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 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC386

An apology for absence was received from Councillor O Collins

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any 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 meeting held on 3 June 2024.

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

The minutes of the meeting of the Stronger Communities Committee held on 3 June 2024 were received.

SC281 - The appointment of the Vice Chair for the Committee was dealt with at the meeting of the Council on 17 June 2024. Minute Item 336 refers.

SC284 - A member asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC388

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.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The Committee received representations from a representative of Home Start Oxford concerning Agenda Item 8.

Members asked questions in order to gain clarification and further information regarding other funding sources that Home Start had already explored such as the WODC’s Westhive scheme, or had  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC389

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

With the express permission of the Chair the item was moved up the agenda in order for the representative from Home Start Oxford to hear the deliberation in respect of the grant application.

The report included a request from Home Sstart Oxford seeking a grant award of £11,000. Members were  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC390

(The representative from Home Start Oxford left the meeting at 6:22pm following the award of the grant and prior to the discussion of the other items under Agenda Item 8)

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the 2024 annual 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.

Members were disappointed to see negative comments regarding the Christmas lights however, hoped that the newly agreed contract would deliver  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC391

(Cllr A Bailey left the meeting at 6:50pm to attend an event in his capacity as Deputy Mayor)

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members were in agreement that the Council support the work of the Witney Talking News group as much as possible with suggestions such as  the offer to for them to  make use of the Community window in the Town  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC392

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer. The Deputy Town Clerk provided a verbal summary and answered questions on the content of the report.

Members discussed the importance of supporting the aim of the White Ribbon organisation and agreed that regular social media posts  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC393

To receive and consider correspondence from ‘The Station’ detached youth service regarding feedback given by young people they have engaged in Witney.

The Committee was pleased to receive the update from The Station regarding feedback from their sessions.

Members discussed the proposal for a climbing wall however felt that this should be revisited at a later date by the Parks & Recreation Committee

Members discussed the idea of providing a space for young  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC394

To note the minutes of the Parish Transport Meeting held on 19^th March 2024 for information.

The Committee received the minutes of the Parish Transport Representatives Meeting held on 19 March 2024.

Resolved:

That, the minutes be noted.

To receive and note correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council regarding its new Digital Infrastructure website.

The Committee received correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council regarding the upgraded Digital Infrastructure Oxfordshire Website.

Resolved:

That, the correspondence be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) prepared following a request from West Oxfordshire District Council to further contribute to the replacement of Witney CCTV cameras.

The Leader outlined her disappointment that following the agreement of the Council to contribute the sum of approx.  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC397

To receive and consider correspondence from the International Tree Foundation concerning a Tree Giveaway scheme. A £150 contribution is required from the Town Council if in favour of supporting the project.

The Committee received and considered the correspondence from the International Tree Foundation regarding their request for a contribution to support the Oxfordshire Garden Tree Giveaway in Witney via the Foodbank.

Members felt the idea was good however, agreed unanimously not to make a contribution to the scheme, it was felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC398

To receive correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council concerning a volunteer scheme to help clean road signs, and consider whether the Town Council supports and promotes the service in Witney.

The Committee received the correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council’s Volunteer Coordination team concerning their promotion of the “spruce up your signs” campaign.

Members felt that the scheme was aimed at smaller parishes where the work could perhaps be completed in half or a full day. However, Councillors G Meadows and  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC399