Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning items raised from the Council’s satisfaction survey earlier in the year.

Members noted several projects mentioned were underway or had been completed such as the refurbishments of the Skate Park and West Witney Sports & Social Club Clubhouse. A discussion took place regarding other items and raised questions on the apparent need, cost and whether they should be aspirations of the Council now or in the future. There was agreement they should be considered during budget-setting as they had been provided as feedback from the electorate.

Comments regarding open spaces were difficult to substantiate, but a meeting was planned with the County & District Council’s and a review of the Town Council’s grounds maintenance was underway; it was suggested that grounds maintenance standards could be developed for the open spaces.

The Committee were aware of the strain on infrastructure budgets and were reminded that the earmarked reserve for play areas was being expended in the current year, so some replenishment was required. There was also acknowledgement that the Leys play area surface was troublesome in the winter, it was hoped this could be looked at during the planned 2025 refurbishment of the Splash park.

Bins and benches were always required so Members agreed it would be helpful to increase a budget in this area; benches at the allotments and a picnic bench at Ralegh crescent play area were mooted as suggestions in the new fiscal year along with advertising the Council’s memorial bench policy.

In regard to fencing at Oxlease Play area, there was a discussion as to whether this was needed as Members were not aware of the issue. It was agreed that, in relation to dog fouling, new recreation signage would help in this area and a query could be sent to the local Blake C of E Primary School for their thoughts on the matter.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, £40,000 is requested in the 2024/25 budget until an intelligent estimate based on the current need can be provided and,

3.      That, £4,000 is requested in the 2024/25 budget towards play area/recreational infrastructure including bins & benches and,

4.      That, the Council promotes its memorial bench policy and,

5.      That, standards on open spaces are created to help benchmark future comments, compliments and complaints and,

6.      That, details regarding dogs on leads and on dog waste disposal are included on the new recreational sign at Oxlease play area and,

7.      That, the Council corresponds with Blake C of E Primary School to obtain feedback on fencing at Oxlease play area and,

8.      That, consideration of improved surfacing around the Splash Park at The Leys is given in the future refurbishment planned for 2025.