Annual Town Meeting 2024 - flip chart notes

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 2024

FLIP CHART NOTES

 

Environment & sustainability

Measurement of air quality appears to have changed for the worse.  Knox no longer included

District Councillors are treated this whole area very seriously

Climate emergency – a lot has been done (e.g. biodiversity, clean bathing water application), but WTC needs to summarise and communicate this better.

River – a major part of town – water quality – bathing status – river economy – moorings – flooding – splash park (Town and District Councils working closely together).  There’s a flood school in Crowmarsh we could take advantage of

Cycleways

Road safety

Dog waste – needs to go on agenda – lack of bins in certain stretches (Thames Path) – District Council are reviewing

Community facilities

Bull Croft is undergoing a major redevelopment, years in the planning – paths & lighting will be part of this – including resurfaced tennis courts (low annual subscription, plus free to play session), new play areas, new pavilion, steps and bridges across historic ramparts

Need to remember the Sports Park at Hithercroft which has excellent facilities

Arts, culture & heritage

Low turnout at by-election.  What went wrong?  Town Council did many things to promote, but were failed by third party distribution.  Some things went well, e.g. info on website.

The Regal – continues to sit vacant – should be it be object of community fundraising – various options being considered – Town Council plans to make final decision in March 2024

Castle – concerns over accessibility due to ruins being fenced off.  Reason: anti-social activity

Town Hall – premium heritage asset in the Town – to be a major restoration project – public will be consulted as part of these

Community spaces – need for improved accessibility.  Some of least accessible are WTC-owned.  Involve Wallingford Accessible Group.

Getting around

Zebra pedestrian crossing by Lidl.  County Councillor Sudbury holds little hope.

Borough Avenue

Traffic speed changes – what’s the latest after the con

Community Speedwatch data to be provided to Oxfordshire County Council

Pedestrianisation of Town Centre – mixed views, although majority support

High level OCC meeting in Wallingford to look at transport issues

Pot holes OCC explaining one way system etc.

Parking remains restricted in Town Centre and difficult for some

Access  – A-boards and stalls are affecting access

More houses equals more cars equals more damage to road infrastructure

Car clubs/ car share could help with this.

Retail & local economy

KP’s plans – note interest from member of the public (taken via Facebook), but Mayor can’t comment due to personal interest

Shop mix – WTC does not have control over this.

Park ‘n Ride – can we consider at times of major activity, e.g. big events

Empty properties – contact landlords.  SODC have a dedicated officer.

Chamber of Commerce is a focus of new councillor, Cllr Len Pannett

Cash machines – some concern at the low number

East Dumbartonshire idea/case study: they have developed a gift card encouraging spend at local independent shops

Boathouse – update? recently affected by flooding

Coffee shops – we complain about the number, but we all use them! (something of a contradiction)

Use of former layby in St George’s Road – County Councillor Sudbury to advocate.

Parking and football – using car park off St George’s Road

Health, well-being & safety

Query over timing of ATM and news of Council Tax

Mayor confirms no correlation – date already pencilled in for next year.  All Council meetings are open to the public including those discuss the Council Tax (or ‘Precept’ in the Town Council’s case) and there is always opportunity for members of the public to speak

Idea of ‘health hubs’ in different neighbourhoods

GP looking for new site. Funding is an issue

PPG AGM on 16th May – all patients of practice have a say

Survey an additional pharmacy for Wallingford.  WTC to make link clear to attendees.

Anti-social behaviour needs to be reported to Police – more than people report leads to greater presence; police resource is allocated according to stats.

Expansion of Didcot TRAIN – Wallingford representative has recently been recruited

Community Emergency Plan – in progress, but at an early stage at the moment.  Needs input from MIGWAL re accessibility