MORE BRIGHT IDEAS FROM THE WODC
We have been accused on this website of being anti- the District Council. This is completely unfair. It is true that we think their behaviour over the Pool closure has been unforgivable. We think their decision to cut back on the Tourism budget and save money on Visitor centres is completely batty. Their failure so far to be pro-active about ensuring employment opportunities are created if Parker Knoll leave the town defies understanding. We think they have been badly investing the 60m of our money which they have in the bank and have been wasting everybody's time in producing a torrent of useless strategy papers. Their failure to help provide any youth facilities in the town (even their much-trumpeted "mobile" skateboard park) is a scandal. But we are happy to bestow praise where it seems due. In the middle of their current frantic round of cost-cutting the District have found the time and money to come up with two really imaginative schemes - proudly detailed this week on their website

SCHEME 1
A European funded programme is helping to address the perceived loss of rural skills in West Oxfordshire. The LEADER+ programme has contributed towards the setting up a Rural Crafts Network and appointing a Project Officer- Nicola Williamson. Over the next 12 months, Nicola will meet with rural craft workers and those interested in learning these skills.  This will help her to facilitate training opportunities.  Already taster sessions in stone carving, hurdle and basket making, willow work, green wood working are being planned. 

SCHEME 2
It is recommended that the Cabinet approve the implementation of an updated Design Awards Scheme promoting good design, innovation and environmental conservation in West Oxfordshire. Initial nominations to be made by the local councils and schools. Nominations from the public would be invited through publicity on the website and in local newspapers. The nominations will be filtered by a team comprising Members and key officers. A voting process will then be open to all.

So...we may not have jobs, a pool. a visitor's centre, or a skateboard park but we will have good design and basket weaving. I'm just a ratepayer - Get me out of here!