NEW PARISH PLAN WEBSITE

Check out the new website for the Community Led Parish Plan – keeps you up to date with progress on Action Plans to take our community up until 2024

http://bcscommunityledparishplan.org.uk/

NEW ON THE WEBSITE

Check out the news pages for Ann Linton's wreath-making morning, the Brightwell donkey who made headlines – and new faces at the Community Association (including an easier-to-find web page).

Hugh's last blast....

Also, visit the Photo Gallery for pictures of the Teddy Bear Parachute Drop and the opening of St Agatha's new meeting room (plus all-important new loos!)

http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/photo_gallery.php?catID=1283

SITE B GETS GO-AHEAD FOR DEVELOPMENT

Over 500 new houses could eventually be built on the Brightwell side of Wallingford – 'Site B' – after the planning inspector has given the go-ahead to SODC's core strategy.

While the inspector concedes that there is little to choose between Site B and Site E – on the Winterbrook side of the town – he has eventually agreed with the council's choice of Site B as the preferred option.

To follow his reasoning, read pages 17 to 24 of the full report on the SODC website.

http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/core-strategy-inspectors-report

MAGIC MUSHROOMS

Derek Brooker spotted this weird fungus when he was out walking with his grandson in the Millennium Wood, and asked us to find out if anyone knew what it was.

We put his photo on the website on Sunday afternoon, and by early evening he had the answer. According to Paul Chilton, it's Shaggy Ink Cap. It's said to be edible if you pick it when young and eat within 24 hours – but, says Paul, "If serving, enjoy, but don't bother to invite me!"

History doesn't repeat whether mushroom tart was on the menu in the Brooker household this weekend – but it certainly shows how quickly the web can provide answers.

POTHOLES!

One unfortunate cyclist contacted the website recently to say he had caught his back wheel in a pothole, irreparably damaging the rim. Most of the big potholes in the village have been filled in, but there are still some lurking ready to catch the unwary.

Apparently, potholes are the County Council's bag. If you've had a similar experience, you should take a photo of the offending hole (plus any damage it has done) and send it to Oxfordshire County Council Highways Department. Alternatively, if you contact Lucy Dalby, the Parish Council clerk, at bcsparishcouncil@googlemail.com she will report it for you.

WANT FASTER BROADBAND?

Frustrated at how slowly your village website appears on your screen? A simple speed check could help Oxfordshire County Council build a case for better broadband – and, in the short term, could help you decide whether you are getting the best value for money.

Taking part is easy:

1. Check your internet speed at a site such as  http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk This will tell you not only your own broadband speed, but that of anyone else in the neighbourhood who has taken the test.

2. Put in the results on the short survey to be found at  http://www.oxonline.co.uk.

The OxOnline project – set up to take advantage of the government's Broadband Delivery UK initiative – aims to bring improved broadband speeds to the area by 2015. As the most rural county in the South East, there is a danger that Oxfordshire will be left behind as broadband providers concentrate on more lucrative urban areas. Your survey contributions will help the council demonstrate a demand for improved service using evidence not available to them in any other way.

WELCOME BACK TO THE VILLAGE STORES BLOG!

Thanks to Chris Baines for reviving the blog. Check it out at http://brightwellvillagestores.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-blog-is-back_9.html