Tag Archives: vale of white horse

Faringdon joins the Neighbourhood Planning revolution

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Faringdon has been granted ‘front-runner’ status to produce a Neighbourhood Plan under new powers to be introduced through the Localism Act.

The Vale of White Horse District Council worked in partnership with Faringdon Town Council to bid for the grant of £20,000 that accompanies the award of front-runner status.

Neighbourhood planning is the government’s initiative to empower local communities to help make and take forward planning proposals at a local level.  The idea being that local people will be the driver to help shape how their local communities grow and develop.

The Faringdon Neighbourhood Plan will be driven by the Town Council, but the Vale will provide support in helping to ensure that the process conforms with the guidelines for neighbourhood planning.

Cllr Roger Cox, cabinet member for planning at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Faringdon to help develop a vision for the future of their town.  Being awarded front-runner status means that Faringdon is one of the early communities to benefit from the Localism Bill and it provides an exciting path forward for its residents, for the town council and for the Vale.”

Cllr Alan Hickmore, Chairman of Town Council’s Planning and Highways Committee, said  “Faringdon Town Council is delighted to be one of the “front runners” to produce a neighbourhood plan for our community. We look forward to working with the Vale of White Horse District Council and, most importantly, our townspeople in producing a plan that will benefit us all”.

Abbey Gardens scoops green flag award again

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Abbey Gardens in Abingdon has been judged one of the best parks in the
country after it was awarded Green Flag status for the third year in a
row.

The gardens, which are owned and maintained by the Vale of White Horse
District Council, first scooped the Green Flag Award in 2009 following a
five-year restoration project to transform the site to the way it looked
in its Victorian heyday.

The Green Flag is a national award that recognises parks that are well
maintained and managed with excellent facilities.

Cllr Reg Waite, cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said: “I
am delighted Abbey Gardens has once again received this national
accolade. Council staff and contractors work very hard to keep these
attractive grounds in great condition so they can be enjoyed by both
residents of the district and visitors. This award is something to be
exceedingly proud of.”

The Green Flag Award Scheme is managed by a consortium comprising Keep
Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace. Known collectively as the Green Flag
Plus Partnership, the consortium manages the scheme in England on behalf
of Communities and Local Government.

For more information see www.greenflagaward.org.uk

Delight as Guildhall future is secured

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The future of Abingdon Guildhall has been secured after the Vale of White Horse District Council agreed to transfer the building to Abingdon Town Council.

The deal, which will see the keys to the Guildhall and the adjacent Roysse Court handed over to the town council on 1 April 2011, means that the community facility, with its historic paintings and artefacts that already belong to the town, is now secure for the people of Abingdon to use and enjoy for many years to come.

The arrangement means that the town council will take control of both buildings and their day to day operation, including the staff currently employed at the site. 

The agreement will see a one-off contribution of £1.2 million paid to the town council to fund improvement work that needs to be carried out to the building over the coming years.  However, the transfer will also provide a much needed financial boost for the Vale by saving year on year revenue running costs of around £100,000, as well as removing obligations for the buildings’ up keep in the future.

The substantial reduction in government funding to the Vale made it increasingly difficult for the district council to guarantee the future of this fantastic facility. 

Under town council management there will be greater opportunities for staff and councillors to work towards reversing the decline in community usage and improving the facilities through the injection of funds for investment.

Abingdon Town Council also has the longer-term option of moving its administrative offices from their current Old Abbey House location (leased from the Vale) over to the Guildhall and Roysse Court when its existing lease runs out, a move which could make a substantial annual saving.

The Abingdon Guildhall is believed to date back to 1563.  The oldest part of the building, including the Roysse Room, is listed.  In the 1960s the building was extended to include the large Abbey Hall and has been run by the Vale Council since 1974.

Cllr Richard Webber, Vale executive member for Civic Halls, said: “We know that people in Abingdon have been concerned about the future of the Guildhall for some time, so I’m sure that many will be absolutely delighted to hear that the future of this important community facility is now secure.  With the support and on‑going commitment of the town council and the people of Abingdon – the building can be best run to the benefit of those that love it most.”

Cllr Lesley Legge, Leader of Abingdon Town Council, said: “I am delighted that this facility returns to town ownership.  Short-term improvements will be made and we will be planning for sustainable improvement and development of the facility in the medium and longer term, with the community very much involved.  We look forward to the future.”