Difficult Times Ahead

There has been a lot in the press about the forthcoming job losses which are being predicted by the County Council in the light of the economic recession. The budget is tight, the likelihood of a poor settlement in the forthcoming CSR (Comprehensive Spending Review) is looming large and the ruling group are planning a low council tax of 2.5%.

The alarm amongst staff has been regarding the announcement of the cuts which only came about during a TV interview about 2 weeks ago - not a good way of handling the situation. It was also put up on the council's website hidden amongst other stories the same day. There needs to be a round table discussion of all parties to try to resolve the situation and we have called for an early meeting of the Employees Joint Consultative Committee which comprises staff, union representatives, councillors and management. We have now heard that this has been agreed in August.

Our staff are key in delivering frontline services, whether it is supporting our children, older people or mending our roads. We also need to cut down the wastage at County Hall in creating unnecessary posts and printing glossy publications. Perhaps the time has come where there will have to be a change of direction - but we need to bring the staff with us, not alienate them. I hope the situation can be resolved.

Grove Challengers Annual Football Competition

Today I was a VIP guest at the Grove Challengers Football Club Annual 6-a-side competition. This important event in Grove has teams ranging from Under 7's through to Under 16's, attracts over 1600 children and 2500 adults from the local area and further afield.

The weather stayed good and was a bit cooler than the previous years where I have attended in sweltering heat. It was an excellent opportunity to have a look around the new clubhouse and changing facilities and to catch up on the latest news from the organisers of the event. The children and their families were all having a great time and the quality of some of the football matches being played was impressive too.

The club offers an important facility for the youngsters of Grove, Wantage and surrounding area - checkout their website here. I look forward to many more competitions to come.

LEADER funding in the North Wessex Downs

On Thursday I attended a meeting of the North Wessex Downs Council of Partners where I represent the Vale of White Horse District Council looking after our interests on the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

We learned about the LEADER scheme (Liaisons Entre Actions de Développement de l'Economie Rurale) which will open up opportunities for funding in rural development which comes from Europe via the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The idea is to help local projects get off the ground especially those helping rural communities. The North Wessex Downs Action Group successfully secured £2.5 million to help fund a wide range of activities including farm diversification, tourism activities and community groups who wish support for the local economy. If you wish to find out more click here. Funding for up to £50,000 may be requested so long as they meet the criteria set out.

It is always a pleasure to serve on this partnership where everyone works together in the best interests of the historic downland which is so close to us here in Grove and Wantage. What could be more pleasant on a beautiful day than a walk up on The Ridgeway with the whole landscape rolling before you. The Management Plan is now ready to be adopted by our respective councils in the area which will ensure that this important landscape can be enjoyed by all of us for many years to come.