OCC News across the county
New special schools: The county council is planning two new special schools in the Didcot area to serve southeast Oxfordshire. One will specialise in educating children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) needs. Another special school is due to be built within the Valley Park development, and will specialise in educating children with Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and other needs.
Taking on potholes: OCC is launching a £7m programme this spring to refurbish nearly 100 roads across the county this spring from 8 April to 3 June. It is the biggest surface dressing programme for 20 years. The £7m is made up of £2.6m from the department for transport and additional budget for highways agreed in the 2024/2025 Lib Dem/Green budget (not supported by the Tories).
Money for cycling and walking: Oxfordshire has been awarded £2.384 million for improving walking and cycling infrastructure. The award will be used for expansion of the school streets programme countywide and projects in Abingdon and Witney.
Tenants welcomed into supported housing: Adults with learning disabilities and autism have moved into new accommodation in Witney, purchased by OCC. A further four homes are planned, including in Horspath.
News in brief
EV chargers: Oxfordshire has won another £3.6m to upgrade EV infrastructure
Buy loose: Campaign to reduce food waste launched
Updates in the towns and villages
Woodstock
Softer replacement bulbs are replacing the white LED ones in the High Street in the coming weeks to be more in keeping.
Have made several visits to the County Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire exhibitions recently.
Bladon
The serious accident on the junction on the 50mph stretch of road between Bladon and Long Hanborough near to the Lower Road junction. Emergency services had to close the road. I have asked the cabinet member to prioritise this for action as this appears to be a recurring accident spot needing attention.
Glympton
Consultation about to start for the approach roads in and out of Glympton on a 30 to 20mph scheme.
Sandford St Martin
Schedule works on the 30 to 20 mph about to start.\
Andy Graham
County Councillor – Woodstock Division