Preparing for the winter weather We can only look on in horror at the events in Cumbria, the damage that can be caused by the weather never ceases to shock. Thankfully we are not expecting similar flooding in the Vale any time soon, but it is not long ago that many residents suffered from significant flooding locally. Whether it is heavy rain, snow or high winds the Vale District Council will work with the emergency services, other councils and the utility companies to help local residents in any way we can. Nothing however can replace good preparation. The Vale's website gives some tips on how to be prepared and who to contact in case of problems. Honouring the Vale's volunteers At the end of November the Vale welcomed volunteers and their guests from across the district for the annual Community Awards lunch. This is an occasion to properly recognise the contribution made by those people across the district who give up their time to help make our towns and villages such great places to live. A list of the winners is available here. Top of the recycling charts yet again Thanks to the hard work of local residents the Vale of White Horse is yet again in one of the top spots in the national recycling charts! The Vale came 2nd nationwide, recycling 65.6% of household waste, beaten only by neighbouring South Oxfordshire. The news comes after the successful launch of the small electrical and textile recycling services. For details of changes to your bin collections over Christmas and the New Year and to find out how to dispose of your Christmas tree after the festive season please visit the Vale's website. Autumn Statement paves the way for more infrastructure funding In the wake of the Chancellors Autumn Statement there have been two announcements that are set to bring more infrastructure funding. The Vale is the first district to have been awarded two Enterprise Zones. These areas are intended to make it easier to attract new businesses to the area as well as retaining all of the business rates paid within those zones to help fund infrastructure. Earlier this week, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis announced the Didcot Garden Town. This initiative will enable local councils to bring forward bids for the funding of vital infrastructure such as new roads and bridges. We are yet to find out what the Autumn Statement will mean for the overall Council finances. Details of the financial settlement is likely to be received from the Government in last few days before Christmas. Wishing everyone in the Vale a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!