Covid-19 – Just when we thought it was safe to come out of our homes!
Today’s new confirmed infection figures of 4300 are around 1000 higher than yesterday and the estimate is that the infection rate today is really closer to 6000. The spiralling figures bring the possibility of a new national lockdown ever closer.
Although we are fortunate to still live in an area of below average cases, the numbers are rising across the district and even more so in our local urban areas. It is all too easy to forget how unpleasant and potentially deadly this virus can be and become complacent and let down our guard.
There is growing evidence to suggest that the greatest transmission is happening between friends, family and people we know, rather than via offices, shops and public areas. So I for one am going to redouble my efforts to wash my hands more regularly, keep a decent distance when engaging with everyone and wear a facemask more often.
For clarification, under the new rules, it became illegal to gather in a group of more than six people in any setting indoors or outdoors, including beaches and parks. The ban applies to people of all ages in England, including children, and the police now have the powers to enforce these limits, with rule-breakers facing chunky fines of up to £3,200.
However, there are still quite a number of important exemptions:
- Single households, or support bubbles that are larger than six, can still gather together
- Groups with more than six people can also meet outside for work, charitable services and childcare
- The six-person limit does not apply to gatherings for an educational purpose, like school or university, or other training
- Covid-19-secure venues such as places of worship, leisure centres, gyms, restaurants and pubs, are still allowed to hold more than six people in total
- Religious ceremonies are also exempted, however, celebrations of these events is prohibited
- Organised team sports carried out in a Covid-19-secure way can also have more than six participants. However, this does not include informal sport or fitness activity with family or friends
- Additionally, weddings and funerals can still take place with a limit of 30 people providing they have taken precautions, but this does not include wakes
- Protests are also still allowed under the new law!!!
- Public transport is also not affected by the rules and current rules for face coverings are still valid
- Legal obligations such as court and jury service are also exempted.
Commenting on the new rules, Thames Valley Police say officers will in the first instance ‘engage, explain and encourage’ people to follow the new regulations before handing out fines. Surprisingly, in the early stages of the virus, between March 27 and April 27, the force had handed the most lockdown fines out of all the police forces in the country – including the capital’s Met Police. So don’t say you haven’t been warned!
Stratton Park Road Closure due to East West Rail
As you know from the last newsletter, the road from the A4421 towards Poundon is to be closed from Monday 28th until 8th October. Whilst it is perfectly possible that there may be a last minute change, at the moment I can now confirm that the closure will be from the crossroads with Mill Road up to the turning with Godington. Access to Godington will be via Poundon although the Mill Road crossroads end will be manned and residents and farm vehicles may be able to gain access from this direction.
The important point to note is that the same road leading from the Mill Road junction up to the A4421 will not be closed as these works have been put back to November.
EWR Temporary road Improvements by Stratton Park
There has been much discussion over the last week between OCC, EWR Alliance, the Parish Council and residents who are immediately affected by the works to the road being used as an access route to the Poundon Compound. Issues have centred on the avenue of trees by Stratton Park, the removal of branches and the number and size of tarmacked passing points. To resolve these matters an on-site meeting has been arranged for the coming week which will hopefully result in a satisfactory outcome.
Closure of Station Road to Launton
If you want to access Launton village from Stratton Audley this coming week please be aware that Station Road will be closed from the crossroads with Launton Road on Monday 21st for two days for de-vegetation works near the hump back bridge.
Roll-on 2024 for the opening of the Line from Bicester to Bletchley
Recently I was asked whether I knew when the new EWR line would be operational for passengers from Bicester to Bletchingdon, so I made some enquiries and thought the answer was interesting. At the moment the compounds are being built and work in this area will start in earnest in early 2021. The plan is to have the line operational to Calvert by the end of 2022 but only for freight traffic. Freight for what? Apparently to supply the build of HS2 in the Calvert area where the two lines cross and a major bridge intersection is to be built. Assuming this remains on schedule the line from Calvert to Bletchley will be completed a year later and so it is hoped passengers will be travelling on the line by mid 2024.
A34/M40 Junction 9 Roundabout Carriageway Repairs
Work to resurface areas of the A34/M40 junction 9 roundabout, in particular to the northern side of the roundabout is currently scheduled to take place over the weekend of Friday 9 to Monday 12 October 2020. The junction will be closed overnight (between 9.00pm and 6.00am) on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.
During the day, traffic will still be able to exit the M40 at junction 9 and join the M40 northbound carriageway; as well as travelling north on the A41 to Bicester, and travel north and south on the A34.
This will have a major impact on traffic congestion in that area in particular the A41 southbound carriageways between the B4030 Vendee Drive/Bicester Park & Ride roundabout and the junction 9 roundabout, so worth avoiding if you can.
Monday Night is still Persian Food Night
Mitra will be once again serving up her home cooked food between 5 and 8pm on Monday and her gazebo will be located at the junction of Bicester Road and Church Street. No pre-orders, just turn up. If you need to contact Mitra you can text her on 07444 364789
Stratton Audley Barn
The café and shop are now open, Tuesday to Sunday, 10-4pm. There is a new indoor seating area as well as the outside area under canopies all serving up a new menu ….you’ll need to reserve for the indoor area, so call them now on 01869 278184 to book your table!
Don’t forget the Coffee Morning in the Pub
This is now happening every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion. It is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits. For the time being it is being held in the pub garden because of social distancing, so you might want to wrap up warm. All welcome.
The Red Lion
The new website is the place to find out what’s happening in the pub www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk .
Of special note this coming week is the Supper Club evening on Thursday, for a set meal at £35 per head, which must be booked in advance. Phone 277 225 to make your reservation.
The pub is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday – Friday from 3-11pm; Saturday: 12-11pm; and Sunday: 12-9pm
Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges
A collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.
Classic Car Drive-In Weekend at Bicester Heritage – 18th-20th September
As previously publicised the Classic Car Drive In weekend is being held at Bicester Heritage today, tomorrow and Sunday. This event has been approved in terms of social distancing regulations by Cherwell District Council, as being COVID-Compliant.
The event will celebrate Classic Cars in all their glory, with over 500 cars on display, 25 of the UK’s leading Car Clubs present, daily track shows, access to the classic car specialists on the technical site PLUS the Classic Drive In movies in the evenings. Tickets are still available on line by clicking the link above.
There will inevitably be some noise and disruption but the organisers say they will keep this to the minimum possible. I am sure I will get feed-back if this is not the case which I will pass on to Bicester Heritage.
All the best and please stay alert.
John