Thame news catch up!

JPIMedia who own the Thame Gazette, has confirmed it will cease publishing the Thame Gazette and the Bucks Advertiser.

Both the Advertiser and Gazette had been run from JPIMedia’s Aylesbury office, which also produces the Bucks Herald and the Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser and Review.

No jobs will be lost as a result of any of the closures, but staff at the office ‘will now concentrate their resources on the surviving papers’.

‘Dig deep’ appeal for funds from Lord Bill’s

LORD Williams’s School in Thame, has launched a fundraising drive with a leaflet and video asking parents to set up regular payments.

The outstanding-rated academy, attended by2,107, originally launched a campaign because government funding wass not enough to meet rising costs.

A newsletter sent by headteacher, David Wybron in May, warned parents of a ‘looming financial crisis’ caused by increasing pension costs, and claiming that funding has been cut by eight per cent in real terms between 2017 and 2019.

He wrote: “We are struggling to cover the basics. We need your help more than ever to move forward with our plans to improve the school environment and the teaching and learning experiences that take place within it.”

David Wybron will be retiring as Head of Lord Williams’s at the end of this academic year and Mr Jon Ryder, the current Deputy Head, will take his place.

Homes for rent

DID you know that Soha Housing has modern homes to rent for over 55s?

Soha has built modern, one and two bed apartments for affordable rent, with staff on site. There are flats in Corbetts way in Thame, with similar flats in Goring and near Abingdon. All units have their own front door with level access. If you know someone who would welcome a safe environment, a lively community, and lovely grounds please contact lettings@soha.co.uk or call 0800 014 15 45 (Freephone). The picture shows a typical kitchen.

Police tackling Anti-social Behaviour in Thame

THAMES Valley Police has said that Anti-social Behaviour is currently one of its top priorities, as incidents are becoming more common with the lighter evenings and people staying out later. The Southern Road recreation ground and its car park next to the First Thame Scout Hut has been a particular hotspot for ASB.

“This will likely increase as the schools near their summer closure,” said a police spokesperson. “The Neighbourhood team is aware of these issues and is actively visiting and engaging with any groups to advise on acceptable behaviour and consideration for other users of the play area and Scout Hut, taking action where needed.”

Following reports of anti-social vehicle use at the Southern Road car park, the Thame Neighbourhood Team have engaged with groups to consider control measures, including Section 59 warning notices in respect of ASB connected to vehicles. Receiving this warning means that if the person or vehicle is used again in an anti-social manner, it can be seized. Signs have now been erected at the car park to warn users.

Thame Town Council is considering providing a CCTV in the Southern Road Car Park as a deterrance to ASB.

Illegal parking

THERE have been reports to the police of vehicles parking on the grass verges of Kings Close and Moats Crescent, in Thame, which the police say may cause damage, as well as being parked next to double yellow lines. They have pointed out that No Waiting restriction. marked by double yellow lines, also covers appropriate adjacent pavement and verges

“Therefore we would like to remind drivers that it is still against the law to park on such pavement and verge locations.” said a police spokesperson. “In addition, consideration may also be given to the offence of obstruction. The team has been patrolling these areas and will continue to respond to community concerns subject to other operational demands.”

‘Purse bells’

AS well as their regular Have Your Say meetings, PCSOs Maya Brien and Tom Kelly have visited Thame market to engage with market-goers and give out free purse bells, “we do not buy at this door” stickers and home security guides to keep them and their property safe.

“We met and talked with a lot of shoppers,” they reported, “with almost everyone taking a purse bell or two! We will endeavour to attend more market days.”

The next Have Your Say meeting will be at Thame Waitrose: 11am-12pm, Wednesday, June 21.

Good-bye Diane!

THAME’S much respected and long-time PCSO, Diane Jackson, has now finished her service with Thames Valley Police after 15 years, and has moved onto pastures new.

“PCSO Jackson has been an incredible and influential member of the neighbourhood team, having trained the majority of us and being a good friend!” said a member of the Neighbourhood team. “She will be missed by all and we wish her the very best in her new job. Thankyou Di !”

In other local officer news, PCSO Maya Brien has now become PC Brien, and will also be leaving Thame to join Abingdon’s response team.

“Maya has been a hard working local PCSO” said a team spokesperson. We know she will be a valued addition to Abingdon, and we wish her well for her new role!