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 PR481

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Aitman and J Doughty, Councillors D Newcombe and G Doughty attended as substitutes respectively.

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 or Officers.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee held on 30 June 2025;

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

The minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on 30 June 2025 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on 30 June 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting and be signed by the Chair.

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.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The Committee received representations from representatives of Witney Vikings and Tower Hill Football Clubs concerning Agenda Items 7 & 8.

The representative for Witney Vikings led the participation outlining the clubs plans to work better with the Council and the proposed changes to streamline administration,  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR484

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the members of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations Manager, who also provided a verbal explanation. He confirmed the main issue with training was that  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR485

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

Also, with the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the members of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee received and considered the report and accompanying verbal update from the Operations Manager outlining the position of the sports pitches as the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR486

The representative of Witney Vikings left the meeting at 6:58pm.

The remaining members of the public left the meeting at 7:07pm

During the following Agenda Item Cllr D Edwards-Hughes left the meeting briefly between 7:10 and 7:12pm

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 and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

Members heard that the net expenditure was at 22% of budget- it being three months into the financial year the news was welcomed.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR487

To receive and consider the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Project Officer along with a verbal update explaining how the play review tied into the Council overall strategy. Councillors agreed that age and diversity along with the provision of seating and shade for parents should be prioritised by Officers when considering  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR488

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  ...  view the full agenda text for item PR489

Resolved:

That in accordance with section (1(2) of the Public Bodies (admission 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.  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR489

To receive and consider the report of the Projects Officer concerning ongoing projects under the remit of this Committee

The Committee received and considered the report of the Project Officer.

Members were provided with updates on the West Witney Sports & Social Club building, the Ralegh Crescent new sports and social area and new works depot.

West Witney Projects.

Members heard that the Project Officer was confident that the tender  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR490

To receive a confidential update from Courtside Hubs CIC in relation to the redevelopment of The Leys multi-activity hub.

The Committee received the confidential update prepared by Jeff Hunter, Courtside CIC Chief Executive.

Members were extremely disappointed to learn of a potential funding gap for the project and how this may impact on the Council.

The Town Clerk reported that she had been in contact with West Oxfordshire District  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR491