Could your parish be about to change?

Residents of several parishes in the Vale of White Horse have the chance to comment on potential changes for the area that their parish council covers.

People taking part in the 2026 Community Governance Review will play their part in helping to ensure that their local council is effective, efficient and better reflects the interests of the community it serves.

The review includes:

Appleton with Eaton parish and Besselsleigh parish – review the option of grouping the parishes under one parish council.

Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor parish and Fyfield and Tubney parish – review the parish boundary to consider whether to include a new housing development, currently in Fyfield and Tubney parish, within Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor parish.

Kennington parish and Radley parish – review the parish boundary to consider whether to include housing north of Sugworth Lane, currently in Radley parish, within Kennington parish.

How to take part

Residents can view the full details of the proposals and submit their feedback through the council’s online survey at whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communitygovernance

The consultation is open now and will close on 7 May 2026.

Anyone who can’t access the survey online should contact 01235 422 425.

What happens next

Following the consultation, the council’s Community Governance and Electoral Issues Committee will collate all feedback to produce draft proposals. A follow up consultation is then expected to take place later this year, with any final changes scheduled to be implemented in time for the May 2027 local elections.

Residents may have seen work to change the speed limit signs on the A420 in recent days. The Parish Council has been made aware that the speed limit signs in Oaksmere may be done by the 27th of March as well. We have been informed there will be two-way traffic signals. The County Council has not sent a traffic order, so we do not have a map to share at this time.

The Vale of White Horse District Council is holding a meeting tonight and one of the agenda item is Community Governance Review.  The following will be considered:

Appleton with Eaton Parish Council and Besselsleigh Parish Meeting have requested that a community governance review is undertaken on a proposal to group the parishes under one parish council.  Officers recommend that this review is taken forward.

Meeting information can be found here:  

Agenda for Community Governance and Electoral Issues Committee on Thursday, 12 March 2026, 7.00 pm

The Parish Council will update residents once we have been made aware of the outcome.

As you may be aware, the Government is holding a consultation on 3 models being considered for Local Government Reorganisation.  Details on the consultation and the 3 models can be found here:  Local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire – GOV.UK.

The Parish Council will be considering their response at the meeting on the 9th March.

Residents are invited to comment.  The consultation closed on the 26th March at 11:59pm.

Appleton Village Cinema will be showing Groundhog Day on the 18th February with doors at 7pm; show at 7:30pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the door: £6 for adults; £4 for under 16s.

The District Council office reception at Abbey House will close from 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. Details about council services over the Christmas and New Year period are available on the council website:

Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26 – Vale of White Horse District Council

You are warmly invited to attend any or all of the following services this Christmas

Sunday 21 December

10am – Parish Eucharist of Advent IV
5pm – Carols in St Lawrence, Besselsleigh

Wednesday 24 (Christmas Eve)

10am – Last Eucharist of Advent
4pm – The Crib Service – all-age opportunity to dress up and release your inner shepherd, angel or Wise Man – FAMILY FRIENDLY
6pm – Carol Service – traditional service of Lessons and Carols for all the community
11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the magic and the mystery of Christ’s Coming

Thursday 25 (Christmas Day)

10am – All-age FAMILY FRIENDLY Eucharist of Christmas.

We look forward to seeing you and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year!

Vale of White Horse District Council is encouraging everyone in the local area to take part in Thames Water’s public consultation on the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), before the 13 January 2026 deadline.

The feedback Thames Water gather will inform their Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the government, which they expect to submit in autumn 2026.

People can read more about the proposals here.  

As the colder months roll in, Vale of White Horse District Council is launching its ‘Winter in the Vale’ campaign — a seasonal initiative packed with practical advice, local events, and support to help residents stay warm, well and connected this winter. 

The campaign brings together a wide range of services and resources from the council and partner organisations, including community activities, health advice, and support services to help residents through the winter months. 

Highlights of the campaign include signposting to information on: 

• Winter activities and events: From group walks to performances and workshops, there’s something for everyone. Visit the Active Communities page or check out what’s on at The Beacon, Wantage.  

• Energy-saving support: Guidance is available on how to make simple home improvements, such as insulation, draught-proofing, and efficient heating, to help residents stay warm and reduce energy costs.  

• Preventing damp and mould: Tips on how to stop condensation building up in our homes and prevent mould growing.   

• Community Hub support: If people are struggling financially or need advice, the council’s Community Hub is here to help — from food and housing support to mental health guidance.  

• Emergency preparedness: Get ready for winter weather with tips on flooding, power cuts, and emergency kits.  

• Support for rough sleepers: The council activates emergency accommodation during severe weather and works year-round to support people at risk of homelessness.  

• Warm spaces: Local libraries, leisure centres and other venues are offering warm, welcoming places to relax, recharge and connect.  

• Health advice: The NHS winter health guide offers tips for staying well.  

Residents can find all the information and resources on the council’s Winter in the Vale page.