ON Wednesday, December 20, a property in Cedar Crescent, Thame, was burgled. Entry was gained via rear patio doors. Property stolen included jewellery and wrapped Christmas presents, which were left under the tree.
If you have seen anyone suspicious in the area, or have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505
FOLLOWING Oxford City Council’s recently stated wish to achieve unitary status, the leader of Oxfordshire Council has called for closer co-operation between the district councils, whilst rejecting the idea of unitary councils “in any form.”
Keith Mitchell, OCC’s Cabinet Leader, said today:
“Oxford City Council recently indicated its enthusiasm to achieve unitary status after the Government said it was willing to listen to bids when it published its White Paper on local government in the autumn.
“The city council said it wanted to see three unitary councils created in Oxfordshire, one in the north, one in the south and one in the city.
“However Oxford City Council has been told by the Audit Commission that it is a ‘weak’ council that ‘does not provide value for money’. Oxfordshire County Council is rated as a ‘good’ authority. It has recently been given improved ratings by the Audit Commission for the use of resources and financial management and transport. Positive assessments have also been received in children’s services, adult social care and Transport.”
He added:”There has been no indication of improvement at the city council for some time. It is a weak council. Schools, social care, libraries, transport systems and a host of other services would be handed to them if a unitary council was created.
“If the issue were to be considered on financial grounds alone then there would be a strong case for a unitary county council. However,there are other reasons why there is not a good case for this. Short-term disruption and loss of democratic access and accountability are chief among them.
“In the longer term, considerable financial savings can be secured by improved two-tier working.”
Councillor Mitchell’s suggestions include:
The joining up of back office functions across the county and possibly extending to other public bodies.
The creation of one stop shops and seamless advice and service for the public including the development of single phone numbers for all public services in Oxfordshire.
Rationalisation of services that all councils provide such as economic development, waste management, museums, youth services, arts and culture.
Councillor Mitchell added: “There will be a lot of politicking in the next few months as the unitary debate continues. However, in the end we are here to provide high quality services. Independent inspections prove that Oxfordshire County Council already does so. Whatever arrangement is decided upon for the future of local government in Oxfordshire, high quality services must continue to be delivered.”
THE winner of a radio competition draw, organised by Thame’s retailers, today received a hamper of Christmas goodies from Waitrose of Thame.
Mrs Carolyn Wales, who works for Glynswoods in Thame, was presented with her prize, by Marcus Dodd, the supermarket’s Customer Services Departmental Manager, and Alun Rowe, of Pentangle Internet, Chair of Thame First, formerly Thame’s Chamber of Commerce.
The competition ran on Radio Mix 96, during the week running up to Thame’s Big Christmas weekend and, as well as the main prize, included five daily,
THE parents of a school boy who drowned in Thame’s swimming pool, have lodged a complaint over the official handling of the case.
Six year-old Nathan Matthews, from Stokenchurch, apparently drowned during a swimming lesson at the Jubilee pool at Thame Leisure Centre, in July, 2004.
Three years later, an inquest into his death still has not been held.
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THE local missing police officer, Annabelle Potter, has been found safe and well and has been in contact with her colleagues.
SEE YESTERDAY’S REPORT
CRIMES involving theft often go up at this time of the year. Here are a few basic pointers to ensure that YOU do not become a Christmas victim.
Remember NOT to leave anything on display that can be seen through house windows or in vehicles. Keep all house and car keys out of view and make sure they can’t be reached through letterboxes or windows. Hide presents away and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property if your going away.
Most of all, check your home security and make sure you lock all doors and windows, even if going out for just a short time.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area, please do not hesitate to contact the police on 08458 505 505.
LOCAL POLICE are anxious about one of their number who has been reported missing.
They have released a picture of missing police officer, Annabelle Potter, who lives in Kinston Blount.
Annabrlle was last seen by colleagues after finishing her shift at Abingdon police station at 7am Wednesday morning, (13/12).
She is 23-years-old, white; around 5ft 9ins, medium build, with dark, jaw-length hair.
Chief inspector Dave Purnell, her local area commander, said: ?This is very out of character for Annabelle and we are very concerned for her welfare. We are not treating this as suspicious but are obviously worried about Annabelle and need to trace her as soon as possible.
?I am very keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone matching Annabelle?s description or who has seen her car, a blue Ford Fiesta. Anyone who sees the car, registration OV56 HGO, should contact police immediately. We are following up lines of enquiry that suggest she might in the Glasgow or Edinburgh areas of Scotland.
?I would also like to appeal to Annabelle directly; Annabelle, your family, friends and colleagues are all extremely concerned about you and just want to make sure you are safe and well. Please contact me directly, though the Police Enquiry Centre if necessary, so we can put everyone?s minds at rest.?
Anyone with any information should contact the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, if you don?t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
AN elderly man was taken to hospital earlier this afternoon, after collapsing in Swan Walk, Thame, following a minor road traffic accident in Wellington Street.
Fire Officers from Thame who were on the scene first, performed CPR on the man for several minutes until an ambulance arrived and took the man to hospital.
The man’s condition at this present time is not known.
GIFTS to Thame ex-servicemen from a grateful French lady in Thame’s twin town, were today presented by the town’s Twinning Association.
The gifts were given to Thame and District Twinning Association members during their recent visit to Montesson for its Christmas market.
Madame Andr
THE incidence of Crime in Thame has reduced, since the introduction of CCTV cameras in the town centre.
These findings were revealed at a meeting of the Thame Community Safety Committee, yesterday.
Comparing the figures for the same period the previous year, PC Russell Hounslow, the Community Beat Officer for Thame, reported that between April 1, and October 30 this year, there has been a 62% reduction in reported shop lifting, a 10% drop in thefts from motor vehicles and a 10% reduction in over-all reported crime.