The Agenda for this weeks parish council meeting is now available to read on the usual agenda page
Yearly Archives: 2021
April edition of the Dorchester News
The April edition of the Dorchester News is now available for download on the website
Oxford-Cambridge road scrapped after cost analysis
Plans for an Oxford to Cambridge expressway have been scrapped as it was deemed to “not be cost-effective for the taxpayer”, the government has said.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the decision was made after “extensive analysis” of the scheme, which was paused in March 2020.
The road would have linked Oxford with Milton Keynes and Cambridge.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government remained “committed to boosting transport links” in the area.
The expressway had been a key part of infrastructure plans since 2017, and the National Infrastructure Commission said the new road and the East West Rail project had to “be built as quickly as possible to unlock land for new homes”, in the area known as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
However, DfT said: “Extensive analysis and local engagement reveals the expressway would not be cost-effective for the taxpayer.”
It added: “The benefits the road would deliver are outweighed by the costs associated with the project.”
DfT said it would “work on alternative plans” to the expressway alongside building the East West Rail scheme.
Bonfires
Some residents have complained to the Parish Council about bonfires and nuisance smoke. The District Council is urging people not to light bonfires at this time to protect the respiratory health of the vulnerable and to avoid unnecessary burden on the NHS. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and smoke inhalation can impair people’s breathing. In addition to this, with larger numbers of people now working from home and also looking after children, the smoke from such bonfires can cause unnecessary nuisance to your neighbours.
If you feel that having a bonfire is the only option, it is important that you follow this advice:
- out of courtesy, inform your neighbours you are proposing to have a bonfire
- only burn dry ‘clean’ wood/garden waste
- do not burn household rubbish, such as plastic, foam, paint or rubber.
- do not light bonfires when the material is damp because this will generate more smoke
- do not use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire
- do not light bonfires when the wind is likely to blow smoke into neighbours’ homes or gardens
- do not leave bonfires unattended, even if it is just smouldering.
To complain about a bonfire contact
www.southoxon.gov.uk/ Tel: 01235 422410
Dorchester Historical Society update
We are finally able to look hopefully at resuming meetings in the autumn, COVID-willing, and are looking at possibilities for interesting talks. We have not planned a group outing and will defer this until next year.
Updates will be sent direct to members and be published in Dorchester News and on the village website.
Many other historical societies and groups have gone down the Zoom route, and we hope you may have been able to join some of these. We ourselves chose not to explore these options, or greater use of social media, as we just don’t have the skills or capacity in our present committee. We would need a new, dedicated committee member to take this forward. Any offers?
We look forward to meeting you all again later in the year. And please do let us have any ideas you may have for future activities.
Margot Metcalfe, Chairman