Thame in Trust

A Vision and Action Plan 2004 - 2007

Draft 3 1 24 May 2006 Contents Page

Foreword and Acknowledgements (Still to be drafted)

1 Introduction

• History and Development of the Town • Thame Today and Tomorrow • Community Plan 2000 Objectives

2 The Healthcheck

• The Launch • A Town Partnership • The Catchment Area

3 Key findings

• A -Economy • B -Environment • C -Social and Community • D -Transport and Access

4 The Vision

• The Vision Statement • Strategic Aims

5 The Action Plan

6 Appendices (still to be compiled)

• Thame, A Snapshot • The Steering Group • The Working Groups • The Catchment Area • Links to other Strategies • Surveys

Draft 3 2 24 May 2006 PHOTOGRAPH OF THAME HIGH STREET AND TOWN HALL TODAY:

Draft 3 3 24 May 2006 1. INTRODUCTION 600’s, which was subsequently replaced by the Normans. The position History and Development of of Thame as the market town for the neighbourhood meant that there was a the Town full range of trades and crafts, from fishmonger and horsemonger to Our knowledge of the town’s history saddler and parchment-maker, with the begins in the Anglo Saxon period, bakers and brewers probably thanks to evidence revealing a possible predominating. The craft for which Saxon settlement by the River Thame, Thame gained a wider reputation was a theory strengthened by stray finds of that of glass painting, much of the jewellery and pottery. glass in Merton College Chapel being made by Thame glaziers. It is probable that Roman contact existed at Thame, the evidence William Forrest, one of the monks at including a coin of Julius Caesar, found Thame Abbey, has been portrayed as in the Recreation Ground in the early a ‘minor’ poet, and “Grysilde the 1870s and, various artefacts found Second”, written in 1558 gives an during works near the British Oxygen account of the divorce of Henry V111. site. It describes the journey of the King and Anne Boleyn through Thame – “that The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought gentle market towne” – at Michaelmas about some expansion for Thame. So 1530, with Katherine of Aragon enormous was the diocese of Lincoln following behind. ” that its bishops divided it up into a number of prebends for its better Following the dissolution of the administration at a time when travelling monasteries and the disposal of much was an adventure not to be lightly of the Church land, the 16 th century undertaken. Thame was one of these was a period of increasing prosperity prebends and the Prebendal was built and development in the town. The to house the reeve or bishop’s market brought great numbers of representative. people to the centre, encouraging secondary trades, notably innkeepers Thame’s significance as a market town and victuallers (of whom there were 20 was established in 1219 when the in 1587). Bishop of Lincoln, keen that any traveller should patronise his market, Lord Williams, who had been a minor obtained a licence to divert the Oxford- figure in Elizabethan political history, Aylesbury road so that it passed right was nevertheless a major figure in through the market place. The Bishop Thame and in the county of Oxford. As stood to gain a sizeable sum in the way a landowner, Member of Parliament of tolls, stall fees and the fines of unruly and Sheriff he represented both attenders. nationally. In his will of 18 March 1559, Lord Williams bequeathed property to There is little evidence of the town’s sustain ‘a free school in the town of development during the later Middle Thame’. He also founded the attractive Ages although North Street appears to th black-timbered almshouses in Church have been in existence by the 15 Road. century. The present St Mary’s Church was built in 1241. There is evidence of By all accounts, the 16 th century a church on the same site in the late schoolboy at Lord Williams’s had a

Draft 3 4 24 May 2006 hard life. Pupils were expected to attend school from 6 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 6 pm (an hour earlier in winter). Paradoxically, the relative poverty of The boys had to pay for candles to light the town and the lack of any large- their gloom during those dim hours, for scale redevelopment have led to its cleaning materials, and for ‘rods’ to be current fortune in possessing several punished with. Knowledge was examples of timber-framed buildings frequently beaten in rather than from the late Middle Ages. imparted, although the statutes contained a specific instruction that Thame Today and Tomorrow chastisement was to be confined to the nether quarters and not the head. Today, Thame is an attractive and expanding market town. The Civil War in the 1640’s saw Thame as a “no-man’s land” between opposing During the 1970s and ‘80s Thame grew forces, the King and Rupert holding rapidly. New homes were built to the Oxford, while the Parliament held north and east of the town and Aylesbury. John Hampden, the great according to the 2001 Census the Parliamentarian (and cousin of Oliver population exceeded 11,000. Cromwell), had been a pupil of Lord Williams’s. He died in Thame in 1643 The long boat-shaped main street after being wounded at the Battle of remains remarkably wide and lined with Chalgrove. a remarkable number of ancient inns and houses in a variety of styles and The Civil War did not affect the materials, creating a scene that has importance of the market and in the th been described as ‘picturesque in an early years of the 17 century the rise unpretentious way’. of wool stapling contributed to Thame reaching the peak of its wealth and Market towns always have challenges importance as a prosperous market to face and the Town Council town. The peak soon passed. The continuously strives to keep abreast of lack of any staple industry and the those challenges and plan for the consequent dependence on agriculture future. In response to concerns about caused a rapid decline in the town’s th recreational and community facilities income during the last part of the 18 and, in particular, to address the needs century and particularly later between of young people in the town, a group 1815-1888 because of a slump in was formed in 1996 to produce a agriculture. Community Plan for Thame, which was revised in 2000. (PHOTOGRAPH HERE: 1960’s SHOWING LARGE SPACE FOR Voluntary groups have instigated a MARKETS) number of actions from that plan but further progress has been difficult to assess because the plan required updating.

This Market Town Healthcheck will produce an Action Plan to replace the old one. The plan will be comprehensive, with regular monitoring and feedback.

Draft 3 5 24 May 2006

Community Plan 2000 Objectives b) ‘to establish a youth council.’ a) ‘to investigate the provision of a The Town Council invited young people swimming pool’ to an informal gathering in April 2003 to gauge the enthusiasm for forming a A primary objective of the previous youth council . At the end of the Community Plan consultation was the meeting six young people expressed provision of a swimming pool in their interest in creating a steering Thame. This had been identified in the group to further the formation of a South Oxfordshire Local Plan in 1997, youth council. Adult members included and came after forty years of lobbying Councillors, the Head of Sixth Form at by local people. The Town Council Lord Williams’s School and the Leader worked in partnership with the District of the First Thame Scout Group. The and County Councils to provide a Youth Council was launched in swimming pool. A site was identified November 2003. on the edge of the town adjacent to a thriving sports centre now known as c) ‘to increase local knowledge and Thame Leisure Centre. understanding of Thame’s heritage’ The Earl and Countess of Wessex officially opened the Jubilee Pool in In 1992, reorganisation of the January 2003. Construction of the pool magistrates’ service led to the closure was funded by the sale of the Town of many of the smaller courthouses in Council land known as Pickenfield, England and Wales and Thame was no which was purchased by Wates Homes exception. Despite a vigorous appeal for a housing development. The public by the County Council, it finally closed open space lost by the sale of in January 2003 and all magistrates Pickenfield was replaced by new business was transferred to Oxford playing fields created at Church Farm City. The building lay empty for about beside Thame’s northeastern link road. a year and was then offered for sale by the County Council. Insert photo Countess Wessex opening pool Meanwhile, the Thame Historical Society, which had been searching for a building suitable for a local museum for some years, approached the Town Council about the possibility of purchasing the Court House. A Museum Working Group was formed with a number of partners who worked hard to achieve the purchase of the building by the Town Council in March 2004. Subsequently a Museum Trust was formed and is responsible for overseeing the conversion of the building to a museum expected to open in 2005.

Draft 3 6 24 May 2006

d) to develop an outdoor recreation site

March 2002 saw the opening of a skate park at the Church Farm site. In July 2004 a new ramp was installed there, providing the opportunity for more advanced skateboarding.

Insert photo skate ramp

Draft 3 7 24 May 2006 2. HEALTHCHECK that had evolved from the Thame Community Plan. In early 2003, Thame Town Council applied to the Countryside Agency for The theme ‘Towns in Tandem’, was Market Town Initiative funding for a inspired by the Phoenix Trail that links Healthcheck. This would offer an the two towns – a Sustrans cycle trail – excellent opportunity to update the and a symbolic meeting highlighting the link between the two communities took good work of the earlier Community st Plan (2000) and to involve the whole place on the Phoenix Trail on 21 community in influencing the future of October 2003. the town. Public Consultation At the same time, Princes Risborough Town Council was also applying for Volunteer work-groups were recruited funding. As the two towns were near to to gather facts and opinions, using a each other and on county borders, the wide range of worksheets that looked Countryside Agency awarded joint at four key areas: • funding for what was planned to be a economy combined Market Towns Initiative. • environment Thame Town Council would work in • social and community partnership with South Oxfordshire • transport and access District Council and Oxfordshire County Council; Princes Risborough Town To review and update the 2000 Council would work with Wycombe Community Plan, a questionnaire was District Council and Bucks County compiled and circulated to find out Council. public opinion on new and outstanding issues. A ‘Sticker Stop’ event was held The Launch in November 2003 at Thame Town Hall. Thame Town Council invited members of the public to attend a launch meeting Members of the public were invited to on 15 July 2003 – ‘Your Town Your comment on local issues by placing Future’ – to explain the background to stickers on large colour-coded boards the project (Community Plan) and to representing the four Healthcheck invite residents to participate in and categories. Additional comments were influence what they saw as the town’s added using ‘Post-it’ notes. future challenges and opportunities. More than 60 people came along and Information from a range of statutory, there was a good response from those voluntary and private sector wishing to be involved further, either as organisations provided interesting and steering group members or as thought-provoking displays. A local supporters with a special interest. supermarket donated wine and cheese, and approximately 50 civic-minded A Coordinator was recruited in October people attended. 2003 to assist both communities in identifying the towns’ economic, social A second public consultation took place and environmental health and to offer on 16 January 2004 at the Barns guidance on producing an Action Plan Centre, with three separate meetings that would identify projects, resources throughout the day. These consist of a and funding to achieve a vision. All of 15-minute presentation by the this would complement the initiatives Coordinator followed by discussion groups on the four key areas.

Draft 3 8 24 May 2006 community facility with several multi- During a meeting in March 2004, youth purpose rooms available for hire by councillors helped compile a charities and small performance healthcheck questionnaire for groups. However, there is a growing distribution to Lord Williams’s Lower need for an open access community and Upper Schools and other formal centre in the town especially in view of and informal groups of young people. the absence of any indoor facilities at Lea Park, the largest housing estate in In the first six months of the the town. Healthcheck, however, it became clear that the two towns had different The public conveniences in Market problems and opportunities and the House (owned by SODC) are a cause joint aspect of the project was limited to for concern regarding their general managing the funding and sharing the maintenance and their cleanliness. All Coordinator. complaints are reported to the Public Amenities Department at SODC. A For various reasons the focus of the small working group has been formed working groups declined but it is fully to consider a site for an automated recognised that if the promotion of public convenience unit. The Public Thame is to succeed, the initiative has Amenities Department will be advising to involve the combined efforts of local the Town Council. people. The future of the historic Market The challenges identified through the House itself is in some doubt. Its recent Healthcheck process include the owner, South Oxfordshire District following: Council, has identified it for potential disposal. The building is too small to The current library is nearly 50 years accommodate its present tenants, the old and was built for a population less Tourist Information Centre and the than a third the size of Thame today. Citizens Advice Bureau , and both The County Librarian informed the organisations wish to relocate subject Town Council early in 2003 that to availability of sites and funding. although Thame had gone through a project appraisal process for a new Insert photo Market House library, headway would depend on a great many factors. As a result of the planned relocation of It was thought that setting up a Friends Rycotewood College, a specialist FE of Thame Library Group, to be run as a college and adult learning facility, the freestanding body and totally need for a purpose-built adult independent of the Town Council, learning centre has been highlighted. could be helpful, and the Group held its inaugural meeting in June 2003. Later A site has yet to be found following the that year a survey commissioned by planning application for a new 60-bed the town council to gauge public residential home for the elderly on demand for a museum, sparked a Thame United’s Windmill Road site spontaneous and significant demand being rejected by the District Council. for a new and bigger library. A number of the residents at Meadowcroft share rooms without en In the late 1990’s a joint church and suite facilities, contrary to government local authority venture saw the standards. The current site is too small completion of Thame Barns Centre, a

Draft 3 9 24 May 2006 and other potential sites are being youth service and South Oxfordshire actively researched. Housing Association.

The future of the Cattle Market site continues to be a cause for speculation. The site is allocated in the Local Plan for mixed use. Both the Town Council and the Cattle Market Action Group are committed to the site being developed for community use offering, for example, arts and social facilities, a cinema and affordable housing. The Thame Farmers Auction Mart is keen to relocate away from its current site in the centre of the town, which has restricted space and parking facilities.

In late 2002 the Town Council received representations from local residents and businesses concerned about the increase in areas of the town centre being used as meeting places to drink alcohol.

The Community Safety Officer at South Oxfordshire District Council consulted with Thames Valley Police, and enquiries were made to see how other towns had tackled this problem. The Town Council quickly supported the introduction of a Designated Drinking Area Order . Wide consultation was carried out and the area covered by the proposed Order - 24 streets - was agreed in November 2003. The Order finally came into force in May 2004; it is the first of its kind in South Oxfordshire and it is too soon to know just how effective it will be in controlling anti- social behaviour.

In addition, the Thame Community Safety Group has been formed to tackle drugs, anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The group recognises that community safety and crime reduction is not the sole responsibility of the police, and includes representatives from the town and district councils, the Chamber of Commerce, Lord Williams’s School, primary schools, the

Draft 3 10 24 May 2006 The production of this Action Plan and The process has helped to identify the the opportunity for the public and key issues for the residents of Thame. interested groups to attend a public It has revealed some short to medium meeting will be the start of the second term projects that could be quickly phase of the Market Town Healthcheck implemented to improve the quality of process. life in the town and create a vision for the future. Re-engaging with those people who have an interest in Thame’s future is The forming of a partnership will fundamental to achieving the aims in require the commitment of those this new Action Plan and securing involved to achieve the longer-term further funding from the Countryside aspirations and will provide a forum for Agency. monitoring and reviewing the Thame in Trust Vision and Action Plan. Thame Partnership

The setting up of a Thame Partnership will help ensure that the town’s community, as a whole, participates in the town’s well being and development. The partnership will be represented through the Chamber of Commerce, the Local Employers Network (LEN), voluntary organisations, community groups, youth interests and churches as well as all levels of local government.

Its aim will be to help create a balanced community in Thame where businesses are helped to thrive and a quality of life is maintained for its residents that takes full advantage of the location and preserves the best of its past.

The Partnership will seek to influence and support local government and other decision making bodies ensuring that creative and “joined up” solutions are found for planning and development issues, as well as social and educational initiatives.

The importance of partnership cannot be over-emphasised. Quite simply, it is critical to the success of this project.

The process of the Market Town Healthcheck has been invaluable in helping the town to complete an up-to- date audit of community aspirations.

Draft 3 11 24 May 2006 Thame Catchment Area Map (insert here)

The catchment area shown in this map includes areas of population using Thame for shopping, education and leisure activities.

Draft 3 12 24 May 2006 KEY FINDINGS college together with its adult learning 3A ECONOMY facilities causes concern.

Shopping is a major aspect of Thame’s The Thame & District Twinning primary character as a market town, Association was formed in 1999 and and there are no competitive edge-of- successfully twinned with Montesson, town supermarkets or other retail France in 2001. A number of joint outlets. A few national multiples, events have taken place and it is together with an abundance of shops hoped that future initiatives will involve selling speciality and luxury goods, the respective Fire Brigade and Police distinguish the shopping experience in Forces and the youth of both towns. Thame. Thame is not, at present, a prime The Waitrose and Co-op supermarkets tourist destination, although the town is play an important role and there are widely regarded as an attractive and street markets every Tuesday, a historical market town. Likewise there farmers’ market on the second are a number of tourist destinations Tuesday of the month, and livestock within a short distance of the town. This markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. provides significant opportunities to promote Thame as a destination in its It is generally acknowledged that the own right, and a centre from which to physical attributes of the town are an visit many nearby attractions. important part of the shopping experience, and the Town Council, in Key Findings: partnership with SODC and OCC, has been able to pursue various • High business rates environmental improvement schemes. • Difficulty for small businesses to attract staff at affordable rates Training and education in the town is • Commercial associations considered to be adequate. The local between town and countryside schools, and Lord Williams’s in need strengthening • particular, are of a high standard and Lack of affordable housing the GCSE and A level results compare • Strategy needed to ensure local well with the national average. There shops meet local needs • are adult education opportunities at Marketing strategy needed to the Thame Adult and Community encourage both visitors and Learning Centre at Lord Williams’s businesses • Lower School, although space is A review of the Tourist Information services needed severely restricted at this location. The • availability of Internet learning within Further promotion of Town schools and libraries is considered to Twinning • Parking strategy needs revising be good and Internet facilities have • recently been provided for public use at Potential for the evening economy to be developed the Town Hall. • Little promotion of the street and farmers’ markets Rycotewood College, a long • Livestock market unable to established centre specialising in develop on its present site agricultural and vehicle engineering, • Need for a purpose-built adult fine craftsmanship and design, closed learning centre in July 2004. The 7-acre site is • Larger Post Office required allocated primarily for housing in the Local Plan 2011, and the loss of this

Draft 3 13 24 May 2006 • Further promotion of Town Twinning 3B ENVIRONMENT

This ancient market town owes its Key Findings: name to the river Thame, the word derived from the Celtic root, tam , • meaning spreading, quiet, still. This No overall strategy for may have been an allusion to the conserving or enhancing the extensive and frequent flooding historic ambience of the town historically caused by the river flooding • Conservation Area not promoted the water meadows that border its • War Memorial and gardens in meandering course. need of restoration • Pearce Memorial needs The Tuesday market was established reinstalling and confirmed by Royal Charter in • Gateways to the town need 1215. Held on land formerly under the enhancing plough, the market was originally sited • Number of ‘A’ boards on in the Buttermarket and Cornmarket pavements needs monitoring areas (the Buttermarket being on the • Elms Park in need of cooler north side, the Cornmarket on development the south). Subsequent building plots • Number and condition of public followed the shape of the ploughed conveniences needs addressing furrow – a reverse S curve – to be seen • Marketing strategy required for today as curved burgage plots behind Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve many buildings in the town centre. • Volunteer recruitment programme required Just five minutes walk from Thame’s • Dog fouling widespread concern High Street lies what is arguably one of • Additional dog bins required Thame’s most valuable but also most particularly in green spaces under-used resources. The Cuttle • Sponsorship of roundabouts Brook Nature Reserve, with its 27 needs developing acres of varied habitat, is in need of • Improvement of footpath to Long further promotion. Its 10 th anniversary Crendon this summer was celebrated with an art • Develop river walk by River exhibition and photographs dating back th Thame to the early 20 century. There were tours of the reserve and a host of learning activities for children. This was a tremendous milestone for the reserve but further consideration must be given to its long-term management. The Cuttle Brook volunteers carry out much of the practical work at the reserve.

Draft 3 14 24 May 2006 3C SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY Crime levels are low in Thame but the fear of crime still needs to be It is clear from the Healthcheck that addressed. The Community Safety Thame is an active community with an Group meets regularly to assess the impressive range of voluntary needs and opinions of residents and organisations. These groups are CCTV is currently being considered for working to improve the quality of life in the town centre. the town, from its physical and social environment to its health, education, As became clear in the Local Housing culture, leisure and recreational Needs Survey, the provision of facilities. affordable and suitably sized accommodation should be a prime There is much that can be done to help consideration at the planning stage. these organisations further develop Any further development in or around and promote themselves and to recruit the town will need to address the new volunteers. Establishing a infrastructure to support them. community centre in the town may help to co-ordinate and strengthen this The provision of a new library to meet aspect of the community. the requirements of Thame remains a top priority. The development of the Developing the Youth Council, formed Cattle Market site would not seem to early in 2003, will give young people be imminent and therefore other the opportunity to get involved in town options must be considered. The CAB developments and projects. Youth-led and Tourist Information Centre are a initiatives will require support from the further concern, as their premises are adult community, which will add an inadequate and under threat through element of continuity to the work of the the sale of the Market House. Youth Council. Key Findings: Lord Williams’s is recognised as a very good secondary school in the town. However, with the closure of • Inadequate residential care Rycotewood, a specialist FE college accommodation for the elderly and adult learning facility, the need for • Not enough sheltered housing a purpose-built adult learning centre • Not enough affordable and key- has been highlighted. worker housing • Insufficient consultation and A site has yet to be identified for a new engagement with young people 60 bed residential home for the elderly. • Purpose-built adult learning The current accommodation at centre needed Meadowcroft is unsuitable with • Larger, better-equipped library residents having to share rooms and needed (ideally purpose-built) there are no en-suite facilities. The • Open-access community centre planned expansion of Thame needed including cultural and Community Hospital also needs to be entertainment facilities such as monitored. Within the town and an auditorium, gallery and surrounding area, the provision of cinema national health services, particularly • Sport and recreational facilities dental, is under pressure. require auditing with a view to improving provision • Community Safety Group needs support and monitoring

Draft 3 15 24 May 2006 Most of the former Princes Risborough/Thame railway line to 3D TRANSPORT AND ACCESS develop has been developed by Sustrans as a cycle/pedestrian route called The Phoenix Trail. This Situated 14 miles east of Oxford, 10 extremely popular seven-mile path miles south west of Aylesbury and 47 forms part of the National Cycle miles from London, Thame is easily Network. In 2002 the trail won an Arts accessible from a wide area. The M40 and Business Award and was awarded motorway lies about 4 miles to the a Certificate of Distinction from the south of Thame and the A418, which European Commission as a European runs from Oxford to Aylesbury, Greenway in 2003. Leisure cycling has bypasses the town increased as a result of the Phoenix Trail, causing a marked increase in There is a need to reduce the use of cycle use within Thame and also cars in the town and promote between Thame and Princes sustainable transport such as walking, Risborough. cycling and the use of public transport. The Thame Walking and Cycling Phase 1 of a Thame Parking Review, Campaign, as well as local schools and currently being carried out by the town and county councils actively Oxfordshire County Council, is looking promote that aim. Through the “Better at on street parking restrictions in Ways to School” Programme, funded various roads where the high level of by the County Council, several parking needs to be addressed. It is crossings and cycle facilities have hoped that a final scheme will be drawn already been provided to encourage up by the end of 2004. walking and cycling. Key Findings: Thame has four main public car parks. Parking in Upper High Street and the • Pedestrian priority in the town lower High Street is managed by centre should be extended Thame Town Council under an agency • Not enough cycle racks agreement with Oxfordshire County • No safe cycle path through the Council. Parking is time-limited but town free of charge. The District Council • Not enough long-term parking manages the Southern Road and • Inadequate disabled access to Cattle Market car parks with one hour buildings free. The addition of the private car • Shop-mobility scheme should be parks owned by the supermarkets explored means that Thame has adequate • Inadequate public transport to facilities for short stay users but long- Health Centre & Community stay parking is a major problem, Hospital particularly on market day. • Poor signage to places outside the town centre Haddenham and Thame Parkway • Bad condition of roads and Station, two miles from Thame, is on pavements in some areas the Birmingham to London line and the • Lack of bus service from Lea Park 280 bus links the station with Thame • Lack of safe cycle path between and Aylesbury. There are buses to Thame and Haddenham & Thame Aylesbury and Oxford and less Parkway Station frequent services to a number of other destinations.

Draft 3 16 24 May 2006 • Footpath between Thame and Long Crendon needs improvement

4 THE VISION

The results of the Healthcheck have been evaluated through a SWOT analysis of the worksheets to identify the wants and needs of Thame and the surrounding countryside.

The aims of the vision are ambitious yet practical and realistic. They are designed to inspire everyone concerned with Thame’s future – residents, workers, visitors and members of the wider community.

In order to identify what needs to be done and how long it will take, a number of practical steps have been developed from the vision and its aims. These form the basis for the draft Action Plan that follows.

The Vision Statement

To enhance the historic market town of Thame by protecting its past and promoting its future as a vibrant and flourishing centre serving the whole community.

Aims

1 Increase the vitality of the town

2 Conserve and promote the town’s heritage

3 Improve communication in and around Thame

4 Enhance the town’s buildings and approaches

5 Improve social, cultural and recreational facilities for all ages

6 Protect and enhance the town’s natural environment

7 Provide suitable accommodation for the whole community

8 Promote an efficient and sustainable transport system

Draft 3 17 24 May 2006 5. The Action Plan

The Action Plan highlights particular themes that will contribute to achieving the aims.

At this stage the Action Plan is in draft form. Following the formation of the Thame Town Partnership, members will be asked to join a working group to review and compile a comprehensive list of actions with timescales, funding requirements and priority levels.

The success of implementing the Action Plan will depend on a number of factors. Initially, the formation of the Partnership and the appointment of a steering group and chairman will be of prime importance in keeping the momentum going until a project implementer is appointed.

Timing is also crucial to meet the funding timescales of the Countryside Agency and other contributing organisations. Producing a draft Action Plan at this stage enables the process to continue whilst the actions are refined and agreed.

Draft 3 18 24 May 2006 Aim 1: Increase the vitality of the town DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Timescal Funding / Priorit y Partners es Resources 1a Develop • Form a Partnership with TTC, TTC, 6 months Business H a strategic representatives from community, LEN, Improvement approach to business and local authority Community Districts (BIDs) tackling the groups, and produce a Groups, SODC http://www.odpm.go town’s future Partnership database v.uk/stellent/groups/ challenges. odpm_urbanpolicy/d ocuments/page/odp m_urbpol_608378.h csp • Produce a marketing strategy to TTC, TCC, TIC 1 year SEEDA Market H promote the town to visitors and Businesses Towns Initiative businesses and local people

1b Promote • Produce a business directory and SODC, TCC, SEEDA Market H Thame as a database LEN Towns Initiative business and shopping location • Identify gaps in local provision of SODC, TCC SEEDA Market M goods and services and actively Towns Initiative recruit to address

• Investigate a Thame delivery TCC, TTC SEEDA Market M service Towns Initiative

• Encourage the street and TTC, Market DEFRA H farmer’s market and organise Traders other markets i.e. continental market

• Investigate shop mobility TTC, SODC, South Oxon L OCC DC/Oxfordshire CC/Private sponsorship • Organise special shopping TCC, None at present M experiences throughout the year Businesses, TIC • Market the restaurants, cafes TCC, Business, Some EU funding M and pubs TTC, TIC, – would have to discuss further as would need to be part of a much larger project • Produce a shopping leaflet, TCC, 1 year ESF Direct M detailing shops and offering links Businesses, http://www.go- to website and tourism initiatives TTC, TIC, se.gov.uk/gose/e SODC, uroFunding/?a=4 2496 .

1c Develop • Arrange evening events TCC, TTC None at present H the evening economy • Encourage initiatives offering TTC, TIC, Ongoing None at present evening entertainment in the Community town centre Groups

• Promote living over the shop SODC, TCC Inland Revenue H Capital Allowances Scheme

1d • Improve Tourist Information Rural Enterprise M Encourage facilities and service Scheme DEFRA visitors to ThameDraft 3 19 24 May 2006

1e Tackle Develop a strategy with the police SODC, TVP, H antisocial and other agencies. including more TTC, TCC

Aim 2: Conserve and promote the town’s heritage DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Partners Timescales Funding/ Priority Resources 2a Protect • Identify historic buildings THS, TTC, Local Heri tage H Thame’s historical TIC, Schools, Initiative background Residents http://www.hlf.org. uk/English/HowTo Apply/OurGrantGi vingProgrammes/ LocalHeritageInitia tive/ • Monitor and protect CAAC, THS, Ditto buildings at risk TTC

• Promote the Blue Plaque THS, TTC, Ditto L Scheme for historical Local Press, places and buildings CAAC through a public awareness campaign

• 2b Promote • Continue to support the Museum Local Heritage H Thame’s heritage development of a local Trust, TTC, Initiative SODC http://www.hlf.o museum rg.uk/English/H owToApply/Our GrantGivingPro grammes/Local HeritageInitiativ e/ • Create Historic Town Trail THS, TIC, Local Heritage M TTC, SODC, Initiative OCC http://www.hlf.o rg.uk/English/H owToApply/Our GrantGivingPro grammes/Local HeritageInitiativ e/

Draft 3 20 24 May 2006

Aim 3: Improve communication in and around Thame DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Timescales Funding/ Priority Partners Resources

3a Improve • Improve and develop TTC, SODC, British Retail communication the One Stop Shop in OCC Consortium the Town Hall Foundation http://www.brc .org.uk/default new.asp • Develop and promote TTC, SODC, Vodafone a website portal for OCC Foundation Thame • Promote public access TTC, OCC, None at to the internet and TIC present access points in the Town

• Encourage Private development of an sponsorship/c internet café hain investor

• Review and improve TTC, SODC Chilterns public notice boards Sustainable Development Fund (see email attachments) • Work with ORCC to Chilterns establish better links Sustainable with the surrounding Development villages Fund (see email attachments) • Investigate production TTC, TCC Vodafone and distribution of a Foundation town newsletter

• Improve coverage of Vodafone Thame news by Foundation Thame Gazette and other local newspapers • Investigate production Chilterns and distribution of a Sustainable “welcome pack” for Development residents/people new Fund (see to the area email attachments)

Draft 3 21 24 May 2006

Aim 4: Enhance the town’s buildings and approaches DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Partners Timescales Funding/ Priority Resources 4a Improve visual • Liaison with retailers and TCC, SODC, appearance of the encourage shop front TTC town. improvements

• Organise an annual theme competition for retailers

• Produce a building design TTC, SODC guide

• Consult residents to produce TTC, Local a town improvement plan Press

• Co-ordinate and improve TTC, SODC street furniture including seats and planters

• Create and monitor SODC, TTC, standards for the upkeep of OCC, TCC the town

• Produce retailers guide to TCC, LEN, good practice Businesses

• Monitor empty properties SODC, TCC

• Enter national competitions TCC, LEN, e.g. Best Kept Town Business, TTC

4b Improve • Assess and produce TTC , LEN, gateways to the improvement plans for SODC town gateway to the town

• Instigate sponsoring of roundabouts

• Implement a Thame in bulb/flower/shrub planting Bloom, TTC, scheme SODC, OCC • Review signage and TTC, TCC, LEN, Thame’s branding TIC

Draft 3 22 24 May 2006

Aim 5: Improve social, educational, cultural and recreational facilities for all ages DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Partners Timescales Funding/ Priority Resources 5a Improve • Continue to research potential TTC, OCC, cultural and social locations and push for a library Friends of the facilities suitable for Thame Library

• Encourage development of a LWS, OCC, ACL purpose-built adult learning centre

• Encourage development of social and community facilities on the Cattle Market

• Encourage development of arts and cultural activities centre in the town

• Investigate provision of a town- centre cinema

• Increase the use of the Town TTC Hall as a community venue

• Investigate the need to relocate the Cattle Market and redevelop the North Street site

• Investigate the need to relocate the Fire Station

• Investigate future of the old Post Office building and planned relocation of the sorting office

• Produce a directory of TTC, SODC community groups

• Organise a Community Charities Fair

5b Improve • Undertake an audit of existing TTC, Local recreational facilities residents, facilities LWS Community Sport Co- ordinator, Community Groups

• Produce a plan and timescales TTC, Local to address gaps in provision residents, LWS Community Sport Co- ordinator, Community Groups

Draft 3 23 24 May 2006 • Consult with young people and residents on further sports facilities at Elms Park

Draft 3 24 24 May 2006

Aim 6: Protect and enhance the town’s natural environment DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Partners Timescales Funding / Priority Resources 6a To protect and • Identify areas most at TTC, SODC, LIFE III enhance the risk residents http://europa.eu.i H physical nt/comm/environ ment/life/home.h environment tm • Renew efforts to set up TTC , Cuttle Brook Countryside Committee Stewardship H groups of volunteers to Scheme work at Cuttle Brook and http://www.defra. other identified areas gov.uk/erdp/sch emes/css/default .htm • Approach businesses Countryside Stewardship H and schools to identify Scheme and be involved with http://www.defra. projects gov.uk/erdp/sch emes/css/default .htm • Investigate development of river walk by River Thame • Establish a tree trust M

• Organise an Environmental stand at M the Thame Show promoting local sites

• Actively promote conservation area L

Draft 3 25 24 May 2006

Aim 7: Provide suitable accommodation for the whole community DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Timescales Funding / Priority Partners Resources 7a To provide • Review the housing TTC, SODC suitable needs survey completed accommodation. by SODC

• Work closely with TTC, SODC developers and SODC to provide homes suitable for local people particularly more sheltered care homes for the elderly

• Encourage provision of a new residential care home for the elderly

• Explore initiatives to SODC, TTC provide affordable homes and homes for key workers

• Aim to bring empty SODC privately owned houses back into use

Draft 3 26 24 May 2006

Aim 8 : Promote an efficient and sustainable transport system DRAFT

Theme Actions Leader/ Partners Timescales Funding / Priority Resources 8a Improve • Undertake a transport OCC , TTC transport provision needs survey for H Thame and surrounding villages

• Promote awareness of OCC, TT, existing services Operators M

• Encourage co- TTC, OCC, ordination of bus and Operators M rail services

• Investigate bus route OCC, TTC from Oxford via Thame M to London

• Investigate cycle racks TTC, OCC on buses L

8b Minimise traffic • Lower traffic speeds OCC, TTC, SODC M problems • Improve access for the disabled M

• Assess the need and OCC, TTC, SODC co-ordinate parking provision • Encourage car sharing LEN, TCC, work schemes SODC, OCC L

• Improve traffic signs to OCC, TTC, SODC remove unnecessary H through traffic

• Identify gaps in TTC, OCC provision M

8c Encourage • Produce and market a TTC, TIC walking and cycling leaflet promoting cycle M and walkways

• Regularly monitor TTC need for cycle tracks M and appropriate locations

• Assess and improve OCC, TTC crossing points in the L town

Continue to develop the TTC, Sustrans, safe cycle/pedestrian OCC, SODC M network

Draft 3 27 24 May 2006