http://www.dailyfix.co.uk en-us N/A info@dailyfix.co.uk Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:12:04 BST 20 http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/33472/1/Commercial-waste-recycling-scheme-extended/Page1.html  
Launched in June 2007, it is proving a big hit with over 120 customers throughout West Oxfordshire already signed up to have cardboard and glass collected. And with last year’s highly competitive prices held for 2008-09, more clients are expected to join.
 
The District Council launched the service following a survey that showed that 93% of the firms contacted would rather recycle their waste than send it to landfill.
 
“All our waste cardboard used to go in with the rubbish for landfill and we were feeling very guilty about it,” says Zoe Wraight, Manager of the Usborne Publishing archive store at Stanton Harcourt.  “So the West Oxfordshire District Council recycling service is just the job as it helps us honour our commitment to be as green as we can.”
 
On glass recycling, Tom Gee of the Clanfield Tavern says “People should be encouraged to recycle and I’m glad we now have an alternative to throwing empty bottles into our wheelie bin. The waste glass is collected bang on time every time and there’s no mess left behind.”
 
Clients including pubs, restaurants, factories and other commercial premises have the choice of four different sizes of waste collection bin and these are emptied on Saturdays. The competitive price of the services means that clients can expect to make considerable savings over a year in comparison to normal waste collection charges.
 
Cardboard recycling for traders at Witney Market was introduced last October with collections every   Thursday.  Collections could be extended to other West Oxfordshire markets in due course.
 
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for the Environment says, “The overall viability of our commercial waste collection service will be reviewed in Spring 2009. In the meantime we are exploring opportunities to offer commercial customers an enhanced service to collect a wider variety of waste materials for recycling.”
 
“Recycling more is a must to help us achieve our priority goal of protecting and enhancing the environment of West Oxfordshire and maintaining the district as a clean and beautiful place.”]]> no@spam.com (Chief Editor) Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:20:54 BST http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/33472/1/Commercial-waste-recycling-scheme-extended/Page1.html http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/31737/1/Keeping-a-watchful-eye-on-the-countryside/Page1.html
The launch will take place at Blenheim Palace near Woodstock from 6-8pm and is open to anyone living or working in West Oxfordshire. Visitors will be able to get advice from the district’s Crime Reduction Adviser and Thames Valley Police Wildlife Crime Officer as well as meet their rural Police Community Support Officer. There will also be environmental crime and rural and wildlife crime displays

Country Watch schemes operate on a similar basis to Neighbourhood Watch where members receive crime alerts and witness appeals direct from the police. Membership is free and a welcome pack contains specific crime reduction leaflets and signs to display on property.

Cllr Jill Dunsmore, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities at West Oxfordshire District Council said: “The Country scheme strengthens community spirit as everyone plays their part in protecting their property therefore reducing the opportunity for crime in rural communities. It also improves the two way communication process between the police and residents as members are encouraged to report information.”

Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, Police Area Commander for West Oxfordshire said: “Engaging with local communities is a critical element of neighbourhood policing. The introduction of dedicated Neighbourhood Police Teams in West Oxfordshire as well as five Neighbourhood Action Groups has helped us tackle local priorities. We launched School Watch earlier in the year and re-launching County Watch will ensure people who live and work in rural communities are engaging with us and working together to reduce even further the low levels of crime and disorder in West Oxfordshire.”

All existing Country and Horse Watch members have been invited to the launch but anyone interested in attending should book their place by telephoning Danielle Hanton on 01993 861640.
]]> no@spam.com (Chief Editor) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:59:27 BST http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/31737/1/Keeping-a-watchful-eye-on-the-countryside/Page1.html http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/30318/1/Planning-for-the-future/Page1.html West Oxfordshire develop over the next 15 to 20 years.

The consultation, which is expected to start at the end of March, is seeking comments on the options available to tackle the major development issues that the District faces to meet the challenges set by central government.

Questions asked will include: How and where can we identify new sites for housing, employment and other development needs? What supporting infrastructure (roads, schools, transport etc) is needed?

The consultation will also review planning strategy issues. For example, ‘Where should new development be concentrated – should this continue to be in the larger towns or should more take place in the villages in future years?

Nearly 100 sites throughout the District have also been suggested so far by town and parish councils, landowners or developers for possible development in the longer term. None of these sites have been put forward or have been evaluated by West Oxfordshire District Council and at this very early stage there are no specific proposals for any development on the sites. They are for consultation purposes only. There is also the opportunity to submit alternative or additional sites to the Council for assessment.

Cllr Jill Dunsmore, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “It is very important to stress that no proposals are being put forward by West Oxfordshire District Council and that none of the sites shown on the maps are either counted in or counted out of any plan.

“This public consultation is the beginning of a complicated and often contentious planning process. We hope as many people as possible will contribute their ideas so the best strategy is adopted which meets local development requirements at the same time as protecting this beautiful part of the country”.

The consultation is one of the first steps towards the production of major new planning policy documents, known as the Local Development Framework (LDF). It will replace the current adopted West Oxfordshire Local Plan.

The consultation period is expected to end 12 May 2008. This was agreed by Cabinet on the 19 March and is subject to the Council’s usual call in period.

Further information about the consultation and the new 'Planning for the future' (LDF) process is on www.westoxon.gov.uk/LDF. Interactive maps showing sites submitted can also be viewed on the website. Alternatively, for further details, contact the Council’s Planning Policy team on 01993 861420. Copies of the consultation documents will be available at Council offices and local libraries. All Parish/Town Councils and many local organisations will be separately consulted. ]]> no@spam.com (Chief Editor) Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:31:46 GMT http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/30318/1/Planning-for-the-future/Page1.html