The Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, Michele Mead has joined over 50 people at the latest Covid vaccination walk-in centre in Witney for her Covid booster. 
The centre, located at 3 Welch Way will welcome both over and under 18s at different times through to Sunday 5 December. Opening times will be from 9.30am until 7pm daily.
Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council Councillor Michele Mead said “It’s important for residents to remember to get their Covid vaccination when they are eligible. With Covid cases on the rise nationally we need to remember that this simple jab will save people’s lives.
“The walk-in centre means it’s quick and convenient to get vaccinated; protecting the West Oxfordshire community, our NHS and the people you love.”
The centre will operate as follows:
Monday- Thursday
Over 40 boosters only.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Under 18 first and second doses, plus over 18s first/second doses and boosters. 
No appointment is necessary. People may be asked to show proof of age
The drop-centre is the result of partnership working between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and West Oxfordshire District Council who set up a similar vaccination pop-up for adults in the same location earlier this year.
More information on the eligibility criteria for boosters can be found online here.

This year for 16 Days of Action, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, the Council is organising events across the district to raise awareness on domestic abuse and how the Council can help victims.
Coming on the heels of the recently passed motion to commit to making West Oxfordshire streets safer for women and girls, the Council is marking 16 days of action against domestic abuse with a series of programmes across the District highlighting rural abuse.
A 2019 study discovered that domestic abuse in rural areas is under-reported by 50% compared to urban areas, and victims suffer for 25% longer than urban survivors. 
Councillor Merilyn Davies, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Domestic abuse is a horrible and insidious crime that affects victims physically, emotionally and mentally.”
“Victims often feel trapped and some may suffer in silence. As a Council, we take this very seriously and we want to make sure our residents feel safe, and know how to seek help if they are being abused or know someone who is.”
The Council, through Reducing the Risk, is offering two-hour sessions free of charge for groups of 10 or more people to learn more about domestic abuse, what support is available and how they can help victims connect to that support. For those that are really passionate and want to do more for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, there are also opportunities for Domestic Abuse Champion Training, which will enable them to be more active in delivering and supporting local projects in their communities.  
Covid-19 had a significant impact on victims of domestic abuse, with many unable to seek support or escape from abuse. These opportunities have been funded by West Oxfordshire District Councils’ Contain Outbreak Management Fund and will be delivered by local domestic abuse charity, Reducing the Risk.
In addition, Cut it Out, a learning event for hairdressing and beauty professionals will be held on 6 December 2021. Tickets are available for this online event through Eventbrite and for students at Abingdon and Witney College. Cut it Out is a collaboration between Thames Valley Police, West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership, Abingdon & Witney College and Reducing the Risk.  
There are plans to stencil poignant messages in car parks across the district. The hope is that as people see them they will stop for a moment and think about the message, their friends and family. The messages will point residents to local organisations that can help should they come across someone who needs support.  
More information about how the Council supports victims is available https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/communities-and-leisure/community-safety/domestic-abuse/

he NHS and West Oxfordshire District Council are bringing the successful pop-up vaccination centre back to Witney Town Centre for another Covid-19 drop-in vaccination opportunity. 
The centre, located at 3 Welch Way, Witney, will welcome both over and under 18s at different times from Friday 26 November through to Sunday 5 December. Opening times will be from 9.30am until 7pm daily except for the first day (26 November) when the service will be open from 10am. It will operate as follows:
Monday- Thursday
Over 40 boosters only.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Under 18 first and second doses, plus over 18s first/second doses and boosters. 
No appointment is necessary. People may be asked to show proof of age
The drop-centre is the result of partnership working between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and West Oxfordshire District Council who set up a similar vaccination pop-up for adults in the same location earlier this year.
More information on the eligibility criteria for boosters can be found online here.
Michele Mead, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council said: “The walk-in clinics have proved very successful in West Oxfordshire and we are pleased to offer Council premises and to work closely with our health colleagues to set these up quickly to react to the needs of our community. Ultimately, attending this walk-in centre will make West Oxfordshire safer for us all.”
People who attend the walk-in clinic for a jab will have their vaccination record updated online. As it is a walk-in clinic, people will need to queue outside and therefore is recommended to be suitably dressed for the weather conditions at the time.
Anita Sherwood, Oxford Health’s interim Director of Covid Operations, said: “The best way to protect you, your family and those you care about from the effects of COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated and a booster when it’s due.
“I am really pleased that we are back in Witney as the previous pop-up clinics have been really successful and I am sure the next offer of vaccination dates will be too. By setting up in the town centre we are able to give local people another convenient opportunity to get their jabs.”

Communities that have come together to improve the health and wellbeing of residents during the Covid-19 pandemic are being offered grants to build on their good work, West Oxfordshire District Council has announced today (Monday 22 November).
West Oxfordshire District Council has agreed to make available Community Activity Grants of up to £500 to facilitate projects within the District that foster community cohesion, build relationships and organise activities that benefit residents’ health and wellbeing.
Cllr Jane Doughty Cabinet Member for Customer Delivery said, “The Covid pandemic, although very difficult, really did demonstrate the strength and resilience of our communities here in West Oxfordshire.
“We know there are small groups out there that have provided great benefits for communities, and want to keep that momentum going with community grants for smaller groups to continue this essential work. These very local groups have been a lifeline to residents and we want to encourage as many of these as possible to come forward and apply.”
The Council wants to especially encourage applications for projects that will reach those who face barriers to accessing activities and those who have experienced significant struggles with their health and wellbeing over the past year.
If you have an idea for a project that helps to improve community life, we want to hear from you. 
The deadline for applications is 12noon on 8 December 2021. 
Application forms are available from the Council’s website, by calling 01993 861000 or emailing community.wellbeing@westoxon.gov.uk

As the seasons change and we head into Autumn, residents are being encouraged to prepare homes and businesses for flooding over the winter months. 
West Oxfordshire District Council is launching an information campaign to help people prepare for floods and understand what to do in the event of a flood. 
By providing key information on types of flooding, who to contact when, how different organisations and agencies provide support, what to do and what products to use, the District Council hopes that this will make a big difference in how people manage should we get flooding in the coming months. 
Cllr Norman MacRae, Cabinet Member for Environment, said; “Unfortunately we are seeing more extreme weather events which are causing flooding across West Oxfordshire and impacting homes and businesses.
“As a district council we are doing all we can to help people within our limited powers and as part of that we want to help people prepare ahead of any flooding so we can limit the damage done if the worst happens.
“On our website, we have provided information on how to prepare a personal flood plan, how to sign up to receive flood warnings and what to do in the event we do get a flood. For those without internet access, information will be available in our Witney offices.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced flooding in the past, or is in an at-risk area, to look at the available information and get their home or business ready should the worst come to pass.”
District Councils have limited powers and responsibility in the event of flooding, with the main one being to help provide temporary short-term placements in an emergency if people are not able to stay with friends and family or make alternative arrangements. However we have been working hard since the floods last Christmas to prepare as much as possible for this winter.
Most of the responsibility for responding to flooding, and maintenance to prevent it taking place, sits with other agencies including the County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Environment Agency, and the water companies.
At the start of November, the District Council hosted the ‘Flood Fair’ in Witney where all the responsible organisations were in attendance to speak to residents and offer advice and support. Over 100 people attended and were able to speak to the District Council, County Council, Thames Water and the Environment Agency, all of whom have different responsibilities in preventing and responding to flooding.
The District Council has also been working with partners to grow a network of sustainable drainage systems that prevent flooding and working closely with people who reported floods to help with bids for external funding for flood protection.
As part of a response to flooding, residents will continue to be able to access sandbags free of charge in emergencies from 13 locations across the district which are kept topped up by West Oxfordshire District Council. 
More information around flood prevention and support for those affected by flooding in West Oxfordshire can be found on our website, here westoxon.gov.uk/flooding

West Oxfordshire District Council has been allocated £131,730 to support residents who are struggling to make ends meet this winter. This is part of the recently launched government Household Support Fund in which Oxfordshire County Council has been allocated £3.4m.
In West Oxfordshire the funding will be available through a number of different services to make sure the right support reaches those who need it:

• Individual support through Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire who will provide emergency vouchers and financial help towards food, fuel and other essential household costs.
• Support for those in temporary accommodation and housing need through Housing services
• Support for Community food projects and Voluntary sector groups where they are working directly with residents in need

The first element launching this week is the Individual support element with partners Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire. This fund offers a significant lifeline for residents who may struggle to afford life’s essentials over winter. By working with CAWO residents are able to benefit from their wider debt and advice expertise. 
This scheme comes alongside further support announced for children and young people eligible for free school meals which is administered by Oxfordshire County Council
Cllr Jane Doughty, Cabinet Member for Customer Delivery said: “The winter months can be challenging for many families. This fund is a welcome relief and we’re grateful that vulnerable families in our district can benefit from it and be safe and healthy this winter.
“I would encourage households to come forward even if they are working, as this fund is available to any resident over 18 who can evidence need, regardless of work or parental status.”
The funds are not restricted to people in receipt of benefits and there are no requirements around recipients’ employment status.
Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire (CAWO) will oversee the voucher scheme which launches this week. Residents can apply by calling 01993 892063 or emailing - info@citizensadvicewestoxon.org.uk 
Referral partners can refer on behalf of a resident by emailing info@citizensadvicewestoxon.org.uk. 
Further announcements about other elements of support are to follow.

West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has allocated £134,472 of grant funding to a number of local projects to help them to continue to deliver or improve invaluable services to residents in the District.
WODC’s Community Facilities Grant allocates funding to a number of organisations providing sports and outdoor activities that benefit the local community. West Oxfordshire District Council approved the grants at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 10th November 2021. 
Cllr Jane Doughty Cabinet Member for Customer Delivery said, “It’s always fulfilling for me to see community groups benefiting directly from the Council’s Community Facilities Grants. Even when we are facing challenging financial circumstances it is so important to provide grants that directly benefit our communities.
“We promised communities that the Council would support healthy lifestyles and help to build strong local communities, and these grants deliver on that commitment. 
“This money goes to organisations delivering ‘grass roots’ sporting and leisure facilities which have a positive and direct impact on our communities. The grants will enable these organisations to continue their good work and contribute to the wellbeing of those that use them.”
The Council has chosen to support the Stonesfield 1st Scouts as their project meets the  Council’s priorities by promoting good physical and mental wellbeing for the whole community.
Stonesfield 1st Scouts recently had to demolish their scout hut when it became unsafe. The funding will enable the scouts to rebuild the hut, which will then provide a space for local groups. The hut will be used by the school and preschool, enabling them to access Forest Schools in a natural woodland setting which will have safe and easy access. 
Local wildlife groups will also be able to use the facility as a base for nature walks and talks, allowing the community to engage in the local ecosystem.
A Stonesfield 1st Scouts spokesperson said, "We are delighted to receive this funding from West Oxfordshire District Council. There has never been a more crucial time to support the physical and mental health of our young people. 
“Our new hut will provide them with a base to get outdoors, learn new skills and gain confidence. This grant puts our fundraising campaign on a very strong footing and we would like to thank the council for supporting this important facility for all of the community."
This is the second round of two Communities Facilities Grants for 2020/21. The grant award funds projects within the communities to meet the current and future needs and aspirations of residents within West Oxfordshire.
The total number of awards were six and were awarded to:

• Stonesfield Playing Field Association £6,250
• 1st Stonesfield Scouts £36,750
• Witney Rugby Club £50,000
• Ducklington Parish Council £28,772
• Witney Mills Cricket Club £2,700
• Filkins Village Centre £10,000

Total funding £134,472

West Oxfordshire District Council has set out its plans for managing its land areas as it looks to ‘build back greener’ following the Covid pandemic and deliver on its climate change strategy commitment to protect and restore the district’s natural eco-systems and wildlife habitats.
The newly published land management plans focus on twelve key sites that have been selected for their existing and potential wildlife value - including large recreation areas at Langel Common, Kilkenny Lane Country Park, Deer Park Wood and North Leigh Common - and puts nature’s recovery firmly at the centre of all future land management decisions and practices.
The District Council is now encouraging the public and other key stakeholders to look at the proposals and say what they think.
Councillor David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change at West Oxfordshire District Council said: “The Council owns and is responsible for the management of a wide range of public open green spaces across the district. These sites are well-maintained by our contractor, Ubico, with an agreed schedule of works in place, but the new enhanced plans are about re-evaluating and adjusting what we do, so that wider environmental considerations are prioritised and put at the heart of how these spaces are managed going forward.
“Over recent months, we have worked closely with our grounds maintenance teams and habitat specialists to define what changes we need to implement.  We’ve looked across the board, from our larger common areas but also to our small areas, such as roadside verges, which can also play an important role in creating wildlife corridors and supporting bio-diversity, to ensure we are maximising the benefit to the environment.”
Reviewing the management of the different habitats and natural features across each of the sites, has enabled the Council to identify opportunities where improvements can be made through modifying its maintenance schedule. Establishing more wildflower and grass meadows by leaving some areas untouched is just one of the measures to be adopted as well as creating other new wildlife habitats. 
The Council is also looking at how the natural landscape of each area can be used more effectively to help mitigate some of the impacts of a changing climate, such as surface flooding, by restoring floodplain meadows and balancing ponds.
Each land management plan sets a framework for the next five years.  While some changes will be evident almost immediately, others changes will take longer to reach fruition due to the time needed to allow restored green areas to flourish as wildlife havens.  In the longer-term, the Council would like to take even greater strides to improve biodiversity by adding to its programme of works and will actively seek funding to make these extra projects a reality.
Alongside the day-to-day management of the sites, the Council will continue to support local volunteer groups - the Witney Woodland Volunteers and the Friends of North Leigh Common - in the valuable conservation work they do.
Councillor Harvey continued: “The crucial role our outside spaces play has never been more evident than over the last 18 months.  The changes we are making will not only benefit the natural environment but will enhance these spaces for our communities as well, so they can continue to be experienced and enjoyed but we are keen to hear what others have to say on the proposals.”
Residents, local community groups, parish and town councils and key stakeholders are invited to give their views on the new land management plans.  Comments should be made by Friday 10 December 2021 and emailed to: climate.action@westoxon.gov.uk.  
The complete set of land management plans is available to download from the District Council’s website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/environment/climate-action/enhancing-our-natural-capital/

Armistice Day is the 11th November

Remembrance wreath laying will be at the War Memorial on the 14th November at 2.45pm followed by a service in St James Church.