Agenda item

The Mayor advised that, for the second consecutive year, the Town Council had published an Annual Town Report, copies of which were available to those in attendance.

He introduced the Members of the Town Council and invited those councillors to stand so that members of the public could identify them and know who to approach should they wish to raise questions either after the meeting or at a later date. The Mayor highlighted that the average age of councillors was comparatively low for a parish or town councils and noted that this was something to be encouraged as it helped reflect and represent the wider community.

The Mayor then provided a brief overview of the Council’s committee structure, explaining that the work of the Council was delivered through a number of committees, details of which were set out in the Annual Town Report.

He summarised the role of the Planning & Development Committee in reviewing planning and licensing matters affecting the town, the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee in managing community buildings, cemeteries and allotment provision, the Climate & Biodiversity Committee in leading work on environmental sustainability and green spaces, including the Lake & Country Park, and the Parks & Recreation Committee in overseeing parks, play areas, sports pitches and open spaces across Witney.

The Mayor also highlighted the work of the Stronger Communities Committee, which focused on supporting residents by awarding grants to local organisations and investing in projects that strengthen the town and improved people’s lives. As part of this item, attendees were invited to watch a short video from The Station detached youth service, following which the Mayor commented that it was an excellent example of how residents were funding and help deliver positive outcomes within the community.

The Mayor advised that the Town Council had supported a number of other organisations during the year, including Yellow Submarine, West Oxfordshire Levellers, Home?Start Oxford and Be Free Young Carers. Short videos from these organisations were also shown demonstrating the impact of their work in supporting some of the town’s most important and, at times, vulnerable residents. The Mayor assured attendees that these organisations provided valuable services to the community and noted that they represented only a small sample of the wider work supported by the Council, full details of which were available in the Annual Town Report.

In closing, the Mayor reminded those present that all Town Council committee meetings were open to the public and could be attended in person. He also highlighted that meetings were now being live?streamed, with online access details available on the front page of the meeting agendas.

Following the Mayor’s presentation, the Leader of the Council provided a summary of the work of the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee. She explained that the Committee played a key role in ensuring that Witney Town Council operated effectively and responsibly.

Its responsibilities included overseeing the Council’s finances to ensure public funds were spent prudently, transparently and they maintained strong governance by reviewing policies and ensuring the Council met its legal and regulatory obligations.

The Leader highlighted the Council’s partnership working with a wide range of organisations that contributed to community life in Witney. Particular reference was made to Witney Town Football Club and the Witney Music Festival, both of which played an important role in bringing people together through sport and culture. Short videos from each organisation were shown to attendees, highlighting their work and impact within the town.

The Leader then summarised several of the Council’s larger capital and investment projects. These included the Council?funded redevelopment of the West Witney Sports & Social Clubhouse, the establishment of a new works depot, and the re-development at The Leys by Courtside CIC, to which the Council was contributing.

She advised that the Council continued to invest in facilities and partnerships that supported sport and community activity across Witney. West Witney Sports Ground was highlighted as an example of this investment, with refurbishment works to the Clubhouse underway following many years of partnership working with West Witney Sports & Social Club.

Plans for a new 3G pitch at West Witney were also progressing to expand all?weather provision for Witney. It was noted that the location continued to support a wide range of user groups, including West Witney Sports & Social Club, Witney Projectile Range, Witney Lawn Tennis Club and Witney Parkrun. Assistance had also been provided to Witney Swifts Cricket Club to support its long?term security and development.

A representative of the Courtside Hub development then provided a brief update, supported by images showing progress at The Leys. The Leader thanked the representative for the presentation and advised that any questions relating specifically to the Courtside development could be raised directly with Courtside after the close of the meeting, as it was not a Town Council project.