A Sign of the Times

Sat 21 Jun, 20:28

We should not forget that the Town Councillors are busy people who give their time to the community for free. In doing so, they strive to help keep Charlbury the wonderful place we know it is. That said, Town Council after Town Council has seemingly set out to demonstrate they are not perfect. It could be they are about to demonstrate this once again.

Item 7(d) of the Agenda for next Wednesday’s meeting of the Town Council reads as follows “To consider purchase of ‘Nature Recovery Happening Here’ signs.”

Now, fellow residents, it is important to point out that the Agenda gives no information to indicate which Councillor has asked for this item to be considered. Many councillors may shy away from supporting the proposal in question yet, on the other hand, it may be unanimously accepted on the night. Three detailed papers are available (along with the Agenda) providing some information in respect of Item 7(a), (b) and (c), but, alas, no such a paper is currently available in respect of the ‘Nature Recovery Happening Here’ signs proposal. Accordingly, we remain in the dark as to just what is up for discussion.

The good news is that our fearless Town Clerk, Lisa Wilkinson, has confirmed to me that that, should it be resolved by the Councillors to purchase the signs in question (a) they will probably need less than 10 and (b) the likely cost thereof should be less than £30.00. On hearing of the likely cost, I replied to Lisa indicating that, while I thought the signs would be meaningless, it was good they were affordable!

I would urge anyone reading this post who thinks it is some kind of practical joke to study the Agenda for themselves. (https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Agenda_2025-06-25.pdf). A quick read of the Agenda will, first and foremost, highlight the important day-to-day issues which councillors must and do address; not just matters of the kind alluded to above.

Why not go along to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025 (7:30 at the Memorial Hall)? Indeed, as the Agenda shows, residents who attend are encouraged to express their views early on in the meeting. One has up to 5 minutes to speak for or against any matter on the Agenda. You may be the first person to highlight something which you think is bonkers. Why not attend and make your contribution? Why not support the purchase of the signs in question given the low cost?

Should you be unable to attend, why not email your views on the Nature Recovery Happening Here signs to our Town Clerk (clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk) – and, yes, I mean views both for and against! As we all know, free speech is not only to be encouraged but it should also be cherished!

My experience tells me that engaging with our Town Council can be worth the effort it requires. What is more I feel, as a Charlbury resident of over 15 years, that I have a responsibility to highlight any proposal up for discussion at a formal council meeting where it is clear that a large number of people might be interested therein. Not many have time to read agendas, minutes etc. relating to Town Council meetings.