08/11/10….Don’t forget about community facilities in Core Strategy

DEAR Editor, the Thame Cattlemarket Action Group has sent the following letter to Councillor Angie Patterson, at South Oxfordshire District Council:

Dear Angie, We note from the local press that the local strategic plan will be presented for scrutiny on 9th November 2010.

Recent debate in Thame has been overwhelmingly dominated by the issue of site allocation for additional housing in Thame with very little discussion about infrastructure and facilities.

Members of CMAG are very concerned that a town of currently over 11,000 inhabitants and set to rise by at least 1000, also serving surrounding villages, has no community centre or substantially sized venue,that would be effective for varied purposes.

A recent meeting called by Thame town council, attended by 500+ people had to be held in St Mary?s church, which has obvious limitations for use. We urge the District Council to develop a strategy for Thame that includes a new community building where all age groups with varying interests can carry out their leisure and business activities.

When the livestock market relocates and the cattle market is redeveloped there will be an opportunity to plan for a community building for the town.

Please make sure that the new core strategy recognises the need and does not overlook a new community building in Thame.

Yours sincerely
Helena Richards
Secretary CMAG(Thame Cattle Market Action Group)