Major Roadworks taking place on A420 at Shrivenham

This is to remind residents that work to improve the A420 Shrivenham Bypass is to start next week on 23 July. The road will be completely closed between Watchfield Roundabout and Lower Bourton Junction and diversions will be in place.  The closure is expected to last for 7 weeks, however the County Council has pledged that crews will work extra shifts to get the job done as quickly as possible. You can read the full press release here.

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Public Meeting in Faringdon on A417 Bridge Closure

I would like to alert residents to a public meeting being held next Tuesday 22nd July at 7pm at The Corn Exchange in Faringdon about the forthcoming closure of the A417 for four months later this year.  This will be attended by staff from Network Rail, officers and councillors of the County Council and Faringdon town councillors.  It will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and find out the plans for the diversion routes when the A417 is closed for the bridge to be raised at Challow for the Great Western Electrification project.  See my previous blog post here.

Fun at Wantage Memorial Park

As I had previously posted on Thursday, there was a Wantage and Grove Play & Activity Day at Manor Road Memorial Park in Wantage for families in the area.  I went along to see the event in action on Saturday afternoon and was delighted to see some of the activities on offer.  As you will see from the photo above of the Graffiti Wall, there had been a lot of budding artists showing off their drawing skills during the day.  I even added my own small contribution (the mini horse's head) - a pre-requirement if you take a photograph of the wall!

There had been a steady flow of children all day long, and everyone had enjoyed the day.  I was pleased that I was able to contribute some of my County Councillor Community budget fund towards the event which was organised by the Oxfordshire Play Association, and hope that we can repeat the venture in future years.  I do still have some small funding available from this year's budget, if anyone knows of a community and/or voluntary organisation needing some financial support.

Grove Challengers Rising Stars

Yesterday, I was delighted to present certificates to the 'Rising Stars' at the Annual Grove Challengers Six-A-Side competion at the Recreation Ground.  These are the youngsters who are coming forward showing their talents in a competition with the same age group from Didcot Town.  It was an excellent event and I am always impressed every year with the skills these young people are showing on the pitch.

I have been able to provide funding from my County Councillors' Community budget towards moveable goalposts, security equipment for the clubhouse, and more recently some new line marking equipment for the pitches, so it was good to see everything in good use and benefitting families in the community.  The weather held off raining for most of the day, so it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Wantage & Grove Play Activity Day

This Saturday 5th July there will be a Play and Activity Day at the Manor Road Memorial Park, Wantage from 11am - 3pm.  This is a FREE EVENT for all families, children and young people of all ages which I have put some of my County Councillor budget funding towards.

Activities include:

• Go Kart Party                                                    
• Body Zorbing
• Graffitti Wall
• Drumming Skills
• Bouldering Wall
• Sports Tasters
• Scrapstore
• DIY Face Painting
• Art & Craft Activities
• Storytelling with Winnie the Witch
• Tricky Trails Biking
• Soft Play 
• Den Making  and much, much more....

Feel free to bring a picnic along as food and refreshments will be available, but need to be purchased.  NO Childcare is provided and there is Disabled parking only on site.  I hope the day will be a success and enjoyed by families in the area.