Category: Village News
North Leigh Library
There are several events taking place at North Leigh Library this Autumn. For more information, click here.
Friends of North Leigh Library Update
The Friends of North Leigh Library (FONLL) need a new chairperson.
Oxfordshire County Council Library Service (OCCLS) has a strong record of encouraging local communities to participate and become involved in the work of their local libraries. The resulting groups often operate as “Library Friends” and in 2018 it helped establish the Friends of North Leigh Library. Friends’ groups help support their local libraries in a number of ways and no two Friends’ groups work in the same way as each community is unique.
As many residents will be aware North Leigh Library is a popular, modern branch library and it is well supported by the community, the local school and the parish council. As well as the traditional book lending services our library also offers free WI FI as well as computer and internet facilities. In addition, it hosts a number of activity groups for both children and adults. The aim of FONLL is help build on its existing success by holding fund raising events, developing new services and generally increasing engagement with the community. It would also like to provide volunteers to work in the library to further enhance the available amenities.
The existing FONLL are a small but enthusiastic group who are always keen to recruit and welcome new members. Following the resignation of their original chairperson due to his moving away from the area they are now looking to recruit a replacement. If you are interested in this role or if you would just like to join the Friends, then please contact the library either in person or by calling 01993 882935.
Finally, the library has an author evening planned for Wednesday 9th November at 19:00. For those of you not familiar with this kind of event it generally involves a local author giving a talk on, or a reading of, one of their recent works. Because of the limited capacity of the library this event is ticketed however the tickets are free, although donations to FONLL would be appreciated, and are available from the library.
Free Testing of Electric Blankets
Make sure your electric blanket is safe to use this winter.
Revised Notice New Dates – Cuckoo Lane / Freelands Road T10564
In the interests of public safety it will be necessary for Oxfordshire County Council to close the length of Cuckoo Lane to facilitate A40 STP2 Park and ride scheme. Enabling works (site clearance, trial holes, Bellmouth construction, utility diversions etc.) & construction phase works for deliveries, vehicle movements & safety of general public etc. Finishing works; (vegetation planting, landscaping etc.) works.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is being made to implement the temporary closure and Speed Limit restriction and will operate from 19/09/2022 The estimated completion of the works is 31/12/2023.
(The maximum duration of a TTRO on a road is 18 months and on a footpath is 6 months, or until completion of the works, whichever is the earlier.)
For the notice click here.
Notice of intention to make the Order will be published in the local press.
Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.
For diversion map 1, click here.
For diversion map 2, click here.
For the speed restriction map, click here.
Theft of Domestic Heating Oil
With the rising in the cost of living, there has been recent attempts to steal domestic heating oil from tanks due to its increase in value. We are asking all homeowners to remain vigilant & offer the following crime prevention advice:
- Install an alarm on your heating tank to alert you of a dip in your oil levels – this can alert you from indoors or when you are out through your mobile. Make sure you display a sign above the tank to warn thieves that your tank is alarmed.
- Put gravel around your tank to make the area noisy so that it deters thieves & draws attention when any attempts are made.
- Try to hide the location of your tank through adding walls or putting plants around – all concealments must comply with OFTEC fire safety recommendations please see here: Oil Tank Installation – OFTEC Requirements – Direct Water Tanks
- Lock up your tank with a good quality all-weather padlock & give the code to your fuel supplier for delivery access
- Install CCTV to monitor your tank & show a visible deterrent for thieves
- Install security lighting to brighten the area as many thieves strike in the darkness of night
If see you any suspicious activity or wish to report a theft call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
North Leigh History Society
Come enjoy the next meeting of the History Society to learn more about the history of North Leigh’s footpaths and bridleways.
Summer Crime Prevention Advice
I am sorry this is a long email but a number of you have difficulty in downloading attachments, so good bedtime reading!
As the nights are getting lighter and the weather is getting hotter I thought I would give you a few tips on how to stay safe by protecting our property and ourselves especially as we are spending more times in our gardens/ spaces.
Preventing Burglary.
- Look at your house as a burglar would- if you were locked out how would you get back in? This will help you identify any weak spots where you will need to improve your home security.
- Keep external doors locked even when you are at home.
- If you open a window always close and lock when you go out or leave the room.
- Keep all keys out of sight and reach of letter boxes, cat flaps, and downstairs doors and windows. Never leave a key hidden outside!!
- Make your home look occupied once darkness falls by using a time switch that turns on a light, so it looks as though someone is in.
- If you have an alarm system use it..
- Mark your property so it could be identified There are various options :a UV permanent pen use you postcode ex HP17 5DL 5 or SmartWater which is a traceable liquid.Register your property for free at www.immobilise.com.
Preventing Vehicle Crime – Quick Tips.
- Before you get out of your vehicle check your door pockets that you have not left anything lying around, the dash, the console and wipe away any round sticky marks on window as that may show you have a holder for mobiles or stat nav.
- Check you have closed windows and ,locked doors. If you car has automatic locking system still check that they are locked. Criminals nearby can use jamming devices to block the remote signal especially if you forget to lock your car.
- It is important when you are parking your car especially if you will be away for the day and not return until the evening. Make sure you park in a secure parking area where there are lights and possibly use of cameras or a security firm in attendance.
Preventing Personal Robbery.
- Plan ahead before you go out. Know exactly where you are going. and how you will get there and back. Inform family or a friend. to say where you are going with approximate time of return.Be prepared for a change of plan.
- Keep your purse and wallet close and secure. Only take out essential items you need.
- When you are out always keep to well lit streets and never take shortcuts.
- Be aware of your surroundings and do not use your mobile phone to text or listen to music. as this will distract you and advertises to the criminals that you have a mobile phone.
- If you do not feel safe then change your route.
- If going out with friends try to stay together on route home. Try avoid walking home alone at night..
Having said all that enjoy the sunshine and the holidays whether you are going abroad or staying home.
East End 20 MPH Speed Survey
North Leigh Parish Council has distributed a speed survey to East End residents. To view the survey, click here.
Dry grass and fires
The hot weather has brought an increase in individuals lighting fires on grass areas across South & Vale. North Leigh Common in particular is extremely dry.
We would like to remind the public that these fires can cause damage & harm to those nearby & offer the following safety advice:
- Help stop fires from starting by never lighting open fires in the countryside
- Only use BBQ’s in safe, designated areas when in the countryside & don’t leave them unattended. Make sure they are fully extinguished & cold before disposal
- Don’t light fires in close proximity to trees, bushes, livestock or property as the fire is more likely to spread should it get out of control
- Extinguish cigarettes properly & don’t throw the end on the ground or throw them out car windows
- Take rubbish, bottles & glasses with you when leaving the countryside as sunlight shining through glass can start fires
If you see a fire make sure you are out of immediate danger & report the fire immediately by calling 999
Dinosaurs are coming to West Oxfordshire!
| Parents and children in West Oxfordshire are being invited on a ‘roarsome’ trail to search for dinosaurs, as part of the Love West Oxfordshire campaign to encourage residents to get out and about, and shop locally. |
| The trails are running from August 2 to September 4 in Witney, Carterton, and Chipping Norton. As you make your way along the trails you will be able to view videos of dinosaurs in that area along with some interesting facts about that dinosaur. There is a prize draw to win a family day pass at Cogges Manor Farm, every clip viewed of a dinosaur counts as an entry to the prize draw and an opportunity to win a family day pass at Cogges Manor Farm. |
A4095 North Leigh – Carriageway Maintenance
The Parish Council (PC) has been told by Oxfordshire County Council that a letter has been sent to residents regarding the works on the A4095. The County Council has now forwarded this onto the PC and can be found here for reference to anyone who did not receive it.