Agenda and minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Deputy Town Clerk (adam.clapton@witney-tc.gov.uk) prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(a)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors at a meeting of a Committee if ordinary Councillors of the Committee have confirmed to the Proper Officer before the meeting that they are unable to attend.

Apologies for absence were received friom Councillors R Bolger, D Butterfield, A D Harvey and J King.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

Councillor O Collins declared a non-prejudicial interest in Agenda Item No. 4 – Oxfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan by virtue of being a volunteer with West Oxfordshire Community Transport.

Councillor D Enright declared a non-prejudicial interest in Agenda Item No. 4 – Oxfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan by virtue of being a Cabinet Member at Oxfordshire County Council.

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

To consider a consultation document from Oxfordshire County Council.

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Town Clerk regarding a consultation on the future of bus services in Oxfordshire. The Council considered a list of options, potential new or revised routes and links to other strategic plans such as the Oxfordshire Plan 2050.

During discussion it was emphasised that bus services in and around Witney were vitally important to residents so Witney Town Council welcomed this consultation and commitment by the County Council on improvements across Oxfordshire.

It was highlighted that the expansion of Witney meant the need for simpler and better value fares into Oxford and beyond was important considerations to be addressed. In addition to encourage more use of the buses the customer experience needed and improved, cleaner bus shelters, better access for disabled users and parents with pushchairs would be beneficial. As active and sustainable travel was important, it was suggested that buses should be more readily available directly from Witney to Long Hanborough and advise that it has previously suggested the park and ride for Oxford should start nearer to Witney, rather than the one planned for Eynsham.

In terms of new routes, it was suggested that the introduction or increased frequency on routes from Witney to Oxford Parkway, the Oxford hospitals, Cirencester and Swindon (via Highworth) and with the new developments in Witney would be welcome.

Members emphasised their support for West Oxfordshire Community Transport which was able to pick up some town routes and would like to stress the importance of this kind of service and ask that community transport generally is kept high in the thoughts of policymakers to enable these organisations to be more easily funded. 

Resolved:

That, a response be sent to Oxfordshire County Council incorporating the issues raised at the meeting.

To consider and if appropriate, to pass the following resolution:

That in accordance with section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, and as extended by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting because of the confidential nature of the following business to be transacted.

Resolved:

That in accordance with section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, and as extended by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting because of the confidential nature of the following business to be transacted.

To receive the minutes of the Corn Exchange Working Party held on 13 August 2021.

Resolved:

That the confidential minutes of the Corn Exchange Working Party meeting held on 13 August 2021, be received.

To receive & consider the confidential report of the Project Officer.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Corn Exchange Working Party regarding contracts for Phase 2 of the Corn Exchange refurbishment.

Resolved:

1.       To approve the awarding of the sound and lighting contract to the company identified in the report at the revised price;

2.       To approve the allocation of an additional £10, 000 from the rolling capital budget as a contingency fund for the seating contract; and

3.       To approve the advertising of the Retractable Seating tender documents