The Oaksmere bend over the Osse stream and the flowing water.

With the recent icing (again) of the Oaksmere bend, I thought the Parish Council ought to explain what actions have been and are being taken. The Parish Council has been trying to resolve the problem of the water which flows from a source near the Holloway’s house and nearly opposite to the entrance to the woodland. There are a number of points to make: -

1. The source of the water is not in the Appleton with Eaton Parish but that of the Fyfield and Tubney Parish. We have raised this issue with the F & T PC and so far they have not taken action.

2. The Riparian owner of the ditch has contended that they have no control over the flow of water, which appears to come from the field; thus clearing the ditch will have little or no effect.

3. There are two theories: one that it is caused by a broken pipe (this has been investigated and no pipe can be found) and two that is it a spring (this is thought to be unlikely, but …).

4. The field from which the water comes is owned by Magdalen College and rented out by them. The lessees have offered to help with a pipe but, understandably, want the pipe to take the water away and not remain on the land they are farming.

5. Could the water be piped under the road and into the woodland and thence into the stream? The woodland is owned by Julian Blackwell and Julian Morris, and they have been approached on the subject. Further discussions need to take place if this is a possible solution.

6. Highways have been approached and they could dig up the road, place a pipe all the way down to the stream and solve the problem this way. The problems with this solution are cost and the major disruption to traffic using this entrance and exit to and from the village.

7. Another factor with solution 6. above is that extra water into the Osse stream might impact on flooding elsewhere.

As can be seen, whilst it might appear nothing is happening the Parish Council have, over the past few months, spent much time and discussion with authorities over this matter. We will continue to pursue this serious matter and if anyone has any other solutions please do contact either the Parish Clerk via the website connection or any of our parish councillors.

Howard Thomas Chairman, Appleton with Eaton Parish Council