Street Dancing comes to Summertown [23 July 2010]

Street Dancing is the fastest growing dance form and is even beinig seen as an art form. Now Street Dancing is coming to Summertown. Steffi Hall is starting classes at the North Oxford Community Centre. The frst class is on Monday 26 July frm 6-7pm and is open to anyone aver the age of 15 and of any ability. As Steffi says, 'Its a great way to get toned and keep fit whilst enjoying yourself dancing like the guys/girls on the music videos'. Email Steffi for more information.

 

Last chance to comment on Alexandra Courts [20 July 2010]

The online consultation carried out by the City Council to gather residents' views on the Alexandra Tennis Courts is coming to an end. The closing day is 23 July. The questionnaire is at this site.

 

Apprentice finalist supports call for reduced rents [17 July 2010]

Saira Khan, Apprentice finalist and now Summertown resident, has added her voice to our calls for reduced rents and rates for independent Summertown businesses. She fears that shopping districts in the city centre and Summertown are in danger of being swamped by chain stores because small firms cannot afford the high rents and rates. As she says in an article in the Oxford Times, “I’m fed up of high streets looking the same. I don’t think it needs to be the case in Oxford". She has called on independent local businesses to to form a network so that their voice will be heard.

 

St Edward's Art Exhibition [5 July 2010]

For a chance to enjoy and even buy new art by St Edward’s A-Level artists, why not visit the Emerging Talent 2010 exhibition at the North Wall Arts Centre in South Parade.

       Very few schools mount professional exhibitions of final-year art work, and St Edward’s is to be congratualted for showcasing their talented young artists in an exhibition open to the general public.

       The pupils are exhibiting and selling their art partly to learn what’s involved in mounting and promoting an exhibition, but also to raise funds for gap year projects, university and charities.

       The exhibition opens on Sunday 11th July, 2 – 4pm, and then from Monday 12th – Friday 16th July, 11am - 4pm.

 

 

Liscious opening Summertown shop [29 June 2010]

Work has begun to convert the old Videosyncratic shop on South Parade into a new Liscious shop. Offering a collection of furniture and objects, an interior design service and upholstery, Liscious has been a welcome presence in the area for some years. The shop will formally open in September and will, for some months, be run in tandem with the shop in Jericho. This is a very welcome addition to Summertown .

 

Pizza Express Survey results [25 June 2010]

We have now closed our survey of how residents and businesses see the arrival of Pizza Express in Summertown and the wider issues it raises. 68.7% of respondents were against the use of the ex-Ripples showroom as a Pizza Express restaurant. Full results here.

 

Low Carbon Oxford North public meeting [16 June 2010]

The first public meeting of the Low Carbon Oxford North group will be held on Thursday 15 July from 7-9pm at North Oxford Association community centre in Diamond Place.

 

Lemon Tree granted licence [10 June 2010]

After initial pleasure at the news that the Lemon Tree was to re-open, residents who live near the restaurant were alarmed to discover that the owner, Clinton Pugh, had applied for a licence to allow music, dancing and the sale of alcohol until 1.30 each morning.
      This application was considered at the City Licensing Panel yesterday and the application was granted with the following conditions. No entry after 11pm. Sunday closure at 1130, rest of the week at 0200. Entertainments and alcohol to be ‘ancillary to the restaurant use’. Noise at nearby properties to be limited to 45dB.
       Clinton Pugh said he did not want to run a nightclub but did want to be able to hold events of various kinds involving dancing and music until 1.30.

 

Oxfam shop celebrates 25 years [3 June 2010]

Oxford residents are being invited to help create a celebration to mark 25 since the Oxfam shop in Summertown moved into its current premises at 223 Banbury Road.

      On 12 June 2010 the shop will celebrate its silver jubilee year with a display of local photos showing Summertown as it was in the year when the miners’ strike ended, Live Aid raised millions for the Ethiopian famine and Margaret Thatcher was refused an honorary degree by Oxford University. There will be Fairtrade food, eighties fashion, children’s activities and music in and around the Banbury Road shop. Local people are being asked to bring photos of the shop in the 1980s.

      ‘We hope lots of people will look through old photo albums and bring in their snapshots showing Banbury Road and Summertown in the 1980s,’ says shop manager Janet Willis. ‘It would be great to see local people and the streets and shops as they were in those days – especially if the Oxfam shop is in the picture. If you’re passing the shop, do drop in with your photos or send them to us by email . Click here for more details.

 

Cherwell meadows to be preserved [29 May 2010]

The Oxford Preservation Trust is negotiating to buy land on the east bank of the Cherwell from Tesco and Oxford City Council. The land is across the river from the Summer Field playing fields and the bottom of Lonsdale Road. Both owners are willing to sell and it is likely the land will be saved as water meadows and grazing land for future generations to enjoy.

 

Government change affects Northern Gateway [28 May 2010]

The new Government has said that it will get rid of the South East Plan under which Councils were required to earmark land for housing development. With this obligation removed, the case for the development of the Northern Gateway site loses a lot of its bureaucratic validity.

 

Pizza Express Appeal [21 May 2010]

Pizza Express is appealing against the refusal of planning permission to allow them to use Twining House as a restaurant. They argue in the appeal that Council's calculation of A1 units in Summertown, a key test when assessing change of use to a restaurant (A3), is incorrect and that the Council has given insufficient weight to what they see as the benefits to Summertown of having a Pizza Express. The appeal will be heard by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Full details are at www.oxford.gov.uk/planningapplications, using Application Search with the reference 10/00135/FUL.

 

Mark Haddon talk [12 May 2010]

Bestselling author Mark Haddon will be talking about his current show of paintings at the Sarah Wiseman Gallery on Wednesday 19 May at 6.30pm. Tickets are free, but limited to 30 places. Ring the gallery on 515123 to reserve your place.

 

Street Festival a success [10 May 2010]

Freezing winds, rain and thick cloud did not spoil the atmosphere at the annual Street Festival held last Saturday. Generously sponsored by Finders Keepers and d'Overbroeck's, the Festival started with a bang as Dnote took to the main stage, followed by the Immposters and Cooper Black. We were delighted to see Jez Cook with his trio and two new bands in the form of Empire Safari and Vibe. The stalls buzzed, faces were painted, and the crowd was entertained by Electric Cabaret's superb combination of mime, stiltwalking and living statue.

 

Lemon Tree to reopen [5 May 2010]

We learn that Clinton Pugh, the owner of the Lemon Tree, is planning to reopen the restaurant in the summer. It closed with a view to redevelopment as luxury apartments, and we imagine the current economic climate is the reason for the decision. We are sure that Summertown residents will be pleased by this news.

 

Summertown Street Festival [3 May 2010]

The organisers of the annual Street Festival, which takes place at the shops on the Banbury Road on 8 May from 10am to 1pm, report that everything is now in place for the usual mix of music, dance, performance and children's art activities. Everyone enjoys this lively morning which marks the beginning of Artweeks in Summertown. This year's Fancy Dress Parade will have a recycling theme.

 

Pizza Express refused [23 April 2010]

We hear that Pizza Express has been refused planning permission to turn the ex-Ripples bathroom store into a restaurant. The planners either think that Summertown has a surfeit of restaurants or that three pizza outlets is enough.

 

North Oxford Golf Course cuts rates [9 March 2010]

North Oxford Golf Club has slashed subscription rates to attract younger golfers and frozen green fee and society rates from 1 April 2010. Manager Bob Harris says, “Although the recession seems to have bottomed out we have taken steps to keep our reputation as the best value members’ club in the area”. The club has introduced two new categories to attract younger golfers – intermediate membership for 21-25 year olds for £395 and for 26-29 year olds for £595. Both categories include a £20 bonus to spend on food and drink in the clubhouse.

 

Opening of new Alexandra Park playground [28 February 2010]

The 'Grand Opening' of the brand new playground at Alexandra Park will be held on Saturday 27 March. Laura Evers, Chair of the Friends of Alexandra Park, tells us that ‘it will be a great fun day out for all and a chance to celebrate the successful completion of all the 'Friends of Alexandra Park' group, the council and many other organisations' hard work towards making such a great improvement to the play area’. 11am sees the ribbon cutting by the Deputy Lord Mayor, John Goddard, who will be introduced by BBC Oxford's Bill Heine. There will also be a drawing competition judged by Mini Grey, a bouncy castle, a mini-beast treasure hunt, snacks and drinks, face-painting, owls, basketball coaching and much more from 10am - 1pm.

 

Taize service at St Michael's [27 February 2010]

A new 30 minute candlelit Taizé service providing time and space for song, prayer, reflection, spirituality and silence is now beinig held in the beautiful Lady Chapel at St Michael and All Angels every Sunday at 6.30pm.

 

Susan Moxley exhibition at North Wall [19 February 2010]

Local artist Susan Moxley is holding an exhition called: The Female Form - Celebrating Women at The North Wall Arts Centre. The exhibition runs from Monday 22nd February to Friday 13th March, and includes a piece made up of the portraits of 100 women from Summertown and elsewhere. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.

 

Finders Keepers scoops four awards [19 February 2010]

Finders Keepers has won three awards in the Sunday Times 'Estate Agency of the Year' awards, one of them for Best UK Letting Agent. The also received the 'Employer of the Year' award from The Negotiator magazine.

 

Shop moves [18 February 2010]

We now hear that the new occupant of the Twining Building is to be Pizza Express. This will be Summertown's fourth pizza outlet. On a lighter note we are delighted to hear that Liscious may be taking over the lease for the shop in South Parade recently vacated by Videosyncratic.

 

Sculpture Garden is 10 years old [9 February 2010]

This year the Turrill Sculpture Garden, an oasis of calm behind the library in South Parade, is celebrating the the tenth anniversary of its opening. The current Winter exhibition is on until the end of the month and the first exhibition of the new season opens on Tuesday 2 March.

 

Change of use [4 February 2010]

It appears that the Twining building (294 Banbury Road) which was until recently the Ripples Bathroom showroom, and which longer-term residents will remember as Mr Denton's cycle shop, is to become a restaurant.The Council has received an application for change of use to a restaurant with 50 tables on the forecourt. There have been rumours for some time that the ASK pizza chain was looking for a site in Summertown; perhaps they have found one.

 

Shops closing [3 February 2010]

It is a sad day for Summertown as we learn that Joy, the lingerie boutique, and Videosyncratic, the dvd rental shop, are closing. Both shops are in South Parade and have provided a useful and friendly service to the residents of Summertown and further afield for many years. Videosyncratic is the victim in part of changing technology, but also of the ridiculously high rents now charged by landlords in Summertown. These rents are based on the sums paid by national chains such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks and bear no relation the realities of trading for small businesses.

 

More Snow in Summertown [13 January 2010]

Just as the streets were beginning to clear more snow arrived today causing very icy roads this morning and more problems for the shops and restaurants eager to attract customers after a slow start to the new year. Residents were starting to complain that the Council had made no effort to clear bus stops and other public amenity spaces and that those pavements that had been cleared had not been gritted. Bus stops have now been cleared and one of the pavements on the Banbury Road shops has been gritted. Council workers have been taken off refuse collection duties to help clear the snow.

 

Snow in Summertown [6 January 2010]

Residents woke this morning to find Summertown covered with a blanket of snow. In some places the snow was a foot deep, making this the heaviest snowfall since the 1980s. Snow showers continued during the day and temperatures are expected to fall tonight which will lead to very icy roads tomorrow.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [8 December 2009]

The Summertown Christmas lights have gone up one day earlier than we thought. We would like to thank Oxford City Council for its generous contribution to the Lights Fund and the following public-spirited Summertown businesses who have contributed this year: Finders Keepers, Shaw Gibbs, Savills, NFU Mutual, Knight Frank, M&S, and Brecon & Brecon, and Summertown Cycles who sponsored the Christmas tree and provided the bicycle wheels . . .

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [1 December 2009]

The Summertown Christmas lights will be going up, although the delay, caused by long debates with the County Council, means that they will not be put up before 9 December. The Christmas tree outside Finders Keepers will be going up and the lights will be switched on on Friday 4 December at 5pm. The organisers invite you to come along to share mince pies and mulled wine, kindly provided by M&S, and to see the lights go on.

 

Flash in the Pan Christmas shop moves [30 November 2009]

The Flash in the Pan Christmas shop has had to move at the last moment to 35 George Street. The change of venue was caused by the sudden closure of the company which owned the premises in the Turl.

 

Local artists open Christmas shop [25 November 2009]

Summertown artists Susan Moxley and Tess Blenkinsop are opening a Christmas shop at 16 Turl Street. The shop, called "Flash in the Pan" will be open from 4-19 December (closed Sundays) selling paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics, glass and many other items.

 

Evan Harris on Northern Gateway [5 October 2009]

Local MP Evan Harris eloquently expressed his reservations over the proposed Northern Gateway development at last week's North Area Committee meeting. Having pointed out that the development was not in accord with the regional plan for job creation and commercial development in Oxfordshire, he expressed concern that the various traffice issues, including air quality and the fact tha the A34 is at capacity, were not taken into account. He finished by suggesting that any development should be modelled on current economic conditions rather than projections from 2006.

 

St Michael's celebrates centenary [22 September 2009]

Summertown's parish church, St Michael and All Angels in Lonsdale Road, is celebrating its centenary. There will be a service to celebrate its 100th anniversary on Tuesday 29th September at 7.30pm. Leading the service will be the current vicar, Jan Rushton, and the former curate of St Michael’s, Bishop David Conner, who is now the Dean of Windsor. Everyone is welcome for this sung Eucharist.

 

Northern Gateway Hearing at the Town Hall [16 September 2009]

Cllr Fooks and Cllr McCready spoke against the proposal at the Hearing, as did Cllr Goddard, who concentrated his objections on traffic grounds. Local MP Dr Evan Harris spoke strongly against the proposal. The Highways Agency and the County Council both opposed the scheme very strongly because of the large increase in traffic, which may amount to an extra 500 vehicles in the peak hour. It emerged that the Cherwell District Council proposals for a matching development on the other side of the Oxford city boundary had been withdrawn but no reasons for this were given. The Inspector’s binding decision will be made in October or November, but he seemed to be unimpressed by at least some of the case put forward by the city council and the developers.

 

Northern Gateway meeting [3 September 2009]

The well-attended meeting at Cherwell School last night had a chance to hear details of the proposed development of 'Northern Gateway'. This piece of land has been the subject of many proposals since the 1920s, all of which have been rejected. The meeting learnt that the land, which is mostly owned by the Colleges, is not Green Belt as it had been redesignated by the Council. The next stage is the Hearing by the local Inspector at Oxford Town Hall on the 10th and 11th of September from 10am. More details here. Should the Inspector approve the plan there is still the possibility of challenging it in the High Court.

 

Northern Gateway meeting [27 August 2009]

A public meeting will be held at Cherwell School (Main Hall, North site) at 6pm for 6:30pm on Wednesday 2nd September 2009 to discuss plans by Oxford City Council for the 'Northern Gateway'. This proposed development involves the construction of 1-2 million square feet of commercial/industrial units on green belt land at Peartree. The impact of this development on Summertown will be considerable, with some 10,000 additional cars and many lorries on the roads, a large retail park which will affect our local shops, and the loss of green fields. There has, effectively, been no consultation with the local community about this development. The meeting on 2 September, which will be attended by local MP Dr Evan Harris, will air the issues involved. It will also be a preparation for the Hearing into the plan called by the local Inspector. This will take place at Oxford Town Hall on the 10th and 11th of September from 10am. More details here.

 

Man hit by bus [13 July 2009]

A 19-year-old pedestrian suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a bus.The Stagecoach bus was travelling along the Banbury Road in Summertown, near Tesco Express, when the crash happened. The man was taken to the city's John Radcliffe Hospital, where he is in a stable condition. Police have appealed for witnesses, particularly anyone who was on the bus at the time of the collision at 1535 BST on Sunday.

 

Canalside Swap Shop [8 July 2009]

The Canalside Environment Group is hosting a Summer Swap Shop on Saturday 11th July from 10.00am -12.00 at the St Margaret's Institute on Polstead Road. Bring along your unwanted household items, clothes, books, plants, etc (no large or electrical goods) until 11.30 and take away anything that takes your fancy. All absolutely free of charge.

 

North Wall Summer Festival [17 June 2009]

Two works by world famous composer Sir John Tavener will make their debut at this year’s North Wall Festival which runs from 1 July to 11 July. Sir John will probably be attending the Festival in person.

Other items including film hits from award-winning composer George Fenton; cutting edge drama from Paines Plough and other leading companies; together with three great double bills of fast-paced comedy from Rhod Gilbert, Isy Suttie, Russell Kane and more award-winning stand-ups make this Festival, now in its third year, the hottest ticket this summer. Click here for more details.

 

Summertown Street Festival [11 May 2009]

The sun shone, the bands played, and the Street Festival on Saturday was judged to be a success. Cooper Black and The Immposters performed on the stage to large crowds, and there were long queues for face painting and the other children's activities. The first prize in the Fancy Dress Parade was won by a great clown who, the organisers tell us, will probably be booked to entertain the crowds at next year's festival. The organisers wish to thank everyone involved, with particular thanks to d'Overboroeck's Sixth Form College and St Edward's School for providing excellent musicians and activities.

 

Summertown Street Festival [5 May 2009]

The annual Summertown Street Festival is this Saturday, 9 May, from 10am until 1pm on the Banbury Road. There will be musicians on the pavements, street entertainers, children's activities and food stalls. Coffee and meals can be had at the many cafes and restaurants that line the street. Come along and join in the fun!

 

Artweeks in Summertown [5 May 2009]

Artweeks in Summertown begins on 9 May and ends on 17 May. Walk round Summertown and visit the many artists in their studios. Guides to what is available are in all the shops and the map, designed by local illustrator Korky Paul, shows all the sites.

 

Artweeks in Summertown [20 March 2009]

The organisers of Artweeks in Summertown are busy planning events to coincide with the annual open studios festival, when people can visit artsits in their studios. The annual Summertown Street Festival will be on Saturday 9 May and this year will once again be at the shops on the Banbury Road.

 

Somerfield closes [14 March 2009]

After many years in Summertown, the Somerfield supermarket has shut its doors for the last time and work will now begin to convert it into a Tesco Metro store. Tesco is expected to open in 4-6 weeks' time.

 

Snow blankets Summertown [6 February 2009]

The streets of Summertown are white for a second day running as heavy snowfall closes schools and makes getting to work something of an adventure.

 

 

Somerfield to close [4 February 2009]

Somerfield supermarket is to close on 14 March. It will reopen six weeks later as a Tesco Express. Coop, which bought Somerfield last year, has been forced to sell Somerfield stores in areas which already have a Coop.The staff at Somerfield will all keep their jobs. Headington is to get a Waitrose.

 

Gaza protest at BBC [26 January 2009]

A small but vocal group protested outside BBC Radio Oxford on the Banbury Road this evening about the BBC's refusal to air an appeal for aid for the victims of the recent conflict in Gaza.

 

Christmas Lights and celebrations [8 December 2008]

Summertown info has arranged for the Christmas lights to be put up in Summertown for the second year running. This have been made possible by financial support from Finders Keepers, Shaw Gibbs, NFU Mutual, Oxford City Council and the contractors for the roadworks, Enterprise.

 

There will be a ceremony to mark the completion of the works and the erection of the lights on Tuesday 9 December from 4.30pm outside M&S. Everyone is invited to come along to hear the band play, join in the carol singing and watch the Christmas tree lights being switched on.

 

Works almost finished [6 December 2008]

The work of refurbishing the pavements and road surfaces in Summertown has now almost been completed. A few paving blocks need to be laid around the new trees and some hand rails added, and then the work that has been going on for much of the year will be finished. Summertown will look much smarter as a result, and we think the contractors, Enterprise, deserve credit for their efficient management of the scheme and, given the scale of the works, the surprising lack of disruption caused to local residents and traders.

 

Fair Rents for Traders [25 November 2008]

Mailboxes is the latest business in Summertown to receive an exhorbitant demand that would see their rents almost double. With no Post Office in Summertown, Mailboxes is an essential resource for the local community and, as a local resident says, "should not be forced out by a thoughtless property manager in a faceless investment company". Traders are proposing to work together to demand fair rents so that they can stay in business, and Summertown can retain the wide variety of shops which help to make it such a great place to live.

 

Alexandra Courts [3 October 2008 - revised 7-10-08]

Councillors at the North Area committee meeting yesterday asked Council officials to prepare a proposal based on the favoured option of retaining the hard courts and six of the grass courts and creating a 'park' from the remaining grass courts, and investigate other proposals. The Councillors publicly stated that no facility for indoor tennis would be built.

 

Alexandra Courts [1 October 2008]

Alexandra Courts will be discussed under item 9 on the agenda at the North Area committee meeting tomorrow 2 October. A report prepared by Council officials will be considered. This can be dowloaded here. Points 44-46 of the report suggest that officials are still keen to proceed with the proposal made by Wildwood Leisure.

 

Summertown as part of Oxford's Core Strategy [12 September 2008]

Although Summertown is the smallest neighbourhood area in Oxford, according to the policy document Oxford’s Core Strategy (2026) issued by Oxford City Council, it is recognised as one of five district centres in Oxford, and the only one in north Oxford. These district centres ‘represent distinctive communities based on factors such as neighbourhood shopping centres, townscape character and physical features such as main roads. The document says that Summertown and the other centres provide ‘an important focus for local facilities and services. Their position within the retail hierarchy will continue to offer opportunities to enhance and strengthen their role. The distinctive characteristics of each centre will be promoted, and there is clearly scope for making significant improvements to the public realm and shopping environment to make the centres more attractive.’

 

The document also sets out the Council’s position on the possibility of building houses on the playing fields of Summer Fields School. In brief, the land will be protected from any development apart from housing, but provided other housing sites in Oxford remain viable then this land will not be built on.

 

Alexandra Courts [5 September 2008]

The future of the Alexandra Courts was discussed again at the North Area committee meeting on 4 September, and Council officials were asked to present a report on the future use and management of the courts to the next meeting of the Committee on 2 October. It now seems highly unlikely that the courts will be leased to a private company but the Council has apparently not ended its discussions with Wildwood Leisure.

 

MEB merger [12 August 2008]

Local architects MEB P+P have joined forces with MHB Design Limited to create a new company, MEB Design Limited, with offices in Kent, London and Surrey as well as here in Summertown. Local director Charles Darby said that this move, together with membership of the Keystone Domain association of practices, would enable MEB to be "locally sensitive and yet with the resource and capability of a national practice".

 

Estate Agents' Moves [7 August 2008]

While Savills prepares to move into larger premises in the same block as its current showroom, Knight Frank has decided that Summertown is the place to be and has submitted a planning application (08/01617/FUL) to alter the frontage of 280 Banbury Road. This is the office area of the old North Oxford Garage (shown as 278 on the map).

 

Alexandra Courts [7 July 2008]

The leasing of the Alexandra Courts will be discussed again at the September meeting but Cllr Stuart McCready's proposal that the future use and management of the courts be completely re-examined and openend to full public consultation was agreed by the Committee.

 

North Area Committee Meeting Tonight [3 July 2008]

The issue of a lease on the Alexandra Courts is due to be discussed tonight at the North Area committee meeting. With no separate agenda item it is expected that it will be raised under Open Session and Updates which should begin around 6.30. The agenda can be viewed here.

 

Alexandra Courts Play in [23 June 2008]

The Alexandra Courts were packed with local tennis players on Sunday for the "Play-in". The organiser, Chris Goodall, said that this demonstrated the commuity's desire for the courts to be retained as a public resource. It was also a great community event with young and old enjoying the tennis, tea and cakes.

 

Alexandra Courts Play in [16 June 2008]

A "Play-in" is being organised at the Alexandra Courts on Sunday 22 June to demonstrate the community's desire for this to remain a public facility. See here for more details. Chris Goodall who is helping to orgaise the event can be contacted on 01865 339967or by email at chris@greenoxford.com

 

New John Lewis of Hungerford showroom opens [12 June 2008]

John Lewis of Hungerford opens its Summertown showroom this week. The latest in its expansion plan for the UK, this ‘new look’ Oxford showroom showcases existing and new ranges including the Cool Kitchen, bringing together under one roof both strong colour palettes and natural wood collections.

 

 

Alexandra Courts Public meeting [30 May 2008]

The future of the Alexandra Courts was discussed at a packed meeting of concerned Summertown residents last night. Three Oxford City Council officials were present, along with two Councillors and a director of the developers, Wildwood Leisure Ltd.

 

The meeting was told that the planning application had been withdrawn and that the granting of the lease would be considered at the North Area Committee meeting on 3 July. Comments on the proposal were still welcome and should be sent to the Parks Manager, John Wade, by 6 June.

 

The meeting also learned that if the proposal was not successful there was no alternative plan; the Council has not approached the Lawn Tennis Association for funding; the tree preservation officer is concerned the development will harm the trees; Oxfordshire County Council is worried by the traffic implications; and that the proposed courts complex would be as high as the Esporta building.

 

Andrew Parsons of Wildwood Leisure confirmed that a club would be run from the site with 500-700 members and that all courts would be pay-and-play unless there was a club fixture in which case only one or two courts would be available. All courts would be bookable via a website. Access to the circular walk round the site would be retained.

 

Councillor Jean Fooks, who arranged the meeting, said the proposal contravened so many aspects of the Local Plan, especially in relation to retaining open air sports facilities and green spaces, that it would be have to be specifically waived to allow this proposal to go ahead.

 

Councillor Stuart McCready agreed and warned local residents to be on their guard about all such developments to make sure their voice was heard. But he told the meeting that something would have to be done to increase the income from the site, as the Council could no longer afford to fund the annual loss. One answer may be the proposal to transfer the management of all Oxford’s leisure facilities to a not-for-profit leisure trust.

All comments on this are welcomed by the Council and will be taken into consideration at the meeting on 3 July.

 

North Wall announces details of Summer Festival [16 May 2008]

The North Wall, Summertown's excellent new performing arts centre, has announced the line-up for this year's Summer Festival. It includes cutting-edge drama, world-class musicians, a vibrant selection of satire from the Fringe, student jazz and late night comedy. Click for full info and booking or ring 01865 319450.

 

Summertown gets ready for the Street Festival [15 May 2008]

The organisers of the Summertown Street Festival are gearing up for this year's event on Saturday 17 May. The Festival, which marks the beginning of the annual Artweeks in Summertown, will be held in South Parade this year because of the roadworks in the Banbury Road. The street will be closed to traffic and a stage will be erected outside the Oxford Guitar Gallery.The musical entertainment will be kicked off by Cooper Black at 10am followed by The Immposters at 11.30, kingB at 1pm, Dnote at 2.30 and, closing the show at 4-5pm, will be Disclosure. The ever-popular Capoeira will be dancing from 2 to 3.30pm.

 

Alexandra Courts Public meeting [9 May 2008]

There will be a Public meeting to discuss the plan for Alexandra Courts at the Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road on Thursday 29 May at 7.45pm

 

Alexandra Courts meeting tonight [8 May 2008]

Alexandra Courts will be discussed at the North Area Committee meeting this evening, despite earlier denials by Cllr Jean Fooks who said it had been removed from the agenda. Everyone who is concerned about the privatisation of the Courts is urged to attend the meeting at the North Oxford Association Community Centre next to the Ferry Centre. The meeting starts at 5pm and the Courts are likely to be discussed shortly before 6.30pm

Alexandra Courts petition [2 May 2008]

An online petition has been set up to ask the Council to reconsider granting a lease on the Alexandra Tennis Courts to a private company.You can sign the petition here.

 

NFU Mutual sets up in Summertown [30 April 2008]

Major insurer NFU Mutual is opening a new local office in Summertown.

The new office forms part of the insurer’s plan to increase its network of local offices and offer more customers the opportunity to benefit from NFU Mutual’s personal service.

Harvey Merrins, who has worked for NFU Mutual for 12 years, will run the new office. Harvey commented, "I am delighted to be opening the new office in Oxford and helping to expand NFU Mutual’s customer base. We offer quality advice and customer service and we look forward to delivering this to the local community.”

In addition to providing general insurance for homes, vehicles and businesses, NFU Mutual also has a wide range of pensions, investments and life protection products. NFU Mutual also offers Finance and Risk Management Services.

 

Plans for Alexandra tennis courts are made public [29 April 2008]

After months of speculation some information has emerged about the plan to privatise the municipal tennis courts off Middle Way. The proposal is that the City Council enters into an agreement with Wildwood Leisure Limited to develop the tennis court area. The proposal is a fairly fundamental change to the site and includes changing rooms and possibly floodlights. No mention has yet been made of the plan to cover the courts. While it is anticipated that the charges for using the complex will be much increased, no figures have been made public. It is unlikely, however, that this is a philanthropic venture.

It is notable that no public consultation has been carried out to ascertain the views of the local residents who use the courts and for whom the area, including a children's play area and a basketball court, is the only public open land in Summertown. If you have an opinion on this and would like our local councillors to know it, they may be contacted at the following email addresses:

Alan Armitage    Oxford92@aol.com

Jim Campbell     cllrjcampbell@oxford.gov.uk 

Jean Fooks       cllrjfooks@oxford.gov.uk

John Goddard    johngoddard@ntlworld.com

Weekend fire damages wall [28 April 2008]

A fire and explosion in one of the flats above Costa coffee on the corner of Banbury Road and Oakthorpe Road has caused a large crack at the corner of the front and side walls. Safety officials were concerned that the entire front elevation might fall into the street. The wall has been stabilised with scaffolding but the road is still closed to through-traffic from Stratfield Road to Banbury Road.

 

John Lewis of Hungerford [11 March 2008]

There is still no date for when the new John Lewis of Hungerford shop will be opening in South Parade but MD Jon Rosby says of the move to Summertown: "Summertown and the surrounding areas present an exciting opportunity for John Lewis of Hungerford. With homes of distinction and an eye for bespoke design and hand finished quality, residents of Oxford and the Cotswolds are the ideal fit for the John Lewis of Hungerford brand."

 

A New Future for North Oxford Garage [6 March 2008]

More businesses will be moving to Summertown as the fate of the old North Oxford Garage becomes clearer. It seems the site has been acquired by Majestic Wine Warehouse who plan to use part of the front, and let the remainder as offices or other shops. The old car workshops at the back will be occupied by Kwik Fit who will operate their usual exhaust and MOT service.

Planning permission has been granted for the change of use to the front (07/02270/FUL) and the maximum level and duration of noise permitted is being amended (08/00471/VAR). The amendment slightly reduces the level but significantly increases the duration of maximum noise. Planning applications can be viewed here.

 

John Lewis of Hungerford [5 February 2008]

The latest firm to decide to move to Summertown is the bespoke kitchen and furniture business John Lewis of Hungerford who will be opening in South Parade. They will be moving into a shop which has had three very different occupants in the past five years: a pet shop, a Council parking & payments shop, and Printing.com. No news yet on when they will be opening.

 

Starbucks coming to Summertown [28 January 2008]

Starbucks is coming to Summertown and will open in the former Bakehouse café on the Banbury Road which closed when Costa Coffee arrived. The opening date has not been  confirmed but when Starbucks opens Summertown will have 12 coffee outlets. Read what the Oxford Mail has to say about it here.

 

Final Plan for New-look Summertown [18 January 2008]

There will be an exhibition of the final agreed plan for the restyling of Summertown, and changed parking arrangements, at Summertown Church Hall (corner of Banbury Road and Portland Road) on Friday 25 January 16.00-20.00 and Saturday 26 January 10.00-14.00. Everyone is welcome to go along, and representatives from the County Coucil will be there to answer questions.Details of the scheme can be viewed here.

 

New Light on the Banbury Road [15 January 2008]

The Banbury Road in Summertown is getting new lamp standards. We can say goodbye to the sodium glare and enjoy white light. The works, which will last a week, involve replacing all the lamp standards between Diamond Place and South Parade with tapered aluminium columns and white light lanterns. These will, according to Tim Parker who is the Assistant Principal Engineer for Electrical Services at Oxfordshire County Council, "provide improved colour rendering properties and better uniformity". Phase 2, which will see the replacement of the lamp standards from St. Margaret’s Road to Diamond Place will take place in May/June 2008.

 

Return of the Christmas Lights [5 December 2007]

With support from M&S, ShawGibbs, Savills and Finders Keepers, Summertown.info has arranged to get the Christmas lights put back up in Summertown. They were last erected in 2003. The Oxford Mail ran this article about it.

 

Redesign to Take 6 Months [2 November 2007]

Senior Transport Planner at Oxfordshire County Council, Paul Fermer, says that the work in Summertown is slated to start in April/May 2008 and will probably take six months to complete.

 

20 is Plenty [31 October 2007]

Any comments on the proposal to extend the 20mph speed limit to Beechcroft, Thorncliffe, Stratfield and Oakthorpe Roads and South Parade should be sent to Andrew Vidovic at his email address by 16 November. The outcome of the consultation will be reported to the County Council's Transport Committee on 3 January 2008.

 

New Children's Centre [8 October 2007]

The new North Oxford Children's Centre at Cutteslowe Primary School has opened for business. Helly Barker, who is running the centre, has started a Group open to all parents and their under-5 children which meets on Tuesdays at 09.30 in the Family Room at the school.

 

Police set up NAG for Summertown [5 October 2007]

Thames Valley Police and the City Council are to set up a Neighbourhood Action Group for Summertown to provide more support for the community. The main focus of the group will be on the environment, traffic, anti-social behaviour, drugs and damage.

 

Summertown Changes Get Green Light [3 October 2007]

The improvements to the Banbury Road in Summertown have been approved by Oxfordshire County Council These include a new pelican crossing in the middle of the shops, a new bus layby, new pavements and a 20mph speed limit within an area with a different road surface and no road markings. The proposed new street furniture designs will be on show in early December. Work is due to start in spring 2008. You can read about the scheme by clicking on this link. The Council is now keen to hear residents' views on the proposal to extend the 20mph speed limit to Beechcroft, Thorncliffe, Stratfield and Oakthorpe Roads and South Parade. Any comments should be sent to Andrew Vidovic at his email address.

 

Parking Scheme Protest [2 September 2007]

A Summertown man, Mr Mike Hamblett of Harpes Road, was arrested today for protesting about the implementation ofthe scheme for paid parking permits. Read the full story from The Oxford Times here.

 

New Transport Scheme for Summertown [26 August 2007]

Oxfordshire County Council has been given approval to move forward with the new transport scheme for Summertown. You can read about the scheme by clicking on this link. The Council is keen to hear residents' and traders' views on the proposed changes to on-street parking and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit throught the shops. Any comments should be sent to Andrew Vidovic at his email address.

 

Shaw Gibbs Starts with a Record [22 August 2007]

This week a record 11 members of staff at ShawGibbs received the news that they had passed their accountancy exams. One of whom, Lizzie Hall, has passed her finals and is now a fully qualified ACCA accountant.

Shaw & Company and Edmund Gibbs merged in May 2007 to create Shaw Gibbs LLP. It employs over 75 people, making it one of the largest accountancy practices in Oxfordshire and a major employer in Summertown. Since the merger earlier this year, the firm has taken on nine new members of staff, with a further three due to join the accounts and audit division next month.