LITTLE MILTON   NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

DECEMBER, 2005

“Born to raise the sons of earth;

Born to give them second birth.”

Cattle sheds are not the most romantic of places. They are grubby and dark, perhaps chilly and often cluttered up. Pictures of them don’t find their way easily onto chocolate boxes. There is nothing grand  nor special about them. You might say that, for the farmer, they are his ordinary everyday place of work.

Yet it was in such a place that the Christ Child was born. But more than that, that unsuitable outhouse was transfigured with majesty as it became the place of the Holy Birth.

So it was throughout his earthly ministry. Jesus would enter the ordinary scenes of life and make them his own. He was casual and unselective in the people he met, and in the company he kept. He took people exactly as he found them, but didn’t leave them as he found them. They in their circumstances found by the very presence of Jesus, that things became different.

And so it is now. He wills to take us-and our own little world- just as he finds us. He makes no pre-conditions. We don’t have to qualify for his presence. We don’t have to prove ourselves-he simply takes us as we are. He is happy to enter the room which we provide, however unsuitable, messy or cluttered up, cluttered up with fears and anxieties, resentments and guilts, rejections and failures.

It is into this kind of place, into this kind of life, more muddled and muddling than a Chinese puzzle, that the Lord Christ is pleased to be born and dwell. Indeed he takes us as he finds us, but he does not leave us as he finds us-he values us too much for that. If we allow him entrance, if we open the door but an inch, then we find that at least some of the clutter is taken out of the way, or if not, that we are enabled to live with it more creatively and without losing heart.

And in that case we may find, somewhat to our surprise a new warmth of love flowing through us; a deeper, richer forgiveness becoming our own, and reflecting itself onto those around us; showing to others that patient understanding and forbearance which Christ showed to us. And if that begins to happen, then we more fully appreciate the words in the carol which say;

“Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth”.

That is why He came!

Whether this Christmas finds you sad or joyful, here is a prayer I hope you will find space to use.

Eternal God,

In the stillness of this night

You sent your almighty Word

To pierce the world’s darkness with the light of salvation;

Give to the earth the peace we long for

And fill our hearts with the joy of heaven

Through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Victor Story (01844 279498

PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 9th November was attended by five Councillors, the Clerk and two members of the public.

Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farmhouse

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had now received the information from the Open Spaces Society and had issued two evidence questionnaires as a pilot study before requesting other residents to complete them. The Clerk hoped that by the December meeting he would have re-submitted the request to register the nominated area as a Village Green to Oxfordshire County Council.

Hedgerow at the top of the Wheatley Road.

Mrs Mabel Wood reported that the gap in the hedgerow had now been filled with earth and was a good step forward. The Clerk reported that he had spoken to OCC Highways but due to staff illness were not in a position to comment. The Clerk also reported that he had stressed the need for adequate road markings on the Wheatley Road from Little Milton to the junction of the Wheatley Road from Great Milton. This matter will be kept under review.

Invite to Punch Taverns re the Lamb

The clerk informed the meeting that he had sent a suitable letter to Punch Taverns about the current plight of the Lamb. Although there had been no written response the Clerk had a conversation with the appropriate department and was hopeful that the Council would receive a reply.

A329 Advisory Group

Mrs Alison Shelton reported that the A329 had met since the last Parish Council meeting in October. The key points arising from the meeting were as follows:-

• The committee agreed to follow up the letter from OCC by inviting representatives from OCC to attend a meeting to update the committee on what options are available re the centre of the village.
• Following a near miss of an accident in Gold Street the committee are investigating what options are available in respect of suitable speed limits.
• The results of the traffic survey conducted by OCC in respect of the build-outs at either end of the village are still awaited.
• The committee are pursuing an update on the work being done on weight limits on the A329 by the Five Villages Action Group.
• Mrs Alison Shelton has resigned as Chairman of the A329 Advisory Group but will maintain her role as Parish Council representative. Mr Mark Platt has agreed to become the new Chairman.

The Orchard

Two representatives of the Orchard Pre School made a request to the Parish Council to use an area of land behind the Pine Lodge and immediately adjacent to the Orchard to create a hard standing surface  as a play area by the Orchard. The primary use would be for wheeled toys such as tricycles. The Council requested that it should be presented with the necessary drawings to allow it to consider it more fully and this request was agreed by the representatives of the Orchard. On receipt of the drawings it will be necessary to consider any possible planning issues as the land is in green belt and may require some form of planning approval. The Council also agreed to write formally to Little Milton Village Hall Charity as they felt it was important that any development behind the Pine Lodge was fully considered by the Charity as it may have a view on any impact. The Clerk requested that the site plan that was part of the lease between the Parish Council and the Charity be reviewed to ensure that any development was not part of the area designated to the Charity.

Village Hall

Mr Simon Oddie chaired this item on the agenda as Mr Stuart McGill had declared a prejudicial interest in the agenda item.

Mr Richard Alliston stated that the financial statement he was presenting was the final position subject to the budget costs for the induction loop and the blinds. The net repayment to the Parish Council is £4,856 and the Clerk reported that he already had received the cheque. The overall support given by the Parish Council amounted to £36,434 which is made up of the project shortfall of £29,689 plus the supplementary purchases of £6,745. This meant that the Council used £1,434 from reserves as the loan from the Public Loans Board was £35,000.

Mr Simon Oddie thanked Mr Richard Alliston on behalf of the Council for all the hard work that had gone into delivering the project.

Village Shop/Post Office

The Chairman informed the meeting that he had held a separate meeting with Ms Jane Barker of ORCC and Mr Graham Simmons of the Post Office in respect of the possible relocation of the Post Office to a site adjacent to the Pine Lodge. The meetings were constructive and there appeared to be no major security issues and that some grants were available to help finance any relocation.

The Chairman also reported that he had also visited a Post Office in Tackley along with Mrs Annie Rogers. It was a very informative visit as the Post Office in Tackley had many similarities to the possible set up for the new site in Little Milton.

The Chairman circulated some preliminary information in respect of the questionnaire that was circulated to the village some months ago. A comprehensive set of results will be circulated as soon as possible.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 14th December 2005 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

R. Fergusson Parish Clerk

Please note that the complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website www.littlemilton.org.uk

Freedom of Information Act – Parish Council Publication Scheme

Residents can see the records of the policies and practices of the Parish Council including minutes, financial information and responses to planning consultations, on request from the Parish Clerk (Raymond Fergusson –279150). Current Council member are:

                         Mr Stuart McGill          Chairman                    Mr Simon Oddie          Vice Chairman

                         Mrs Mabel Wood                                            Mrs Isabel Fox                           

                         Mrs Alison Shelton                                          Mr Barry Coward

ECO SACK COLLECTION SERVICE – TRIAL SCHEME

Note from South Oxfordshire District Council

“The trial scheme for the collection of paper eco sacks for composting finishes on 23 December 2005. A decision should be made by District Councillors in early December as to how garden waste collections will be made in the future. I am aware that the public are starting to question what service will be provided after the end of the trial and as soon as we have any information we will let you know”

Ed

It is important that anyone wishing to arrange for a collection must do so before December 23. As soon as I have any information I shall post a notice in the Post Office but please feel free to ring me 01844 279150 or SODC Public Amenities on 01865 823443.

SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

For a charge of £35 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be collected from within the District and a charge of £7 per bulky item e.g. fridge furniture etc. To arrange this service residents

can call the Public Amenities Team on 01491 823416 or print a copy of the form from the Council’s website www.southoxon.gov.uk .

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL -REFUSE SKIPS FOR DECEMBER

Our nearest Rural Community Waste Sites are at Chalgrove Village Car Park and Wheatley Primary School, Littleworth Road.

Please note that the following items have now been classified as hazardous household wastes and will no longer be accepted in the community waste vehicles.

TV’s, Monitors, Fluorescent tubes, Air conditioning units, Fridges/Freezers, Asbestos, Tins of paint (even if empty), Oil or Oil tins (even if empty), Car batteries, Gas cylinders.

The Oxfordshire County Council Waste Recycling Centres at Redbridge and Oakley Wood are open Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR COLLECTIONS

Please note that the refuse collections schedules for Tuesday 27^th December 2005 will be collected on Tuesday 3^rd January 2006 the normal collection day.

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR DECEMBER

Week ending 3^rd December, 2005                                            -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

Week ending 10^th December, 2005                                          -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

Week ending 17^th December, 2005                                          -           Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

Week ending 24^th December, 2005                                          -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

Week ending 31^st December 2005                                            -          Mrs E. Summers/Mrs Isabel Fox

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR DECEMBER  

Week ending 4^th December                                          -                      Advent            

Week ending 11^th December                                        -                      Advent

Week ending 18^th December                                        -                      Advent

Week ending 25^th December                                        -                      Christmas

I shall be decorating the Church on Friday 23rd December and I would appreciate as much help as possible on the day. Donations of flowers would be most welcome. If you can help in any way please give me a ring on 01844 278922        

Teresa Quested

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING DECEMBER

Just to let Villagers know that the Bell Ringers will be ringing in St. James’ Church, Little Milton on 

Tuesday 6^th December                                                            7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Sunday 11^th December                                                           10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Tuesday 13^th December                                                            7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Thursday 15^th December                                                          5.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Tuesday 20^th December                                                            7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday 27^th December                                                            7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

FROM THE RECTORY.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS.

It seems very strange to think that as I write Christmas will soon be here, and not one of us, I guess, wonder where this year has gone. In amidst of all our business and dizziness, this year more than ever perhaps, we shall all need to find the space and stillness to prepare adequately for the coming of our Lord into the world. Advent Sunday is on the 27^th November, and Advent is the season of preparation. To help us in the preparation of our heart and lives to receive our Lord more fully at Christmas, there will be a celebration of Holy Communion in our Churches, taken in rotation, each Friday morning in Advent.  We begin on Friday 2^nd December at St. Mary’s Great Milton, on the 9^th at Little Milton, and on the 16^th at St. Peter’s, Great  Haseley.

Please do  make a special note of the evenings that our schools come into Church.  Little Milton School are having their Christingle on  Thursday 15^th December at 6.00p.m. and Great Milton School are coming into St. Mary’s on Wednesday 14^th at 6.30 p.m.. I urge you all to come along on these occasions and support the two schools and the children of our Benefice.  We are all proud of our schools, and these occasions call out for our support, in a physical way.

As Christmas Day itself approaches, on Sunday 18^th,  we have our Carol Services. Great Haseley  has theirs at 4.00 p.m., and I know that Tim Suter is putting together a small choir for the occasion. Knowing Tim we shall have some outstanding music.  At 5.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Great Milton, their service of Nine Lessons & Carols will be taking place. Kate Billimore will be assembling a very worthy choir especially for the evening to help us with the singing. Little Milton’s Carol Service will be held at 7.00p.m. in St. James’. I do so encourage you to keep this evening free.

On Christmas Eve at 4.00 p.m. there will be the Benefice Crib Service, and this year it will be held in St. Peter’s Great Haseley. Children of all ages are most welcome to come along for this ever popular Service.

The Midnight Communion will be held in St. Mary’s Great Milton at 11.30 p.m..

On Christmas Day itself, to greet the new Born King, there will be in St. James, a Benefice Christmas Family Service for all the family. So do come along and bring all your children, family and friends. The Service will last about 40 minutes. Afterwards there will be a shortened Communion Service for any who care to stay.

ENTRY TO HOLY COMMUNION.

Over the Christmas period you may well have friends and family staying with you, and they may be hesitant to come and receive Communion. There is absolutely no reason to be so. Our Churches are village churches, for all who care to come, and  I want you all to know that if anyone feels that receiving the sacrament would help them, then they are more than welcome to come to our altars.

ay I wish you all the happiest and most blessed of Christmases and may 2006 bring joy and happiness beyond all your dreams.

Victor Story

FROM THE REGISTERS.

We record with deep regret the death of Vera Patricia May West on the 12^th October after a long illness. She was 62. Although she lived in Little Milton, the family have all their roots in Great Milton, and so it was fitting that she was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard. Please do remember Colin and all his family in your prayers.

We congratulate Fran and Steve Halford who celebrated their 25^th Wedding Anniversary on the 26^th November.  We surround them both and Hannah and Amy with our love and our prayers as they celebrate this special time.

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR DECEMBER

SUNDAY SCHOOL

December meeting dates, time & places

Sunday 4^th December 11.00 a.m. St James’ Church. Advent “Godly Play” Session (suitable for all ages)

Sunday 18^th December – Christmas Party at 1 Chiltern View at 11.00 a.m.

Sally Ann Dennis (278029)

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH

Minister:  Revd. Derick Chambers Tel: 212019

SUNDAY SERVICES IN DECEMBER

For further information please ring me.

Evelyn Holme 278938

NEWS FROM LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL

The days are growing shorter, and colder, and we are in good voice as we practice our Christingle hymns and songs.  The wardrobe department is busy, hunting out shepherd outfits and angel wings!  We hope that you will be able to join us for our Christingle Service, which this year will be on Thursday 15^th December, at 6.00 pm in St James’ Church.  As usual, the collection will be given to The Children’s Society.

We have all enjoyed taking part in fund raising events for our Christmas 2005 Appeal.  The children organised a very successful bring and buy sale, we have had “Pudding” raffles, and a non uniform day, and raised sufficient money to send two herds of goats to families in countries like Zambia and Angola.  The goats will produce milk, cheese and more goats so will provide poor families with an income and improve their diet and health year after year.  We are very grateful to all those who have supported our fund raising efforts.

Our final outing of the year will be to The Oxford Playhouse to see Cinderella.  We are all looking forward to lots of “He’s behind you”, laughter and ice creams!

The Staff and children of Little Milton School would like to say Happy Christmas to all of the Newsletter readers!!

Eve Hunter

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to meet on Sunday 4^th December, when we intend to start thinning out some of the trees in the newly planted woodland area. Some are being smothered by the stronger growing trees and their growth is being stunted. This will be an ongoing task through the winter months. We will also use the time over on that part of the farm to see if we can find any other signs of Harvest Mouse activity.

We welcome anyone who would like to come along and get some fresh air. We meet in the Farmyard at 10.30 a.m.

Phil Jones 278120

BBOWT

Keep up to date with all the news, Trust walks, latest press releases, Trust Wildlife Fact sheets by visiting our website at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/berksbucksoxon

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

The prize wining numbers, for November 2005, were drawn by the Little Milton School Children at their Good Work Assembly and were as follows:

October

1^st Prize                                    No 19              Lucinda Arnold                                     £20.00

2^nd Prize                                   No 70              Mrs Hue Williams                                 £14.00

3^rd Prize                                    No 42              Barry Brooksbank                                £10.00

Sarah Sadler 278563

For the Friends of Little Milton School

THE PINE LODGE

We have now taken delivery of the new tables which gives us the ability to seat up to 120 in comfort

• The Little Milton Fireworks Spectacular  - Saturday 5^th November.  Despite all the threats of heavy rain, we were lucky and enjoyed a dry evening  and a terrific firework display thanks to Jim Lovegrove, Michael and Raymond Fergusson.   Approximately 120 people then enjoyed drinks, soup  and hot dogs in the Pine Lodge for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Many thanks for buying the tickets in advance, it made a big difference and enabled us to correctly anticipate the numbers attending.   Next Year – shall we go for  Music & Fireworks ?  Has any resident had experience of choreographing fireworks to music ?   If so, let me know please.
• Christmas Fayre – Saturday 3^rd December, 11am – 2pm   Yes -  already !   A Christmas tree, seasonal decorations, mince pies, mulled wine,  bacon butties, seasonal music and lots of stalls with a great selection of gifts.   Come along, buy some gifts , meet your friends and neighbours for a natter and a glass of mulled wine or a cup of soup.    Please also see the separate announcement.
• Quiz Night    Following the great success of our last Quiz Night, our next one will be on  Saturday 14^th January 2006.  Our biggest challenge has been estimating the number of people to cater for. The new tables will also ensure that all can be accommodated in comfort !  To help us get the numbers right for catering, will you please  buy tickets in advance from the Post Office or  phone Stuart on 279092 and give him your number of reserved places.    If you would like a vegetarian meal or have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Tickets will be £6 per head bought, or booked in advance and  £7 if bought on the night.
• Dancing -  Would you like to learn to dance ?  - Salsa, Tango, Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quick Step,  If we have sufficient interest we will consider organising a 10 or 12 week course in the Pine Lodge.  Contact Teresa Quested on 278922  to register your interest

Booking and Hiring

The Pine Lodge is proving popular both with Little Milton residents and non residents, particularly for weekends but also weekdays.  Bookings taken for weekends stretch out as far as August 2006. If you are thinking of hiring;

• Book early, if you leave it till the last minute, you may be disappointed
• Allow sufficient setting up time  and clearing up time in the times you book.
• Note that due to demand, there is a maximum of 30 minutes turnaround time between bookings.
• Note that the building is completely “No Smoking” (smoke will set off the fire alarm)

Those living in the Parish of Little Milton will receive a discount of between 30% and 33%  on the published Hire rates. If you would like to book or see a copy of the new hire terms and conditions, please contact Dee Waldron on 278819 or log on to the Website WWW.littlemilton.org.uk and go to the Pine Lodge page.

Finally, many thanks for your support during this exciting year. It’s great to be able to end the year with such a great, functioning building that allows the community to come and meet together for any number of reasons.  The management Committee wish you all a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Richard Alliston

01844 278045

THE LAMB: LITTLE MILTON

Kevin and Shirley, new Managers at The Lamb, would like to say a warm hello to all in Little Milton.  Before moving to the village, we owned and operated a hotel narrow-boat on the canals for 3 years, taking guests on all inclusive week long cruises, and prior to this we ran a very busy Guest House in Keswick, Cumbria for 6 years, where Kevin was Chairman of the Lakes Hospitality Association.

Having met a good many of the local people already, we have been made to feel very welcome, but we are only too aware that many of you have been put off from visiting The Lamb for many different reasons, all of which we are doing our utmost to rectify.  We would like to run your pub the way you would like it to be run, so to “break the ice” you are all invited to a free curry night on Wednesday 7^th December, where we would like to take the opportunity to meet you and to hear how you would like your local run.

We look forward to meeting you at the curry night, if not beforehand.

Kevin & Shirley

SEWING GROUP

Thank you Sarah for a cosy time in Milton Manor Drive in November. This month, December, we are having a break from sewing/stitching but we may darken the door of the Lamb for a “Christmas get together” to celebrate. So please ring the number below if you are interested.

Next month, January, we are meeting on Thursday 19th January at 11.30 a.m. at Spring Cottage in the Haseley Road. Do telephone 278029 by Wednesday 18^th January if you are planning to stay for lunch. Why not begin your New Year by catching up on your mending and/or by digging out that old “sewing project” (large or small) and bring it along on the 19^th. We always have a laugh and a happy time together and you would be made most welcome.

Sally Ann Dennis

SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

The Christmas lunch for the senior citizens this year will beheld in The Pine Lodge on Saturday 10^th December, 12-30 arrival for lunch at 1pm.

Anybody who would like to attend please contact Janet Betts, telephone number 01844 279238.

We would also like donations of, chocolates wine and other festive goodies which will help to stretch the budget!

CASH FOR CHRISTMAS

Many thanks to all those who have cleared out their loose change in aid of the senior citizens lunch but we still need more! So please search your pockets, old handbags, odds and end drawers and see what

you can find-every 1p counts. Your finds can be left at 38, Chiltern View, or 8, Old Field. We can also collect if requested. Many thanks in anticipation

 Teresa Quested

LITTLE MILTON XMAS FAYRE

The Fayre this year will be held in The Pine Lodge on Saturday 3^rd December from 11am until 2pm. There will be gifts, decorations, Christmas greenery, Christmas food and cakes, jams and chutneys, a seasonal raffle, as well as activities for the children. There may also be a visit from Father Christmas if he can find time!

The Fayre has been held in the village for more than 20 years and as well as being a great fundraiser, it is also an opportunity to meet, chat and enjoy a light lunch with friends and neighbours. Stuart’s bacon sandwiches are a best seller. If you haven’t been before come and have a look and taste!

If you can donate a raffle prize please contact Richard Alliston on 278045

As usual the profits will be shared between The Pine Lodge, St James’ Church and The Orchard. Please support us.

Teresa Quested

Christmas Fayre

At the Pine Lodge, Little Milton.

3^rd December 11-2pm

Could you help by making, baking or donating anything towards the food stall? All will be very gratefully received.

Please contact Sarah Jones 278120

CAN YOU HELP?

Do you have any spare plastic pots suitable for planting out ? Ideal size would be pots of  4 /5 inches diameter. I am planning to hold a plant sale in aid of St James’ some time towards the end of April 2006 and I am desperately short of pots. If you have any you can leave them by the gate of the Old Vicarage, Church Hill. Many thanks

Joyce Inge

LITTLE MILTON W.I

Come and join us at our December meeting!

7:45  pm, Thursday, 8^th December

Friends, husbands and everyone from the Miltons and aseleysHHaseleys who would enjoy some festive music will be gathering at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton’s new village hall, to hear the St. James Singers.  Entry is just £2 – including refreshments.

At our November meeting, we welcomed Maggie Wheeler who introduced us to jewellery-making using beads, showing us many colourful and varied examples, including some from South Africa and other far-flung places. With her expert assistance, we each created a piece of jewellery and enjoyed a very sociable evening. Members have been enjoying a range of other activities including a visit to Tate Britain to see the Degas, Sickert and Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition.

Our January meeting will be a New Year’s Dinner cooked for us by Charlton-on-Otmoor W.I. at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton.

LITTLE MILTON WI wishes everyone in The Miltons and Haseleys

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

President:  Anne Hawkins, Little Milton 279526  Secretary:  Shirley Thomas, Little Milton 278976

Press Correspondent:  Lyndell Dixon, Great Haseley 279275

FITNESS/YOGA CLASSES

The class is now a regular fixture in the Pine Lodge at 10.30 a.m. on a Monday. Please note that the classes finish on Monday 12th December and restart on Monday16th January 2006.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING AT THE ORCHARD DURING THE AUTUMN TERM

After a long summer break, we started off the term with our Fun Day Event.  It was a very successful day, and we would like to thank all who attended.  We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we plan to make this as annual event.

As part of our curriculum planning this term we talked about senses, and had a Senses Factory, where we invited Reception and Year 1 children from the school for the morning.   We look forward to having more interaction with the school in the near future. 

On the last day of half term we held a Halloween Party for our youngsters and their siblings.  This was another great event, and fun was had by all.  It was nice to see all the children (and staff!) made an effort.  All their costumes were fantastic.  Again, we hope to make this an annual event. 

At the moment we are all looking forward to Christmas.  We are now busy preparing for our Christmas Nativity Play, which we are holding in the new Village Hall on Tuesday 13^th December, followed by our Christmas Party on Thursday 15^th.  Hopefully Father Christmas will be attending.

The Orchard children and staff would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

THE END OF RURAL OXFORDSHIRE ?

Government plans already dictate that Oxfordshire will have to build 47,000 new houses in the next twenty years.

However, this is not the end of the story. It appears that the Mr Prescott and the Government Office of the Southeast, spurred on by the Barker Report, is unhappy with the ‘low’ (!) number of houses allocated to Oxfordshire. As the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister i.e. Mr Prescott, personally has the last word on planning matters, this could mean a real possibility of double the number already allocated to the county (i.e. nearly 100,000).

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) accepts completely that there is a need for affordable housing, but it is vital that the Government distinguishes housing need from market demand.  The Government proposes changes which would lead to a more market-driven approach. This would mean that more housing would be built in areas of high demand – regardless of environmental consequences - but this would still not address the need for affordable housing. This could more effectively be addressed by public investment in subsidised housing and dealing with anomalies such as the fact that there is VAT relief on building new homes but no relief on repair and renovation of older houses- which leads to ¾ million empty homes and thousands of acres of brown field land lying derelict.

CPRE passionately believes in an alternative approach which includes:

Create more affordable homes ;Better use of brown field land ;Higher density building ;Urban regeneration – ie making use of those 750,000 houses mentioned above etc

The countryside is at a turning point. If the Government pursues its present policies, they will be particularly damaging to the land and communities around Oxford and destroy the Green Belt. Not only will there be suburbanization of the area by huge numbers of houses but there will be an increase in traffic, road systems and the entire infrastructure that goes with large scale development.

 CPRE has put together a Housing Campaign Pack which can be obtained on line at www.cpre.org.uk. This gives information about the government plans, guidance on how to support the CPRE campaign and how this disastrous future can be avoided. We need the support of everyone who cares about the future of our countryside, so please write to Gordon Brown asking him to look again at the Government’s approach to affordable housing.

If you would like more information about this campaign call

Mary Isaac 01844 279606 ;Amanda Garrett 01844 278326 ;Or our Oxfordshire office at campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk