18 March 2026 – Minutes (draft)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Minutes of the Annual Town Meeting held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 7pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.
Present:
Approximately 45 people in attendance including council representatives and Officers.
1) Welcome
Town Mayor, Cllr Gilbert, welcomed all in attendance to the Annual Town Meeting. Cllr Gilbert advised the agenda for the evening.
2) Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 19 March 2025 were noted to be a correct record, and were signed by the Chair.
3) Town Mayor’s Report for 2025-2026
Town Mayor, Cllr Gilbert provided a verbal update on his year as Mayor.
Mayor at the Market, is held monthly and is a face-to-face method to enable residents in Thame to meet the Councillors and allows conversations and interactions. Residents are encouraged to raise any concerns to the Council.
The Annual Town Meeting is a great opportunity for residents to raise issues to Thame Town Council, for example at last year’s meeting a resident raised an issue regarding Wi-Fi in Upper High Street. Following this Cllr Gilbert progressed discissions, a Digital Advisor from Oxfordshire County Council provided a contact for an Australian based company who provide wireless transponders which sit on top of streetlamps. There is no disturbance to streets, this digital service can be secured, and residents and businesses can subscribe to this Wi-Fi service. The kit is in transport and hopefully service will be available this summer. The Council do try to be reactive to questions, whilst we don’t know all the answers we do try to find out.
The Mayor highlighted the importance of volunteers who are key to supporting our communities, and the country. Thank you to all the volunteers supporting the community. There are always opportunities for volunteers to explore within the town, the Council and Community groups would welcome discussions.
The Council are submitting an expression of interest bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028. Thanks to Cllr Wainwright, Phil Evans and local volunteers who have assisted and supported this application. The process of discussions and the involvement of the community has been fascinating. The communities in Thame are thriving; this is a great opportunity to pursue.
The Mayor highlighted the Mayor’s Attendances are events and activities which have been attended by the Mayor and/or Deputy Mayor. The events are a credit to the town for being such an active and well-connected community. Increasingly Mayor’s attendances are for community activities and businesses within the town.
Project Link, the Community and Youth Centre, is the largest development which Thame has taken on and is a big commitment. Cllr Gilbert visited Beckley (north of Oxford), which has a beautiful Community Centre serving the village with a population of around 1,500. Thame’s population is now 13,500; this Centre is needed for the community and for the youth. At the Public Meeting in February this was discussed in detail. Further questions are welcomed during the Open Forum.
The website www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/communityandyouthcentre/ has information and if you need paper copies of the FAQ please contact the Information Centre.
Thame takes planning seriously and was one of the first towns to have a Neighbourhood Plan which was established in 2012, updated in 2025. This provides a framework for planning and development considerations. Highlighting that “failing to plan is planning to fail”, the Strategy for Thame is being created to help develop where Thame, as a community, wants to be in 2050 and how it can grow to be a wellbeing town.
4) Share Final Draft Vision
The Council want to look after our residents, our Youth, children and older generations. Our draft vision statement is:
“Thame, a wellbeing town.”
“By 2050, Thame will be a sustainable market town where well-managed change strengthens wellbeing, promotes community and provides opportunity for all generations.”
Future forecasting is considering, where we want to be now, where we want to be in 2050; we welcome offline discussions and the vision statement will be debated at Full Council on 31 March 2026.
5) Pre-Submitted Questions
Roads, Transport and Travel:
Questions regarding condition of roads:
What are you doing about all the potholes? They are causing so much damage to cars.
The recent resurfacing of a few roads in Thame has been welcomed, but what is being done about the many other roads in Thame riddled with potholes?
The A4129/Tythrop Way has many large and dangerous potholes. The OCC ‘FixMyStreet’ website is not appropriate for reporting potholes on this road. To do so you have to take your life in your hands to provide the information being asked for. OCC should survey this road and take the appropriate remedial actions.
Answer: The Town Council are not responsible for roads; Oxfordshire County Council are responsible. Our Oxfordshire County Councillor, Cllr Gregory asks for all residents to report all potholes on FixMyStreet, please include photos, if safe to do so. Potholes have been particularly difficult to fix for the last couple of months due to the persistent rain. The weather is improving, contractors are clearing the backlog of potholes and are looking to resurface those roads that need it, for durability and longevity.
Cllr Gilbert would recommend reporting to FixMyStreet again should the pothole be worse or not repaired or if you feel that your comment has not been noticed. Please all be involved to report potholes.
Question from resident: Oxfordshire County Council advised of the re-surfacing of three roads in Thame, however, looks like only one road has been completed.
Answer: Works were delayed due to weather; work is being rescheduled.
Cllr Gilbert asked for all questions, from residents attending to be held until the Open Forum.
Questions regarding speed limits, enforcement and safety:
OCC have stated they plan to start a review of the speed limits on A and B roads in April 2026 including Tythrop Way / A4129. TTC previously included this in the 20mph review in 2024 where a proposal for the speed limit on Tythrop Way was to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph. Does Thame Town Council still support this?
If 30 mph is implemented how would this speed limit be enforced?
Following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, will TTC support installation of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) on Cromwell Avenue close to Barley Hill School?
Answer: The Tythrop Way speed limit proposal was considered by Thame Town Council at Full Council on 14 November 2023 which supported OCC consideration to reduce the speed limit on Tythrop Way from 40mph – 30mph. Speedwatch can undertake checks on roads which are 20/30 mph. Thame Town Council could consider at a Full Council meeting the introduction of signage to remind users to reduce speed, either by showing driving speed or an indicator if speed is within the limit/not. Cllr Gregory advised that the Town Council need to fund the SIDs.
Question: The Crash Map which Oxfordshire County Council keep does not reflect the number of incidents that actually happens.
Answer: www.crashmap.co.uk is populated by published data from the Department for Transport
Questions regarding Tythrop Way:
Can S106 / developer contributions fund mini roundabouts at the junctions to Lea Park?
Lea Park Residents Association have received numerous inputs from residents expressing concerns about problems exiting Lea Park Estate due to the volume and speed of traffic on Tythrop Way.
Answer: Unsure if mini roundabouts are possible, however if speed of traffic was reduced, this would benefit Lea Park, residents of Thame and would assist future users to access the Thame to Haddenham Greenway. Our County Councillor advised that S106 agreements are agreed during the planning process and are very specific in terms of what it delivers and it has to be relevant to the new development. CIL is slightly more flexible, and it has contributed to a number of schemes in Thame. However, unsure if this was captured in the LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan)
Question regarding Wellington Street:
The road surface on Wellington Street is badly scarred, worn and pot-holed which is hazardous and dangerous. Is the Town Council aware of these defects, is it acknowledged that these are hazards in the present condition and can the Town Council confirm if there are plans to properly resurface Wellington Street to eliminate the current hazards and dangers?
Answer: Thames Water have recently completed urgent work on Wellington Street, and works were not potholes, issue was undermining the substrate of the road, this is more complex issue, which is why this took time to fix, this was a failed sewer. This is not an easy fix, aging infrastructure, and developments which were built many years ago contributed to the failure of the sewer system. Thame Town Council are aware of the defects, and the status of resurfacing is not known.
Questions regarding Haddenham and Thame Greenway:
Is there any news on the Haddenham and Thame Greenway (also known as the “Thame to Haddenham Active Travel Link” on OCC website) which can be shared with Thame and Haddenham residents and visitors?
Are Thame Town Council happy with the speed of progress towards this greenway and is Thame Town Council sufficiently updated on progress?
Answer: Thame Town Council have been working for this for over 30 years, the Thame and Haddenham Communities want and need this. As previously advised Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council are continuing to work in partnerships to investigate an active travel link connecting Haddenham and Thame. Both authorities have committed funding and resources towards the development of the scheme. To support this partnership working across local authority boundaries, making necessary arrangements to guide next steps and strengthen their commitment to the project.
The Thame to Haddenham Greenway Petition was presented at 10 Downing Street on 3 February 2026 following work led by Freddie van Mierlo MP and supported by County Councillor Gregory. The petition calls on the Government to support the delivery of a safe and accessible greenway linking the town of Thame with the village of Haddenham.
Cllr Gilbert commented that this is backed by residents, communities and it might not appear to be moving, but it is behind the scenes. This has cross-party support with Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid-Buckinghamshire. Freddie van Mierlo MP has raised that there is no legal mechanism for compulsory purchase to enable a greenway which does not involve cars.
The greenway has been discussed for many years, whilst this would have been wonderful to have achieved this before now, the Council are pleased that Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council are now actively progressing with this.
Questions regarding pedestrian crossings:
Is there any chance of shortening the time the traffic lights stay red for the Phoenix Trail crossing of Howland Way? The traffic is stopped for far longer than needed for pedestrians to cross, resulting in an unnecessary build-up of traffic at busy times.
Answer: Thame Town Council can follow this up with our County Councillors. However, car drivers were asked to be patient and allow pedestrians, and cyclists time to cross safely.
Question: The pedestrian crossing by Prezzo is worn and pot-holed please can this be repaired?
Answer: The condition of the pedestrian crossing by Prezzo has already been escalated by Cllr Gregory, our Oxfordshire County Councillor and an inspector will be attending site to investigate.
Question regarding pavements:
The pavements are in poor condition and repairs which have been carried out, have been do so badly with poor quality workmanship and will not last long.
Answer: Oxfordshire County Council are responsible for most pavements; Thame Town Council can follow this up with our County Councillors and highways contacts. Please report on FixMyStreet and let the Town Council know.
Active Travel, Local Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP):
Question: Please update us on the current priorities of the Thame LCWIP, and whether improvement of the narrow and dangerous access path from the Cattle Market to Lea Park Estate is included.
Answer: The LCWIP identifies the access path connecting Parliament Road to the Cattle Market as needing improvement including resurfacing, the need to improve visibility, lighting and to consider options for widening, subject to cooperation with the school. Thame Town Council cannot advise on priorities of the LCWIP as the funding, implementation and delivery of improvements is the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council. Thame Town Council will follow this up with our County Councillors.
Post-meeting Officers can also advise that: The LCWIP identifies several proposed uncontrolled crossings on Lea Park. A zebra crossing is proposed to link Meghans Walk with Denbigh Road; and a further uncontrolled crossing (proposed drop kerbs and tactile paving).
Community:
Question regarding Chinnor Rugby Club:
Please could the Town Council share details of plans and discussions with Chinnor Rugby Club since the club’s promotion and resulting increase of supporters attending matches and number of events. Specifically in relation to safety and impact to surrounding residential areas including:
-inconsiderate and dangerous parking obstructing access to properties, pavements and for emergency vehicles.
-increased noise including loud early evening fireworks (in daylight during summer), tannoy announcements & commentary, -events/functions with loud music beyond midnight.
-lack of suitable traffic control for pedestrian supporters to safely crossroads at the adjacent roundabout combined with vehicle congestion to access ground.
-light nuisance from new floodlighting & new illuminated screens.
Answer: The Club is now in the top 50 Clubs in the UK, there have been discussions with the Club. The club offer parking and encourage visitors to park on site. The club are taking every measure to encourage safe parking for users. The Club are open to discussions. There should not be inconsiderate and dangerous parking. Regarding fireworks, the fireworks were let off during the halfway point, this was a one-off event not a regular event for matches. There should not be loud music beyond midnight, if there is music after midnight the club needs to be responsible tenants, and neighbours. Please inform Thame Town Council and we can address this with the club. Thame Town Council are working with Cllr Gregory to review a pedestrian crossing at the Rugby Club. Let’s work as a community and engaged members, to work together and be involved. With regards to the floodlighting and screen there is a screen at the far end of rugby pitch, if there are ongoing issues with floodlighting this should be raised to the District Council, please let Thame Town Council know.
Post meeting, the Officers clarified that: The last floodlights to be added were placed next to the Wenman Road frontage with the benefit of planning permission in 2021 with no objection having been received from the District Council’s Environmental Health Team. Any concerns about new lighting, including screens, music etc. should be sent to the District Council. The Town Council are concerned that the access arrangements, particularly for pedestrians, may not now be suitable given the larger crowds attending matches. Access arrangements would have been addressed as part of the Club’s original and earlier planning applications, but a new application would not be required due to the Rugby Club joining the Champ Rugby League.
Healthcare:
Question regarding the Community Hospital:
When we have a Community Hospital in Thame, why are Thame residents required to attend for basic physiotherapy treatment to distant parts of the County and into Buckinghamshire? There are doubtless other services for which this question could be asked but physio seems one of the most obvious.
Answer: The Community Hospital is owned by Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust. The Community Hospital provides community health services including prevention services, assessments and outpatient appointments. Whilst this is in Thame, this is not our assets. The proceeds of the car park are received by Buckinghamshire Council.
Cllr Gilbert thanked all those who had provided questions ahead of time, which enabled consideration ahead of this meeting.
Audience Questions:
Roads, Transport and Travel:
Question: The roads and pavements are a concern and connected to disabled access, a lot of talk about potholes, cars, pavements, crossings however, there are many areas where the pavements are a disgrace, the pavement on Wellington Street in particular, understand that people have fallen out of wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. This is a threat to the old and disabled and those with mobility scooters where it is impossible to travel on certain parts of the pavements. The County Council should be pressed, Wellington Street has been Category 3 for 5 years, this has been raised previously and needs urgent repairs. Pavements have been ignored by County Council. Resident reported to Oxfordshire County Council previously with images, examples of areas, distances, dangers and nothing was done. The Council need to react.
Cllr Gilbert commented that Spring Path needs repair also.
Answer: Cllr Gregory agrees that the roads and pavements are in dreadful state, and the weather over the last few months has been particularly bad and potholes cannot be filled when flooded, or when it is raining. Years of underinvestment have not helped; however, contractors are actively looking at potholes, getting through the backlog, ideal is to get out and re-surface those roads and pavements. Cllr Gregory completed similar work on Lea Park a few years ago. Cllr Gregory requested for this document to be sent to her; Officers to provide this.
Question: Can Speedwatch carry out checks on Tythrop Way?
Answer: Speedwach can be carried out on 20/30mph roads, cannot carry out checks on Tythrop Way as this is a 40mph road.
Question: The road conditions are awful, particularly on North Street, which supports heavy traffic into Thame, buses, market traffic, whilst this is not Thame Town Council responsibility, who can residents contact to complain?
Answer: Cllr Gregory advised there are plans, which can be shared.
Question: Resident raised that repairs were carried out after reporting on FixMyStreet for years, so please persevere with FixMyStreet.
Answer: Cllr Gregory advised residents to email directly with reference numbers if not receiving answers. Contact details are on OCC, SODC and Thame Town Council websites. There are plans, which can be shared. Cllr Gregory commented that that gully clearance is underway, and this is now budgeted for annual clearance, historically was 4-yearly. Cllr Gilbert advised that Thame’s gully clearance was underway and should be completed by April.
Question: It is a great opportunity to see Cllr Gilbert at the market, with a lot of matters the responsibly of County/District, could Councillors attend to represent County and District?
Answer: Cllrs Gregory, Bretherton, Edwards and Barker would be welcome to join. Mayor on the Market occurs monthly and all Cllr support welcomed. Most issues or complaints are roads, potholes, pavements however, this is a nationwide issue, 10/15 years of neglect, please let’s focus on the future to get this fixed and work together.
Question: What happens to those Community Speed Groups identify as speeding?
Answer: Community Speed Groups cannot prosecute, the objective is to warn people who are driving too fast, car details including number plates, speed recorded is captured and this information is sent to the Police, the Police issue letters to advise going too fast, and to slow down. This is awareness to encourage motorists to observe 20/30 mph speed limits.
Question: With a lot of talk about certain roads, a resident asked if there could be a map available at the meeting which shows roads names and locations.
Answer: Map pads are available in the Information Centre to review road names.
Infrastructure:
Question: Two years ago, Thames Water advised that considerable works at Sewage Treatment Plant would be carried out in 2025; document re-issued later, same wording but mentioning 2026. Wonder if we can find out what the plans are, what will be undertaken, and when, and if this will solve the problem of continuous discharge?
Answer: An audience member commented that Thames Water requested consent to place a sound recording device within the garden of their property, which was one of 5 locations near the Sewage Treatment Plant to obtain base sound recordings. Following the results, a review would be carried out to support works, and the process of works would be undertaken. Thames Water indicated works might be undertaken in 2027.
Healthcare:
Question: Further question regarding the Community Hospital, whilst mentioned physio which is a basic discipline for those with mobility problems, having been referred to Botley or Wallingford. There are many disciplines which don’t need much equipment and would be great to use space at the Community Hospital. Are all the spaces at the Community Hospital used to capacity?
Answer: Thame Town Council will follow up with its contact at the Community Hospital.
Community:
Resident Comment: Resident wished to congratulate Thame Town Council, recognising the pressure, negativity and complaints they face. This meeting is important to receive issues, and to highlight that we had fantastic town events recently, Thame Sportive, ThamePride, these would not have happened without the council. Thame is a great town, and it is fantastic that we are going for Town of Culture 2028. Would hope that all will support this.
This was met with a round of applause.
Precept:
Question: Having received the Precept information with the Council Tax. The precept of the Police element always exceeds the rate of inflation, why is the Police rate exceeding the rate of inflation?
Answer: If the District or County Councils wish to raise their precept by more than 5% this requires a referendum. However, Police/Fire services are under different restrictions and have the flexibility to raise Precept higher to obtain more funding. Police are under pressure, so they do need more funding.
Planning:
Question: Is there an update for the possible Lidl development?
Answer: Lidl has purchased the site, with planning to develop this site put forward before issuing the demolition planning request. Many issues have been raised regarding development of this site, not just the development but the demolition. Lidl have withdrawn the demolition application. Thame Town Council support the development by Lidl subject to planning requirement matters being addressed to the satisfaction of the District Council, such as flooding which has always been an issue on the site.
Emergency Services:
Cllr Gilbert raised awareness for Thame Fire Station. The recent consultation proposed the reduction of an engine. Thame Town Council have opposed this proposal, and this was supported by Freddie van Mierlo MP and the Fire Brigade Union. Thame Fire Station is a key station, not just for the town, but for neighbouring villages in Buckinghamshire and the M40 corridor from Milton Common to High Wycombe which is a large reach.
Noting that:
1937 Thame Fire Station was built with two engines, for the population of around 3,500
2026 population 13,500 now, two engines need to be retained.
Resident Comment: Thame Fire Station serves 30,000 people, many of which are in Bucks. Haddenham is growing and proposing another 5,000 houses, requiring support from Thame Fire Service, must consider the future of Thame Fire Station, implications for this are profound. Oxfordshire County Council must talk to Buckinghamshire Council as the implications which are put onto Thame are crippling and will only get worse. Decisions today must consider the future, to consider what this will threaten, not to destroy today what you need tomorrow.
Cllr Gilbert raised that the 16 Thame Town Councillors are volunteers and support the town and community for fun! In the upcoming Elections in 2027 Thame Town Council might be looking for new councillors and are open to hearing from anyone who might be interested to learn what this entails. Thame is a wonderful town, with vibrant community organisations and volunteers, Thame Town Councillors represent that in conjunction with volunteers.
Without Volunteers this town and country would drive to a halt, there are amazing volunteers in the town and community groups. If newer residents of Thame would like to get involved, please do talk to us! We are here to support the community.
Thank you for the questions, this is not just an annual event, there are many ways to contact the Council and Councillors please do contact us if you have any questions, or pop into the information centre to chat further.
This was met with a round of applause
The meeting concluded at 8.25pm
Signed ……………………………… Date …………………………….
Chair, Annual Town Meeting, 3 March 2027