For what feels like years and years, WODC have been putting together a Local (housing) Plan and at long last, it was agreed by the governments planning inspectorate. All far too late to stop the speculative developments which WODC could not stop in Bampton which resulted in 160 house in New Road, a further 160 to be built at the bottom of Mt Owen Rd and the fight to stop yet another development between the Aston and Buckland Road continues (as at Sept 2019). A development on the east side of Station Road following on from the two semi detached bungalows has been granted and are being built now (Sept 2019). 7 new dwellings at Weald Manor farm have been built, Glebe Farm farther down Weald Street are building 6 as I write and a 7th will be added to them. The surgery is at full stretch, no road improvements have been made, people are parking on pavements, some of the new houses in New Road have experienced sewerage back-flows. There are so many cars parked in Bampton now it's nearly always impossible to pass them without causing a motorist coming in the other direction from having to stop and wait
By December 2018 there was growing anger and frustration at many aspects of the new area called Cala Homes also known as Oakwood Gate, along the north side of New Road which had not been finished or done to a good standard. Residents first moved in during 2016 but have had power cuts, snow blowing into their homes, and the same areas of pavement being repaired, poorly, more than once. The article gives far more information
Gilly French and Jeremy Gray celebrated the 25th year of the Bampton Classical Opera in 2018. They are the founders and still work tirelessly to make every year a huge success. It is now known as one of the top venues and events of its type and people come from abroad to see it. This newspaper article gives lots of interesting information.
The Environment Agency will spend £1.2m repairing the locks on the Thames, five in Oxfordshire plus one in Berkshire, one in Buckinghamshire and one in Surrey through the winter of 2016-2017
Toby Morris, councillor for Resources wants locals to fill in the on-line consultation. Government funding is to be cut by £0.75m and there will be a rise in the cost of waste and recycling by £0.8m.
Bampton C of E did put on a classical Nativity play in December 2016. Some of the children taking part include Isla Cooley, Seth Hall, Amelia Day, Jack Launder, Sophia Causer, Chloe Ryan, James Bruce, Logan Buckingham, Amelia Foster and Callum Gilbert.
Olive McCage was born and grew up in Bampton; she was a typist at Brize Norton air base where she met a young American, married him and she emigrated to the USA when his tour of duty here was over.
In August 2015 David Cameron, Prime Minister, expressed concern regarding Witney Community Hospital when he learnt the 30 bed Wenrisc ward was to close in September. It is hoped the ward will be refurbished and then re-opened in March 2016.
The Witney Gazette March 11th 2015 mentioned photographer Barry Dale and potter Crabby Taylor who held their show 'Secrets Disclosed' in the West Ox Arts Gallery upstairs in the Town Hall.