Parish Council News – September 2008
Visits made since the last edition of Sunningwell Scene:

• 21^st May – Visit to a very interesting logistics display and supper at Dalton Barracks. An enormous effort was made to inform and entertain representatives of local parishes. It made us aware of how easy it is to forget the people who serve in our Armed Forces are brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters.
• 17^th July – Visit to Sunningwell C of E School spinney project. It was a sunny day and very interesting – the area at the back of the school has been turned into a beautiful and peaceful outdoor space.
• 23^rd July – Another visit to Dalton Barracks to see a parachute display and their military brass band beating the retreat.
• 2^nd August – Tim Foggin and Elizabeth Bennett met Alison Rooke, new Chair of the Vale District Council to attend Sunningwell Fête. It was a beautiful afternoon but unfortunately the Fete had been postponed! (see photograph). However Mrs Rooke wrote to thank us for showing her the Church and the work which has started on the Jewel Porch, also our traditional village Cricket Ground.

Ongoing issues for the Parish Council:

• Potholes in parish roads – please report any you find either to the Parish Council or to OCC Highways on 0845-3101111. The location you report needs to be very precise.
• Lots of gullies have already been cleared – John Beaumont, OCC Highways.
• Speed of vehicles on Foxcombe Road.
• Cricket Field – possible transfer of this land to the Parish Council. The Church Wardens and Pam McKellen have been most helpful in this ongoing project.
• Trees overhanging local roads – excellent response from owners.
• Flood prevention – Peter Dela from the Vale of White Horse District Council has informed the Parish Council that Sunningwell is now on the priority list for action and work will be undertaken during this financial year. It would be helpful if everyone could check and, if necessary, clear their ditches.
• Land adjacent to the Village Hall – the ownership of this land continues under discussion with the help of Bob Warne who is Chair of the Village Hall committee.
• Telephone Boxes – the Parish Council have been informed that Bayworth is to lose its Telephone Box as it is uneconomical. Sunningwell’s red box is safe at the moment. Charles Frost has been pro-active in helping the Parish Council to consider the options to ensure Sunningwell retains its box in the future.
• Sunningwell Pond – Mike Woodward and Shirley Robinson recently commissioned an expert opinion on the worsening problem of algae. The lengthy report suggested there may be sources of pollution affecting the pond which need further investigation.
• Sunningwell Play Area beside the Cricket Field – Tim Foggin organised an inspection on 7^th August by ROSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The report was informative and this is an ongoing project to improve facilities and safety.
• Numerous planning applications have been dealt with. The majority were returned with no objections by the Parish Council.
  Please note: New planning regulations are to be introduced soon; the changes will be significant.

Very best wishes to all – enjoy our Indian Summer!

Elizabeth Bennett
Chair of Sunningwell Parish Council

Photos
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