2 December 2025 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Thame Town Council held on 2 December 2025 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Town Hall, Thame.
Present:
Cllrs D Bretherton, D Dawson (Deputy Mayor), A Dite, H Dollman, D Dodds, M Dyer, A Gilbert (Town Mayor), C Jones, S McGarry, H Richards, P Swan, A Wainwright and W Wilde
Officers
M Sturdy, Town Clerk
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
A Oughton, Operations Manager
J Doherty, Committee Services Officer
1) Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Cowell (personal), Baines (personal) Emery (personal).
RESOLVED:
i) To accept the apologies and reason given from Cllrs Cowell (personal), Baines (personal) Emery (personal).
2) Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
The following interests were declared but these did not preclude the councillors from debating or voting as the interest has previously been registered or dispensations are in place:
Cllr Wainwright declared an interest in Item 11.
Cllr Bretherton declared an interest in Items 6, 13 and 25 as SODC Cllr.
3) Civic Announcements
Noted.
4) Public Participation and Public Questions
Fire Brigades Union attended to speak regarding item 14: Thame Fire Station.
As part of a wider consultation, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service propose removing the second fire engine from Thame Fire Station. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) spoke to raise awareness of the importance to retain the second fire engine operating out of Thame Fire Station. The second appliance is essential for community safety, and the loss of this engine would endanger lives.
The FBU noted that data used by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service within the report is misleading, as it reflects the Covid period, when staff shortages were widespread. The figures exclude standby moves, when the first appliance is on calls, a replacement engine would be deployed to Thame.
Response times detailed in the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service report were challenged by FBU as inaccurate. Response times to Thame from Wheatley or Watlington (uncrewed) are over 15 minutes, recently Aylesbury response time was 18 minutes and Slade Park, Oxford response time over 19 minutes. The FBU cannot understand how the report can account for a delay of two seconds. The FBU emphasised that following the removal of the second appliance, the standby arrangements would increase response times and costs.
Thame Fire Station team is staffed by a full-time Station Support Officer and on-call personnel, who are dedicated and provide strong community commitment. Should Thame require cover by another station call out charges would be incurred and charges are significant, charges for the first hour: Devon/Somerset £440; Surrey £516; Humberside £430. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue would not provide charge rates. The FBU estimate that standby and cover arrangements could cost in the region of £38,500 annually, eliminating any savings.
Removing the second appliance affects staffing levels, as experienced at Chipping Norton, Henley-on-Thames, and Faringdon, where similar cuts led to retention and response difficulties. Henley station now faces possible closure.
The FBU stressed that Thame supports the town, surrounding villages, rural areas and the M40 corridor. Average response times are 9 minutes 13 seconds in primary urban areas and over 11 minutes in rural areas, increased by poor weather or traffic congestion on narrow rural roads. Oxfordshire is already amongst the slowest counties, ranking ninth worst nationally. Fires can engulf homes within 5 minutes, seconds save lives.
Nationally, since 2010, the UK has lost 12,000 firefighters and hundreds of fire engines, slowing response times. The FBU urge decision-makers not to compromise public safety and to maintain Thame’s two fire engines.
The proposal details that Oxfordshire would be supported by 5 whole time engines overnight, supported by on-calls stations. Thame needs to retain the second appliance. There have been big incidents in the area, fires at Council offices, Didcot A and Didcot B, many more incidents; recently crews attended for hours to the M40 to the spillage of bitumen. We are a small and rural service attending to house and commercial building fires, road traffic collisions and medical rescue. Every fire engine relied upon with neighbouring stations stretched. Every second counts, every reduction in resources means slower responses, fewer firefighters in attendance and greater risk to life and property.
Thame Fire Station was built in 1937 providing two bays with two (for a town population of c. 3,000); we need to fight to keep our second appliance to keep our communities safe (2021 population 13,270).
Resolved to move to item 14 (further discussion and Thame Town Council agreed response detailed in Item 14)
Councillor Questions and FBU Responses:
Cllrs questioned how many crew members are required to crew appliances. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service permit appliances to operate with four firefighters, which the FBU considers unsafe; a crew of six is preferable and work safe with breathing apparatus; crews regularly operate with 5 members.
Cllrs asked for clarity regarding if additional funds had been requested by the Chief Fire Officer. The FBU is unaware of the Chief Fire Officer requesting additional funds and fears the workforce will be stretched too thin, reducing service quality and increasing risk. The proposed changes and cuts would reduce whole-time engines to five countywide, relying more on on-call stations.
Cllrs noted that there is no cross-county collaboration between Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire noting that Buckinghamshire’s proposed closures at Haddenham and Stokenchurch could leave a large section of the M40 covered by only one engine.
The FBU reported that morale is at its lowest since 1981, with 72% of surveyed members (250 members completed a survey within 6 days) indicated a willingness to take industrial action. Workforce do not trust the senior leadership team within Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Cllrs queried what would become of the space at Thame Fire Station, and where the engine would go. If removed, the space may be repurposed as a gym or storage, and the engine would be moved to stock.
Cllrs questioned if there are national, or international standards which should be followed for safety. The FBU reported no such standards and have previously called for national fire cover standards. The FBU believe that the population growth and rural risk in Thame justifies maintaining two appliances.
The General Secretary at Fire Brigade Union reaffirmed commitment to protect existing services, oppose removal of engines, station closures, and workforce reductions from redundancies and will negotiate change of shift patterns.
Cllr Gilbert commended the strong community support shown for retaining both engines at Thame Fire Station.
Resolved to move to item 14 (further discussion and Thame Town Council agreed response detailed in Item 14)
5) Presentation from Thame Senior Friendship Centre
Cllr Edwards arrived during this item.
Thame Senior Friendship Centre is a registered charity that operates both the Friendship Centre and the Memories Dementia Café. The Thame Senior Friendship Centre are grateful for the funding received from Thame Town Council and support from Cllrs to date.
The Thame Senior Friendship Centre runs at Thame Town Cricket Club Pavilion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm offering social interaction, activities, entertainment and refreshments (hot drinks and a hot two course lunch) for adults aged 60+. A day at the Centre costs a member £20. The centre regularly welcomes around 45 residents from Thame and the surrounding villages.
The Memories Café held at Thame Snooker Club, meets Monday and Tuesday mornings from 10am to 1pm providing social interaction, activities and entertainment suitable for those with dementia, refreshments (drinks and sweet treats) included in the daily fee of £10. Aimed at adults with a dementia diagnosis and for those waiting for a diagnosis. The Café supports carers of those with dementia. The Memories Café is at capacity with a waiting list.
The Centre plays a vital role for older residents in Thame and the surrounding parishes. However, its financial position is precarious following the loss of significant funding from Oxfordshire County Council. Current funding is received from member fees, Thame Town Council, local grants, community fundraising and events. The Centre needs additional funding and continues to seek new grant opportunities and sponsorship and welcome donations from individuals. Funding not just the short term, to maintain and improve the service for years to come.
Cllrs suggested Thame Senior Friendship Centre contact Towersey, Stokenchurch, and Haddenham Parish Councils to highlight the service and to ask for funding, as residents from these areas attend and there is no service offering similar support in these parishes.
Cllr Edwards suggested Thame Senior Friendship Centre and Cllr Gregory discuss grants, including County Councillor grants noting the District Council could offer practical guidance for grant applications. Cllr Edwards offered to make introductions to neighbouring Parish Councils.
Cllrs suggested to apply to Thame Welfare Trust for a grant.
Councillors noted that both the Friendship Centre and Memories Café are appreciated, invaluable and an essential resource for older adults, carers, and all affected by dementia, and importance is recognised as the local population ages.
6) Planning Application Amendment – P23/S4262/FUL – Land North of Oxford Road
On 14 October 2025, the Council agreed to support the application with recommendations. The proposed amendments are minor and do not materially alter the site’s overall appearance, retaining the same materials. The Flood Risk Assessment has been approved, and the Drainage Officer is satisfied the design appropriately addresses climate change and flood risk.
Noted the landscaping is exemplary. Highways agreed to the single site entrance, to serve less than 400 homes, and the location of the pedestrian crossing.
Cllrs expressed concerns regarding the parking facilities for the dog exercise area noting two available parking spaces, no scope for additional spaces. The area will be accessed via a new permissive path, and all visitors and users will be encouraged to travel on foot.
RESOLVED to:
SUPPORTS subject to the following:
i) It is advised the following comments are submitted:
a) First Homes should be provided at 50% of market rate to be affordable to residents, as evidenced by the 2022 Thame Housing Needs Assessment and the District Council’s Housing Team’s response of 18/11/2025.
b) The Town Council noted that within the submitted 20 August 2025 Travel Plan it was stated that both the site and Thame are within cycling distance of Thame and Haddenham Parkway (paragraphs 3.14 and 3.18). The only feasible route currently available is along the single carriageway A418, partly up a steep hill. Very few cyclists have the levels of confidence and fitness required to use this route. Oxfordshire County Councillors have, however, recently confirmed the allocation of funds to commence an enabling combined walking and wheeling route project between Thame and Haddenham. The Town Council wished to raise the importance of this route ahead of planning obligations being considered further.
7) Internal Audit
Report noted.
Councillors acknowledged that the review was positive.
8) Strategy
Next community workshop scheduled for 27 January 2026, all Cllrs invited. Work continues to be carried out by a volunteer. Workshop moving forward, the aspiration is for the final draft to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting.
9) Annual Town Meeting
Discussed the event and agreed that the Annual Town Meeting will be on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at the Upper Chamber, Town Hall.
The Annual Town meeting is an opportunity for Thame residents to express their views and ask questions about any issue in the town. It is not a meeting of the Town Council; it’s a meeting of the electorate.
10) Section 106 Application – Sport Contribution
Noted.
Clarification provided that all electricity produced by the solar panels installed at the Leisure Centre will be fed to the power supply system at the Leisure Centre.
11) Community & Youth Centre Project Update
The Public Works Loan is currently pending; however, the project is progressing. Tender requests and supporting documents to be issued once the loan agreement is finalised.
Capital Project Delivery team to meet before the end of 2025.
The Community & Youth Centre is intended to serve the entire community and will be designed for broad community use, for the benefit of residents and community groups within Thame.
No major decisions will be made without Full Council approval. If necessary additional meetings will be scheduled.
Thame Town Council will launch a fundraising campaign, supported by communications initiatives and community involvement.
The Public Works Loan is for a term of 49½ years. The aim of Thame Town Council is to reduce the total amount borrowed through successful fundraising efforts and grant applications.
RESOLVED to:
i) Approve revised Terms of Reference for the Capital Project Delivery Team.
12) Rialtas Finance Systems Project
The Finance System Project review led by Cllr Dite once implemented is expected to deliver improved efficiency across processes and lower reliance on external accountancy support therefore lower operational costs. If Cllrs would like to receive the full report, please contact the Committee Services Officer.
Initial implementation costs include staff training; this will result in the closure of the Information Centre for one day. Specialised training for the accounting team in April. Note: future staff will receive in-house training.
The project is scheduled to commence in February. Procedures will be updated as required.
13) Football Club – Padel Courts
Discussed the padel court proposal from Thame Football Club.
RESOLVED to:
i) To resolve that in principal approval to grant consent for Thame Football Partnership to submit a planning application for the construction of two padel courts on Church Farm subject to approval from the landowners Oxfordshire County Council.
ii) This support in principle that any lease variations or rent adjustments required by the landowner Oxfordshire County Council are in consultation with Thame Town Council and Thame Football Partnership.
14) Thame Fire Station
Councillors discussed the Oxfordshire Fire Service proposal and agreed that Thame Town Council will oppose the proposal. The removal of the second fire engine is likely to increase costs for ratepayers due to call-out charges from other stations. The service provision will be reduced and fail to meet the emergency needs of Thame and surrounding villages.
The absence of County Councillors was noted; the Council will request an explanation from County Councillors on how the proposal benefits Thame.
Councillors requested clarification on the Fire Brigade’s M40 incident responsibilities, questioning if National Highways contribute to funding and if further cuts are being considered by the Chief Fire Officer. Cllrs agreed it is unreasonable for Thame or Oxfordshire to bear the cost for motorway incidents.
Concerns were raised about the clarity and accuracy of the Fire Service report, particularly around redundancies, staffing investment, preventative work, and justification for the removal of the second fire engine.
Cllrs stressed that this reduction poses a significant risk due to the area’s growing population. Noting poor cross-border coordination between Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire fire services. A national review was suggested to address wider issues.
Agreed that: Thame Town Council will submit a formal response opposing the proposal, highlighting the M40 concerns, inter-county coordination, and population growth. Cllr Gilbert will raise the issue with MP Freddie van Mierlo.
15) S19 Report about Flooding
The Town Clerk noted that the SODC Flood Risk Engineers have been in touch with the Council and with local residents, but the report is awaited, expected in October. Residents’ ongoing concerns is noted.
The Town Clerk will contact SODC Flood Risk Engineer. Cllrs requested an update on when OCC will be clearing the gullies in Thame; Officers will request information.
16) High Street – Infrastructure Update
Blackspot areas in the High Street affecting households, retailers, and businesses have been identified. A preliminary survey has been completed, and equipment is now on order. Installation will proceed without the need for digging or significant disruption.
17) Members Questions (under Standing Order 11)
No questions were raised.
18) Minutes
Cllr Bretherton left the meeting during this item.
The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14 October 2025 were received.
RESOLVED that:
i) The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025 are confirmed as a correct record, and signed by the Chair.
19) Corporate Governance Committee
The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2025 were noted.
20) Community Services Committee
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2025 were noted.
21) Planning Committee
The minutes of the meetings held on 21 October 2025 and 18 November 2025 were noted.
22) Environment & Assets Committee
The minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2025 were noted.
Cllr Bretherton returned to the meeting during this item.
23) Exclusion to the Public
MOVED:
i) That under Section 1, Paragraph 2 of The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
24) Local Infrastructure Project
Update received from Oxfordshire County Council, who are continuing to work in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council 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, with necessary arrangements to guide next steps and strengthen our commitment to the project.
Both authorities acknowledge that there is a longstanding local desire to see an active travel link achieved between these settlements and are aware of the local support which has recently been shown through local activities such as a petition and cycling campaign event.
At the present time, a link connecting Haddenham-Thame is endorsed in both of our respective county-wide active travel network plans, providing cross-border policy support, however this is a complex project that requires further investigative work and must follow appropriate decision-making process.
We are working towards carrying out public engagement in 2026, which will provide further information and an opportunity for interested parties to give feedback.
This update has been endorsed by the Cabinet Member for Transport for both councils (Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council, and Cllr Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council).
25) Land North of Oxford Road
Cllr Gregory briefly left the meeting during this item.
RESOLVED that:
i) That the Town Council agrees in principle to take on the ownership and management of the land north of Oxford Road (as per Appendix A of the report) and enter into negotiation with South Oxfordshire District Council regarding the draft S106 Agreement.
ii) If agreement is reached, the draft S106 agreement will be brought back to Council for approval.
The meeting concluded at 8:52pm.
Signed ………………………
Chair, 20 January 2026