Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors  ...  view the full agenda text for item PR262

An apology for absence was received from Councillor J Doughty, Councillor T Ashby attended as a substitute.

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.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor S Simpson be elected. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Sandra Simpson be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee held on 9 March 2026;

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress on any item).

That, the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on 9 March 2025 were received.

PR125 – Members heard there was no further update on the Ralegh Crescent MUGA/MUSA owing to other projects utilising Officer resources.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on 9  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR265

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 25. Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

To review the Committee Terms of Reference (TOR) if appropriate. The current TOR’s are attached.

The committee considered whether any changes were needed to the current Terms of Reference.

Recommended:

1.       That, no amendments be made to the Terms of Reference and;

2.       That, the Terms of Reference be recommended for approval by the Full Council at the meeting of 13 July 2026.

To receive and consider the report of the R.F.O concerning the financial position of items under the remit of this Committee.

The Committee received the written and verbal report of the Responsible Financial Officer detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

It was noted that the year-end process had been completed, with the AGAR to be presented to Council on 30 June within the required  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR268

The Responsible Financial Officer left the meeting at 6:13pm.

To receive and consider the joint report of the Deputy Town Clerk & Administrative Support Assistant – Communities & Engagement concerning the results of the 2026annual residents satisfaction survey for this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the resident’s annual satisfaction survey which was held at the beginning of the year.

The survey had received a relatively small number of responses, with the majority of respondents being older residents. It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR269

To receive a verbal update from Officers.

The Committee received a verbal report from the Deputy Town Clerk regarding the splash park operating arrangements for the summer period based on a briefing document from the Head of Estates & Operations which was circulated at the meeting.

Members held a detailed and constructive discussion exploring the most appropriate operating  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR270

To recevie and consider the report of the Head of Estates & Operations.

The Committee received the report of the Head of Estates and Operations along with a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk (DTC).

Members heard that the bowls green had received positive feedback from visiting clubs regarding its appearance.

The Committee was advised that the first few games of Witney  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR271

To receive and consider the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received the Project Officer’s update on the West Witney projects.

Members welcomed the completion of the new Works Depot and expressed their satisfaction at this milestone.

An update was provided regarding the electricity installation, which had unfortunately been delayed due to the actions of the electricity utility company.  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR272

To receive and consider the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Project officer on the Courtside Hub redevelopment.

Members were pleased to note the target opening date provided by Courtside. Members also noted that the remaining contribution from the Council would only be made upon full completion and satisfactory demonstration that the original specification  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR273

Cllr R Smith left the meeting at 7:15pm, just prior to its conclusion.