Short but interesting news snippets from Thame

Death of Eric Gladwin – Thame.Net was sad to hear of the death of Eric Gladwin, late of Ludsden Grove, Thame. Eric was a poet and thinker and sang for many years with both Thame Choral Society and Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus. He was a pioneer of the Hiring industry, establishing Helpful Hirings in 1963. Eric’s funeral will be held on August 1, 2017, at 12 mid-day at St Mary’s church in Thame.

Image courtesy of Edinburgh Evening News

CCTV could be used to catch dog fouling – Thame Town Council is to approach the authorities to see if CCTV footage can be used to identify the owners of dogs who are allowed to foul the pavement – a particular increase of which has been identified in the Upper High Street, Thame.

Noise Patrols to be carried out at Thame Fair – These will be carried out throughout the period of Thame Fair, September 20-23, 2017, by Thame Town Councillors and officers, to ensure that the noise levels throughout the event do not exceed permitted levels, agreed with the Showmen’s Guild. Following the terrorist attacks in London and other European cities recently, extra barriers are to be erected to protect against similar incidents. Also, additional precautions have been added to the town council’s security plans for the fair, to incorporate emergency evacuation locations outside of the road closure areas, and a process for caring for vulnerable persons.

New solar powered Pay and Display machines at car parks – These are being installed at SODC car parks from next week. Payment will be able to be made by credit or debit card as well as coins, including the new £1. Old £1 coins will continue to be used until they go out of circulation on October 15. Payment will also be possible using a mobile phone via the Connect Cashless system. When using the new machines, you will need to type in your vehicle registration on the key pad before payment is made.

The machines will be powered by solar panels, making them more environmentally friendly. SODC operated car parks in Thame are those at the Cattlemarket and Southern Road Recreation Ground.

New waste and recycling trucks – New waste and recycling trucks are being introduced across the district in the autumn to replace old vehicles that have become unreliable.

Skatepark Summer Jam – This year’s Thame Skatepark Summer Jam, will run from 11am – 5pm on Sunday. August 6. There will be jam style competitions, prizes, music, food, and all round good times. Stay up to date via the Thame Skatepark Project Group on Facebook.

Affordable and shared ownership housing – A number of rented and shared ownership homes will be available from spring 2018, at new housing developments in Wheatley and Great Haseley for people with a local connection. Find out more on our Homechoice website HERE

Shared ownership schemes are also available to help you purchase a home. Find out more on the Help to Buy website

Black Horse Pub Planning approved – Planning permissions for various alterations and works at the Black Horse Pub in Thame, have been granted, making it more likely that the establishment will be taken over by The White Brasserie Co Ltd, in which Raymond Blanc has an interest. See LINK

New burial ground to be consecrated – This formal ceremony will be carried out sometime in October 2017, so that burials can begin to take place at the former allotments site at Priest End,  in 2018. The site is expected to provide space for burials for a period of up to ten years.

Hedge lowered at Skate Park for easier observation by police – Thame Town Council has reduced the height of hedging at the Skate Park, at the request of the police, to allow easier observation from the road, in an effort to deter anti-social behaviour there.