A new vision for Oxfordshire Many of you will have already heard about the proposal put forward by seven district councils for a new devolution deal for Oxfordshire. The plans include government devolving more funding and powers to local authorities and the reorganisation of local councils themselves. We are proposing the abolition of the existing district and county councils to be replaces by three or four new Local Unitary Councils. In our part of the world that would mean a new council covering the area of the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire that would provide all of the local services for residents. We firmly believe that these services could be delivered more efficiently and to a higher standard if we remove the inevitable waste that comes for a two tier system of local government. It would mean just one single point of contact for the public for virtually all services and much closer working between the emergency services; NHS and social care. We are grateful for the support of local MPs including Ed Vaizey and Nicola Blackwood and of course the Prime Minister David Cameron. They all recognise that our scheme has merit and we are keen to complete the detailed work on our plans in order to present it to residents in a public consultation later this year. Discussions are continuing with government on how to progress these proposals as quickly as possible, but the whole process is still likely to be measured in months and years. You can read some more details about our plans at www.oxfordshire.vision. New plans for West Way redevelopment Following months engagement with residents the development company Mace has submitted a planning application to redevelop the West Way area of Botley. The proposals include:
- a new community centre that meets local aspirations
- new and attractively landscaped public open space, including green areas
- 149 new homes
- a 122 bedroom hotel
- 262 university related accommodation rooms, including accommodation for academic support staff and studios suited to postgraduates and mature students
- an increase in publically available car parking spaces at West Way from 153 to 320
- new retail space to bring new shops, cafes and restaurants to Botley
The aim is to increase footfall for existing businesses in Botley, including shops on Elms Parade while ensuring the long-term sustainability of West Way as the heart of the community. You can view and comment on the proposals via the Council's planning system (reference P16/V0246/FUL). The consultation closes on 14th April. Your waste collections over Easter Like every bank holiday, our waste crews will empty your bin on a different day this Easter. Visit www.morerecycling.co.uk to find out your revised collection day. You can recycle all of your Easter egg boxes, and any plastic inserts or foil wrapping, too – they all go in your green bin. In the unlikely case of any leftover chocolate, use it in cooking or put it in your food waste bin and the crews will take it away for composting. For more information about what happens to your recycling and the councils’ waste collection services, visit www.morerecycling.co.uk Monster Race – I still need your support Thank you to the many people who have already sponsored me for the Monster Race (a 5k obstacle race in aid of Special Effect) on 16th April. I'm edging ever closer to my fundraising target and with just over a month to go any additional support would be greatly appreciated. Please sponsor me online at www.justgiving.com/MatthewBarberMonsterRace or Simply text MONS65 £5 / £10 to 70070 to sponsor me today.