Closure of Wallingford Street in Wantage

I have just been notified of yet another road closure which will affect residents in our area. Wallingford Street in Wantage is to be closed for carriageway works between the Market Place and Seesen Way roundabout. The road works are programmed to commence on 13th September and are expected to last for 4 weeks. A road closure will be in place for the duration of the works although the actual working hours for the works will be from 07:00 hours until 20:00 hours weekdays only. So, unfortunately, this will mean disruption on two counts during September - not good timing with the schools back after the summer holidays.

A338 Closure

Residents driving into Wantage may already have seen the signs displayed on the A338 warning that the road will be closed between Elms Farm and the Mably Way roundabout for 6 weeks beginning 6th September for roadworks. This will certainly cause disruption for Grove because the proposed diversion will be sending traffic around the village along Oxford Lane, Denchworth Road, Newlands Drive and Mably Way. Residents will find this very disruptive I am sure, and I am trying to find out why the road has to be closed for so long - will keep you posted once I get a reply!

Cornish Connections

I have just returned from holiday in Cornwall staying near to Padstow. We came across the church of St. Enodoc on one of our walks along the coast path and saw the grave of Sir John Betjeman (left) beautifully and intricately carved. This lovely little church was once buried in sand but now it has many visitors to see the famous gravestone of the once Poet Laureate. His mother is also buried here and there is a tablet in memory of his father on the church wall. Apparently on the day his coffin was brought here, it was carried through driving rain on a typically Cornish day. It was gratifying to think of his connection with Wantage and to know when I next visit the Betjeman Park in the town that I have also seen his place of rest by the sea. I am also looking forward to attending many more events organised by the Betjeman Festival.

It is a beautiful spot here where you can walk for miles watching the surf, cliffs and the seabirds. The area hit the news this week because it is near where David Cameron was holidaying with his family when his wife, Samantha was rushed off to give birth to their new baby girl at nearby Truro hospital.

Incinerator for Oxfordshire

Yesterday I was part of the call-in process which was re-examining the County Cabinet's decision to go ahead with their preferred bidder, Viridor to process Oxfordshire's waste. This story has been the subject of previous blog postings, but this time there may not be any turning back. The planning appeal is still part of a public inquiry, but it is unclear what will happen if this is not given the go ahead.

The call-in was a cross-party collaboration, and three of us sat at yesterday's Growth and Infrastructure Scrutiny committee to put our case that this incinerator is not in the best interests of the people of Oxfordshire. However, despite 2 Conservative councillors abstaining and the three of us voting against upholding the Cabinet decision, we lost by 5 votes who agreed that no further action was needed.

Wantage Independent Advice Centre

I attended the AGM of the Independent Advice Centre last night - always a well attended and enjoyable evening where you can catch up on all the latest information. They have a new website, new office manager and several new volunteers. Their voluntary driving scheme is very popular and they have also developed a 'Good Neighbours Scheme'. Their services are also very much in demand since the closure of the Local Services Point. Check out the website to find out more.

Evening with County Youth Orchestra

Last night we were at Oxford Town Hall to see the Oxfordshire Youth Orchestra Gala Concert where they performed The Firebird Suite by Stravinsky and Symphony No. 1 by Mahler. An excellent evening and all credit to the young musicians who are just back from a European Tour. The Oxfordshire Music Service organises this event with a whole host of others over the summer period.