The March Parish Council Minutes are now online, and can be accessed from https://www.dorchester-on-thames.co.uk/parish-council/council-minutes/

Some topics covered:

• Speedwatch committee plans and suggestions around flashing speed warning signs and a 20mph speed limit.
• Request for resurfacing of Cheyney Lane and fixing the left bollard at Abingdon Road junction have been posted on FixMyStreet
• The Council’s arboricultural adviser, Sarah Venners, hopes to inspect the horse chestnut tree near the electricity pylon adjacent to property on Martins Lane. She will be reviewing what further work is needed following the removal of ivy last Autumn.
• It was agreed that Dorchester News should be used to promote the improvements to the children’s play area that arise from the expenditure with S.J.Aplin Playgrounds Limited.
• Waterloo war memorial: An Inspector has been appointed to examine the Council’s complaint about land being fenced in without planning permission being applied for
• Dorchester fireworks confirmed for Saturda 2nd November
• The members of Wallingford Green Gym will be visiting the village soon and it was suggested that they should concentrate their efforts along the Cemetery path including the area to the right of the Cemetery access towards Herringcote
• The ‘Adopt a Grave’ programme continues to receive publicity in Dorchester News. It was suggested that more trees should be removed from the central area and this will be reviewed

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have a range of roles available for those 18+ at the local elections on Thursday 2 May and overnight into Friday 3 May.

The councils are looking for people to work as:

• Overnight count assistants – £14 per hour – at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon
• Overnight runners – £14 per hour – at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon
• Poll clerks – £145 / £155 total – various locations
• Presiding officers – £200 / £225 – various locations (previous polling station experience required).

To find out more and to apply please visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/electionjobs or southoxon.gov.uk/electionjobs

Thames Valley Police is releasing CCTV images of two men officers would like to speak to in connection with two incidents of theft in Dorchester.

The first incident took place on Tuesday 19 March at around 2.15pm. The offender stole cash from the charity box at Dorchester Abbey.

The second incident took place on Wednesday 20 March at around 10.20am where a second offender also stole an amount of cash from the same charity box.

To view the CCTV images, please visit the Thames Valley Police website or click the following link: https://news.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/cctv-released-following-thefts-dorchester-366293

If you do not wish to speak to police directly, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Find out details of the proposed new homes at Allens Pit
• View sample designs and make your comments
• Learn more about part ownership or rental schemes
• Need help to get on the Housing Register?

Come to the consultation session 3pm to 6.30pm in the Abbey Guest House where representatives from Sovereign Housing Association and South Oxfordshire District Council will be available to answer any of your questions.

This will be followed later in the evening with a presentation by Sovereign at the Annual Parish Meeting in the village hall starting at 7.30pm

email: parishclerk@dorchesteronthames.co.uk

On Thursday 2 May, residents aged 18 and over in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on local issues.

People will be asked to vote for a district councillor who will represent their local area and help make decisions on issues such as recycling collections, planning, housing, parking and leisure.

In some areas, residents will also have the opportunity to vote for a town or parish councillor who will represent their communities on issues that affect them, by commenting on planning applications and other proposals, and maintaining community buildings, land, play areas, allotments and cemeteries.

To vote on 2 May you need to be registered by Friday 12 April. Residents not already registered at their current address can do so now at gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 01235 422528 for a registration form.

Anybody who is not sure if they are registered to vote can check by emailing elections@southandvale.gov.uk with their name and address or by calling 01235 422528.

Margaret Reed, Electoral Registration Officer for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, said: “These elections are an opportunity to have your say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. If you want to vote on Thursday 2 May, you must make sure you’re registered by 12 April.”

Polling cards

Everybody who registered to vote by 8 March 2019 should receive their poll card by Monday 8 April – anybody who doesn’t receive their poll card by this date should call 01235 422528 to check they are still registered.

Anybody who registers to vote between 9 March and 12 April 2019 should receive their poll card during the week commencing Monday 15 April.

Postal votes

If you would like to vote by post, the councils’ Elections team will need to receive your application by 5pm on Monday 15 April – to download an application form visit southoxon.gov.uk/elections or whitehorsedc.gov.uk/electionsor call 01235 422528.

Anyone expecting a postal ballot who doesn’t receive it by 26 April should call 01235 422528 to request a replacement.

More information

For more information about the local elections in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, including how to apply for a postal vote or proxy vote, please visit southoxon.gov.uk/elections or whitehorsedc.gov.uk/elections or call 01235 422528.

http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2019/2019-03/time-choose-who-represents-you-local-issues-make-sure-you%E2%80%99re-registered-vote-time-