Agenda item

To receive a verbal update from officers on District Council schemes presented at the previous meeting. 

The Committee received a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk on the progress of West Oxfordshire District Council regarding town centre improvement matters.

Members were advised that proposals from WODC for a bench outside the Shake Shop and additional bin stores were progressing, with the town councils Head of Estates & Operations continuing to liaise directly with WODC on these matters.

In relation to the unspent Section 106 (S106) funding designation for the Town Centre, Officers confirmed that the S106 Officer had advised that the Town Council’s proposal for a parklet fell outside the geographical area covered by the available funding. Members noted that WODC had requested further information and agreed that this could be considered further at a future meeting of the Witney Town Centre Forum, recognising that any such proposal would need to be fully costed, researched and, if progressed, potentially delivered by the Town Council.

Members also discussed wider wayfinding opportunities within the town and considered whether these could incorporate an arts trail as part of a cohesive approach to town centre navigation. It was suggested that a themed concept, such as a “sheep trail”, may be an engaging option. It was agreed that these ideas also be deferred to the Witney Town Centre Forum for further exploration.

Recommended:

1.      That, the verbal update be noted; and

2.      That, further discussion on potential town centre improvement opportunities, including the parklet proposal, be referred to the Witney Town Centre Forum, noting that any future proposals would require full costing, research and potential delivery by the Town Council; and

3.      That, the consideration of enhanced wayfinding options, including the potential for an arts trail or a themed “sheep trail”, be deferred to the Witney Town Centre Forum for further discussion.