, to make the donation of £75 agreed at the December meeting, have been unsuccessful. It was agreed that the money would now be available for payment of another request.

9.         ACCOUNTS – The clerk reported that the accounts were in a satisfactory state.

For payment/approved: (* already paid)

B Parnham - chair expenses                         £85.80*

Ox Mind - donation                                      £75.00*

CPRE - subscription                                      £36.00*

Cottsway – Windrush Way rent                    £10.00*

HMRC - clerk PAYE                                     £419.80*

First & Last mile - grant                              £500.00*

Amazon - laser printer                               £160.79*

Amazon - printer paper                               £11.99*

Abs Sols - Speedwatch signs replacement   £30.00*

 

10.       ASTON ROAD –See item 3.

11.       WRITE-OFF OF LASER PRINTER – As agreed during the 24/25 budget planning the clerk has purchased a new laser/printer/copier for the sum of £133.99 (ex VAT). The old printer was purchased in 2012 (£62.50 ex VAT) and was at the end of its useful life. The clerk proposed that this old printer be written off; seconded by Mr. Parnham and passed unanimously.

12.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING – It was agreed that the next meeting will be held in the Youth Club on Tuesday 11th March 2025 at 7.30 pm.

13.       There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.25pm.

 

Chairman   ....................................................................  Date