Road Closure from the A4421 to Poundon
This is just a reminder that the road to Poundon from the crossroads with Mill Road will remain closed over the next few weeks for remedial works by EWR. The current works are to the surface of the road and are due to be completed by next Thursday but at that point another contractor takes over to complete the passing points along this stretch of the road during the following week. All work is scheduled to be completed by Friday 16th October. Access for residents and farm vehicles continues although there may be occasional waits and disruption as some have already found out to their cost.
The section from the crossroads up to the A4421 past Stratton Park is now open and we are told there are no further scheduled closures until November (dates will be confirmed closer to time) when the passing points will be constructed.
Autumn Day at Evenley Wood Garden – this Sunday 4th October
Despite the poor weather forecast, this event is still on and although an outdoor event, stall holders will be located under cover and all necessary Covid-19 safety precautions will be in place.
Open on Sunday from 10am – 4pm, at Evenley Wood Garden, near Brackley, NN13 5SH. A standard entrance price applies which is £6 for adults and £1 for children.
Welcome the change of season with a day of fun autumn activities. Bring along your windfall apples for pressing with Paul, take a look inside a real beehive with Simon, see wreath making and wood carving demonstrations and other seasonal crafts, all of which will be on sale.
Check out www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk
Stratton Audley Barn
In line with Government guidelines, The Barn is now operating table service only. Booking is advised especially at weekends on 01869 278184.
This will be the last weekend of their homemade ice cream and so there is a half-price special offer on a first come first served basis. And when it’s gone – it’s gone! In order to manage this safely, during busy periods, this will be on a takeaway only basis.
Face coverings in all indoor areas are mandatory but may be removed when seated at a table to eat and drink.
The Red Lion
For the latest news check out the Red lion Facebook page or for more general information visit www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk
Open hours are now:
Closed Monday
Tuesday – Friday 3pm – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 noon to 10pm.
Last orders are now at 9.30pm and everyone will need to have exited the pub before 10pm. This is now the law so please bear with the staff.
To book a table in advance for one of the special food nights phone 277 225.
Don’t forget the Coffee Morning in the Pub
It is every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion and the cost is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits. All welcome.
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.
Cherry Street Limes Trees
Dangerous dead branches and some lower foliage on the Lime trees in Cherry Street were removed this week thanks to the efforts of village resident Charlie Trousdell who took the initiative and registered his concerns on Fixmystreet. The work should have been carried out earlier in the year but was delayed in the system due to Covid-19. With a little bit of help from the Parish Council this week, a contractor arrived from OCC and carried out the necessary work making Cherry Street a safer street!
Government Planning Reforms – have your say!
The Government is currently consulting on a major shake up to the planning system that would see:
- The introduction of nationally-imposed housing targets
- An increase in housing numbers in the south-east, but a fall in other parts of the country
- A significant reduction in local involvement – Community engagement would be largely restricted to the Local Plan making stage (as it stands, just one six-week consultation), with the public thereafter losing their ability to scrutinise most individual planning applications.
Countryside campaigners CPRE Oxfordshire are concerned about the impact these changes will have on our rural county. You can read more about the issues on their website at www.cpreoxon.org.uk
The Government’s White Paper – Planning for the Future – is out for consultation until 29th October 2020, but the debate will continue thereafter so there is still time to share your views with your local MP.
CPRE Oxfordshire – Trustees Wanted
CPRE Oxfordshire is the voice of the countryside in Oxfordshire. They fight for the right development in the right place and work to protect, promote and enhance our amazing local landscapes and rural character.
Due to retirement of current members, they are looking for a number of new trustees, including a treasurer, to join the team. The application deadline is 31st October 2020 in the first instance, but they are happy to receive expressions of interest on an ongoing basis.
To find out more contact the Branch Secretary Dorian Grier: E: dorian.cpre@gmail.com or leave a message on their office phone: T: 01491 612079.
Oxford back on amber alert following sharp increase in coronavirus cases
Residents in the City are being urged to be extra vigilant to avoid tough new local control measures as Oxford sees a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
The latest figures for the city show a doubling of cases to a rate of 43.9 per 100,000 of the population – putting the city on amber alert but edging closer to a red alert level. Oxfordshire as a whole is currently on yellow alert, with cases at 18.1 per 100,000.
And just from an interest point of view…..
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust performance
OUH’s Trust which runs the John Radcliffe Hospital, in its annual ‘learning from deaths’ report revealed there were 205 inpatient deaths reported at OUH involving Covid-19 between March 16 and August 1. This is slightly higher than the official NHS England total for the trust, which is currently 182, and the report explains that the term ‘involving Covid-19’ referred to deaths that had coronavirus mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, whether as an underlying cause or not. It gives the trust an overall Covid-19 survival rate of 77 per cent, with the last death recorded at the trust on July 4.
By comparison, a report by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre covering the period to July 30, showed that nationally, of Covid-19 patient’s requiring critical care, the survival rate was lower at 62%.
All the best and stay safe.