Local Government Consultations
County councils and District councils across England are being fused into Unitary Authorities.
In Oxfordshire there are several consultations underway to decide what would be the most appropriate way to split the county.
The new arrangements will affect everything from bin collections to highways repairs to planning decisions.
Oxford City Council is developing a proposal for three unitary councils: a Greater Oxford with extended boundaries, a Northern Oxfordshire based on Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, and a Ridgeway council based on South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
The link for their survey is: Local Government Reorganisation Survey - Oxford City Council - Citizen Space
Cherwell District Council is supporting a proposal for two councils: Oxford & Shires, Ridgeway.
The link for their survey is: Oxford & Shires and Ridgeway Councils - Join the conversation - South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse - Citizen Space
Oxfordshire County Council have developed a proposal for one unitary council for the whole county.
The link for their survey is: Let's Talk Oxfordshire
It is really important that everyone is able to have their say if they wish - please share this information.
Flooding
The parish experiences seasonal flooding of some roads. The Parish Council has invested in road signs to inform local traffic when there are issues. The Parish Council request sandbags from Oxfordshire County Council when required, which are available to collect from the village hall.
The parish sits right on the Otmoor. The River Ray, many streams and ditches all flow through the area.
If there is a waterway on your property then you have riperian responsibilities to keep it clear. If the waterway is classified as a river then the Environment Agency are responsible for keeping it clear.
Rights of Way
There are many footpaths and bridleways through the parish. The Parish Council is investigating information boards for the parish to assist visitors planning to walk locally.
Village Hall
The Parish Council are responsible for the grass cutting at the hall, maintenance and insurance of the playground, and car park repairs.
The council also pays for an annual brown bin licence for the hall's garden waste.
Highways
The roads through the parish are in noticeably bad condition, due to lots of factors including erosion by flood water.
The Parish Council are working with Oxfordshire County Council to implement pot hole repairs and larger scale resurfacing works.
If you spot any issues with the highway, pavements or culverts in the parish you can report them via Fix My Street. Alternatively contact the Parish Council as they have Super User status and can report problems quickly.
Parish Assets
There are two dog bins in the parish, and the Parish Council pay for them to be emptied every fortnight. If you feel this is not enough please do contact us.
The Parish Noticeboards are located in the bus stops. They are updated regularly.
The Parish Council is responsible for maintaining two bus stops in the Parish. Currently there is only one service every Friday for market day in Bicester. The Parish Council are lobbying for a greater bus service for the area.