Author: Sonja Francis

THE owners of a golf course near Wheatley have received suspended jail sentences for failing to remove waste from Green Belt land following a legal action brought by Oxfordshire County Council.

Brothers, Ronald Charles Wyatt, 67, and Michael Wyatt, 72, were found guilty of contempt of court after failing to clean up more than 100,000 cubic metres of builders’ waste and overburden from Waterstock Golf Course, near the river Thame.

The pair received jail sentences of six and four months respectively, both suspended for a 12-month period. The judge ordered that within this period, the brothers make realistic efforts to meet the terms of a July 2006 court order, which they had failed to comply with.

The brothers were also ordered to pay the county council’s legal costs at the High Court hearing.

DECISIVE ACTION

Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Sustainable Development, Chris Cousins, said: “This is the latest and hopefully the last in a long line of successful actions taken by the council to require the owners of this site to remove the unlawfully deposited waste.

“Waste was tipped onto this green belt land without planning permission. It?s important that people know that Oxfordshire County Council does not tolerate such disregard for the environment and will use its powers to enforce planning rules.”

Mr Cousins added: “Failure to comply with a High Court Order is a very serious offence and if the Wyatts do not make substantial progress toward compliance in the next few months they will find themselves in prison.”

CASE HISTORY

According to a statement by OCC, waste was originally tipped at the golf course, near Thame Road, without planning consent in 1994 and also occurred more recently during 1996-8.

The county council took enforcement action in 1997 to have the unauthorized waste removed and this action was backed by the Secretary of State when the Wyatts appealed.

Following this, council officers tried to negotiate a compromise scheme with the brothers, which would have allowed a small amount of waste to remain on site as part of an additional nine-hole golf course. However, an acceptable scheme was not forthcoming.

The Wyatts failed to comply with the enforcement notice and in July 2006 the High Court ordered that the waste be removed from the site by March 2007, and the site restored to its former appearance by April 2007. This did not happen and there remained around 100,000 cubic metres of waste on the land.

Instead of removing the waste, the Wyatts moved it around and grassed it over. The council’s Planning and Regulation Committee agreed in the spring of 2008 that the brothers’ failure to comply should be taken back to the High Court, resulting in the committal hearing on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.

IMAGE: Courtesy of www.waterstockgolf.co.uk

Submitted: 18/05/10

THE latest Thame neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) Diane Jackson and Lucy Thorne, which keeps local people informed about local policing issues, follows in full:

Crime information

Following the burglaries in March 2010 on the Lea Park Housing Estate, the Thame neighbourhood team hand delivered a crime prevention letter to 1,491 houses providing suitable advice to help keep the neighbourhood safe.

On 24 April, at approximately 2.45am, an assault occurred in Rooks Lane, Thame. Police are appealing for witnesses. If anybody knows any further information, please contact Thames Valley police on 0845 8 505 505.

Two men have been charged with distraction burglaries which took place last October and November in Thame and the surrounding areas.

Following the robbery at Robert Gatward Jewellers in Thame on 15 April, police are appealing for witnesses. Please contact us on 0845 8 505 505 if you have any information.

An incident has been reported at Sycamore Drive, Thame, where criminal damage to a vehicle has been caused. Police are monitoring the area, and look to take positive action if/when the offender is caught.

Crime mapping

Crime mapping shows an increase in burglary from March 2009 and March 2010. In 2009, there were two burglaries reported in Thame, compared to eight in March 2010. We are hoping that the leaflet drop on the targeted estate, together with the police operation signs located at key access points to the estate will help to deter criminal activity.

Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) information

Throughout April, the weather has improved, which has encouraged groups of young people to gather in park/grass areas. We have continued to conduct high visibility patrols, focusing on these areas to challenge any ASB and offer suitable advice around lighting BBQs and littering etc. During April, we have been able to liaise with members of the public more than usual, which has enabled us to build a good rapport with people of all ages. PCSO Thorne has dealt with reports of ASB along the riverside, Priest End. There have been reports of groups of young people lighting BBQs and burning trees and also leaving litter behind, which looks unsightly. We would like to stress health and safety issues around this matter and urge that if you do have a BBQ anywhere, that you consider the location and remain sensible whilst the fire is alight. Please also take carrier bags with you, and use the bins provided at various locations around the town for your litter. We are pleased to share that we have had no alcohol seizures throughout the month, which is very positive considering the weather conditions.

Neighbourhood priorities

The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) priority for Thame is anti-social behaviour (ASB). Key areas are patrolled and any ASB is dealt with and youths are moved on if necessary. Where needed, home visits are carried out with parents present.

PCSO Jackson carried out a site inspection with South Oxfordshire Housing Association during April went very well. A visual inspection was conducted. PCSO Thorne has worked with Anchor to provide better security for an elderly man in Thame.

Country Watch meetings are being held quarterly. The Thame Pubwatch meeting, which was held at the end of March, was a success. New folders were produced containing up to date information about the scheme and the banned list. Unfortunately, we have had to bring 10 more members of the public to the banned list following recent incidents in the town.

On 29 April, PCSO Jackson attended a meeting regarding the Cuttlebrook, where the general safety and maintenance of the area was discussed.

There are monthly operations planned for Country Watch. The neighbourhood team will also be holding a post-coding event at 2-Wheels bike shop during school holidays, where anybody will be welcome, adults and children. Bring your bikes and scooters, we?ll code them! A talk to the Rainbows is also planned for the 15 June 2010.

PCSO Jackson and PCSO Thorne conducted an Environmental Visual Audit (EVA) on 28 April, which was focused on the Phoenix Trail and Moorend Lane. On Saturday 24 April, PCSO Thorne attended a Cycle Exchange Event at Barley Hill Primary School, which was very enjoyable. A total of 15 pushbikes were post-coded and general road safety and bike safety advice was given. The children had the opportunity to look around a police car, which they thoroughly enjoyed. On Wednesday 28 April, PCSO Jackson and PCSO Thorne attended Pearce Court and delivered a crime reduction talk at a coffee morning to all residents. Many turned up and we had positive feedback from residents and staff.

The Have Your Say meetings for May will be held at Thame police station between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday 12 May and between 3pm and 5pm on Monday 24. These meetings are an ideal opportunity for local residents to speak to their local police officers and PCSOs about any local issues, no appointment is necessary, just turn up and speak to your local officers. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the Force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505 505 or email ThameNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.

Submitted: 17/05/10

THE answer, as Thame’s recently re-elected MP, John Howell discovered today, is Thame and District Day Centre. John was able to see for himself the care and support that the centre manager, Gillian Coleman and her band of volunteers gives to the 60 members, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, for 50 weeks of the year.

After helping one lady with her crossword puzzle, John moved on to a group of ladies making coloured, paper flowers for a wall picture with a volunteer. Then, over a cup of coffee, he chatted to a group of chaps playing dominoes on another table.

During his visit, John told thamenews.net: “Day centres are an extremely important part of the life of the town. It is crucial that we have this service for older people, so that they can take part in a wide range of activities and particularly enjoy good company! These things give life meaning and are an important part of living in a civilised society.”

ABOUT THE DAY CENTRE

The Thame & District Day Centre also provides gentle exercise sessions, entertainments and days out for the elderly, frail or perhaps isolated, activities only made possible by having volunteers. Even one hour a month is appreciated but some volunteers are currently at the centre several times a week because of a shortage of helpers.

Anyone who could spare an hour or two a month, can contact the centre on 01844 212080, or email:
info@thameanddistrictdaycentre.co.uk

The centre now has its own website:
http://www.thameanddistrictdaycentre.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Garden Party – Saturday July 17, 2010 – in the hospital garden. Donations of raffle prizes, bric a brac and good quality white elephant items are always gratefully received for this occassion.

Quiz night – Friday September 10, 2010 – Fund raising evening – more information later.

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a distraction burglary in Great Milton, where a man posed as a police officer to steal from an elderly woman.

At about 11.25am last Friday (7/5), a man knocked at the door of the 89-year-old victim, claiming to be a police officer and said there had been a burglary in the area.

The man informed the victim that a man had been arrested and a large amount of cash and jewellery had been recovered. He then asked if he could come into her house to check if she had been burgled.

The woman let him in and showed him where she kept her cash and jewellery, which the man then stole.

Det Con Arran Cliff said: “The elderly woman has obviously been left very shaken by what has happened.

“I would like to hear from anyone who was in the Great Milton area last Friday who may have seen anyone suspicious walking around the village.

“We have heard from some people that an unfamiliar maroon coloured car had been seen in the village on the day. This was a saloon-type car, similar to a Honda Accord or Rover and there were two white men seen sitting in the car.

“I urge everyone to be vigilant to this sort of crime and to look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who are the type of people these criminals tend to target.

“Never let a stranger into your home without first verifying that person is who they say they are. All police officers carry photographic identification and will never mind you taking a moment to check their credentials.

“This can be done by calling the 24-hour Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. However, if you feel uncertain or unsafe in any way, then call 999.”

Anyone with information about this offence should contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THIS is a Community Message from Thames Valley Police. On Thursday 13th May, at 13:00hrs, two females entered a jewellers in Buttermarket, Thame, distracted staff and stole a ring from the display.

The two female offenders are described as being of heavy build, both wearing long black coloured cardigans which had silver coloured sequins on both shoulders. It is believed they may be Eastern European.

If you have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505.

Message Ends.