Highways
Aston View – Google Maps We continue to work towards solving the google issue of traffic being directed along Aston View to get to the Heyford Park businesses, this is not only a problem to Aston View but it is bringing some unnecessary traffic through Somerton. We have contacted Google numerous times to get this corrected, it seems the lights are on but no-one is home! We have also reached out to Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) and Cherwell District Council (CDC). UPDATE: – 25 Sept. OCC have fitted a new sign that may at least help the traffic find Heyford Park without exploring Aston View.
We still need to fix this on Google, so If there are any techies out there that may be able to help then please do get in touch with Cllr Deborah Critchley who is leading this task.
Drainage
Parish Councillors met with OCC officers In August, firstly to try to find solutions to the drainage issues in Somerton, especially in Water Street. There will be an overhaul of the drains in Somerton, hopefully this financial year. The Parish Council will keep pushing with OCC for this to happen. Please continue to report any issues on Fixmystreet which will keep the pressure on!
Traffic Measures: – Positive news on the Section 106 front as OCC have released some funds for traffic measures in Somerton. £15,697available now and more funding to follow later. Funds are held with OCC and are released for approved initiatives. A Somerton Traffic Group is being formed to drive the process forward, Draft plans are in the pipeline with OCC, and we look forward to sharing these with the village in the near future. If you would like to be involved, please contact Cllr Alison Smith.
Mirror – You may have noticed, the PC recently replaced the mirror at the junction of Water Street and Ardley Road, after the old one was no longer functioning. Many thanks to Cllr Tony Callow for making this happen and fitting the new Mirror.
Grass Verges We are looking at producing verge management policy on grass cutting in our village, we are currently looking at all the evidence and best practice, we will be consulting parishioners about it later in the year and hope to have a policy for next year. Cllr Deborah Critchley and Cllr Kay Bishop are leading this initiative. Watch this space for more info.
Road resurfacing & repairs: We continue to push OCC for a new road resurfacing which has been postponed and put back for the last few years, please continue to report any issues on Fixmystreet, the App is really very simple to use. There is also the option of registering as a Somerton Fixmystreet Superuser, this requires some initial training but would increase the level of priority to reports. Cllr Tony Callow is signing up for this, If you are interested in getting involved please get in touch with Cllr Tony Callow
Clean Road Signs, Chicanes etc. We have been chasing OCC for a “works gang” for a general tidy up & repairs in our village. Funds are tight with OCC and this may prove to be difficult but it has been promised. Perhaps, if we wish to get some cleaning done this year, a team of volunteers could be rallied to clean signs and tidy up the chicanes on Heyford Road and Ardley Road. Many thanks to Cllr Tony Callow for making a start with this on the Heyford Road. if you would like to help, with our own Somerton “Works Gang” please contact Cllr Tony Callow who will be coordinating a team of volunteers.
