WAR MEMORIAL TREE WORKS COMPLETED
A big thank you to all the residents who made space for the tree pruning contractor to do their work at the War Memorial last week. We are pleased with the result which now allows more light into this important area which we felt was becoming too enclosed. In addition, it ensures the trees remain safe and encourages good quality new growth in the future.
BAMPTON POST OFFICE
We are delighted to announce that Abdul Bajwa, Bampton’s Postmaster since 2010, has signed a new lease with the Parish Council for the Post Office in the Town Hall.
With so many rural towns losing their post offices, to be able to retain ours for the next few years is something we are really pleased about, and we know how important the Post Office is for so many people in the community.
Abdul came to Bampton in April 2010 when the Post Office was then in Bridge Street. Later that year it moved to the Town Hall where we can now see it staying for some time to come. We would like to thank Abdul and his family for the fantastic service they continue to provide to the community.
BAMPTON PLAY PARKS
As those who follow Facebook’s Bampton Oxfordshire page will know, there has been some concern in the village about the Parish Council’s decision to close Bampton's play parks following the latest Government advice.
The Parish Council and Bampton Recreation Ground Trust had our monthly meetings on Zoom last Wednesday (January 13th), and as part of those meetings we discussed the playparks. We examined the Government's updated regulations, along with the revised risk assessment report we prepared, and also checked the advice receive from our insurers. In addition, we took into account emails from concerned residents and the willingness of some villagers to help with the practicalities of re-opening.
As a result, the Council decided that with certain reservations, Pembroke Place Play Park could be re-opened and we are working towards that. We have already purchased some new large signs and put additional measures in place to ensure that 2m distancing can be complied with – this does mean some items of equipment will be closed off. Numbers are restricted and children cannot attend the park unaccompanied by an adult. We will carry out random spot checks.
However, we are not able to clean equipment as we have in the past, so would be pleased to hear from any resident prepared to help us with this, as well as manage and monitor usage. It is extremely important to the Council and Trustees that our playparks are not conduits for the spread of Covid 19, particularly now there is a more virulent strain of the virus. If you would like to offer help please email webmaster@bamptonoxon-parishcouncil.gov.uk
In brief, if we can open Pembroke Place Play park this week, we will. This will provide some additional play space for younger children. IF there is evidence that guidance is not being followed, however, we will be forced to close it in accordance with our revised risk assessment.
Mercury Close Play Park, will remain closed for now. The reason for this is that there is evidence that the Mercury Close Park, despite being fenced, has been accessed when closed, making it impossible to ensure compliance with our risk assessment.
The Council and Recreation Ground Trust also run the Recreation Ground - over 17 acres - which remains open, as does Sandford Field in the centre of the village. Both offer open space where parents and their children can play and exercise together.
BAMPTON PARISH COUNCIL – BAMPTON RECREATION GROUND CHARITY
WODC COVID-19 Sources of Support for Residents
Bampton Parish Council Events
