Working for Our Parish – Current Projects and Priorities

There is plenty happening across St Helen Without at the moment, with the Parish Council progressing a number of projects aimed at improving our local environment, community facilities and everyday life for residents.

Here is a snapshot of some of the work currently underway.

Putting biodiversity at the heart of our work

The Parish Council is working to turn its Biodiversity Policy into practical action across the parish.

This will help us consider biodiversity when making decisions about areas such as grounds maintenance, planting, trees and management of our green spaces. The aim is to find a sensible balance between keeping our public spaces attractive and well maintained while also creating opportunities for wildlife and improving the natural environment.

Creating a Community Orchard

One of the most exciting projects being developed is a proposed Community Orchard at Dry Sandford Recreation Ground.

The vision is to create an attractive community space incorporating fruit trees and other biodiversity features, providing benefits for both residents and wildlife.

Considerable work has already gone into developing the proposals and exploring external funding. If successful, the orchard will become an important practical example of the Parish Council’s wider biodiversity ambitions, as well as creating a community asset that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Working to improve safety on Barrow Road

Road and pedestrian safety on Barrow Road continues to be an important priority.

Oxfordshire County Councillor James Plumb recently arranged an on-site visit attended by Parish Councillors, a Barrow Road resident and officers from Oxfordshire County Council’s Traffic & Road Safety team.

A number of possible improvements were discussed, particularly around the narrow section near Church Farm and the Old Manor entrance. The next important step is gathering reliable, up-to-date traffic data so that potential solutions can be properly considered with Oxfordshire County Council.

Exploring a Community Library for Shippon

The Parish Council is also exploring the possibility of introducing a small Community Library in Shippon.

The idea is to provide an accessible place where residents can borrow, exchange and donate books, creating a simple community resource for people of all ages.

We are currently considering possible locations and how the library could work in practice, and we hope to share more information as the idea develops.

An additional litter bin for Shippon

Sometimes the smaller improvements can make a real difference too.

The Parish Council is progressing plans for an additional litter bin in Shippon and is working through the necessary arrangements with Oxfordshire County Council, including the installation requirements for the proposed location.

It is a relatively modest project, but one that we hope will help residents and contribute towards keeping the village clean and tidy.

Keeping residents informed

These projects are at different stages and some will require further consultation, permissions, funding or partnership working before they can be delivered.

However, together they reflect the Parish Council’s commitment to making practical improvements across St Helen Without – protecting and enhancing our environment, improving safety, supporting our communities and looking after the places we all share.

We will continue to provide updates as each of these projects progresses.