CURRENT HEADINGTON FORUM NEWLETTER

'STUDIO THEATRE FOR HEADINGTON ?'

The one clear recommendation that emerged from the first meeting of the Headington Forum on the 10th June at the Oxford United Ground was for the setting up of a performance area - a sort of studio theatre - with a music, theatre and leisure potential - which could transform the image of Headington and provide a central location for funding of the Headington area. Mr. B. Ross-Smith explained a disused hall might be its first location which could be expanded as it attracted resources and funding from local institutions such as the John Radcliffe and Brookes University which have so far contributed little to the Headington community.

The meeting otherwise largely confirmed the view of Headington put forward in a recent Oxford Mail editorial as the maiden aunt in a family - rarely moaning and consequently overlooked. The views expressed at the sometimes boisterous meeting ranged from the particular - state of the pavements, the derelict area in front of the Co-op, the lack of turfing in front of the goal posts in Bury Knowle Park to more general concerns. These included the lack of parking (which will be exacerbated by the proposed residents parking scheme), the consequential lack of variety of shops (pointed out by Mrs. S. Jenkins) the transient nature of the large student and medical populations, the future of the OUFC ground (particularly if it is used for high density student housing) and above all, the lack of a swimming pool / leisure facility as enjoyed by Cowley, Summertown and Blackbird Leys!

The acting chairman, Mr. T.Fenley, said the main lack was of any strategic long term plan for Headington and whether the area was getting a fair share of resources. The three city councillors present made a spirited defence of the Council's policy and pointed out the difficulties involved and the vigourous efforts being made to overcome these difficulties. However Mr. M.Ponting, a member of the Headington Business Association struck a sombre note, when he explained in detail the efforts and work of the Association in its negotiations with, and detailed representations to, the Council over many years and the paucity of the results from those efforts. Mr. H.Brack received a round of applause when he argued that what was necessary was the need to form a group to put pressure on the authorities to get things done.

The campaign organiser, Mr. N.Newman, put forward the case for an ad-hoc committee to progress the future plans and monitor the progress of the Headington Forum. However, the meeting decided to await a Council funded study on the purely commercial core area of Headington due to be published in July and a meeting of the Forum would be arranged when the Council's response to this study had been published. Our maiden aunt will have to patiently wait to find out if she is still being ignored.

From: Nicholas Newman, Headington Forum, Campaign Organiser,
[email protected] tel:762710, fax:01865-741817

From: Nicholas Newman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Headington Forum Press Release for meeting on 10 June
Date: Thursday, June 03, 1999 11:45 PM

RELEASE DATE 28 MAY 1999 HEADINGTON FORUM PRESS RELEASE WORD COUNT 300.

NEW DEAL, FIGHT FOR HEADINGTONS FUTURE

Headington thinks that, as Oxfords much put upon maiden aunt, as aptly described in the Oxford Mail Editorial ( March 4,1999, page 8) it is time to stop being overlooked and ignored, and start fighting for a new deal and future for Headington.

To do this the Headington Forum is having its first public meeting to discuss, and plan the fight for Headingtons regeneration, at the Oxford United Manor Ground Social Club at 8pm on the 10 June 1999. All concerned citizens are welcome. On the agenda will be topics covering the much commented issues of:
 the extension of the Residents Parking Scheme,
 the future of the Manor Ground,
 the closed petrol station at the Co-op Supermarket,
 the lack of decent concert, community, arts, cultural and leisure facilities,
 traffic congestion and safety, buses, crime and pollution,
 the run down nature and neglect of the shopping centre,
library and parks the need for regeneration and a new deal for Headington,
 the need to set up a Parish Council in order to get Headingtons voice heard and get things done.

The need for Headington Forum to be set up is demonstrated by the following comments made to the organisers of Headington Forum.
 A resident lamented, the Council keeps making promises, doing studies, reports, and consultations, but little actually gets done.
 A businessman bemoaned about the Council, I am ashamed of Headington, they make promises, but dont give a firm date when things will be implemented.
 A shopkeeper remarked about the performance of the politicians during the local elections in Headington, Its typical they were all over you during the local elections, but not to be seen since, and I was annoyed at the ignorance of some of the politicians who spoke to me about Headington, during the campaign.
 A local pressure group organiser stated, I am fed up at the way the Council uses meetings with local pressure groups, as support for their actions or in-action. A shopper commented, what a waste of money, this plan to pave over the (Headington Post Office) lay byes again.
 A parent grumbled at the state of the disused petrol station by the Co-op supermarket and St Andrews Primary School, its an eyesore and looks dangerous for the children, and when is something going to be done about it?
 
 A householder complaining about the new Residents Parking scheme, there wont be enough room to park! A teenager groaned, theres nothing to do here!
 A property investor stated, the lack of economic development opportunities, due to the lack of a clear vision for Headington and the uncertainty over the future of the Manor Ground makes it difficult to invest, despite the demand for new employment space in Oxfords suburbs.

For further information contact: Nicholas Newman, Headington Forum Campaign Organiser on: tel:01865-762710; fax:01865-741817 or e-mail: [email protected]