Agenda item

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

The Committee received the report of the Communication & Community Engagement Officer outlining a significant number of plans for activity over the coming months.

Members requested that West Oxfordshire Community Transport be asked to participate in Car Free Day on 22 September, in addition to the suggestions outlined in the report.

Members would also like to see the term “Health & Wellbeing” used rather than “Mental Health” and that West Oxfordshire District Council be asked to support this important initiative.

Members discussed the proposal to re-launch an Inclusivity & Diversity webpage however thought the scope should be broadened to include Health and Wellbeing, establishing a Consultancy Committeein order to continually feedback into all Committees. Members also asked Officers to provide data on diversity within Witney.

The Deputy Town Clerk gave a verbal report on highlighting the Witney Twinning Association and their work with Le Touquet and Unterhaching in the Town Council window. A similar request had been received from the Youth & Schools Chaplin at St Marys Church who asked to promote Black History Month in October. All Members were happy to agree to these requests.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, officers launch the Creepy Crawly Safari Hunt during Big Green Week and,

3.      That, the council proceeds with the plans and activities for Car Free Day 2023 and,

4.      That, the council facilitates a Health & Wellbeing event on 10^th October 2023 and,

5.      That, Christmas competitions be launched as in previous years and,

6.      That, the Christmas Lights Switch On event be agreed for 24 November, an indoor Christmas Market for local groups on the 25November and Advent Fayre be held on 26 November 2023 and,

7.      That, recommendation the Rotary Club of Witney manages and run the 24 November switch-on event with £2,000 grant funding from the council be approved and,

8.      That, Councillor Joy Aitman represents the council at the Synolos Wellbeing meetings and reports back to this Committee and or Full Council and,

9.      That, recommendation of the sum of £500 be made to Witney Vikings FC from the underspend of the coronation budget towards their Coronation Activity expenses be approved and,

10.   That, the council agrees to sign up to the Community Safety Charter as outlined in the report and,

11.   That, Members consider ideas to improve community engagement for discussion at the meeting of the Committee on 17 July 2023 and,

12.   That, Officers give consideration to a plan to support Inclusivity, Diversity and Wellbeing and,

13.   That, recommendation of the sum of £500 be given by way of a discretionary grant to support the Civic Drinks Reception marking the NHS 75th Anniversary on 5^th July be approved and,

14.   That, recommendation of a subsidised letting to value of £42.25 for the meeting of the Witney Forum at the Corn Exchange be approved and,

15.   That, Witney Twinning Association and St Marys Church be allowed to use the Town Council window for a display.