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New Awards Boost For Music Festival
The 2012 Oswestry Youth Music Festival will be better than ever, with 6 new awards for winners during the 4 day event, say the organisers.
In the year which sees the Queen’s diamond Jubilee, the Festival, which began life as a way of marking the silver Jubilee, has been gifted with a number of new trophies which will be presented for the first time to some of the expected 1,000 young people who will be performing over 4 days in March.
Two of the awards – for the under 15 string and woodwind classes – will be specially named after Queen Elizabeth II, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, and have been donated by Councillor Martin Bennett, who is Chair of the organising Committee.
Oswestry Cattle Auctions and Bowen Son and Watson have also generously presented 2 perpetual shields for the under 15’s Brass and Percussion sections. Roy Jones speaking for both firms said, “we have had a very close working relationship with Oswestry Town Council over many years, and we were delighted to be able to make a positive contribution to the Festival to help recognise the wealth of young musical talent we have in this area.”
Pictured below are Roy Jones of Bowen Son and Watson, David Preston and Councillor Martin Bennett
These trophies means that each of the junior section winners who go through to compete for the Gull Award for the overall winner of the all the junior sections, will be presented with a trophy, with the best performer taking home two!
“When Geoff Talbot resigned 3 years ago, and I organised the final competition and awards, it suddenly became obvious that although the competitors for the senior classes would all go home with a cup, the same wasn’t true of the junior sections, and I am pleased that this year everyone who has already shown their talent by winning the qualifying class will be recognised”, commented Councillor Bennett who has been Festival Chair for 13 years
In addition a new Cup has been presented by Dario Silcock, who won the under 21 solo voice section in 2010, and is now a student at Trinity College of Music. The Cup is for 18 and under Vocal Solo. Local piano teacher Haydn Jones who this year joined the committee, has also presented a cup for the John David Jones Trophy.
“We were very pleased to accept these new awards, which clearly show the level of support and affection that the Festival has generated over the years”, said Councillors Mrs Hawksley who is Mayor of the Council and Vice Chair of the Festival. “Darren has a lovely voice, and it is nice to know that he is following his talent. He is also following in the steps of a number of past competitors who have presented us with a cup.”
Susan Turner, the Festival Organiser who is herself a music teacher said that she was very grateful for the support of music teachers throughout the area, and was delighted that Mr Jones had wanted to show his support with his cup.
The Festival will run from March 1st to 4th using Christ Church and Oswestry Methodist premises, admission to all the classes is free, and the final competitions will be on Sunday 4th at 2pm at Christ Church.
THE MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
I have been extremely proud and honoured to be the Mayor of Oswestry since May. Having lived and worked in Oswestry, and having been involved in public service for many years, then I felt that I had a good understanding of the town. I have always been aware of the tremendous community spirit in the town and also the wonderful work that is carried out by so many in the voluntary sector. In the last few months however I have been staggered, and often humbled, by seeing first hand the dedication and service that many individuals and organisations give to support the less fortunate and those in need in Oswestry. We have many unsung hero’s working in our community and for that we should all be very grateful.
The role of Mayor has brought me into contact with so many aspects of Oswestry life. I have mentioned the voluntary sector but I am also pleased at the contacts the Council has made with the newly formed Oswestry Chamber of Commerce. With the Mary Portas report on the High Street being published in the last few days, and with its emphasis on the value and importance of markets, then this will offer many opportunities for shared working in the months ahead.
The Town Council and Shropshire Council have also recently shared two World Cafe events that have brought together many aspects of the life of the town to talk about local issues and opportunities. I am heartened that so many people are now meeting and talking together on a regular basis and with this commitment and renewed interest, then many new opportunities, particularly within the Localism Act, will be brought to the town. The Town Council is at the heart of these discussions and is also leading on neighbourhood planning looking at a blueprint for the future development of the town. These are exciting times for market towns such as Oswestry but we must all pull together if we are to seize the benefits and new funding streams that are slowly becoming available. It would therefore be remiss not to thank the Leader, the local Shropshire Councillors and the officers of Shropshire Council for the genuine partnership that they are forging with the Town Council to bring real community and regeneration benefits.
I have always known that Oswestry is a wonderful place in which to live, work and to visit. Being out and about as Mayor over the last few months has firmly reinforced that view point. We are fortunate to live in a wonderful town, a beautiful area and have so many people interested in the wellbeing of the town and its community. Our events this year have been amazing. The footfall attracted to the town for the Food and Drink Festival, Christmas Live and the Christmas Procession clearly demonstrate that Oswestry is a visitor attraction and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics next year offer potential for yet more community activities.
I would like to sincerely thank all the organisations that have invited me to their events this year. Their kindness and commitment to Oswestry has been overwhelming. I have been fortunate and privileged to meet so many wonderful people and during the Christmas period I will endeavour to visit more organisations and also those perhaps less fortunate who will not be spending Christmas at home or with their families.
On behalf of all my family and my colleagues on the Town Council can I sincerely wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012.
MARY PORTAS WELCOMES MARKETS
The recent High Street review report, presented by Mary Portas to Ministers on the 13th December 2011, suggests that local authorities should use new powers within the Localism Act to drive shoppers back to town centres.
One of the proposals is a National Markets Day and possibly removing regulations around market stalls. It is interesting to note that the LGA has expressed concern that removing regulations around market stalls will result in rogue traders taking advantage of cash strapped families.
The Town Council, through its NABMA membership, has noted the contents of the report and will await the Government response to the recommendations in the Spring with interest.
Many of the recommendations are already being promoted by the Town Council including looking at providing local cost rentals for market start-up and also the potential for young entrepreneur schemes utilising funding in partnership with Shropshire Council.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING
The Town Council is launching Neighbourhood Planning in Oswestry on Tuesday 10th January 2012 at the Wynnstay Hotel.
Contributions will be made by Jake Berriman, Head of Strategic Delivery of Shropshire Council, Bob May of the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Planning Team and Bob Keith, Outreach Co-ordinator for Planning Aid at the West Midlands. Invitations have been extended to local organisations however anyone interested in attending should contact the Council for a formal invitation.
OSWESTRY PLACE PLAN
The Oswestry Place Plan is due for a refresh. The Council is looking at a Seminar with the Principal Policy Officer for Spatial Planning Policy during January.
The Place Plan is a key document as ultimately it will prioritize infrastructure needs for the town and these will bid against money received from the Community Infrastructure Levy from local development.
CROSS STREET OSWESTRY
The Chamber of Commerce has been consulting with its membership regarding the potential for the re-opening of Cross Street to traffic during the day. The Development & Planning Committee recently considered the views that had been collected to-date from the wider business community and the general public.
The Town Council position is that it has deferred active discussion until the matter is considered as part of a wider transport plan for Oswestry that reflects not only on Cross Street but also the Central Car Park access and egress arrangements, Middleton Road/Salop Road junction, and Church Street. The Town Council has formally asked Shropshire Council for confirmation that the Town Council will be part of the consultation and decision making processes alongside the Oswestry Chamber of Commerce.
BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE
Tim Beech, the Managing Editor of BBC Radio Shropshire, and Eric Smith the Breakfast show presenter recently attended a meeting of the Council to talk about the Delivering Quality First proposals of the BBC as it looks to save 16% to meet the new obligations from the licence fee settlement. The BBC has also made a commitment to save a further 4% to reinvest in technology and to react to a change in external markets.
It was acknowledged that BBC Radio Shropshire is due to have its staffing budget cut by 20% so this will equate to 8.2 jobs. It will also mean the loss of around 35 hours of Shropshire generated programmes a week.
The Town Council has already written to the BBC expressing its concern over the proposals and the impact on local radio. The Council has described Radio Shropshire as an additional “emergency” service that provides an invaluable service for the county in terms of adverse weather conditions, and also crises. The community importance of the local radio station has also been stressed.
Following the presentation the Council has written to Owen Paterson MP asking him to contribute towards the consultation, looking to retain the existing framework of programmes presented by BBC Radio Shropshire.
AUDIOLOGICAL SUITE
The Town Council recently offered £35k towards providing an Audiological Suite at the new Health Centre in Oswald Road.
The Council is frustrated that this has yet to happen due to discussions between the Primary Care Trust and the Community Health Trust over funding arrangements to transfer the service from the Orthopaedic Hospital into the town.
The Council, as a result of the procrastination, has written to Owen Paterson MP inviting him to involve the Health Minister. The Council has questioned what benefit there will be to the public by having empty facilities in the new Health Centre if it is too costly for the service to be put in to a facility that has already received substantial funding.
SUPERFAST BROADBAND
The Council has been in discussions with BT over the introduction of Superfast Broadband into Oswestry.
It is acknowledged that around 25% of the town will not be able to access Superfast Broadband. However, the process has now started and should be completed by the end of the financial year. Planning applications have been submitted for the new cabinets and a significant upgrade in Broadband speed should be appropriate.
20th December, 2011
OSWESTRY CHRISTMAS LIVE
Oswestry Christmas Live has now been running for the past eight years and has continually been one of Oswestry’s most successful and well attended annual events. In fact, judging by the number of people who attended, this event could well have been one of the best Christmas Lives. The event comprises of much planning in order to make it run smoothly and every effort is made for it to be as safe as possible.
The event opened at 6.00 pm on the evening of the 2nd December 2011, by which time the roads had been closed for three hours so that everything could get into position. The synthetic ice rink arrived earlier on in the day and was operational by 1.00 pm providing free time slots until 7.00 pm to the local schools and community groups. The huge amusement rides proved to be as popular as ever and it was great to so many people enjoying themselves, particularly the young.
A number of food and craft traders took part in the Christmas Market which was situated down Bailey Street and a collection of charity stalls were located on the Bailey Head. Local live Christmas music was provided by the Ifton Band, Stones Prime Percussion, Oswestry Choral Society and Weston Rhyn Choir who sang Christmas Carols. The Bailey Head was the location for the award winning Porthywaen Silver Band and later by the Orthopaedic Choir. To compliment the music and singing, local street entertainers walked the streets on stilts to add further excitement to the night. Finally, as well as opening late, the Indoor Market provided the venue for the Santa’s Grotto which managed to raise an impressive £340 for Hope House.
Many shops and businesses participated in the late night shopping in Oswestry which is every Friday in December, this is supported by the Town Council by offering free parking after 5pm and also after 2pm for the week prior to Christmas. The thousands of people who visited the town on the night certainly enjoyed the spectacle and it proved there is a real demand for the event. The introduction of the Christmas Market and synthetic ice rink have both added to the family experience, providing a new dimension and variety to the night. Also, the wide selection of choirs and brass brands located in numerous locations really helped with the festive appeal.
The Town Council wishes everyone in Oswestry a Merry Christmas and happy new year.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SWITCH ON
This year’s switch on was held on Festival Square on Wednesday 23rd November. This year Woodside School, Gobowen and Bellan House all took part in the choir singing prior to the switch on. The Town Council is very grateful to all the schools which have supported this event over the years. The Town Mayor and Councillor Gull were both present on the day and very kindly handed out sweets to all the children.
BONFIRE NIGHT
The annual bonfire night on November 5th was yet again a huge success raising funds in excess of £8000. The Treble Niners and Oswestry Town Council work closely together to hold this event which has become increasingly popular and this year the lantern procession led the public through the town towards the bonfire area which really added to the evening.
On the night there was stalls selling pop corn, hot drinks and hot dogs all contributing to the final amount, whilst volunteers raised money using collection buckets. The fireworks themselves were managed by the fire team and the spectacle was enjoyed by thousands.
A real appreciation is required for all those who volunteer their services for this event as the substantial amount of money which is raised goes to such good causes.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING
The Council has been in detailed discussions with Shropshire Council and the local Town Plan Steering Committee over the project to create a neighbourhood plan for Oswestry. The town has been selected as a front runner by government to deliver this plan as part of the new localism agenda.
Communities now have the right to produce a Neighbourhood Plan, setting out policies on the development and use of land in a parish or neighbourhood area. The Neighbourhood Plan will show how the level of growth identified in the Core Strategy is to be met or exceeded. Once the plan is made and adopted, it will become part of the local authority development plan, a statutory plan against which planning applications will be judged.
The Council has agreed to set up a Board, as a committee of the Council, with equal representation from Town Council, Shropshire Council and the local community to deliver this for Oswestry.
The neighbourhood plan will reflect the work by the Town Plan Steering Committee. An open meeting will be called shortly to develop the project and encourage volunteer input.
Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Cynthia Hawksley expressed her excitement for the project. “We thank each and every member of the Town Plan Steering Committee for their work in looking at the refresh of the town plan. We hope they will come on board to now help the Town Council and Shropshire Council deliver a neighbourhood plan. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a government initiative and we must deliver as a community.”
COUNCIL MEETS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chairman’s Group of the Council recently met with the reformed Oswestry Chamber of Commerce. A most productive meeting took place that covered a wide range of subject matter.
The conclusions from the meeting were
- That the Council and Chamber will look towards creating a memorandum of co-operation.
- The Council will acknowledge the request from the Chamber for late night free Christmas parking during December after 5.00 p.m. and will consider at the next Markets and Cars Parks Committee Meeting.
- The Chamber will be invited to the World café event being held on the 17th November.
- The Town Clerk will meet with Chamber representatives to look at the development of a tourism strategy for Oswestry and also an events 2012 calendar for wider promotion of the town from venues such as Park Hall, Tourist Information Centres etc.
- The Chamber also agreed to support the Council in pressing for restrictions on parking outside Marks and Spencer in Smithfield Road.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Cynthia Hawksley said “this was a most productive meeting. Oswestry has a lot of wonderful assets and it is important for organisations to come together to share agendas for the wider benefit. I look forward to our next meeting at the end of the year”.
FLORAL AWARDS
The Town Council recently adjudicated on the Best Commercial Floral Display within the Town Council conservation area for 2011 with the award going to the Queen Anne passage. The second place award was given to the Smithfield Hotel and Bullring Bar/Lounge. Highly Commended Certificates were presented to Old Chapel Court, Petworld, The Griffin Inn, Oswyn House Dental Practice, KC Jones Motor Repairs Limited, Booka, Gooseberry, The Oswestrian, DRE and Co and Morris Cook.
The Town Council would like to place on record its thanks to all the local businesses that provided displays in Oswestry that contributed to the recent Gold Award by the Heart of England in Bloom Judges.
HEART OF ENGLAND IN BLOOM
The Town Council is delighted that Oswestry took another Gold Award in the Heart of England in Bloom Awards for 2011. The Oswestry entry enjoyed many positive comments from the judges and this continuing success has attracted much publicity for the town.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Cynthia Hawksley welcomed the announcement “I wish to place on record my thanks to the Oswestry in Bloom Committee for the wonderful work they do for the town throughout the year. Also to our many partners including Shropshire Council, Sainsbury and the wider business community”.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIVE LIGHTING
The Council is looking at alternatives for the delivery of the Christmas Lighting Scheme from 2012. Previously this has been a joint arrangement with Shropshire Council but from 2012 the Town Council will be the sole supplier of Christmas Lighting in Oswestry.
The Council is looking at a potential leasing option whereby a company provides the testing of the various anchors, the checking of existing equipment, erection, dismantling and maintenance during the period together with storage.
Further information will be released by the Council in due course as discussions progress.
BED AND BREAKFAST
The Town Council is to facilitate a £75,000 grant scheme to create new bed and breakfast accommodation in Oswestry. Funding will come from the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.
The project aims to strengthen Oswestry’s position as a hub from which tourists can visit the market town and neighbouring hinterland attractions and support the tourism strategy for Oswestry and North Shropshire. The target is to address the current shortage of licensed B and B accommodation which is restricting the number of over night stays in Oswestry town.
Grants will be available up to a maximum of £5,000 to existing and new B and B businesses in the electoral boundary of Oswestry town with at least 50% match funding being provided by the applicant. The scheme will be launched following formal approval of the grant fund from the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.
OSWESTRY MUSEUM
The Town Council is delighted to be the facilitator for the proposed new Oswestry Museum. The Council has seen the exciting draft business plan set out by the Local Heritage Group and as a result have offered a five year rent free agreement on the second floor accommodation in the Guildhall formerly occupied by the County Court.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Cynthia Hawksley said “this is a most exciting opportunity for Oswestry. The Town Council is delighted to play its part in providing accommodation and we look forward to the Museum going live ready for the 2012 tourism season”.
The Heritage Group and Council will be meeting in the next few weeks to finalise the project details looking towards an opening from March next year.
ALLOTMENTS
The Town Council has recently undertaken a review of its allotment provision and is urgently seeking new land to satisfy the long waiting list that exists for allotment gardens.
A number of sites are being looked at for potential allotments; however the Council would be delighted to hear from any land owner who may be prepared to enter into discussions over securing addition land for allotment purposes.
LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEK
The Town Council is looking to celebrate the October Local Democracy Week by inviting all local schools to come into the Guildhall to talk to the Mayor and hold their School Council within the Council Chamber.
Already considerable interest has been expressed at this opportunity, particularly following highly successful events in previous years. Any youth organisation that would like to take advantage of this opportunity is invited to contact the Council direct.
TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
The Town Council is looking to refresh its website and is now in consultation with local groups and residents over the format for the new website and what information should be displayed on it. If you would like to contribute your views then these will be greatly appreciated.
12th October, 2011
COUNCIL SILVER
The Town Council in conjunction with BBC Radio Shropshire, Walford and North Shropshire and Shropshire Records has produced a DVD of the town council silver.
The DVD was recently launched at the Attfield Theatre.
You can look at the video online by following the below link:
DVD – CIVIC SILVER SILVER COLLECTION AT THE GUILDHALL - Dated 05/08/11
NATIONAL GRID
The Town Council has submitted a response on the consultation currently taking place regarding the sitting of pylons within Mid-Wales and the Oswestry hinterland.
The Council has fully supported its neighbouring Parish Councils in their concerns over the impact of the proposal in respect of the impact on local economies and communities and in respect of the visual appearance in areas of outstanding natural beauty. We have offered the view that underground sources must be used.
The Town Council is pleased to support Kinnerley Parish Council in the recent meeting they held with Owen Paterson MP and other local parish councils. We will continue to maintain a watching brief and make whatever further representations that may be helpful to our parish colleagues.
OSWESTRY AREA COMMITTEE OF PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS
The Town Council was pleased to facilitate the re-launch of the Oswestry Area Committee of Parish and Town Councils at the Guildhall. A packed attendance from local Parish Councils expressed their pleasure at the re-launch highlighting the importance of the forum in terms of networking and discussing items of mutual interest.
The first meeting was attended by Councillor David Lloyd MBE, the Vice Chairman of Shropshire Council who explored a number of areas with the representatives present.
One of the major problems areas perceived by local Councils is the problems in dealing with the plethora of consultation documents that have been sent out by Shropshire Council. A summary of the views of Members has been forwarded to Councillor Lloyd for him to discuss with the Chief Executive at the Shirehall.
The Town Council has been commissioned by the Association of Local Councils in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin to arrange four meetings of the Area Committee during the next 12 months. It is anticipated that the next meeting will be held in July and an invitation will be extended to Mr George Candler - Area Director-North, Shropshire Council to address the Committee.
SPEED CUSHIONS - MORDA ROAD
The Town Council has received correspondence expressing concern over the severity of the speed cushions in Morda Road. It is considered that they are dangerous to both cyclists and motorists and an individual has also been in contact with Shropshire Council.
Acknowledging the concerns the Council has written to Shropshire Council asking them to clarify if the speed cushions do conform to the current required standards and feedback is awaited.
REVIEW OF TAXI RANKS
The Council has been approached by local taxi drivers highlighting their concerns over various issues and the ongoing consultation between the taxi drivers and Shropshire Council over taxi ranks in the town.
The Council has offered to facilitate any meeting at the Guildhall that may prove helpful to either party and is prepared, if invited, to take part within the consultation exercise.
TOWN MUSEUM - 15th June 2011
The Council recently received a presentation from Mr Mark Hignett of the Oswestry Heritage Forum Steering Group regarding proposals for a Museum for Oswestry.
As a result of those discussions the Town Council has agreed on a without prejudice basis to offer the top floor in the Guildhall formerly occupied by the County Court for the purposes of a Town Museum.
This will be on a free of charge basis subject to the Oswestry Heritage Forum Steering Group producing their business plan that gives evidence of sustainability in both funding and volunteer support.
The Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Hawksley said “we are delighted to support this project. The combination of a Museum in the Guildhall together with the Attfield Theatre and the Archives linked to the Market, Oswestry Castle and quality car parking offers a significant product for tourists, schools and our local community”.
MAYOR’S SPEECH 2011 - Dated May 2011
As is custom, can I begin by sincerely thanking the members of the Town Council for the significant honour that they have bestowed upon me this evening in electing me to the Office of Mayor of this historic town. I will do my upmost to preserve the traditions of Office and fulfil them to the very best of my ability. As always I would ask the Council Members for their support and of course the staff, recognising the significant challenges and opportunities that we face both as a Council and as a Town in the month ahead.
At the outset of my year of Office I would like to appoint Mrs. Emma Roberts as my Consort. I am delighted that my daughter has agreed to share my Term of Office with me and I know that my other daughter, Charlotte, will also be offering her fullest support and encouragement. As a family this is a very special time in our lives that we are greatly looking forward to.
I am also delighted that the Reverend Simon Thorburn has kindly agreed to be my Chaplain for the year. Like other Mayors, I also have a very long association with the Parish Church of St. Oswald where I am proud to be a volunteer helper. The church is at the heart of this community and plays a significant role in the life of this Council.
Again, I sincerely thank Simon for agreeing to be my Chaplain and for the support this evening of Keith; I am looking forward to their support, friendship and spiritual guidance throughout the year. It is also my pleasure, this evening, to confirm that the Mayor’s Civic Service will be on the 19th June 2011 at St. Oswald Parish Church when I sincerely hope that many of you will be able to join me. Invitations will be sent out in the very near future. I really hope that this can be a true celebration of the church, the Council and the wider family of Oswestry.
It would be remiss if I did not take the first opportunity to sincerely congratulate and pay tribute to Councillor Elaine Channon for the way she has led this Council during the past twelve months. This Council is fast changing with an extended number of meetings and activities taking place to enable us to fulfil our role as community leaders. I have therefore greatly admired the way that she has balanced the business regime of the Council and its demands against the Civic commitments. These have taken up many hours of dedicated time and service and I am sure, Elaine, that your family and all your friends, together with the Councillors in this Chamber, are extremely proud of you, and Sarah your Mayoress, and I am certain that more fitting tributes will be paid to you later in the evening.
I would also like to name my charities for the year after much careful thought recognising the many good causes in Oswestry. The first is the Oswestry Talking Newspaper for the Blind. I had the pleasure of attending their launch event in the Guildhall as Deputy Mayor and witnessing the work that they undertake for the local community. I found this both fascinating and rewarding. They have their base in the Guildhall and this therefore is very much a good cause on our own doorstep!!! The second charity I would like to support is the Cricket Federation for People with Disabilities (Oswestry). This has long been pioneered by Dick and Fred Wildgoose. Their work with local organisations and individuals is well documented and I feel they fulfil a most understated role in this community and I look forward to try and raise some funds to also help support them.
There is no doubt that local government is fast changing, particularly within the Parish and Town Council sector. At the heart of the new agenda is the Government Localism Bill and of course Big Society but I would challenge anyone to tell me what that is within a couple of brief sentences!!!. As the Mayor said at the recent Annual Town Meeting, we believe we have followed a localism agenda in Oswestry for many years. We are very fortunate to have excellent links with local organisations and local volunteers that help deliver many of our appreciated services including bonfire and fireworks, allotments, Bloom, and our Youth Music Festival. What does concern me is the emphasis and responsibility placed in this new agenda in terms of volunteers. With the pressures of modern life, I do wonder where a new regime of volunteers will come from and importantly what will be their sustainability.
Throughout the year I look forward to working with Shropshire Council. It is important that the unitary authority and the local councils within Shropshire have an effective partnership and as a Town Council we have played a very active part in establishing effective working relationships with the unitary authority. Cementing the new Charter of joint working and cooperation will be very important but I believe what this Council must be wary of during the year, is accepting more services from the unitary council as it changes its delivery and funding regime. Ultimately, if any local council takes on any additional services then these will have clear cost implications which undoubtedly will result in double taxation to our local residents unless the principal council reduces its own council tax demand. This is unlikely so therefore I believe that it is very important that clear ground rules are set, and that funding should follow the transfer of any service in the future.
The regeneration project of the Livestock Market continues to suffer from delay. Unfortunately the recent Strategic Planning Committee seems to indicate some doubt as to the intended use of the net capital proceeds arising from the scheme by the Town Council. Again, it will be remiss this evening not to stress that our position is that, following the widest possible consultation, then those net capital proceeds will be used to provide financial contributions to capital regeneration projects for the wider economic, environmental, and social benefit of the community linked to key strategies set at county and local levels. These intentions have been made very clear over the last six months and therefore it remains a concern to read of any doubt or uncertainty over the commitment from this Council. Again I also re-affirm my support and that of this Council to the proposed investment from the project into Oswestry Livestock Market. This is a vital asset for Oswestry that has a significant importance to the town, for local employment and our local economy.
One of my great delights is the Bloom agenda that this Council has set, working in conjunction with the Oswestry in Bloom volunteers. At Mayor Making I would like to sincerely thank the Chairman, the Committee, the town centre traders and those on the industrial estate and local residents for the joined up effort that has produced a Gold Award for Oswestry for several years. As well as hard work and an all year round effort, this is true localism demonstrating a community effort which impacts significantly upon the town in terms of its local economy and local tourism. I hope that this year, working with our new Chamber of Trade and Commerce, that even more businesses will support Oswestry in Bloom, and that we can enjoy further successes in the Heart of England competition.
I have also been very impressed with the way that Oswestry Cemetery has developed since the Town Council took over the full control and management in 2008. It has benefitted from a large investment and within the last twelve months has been witnessing the transfer of some 22,000 burial records to software packages. We are also investing over £20,000 in repairs to ancient memorials. What is sometimes overlooked is the large number of visitors to the site. We are very conscious of the significant footfall at Christmas, Easter, Mothering Sunday and Fathers Day and therefore some of the feedback we have received at the investment made in raising standards, improving facilities and floral enhancement has been most rewarding.
It is well know that one of my great areas of enjoyment is music. Certainly I have been very proud to be part of the organising committee of Oswestry Youth Music Festival for many years. I feel that the investment that the Council puts into this significant county event is most worthwhile, acknowledging the enjoyment that is provided for competitors and their families. In addition, with over 1,000 young people competing on an annual basis, then this means that the local economy can be significantly boosted. In addition, and associated to my enjoyment of music and the arts is my involvement with the Oswestry & District Arts Association. I never cease to be amazed at the amount of local talent that is available and I am delighted that Shropshire Council agreed to fund the Association last year. With the funding picture from Shropshire not clear at the moment for 2011 then I do sincerely hope that, with the support of the Town Council, we can persuade Shropshire to further invest in the local arts in years to come.
It is also my hope during the year to continue the good work as set out by Councillor Elaine Channon in working with our young people and Oswestry Youth Council. One of the first initiatives that I will be pleased to launch, as Mayor, is the preview for the video that the Council has commissioned with Walford & North Shropshire College on our silver collection. I have been fortunate to have a sneak preview and I am delighted with the product that has been produced between the Council, Walford & North Shropshire College, BBC Radio Shropshire, and Vaughtons from the jewellery quarter in Birmingham. The film will be available on our website and for local organisations to use and links well with our Town Archive.
The Mayor spoke on Thursday evening at great length about the Council’s commitment to markets. We are at a very exciting time as we see our Farmers’ Market grow in numbers. We have an extending range of local community markets and during the year we will also see the delivery of the long awaited Mydeco project. This Council is making a significant investment within its markets and working extensively with our market traders. I am also delighted at the growing community interest and support for Oswestry markets and twelve months on from the appointment of our Retail Markets & Events Manager it demonstrates how right this Council was to make such a commitment and investment. I look forward to working with our Retail Markets Manager and being an active participant at all our market events wearing a Chain of Office and, of course, carrying my Oswestry Market shopping bag!!
I feel that the next twelve months will be a very exciting year for the Council. We will play an active role in the localism agenda. We will participate in the Vanguard Neighbourhood Planning Project and also provide Oswestry with a series of events including band concerts, Christmas Music Live and Oswestry Youth Music Festival. We will be an active partner for the Oswestry Food and Drink Festival and are currently helping in arrangements for the Oswestry Traders day 2011. I therefore believe that this Town Council makes a full and positive contribution to the everyday life of this town and we do it at a very reasonable cost and with considerable voluntary support.
Fellow members of the Town Council, ladies and gentleman, I hope you can realise my enthusiasm in taking on the Office of Mayor for the next twelve months and I sincerely thank you all for supporting me this evening. It is a significant honour to be elected as Mayor of Oswestry Town, particularly looking at our historic Chain and the many infamous names that I now follow. I give you all my commitment this evening that I will do my utmost to repay the trust that you have placed in me.
Councillor Mrs Hawksley
May 2011
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING APRIL2011 -TOWN MAYOR’S REPORT
It is my pleasure, this evening, to report on an extremely busy twelve months for this Council against a backdrop of difficult decisions, the recession and the forging of new relationships as Shropshire Council continues to evolve and restructure itself.
It is without doubt that local governance is going through a massive change agenda with localism and Big Society at its heart. I believe that localism is not a new concept for the Town Council, as we have endeavoured to work with our community and individuals over many years with considerable success. We point to our events, management of our allotments, annual bonfire and fireworks evening, and our Youth Music Festival, as areas where equal and effective partnerships exist with the community and local organisations.
One partnership area that has been a considerable success is the Oswestry Health Group led by our Member of Parliament, Owen Paterson. The Town Council has been pleased to facilitate the Group in its activities during the year and now looks forward to the summer opening of the new Health Centre that will bring significant additional facilities and improved accessibility for the town itself. The Group has also been active in debating the future health changes proposed for the county, and also acting as a link to bring together Shropshire Council, Social Services, the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, and other health agencies. We thank Owen Paterson for leading on this invaluable health initiative that ensures consultation and co-ordination amongst our health providers.
It is disappointing to note that the supermarket sage still continues. The Town Council’s position is that, following the widest possible consultation, then the net capital proceeds arising from the scheme will be used to provide financial contributions to capital regeneration projects for the wider economic, environmental, and social benefit of the community. These will be linked to the Shropshire Community Strategy, the Local Development Framework, and the Oswestry Town Plan. The Council has been clear about this intent making submissions from our legal team to the recent meetings of the Shropshire Strategic Planning Committee. It is therefore a concern to read of any doubt or uncertainty of that commitment. The Council also re-affirms its committed support to the Oswestry Livestock Market, recognising the significant importance of this industry to the town and also our local employment and the local economy.
The year has seen significant interest in markets both at the national level and within the Town Council. The Government is now a committed supporter of markets, endorsing various studies during the last twelve months, including initiatives to encourage and support new market traders. This is also an initiative that the Town Council is supporting and we are currently working with Shropshire Council, looking to use one of their specialist business clinics to promote market trading and young entrepreneurship. The Council is also pleased at the new community and commercial interests in our own markets. The Farmers’ Market is struggling for space to accommodate demand and a waiting list applies for the Powis Hall for the first time in several years. Through our Retail Markets and Events Manager we are working with many new partners, including schools, in an attempt to promote and bring new innovation to our markets. The long awaited Mydeco scheme for the Powis Hall will be out to tender tomorrow and we have been pleased to jointly promote this refurbishment programme with our market traders. We have also agreed a new marketing strategy for the year that will include local radio advertisements. Also, we have an extensive range of local community themed markets taking place on a monthly basis. As a Council we are very excited about the future of our markets.
One of the major sites of the Town Council is Oswestry Cemetery. Management of the burial service was transferred to the Town Council 3 years ago and a significant amount of work and resource has since been directed in terms of new policies, site improvements and stakeholder meetings. In addition, during the last twelve months, we have been transferring all the old burial records onto electronic software packages that not only assist with the management of the service, but also help local researchers. We are also in the process of large investment in the making safe of many old memorial stones. The Council has been delighted at the praise that has been directed to the Cemetery by families that have used the service, and visitors, and one of our aspirations is to enter the National Cemetery of the Year Competition.
The Council was delighted to see Oswestry, once again, win a Gold Award in the Heart of England in Bloom Competition. This was another huge achievement for Oswestry and our congratulations go to the Oswestry in Bloom Committee, and their Chairman, Councillor Miss Betty Gull, for the incredible work that they undertake on behalf of the community throughout the year. Bloom is an all year event; a real partnership of public and private sector and again demonstrates that localism has been active in Oswestry for many years. It would be remiss not to mention Sainsbury and the local manager for the support and hands-on role that they played in Bloom in 2010.
It has been well documented that Shropshire Council has set aside a large budget for Market Town Revitalisation. That agenda has grouped together Town Councils across the county and we are now co-ordinating meetings of our colleagues in Church Stretton, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch. It has been interesting working with these colleagues, sharing both frustration and aspirations. I greatly enjoyed the World Cafe Event organised by Shropshire Council just a few weeks ago and this Council recognises how important it is for the £650,000, ring fenced for Oswestry, to be used for the maximum benefit for regeneration of the town, ideally linking the potential for match funding with other pots of money.
Localism has a theme throughout this report and certainly the Town Council has been pleased to give its support for the refresh of the Oswestry Town Plan. Part of the localism agenda is neighbourhood planning and the town has achieved considerable success with Government recognition of its aspirations for neighbourhood planning with its selection as one of the towns to be involved in the Vanguard Neighbourhood Planning regime. It is very early days on this subject, but it will present exciting opportunities for Oswestry in developing that blueprint for the future of the town and its development agenda. Certainly this is a project that the Town Council will involve itself in, working closely with Shropshire Council and the wider community.
The year has also been dominated by significant consultation in respect of the Magistrates’ Service, Health in Shropshire, and the new planning agenda in terms of the development of the Local Development Framework and its policy frameworks. The Town Council has brought in an external facilitator to help examine some of the planning opportunities for Oswestry and to ensure that professional input is contributed to these important consultation exercises and responses. More and more emphasis and responsibility is being placed on local councils within the planning and development function and it is vital that we, as a Council, rise to this challenge developing our own skills and capacity.
The recession and the restructure of Shropshire Council with its significant budget cuts has placed huge pressure on this Council. The Town Council was disappointed that Shropshire Council took the decision to close many of its public conveniences, including the major toilet block in Oswestry on the Central Car Park. The view of this Council was unanimous in that these public conveniences must remain open, and during the last three months we have spent considerable time in ensuring that the facilities do remain open under Town Council management. We have been examining contracts, the way the service is delivered, and opportunities for the future. Although our precept was increased by an inflationary figure, the Council was left with no option but to add a further £30,000 to its budget requirement to retain the use of the public conveniences based on the financial information provided to us. We have selected a new contractor who will begin work with us from the 1st June 2011, and our aim over the medium term is to bring a nil cost figure to the Council for the management of the public conveniences in both Cae Glas Park and the Central Car Park.
One of my major enjoyments during the year has been working with our young people. I have attended and been involved with several events at the Marches School and Oswestry School, and through our Local Democracy Week I had the pleasure of being involved with some of our Primary Schools. Added to this, I was delighted that the Council has reformed Oswestry Youth Council, working extensively with the Marches School, Oswestry School, Walford & North Shropshire College, and Shropshire Council. Our Youth Council will provide an important platform and voice for young people in Oswestry and we will encourage them to play an active role in helping shape the future direction of the town.
The year has also been exciting in terms of events that the Town Council has arranged. The Christmas Music Live event continues to go from success to success. The evening was extended to include activities on the Bailey Head and Bailey Street and we have some exciting plans to further extend this year. This Town Council initiative brings many people into the town supporting local tourism and the economy as well as bringing our own community together and firmly putting Oswestry on the County events map.
Oswestry Youth Music Festival again attracted a large gathering of young people and the series of celebration band concerts in the Park were greatly enjoyed. All of these events help promote the town, boost the local economy and create additional footfall.
The Council has also seen several changes during the year. We have welcomed Val Schofield, Saffron Rainey, Paul Milner and Vince Hunt to the Town Council and have said goodbye to some very good friends, including the late Bill Keable who will always be remembered in this Chamber with great fondness.
This has been a snapshot of an extremely busy year in the life of this Council. Everyone around the table recognises that Oswestry continues to face many opportunities, challenges and threats. As a Council we are looking at a refresh of our website; the information that we provide and how we consult and who with. We urge the public to take advantage of the public session time at the start of all our meetings so that together we can share the debate about the future direction of Oswestry.
In closing can I reaffirm how committed and passionate we as Town Councillors are about the future of this town. Also how much we value the work of so many individuals who support the voluntary sector of this town. Lastly can I sincerely thank all my colleagues and staff of this Council for their commitment and hard work during the last twelve months. It has been another period where the Town Council has sought to make Oswestry a quality experience in terms of living, working, and visiting the town.
Councillor Mrs. Elaine Channon
Mayor of the Town of Oswestry 2010/11
April 2011
THE LATE COUNCILLOR BILL KEABLE
Representatives of the family of the late Councillor Bill Keable presented a tree to Cae Glas Park in memory of the long and dedicated service that Bill Keable had provided to the town of Oswestry.
The tree was recently dedicated by Bill Bowen of St. Oswald’s Parish Church and members of the family and Council met both to remember Bill and mark the most generous gift from the family.
The Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said ”Bill Keable was a great friend to Oswestry and the Town Council, his contribution to the life of the town was immense and we thank the family for this gift that will hold his memory for many years to come”.
TOWN RECOGNISES MARGARET THROWER
At the recent Town Council Civic Dinner, the Mayor Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon presented an award to Miss Margaret Thrower in recognition of her service to Oswestry.
The award was made in recognition of well over a decade’s professional advice to the Oswestry in Bloom Committee and for her annual judging of all the various categories in the Oswestry in Bloom Competition ranging from residential to commercial premises.
Oswestry has been proud to win a gold award in the Heart of England in Bloom for many years and much of this has been attributed to the professional advice and support that Margaret Thrower has provided.
The Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said “we are indebted to Margaret for her interest and support to Oswestry. The gold awards that we have achieved have significantly boosted our local economy and tourism and made Oswestry a most attractive place to visit during the summer months”.
CHRIS POWELL – LONG SERVICE At the recent Civic Dinner the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon made presentations to long serving members of staff.
Chris Powell has served for 25 years with the Council as part of its mobile maintenance team, providing a wide range of duties including the watering of the floral planter and hanging basket scheme in the summer, snow clearance during the winter and general maintenance and other services to Council land and property.
Chris is also an active member of the TA having undertaken two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Mayor, Council Mrs Elaine Channon said “we are indebted to Chris for this long service to the Council and the town of Oswestry. We are proud of all our employees that we believe make a real difference to the quality of life to so many people”.
COUNCIL APPRECIATION TO PAUL SMITH
At the recent Council Civic Dinner the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon made a presentation for long service to Paul Smith who has completed 25 years of service at Oswestry Cemetery. Previously employed by the Oswestry Burial Joint Committee, Paul became an employee of the Town Council on the 1st April 2008 upon the transfer of the service.
The Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said “we are extremely proud of Paul and the way he has been part of the change agenda that has been introduced at Oswestry Cemetery. Our staff provides an extremely sensitive service at this site, as our front line with the general public. We thank Paul for his long service and for the professional and caring way he has undertaken his duties over many years”.
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th May at 7.00 p.m. in the Guildhall, Oswestry. The programme will include presentations on the proposed Community Governance Review for Oswestry, the launch of the new Oswestry Chamber of Commerce and Industry, details of the Footfall project and also community working for Shropshire Council.
In addition town reports will be presented including a chance to question the Council on the last year’s activities.
The meeting is open to all electors of the town and although non town residents are welcome, the business of the meeting will be restricted to those residents on the electoral list.
COUNCIL TO LAUNCH CAR BOOT SALE
The Town Council has agreed as a trial to launch a car boot sale on Friday 6th May and then on a date to be agreed in June on the Bailey Head.
The aim of this once a month market is to add to the overall markets portfolio and increase footfall to the market area, thereby assisting the Powis Hall.
Anyone interested in attending the market is invited to contact the Retail Markets and Events Manager of the Council (genuine car booters only and must bring own tables)
TOILETS TAKE OVER - Dated: 20th April, 2011
The Town Council has officially taken over the toilets on the Central Car Park after Shropshire Council decided they could no longer afford to maintain them.
The Council has entered into a new contract with Healthmatic for an initial period of twelve months. This is an experienced company that can help reduce environmental impact and save certain previous operational costs.
Discussions will continue with the company during the next twelve months looking at the option of linking the Central Car Park and Cae Glas Park toilets into one contract, eventually bringing a nil cost position to the Town Council.
The Council has also determined to move towards a paddle gate system for the toilets with a limited staff presence after a twelve month period, this transfer will also form part of a refurbishment scheme that will be a partnership venture with Healthmatic.
The Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said “this has been a difficult service for the Council to accept to ruN; we have looked to try and improve the service and certainly in the medium term future this will be the case, including significant cost saving to the town”
TOWN COUNCIL LEADS ON PLANNING
The Town Council has been assisting local Parish Councils in organising two training events led by Brian Smith, former Director of Planning Services at Oswestry Borough Council.
The first event dealt with planning policy and coping with consultation and the event this week centred on dealing with planning applications looking to evaluation, making the Council’s voice heard, considering development that breaks the rules, and looking importantly at the future of town and parish planning through the Localism Bill.
As both events were well subscribed, the Town Council has agreed now to resurrect the Chairman and Clerk Meetings that were so successfully arranged by the former Oswestry Borough Council. It is intended that the first meeting will be in April and the guest speaker to be invited is George Candler, the new Area Director for North Shropshire.
OSWESTRY TOWN PLAN
The Oswestry Town Plan Steering Group attended a meeting with the Council and Andrew Tullo and Liz Hindmarch of the Steering Committee provided a presentation for members.
In summary, the Town Plan is a community derived statement of needs and aspirations. It reflects priorities together with appropriate courses of action to achieve clear milestone objectives. It must be inclusive and sets out a strategy covering the next five years feeding into Shropshire’s strategic planning processes.
The process was initiated by the Local Joint Committee in July 2010. The Oswestry Town Plan Steering Committee is now underway made up of volunteers that have already committed some 200 hours of volunteers time.
The themes of the refresh of the Town Plan will focus around economic, social and environmental. The presentation sought the endorsement and active anticipation of the Town Council in the Local Plan refresh process including offering funding and representation.
The Council has now welcomed and supported the Local Plan project as a result of the presentation looking jointly with the group to see to ensure the widest possible community input into the process.
Councillor Peter Cherrington has been appointed as the Council’s representative to the group. In addition the Council has agreed, in principle, to release funding reserved for Town Plan purposes within the budget set. It has also agreed to help the group in terms of treasury arrangements.
The Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Cynthia Hawksley, said “this is a most exciting opportunity for Oswestry. I am delighted that the Town Council has agreed to be a supportive partner. We have much to look forward to in Oswestry and it is important that as a Council and a community that we come together to develop and share an agenda”.
JOB CREATION AND REGENERATION
At a recent meeting of the Town Council, Councillor Bill Benyon put forward a discussion topic around how Oswestry can secure appropriate land to enable job creation for the town. As a result of that discussion the Council has agreed to invite Mark Pembleton, Head of Economic Development at Shropshire Council, to look at how Shropshire Council, together with the Town Council, can look to develop partnerships to procure land, promote regeneration and secure new employment.
Further updates will be provided.
FARMERS’ MARKET – MARCH SUCCESS - FRIDAY 25th MARCH 2011
The Council is delighted and sincerely thanks all the producers that attended the Farmers’ Market for March.
Blessed by wonderful weather, an active day’s trading took place on the Bailey Head that was a huge attraction for both locals and visitors to Oswestry.
The Town Council is delighted at the success of this market. It sincerely thanks all the producers and public that attends and will welcome any further expressions of interest from traders that can demonstrate the wealth of food products that are produced in the immediate area. Please contact David Clough our Retail Markets and Events Manager.
WALKERS ARE WELCOME
The Council recently welcomed Peter Dunhill, Shropshire Way Project Officer, and John Woolmer and Barbara Vickery from Church Stretton Walkers are Welcome, to give a presentation to the Council looking for evidence of support from the town and the Town Council to enable Oswestry to become a Walkers are Welcome town.
The excellent presentation explained how the group is the brainchild of author Andrew Bibby and only started in Hebden Bridge in 2008. Already some 60 member towns and villages are in membership. It is a bottom up idea that is led by local people.
There are concentrations of Walkers are Welcome towns in Yorkshire, Kent, North Wales and Shropshire. Current members in Shropshire are Church Stretton, Bishops Castle, Cleobury Mortimer and Wellington with expressions of interest from Clun, Ludlow and Oswestry.
The key criteria to becoming a Walkers are Welcome town are:
- Evidence of local support from the town itself;
- A letter of support from the Town Council;
- Other criteria that include footpath maintenance, adequate marketing, incentives to use local transport and most importantly a steering group to lead the process.
After considerable discussion the Council has agreed, in principle, to support the progression of Oswestry to Walkers are Welcome status. It will offer to provide accommodation for a meeting of town groups to try and establish the steering group and it will welcome an update report once that steering group is established together with consideration of any financial assistance that may be appropriate.
OSWESTRY LEISURE CENTRE
The Council received in its public session a question about the absence of cafe facilities in the new Leisure Centre and seeking the support of the Council to make representations accordingly.
The Council explained its own correspondence on the matter with residents and read out information that it had received from Shropshire Council. As a way forward the Council has agreed to try and secure a speaker for the next Town Council meeting to talk about the new Leisure Centre and its facilities and it also agreed to pass on to Shropshire Council the concerns as voiced to the Amenities Committee.
PLAY EQUIPMENT CAE GLAS PARK
A group of Councillors is overseeing the link up with Shropshire Council to spend the £35k - £45k that has been allocated for additional play facilities in the park.
Consultation has already taken place with the Oswestry Youth Council that was extremely worthwhile and further exercises are planned with Woodside, Holy Trinity, Our Lady & St. Oswald’s Catholic, Meadows and Bellan House Primary Schools alongside the Marches School and Technology College. It is also hoped to organise a drop in consultation session in the park.
The hope is for the ground works to be carried out in September/October followed by the installation of the play equipment.
The Council has agreed that as part of the consultation it will consider any ideas for improvements to the existing play facilities in the park but also for the provision of an additional facility on the bowling green that is currently much under used. The Council would invite any comments from the public on replacing the under used bowling green with additional children’s play equipment.
WVRS – MEALS ON WHEELS - 15th March 2011
The Council has received correspondence from Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council following their concerns about the lack of access to meals on wheels. As a result the Council have written to Shropshire Council seeking clarification of how many individuals are currently using the service in Oswestry and also the trends over the last five years to indicate the public commitment to the service and any customer feedback.
STUDENTS VIDEO COUNCIL SILVER
Pupils of Walford & North Shropshire College, together with Chris Smith of CMS Video, have been working with the Town Council to produce a DVD of the Council silver linking in the history of the artefacts with a place in time.
The Council is grateful to James Bond of BBC Radio Shropshire, Mary McKenzie, County Archivist of Shropshire Council, and also John Pryce-Jones, a local historian, for giving up their time to be part of the production.
The DVD will show all of the silver focus on specific items of interest and also show its wider links with the community including Oswestry Race Cup, modern history associated with Park Hall, and the Royal Artillery and Junior Leaders.
It is hoped the production will be available by Easter and copies will be available from the Town Council and also it is hoped to put it on the Town Council website.
TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORTS OSWESTRY YOUTH CAFE
The Town Council has provided further financial support to Oswestry Youth Cafe with a donation of £2,500 from its Large Grant scheme.
The Council is particularly impressed with the work that is undertaken in the Youth Cafe and the large membership base it has.
The Council also has suggested that, in the current climate of changes in local government and the provision of services, the Youth Cafe look to try and contract for work with Youth Services looking towards bidding for contracts and thereby moving from a situation of grant dependency to a more sustainable income.
STREET COLLECTIONS
The Town Council discussed at its recent meeting with David Edwards, Head of Trading Standards, Shropshire Council, the possible devolution of the street collection service for Oswestry to the Town Council.
In summary, Members have expressed an interest in taking over street collections as a result of the consultation that is currently being undertaken. With the demise of the five District Councils then Shropshire Council has inherited five different policies for dealing with street collections and is now looking for a unified framework across each of the former District areas.
It was acknowledged that applications in Oswestry have been under subscribed in recent years and the Town Council is therefore anxious that this useful facility is properly subscribed to and enable the maximum benefit to local organisations and societies.
TOWN PLAN STEERING GROUP
The Town Council have received a request to formally appoint a representative to the Group and also potential contribution towards professional support in developing the Town Plan.
As a result of the discussions at the Finance & General Purposes Committee the Council have invited the Town Plan Group to provide a presentation on their aspirations linked to the new Vanguard status scheme being promoted by Shropshire Council and Government and also the wider Localism agenda. It is hoped that this presentation can take place on the 28th February 2011.
LOCALISM
The Council has recently discussed a series of reports on Localism and the impact on Local Councils such as Oswestry.
As a result the Council has agreed to arrange a Seminar, looking at the various aspects of Localism and its own publicity and promotion with a specific focus on a two-way exchange of conversation with the local community. The Council is also looking to improve and upgrade its website alongside having a presence at significant events in the town where public consultation can take place.
RJAH ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL - 22nd February 2011
The Town Council has expressed it wish to become more involved in the day to day life of the hospital and the below Notice of Motion was recently adopted following its presentation by Councillor Peter Cherrington:
“That Oswestry Town Council, acknowledging the ongoing debate about health services in Shropshire, seek to secure a position of influence within our local hospital, namely the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. This to replicate the association that Oswestry Borough Council enjoyed with the hospital and to ensure that, as the authority representing the largest population base adjacent to the hospital, local concerns and scrutiny can be inputted.”
The Town Clerk has recently met with the Chief Executive of the hospital, Wendy Farrington-Chadd, and it has been agreed that the Chief Executive will attend an annual meeting with the Council to discuss the service delivery at the hospital, issues that may be arising, and also future plans.
In addition as the hospital moves towards foundation status then various individual opportunities exist for participation within the new Board and Governors.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon, said:
“The Town Council is delighted at this offer of cooperation and consultation with the Town Council. The hospital is a key part of our local community. We are delighted that such partnership arrangements can be put in place”.
PLAY EQUIPMENT INVESTMENT IN CAE GLAS PARK
The Town Council is delighted to announce that it has secured a figure between £35,000 and £40,000 for refurbishment and new facilities in the play area within Cae Glas Park.
This is an exciting opportunity to increase and improve the play facilities in the park. The money has come about following negotiations between the Town Council and Shropshire Council over former section 106 funds that were approved by Oswestry Borough Council in terms of planning gain from developments immediately adjacent to the park.
Initial consultations have taken place with Oswestry Youth Council and in the weeks ahead further consultation exercises will take place with young children and parents at the major primary schools within the town.
The Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said “this is an exciting opportunity for Oswestry and we are delighted as a Town Council to have secured this money and we look forward to working in partnership with Shropshire Council and the local schools so that we can provide a quality product that is an attraction within the park”.
OUTSIDE STAFF BATTLE TO KEEP CAR PARKS OPEN
At a recent meeting of the Council sincere thanks were recorded to the manual staff employed by the Council for their sterling efforts in ensuring that the main car parks in the town centre were kept open during the recent spell of snow and ice.
The Council would also like to thank Shropshire Council for their help and support in providing the grit needed for the various town centre sites.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Council is delighted at the success of the Farmers’ Market and the growing number of stalls that have been attracted. The last six months have seen record attendance by traders and it is exciting to see new traders being welcomed to the market.
The next Farmers’ Market is scheduled for Friday 25th March and it is hoped that both residents and visitors will take the time to visit the Bailey Head and enjoy the unique atmosphere and quality produce that is available.
DVD – CIVIC SILVER SILVER COLLECTION AT THE GUILDHALL
The Council is pleased to announce a partnership venture with Walford and North Shropshire College to produce a video as a resource to show the collection of silver artefacts in the ownership of the Town Council.
The production process will involve students from Walford and North Shropshire College and CMS Video.
James Bond of BBC Radio Shropshire will introduce the programme and there will be various contributions from Shropshire Records, John Pryce Jones and also a trip to Vaughtons in Birmingham looking at how silver was produced in years gone by.
The intention is for the DVD to be made available to local organisations and it will be included on the Town Council website.
The Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said “This is an exciting partnership project with young people at Walford and North Shropshire College. We are greatly looking forward to the experience and being able to show Oswestry and our visitors the collection of silver that is so valuable and so important to the town”.
OSWESTRY 21
The Town Clerk, David Preston and Retail Market and Events Manager, David Clough recently accepted an invitation to talk to Oswestry 21 about markets and general issues relating to the Town Council.
This was an excellent opportunity to network with members of Oswestry 21 and share the real passion that exists within both organisations for Oswestry and its markets.
Many ideas were put forward to help improve the markets including a suggestion of the Friends of Oswestry Markets and this will be considered by the Markets and Car Parks Committee of the Council in the near future.
The Town Clerk David Preston said “this was a most worthwhile evening with a constructive exchange of information and views and hopefully it can be repeated in the months ahead”.
PUBLIC ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS - 10 February 2011
The Town Council wish to remind the local community that it is welcome to come along to meetings of the Council and its Committees. A fifteen minutes public session is available at the commencement of meetings whereby members of the public can question the Council or make statements on areas of interest or concern.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Elaine Channon said
“we sincerely hope that the public will take advantage of this opportunity, there is so much happening in Oswestry at the present time and it is important that information, ideas and views are shared”.
COUNCIL BUDGET RETAINS PUBLIC CONVENIENCES AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
Oswestry Town Council set its precept for 2011/12. This is the amount that it asks its Council Tax payers for, to support its activities.
The budget for next year was one of the most difficult to predict for many years. The main reasons were:
The economic recession and low interest rates;
· Uncertainty over current income streams;
· The removal of certain services and funding by Shropshire Council and the pressure placed on the Town Council to replace those. This includes the public conveniences in English Walls and the Christmas Decorative Scheme for the town.
The core budget for Oswestry Town Council has been increased by 4% on 2010/11. We have however added a sum of £30,000 to the precept to enable the public conveniences in English Walls to remain open. The costs for the public conveniences are on those provided by Shropshire Council; however the contract will be retendered looking to savings for next year.
The cost of our Council Tax demand is £64.33 based on a Band D Property. This amounts to £1.24 per week. The costs for 2010/11 were £56.99 and £1.10 per week.
The Council generates 78% of its income and asks Council Tax payers for just 22% of its total income budget.
The below is a summary of some of our services. The costs of these services are off-set by income from land rental, car park income, market rents and Precept. The below gives an example of how much it would cost to provide these services without this additional income per annum:
· Street Lighting £8.34 per annum
· Oswestry Visitor & Exhibition Centre £10.03 per annum
· Oswestry Cemetery £11.00 per annum
· Cae Glas Park £24.31 per annum
· Oswestry Youth Music Festival £1.35 per annum
· Public Open Spaces £7.60 per annum
· Christmas Lighting £7.43 per annum
· Floral Planters & Hanging Baskets £2.98 per annum
· Oswestry Archives £1.94p per annum
· Town Centre CCTV £1.36p per annum
· Capital Projects £17.94 per annum
All these services and many more are provided for just £64.33 per annum to a Band D Council Tax payer.
We hope that the above gives a brief explanation of our budget decisions. Further information will be published shortly.
DAVID J PRESTON
Town Clerk
Dated: 25th January 2011
OSWESTRY MARKET - CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011 - Dated 13 January 2011
The Town Council is delighted to publish below its programme of speciality and Farmers’ Markets for 2011:
15th April Craft Fair
22nd April Easter (Good Friday) Event – Family fun day
20th May Charity Market
3rd June Gardening Event
9th & 10th July Food Festival
22nd July Craft Fair
30th July Traders Day
2rd Sept Craft Fair
16th Sept Charity Market
29th Oct Halloween Market
11th Nov Craft Fair
2nd Dec Christmas Live
This supplements the Council normal Markets held throughout the year.
Anyone interested in the events or taking a stall is invited to contact David Clough – Retail Events and Market Manager.
BEST DECORATED HOUSE - Dated 6th January 2011
Congratulations go to Mr and Mrs Pip Pritchard of Gittin Street Oswestry who have taken the prize for the best decorated property over the Christmas period in the competition organised by Oswestry in Bloom.
The Chairman of Oswestry in Bloom Councillor Miss Betty Gull congratulated Mr and Mrs Pritchard and thanked everyone who had decorated their properties throughout the festive period making Oswestry such an attractive place to visit.
Councillor Miss Gull confirmed that “the winning entry and other examples of how Oswestry celebrates Christmas will be included in the portfolio to be presented to the Heart of England in Bloom Judges when they visit Oswestry in July 2011
MARKET OF THE YEAR - Dated -th January 2011
The Town Council through its Retail Markets and Events Manager – David Clough have entered the Powis Hall in the National Association of British Market Authorities Market of the Year Competition for 2011 sponsored by KPR Midlink Limited.
This National competition has various categories and the Powis Hall has been entered in both the indoor and small market categories. The application has demonstrated the community support for the building by its success in the Mydeco/ Times competition for the makeover of a public space / building.
Councillor Miss Betty Gull, the Chairman of the Markets and Car Parks Committee confirmed “We are excited by this entry, great progress has been made improving the market and its profile in Oswestry and the community support has been considerable. We hope that this is recognised by the judges”.
PUBLIC CONVENIENCES – CENTRAL CAR PARK - Dated 6th January 2011
Shropshire Council has given an indication that they will no longer fund the public conveniences on the Central Car Park from April 2011. The Town Council in recognising the importance of the toilets to the town centre has now entered into discussions with Shropshire Council on a without prejudice basis looking at the possible transfer of the site to the Town Council.
The Mayor Councillor Mrs Elaine Channnon confirmed “we acknowledge with regret the financial position of Shropshire Council; however, we feel that these are vital facilities for the town centre and therefore we hope that we can keep the facilities open and also at the same time make cost savings by re-tendering the current arrangements”.
OSWESTRY YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL - Dated 6th January 2011
This is an exciting year for the Youth Music Festival with the new Festival Co-ordinator, Mrs Sue Turner.
Sue Turner confirmed that “the Organising Committee is looking forward to receiving entries as soon as possible. If anyone has any questions or needs clarification on any matter relating to the syllabus then please contact the Town Council office as soon as possible”.
The syllabus is ready for the Oswestry Youth Music Festival and can be downloaded from this website.
An exciting programme for the Festival is available and adjudicators booked to appear will be Alan Dean, John Powell and Lynne Rogers.
WELCOME TO NEW COUNCILLOR - Dated 6th January 2011
Councillor Vince Hunt has been co-opted to the Town Council to fill the vacancy that occurred by the resignation of John Evans.
Councillor Hunt is no stranger to local politics being a member of Shropshire Council.
Councillor Hunt confirmed that “I am looking forward to taking up my office with the Council, it is widely regarded as one of the most proactive local Councils in England and certainly its agenda for the next few years is extremely exciting acknowledging the investment and development potential within Oswestry”.