Parish Council

June report

Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough? As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

Who can be a councillor?

The easy answer is almost anyone, as long as you are:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in the area concerned or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

Please contact the Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved as we now have a vacancy.

New District Councillor

Hanborough Parish Council would like to warmly thank Merilyn Davies for her support and all she has done as District Councillor to the Parish during the past four years, particularly  for her organisation of the  Covid 19 street  community network.  We wish her the very the best in whatever she decides to do next.

Following the elections, we welcome Lidia Arciszewska as a new West Oxon District Councillor for Freeland and Hanborough, and look forward to working with her  on many Parish matters over the coming four 4 years.

Funding approvals

Following a selection process, Parish Council approved funding to work with architects to get the design concept right, making sure that the look and feel of the building is proceeding in line with our vision, brief and budget.  This will be concluded in September.

Parish Council also approved funding for a specialist skate/BMX park contractor to prepare a design for the proposed update to the current facility.

We use Facebook…

One of our key objectives as a parish council is to keep in contact with our local community - listening to feedback and sharing information about what is happening.

We do that on a monthly basis via the Hanborough Herald magazine, delivered through everyone’s front door. But sometimes we need to communicate faster or more frequently than this will allow.

For this, we use Facebook - we would encourage everyone who lives in Hanborough Villages to “like” our page, so we can do our best to keep you informed.

Bus shelters

Look out for some new arrivals in Long Hanborough… bus shelters will be on both sides of the road by the new surgery any day now.

Dog waste bin emptying

We have instructed WODC to empty the bins in the Pavilion area twice weekly going forward as the bins were often overflowing.  We have also ordered more bags for the dispenser and are pleased to report that around 2,400 bags have been dispensed since last July.  Please do keep your dogs on leads while in the playing field area.

Church Hanborough noticeboard

A new noticeboard has been ordered and we hope to have it installed before the Jubilee thanks to a group of Church Hanborough volunteers.

Details of any new clubs

We maintain a central list of all clubs, societies and activities that take place in Hanborough - these are promoted on our website and in the Herald.

If you run, or know of, any new group that has set up in the past 12 months or so, please can you let us know, so that we can update our information and make local residents aware.  Thank you!

Speed indicators

We are happy to confirm that the new speed indicators are being installed on 26th May - keep an eye out for them!

Speed awareness

Church Hanborough community speed watch group is up and running so please make their day by not speeding through the village.

Volunteer support from the community

Councillors are keen to hear from residents who have particular skills and time that can help support some of the exciting projects we have in the pipeline.  We are really interested to hear from anyone who has time to help with projects, and supporting projects to become ‘operational’ in a sustainable way.

These activities all require volunteers to get involved and utilise their skills to either:

• Work on the ‘capital’ element of projects – we have over £700k of funding available 
• Be part of the team that looks at the ‘operations’, we need volunteers to support us in firstly building business cases and operational models and then be part of the team that oversees the delivery of these plans. Beyond this, there are existing committees (e.g Playing Fields Association) that really need support in the longer term – there are lots of great people already involved, but it would be great to ‘spread the load’ with injections of new talent!

Some questions for you

• Are you interested in lending your support?
• What skills do you bring to the above?
• Is there a particular part of the above that you think you would be more interested in?
• How much time do you have available – hours per week, for a ‘fixed term’, or ‘permanent’

April report

Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough? As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

Please contact the Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved as we now have a vacancy

Long Hanborough to Bladon path

The new path between Long Hanborough and Bladon is finally complete. It has been widened to 2m,  providing now, for the first time,  a safe, well-surfaced pavement  for pedestrians, cyclists and wheel-chair users to travel between the two villages. Walking or bravely cycling on the old path alongside speeding HCVs was unpleasant and potentially dangerous, and a disincentive to anyone to use it at night. The new pavement meets requirements of OCC’s Active and Healthy Travel Strategy for rural communities, and will encourage residents to walk, cycle or run to where they formerly may have driven.

Whilst the traffic lights were an inconvenience, we were very pleased the work was done on time. Councillors have noted that  a small section by the Hanborough Gate  entrance to Blenheim needs further work, and we have asked OCC to undertake this.

Blenheim bus

If you have a Blenheim season ticket, or plan to visit for the day, you may be interested to learn that for 10 weeks in the summer you will be able to travel for free on a new bus that goes from Hanborough Station to Bladon every 30mins on Saturday and Sunday, between 9.10 and 5.40.

We don’t know what the intentions are beyond the trial period, but free travel at this time may be useful for some while it lasts!  There is also a discount available for those arriving by bus.

Party at the Pav

Hanborough Playing Fields Association planning to hold a “Party at the Pav” in September.  They have booked two live bands for the evening, and will also be offering other activities, details to follow.

This event is entirely run by volunteers for the benefit of the community.  We are delighted to confirm that Hanborough Parish Council is making a grant of £2000 to cover the basic running costs of the event to ensure it can go ahead.  Any profit that is made by the HPFA from this event will be put towards the project to upgrade facilities at the Pavilion - more on this exciting project to follow soon!

Church Hanborough noticeboard

Residents of Church Hanborough have brought to our attention that the Parish noticeboard (to the left of the Hand and Shears) is in a poor condition.

We shall be replacing the noticeboard with one that is identical to  the same as the one at the Co-op in Long Hanborough.  It is hoped to install before the Jubilee weekend.

Speed indicators

A topic that is regularly brought up at Parish Council meetings is that of speeding drivers on the A4095 and through Church Hanborough.  

We are actively looking at various methods to reduce this, and Hanborough Parish Council are investing in speed indicators that flash and warn drivers when they are going too fast.

These will be installed by the new surgery and on Church Hanborough road as it comes into Long Hanborough.

Details of any new clubs

We maintain a central list of all clubs, societies and activities that take place in Hanborough - these are promoted on our website and in the Herald.

If you run, or know of, any new group that has set up in the past 12 months or so, please can you let us know, so that we can update our information and make local residents aware.  Thank you!

Speed awareness

Church Hanborough community speed watch group is up and running so please make their day by not speeding through the village.

Riely Close map lectern

The new map lectern has been installed to the right of the school entrance.  It shows a mixture of local attractions and some historical information.  Councillors are looking to install another near the station.

Volunteer support from the community

Councillors are keen to hear from residents who have particular skills and time that can help support some of the exciting projects we have in the pipeline.  We are really interested to hear from anyone who has time to help with projects, and supporting projects to become ‘operational’ in a sustainable way.

These activities all require volunteers to get involved and utilise their skills to either:

• Work on the ‘capital’ element of projects – we have over £700k of funding available 
• Be part of the team that looks at the ‘operations’, we need volunteers to support us in firstly building business cases and operational models and then be part of the team that oversees the delivery of these plans. Beyond this, there are existing committees (e.g Playing Fields Association) that really need support in the longer term – there are lots of great people already involved, but it would be great to ‘spread the load’ with injections of new talent!

Some questions for you

• Are you interested in lending your support?
• What skills do you bring to the above?
• Is there a particular part of the above that you think you would be more interested in?
• How much time do you have available – hours per week, for a ‘fixed term’, or ‘permanent’

March report

Annual Parish Meeting

After a few years where this has been either cancelled or held online, we plan the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on 26th April in the Pavilion.  Residents and groups are invited to attend to report on activities or find our what the Parish Council is doing.

Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough? As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

Please contact the Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved.

Volunteer support from the community

Councillors are keen to hear from residents who have particular skills and time that can help support some of the exciting projects we have in the pipeline.  We are really interested to hear from anyone who has time to help with projects, and supporting projects to become ‘operational’ in a sustainable way.

These activities all require volunteers to get involved and utilise their skills to either:

• Work on the ‘capital’ element of projects – we have over £700k of funding available 
• Be part of the team that looks at the ‘operations’, we need volunteers to support us in firstly building business cases and operational models and then be part of the team that oversees the delivery of these plans. Beyond this, there are existing committees (e.g Playing Fields Association) that really need support in the longer term – there are lots of great people already involved, but it would be great to ‘spread the load’ with injections of new talent!

Some questions for you

• Are you interested in lending your support?
• What skills do you bring to the above?
• Is there a particular part of the above that you think you would be more interested in?
• How much time do you have available – hours per week, for a ‘fixed term’, or ‘permanent’ 

Speed awareness

Church Hanborough community speed watch group is up and running so please make their day by not speeding through the village.

20mph zones

Our County Councillors online consultation about 20mph zones in Hanborough closed with just 49 responses, and 27 of these opposed the proposal.  Councillors noted strong support in Church Hanborough in a separate community consultation.  Councillors therefore resolved to support a 20mph zone in Church Hanborough but not in Long Hanborough.  This may be reviewed after a speed survey is concluded at 4 locations in the parish and we welcome hearing your thoughts.

Hanborough north field development

Parish Council was disappointed to discover that Blenheim Pye have submitted a request to WODC to identify the scope of what would need to go in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in relation to a proposed planning application for a residential development in the north field.  We understand that this is an early stage scoping exercise and we will monitor closely.  Council has shared this information through social media to help raise awareness and start the discussion locally.

Ideas for events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 will be an historic occasion – the first time any British monarch has ever reigned for 70 years. There will be a range of commemorations and we hope to hold an event in Hanborough for the Jubilee weekend of June 2nd - 5th, 2022.  We understand plans are evolving around a event on the Friday to coincide with lighting a beacon.

Riely Close car park

Council has received grant funding for a map lectern to be placed in the car park area.  This will show a mixture of local attractions and some historical information.  We are also considering an additional mini library as these are proving popular.

Bus shelters

Council is working with the County Council to get bus shelters installed adjacent to the new surgery.  Funding has been approved and plans are with OCC for installation.

Burial Ground

Council was saddened to receive reports of damage to a memorial in the burial ground.  It is not clear how the damage happened but we ask visitors to be vigilant and report anything unusual at the site.

Hedgehogs

West Oxfordshire District Council has launched a new initiative to protect and restore natural ecosystems as part of its response to tackling the ecological emergency.

The ‘Hedgehog Highway’ campaign invites residents, particularly those living in urban areas, to create gaps in otherwise impassable garden fences and walls, to give hedgehogs - as well as other wildlife - greater freedom to roam, forage and breed in an effort to boost declining numbers.

Two years ago, hedgehogs joined the internationally recognised Red List for British Mammals, officially classifying them as vulnerable to extinction.

February report
Volunteer support from the community
Councillors are keen to hear from residents who have particular skills and time that can help support some of the exciting projects we have in the pipeline.  We are really interested to hear from anyone who has time to help with projects, and supporting projects to become ‘operational’ in a sustainable way.

These activities all require volunteers to get involved and utilise their skills to either:
Work on the ‘capital’ element of projects – we have over £700k of funding available 
Be part of the team that looks at the ‘operations’, we need volunteers to support us in firstly building business cases and operational models and then be part of the team that oversees the delivery of these plans. Beyond this, there are existing committees (e.g Playing Fields Association) that really need support in the longer term – there are lots of great people already involved, but it would be great to ‘spread the load’ with injections of new talent!
 
Some questions for you
Are you interested in lending your support?
What skills do you bring to the above?
Is there a particular part of the above that you think you would be more interested in?
How much time do you have available – hours per week, for a ‘fixed term’, or ‘permanent’

Speed awareness
Councillors approved funding of a speed survey in the parish to help inform any future control measures. This will likely happen in the next few months. We also note that the Church Hanborough community speed watch group is up and running so please make their day by not speeding through the village.

20mph zones
Residents are encouraged to go to our County Councillors online consultation about 20mph in Hanborough. www.liam-walker.com/have-your-say

Hanborough north field development
Parish Council was disappointed to discover that Blenheim Pye have submitted a request to WODC to identify the scope of what would need to go in an Environmental Statement (ES) in relation to a proposed planning application for a residential development in the north field. We understand that this is an early stage scoping exercise and we will monitor closely.

Ideas for events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 will be an historic occasion – the first time any British monarch has ever reigned for 70 years. There will be a range of commemorations and we hope to hold an event in Hanborough for the Jubilee weekend of June 2nd - 5th, 2022. We would like to gather ideas and interest from villagers. Please contact councillors or the clerk.

Riely Close car park
Council has received grant funding for a map lectern to be placed in the car park area. This will show a mixture of local attractions and some historical information. We are also considering an additional mini library as these are proving popular.

Playground and multi use games area (MUGA)
The zip wire has been re-tensioned and we are now modifying the chair chain length for this.
The extra high netting at one end of the MUGA has been extended along the side by the tennis court to help reduce balls lost over the fence.
The lights are set for winter operation now. They do occasionally trip and please let us know if they need to be reset.

Bus shelters
Council is working with the County Council to get bus shelters installed adjacent to the new surgery. Funding has been approved and plans are with OCC for installation.

Burial Ground
Council was saddened to receive reports of damage to a memorial in the burial ground. It is not clear how the damage happened but we ask visitors to be vigilant and report anything unusual at the site.

Litter Pick
Councillors recorded thanks to the residents who helped with a recent litter pick. Around 25 bags of rubbish were collected.