Appleton with Eaton Parish Council and our local superuser (a volunteer who can sometimes fast-track highways related issues, such as pothole repair) met with representatives from the County Council and a representative from the District Council specialising in drainage earlier this month to discuss the issues of drainage and subsequent road damage at Oaksmere.  Some other issues in the area were discussed. Here are some updates:

1. The County Council (OCC) is going to do a flush-through of the pipe on Oaskmere under the field entrance by the large pothole/cone .  This work will be done in the realm of the 28/29th of January.  OCC believes that if this is blocked, a flush through may prevent the water rising further up the road, south, towards the A420, and flowing across the road.
2. OCC is hopeful that the above will also eliminate the water rising in the verge further south.  Thames Water has also been asked to investigate whether the water main under the verge is leaking and test the water.
3. Potholes – Once OCC has been successful in stopping the water on the road, there will need to be initial targeted pothole work as a temporary repair to the worst affected areas. Further larger scale resurfacing will follow in the new financial year.
4. Pool/junction under railings at the bridge – OCC has passed this onto their cyclic team to look at. Our contact will impress on the team that it should be done sooner rather than later due to the Himalayan Balsam as any new growth will prevent it from happening once again.  
5. Railings around bridge- This is on the Bridge Maintenance Team’s list and due to be done in this financial year.  They are currently obtaining pricing.

The Council would very much like to thank our superuser for all of their efforts which have been instrumental inmoving issues forward.  If you are interested in becoming a supersuer, please contact either the Clerk at parishclerk@appleton-eaton-pc.gov.uk or OCC at volunteercoordinationteam@Oxfordshire.gov.uk.

In addition, the Council has been in touch with the Faringdon Area Traffic Advisory Committee (FATAC) which is chaired by our District Councillor.  FATAC has agreed that the speed at which vehicles enter Oaksmere is problematic and has asked OCC Highways to look at solutions, the main one being ‘’dragon’s teeth’’ road markings in a location further towards the A420 on the road entering Appleton.

If you have any other concerns, please do get in touch and we will do our best to put your queries to the best department for action.

As you’ll all know, there have been recent storms causing some localised flooding.  The Parish Council would like to provide residents with some information you may find helpful in planning for future storms.

Oxfordshire County Council – Flood Toolkit

Flooding – Vale of White Horse District Council

Check for flooding in England – GOV.UK

Floods and safeguarding older people during crises

What to do after a flood – GOV.UK

Here is a link to information on the village’s Flood Group if you have any questions on specific local flooding issues:  Flood Group – Appleton With Eaton