WTC supporting Young people, Sport, Culture, Environment 

It’s been a busy five years since Labour took control of the Witney Town Council (WTC) in May 2019.  Our current priorities are

Youth – We believe in helping our young people and building a stronger future for all since Labour took over Witney Town Council in 2019, we have taken great steps towards improving prospects and opportunities for young people in our community. Reinstating the Youth Services Grant has made a colossal difference to so many local charities, giving young people more opportunity to engage in musical and creative pursuits, and providing  funding for  charities that address the current mental health crisis amongst teenagers, this intervention has been truly life-changing. Many of our young people are struggling in the complex and unfair world we’re living in but well-funded youth services can help improve mental health, reduce antisocial behaviour, and help create a more cohesive and harmonious community.

Sport After years of Tory dither, Labour is working towards 5 new football pitches for Witney, 3 in West Ward, with a new AstroTurf soon to follow at a local school. We need more cocreation of wealth from community assets, not sell out.

Music – Your Labour-led Town Council has recently announced a new partnership with Witney Music Festival, safeguarding the future of this much loved event, which had historically not received the support it deserved. The new agreement will allow WMF to continue its wonderful work, showcasing incredible local musicians and boosting our local businesses and economy.

Corn Exchange – We have worked hard recently cut the ribbon on the brand new Corn Exchange, completed to a professional standard, proving that Labour can deliver on what the people of Witney want, and that our vision of creativity, culture and imagination is reaping rewards for our town.  The new facilities include

• sound and lighting, brand new modern seating and a cinema screen and projector
• redecoration of the Gallery room for use as a public venue
• seating capacity for over 100 people, used for many diverse acts and civic events

This community venue now creates revenue to make your council less dependent on council tax alone.

Marriotts Footfall and takings in Witney are UP – Christmas was up 60% year on year at Marriotts having been bought back from a German pension fund and there are offers on all shops in the precinct – good for taxpayers and good for trade across the town

Environment – We are working to improve the natural environment.  Our officers and in-house maintenance teams have the flexibility & expertise to address the residents requests for nature friendly management. Our open space strategy aims to improve biodiversity and habitat management. The Tiny Forest continues to flourish and due to our rapid adoption we inspired councils up and down the UK. We are planning for another successful Britain in bloom.

Our Park Ranger continues to improve the area around Witney Lake. A 200m stretch of hedgerow has been added to Snipe Meadow with the help of enthusiastic volunteers