Thame’s economic development in danger of being left behind

THE future economic development of Thame is in danger of stalling if the town council fails to give its support to the draft Economic Development plan currently being put together by South Oxfordshire District Council.

This was one of the conclusions made by the Leader of the district council, Ann Ducker, when asked today (06/05/09) about the progress of Thame’s Economic Development plan.

Economic Development plans for all four market towns in the district came about after wide consultations and work shops throughout the district and both Henley and Wallingford are already implementing parts of their plans.

After submitting its views on the proposed plan after the closing date, Thame Town Council’s comment was that it was “unfit for purpose,” said Mrs Ducker.

“Since then, we have met with the Town Clerk and the Mayor of Thame and other councillors, but they did not seem to have a lot of time for the plan. The council has been asked for its own ideas on the future economic development of the town but so far, they had not been received by SODC.”

“We need those ideas,” said Mrs Ducker, so that others in the process can consider them alongside what has already been proposed.”

She added, “We need to keep the impetus going for this plan and are trying to find some way to push it on. The SEEDA (South East Economic Development Agency) funding available to take these plans forward, is soon to be reduced and Thame could miss out.”

Mrs Ducker concluded: “We like partnerships and we would of course like Thame Town Council on board, but we cannot afford to stand still.”

Today, Wednesday (06/05/09), the Mayor of Thame, Don Butler, said that a letter with the town council’s views and ideas had been sent yesterday, (Tuesday) and that he felt unable to comment further.

Photo: Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, Ann Ducker.