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Public Notice – Invitation to Quote

Launton Parish Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the execution of the following works.

Refurbishment of Launton Parish Hall

The work will include installing internal insulation to the full length of the Hall, removal of false ceiling, old storage heaters and partition wall.  The work will also include the replacement of internal timber doors, skirting boards, architraves and installation of an Air-source heat pump system, together with other refurbishment work.

The work is expected to commence in Spring 2026 and be completed by the end of 2026.

A full scope of work is available on request.

Site visits to Launton Parish Hall to view the scope of work can be arranged on request.

For queries on the scope of work and to arrange a visit to the site please contact a Parish Councillor on 07725051865

Please submit your bids by email to clerk@launton-pc-gov.uk

Quotations to be submitted by 18 December 2025.

Road resurfacing works

Please note: the dates on the signs saying that roads are going to be closed between 26 May and 1 June are incorrect!

The dates on the signs conflict with those given in OCC’s Temporary Traffic Regulation Notices that authorise road closures, and this afternoon (23 May) it was confirmed by the Assistant Works Manager that the signs are incorrect and the contractors have been asked to put them right.

The long-awaited road resurfacing works around the north edge of Bicester, including Bicester Road in Launton, are due to start very soon – just not next week! The works are in two phases: surface dressing initially, followed about 9 days later by surface sealing. Estimated dates and durations are very dependent on weather and other factors, so they are a rough guide at best (don’t rely on them!), but the latest estimates are:

Surface Dressing (max. 1 road at any one time):

    • Lords Lane – 27 May (2-3 hr duration)
    • B4100 Baynards Green – 28 May (6-8 hr duration)
    • A4095 Southwold Lane – 2 June (1-2 hr duration)
    • A4421 Skimmingdish Lane – 2 June (4-5 hr duration)
    • A4421 Charbridge Lane – 2 June (1-2 hr duration)
    • Bicester Road, Launton – 2 June or 3 June (2-3 hr duration)

Surface Seal (max. 1 road closed at any one time):

    • B4100 Baynards Green – 9 & 10 June (8-10 hr duration)
    • A4095 Southwold Lane – 11 June (2-3 hr duration)
    • A4421 Skimmingdish Lane – 11 June (5-6 hr duration)
    • A4421 Charbridge Lane – 11 June (2-3 hr duration)
    • Bicester Road, Launton – 11 June or 12 June (3-4 hr duration)

While the works are underway the affected road will be closed, with a “No Waiting” restriction that means vehicles may not be parked on the highway where there are yellow “no waiting” cones. Limited access will be maintained for emergency services and frontages within the closed section of road, “subject to the progress of the works”. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

Tragedy at Bicester Motion

Launton Parish Council is devastated by the awful events at Bicester Motion. Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of the three people whose lives have been so tragically cut short, and of course our thoughts are with the two firefighters who are in hospital. The bravery and professionalism of the emergency services are an inspiration to us all.

The Parish Council will be leaving a floral tribute at The Garth and will be making a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity.

Buses serving the village are to continue!

Oxfordshire County Council is pleased to announce that the bus service through the village is being maintained – with two services now being provided.

Following Red Rose’s withdrawal of their commercial service 17, increased funding from Oxfordshire County Council has been provided to maintain a service between Bicester, Launton and Aylesbury, but this will be two-hourly instead of hourly. Marsh Gibbon, Edgcott and Grendon Underwood are served by school time buses on both school and non-school days.

Buckinghamshire Council have kindly agreed to divert their existing service 18 (Buckingham – Bicester) via Launton. A revised timetable will be in operation, partly due to disruption caused by a new HS2 road closure near Calvert. This service is operated by Langston & Tasker.

Oxfordshire County Council are funding a new Saturday service on route 18. This service will not serve Charndon and Calvert during the period of the HS2 road closure. The Saturday service will be operated by Red Rose.

Tickets will be accepted on both services between Launton and Bicester.

Overall, therefore, the service remains broadly hourly between Launton and Bicester with similar hours of operation – although for the first five months the headway between the two services will not be even due to the HS2 road closure referred to above. Links to Aylesbury are maintained, albeit at a reduced frequency, and a service to Buckingham is restored.

It is important that villagers make the best use they can of the bus service to secure its continuation. With maximum single fares currently £2, and MyBus day tickets for unlimited travel at £6.50 (£3.50 for under 19s), there’s never been a better time to try it out.

The timetable will be available shortly.

Clerk Vacancy

August 2025: the vacancy has now been filled.

Original text (25 September 2024):

Due to the resignation of the current Clerk, the Council now has a vacancy for a Parish Clerk.

More information is available at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/clerk-vacancy/

Electric Blanket Testing – 2023

Residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free electric blanket check as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s programme to ensure everyone is safe, as well as warm, this winter.

The electric blanket tests are normally very popular, with places limited. Therefore, they must be pre-booked by phoning 01865 895999 or emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Cherwell’s testing dates are 20 September and 4 October.   The actual address and a specific time slot will be provided at time of booking.

More information can be found on the Oxfordshire County Council website and on the OCC Facebook Post

Yew Tree Field Footpath Closure

Oxfordshire County Council has informed the Parish Council that the footpath linking Yew Tree Close and the Playing Fields will be closed for surfacing and culvert project repairs/works between 15 and 31 August 2022.

This is the next phase of the works which OCC and CDC are doing to improve the area.

This is the map and this is the notice

East West Rail – drop-in session

The East West Rail team will be holding a drop-in session at Launton Parish Hall on Wednesday 20 July from 2pm to 5.30pm.

The aim of the open day is to give an opportunity for villagers to talk to the delivery teams and ask questions about the progress of the project.

They will have colleagues from the following disciplines present at the drop-in:

• Ecology/Environment

• Highways

• Structures/ Construction

• Community Investment/ Social Value

Please do drop in and find out what has been happening.

Any questions or concerns should go to publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk or call the 24 hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41

 

Electric Blanket Testing – 2021

For over 20 years the Fire Service has been testing Oxfordshire residents’ electric blankets and this service will be available again this year.
The same as last year, the Fire Service will come to you, will take it away to be tested and then return it to you.
Testing will be between 20 and 24 September and 4 and 8 October.
If you are interested in having your electric blanket tested please see the leaflet, call 01865 895999 Option 1 or email: communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk