Bodies finally recovered from Didcot Power Station
Since February of this year a cloud has hung over us all following the tragic collapse of boiler house at Didcot Power Station that killed four men.
After many months and much anguish the last body has now finally been recovered. Michael Collings, 53, Ken Cresswell, 57, John Shaw, 61, and Chris Huxtable, 34, all lost their lives during the accident whilst the building was being prepared for a controlled demolition. The discovery of their bodies will hopefully be of some small comfort to the families who have waited so long to have their loved ones returned. I am also extremely grateful for the work of Oxfordshire’s emergency services and the recovery teams have have worked for months on the gruesome task of picking through the rubble for the victims.
Swimming pool reopens
I am delighted that the swimming pool at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre has reopend on time following a £400,000 revamp. There are new showers and disabled toilets as well as improvements to signage and retiling of the pool. The major work however is unseen by the public and involved repairs to the concrete supports that under the pool. The work should give at least 20 years more life to the pool.
During the closure many people were able to take advantage of the Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool. The weather has been kind and with the swimming lessons being moved to the outdoor pool more than 35,000 visits were made to the facility which is due for a majori overhaul itself before it reopens for the next season.
Have your say on Oxfordshire’s health
Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) along with our local NHS trusts (representing hospitals and ambulance services) are asking Oxfordshire’s residents their views on health and care in the county. There are major challenges ahead with an ageing population and increasing demand on NHS services so the planning for future services will affect us all. You can find out more and have your say at www.oxonhealthcaretransformation.nhs.uk.
A new number to call when the lights go out
A new national phone line has been launched to make it easier to report power cuts in your area and get help and advice.
The free-to-dial 105 number was developed by the energy industry to help clear up confusion about who to contact. People can call 105 from most landlines and mobile phones, no matter who they choose to buy electricity from.
First refugee family arrives in the Vale
The first of six families of Syrian refugees have arrived in the Vale of White Horse from UN refugee camps. The District Council has been working closely with the British Red Cross to ensure that they settle in to their new home as they seek to make a new life for themselves after fleeing the terrible suffering in Syria.
A special thank you must go to the many Churches, voluntary groups and generous individuals who have been working so hard to help provide support for those arriving in our community.
Welcoming Revd Alec Gill
Earlier this month I was delighted to represent the Vale at a special service to license Revd Alec Gill as Assistant Vicar for the Vale Benefice. The packed service, conducted by the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher OBE, was attended by representative from many communities and many organisations.
As with all those who dedicat their time to the service of others in the Vale I wish him all the very best for the future.
Boundary Park Pavillion opens to the public
The doors have opened on a brand new £4million sports facility at Great Western Park. Funding for the building and pitches has been secured by the local district councils and the new centre is home to Didcot Cricket Club, Didcot Rugby Club and Harwell and Hendred Youth Football Club.
The launch event at the start of September was fantastically well attended and the new centre will be a great asset for Great Western Park and the wider community.