Open Session. District councillor Smith spoke in response to a query on an old public right of way. He also confirmed that all the work had been carried out to The Star.

Eugene O'Brien, the publican of The Star, raised the question of litter in The Square and provided photographs proving that the litter lying in there or placed in the bins did not come from his premises. He also provided copies of letters showing that the work required by the planning officer had been completed some time ago.

The chairman, David Copping, detailed his proposed plan s for demolishing his bungalow at 37a Bicester Road and re-building a new dwelling.

Mrs Hooper, of Bicester Road, spoke on Mr Copping's plans, to which she does not object, but has concerns over heavy vehicles using the driveway.

Clerk's Report. There has been no response to the clerk's letter querying the signage etc for the roundabout or the 106s payments. The clerk was instructed to write again.

Two tree surgeons have responded to the specification for the tree works and survey.

All the finance data has been transferred across to the new software and the accounts reconciled.

The specification from Alistair Kratt re the landscaping and upgrading of the area around the tennis courts has been received and Bob Merry has offered to investigate the costs.

The graffiti has now been removed from the bus shelters.
The clerk provided the councillors with copies of Wendover Parish Council newsletter.

The megaflow pipe and the protective cover have been fitted at the pavilion and the fire inspection carried out. Cllr Butler has now obtained the grill.

Pavements councillor Hooper has been out with David Smith from the highways department, looking at some of the problem areas of the footpaths.

Residents are contacting the parish council with problems, but footpaths are not the parish council responsibility - residents should ring Highways on Call 0845 230 2882 Monday to Friday 8.03am to 5pm. It would be better for Highways to have lots of calls from residents, Cllr Gilbert suggested, and it mighthelp put pressure on them.

Miscellaneous. Cllr Hooper raised the lack of taking away the toilet signs -a job AVDC has been going to do since 2005.

There has been a lot of interest in re-designing the war memorial garden and judging should take place in the new year.

The conservation area review should be ready for consultation in September. Cllr Le Brun has been informed.

The clerk is writing to check with the Scouts if the site in now safe to take away the safety fencing.

Two new dogs bins are to be ordered, one for the bottom of Carters Lane near The Chandos, the other in Giffard Way, making a total of ten bins in the village.

The clerk is to chase up Highways to question why no salt was put in the bin on the Chearsley/Chilton Road junction, but placed on the bank. There is also a problem with dog owners putting their dog waste in the wooden salt bins.

Cllr Tighe and Cllr Hooper asked for ideas for a site for teenagers to meet on, but it must be in a well-lit area. It was no good Councillors putting it where they thought it would right - it must be where the teenagers want it.

Cllr Le Brun said the Parish Plan response had contained comments about and from teenagers, and he would extract the information.

Correspondence. A resident had written in complaining that the parish council was putting financial pressure on the Scouts with the cost of the safety fencing. The chairman asked that the clerk write back to him, stating that it is the Scout's insurance company that will be picking up the costs, not the Scouts themselves.

Another resident had written in with a list of the problems in the village, some of which the parish council can resolve, but others are not parish council problems and could be sorted in a neighbourly way.
Recreation Ground Hedge. Councillors all agreed that the hedge is in a real mess; there are gaping holes and it is broken down.

Councillors Bevan and Tighe said the kissing gate was not ideal for parents with pushchairs or prams - if they wanted to go to the shops they had to go back over the Recreation Ground, before taking the path to come back down to the shops.

The chairman and Cllr Hooper suggested they rip the hedge out and replace with fencing. But Cllr Le Brun said the hedge had been neglected over the years and felt that with expert help they could sort it out. Cllr Tighe offered to take the project on board, as he was eager not to miss the planting season.

Harroell. The wooden fence adjoining the Thame Road in the spinney was not secured, Cllr Hooper informed members and said dogs could get out onto the road. It was agreed to get a quote for the costs of attaching wire fencing and also for costs to replace the damaged fencing on the flats side of the spinney. The chairman questioned whether the parish council was responsible for dogs and whether the cost would be justified when putting a lead on a dog would do.

Forthcoming Events. Jumble sale in aid of Cancer Research, Saturday January 19 at the Village Centre. Admission 20p, doors open 2pm.
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