Creating Futureswww.westoxon.gov.uk

West Oxfordshire District Council’s newsletter for residents Winter 2011

FREERecycling box stickersSee inside...

It may transform West Oxfordshire into a beautiful winter wonderland, but snow and ice can cause delays and disruption to public services.

A year after the coldest December in over 100 years and the heaviest snowfall in more than 30, we are warning residents of the potential effects on services caused by adverse weather.

Waste and recycling collections are the main service provided by our Council that could be affected. During the snowfall last winter, some collections had to be delayed but we (and our contractors) worked hard to ensure minimal disruption.

In the event of snowfall or thick ice, we will always try to carry out collections wherever possible and safe to do so, and will work outside normal hours to catch up if necessary.

To keep you up to date with the latest news, we have set up a free ‘My West Oxfordshire’ email alert service that is tailored to your property.

As well as weather disruption information, you can choose to receive weekly bin collection reminders and alerts about planning applications near your home. You can also use ‘My West Oxfordshire’ to find out about local services and facilities, who your councillor is and council tax information.

Sign up to ‘My West Oxfordshire’ email alerts service:

www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo

See pages 4 - 5 and 16 for more waste and recycling information.

Winter warning

Help with starting your

own business...p6

Planning issues

answered...p9

Gritting main roads and highways issues are dealt with by Oxfordshire County Council. For more information visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 0845 310 1111.

Council Offices

are closed on:

Monday 26, Tuesday 27,

Friday 30 December and Monday 2 January.

Out of hours emergencies: 0845 303 9706

Win a year’s leisure centre membership...

p12

Message from Councillor Barry NortonLeader of the CouncilIt has been a year of change for local government, with new policies at national level filtering through and the impacts of funding reductions and on-going financial pressures continuing to be felt.

We have recently heard that we can expect to get back most, if not all, of the £9 million we invested in Icelandic banks 3 years ago, following a victory in Iceland’s Supreme Court. I have always felt confident that we would get our investment back and the return of this money is welcome news at this time of financial challenge.

We feel very proud in West Oxfordshire that we have been able to protect frontline services without making major cutbacks to other work that we do, through careful planning and a continuing commitment to making efficiency savings.

Our shared working arrangement with Cotswold District Council continues and we are streamlining services wherever possible. Early in 2012, we will start using a shared finance, human resources and procurement programme with Cotswold and other neighbouring authorities.

Next year we will be making changes to the Council’s website to improve online services for our residents who prefer to contact us and find out information in this way. This will also boost efficiency and bring savings.

While we continue to make savings, we still face severe financial constraints and there has been much work to ensure that our books will remain balanced in 2012/13 as we approach annual budget setting at the end of February.

The Government has once again pledged funding to help us freeze council tax for our residents over the next year and we hope that this offers some relief at a time of increased inflation rates across the country.

The Localism Bill, which aims to move power from central Government to local people, is now a step closer to becoming an Act of Parliament, and we are beginning to see some changes.

Chipping Norton Town Council is part of a pilot scheme to trial Neighbourhood Planning, which is part of the Bill which aims to give residents a voice in deciding how development will look in their area. A £20,000 Government grant has been received to support the Town Council.

The draft National Planning Policy Framework has also been published, suggesting reforms for the planning system. There will be further developments on this in the coming months, meanwhile we are continuing to concentrate on our own ‘Core Strategy’ proposals for the District’s development over the next 15 years and would like to thank everyone who has given their views on this. See pages 8 - 9 for the latest update and other planning information.

Finally, as we head in to the New Year we look forward to the excitement of the Olympics next summer, see page 12. In the meantime I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Why we send you this newsletter...We have significantly reduced the number of leaflets about our services and instead use Creating Futures as a single publication, delivered to you twice a year. This provides important and useful information such as bank holiday bin collections, major planning consultations and updates on services including housing, recycling, benefits and leisure.

We know that many of you have access to our website and we try to include as much information online as possible, as well as giving you the option to receive email alerts about things like recycling collections. However, not all our residents have website or email access.

As well as having a duty to do so, we feel it is important to keep everyone informed. At present, our newsletter is the most efficient and economic way of doing this.

We would welcome your feedback. Please call us on 01993 861000 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/newsletters

We are happy to provide this newsletter in other formats. Please contact us if this is required.

Get the latest Council news straight to your Twitter feed. For more information visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/twitter

Important benefit changes If you receive housing benefit, please be aware of changes happening in early 2012 which may affect you.

The District Council is responsible for administering these benefits. We have written to those who will be affected and will be sending a reminder soon.

For more information call 01993 861030 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/benefits

This is a QR code. Most smartphones have a QR code scanner built in or there are free Apps available. You can use your phone to scan it and it will automatically take you to our website.

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arking’s FREEWith a variety of independent and High Street shops, traditional markets and free parking, West Oxfordshire’s a great place to do your Christmas shopping.

Our Council is proud to support traders and keep costs down for local residents and workers by offering free parking at all 16 of the car parks that we operate.

Find out more about parking, including bicycle and disabled parking, by visiting www.westoxon.gov.uk/carparks or calling 01993 861000.

Cate Cody - The Great American SongbookFeaturing the greatest songs ever written and the fascinating stories that surround them.• The New Beaconsfield Hall,

Shipton-under-Wychwood. Friday 17 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 (includes supper) from 01993 832216.

Madame GalinaPart-clown, part stand-up, part classical ballerina, total hit. • Asthall Leigh Memorial Hall,

Asthall Leigh. Saturday 18 February at 8pm. Tickets £8 from 01993 878719.

Good Night Out is managed by The Theatre Chipping Norton on behalf of the Oxfordshire Arts Partnership, which includes all Oxfordshire councils.

Fancy a Good Night Out?Communities in West Oxfordshire have the chance to get quality, professional arts performances at local halls, community centres, schools and town halls with the ‘Good Night Out’ rural touring scheme.

From theatre to jazz, classical music to comedy and family and children’s shows, local residents can choose from a menu of performances. The scheme includes booking and support with organisation, as well as a subsidy to help fund each event. Some of the profits are ploughed back into the scheme.

For more information including how to sign up your local community, or to find out about all the shows on offer, visit www.goodnightout.org

Some of the forthcoming ‘Good Night Out’ events already planned in West Oxfordshire:

10% discountUse this voucher to pick up some great Christmas gifts at our Visitor Information Centres in Burford and Witney.(Discount excludes accommodation bookings, stamps and ticket sales). Valid until 23 December 2011.

Music diaryWinter offers a fascinating season of musical events, especially at Christmas time.The Music Diary is a free online listing of concerts and performances in the District. For more information, or if you’d like to register an event for inclusion, call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/musicdiary

NEWS IN BRIEFFloodline warnings This is a free service that gives flood warnings direct to your phone, mobile, email or fax. Sign up at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ floodline or call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 9881188.

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Christmas market datesWitney:Thursday 22 December Saturday 24 DecemberSaturday 31 December

Chipping Norton:Wednesday 21 DecemberWednesday 4 January 2012

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101 is now the number to call the local police.When to call 101:

To report less urgent crime or disorder and for general police enquiries. For example;• if your car has been stolen;• if your property’s been damaged;• when you suspect drug use or

dealing; or• to give the police information

about crime in your area

Calls from landlines and mobile networks cost 15p per call. If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can textphone 18001 101.

3

www.westoxon.gov.uk/waste01993 861025

If you are not already using your food waste bins, Christmas is an ideal time to start and will help cut down on waste sent to landfill in your rubbish bin.

You can line them with 100% compostable liners. These are available from many local stores and are usually on sale in the same aisle as bin bags.

Alternatively line with a couple of sheets of newspaper, or put your food waste straight into an unlined caddy and outside bin.

Food waste bins were sent to all households, but if you do not have one, please contact us.

It’s a year since we launched the new service to give people more opportunities to recycle and residents have done a fantastic job by almost doubling recycling rates - West Oxfordshire is currently ranked 5th best recycler in the country out of 291 authorities.*

In the District over the past year:• Around 15,000 tonnes of waste will

have been diverted from landfill, saving over £1,000,000 in disposal costs.

• In excess of 3,500 tonnes of food waste have been converted into fertiliser for farmland and into electricity fed into the national grid.

• More than 9,900 tonnes of garden waste has been composted.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “It’s fantastic to know that we’re one of the best recyclers in the country but we are continuing to look to make improvements. The introduction of tetrapak collections last April and the flyaway plastics trial are great examples of how we are striving to do more.”

* Source: Waste Data Flow (waste data reporting system by UK local authorities to Government).

Waste & Recycling - one year on

Will you be watching your waste this Christmas?

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Jona

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Pug

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aily

Mail

.

Don’t forget you can recycle ALL

your food waste, cooked or raw,

in your food waste bin.

Loves food, hates wasteDan Blaney of Witney says: “I’ve realised just how much food we throw out as a family so it’s good to know that our food waste is being recycled - but we do try to only cook what we know we can eat.”

___________________________________________________

Food date labelsIn the UK we throw away nearly 3 million tonnes of food and drink every year before we even get around to cooking or serving it. Confusion over date labels is partly to blame as some throw food away as soon as it’s past the sell by date when there’s nothing wrong with it.

‘Sell by’ and ‘display until’ dates will soon start disappearing from food packaging thanks to a recent government announcement.

Even though food waste is recycled in Oxfordshire it’s still better not to throw so much away in the first place. Less food in the bin means a saving on food bills and councils save money dealing with it - simply by making the most of the food already bought can save the average family £50 a month.

Date labels explained:Use by: This is the important one. Never eat products after this date, and follow the storage instructions given.

Best before: refers to quality rather than food safety. Foods with a ‘best before’ date are safe to eat after the given date, but they may no longer be at their best. (The only exception is eggs, which should be eaten before this date).

Sell by / display until: helps the shop with stock control and are instructions for staff, not customers.

For more about Love Food Hate Waste: www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk

4

Working with

Box cleverThank you to all who are separating their recycling materials within their boxes - this is a big help to crews and speeds up collections.

Recycling is hand-sorted from your black boxes into different compartments along the truck.

Lucy Dickinson of Eynsham thought it would help her to separate her recycling by having some stickers for her boxes - and so did we! So we’ve included some with this newsletter for you too. *

Lucy, says: “I suggested stickers to the Council as I like to help by sorting my recycling and think they’ll make it easier to remember which items to put into which box.”

These stickers can be used to identify different materials for each of your boxes. Separating your recycling, as shown here, helps crews to sort it quicker on the roadside to ensure that collections are more efficient.

If you have more than three boxes you can separate your items further. Additional stickers are available free of charge, please contact us.

* Properties with communal bins will not require these stickers.

Also recycled from your home:• Shoes, clothing, textiles and household batteries should

be left in open bags on top of your recycling box.• Car batteries should be left beside your recycling box. • Engine oil should be put in a sealed and labelled,

non-returnable container beside your recycling boxes. • Cooking oil should be allowed to cool. Small amounts can go straight in

your food waste bin. Larger quantities can be put in a lidded plastic bottle, such as an old drinks bottle, and left in or next to, your food waste bin.

_________________________________________________________

Working with

If you have 3 boxes:

Box 1 Box 2

PlasticsBottles, food trays, pots & carrier bags

Aerosols, tins, cans & foil

Paper(Not kitchen towel, tissues or

tissue paper)

GlassBottles & jars

Box 3

Cardboard & cartons

(Must be no bigger than the box)

If you have 2 boxes:

Box 1 Box 2

Paper(Not kitchen towel, tissues or

tissue paper)

PlasticsBottles, food trays, pots & carrier bags

Aerosols, tins, cans & foil

Cardboard & cartons

(Must be no bigger than the box)

GlassBottles & jars

Flyaway plastic recyclingWe now recycle flyaway plastics such as carrier bags, small clear food packaging, polythene, clingfilm, bubblewrap and compost bags. These items need to be placed into a plastic bag (carrier bag or similar) inside your black recycling box.

Separating these materials from other plastics and items will prevent them from being able to blow around on bin day and make it easier for the items to be sorted for reprocessing.

This service will run until early 2012 and, if successful, will continue on a permanent basis.

Net -workingPat Gardner of Witney says: “I’ve seen recycling nets on some of my neighbours’ boxes and wondered where they got them from. I’m pleased to hear that the Council have them for people - they’re a brilliant idea and much better than the lids.”

Nets are available for your recycling box. Simply tie on and pull over the box to contain your recyclables. Contact us to order a free net(s).

5

FREE home security checksFind out about improving security at your home with a free survey.

West Oxfordshire is one of the safest places to live in England, but most crime is opportunist and there are some simple measures that can be taken to deter offenders from targeting your home.

Our crime reduction officer, Bill Butcher, can visit you and suggest improvements, as well as give you some helpful tips on precautions that you can take. Depending on the size of your property, the survey should take no longer than one hour.

Bill said: “The survey will highlight any problem areas and suggest improvements - it’s as simple as that. The service is completely free and aims to help people feel safer and more secure in their homes, while preventing crime.”

The survey includes:• Perimeter security such as hedges/fences• Windows and doors• Storage areas including sheds and garages• Property marking• Alarm systems• Vehicle security• Areas at risk from vandalism or malicious

mischief

The crime reduction service is part of our work with Thames Valley Police and local Neighbourhood Police Teams and Action Groups to help keep West Oxfordshire safe.

For more information or to book a survey visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/reduction or call 01993 861638.

Entries are being taken until the end of December for the 2012 West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBA).

Organisers are hunting for some of the District’s best businesses and business people for the awards, which will take place at Heythrop Park in March next year.

The Awards scheme was launched this year to recognise and celebrate the success of local businesses and to help them raise their profile.

There are ten separate categories covering areas from new to rural business, and innovation to tourism and hospitality, as well as awards for individual business people. Witney-based Fabulous Bakin’ Boys won the Best Overall Award for 2011.

Entries are welcome from all types of businesses and finalists are automatically entered into the countywide Oxfordshire Business Awards (OBA). This year, five of the 15 OBA winners had been entered through the West Oxfordshire awards.

WOBA finalists will be announced in February. To find out more, visit www.woba.co.uk or call 01865 566393.

Search on for best businesses

Help starting your own businessPeople who have struggled to get financial assistance to set up or expand their business are being helped by a local loan scheme called Fredericks Oxfordshire.

The Fredericks Foundation was set up in 2001 as a social enterprise to help young people, but has branched out to provide assistance to companies experiencing problems with getting bank loans and individuals wishing to set up their own business, but unable to secure funding.

Fredericks Oxfordshire was launched by David Cameron in June and is supported by a host of business people who give their time for free.

Our economic development officer, Will Barton, is chairman of Fredericks Oxfordshire. He said: “It is not just about lending people money, it’s about helping local businesses succeed. There is a whole package of support that comes with this and we would encourage people to get in touch and find out what help is available.”

One of Oxfordshire’s first Fredericks clients was window cleaner Dominic Greenough. He received a loan to buy a van and equipment after being made redundant. He said: “After going to a number of high street banks and being refused help, I contacted Fredericks and they assisted. Without that help I really believe I would have been back on the unemployment line.”

His company, DG Professional Cleaning Services, is now doing well, offering window cleaning, pressure washing and carpet cleaning.

Visit www.fredericksoxfordshire.org or call 01865 893383 to find out more.

If you are thinking of starting a business in West Oxfordshire and have had difficulty with finance, Fredericks may be able to help.

Phot

o: R

ic M

ellis

6

To arrange a survey, contact your local group: (Bookings should be made in advance). • Hailey PACT Sue Ayres: email seabed@waitrose.com

or call Suzanne Reeve on 01993 706236

• Sustainable Charlbury Tim Watts

www.sustainablecharlbury.org

• Sustainable Stonesfield (SUSTO) Ros Hughes: email susto.oxon@gmail.com

• Sustainable Witney Brigitte Hickman on 01993 700837 or

email brigitte@sustainablewitney.org.uk

• Sustainable Woodstock Colin Carritt on 01993 811977 or

email colin.carritt@tiscali.co.uk

• Sustainable Wychwoods (SWych) Barbara Saunders on 01993 832012 or

email barbsaund@aim.com

• Green TEA (Transition Eynsham Area)

Adrian Moyes on 01865 464021 or email adrian@eynsham.org

These ‘before’ and ‘after’ images were taken last winter at a home in Blewbury, Oxfordshire. The redder tones show where the most heat is lost. After thermal imaging was carried out, the homeowners installed ThermaWrap foil insulation and thin plywood sheeting on the door and internal walls. This was a simple and cost-effective way of reducing heat loss.

Reducing your energy bills:• For advice, call the Energy Saving Trust on

0800 512 012.

• If you spend over 10% of your income on heating your home, call the Affordable Warmth Network on 0800 1070 044.

• West Oxfordshire residents may be able to take advantage of a discount insulation deal, from just £99. Call 0800 8048 777 quoting ‘West Oxon deal’.

• Borrow an energy monitor from our Town Centre Shop, Welch Way, Witney, to check energy usage in your home (£10 refundable deposit required). For more information call 01993 861000.

BEFORE AFTER

A free scheme has started to help residents find out where heat is escaping from their home, get advice on how to make improvements and save money on energy bills.

Take the chill out of winter and save moneyWe have teamed up with West Oxfordshire community volunteer groups to give local householders the chance to take advantage of a free service this winter.

Using a thermal imaging camera, a trained volunteer can survey your home and capture images (like those pictured below) to show where energy is being wasted. Surveys will be carried out until March 2012, when you are using your heating.

You will receive a report with recommendations advising on cost-effective ways to prevent or reduce heat loss, such as draught proofing and insulation.

Ros Kent of Green TEA, a group set up by residents to raise awareness of sustainability in Eynsham, said: “We were very keen to be part of this. There will be three of our volunteers carrying out the surveys and that could really help local householders.”

The thermal imaging service is part of our commitment to improving sustainability, protecting the environment and helping to combat climate change.

To find out more see www.westoxon.gov.uk/climatechange or call 01993 861000. Ros Kent and fellow volunteer Richard

Buckner surveying a local home.

7

Conservation Areas are places of special architectural or historic interest. Giving a place Conservation Area status helps us to safeguard its special character for future generations.

Currently there are 50 Conservation Areas in West Oxfordshire. Witney and Cogges is the largest and recently, following public consultation, the area boundary has changed. An appraisal has now been produced and can be viewed on our website, see details below.

A Conservation Area appraisal explains the history of each area and why it is special. It helps shape future developments and gives residents an idea of what changes can be made.

What does this mean for you?Put simply, some things that don’t require planning permission outside a Conservation Area may require permission inside the area.

In a Conservation Area you may need permission before making alterations such as cladding, installing chimneys, flues, soil and vent pipes, satellite dishes and solar panels, adding conservatories or other extensions.

It is not the case that change cannot take place in Conservation Areas - just that proposals may be subject to additional control and need to be sympathetic to the area’s character.

For more information or to view all the appraisals visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/conservation or call 01993 861420.

You can use the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ section of our website to find out if your property is located within a Conservation Area: www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo

Planning for the future: latest newsWe are continuing to review feedback about the draft ‘Core Strategy’ for West Oxfordshire.

As well as taking on board all the comments received throughout this year about the draft strategy, we are also having to assess the potential impact of recent and emerging national changes to planning rules.

We hope to finalise the draft early in 2012, before carrying out further consultation. It will then be sent to the Government for independent examination and we hope to adopt the final strategy late next year.

There has been much interest in the Core Strategy - with a key issue being the potential expansion of Carterton - and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give us their comments.

You can view the consultation responses and information at www.westoxon.gov.uk/corestrategy or call 01993 861420.

Neighbourhood PlansSince the draft ‘Core Strategy’ consultation began, the Government has started introducing changes to the planning system through the ‘National Planning Policy Framework,’ giving local people more say in planning and managing their communities.

This includes ‘Neighbourhood Plans’ which give communities the opportunity to shape their local area on issues such as the location and design of future shops, houses, schools and green spaces.

The plans have to broadly conform with the ‘Core Strategy’, mentioned above, but can go into much more detail about the development of the town or parish, including identifying the need for more growth if that is thought appropriate locally.

Chipping Norton is the first community in West Oxfordshire, and one of the first areas in the country, to start developing its own Neighbourhood Plan as part of a Government pilot scheme.

For more information visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/ neighbourhoodplans or to get involved in the Chipping Norton Plan call the town council on 01608 642341.

Conservation Areas

The 50 Conservation Areas in West Oxfordshire are within:Alvescot, Asthall, Aston, Bampton, Bartons, Bladon, Burford, Cassington, Charlbury, Chastleton, Chipping Norton, Church Hanborough, Churchill, Combe, Cornwell, Ducklington, Eynsham, Fawler, Filkins & Broughton Poggs, Finstock, Great Rollright, Great Tew, Hailey, Hardwick, Idbury, Kelmscott, Kencot, Kingham, Langford, Leafield, Little Tew, Long Hanborough, Minster Lovell, Northmoor, Over Norton, Radcot, Ramsden, Sandford St. Martin, Shilton, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Spelsbury & Taston & Dean, Stanton Harcourt & Sutton, Stonesfield, Swerford, Swinbrook, Tackley, Taynton, Witney & Cogges, Woodstock, Wootton.

Witney Conservation Area

8

Building regulations and planning permission in briefMost people realise that they may need approval for their proposed building work. However, it may not always be clear how planning and building regulations differ:

Planning permission: deals with the appearance of the proposal and the effect it will have on neighbouring properties and the general environment.

Building regulations: deal with the construction details of the building works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around the building.

For many types of building work, separate permission will be required for both planning and building control as they are separate pieces of legislation.

For other building work, such as internal alterations, buildings regulations approval will probably be needed, but planning permission may not be.

Planning issues answered: Stoves and log burnersAs winter draws in you may be thinking of installing a real fire or log burner to keep you warm over the cold months. If so, it is useful to be aware of the following:

• You will need planning permission if you wish to install a flue, ventpipe or chimney that is more than one metre higher than the highest point of the roof.

• The installation of a chimney, flue or any heat producing appliance such as a log burner or stove, must comply with ‘building regulations’. These provide for a safe installation and cover key areas such as chimney and flue safety, the hearth and ventilation.

• If the work is carried out by a HETAS registered installer it can be self certified to verify it conforms. However, work carried out by an unregistered engineer must be inspected by a building control officer. Once approved, a completion certificate will be issued to confirm building regulation compliance.

• A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed. These are generally battery operated and can be fitted with little disruption.

If you live in a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the proposed siting on the roof or wall can also make a difference so it’s best to check with our planning section first for free advice.

For more information see our ‘Biomass - wood fuel’ leaflet online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/energy

We’re here to helpIf you’re not sure if you need planning permission or building regulation approval we will happily give you free advice first.

Simply complete the ‘Do I need permission’ form at www.westoxon.gov.uk/permission or call 01993 861420 and we will send you an enquiry form. Advice is free and can help you understand any issues regarding your proposals. We will respond within 15 working days of receipt of your enquiry.

If you need planning permission or building regulation approval our website outlines what steps you need to take. If your project does not require permission or consent, it can be helpful to have something in writing from us stating that - especially if you sell your property in the future.

You can find more about your property, including if it’s in a Conservation Area or the AONB, or is a listed building, from the ‘My West Oxfordshire’ section of our website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo

For further advice and guidance see www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning________________________________________________________________

If you build something which needs planning permission without first obtaining permission, you may have to put things right later, which could prove costly. You may even have to demolish any unauthorised works.

Log burners operate at around 75% efficiency m

eaning that 75% of the heat

generated is radiated out into the room and only 25%

is lost up the chimney.

By comparison an open fire is likely to operate at around 15-20%

efficiency.

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Home sweet homeWest Oxfordshire has an ageing population, with the highest proportion of older people in the county and a 79% projected increase in over-65s by 2031.

We work closely with Oxfordshire County Council, the NHS and charities such as Age UK, to help meet the needs of older people.

One of the areas we are looking at is housing.

The majority of older people in West Oxfordshire own and live in their own homes, but needs vary and some live in either social or private rental housing, sheltered or care accommodation.

We know how important it is for people to keep their independence and there is a strong desire among many older people to stay in their own home.

As part of an ‘Older Persons Housing Strategy’, our Council is committed to helping people to:• Have a choice about where

they want to live and what that housing should be like

• Stay in control of their lives as they grow older

• Have access to clear and up-to-date information and advice about their housing options and how to pursue them

We also want older people to get involved in decisions and policies that affect their lives and are always keen to hear the views of local people.

Housing Choices - advice available nowLast year, we spoke to a range of older people in the District to help plan our housing strategy. Feedback showed that people were not always sure who to go to for help about housing or were unaware of the assistance available.

We have now produced a ‘Housing Choices’ booklet, providing local information and contacts to advise older people of the different housing options available to them.

Cllr Verena Hunt, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We know how important it is for older people to feel at home and at ease where they are living and this information booklet is just one of the things we are doing to assist with this. We are working with others as our ageing population increases so that all of our older residents are able to live and enjoy their lives as comfortably as possible.”

Housing Choices has been produced in conjunction with Age UK, which offers a housing and benefits advice service for older people in West Oxfordshire.

The booklet can be viewed online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/seniors. Copies are also available from Council reception areas.

For advice and information about housing:• Housing Services | www.westoxon.gov.uk/housing | 01993 861010• Age UK Oxfordshire | www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire | 01235 849400

Last December, 100 year old Jean Webb was found on the floor of her Carterton flat after experiencing a blackout.

She spent two days in hospital and her family arranged for her to go to a residential care home after, but Jean could not settle and was keen to get back to her own home as quickly as possible.

With help from one of Age UK’s specialist housing advisors, Jean was able to move back into her flat only a month later.

Mrs Webb said: “It’s been marvellous to come home, get into my own bed and do the things I want to do, when I want to do them. I feel as though I’ve regained my independence and I’m grateful for the help I’ve received.

“I would definitely advise people to make contact with places like the Council and

Age UK as there is help available that I didn’t know about.”

Age UK, which is among voluntary organisations that have received grant funding from the Council this year, helped her to access services and benefits to assist her in living independently. This included:

• a pendant alarm giving her round-the-clock telephone support

• occupational and care assessments• helping her apply for benefits to which

she was entitled but had not previously been claiming, including pension credit, housing and council tax benefits.

She was also put in touch with the Council’s Home Improvement Agency, which is helping with low-cost smallrepairs in her flat including fixing her kitchen sink and taps, and has

successfully applied to the Government’s Warm Front scheme for a grant to replace her outdated storage heaters with central heating.

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Last December, 100 year old Jean Webb was found on the floor of her Carterton flat after experiencing a blackout.

She spent two days in hospital and her family arranged for her to go to a residential care home after, but Jean could not settle and was keen to get back to her own home as quickly as possible.

With help from one of Age UK’s specialist housing advisors, Jean was able to move back into her flat only a month later.

Mrs Webb said: “It’s been marvellous to come home, get into my own bed and do the things I want to do, when I want to do them. I feel as though I’ve regained my independence and I’m grateful for the help I’ve received.

“I would definitely advise people to make contact with places like the Council and

Age UK as there is help available that I didn’t know about.”

Age UK, which is among voluntary organisations that have received grant funding from the Council this year, helped her to access services and benefits to assist her in living independently. This included:

• a pendant alarm giving her round-the-clock telephone support

• occupational and care assessments• helping her apply for benefits to which

she was entitled but had not previously been claiming, including pension credit, housing and council tax benefits.

She was also put in touch with the Council’s Home Improvement Agency, which is helping with low-cost smallrepairs in her flat including fixing her kitchen sink and taps, and has

successfully applied to the Government’s Warm Front scheme for a grant to replace her outdated storage heaters with central heating.

Help to stay at home

Affordable housing - updateOver the next few months, the following affordable housing developments will become available:

• Carterton - 19 homes for rent and sale (by March 2012)• Combe - 8 homes for rent and sale (by March 2012)• Stonesfield - 8 homes for rent and sale (by March 2012)• Langford - 8 homes for rent (April 2012)• Milton-under-Wychwood - 10 homes for rent (April 2012)

Preference is given to people who have a West Oxfordshire connection and some schemes require a local connection with the village concerned.

For all schemes applicants must be registered on the Council’s Housing Waiting List. Visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/waitinglist or call 01993 861010.

Whether you are a homeowner or private tenant, financial support and practical help may be available from our Home Improvement Agency (HIA) to assist you in staying safe and secure in your own home if you are older or disabled:

Disabled Facilities GrantsA grant may be available for adaptations to help you stay in your home if you are disabled.

Visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/housinggrants or call 01993 861000.

Low-cost small repairs serviceIf you are over 60 or disabled, the HIA can advise and help with small jobs and alterations including minor plumbing repairs and carpentry, door and window repairs, putting up curtain rails, pictures and shelving, fitting locks and much more. Advice is free but any work costs £18 per hour, plus the cost of materials used.

Visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/HIA or call 01993 861000.

Flexible home improvement loans If you are over 60, you may be able to get a loan from the Council towards home improvements that make your property safer, warmer and more comfortable. Loans are available up to £100,000. You can repay as little or as much of the loan as you like each month and there is flexibility to change the repayment arrangement. There is an £80 fee to set up the loan.

Visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/flexibleloans or call 01993 861000.

Grants, loans and low-cost repairs

Housing advice for allAs well as securing more affordable housing, keeping the District’s Housing Waiting List and working with housing associations to house those in need of social accommodation; we can also provide advice or put you in touch with another agency that can help with a range of other issues, including: • Landlord/tenant problems • Difficulties with rent or mortgage • Relationship breakdown • Domestic violence • Housing options • Accessing private rented

accommodation

Call 01993 861010 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/housingadvice for more details.

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Do you think of Leisure Centres and picture people pumping iron or doing lengths in a swimming pool? Well think again...

Leisure Centres at the heart of your communityWe run four Leisure Centres in West Oxfordshire and people of all ages and abilities use them for a variety of reasons:• Sessions for toddlers, with play equipment galore• Classes for older people including bowls, falls prevention and rehabilitative

sessions specifically for people recovering from heart conditions• Dedicated timeslots in the gym for vulnerable young people to encourage them

towards fitter, healthier lifestyles• Sports and crafts classes for disabled young people.

This is just a taste of what is available at the centres in addition to traditional classes and facilities such as swimming pools and gyms.

Lisa Booth (pictured) from Nexus Community said: “The Leisure Centres are here for everyone and we want to be at the heart of the community. We would urge people to come along and see what’s on offer - they might just be surprised!”

Win a year’s free Leisure Centre membership worth £460!Start 2012 with 12 months’ membership at our Leisure Centres, giving you free entry to gym, group exercise classes and swimming facilities, plus free racquet sport and priority booking.

To be in with a chance of winning:• Complete an online entry form at

www.westoxon.gov.uk/competitions• Or send your name, address and

telephone number on a postcard to: Creating Futures Prize Draw West Oxfordshire District Council Woodgreen, Witney OX28 1NB

Nexus Community is also giving everyone who enters the draw a free 7-day pass to the leisure centres, so everyone’s a winner!

Closing date for entries is Thursday 5 January 2012. One winner will be picked at random for the 1-year membership prize. Terms and conditions online.

See back cover for Leisure Centre contact details.

Nexus Community is contracted to run the Council’s leisure facilities. All profits are reinvested back into facilities and services for the benefit of local residents.

Olympics countdownExcitement around the Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer is building and there will be plenty of opportunities to join in with local celebrations and events.

We are helping to co-ordinate a programme of local events kicking off in the spring. Details are being finalised and you can find out the latest information:

• Online: www.westoxon.gov.uk/olympics• By calling 01993 861080.

Look out for the Olympic Torch in West OxfordshireThe Olympic Flame will make its journey from Greece and arrive in the UK on 18 May, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the following day.

We are delighted that the Olympic Torch Relay will be calling at Woodstock and Blenheim Palace on 9 July 2012 in the lead-up to the Games.

There will be an opportunity to see the torch as it passes through the town and onto Blenheim during the day-long tour around Oxfordshire.

The visit is part of the national Torch Relay involving 8,000 inspirational people hand-picked as torch bearers to carry the flame on a 70-day journey around the country.

The 2012 Olympic Torch was designed by Witney-born designer Jay Osgerby and London-based Edward Barber.

Mr Osgerby is a former student of Henry Box School, Witney, and says Oxford helped to inspire his design, along with the history of the Olympics and next year’s event in London.

The golden torch features 8,000 small cut-out circles to represent the 8,000 people picked to carry the torch on its journey.

To find out more about the Torch Relay, visit www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

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Eight-year-old Jo Maloney has weekly swimming lessons at Carterton Leisure Centre.

She has progressed through the various levels from Stage 1 to Stage 6 since starting classes in 2008 and is now a competent swimmer.

Her mother said: “The lessons have really helped develop Jo’s confidence in the water. She loves going and the swimming instructors are excellent.

“She’s progressed really well and we’re very pleased. We can now go on holiday or take her

swimming and feel happy that she can go in the pool unaided.”

Jo said: “We get the chance to do all the different strokes. My favourite stroke is the front crawl because you can go very fast, and even faster with flippers!”

A-Level student Jack Buss-Keating,17, attends the gym at Bartholomew Sports Centre, three times a week.

Jack first started using the gym as part of PE lessons while he was a pupil at Bartholomew School. Attending the gym helped him

to lose about 2.5 stone in a year and Jack was so keen to carry on attending outside school that his mother bought him a year-long membership for his 16th birthday.

Jack, now a student at Wood Green School, Witney, said: “I just enjoy coming and like how

I feel now. It fits in with my homework, helps me to relax and has improved my concentration, sleeping - everything.

“I think we’re very lucky to have it on our doorstep.”

Keen to improve his fitness Dave Henderson, 44, joined Carterton Leisure Centre gym in 2004.

After difficulties staying motivated he spoke to the trained instructors who helped tailor him a programme.

He lost 2 stone and went on to start circuit training, and now alternates between cardio and weights sessions. He has also added boxercise sessions to his routine - one of the many classes available at the centres.

In total, Dave has now lost 3 stone. He credits the gym team for keeping him on the path to success: “I have regular training reviews with the instructors who keep me motivated and are always enthusiastic and full of energy, even at 6.30am!”

Learn to swim: A great confidence booster…

Help to get in shape: Fitness programme helped me lose 3 stone...

Encouraging teenagers to get active: It’s great to have this on our doorstep…

Emma Rapley attends the Windrush and Carterton Leisure Centres with her daughter Beth, 3, and son Matthew, 1.

She often takes them to the Windrush’s ‘Tiger Tots’ play session and attends Parent and Child swimming lessons with

Matthew. Beth has recently started Ducklings swimming lessons for toddlers.

Emma says: “Swimming is now part of our routine and it’s a great way to keep the kids active. I felt it was important to get them involved in a physical

activity - especially swimming as it’s an important life skill.

“We really enjoy Tiger Tots too, they put a huge range of toys out for the kids and they’re free to roam around and play. It’s sociable for us mums as well!”

Starting young: A great way to get the kids active and to socialise...

At 68 years old, retired Pat Housden is a regular gym-goer at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre and believes you are never too old to join. She would recommend it to anyone.

Mrs Housden started attending a gym 20 years ago following the

death of her husband aged 50. She said: “I’d never been into fitness or playing sports, but losing my husband made me think about taking more care of myself and staying fit and healthy. I’ve been going to the centre since it opened. It’s also given me

something else to focus on now I’m retired, and I do feel fit.

“I know the thought of joining a gym can be intimidating, but it’s not like that at all - everyone is friendly, and the staff are great.”

Never too old: It helps me stay fit and feel younger…

Something for everyone at any age

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The District Council has taken great strides in the past couple of years to improve and encourage diversity and inclusion.

Sport, leisure and arts are areas that we have concentrated on. We have been working closely with local clubs, sportspeople and

disability groups, as well as Nexus Community, who run the leisure centres in Carterton, Chipping Norton, the Windrush in Witney and Bartholomew Sports Centre in Eynsham.

Our aim has been to create more opportunities for more people, particularly disabled, elderly or vulnerable residents, to get involved in sport, leisure and cultural activities.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Local Economy and Communities, said: “We all know how difficult it can be at times to feel as though you ‘belong’. This can be particularly so for people who are disabled, or in a minority group.

“We have been trying to break down barriers to ensure that our own services are accessible to everyone in West Oxfordshire, as well as working with clubs and organisations to encourage them to do the same. We are in a much better position now, but this work will be on-going to make sure that improvements continue to be made.”

What we have done• Set up a multi-sports club for disabled adults and young people,

and a school holiday scheme with sports and creative activities for disabled students.

• Developed ‘Taking Part’, a programme of low-cost creative activities including music, film-making and craft sessions. See www.westoxon.gov.uk/takingpart

• Launched ‘In it together’, a programme inspired by the Paralympics for disabled people which has been granted the ‘London 2012 Inspire Mark’ by LOCOG. See www.westoxon.gov.uk/inittogether

• Introduced inclusion tours at all of our leisure centres and an access guide to leisure facilities provided by the Council.

• Introduced a ‘meet and greet’ scheme for older people wanting to join or take part in activities at the leisure centres.

• Improved our Sports Directory which gives details of local activities and clubs. See www.westoxon.gov.uk/sportsdirectory

• Worked with clubs to encourage disability training for staff.

Plans for the futureAmong some of the things we are currently working on are:• Creating more activities and opportunities away from sports and

arts centres.• Developing a ‘kite mark’ symbol for use by local clubs and

organisations to recognise their work on accessibility and make it easier for residents to identify inclusive premises and groups.

Access for allWe know how important it is that services are inclusive and open to everyone, no matter what their age or ability.

Fair-playWe know how important it is to make services more inclusive and our ‘Fair-play’ strategy sets out our plans to achieve this. Call 01993 861080 or visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/fairplay

Members of local day centres (pictured) have learnt how to play the Paralympic sport boccia as part of our ‘In it together’ project. Phillip Kay of Carterton said: “I think it’s great. I’ve never done anything like this before. I like winning!”

The sports programme, designed for adults with learning difficulties, is continuing now with boccia, trampolining and seated volleyball in the run-up to Christmas. New sessions start in January 2012. See www.westoxon.gov.uk/inittogether or call 01993 861080 for more information.

Help to get around and do your shoppingIf you have a physical disability, Witney’s Shopmobility service allows you to borrow a scooter or wheelchair to get around. Based in Langdale Gate, close to the Langdale car park in Witney, Shopmobility is open 9.30am - 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. To book call 01993 864787.

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• Dog fouling: It is an offence to leave your dog’s mess behind! There are over 1,000 dog bins across West Oxfordshire. You can be issued with a fixed penalty notice, currently £50, if you are witnessed not clearing up after your dog or you can be taken to court and face a fine of up to £1,000.

• Identification: Dogs must wear a collar and tag with the name and address of its owner on when in a public place. You could be fined up to £5,000 if your dog does not wear an identification tag.

• Control: Your dog must be kept under control at all times in public places. A court may order an owner to keep the dog under proper control or to be put to sleep if it is found to be threatening to the public. If a dog is found worrying livestock it could be shot without warning by a farmer or picked up by the police, and the owner could face prosecution.

• Microchipping: A collar and tag can easily get lost or be removed if a dog is stolen. A microchip is permanent. If a dog is microchipped and registered on a national database, its owners can be traced very quickly and it can be returned safe and sound.

It costs just £15.70 to get your dog microchipped by the Council. Alternatively microchipping can be done by your vet.

Remember, you can only be reunited with a missing pet if your details are up to date. If you move house or change your telephone number, make sure you amend your details with the relevant database company, such as Petlog.

Owning a dog brings a great deal of enjoyment but also carries with it many responsibilities.

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas!Dawn Long, one of our animal control officers, says “Being a responsible dog owner is not just about feeding and walking your dog properly and taking it to the vet if it’s sick or injured, you have many legal responsibilities too. If you ignore these, the costs can soon add up.”

Even the most obedient and well looked after dog can disappear on occasion.

We collect strays but it is important that you act quickly if your dog is missing as we charge a daily rate for kennelling. The dog will be kept for 7 days. If the owners cannot be found, we try to find a new home or pass dogs onto a rehoming centre.

If you think your dog has been stolen contact the police.

If you find a dog:You are legally obliged to return or report the stray dog. Check to see if the dog is wearing any form of identification that will enable you to return it directly to its owner. Alternatively, contact us and we’ll arrange to come and collect it.

Rehoming centres cannot take strays except under certain emergency situations.

Your legal responsibilities:

Stray dogs

For more informationVisit www.westoxon.gov.uk/dogs or call 01993 861020.

If you’re thinking about getting a dog or a puppy please remember to consider if your lifestyle is suitable first. If you are out at work all day and can’t make provisions for it’s mental and physical welfare during this time, perhaps owning a dog isn’t the best option for you until your circumstances change.

Barking dogsWe receive many complaints each year about barking dogs. Usually barking occurs when the owner is out and the noise is causing considerable nuisance to neighbours.

There are many reasons why a dog barks:• Loneliness - dogs can become

distressed when left alone• Boredom and frustration• Attention seeking• Defending territory• Medical problems

A constantly barking dog can be considered a noise nuisance when the barking is found to be unreasonable or excessive. We are legally bound to act to reduce or stop the noise. This could lead to a court hearing and a fine of up to £5,000.

Advice can be found in our ‘Environmental Nuisance - dogs barking’ leaflet, available online.

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CONTACTING US

You can access lots of council services 24/7 via:

It’s quick and easy to book a service, pay a bill or report a problem online.

From a postcode search you can:• view planning applications on

your property or street• find your waste collection dates• register for email alerts• see your council tax banding• find the name of your

councillor and much more...

Call: 01993 861000OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES:

0845 3039706

Useful numbersBenefits 01993 861030Business Support 01993 861485 Community Services 01993 861060Council Tax 01993 861040 Electoral Services 01993 861410Housing Services 01993 861010 Leisure & Tourism 01993 861080 Licensing 01993 861060 Planning 01993 861420 Street Scene 01993 861020Waste and recycling 01993 861025

Leisure centreswww.nexuscommunity.org

Bartholomew 01993 861830Bartholomew School, Eynsham OX29 4AP

Carterton 01993 861981Broadshires Way, Carterton OX18 1AA

Chipping Norton 01993 861951Burford Road, Chipping Norton OX7 5DY

Windrush 01993 202020Witan Way, Witney OX28 4YA

Visitor informationwww.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

Burford 01993 823558 Chipping Norton 01608 643384 Witney 01993 775802 Woodstock 01993 814106

www.westoxon.gov.uk

Christmas & New Year

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 26 December Wed 28 December

Tues 27 December Thur 29 December

Wed 28 December Fri 30 December

Thur 29 December Sat 31 December

Fri 30 December Tues 3 January

Mon 2 January Wed 4 January

Tues 3 January Thur 5 January

Wed 4 January Fri 6 January

Thur 5 January Sat 7 January

Fri 6 January Mon 9 January

Mon 9 January Tues 10 January

Tues 10 January Wed 11 January

Wed 11 January Thur 12 January

Thur 12 January Fri 13 January

Fri 13 January Sat 14 January

Normal collections resume 16 January.

Easter Bank Holiday 2012

Normal collection: Revised date:

Good Fri 6 April As normal

Easter Mon 9 April Tues 10 April

Tues 10 April Wed 11 April

Wed 11 April Thur 12 April

Thur 12 April Friday 13 April

Fri 13 April Sat 14 April

Normal collections resume 16 April.

Waste and recycling collection day changes due to Bank Holidays:

May Day Bank Holiday 2012

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 7 May Tues 8 May

Tues 8 May Wed 9 May

Wed 9 May Thur 10 May

Thur 10 May Fri 11 May

Fri 11 May Sat 12 May

Normal collections resume 14 May.

Spring Bank Holiday 2012

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 4 June Tues 5 June

Tues 5 June (Jubilee) Wed 6 June

Wed 6 June Thur 7 June

Thur 7 June Fri 8 June

Fri 8 June Sat 9 June

Normal collections resume 11 June.

August Bank Holiday 2012

Normal collection: Revised date:

Mon 27 August Tues 28 August

Tues 28 August Wed 29 August

Wed 29 August Thur 30 August

Thur 30 August Fri 31 August

Fri 31 August Sat 1 September

Normal collections resume Mon 3 September.

Please ensure your containers are out by 6am on your collection day.

From 16 January real Christmas trees and greenery such as holly, ivy and wreaths can be put out as garden waste.

Place your tree in your garden waste bin or cut up and leave beside it. Remove pot, decorations, wire etc.

You don’t need to be signed up for garden waste collections - simply leave your tree out on your green collection week as shown on your waste calendar or online.

Garden waste will not be collected 24 December - 15 January.

Christmas tree recycling

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