Can you help us – please?
The parish council has limited funds with which to look after the area we all live in. From time-to-time ad hoc tasks need attention. It’s clear that South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council have less money to play with. Indeed, no doubt you’ll have noticed the ‘rewilding’ of roadsides and elsewhere; this appears to be cover for saving money… by not cutting grass. This means that the parish will have to cover more of their responsibilities.
Parish councillors have a choice when it comes to maintenance:
- We can choose to pay contractors for work to be carried out (but that means less for other things that we need to do).
- We can undertake the work ourselves (with help), or
- We leave the matter unattended (which is less than ideal).
The council doesn’t want to increase the precept – which feeds into council tax – any more than necessary. It also doesn’t want the parish to go to rack and ruin. That leaves us with only the second of the options – doing what we can ourselves.
Where you come in
The parish council wants to create a network of parishioners who are happy to be called upon to lend an occasional hand. The network will be run via a WhatsApp group. When up and running, a call for help will be put out and those available asked to respond. Residents not on WhatsApp can be called by phone.
It’s hoped that we won’t need to make regular requests but when one is made there will be no pressure to help.
So, can you help us build a network of community-minded people who have a little time, on occasion, to give to the parish? As long as your fit and over 16 you’ll be welcomed. And if you’re new to the parish, it should be a great way to meet others.
If you are interested, please email or call 07785 905120.
