Date

Contributor

Title

4/1/07

Aline Griffiths (formerly Smith)

Are we burying our heads in the sand?

I was a District and Parish Councillor for twenty years for our village of Adderbury.  During that time, we received many applications to develop the village - we tried whenever possible to put forward a site, that would generally not cause too much of a problem within the village, for development.  In this way we were able to defeat the first Timms application for a large estate and the battle against New College for wholesale development in the village.  Things are a lot worse now, we have a government who literally ride rough-shod over any areas' limited development plans.  John Prescott and his ilk like nothing better than to force their plans on to everyone.  I do believe that if a reasonable size of site and development had been recommended for inclusion in the new development plan, we may have achieved a reasonable limited size of development.  But what will happen now, will SEEDA and the Government not foist their figures onto us, without taking any notice of our views at all and without any benefits to the community as a whole?  I personally dread to think what will happen!

10/1/07

Ann Lyons

Reply from a Parish Councillor

In response to yet another tirade of abuse levelled at the Parish Council could I just point out, that contrary to perceived opinion, almost all of the Councillors hold down responsible day jobs as well as giving their time to Parish Council duties.

It has been remarked on that Parish Councillors are also on other committees in the village and the implication given was that this was somehow reprehensible. Might I just point out that, if other villagers had shown any interest or inclination to help out on these committees then there would be no need for duality of roles.

I am the Parish Council representative on FOCAL, I am also acting as Secretary due to the fact that no-one who attended the AGM wished to take on the role. In fact the AGM was hardly attended at all.

Perhaps some of those people who are so keen to have their say might like to actually contribute something constructive to the village.

I have lived in Adderbury for over twenty years now and I only moved three miles up the road when I came here. However I did not stand for the Parish Council the minute I got here, I waited until I knew more about the village and the life here before I made the decision to stand for the Council. I am not, and have never been, a political animal, I am just trying to do the best for the village I live in and the people who live here.

Believe me there is no glamour attached to being a Parish Councillor, ask any of us on the cemetery bins rota, when it is blowing a gale, lashing it down with rain and you have five bins to get down to the road and of course returning them the next day.

With regard to the Milton Road site, as Rhoda has already mentioned, this was turned down by the village several years ago when only five houses would have been built.

I believe that the offer made to the village, and perhaps it might be a good idea to state here what that offer includes, is excellent for the village as a whole.

The village will be given 12.5 acres of land for sports fields, plus 2.5 acres for the community centre/ football club and up to £100,000 towards the costs of the new building. In addition ten of the proposed new homes will be affordable housing.

I believe that this is the best way forward and I might add that this was my viewpoint when the subject last came up. I have considered carefully the options available, as have my fellow Councillors, and I would point out that the three Councillors who voted differently from the majority did vote to support the Football Club moving there, which means that they would support the planning application. The only difference being that at the end of the day the village would have some new houses, the Football Club would have new facilities and the other villagers would have nothing.

A separate reason I had for coming to my decision was the safety aspect regarding access to the Lucy Plackett field, this is not good and there is limited parking which already causes problems for local residents.

Just to return to the dreaded statistics could I point out that half of the village did not vote against the Milton Road site. Of those eligible to vote, 2172 people, 508 voted against the site, this is a percentage of the whole village of 23.38%

11/1/07

James Young

Reply from a Parishoner

Thank you Cllr Lyons for joining the debate and once again spelling out the PC's stance.

I see no "tirade of abuse" on this issue. The Parish Council has ignored the normal democratic process.If it is thick skinned enough to do this it should be thick skinned enough to receieve objections.

It seems a growing trend that the PC defends itself by stating that no-one else wants to do the job.

Given that some councillers appear jaded by duty (no suprise it is a thankless task)and that the village is so fiercely divided surely the honourable/correct thing for the pc to do is offer itself up for re-election.

If they get re-elected it will stop the "snipers" in one hit and will be much healthier for the village.

14/1/08

Nicky Maltby

Milton Road for a community centre?

It has been suggested that the people of Adderbury would not walk to a community centre even if it was built in the heart of the village. However, I disagree and  would like to  make mention of the 'Party in the Park' held on the Lucy Plackett field during the last couple of years.From what I could see, the vast majority of people  from the  village, including my family and friends, had indeed walked to this event.The same can be said of the Day of Dance and the Christmas market.

 I am also concerned that any 'sharing' of a community hall with the football club would result in the villagers having to take second best- i.e. you can possibly use it on a Monday or  Tuesday night , but Friday and Saturday nights the football club will have their 'members only' functions, thereby denying the villagers the use of 'their' community centre.

14/1/07

Rick Atkinson

The Milton Road Survey

The results of the Milton Road survey are not binding and, for the record, neither are the results of any official local government Parish Poll. It was hoped that the survey would show a positive swing one way or the other but unfortunately it didn’t. Those who said "yes" to a development at Milton Road (football club supporters plus community centre supporters, 477 votes) = 22%. Those who said "no" to any development (508) = 23%. Presumably the remaining 55% don't care one way or the other. The "no's" have it by a tiny margin. However, should this be sufficient grounds to turn down for ever the offer of 12.5 acres of land for sports fields plus 2.5 acres for the community centre/football club and up to £100,000 worth of new building? Add to this the fact that at least 120 houses will be built in Adderbury over the next 20 years whether we like it or not.  So why not build some of them (including 10 affordable houses) at the Milton Road site and take advantage of an unrepeatable offer which will bring Adderbury's community facilities up to the standard of other major villages around the county.

Of course some villagers would have us believe that the Milton Road site is “hallowed” ground and all recent planning applications have been refused. Wrong! The facts are (my research shows) that there has been no planning application for the Milton Road site for over 20 years. In the 10 years prior to that, 6 applications were turned down but one was accepted in 1984 - for a single dwelling. As for the old chestnut that new buildings will spoil the rural scene when driving into the village from Milton; the view is completely blocked by a 20 foot hedge and, if one stands in the middle of the site looking east, there are just 2 derelict, rusty old dutch barns and a few roof tops to be seen. You can’t blame the people who live near the site for objecting but that would happen with any of the other proposed housing sites around the village. However, I wonder how many of those sites come with such an attractive offer of land for our stifled football club and funding for community facilities.

Finally, well done Rhoda and Ann! Where are all the voices of the other 474 people who voted for the Milton Road development? – Come on lets hear from you!

17/1/07

Peter Smith

Milton Road Survey

Unfortunately yet another Parish Councillor is trying to 'spin' the results of the survey by including non voters when calculating the percentages to try to show a closer vote result.

The Parish Council is the first tier of Local Government and it should try to represent the views of the parish in an unbiased manner.

Just because someone has served on the Parish Council for many years, it does not give them the right to misrepresent the views of the Parish when responding to the District Council.

If Parish Councillors can not understand and accept the basic principles of democracy they should resign immediately.

21/1/07

Mrs I Popplewell

Bored teenagers

Is it any wonder that some teenagers get up to mischief in the village when they are bored and hanging around with nowhere to go and have fun? They no longer have the ball court so have to hang out in the play area for younger children.Its such a shame that they have to sit around in the evenings under the play equipment on the Rise or on benches in the village. It is only natural that they want to be hanging out with friends in the evening but would it not be better if they had somewhere to go such as a youth club? Being a parent of a teenage boy I am sure that the youths in this village would really benefit from such a place and so would residents who I am sure would rather they didn't hang around outside their homes.

1/2/07

Peter Burrows, Chairman ACAG

The Milton Road Survey

Councilor Atkinson makes some claims in his posting of 14th January that require clarification and correction.

1.  Will he please provide the proof and origin of his statement “the fact that at least 120 houses will be built in Adderbury over the next 20 years”?

2.  What other grounds does he need than those already put forward for turning down a proposal. Under democratic principles the Parish Council’s proposal has already been turned down by the village.  The continual stating of the reasons for the Parish Council supporting the scheme does not make the democratic process disappear.  It just implies that the Parish Council believes that it knows better than villagers and those who actually run community/group activities what it is that they need.  A survey or indeed a Parish Poll may not be legally binding but is there no sense of moral obligation felt to abide by the majority result?

3.   Could he please provide the village with the accurate cost of these new facilities at the Milton Road site both in building and maintaining them?  Where is the 'robust business and financial plan' that has been required by Councillor Mitchell in the past?  Who will pick up the shortfall since the offer is for partial funding only? Will you be able to claim support when those who will pay find out what it will cost them and for how long?

4.   The offer of the 12.5 acres of land by a local family is indeed generous and we see no reason why the Football Club should not benefit from it – presumably there would be more than enough space for the pitches they need and a pavilion? They have stated publicly that they do not need any funding from developers towards the cost of the latter.

5.  The 2.5 acres and £100K on offer from the developers is neither unique not particularly generous since it is based on a commercial decision that reflects the current way in which development proposals can be achieved. The offer of 10 affordable homes is not an offer it is a requirement on a development of this size.

6.         Your research into the planning history of the Milton Road site appears flawed. Will you please quote the planning reference under which an application for this “single dwelling” was granted?  Our research shows that the planning application CHN.539/83 was refused 28.2.84. This was the only application for a single dwelling to be used in conjunction with agricultural purposes that was made during 1983/1984.  Are you sure that you have researched the right site, as to our knowledge all planning applications since 1961 for the Milton Road site have been refused?  The old chestnut you refer to, is not phrased by A.C.A.G., but has been used by the planning authority and the planning inspectorate as a reason for refusal and in the dismissing of an appeal.  I would suggest Cllr. Atkinson that you do little more “research” and read some of the reasons for refusal on the 10 planning applications that have been made on this site.

7.         No recent planning applications have been submitted for the site because it was removed from the last Local Plan.  It was included at the draft stage but was subsequently removed.  Amongst the chief objectors to the development of the Milton Road site at that time, were Adderbury Parish Council and would you believe it Cllr. Mitchell and Cllr. Harper.  They objected on numerous grounds amongst which was your “old chestnut”.  All the reasons put forward at the time more or less reflect the arguments that are currently put forward by those who still oppose the development.  Nothing has happened to this land in the meantime to alter its character, other than the Dutch barns [which are used for storage and are not derelict] have perhaps been allowed to get a bit rustier.  Please could you explain what has occurred to make the Parish Council and its senior members change its mind on the character and importance of the site?

Given the very public contempt shown towards A.C.A.G., by certain members of the Adderbury Parish Council, we will expect you to ignore the above, however, don’t you think the village deserves to hear the full facts not just the “edited highlights”?

2/2/07

John Glover

It all comes down to money

Congratulations to the Chairman of ACAG in raising a very interesting (if a little one sided) point:

“Could he (Councilor Atkinson) please provide the village with the accurate cost of these new facilities at the Milton Road site both in building and maintaining them? “

I have been wondering the same thing myself – but taking a broader view than just the proposed new community centre on Milton Road.

The majority of those who voted in the survey wanted the facility to be built on the current Lucy Plackett site.  I would like to ask the same question about this plan.  What is the cost in both building and maintaining a building on this site – and where the current users of the current facility would go while it was being constructed?

Without an accurate costing of both options, any vote put to the village is as useful as asking the village to vote on what colour sky they would like to see in the morning, as you are asking for an opinion without being in full possession of the facts.  I expect this aided in the apathy of why the majority of the villagers did not bother sending in their votes.  I suspect if the voting form had stated that Milton Road would require an extra 100,000 pounds, and Lucy Plackett would require an extra 600,000 pounds to be raise, more votes would have been returned for doing nothing!

I do not know what the Parish council are actually thinking, but I do believe that they have a good idea of the cost for both plans, and are taking the view of what is the best (or cheapest or quickest) plan to provide the village with a new community centre.  Its obvious that having the shell of the building erected by the developer, is going to be cheaper than the costs of clearing the current site, and erecting a new building.

This issue has been going on for years, the last time nothing ever happened.  Why do I feel that history is going to repeat itself!

3/2/07

Ron Sharpe

Milton Road Scheme

I note that the organisers of the RE-VOTE petition have turned to the few remaining shops and pubs to facilitate their exercise.

What a pain it must have been for Rob and Sally to have a sheaf of A4 paper on the limited counter during Christmas Trade.

Even more painful for all these retailers when they would really welcome 30 extra homes and potential New Custumers!

I dont suppose the organisors gave the demise of retailng in the village much thought!

P.S. I hope that all who used our retail facilities to vote , also use them as Customers.

4/2/07

Michael Banks

The Milton Road Scheme

I am a relatively new resident of Adderbury. Before moving here I have lived in five villages in the immediate vicinity of Banbury. Each one had a village hall or community facilities which knock spots off any that we have here in Adderbury. This village has talented and enthusiastic people - e.g. ATW and the Folk club from the Bell - to name but two of them. In my view this village deserves an appropriate venue for such organisations to give public performances and it distresses me to see how they have to labour on with the limitations of the Institute. I believe the current expression is "Not fit for purpose". It was conceived and built at a time when the village was a fraction of its present size and population. I further believe that, whilst some improvements can be made at some expense, the Institute cannot be made adequate for the present needs of the village - let alone the needs of the village as it expands (as it inevitably must) in years to come.

So I look to see how new facilities might be provided. There are precious few possibilities. Each one would have as many drawbacks as any other. But in practical terms, I cannot see that the village will ever have again an opportunity such as is now presented to us. Additional housing is going to come to this village whether we like it or not, and whether we get a community hall or not. The choice will be "Do we have more housing with a community hall or do we have additional housing without a community hall? I do not think our successors will ever forgive us if we turn away this chance.

It is idle at this stage to look into the likely costs of this scheme against that scheme. An awful lot must happen before any scheme comes to fruition. By voting as it has, the Parish Council has not enabled any development at Milton Road. That is not within the remit of the Parish Council. It has merely said that it does not wish to slam the door on this opportunity which is unlikely ever to be repeated.

I urge the Parish Council to reject the increasingly shrill campaign to re vote on a decision quite sensibly and properly made.

13/2/07

I Asbury

Snow pics

Too much moaning about Milton Rd when Adderbury is, in fact, a pretty fine place to live. Never more lovely than in last week's snow. I know there are still hundreds of shopping days 'til Christmas, but why don't we have an Adderbury in the snow photo competition featuring photos of snowy village scenes taken by villagers? The best snaps could be made into Christmas card to be sold at the shop & Christmas fair, etc in aid of the Church and St Katherine's House Hospice. There is a photographic society / club in the village (I am not a member),so I guess there are some fairly competent amateur photographers of all ages here too. Just a thought.

25/2/07

Karen Reynolds

Villlage Calendar

As suggested by I Asbury, we would like to collate local photographs and create a 2008 village calendar for charity, so if anyone has suggestions for charities to benefit or photographs to submit, please send to dot@adderbury.org.

28/3/07

Adam Maltby

What is there for teenagers to do?

It is pretty obvious that younger teenagers in Adderbury are bored. However it is still going un-acknowledged. As Mrs Popplewell quite clearly points out there is nothing to do in the village for teenagers and I have raised this point myself among many others in the past with the "Proposed skate ramp" etc.

Obviously nothing will be happening too soon as I have been waiting five years so far but maybe the PC may want to consider it for the future; 10-15 years maybe ???

I now find myself travelling to every other village and town, bar Adderbury, to actually do something I want to do!

It has now become a boring old village with nothing to offer bar problems and arguments. However I must add the pubs are still very good, so let’s all go there! The only day I will actually spend enjoying myself in the village will be “Party in the Park”

29/3/07

Rick Atkinson

Water under the bridge

In answer to The Chairman of ACAG’s 7 point posting of 1 Feb 07 (these are my personal views and do not represent any decisions or statements made by the Parish Council):

1.  The 120 houses evolved from the draft  Local Development Plan (LDF) and are proposed in the Parish Council’s response dated 26 Aug 06. The District Council is under huge pressure from the government to build new housing and it is inevitable that Adderbury will have to take its fair share.

2.  Which ever way one plays with the results of the survey, I believe they do not show a positive enough swing against a scheme which has so much to offer.

3.  As Michael Banks in his excellent piece (4 Feb 07) so aptly puts it – “it is idle at this stage to look into the costings of this scheme”.

Any development at the Milton Road is still a long way off  - LDF not expected until 2009.

4.  Since Christmas the football club has only been able to play one game because of flooding at the Lucy Placket field. I believe the Football Club should move up to the Milton Road as soon as possible and set up temporary accommodation on the donated land – the community centre and housing, if approved, could follow later on the developer’s land.

5.  The developer’s offer certainly is based on a commercial decision but that is no reason for us to turn it down. Indeed, scores of other villages have benefited from similar schemes. Again, as Michael Banks so aptly puts it – The PC “does not wish to slam the door on this opportunity which is unlikely to be repeated”.

I did not say the affordable houses were an “offer”; I said they were ”included” in the Scheme.

6.  My research is not “flawed”; an application for a single dwelling in Feb 1984 (CHN 92/84) was approved on 29 Aug 84. Furthermore, in Jul 99 the Milton Road site was supported by the Parish Council AND BY ACAG, as the site that held least objection because of the unacceptable alternatives (including Aynho Road North). For some reason which I cannot ascertain the Milton Road site was later removed from the plan.

7.  Again the chairman of ACAG  is relying on out of date statistics to back up his arguments against developing the site. For whatever reason, there has been no application for a dwelling at the site for over 20 years and no application for a housing development there for over 28 years! Decisions made back then are not necessarily valid now. Life has moved on; we now live in the 21st century and our younger generation deserves and expects good quality, up to date facilities.

The facts speak for themselves – particularly the fact that ACAG ACTUALLY SUPPORTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MILTON ROAD SITE IN JULY 1999 because they didn’t like the alternatives.

Most of the above is all “water under the bridge” and I sense that many villagers are fed up (as I am!) of hearing about it so, I will not waste any more web space responding to outdated and inaccurate claims. We need to look at the bigger picture and think about the housing and community facilities for future generations.

30/3/07

John Glover

What

I was saddened to see the report in the Banbury Guardian, that “villagers” have reported the parish council to the Standards Board for England.

Is this the start of history repeating itself – with a whispering campaign starting about members of the parish council?  When the Milton Road issue was raised some years ago (with only 5 houses and a community centre), there was a “nasty” campaign waged against the council, that ended up with the idea being shelved.  Several years on, a similar idea is raised (with more houses this time) and it looks like the campaign of spin has started again (i.e. there is no smoke without fire). 

It is my personal view that all the councilors work very hard on behalf of the residents of Adderbury, putting in long hours that are unseen by most people.  It is a thankless job where it is impossible to please everybody.  I worry about the calls for the parish council to step down and hold new elections, as these calls are being driven by a single issue (Milton Road).  What happens when that issue is done and dusted and the full weight of being a councilor dawns on any new anti-Milton Road councilors?

I must admit I am even more worried with the possibility that this Adderbury story will appear in the quality papers (The Sun, The People or the News of the World), with a banner headline blowing it out of all proportion.

I am certainly one of the villagers that Rick Atkinson refers to in his latest post.  I am fed up with hearing about the Milton Road issue, and I suspect that the MAJORITY of the village (i.e. the 54% of the whole village, who did not return their survey form) are not bothered either.   

10/4/07

Teresa Pass

Bored Teenagers

I'm relatively new to Adderbury so not sure what the history is  with bored teenagers - but I wondered whether it has ever been suggested that they form a committee and arrange their own activities. I'm sure we could find some parish money to invest in activities, using one of our many venues in the village, and maybe  asking for a contribution from parents? I'm sure, for example, there are many young bands that would come and play in the village  to get a following established, transport could be arranged to local attractions for those interested in culture, history, music etc?

I know this may sound quite idealistic but if teenagers/young  people are bored should they not be supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their own social life?

24/4/07

Adam Maltby

Social time

I think you will find that what the kids create within their own social time is not favoured by some and always complained about by others. There is no winning margin so in reality its always going to be the same, however isn't it the parish councils responsibility to provide for the youth of today hence why most of the community is taking a stab at them for not doing so. Hence my point far down in the list of comments about how long we have been waiting for equipment that a large group of teenagers (I was one of them) took their time to put together a proposition for the parish council to consider which was never acted on, so its been done and forgotten.

However maybe some of the villagers are not aware but the village had an excellent Scout group which meets every Tuesday evening and has been running for nearly 30 years and is always providing for the the kids of the village and surrounding villages. There are  lots of kids out there who it would appeal too from the ages of 11-16  for those of you who have not seen the website is:

http://www.adderburyscouts.btinternet.co.uk/

29/4/07

Edd Frost

Adderbury Day of Dance 2007

After a fantastic day spent dancing around this fantastic village and seeing many many friends we sadly had to spend early Sunday morning picking up the litter and general mess through the village and especially on the playing field.  What a shame that these youngsters, who have nothing better to do and have nothing to do with the village, come and hijack the event and make it their mission to cause trouble and mess and leave without the courtesy of taking their rubbish with them.  Surely the youngsters of Adderbury are not capable of this?  Unfortunately its the Morris Men that get the blame for it all and no one remebers the day for what it was which is about the community getting together for the day and enjoying themselves with a bit of dancing and music thrown in. 

2/5/07

Nick Fennell

Adderbury Day of Dance 2007

I can understand Edd's point of view on clearing up after the Day of Dance - but it was ever thus.

It's still a wonderful event, you can't stop people coming in to the village to share it,and by 10am on Sunday, the village was as clean as it's been all year.

Rather than moan, let's celebrate the Morris and all they do for Adderbury, and give a huge vote of thanks to those unsung heroes who clear up willingly at first dawn the next day.

10/5/07

Rhoda Woodward

Over sixties

I was most surprised to read in the Banbury Guardian that I have supposedly run the Adderbury Over 60s club single handed for 28 years. So many no longer with us I remember them all with great affection and I could not have possibly run the Adderbury Over Sixties Club single handed for 28 years. Not my words and not true so through all the years there has and still is a good helpful chairperson and a committee of at least ten people all who are responsible for various jobs and non committee members who organise the teas clearing up etc. I remember every single one with great affection I could not have done with out a single one of them. Thank you all for your help and support especially at our last meeting on May 9th

20/5/07

Deb Fox

Blanford fly

It's that time of year again for the dreaded Blandford fly, has anyone got any ideas for soothing the bites and treating them? Any tips would be much appreciated to all of us itching and scratching!   

21/5/07

John Bellinger

Day of Dance – Late Posting

Now the dust has settled from Adderbury's big day, I think we should look back at what worked and didn't as far as the events of the day are concerned! For me and the many paid volunteers that kept the Bell busy it was financialy a huge success and I can afford to by the new glass washer and bottle fridge that we've needed for the last year. It was a fantastically fun day and those that joined us in the evening had a wonderful time. There was, as you would expect, no trouble inside but that was due in no small way because after last years experiences we employed our son Simon, a licensed doorman, to monitor the door to prevent the drunken under eighteens (largely from Banbury as a police-officer pointed out) from coming in and spoiling the party atmosphere. A doorman in Adderbury! Yes, and what a good thing he was there as well. Young boys covered in blood from fighting in the park, histerical girls worse the wear from drink and, when the police moved the crowds on from the park (with at least one arrest that I saw) they make their way up through the village, terrorising the good folk of the village as they go. Arriving at the first landmark, The Bell, they set up camp outside, one by one trying to gain access for more alcohol. The police were not able to move them on because of the number ratio so we had to wait for them to disperse by themselves, which they did when they moved on up to the next landmark on the Green. The happenings there I only have third hand so shant comment but, Edd Frost has a valid point and, whilst not suggesting we stop the young people of Adderbury enjoying themselves, they should be encouraged to do it in a responsible manner. I believe it would be a useful exercise for people with a view on the activities during the DoD to get together and see what can be done to stop the increase in disorder before those who make the day what it is, the dancers, decide for themselves how to address the problem!

22/6/07

Karen Reynolds

Blanford Fly Bites

Below is an excerpt from the NHS Direct Site on the treatment of bites - more info can be found on their website

Clean the bite wound with soap and water and dry gently. Any swelling or itching should clear up within 1-2 days.

Creams that contain camomile lotion, steroid cream, or anaesthetic can soothe the pain of a bite, as can an antihistamine tablet. Do not apply cream or ointment to broken skin and always follow the instructions on the packet. Try to avoid scratching the bite- although it may be very itchy - because you may damage the skin and allow bacteria to get in.

26/6/07

Rhoda Woodward

Longwall

I have known Longwall for almost 80 years remembering when there were stones reaching right across the path and the water used to run underneath. Now we have a system which floods regularly and houses that front the footpath with wheely bins parked opposite,though I believe space has been provided in their property, now are we to have more disruption not only footpath closed for what seems a long period and the privacy of a lovely walk invaded.

5/7/07

Keely Bromall

Day of Dance – youth and alchohol

Having just read through the comments on the Day of Dance, and negative comments pasted about 'youth' both from the village, and surrounding areas; I would like comment on the 'irresponsible' behaviour of adults as well as youth in the situation.

On the Day of Dance I was on the playing field with a group of friends, some of us who live in the village and some whom have moved away, we were having a lovely time in the sun watching the football, there were many youth on the playing field drinking, as well as a number of families and young adults, everyone seemed to be having a lovely time.

When I went to get a drink from the football club, I was surprised to see many youths, whom I know to be under 18 (and whom also look under 18) purchasing alcoholic drinks. I am not naive to the fact that teenagers descend on the village with back packs full of cans and bottles, but surely the fact that alcohol was so easy to purchase on the playing fields did not help them in keeping a sober state.

13/7/07

David Phan

Is Adderbury being taking over by the young youths?

Do you feel safe in the village that was so piecefull but now full off crime and young youths?

Please comment I think this is a big issue for Adderbury.

14/7/07

Adam Maltby

Do you think Adderbury is being taken over by youths

I think NOT!

I believe in todays society it is just natural for the elder members of the community to criticise the younger generations and the younger to criticise the elder.

It is generally the way of life because we are living along side people spread across a number of generations, and how things were in their generation have now differed and "moved on" to be deemed as acceptable and a part of life and growing up nowadays!

I know everyone likes to have their say and take their own little dig at something they may not like or believe is right but we have to look at it and realise this isnt just kids "terrorising" our event for the "respectable people" as the believe of the community and outside but just human beings living life the way they feel.

Admittedly there may be times when one oversteps another boundary for instance the 'claim' of youths littering down the park which is TOTALLY not backed by evidence, just 'assumed'.

I'm sure someone over the age of 25 dropped something at one point that day.

But a certain point of evidence against the elder generation was when one year a lady in her early 50's threw a glass of wine over a man in his late 30's because his kids were playing on a ropeswing which HADN'T been put up by them, just played on by them and she didn't like it!

I think this shows equal amount of terrorism to the village because it was totally un-called for and yet again another 'dig' at something someone didn't like!

So once again it leads us to the conclusion that not everyones perfect, but likes to socialise and have a good time, so let them get on with it, and if you don't like what they're doing, as long as they are not burning down the village or committing crime, Keep it to yourself!

16/7/07

Edd Frost

Do you think Adderbury is being taken over by youths

In reply to Adam Maltby's post I have to say that largely he is right. To mention that the older generations always make a stand on how things were different when they were young. I'm sure we'll find out in years to come when we are older that we will say the same thing. This just proves that society has changed over the years and will continue to do so in the future.  What I do disagree with is the comment that there has been no evidence that the youngsters were the ones responsible for littering in the playing fields at various village events.  Well as part of the Day of Dance clear up party - along with hundreds of bottles and other rubbish we collected we also came across 2 pairs of female knickers.  These were certainly not sizes that matched any older female member of the village.  DO not ask me to present the evidence as proof as these were discarded along with all the other rubbish, (according to Mr Trivett), but it would certainly have been the evidence needed to prove who was responsible, largely, for the litter during that event.

Moving on from pants now though, hats off to Adam for batting for the younger generation and being an active user of this site.

16/7/07

John Bellinger

Generations

It was good to hear your comments Adam and I think you have the same core values as the majority of people who populate this, or any other community!

Regardless of age, the basic rules are the same! People can live their lives the way they feel, providing their actions do not adversely affect the lives of others. Those are the principals that create laws.

To refer to older people's generation as something in the past is a little selfish. This is still their generation, as it is all the other age groups, and their feelings should still be considered by others whose lives they cross!

Just as the woman throwing a drink over someone is unacceptable behaviour and has been used to show 50-some things can be as bad as other age groups, the behaviour of other groups can also be intimidating, given certain circumstances.

I think most people, regardless of age, were disappointed when Party in the Park was cancelled and because the Banbury Cake decided to publish a feature on it being on after it was cancelled and without consulting the organisers, we saw crowds of people, almost exclusively young (and by that I mean under 18's), descending on the village and in particular Lucy Plackett's Playing Field. The atmosphere was fun for the most of the time but a few, who were drinking alcohol in excess and not being able to control their behaviour as a result (that's why we have laws making it illegal to sell to that age group and for them to consume it), spoilt it for the majority. It was no wonder that the police arrived to move them on. A steady stream of youngsters, most of them well behaved, made their way up through the village and back along the Oxford Road towards Banbury, shepherded by several police officers. A few felt it their right to shout, swear and throw litter around as they returned to Banbury and cared not one bit for the feeling of others!

These are the ones who are seen and heard by people trying to live their lives peacefully in Adderbury and that is why when people mention the trouble following events in the village the generalisations of "young people" are made. It's not something new, every generation will have experienced it in some form or another when they were young. I remember being chastised for what I considered to be reasonable behaviour 'at the time' by 'that old woman up the road', but as you get a little older you start to realise, I hope, that maybe she did have a point and perhaps I could have behaved slightly differently, whilst still enjoying myself.

It's not an easy one because until you're there you can't always understand 'what they're on about', but try and you'll see a different attitude coming back at you!

17/7/07

Adam Maltby

:)

It was good to hear your comments Adam and I think you have the same core values as the majority of people who populate this, or any other community!

Regardless of age, the basic rules are the same! People can live their lives the way they feel, providing their actions do not adversely affect the lives of others. Those are the principals that create laws.

To refer to older people's generation as something in the past is a little selfish. This is still their generation, as it is all the other age groups, and their feelings should still be considered by others whose lives they cross!

Just as the woman throwing a drink over someone is unacceptable behaviour and has been used to show 50-some things can be as bad as other age groups, the behaviour of other groups can also be intimidating, given certain circumstances.

I think most people, regardless of age, were disappointed when Party in the Park was cancelled and because the Banbury Cake decided to publish a feature on it being on after it was cancelled and without consulting the organisers, we saw crowds of people, almost exclusively young (and by that I mean under 18's), descending on the village and in particular Lucy Plackett's Playing Field. The atmosphere was fun for the most of the time but a few, who were drinking alcohol in excess and not being able to control their behaviour as a result (that's why we have laws making it illegal to sell to that age group and for them to consume it), spoilt it for the majority. It was no wonder that the police arrived to move them on. A steady stream of youngsters, most of them well behaved, made their way up through the village and back along the Oxford Road towards Banbury, shepherded by several police officers. A few felt it their right to shout, swear and throw litter around as they returned to Banbury and cared not one bit for the feeling of others!

These are the ones who are seen and heard by people trying to live their lives peacefully in Adderbury and that is why when people mention the trouble following events in the village the generalisations of "young people" are made. It's not something new, every generation will have experienced it in some form or another when they were young. I remember being chastised for what I considered to be reasonable behaviour 'at the time' by 'that old woman up the road', but as you get a little older you start to realise, I hope, that maybe she did have a point and perhaps I could have behaved slightly differently, whilst still enjoying myself.

It's not an easy one because until you're there you can't always understand 'what they're on about', but try and you'll see a different attitude coming back at you!

20/7/07

Tony Camilleri

Adderbury Court Garden

I should like to know why the so-called Adderbury Court Garden has been abandoned this year.  Litter dropping, mainly beer cans dropped by youths congregating round the one and only garden seat, is an annual problem.  However, this year the problem has been made worse because no one appears bothered about mowing the grass, or generally tidying the area.

In the past, whenever I've contacted the Parish Council about the Garden, the standard answer I tended to receive went something along the lines of ... we can't find anyone willing to do it!!  I suppose my reply could be something along the lines of... I can't be bothered to pay your Council Tax!  I suspect that a summons from the CDC on behalf of the Parish Council would soon follow!!

Can someone please do something soon, because the area is unsightly, especially for those of us whose properties overlook it.

Incidentally, does anyone know why several stones are missing from the wall that divides the Garden from the main road?  Again, is someone going to take the responsibility for having it repaired?

21/7/07

R Woodward

Adderbury Court

For quite a few years when I lived in Twyford I carried a couple of plastic bags and picked up the cans etc from Adderbury Court and put them in the bin at the Rise. Although I now live much closer I am not able to bend down any more. Surely there is someone else especially one that does not like to see the mess could do the same, it only takes a few minutes. I would also suggest that reading the reports of Parish Council minutes or attending a meeting should answer a few queries.

24/7/07

James Young

Adderbury Young Youths

In my personal experience as an "old youth" the "young youths" I have encountered in the village have been unfaillingly polite. Indeed last night a group in the Lucy plackett not only captured my escapee dog but  called me and waited till I arrived to hand him over.

Thought this might put a different perspective on this issue and show that these fleet- footed youngsters are very handy to have in the village and shouldnt perhaps be culled just yet...go on hug a hoody today you might be suprised how nice they are.

6/8/07

Tony Camilleri

Adderbury Court Garden

I refer to Rhoda Woodward's reply of 21st July to my original letter.

With respect, at some point members of the Parish Council will have to credit me and my neighbours with some intelligence!  As usual the standard reply from the Parish Council has concentrated on purely the litter problem and conveyed the basic message of "pick it up yourself"!  The Parish Council has ignored the other points that I made, and subsequently supported by my neighbour Tony Carney in his letter.  Accordingly, I shall ask the questions again:

1. When is the Parish Council going to take its responsibility for Adderbury Court Garden seriously and make arrangements to turn it back to a neat & tidy open space, rather than the disgracful eyesore we, the residents and Council Tax payers of Adderbury Court, have to put up with?

2. When is the wall dividing the Garden from the Oxford Rd going to be repaired?

3. Will the trees in the Garden be managed this Autumn, or are they going to be left to carry on getting larger and out of control?

4. Who is responsible for tidying the other side of the footpath?  That area is also a wilderness!

I do read various Parish minutes, as published in the Contact magazine, and from memory I don't recall any mention being made of the state of Adderbury Court Garden.  Consequently, I don't understand Rhoda's coded message in her reply!! Instead, perhaps someone will show me the usual courtesy of replying directly to my questions using this splendid Adderbury website.

22/8/07

Nick Fennell

Where are the moaners now?

I understand that there will not be an election to fill the vacancy on the parish council, nor any co-option, as there has not been one single applicant for the post. Presumably the process now has to start afresh, this despite extensive broadcasting of the vacancy - to those who chose to read it.

What's happened to members of the baying crowd and the vitriol they have been throwing at Adderbury Parish Council over the past months on this site, in Contact and around the parish pump?

Are you not prepared to put your service where your mouth is and take this opportunity to show that you can do better than the incumbents?

Come on you carpers - put up or shut up!

18/9/07

Tony Camilleri

Adderbury Court Garden

Through your website I should like to thank the Adderbury Parish Council for organising the mowing of the overgrown grass in Adderbury Court Garden.

Whilst other work still needs to be done, such as repairing the boundary wall with the main road, I think that this is a step in the right direction; has greatly improved the appearance of the Garden; and is very much appreciated by myself and my neighbours.

13/10/07

Adam Maltby

Apparent damage to Lucy plackett play equiment

Just a quick pointer,

I believe it way in the contact I recently read that the screws that had come lose down at the lucy plackett playing field COULD be due to vandalism is a RIDICULOUS suggestion.

I myself was the person who spotted the lose screws and it was in no way vandalist to them coming out,

However

*The main wood support has cracked where the screws fix into, due to weathering, plus the screws are of the T fit screwdriver with a pin the middle anyway so you cant just undo them!

The thing is, was the wood meant to be treated on a annual basis to stop the wood from warping?!

18/10/07

Gail Cripps

New Road Surface

When Croft Lane was resurfaced, I am intrigued why a section was missed out, as if a car was parked there, leaving a staggered edge.Was this because when it was surveyed a car was there? Can anyone help?

22/10/07

Tony Carney

Adderbury Court Garden

May I through the "Adderbury Hot Topics" thank those responsable for the speedy way our latest concerns have been addressed.

The broken seat has been repaired. The remains of the fire, litter and broken tree branches have been removed . The overgrown hedgerow by the main entrance has been cut back .

The whole area is starting to look presentable again.

29/10/07

Jckie Head

Road Kill

Last Sunday morning I spent 40 minutes or so with a young dying female deer. She had been hit by a car outside our house on the Oxford Road where the legal speed limit is 60 mph.There was clearly no hope for her as her back legs were shattered, the vet arrived a few minutes after she died,just another road death.She may have stood a chance if the speed limit was 40 mph, we'll never know. What is obvious is that with the increased traffic to both the Fired Earth site and Station Yard, pulling out onto the main road is becoming increasingly dangerous. Both the exits from these sites are on a slope and large lorries pull out very slowly. Is there any chance that a 40 zone could extend from just south of the Institute through to Berry Hill Road?

1/11/07

Edd Frost

Halloween Fun

We seemed to have rather alot of trick or treaters last night.  We were expecting it and had the sweets ready of which we were cleaned out.  Although I'm not a fan of this and did appreciate the manners of the older callers I could totally appreciate that it could be very intimidating for more senior members of the community.  Door bells ringing and faces at the front door after dark could be a bit frightnening.  I would like to see a curfew for next year as we still had callers coming after 9pm which even for a young super fit chap like myself is a little on the late side. 

1/11/07

Moderator

Planning Applications

Those who wish to keep in touch on progress with the planning application for the Cheshire Home site can go to http://cherweb.cherwell-dc.gov.uk/publicaccess/default.aspx

and look for application 07/02135/F

Whilst you can file a comment online up to 20th November 2007 you can not see the details without visiting Bodicote House

1/11/07

Andew Charman

Planning Applications

Just wondered what the views were on the recent letter we (and assuming others received) regarding the planning application for houses to be built by Linden Homes on the Cheshire Home site?

Having recently moved in to Twyford Gardens, I can't say I'm overly pleased.

1/11/07

Andrew Charman

Re; Halloween Fun

I'd agree with that, with the very polite children that visited my door.

However, I was surprised at how few children came to the door.  My wife and I bought treats to give out (fearing tricks!), but only three knocks to the door occurred.

There seemed to be plenty of ghosts and ghouls out there last night, but not many going bump (or knock knock) in the night!

Hey - ho, more chocolate for me and the wife to eat!

1/11/07

Chris Hart

Halloween fun

I just wanted to say thankyou to all the children and parents who came knocking on the door last night - all the children who came were very polite, took just one sweet each, and all said thankyou. If these are the teenagers of tomorrow, then Twyford and Adderbury will continue to be a great place to live.

5/11/07

Victor Ince

cabaret

Whole heartedly agree Nick Fennell's comments. We went on the Friday and it was a hoot. Congrats ATW and best wishes for another 30 years

4/12/07

Chris Hart

Parish Council spending plans

Rather than spending over £2,300 of our council tax on a poll, why not register for a free e-petition with the Downing Street website? (http://petitions.pm.gov.uk). If there is concern over getting people to vote, perhaps putting a note in the next issue of Contact to raise awareness of the poll - again, at no cost to the tax payer.

8/12/07

Diane Bratt – Chairman APC

Thank you from the Parish Council

Adderbury Parish Council would like to thank all those residents who pick up litter around the village, or who take the time to keep their own areas litter free.

In particular we thank Mr and Mrs Jarvis of Deene Close and Mr Ken Lines, who are some of the residents who regularly help keep the village neat and tidy.

8/12/07

Diane Bratt – Chairman APC

Adderbury Court Garden

I appreciate the thanks from Mr Carney and Mr Camillieri for the clear up of Adderbury Court. It took me about 10 minutes to clear the original litter (mentioned in the summer by Mr Camillieri, I think)and then about half an hour on my visit in October to clear the burned rubbish etc.

On this occasion I was noticed by Mr Jarvis from Deene Close, who very kindly returned the following day and mended the seat and tidied the broken tree branches. It is good to see there are many 'doers' in Adderbury, who will keep their own areas tidy (which was Rhoda Woodward's point when she replied to comments about litter at Adderbury Court earlier in the year).

Since clearing the litter I have visited most Saturday mornings and picked up only a tiny handful. I, together with other villagers and Parish Councillors, already keep our own 'patches' tidy and I would welcome some help from residents of Adderbury Court, who clearly are interested in keeping it looking good for everyone.

APC has asked for the grass to be mown and we had already requested quotes for repairing the wall, but there are few builders willing to take on such small jobs, so this has taken longer than we would have wished.

I am pleased you have appreciated my efforts. I would welcome comments direct to myself or the Clerk of the Council, as I do not always have time to access this site and a direct approach to the Parish Council is always best.

21/1/08

Chris Wardley

Best ever ATW pantomime?

What a joy the ATW pantomime was on Thursday (and Friday and Saturday no doubt) and what an excellent review by Fennell (we have come to expect no less).

Some of Nick’s highlights were the script, the use of songs and a selection of performances (particularly the rats and not forgetting the mice). Whilst agreeing with him, I also suggest that the costumes and the sets were of a much higher standard than usual; the whole production took ATW to a new level of excellence. Perhaps some of the singing was not quite so perfect but… It was really impressive at the finale to see how much lower was the average age of the large enthusiastic company.