Imran Lokhon's Blog

No Change Available To Park The Car?

imranlokhon — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:25:15 +0000

Well hope everyone’s week has been exciting so far.

I saw a number of posts around on social networking sites about people not having change to hand to pay for the car park and a local resident mentioned the service where you can pay for car parking using your mobile.

I have created a little poll question asking you whether you like to see this sort of service in Wallingford and would love your thoughts.

Please visit this Facebook page with the question. Have a great weekend and I look forward to getting your answers.

Let’s Meet…

imranlokhon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:43:57 +0000

On The 7th Day Of Christmas…

imranlokhon — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:18:58 +0000

A few weeks ago I received an invite from Gemma and Lucy who run pure elegance for their Christmas party. I did think they were trying to say something about my looks and that I need help?! :)

It’s great to see two young ladies have a growing business during what some think is a tough time. Well done ladies!

Below are some of the snaps from Wednesday night. If you have a local business I love to share with Wallingford what you are doing for Christmas. For more information about what Lucy & Gemma do check out http://www.pureelegancebeauty.co.uk/

Core Strategy Inspectors Conclusions – Site Change For Wallingford.

imranlokhon — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:17:55 +0000

Earlier today I was notified that the independent planning inspector decided that site E (Land at Winterbrook) in Wallingford will be the chosen site for the development of 555 homes. Of course I believe the numbers are still too high for any site selection so we need to keep an eye on future planning applications.

SODC have published a press release which you can view here http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2011/2011-11/dismay-core-strategy-key-change

If residents in my ward have any questions about this feel free to make contact with me.

The Core Strategy Hearings

imranlokhon — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:43:50 +0000

Over the last few weeks the hearing took place at SODC about the Core Strategy which have been chaired by an Independent Planning Inspector (Roy Foster).

Many of you have been asking me what happens next?

The council will be advised of changes following Mr Foster’s findings
Further sustainability work maybe required I am told
The final report will be written by Mr Foster on whether he finds the Strategy to be sound

If the Inspector finds the document sound then potentially the Council would look to adopt the Strategy in late spring 2012.

The examination webpage www.southoxon.gov.uk/corestrategyexamination provides further

information about the recent hearings.

BBC Children In Need

imranlokhon — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:29:15 +0000

Afternoon everyone.

This morning I spent some time shaking a bucket, dodging the traffic in my very fashionable high vis jacket for the great Children In Need Charity.

I just wanted to thank you all this morning and for everyone that gave during the day as its such a great cause and I know a number of you were caught more than once by all the volunteers. Big thanks to Ira Hoare and the Rotary Club for organising the collection every year!

2 minute silence

imranlokhon — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:59:36 +0000

Well all I can say is how proud Wallingford should be that so many were involved in the market place at 11am for the 2 minute silence. below is a quick photo I managed to take just before..

Another Birthday For A Local Business

imranlokhon — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:05:03 +0000

I heard that on Saturday it was Wallingford’s own Louise Claire Millinery Hat Shop’s Birthday.. They have been in business for 18 years in Wallingford.

Louise said “we started with 250 hats and now have over 1000 to choose from and the winter season is busy and exciting”. I asked Louise what she thought 2012 would be like after celebrating being in Wallingford for many years and well established. She said “I am looking forward to summer season with the 2012 Golden Jubilee & the Olympics. Our own design hats are being made for the summer will be a unique twist as well as new well known designers coming into stock for the season. As you can tell I love hats and seeing customers so happy when they leave with something fabulous”.

I am very proud to see so many independent businesses in the Town, it’s not always easy but always pushing to do that bit extra pays off.

Wallingford Riverside

imranlokhon — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:59:47 +0000

On Saturday Cllr Betty Atkins and myself spoke to residents in the market place about the SODC proposals to change the paddling pool into an interactive water feature. The feedback was excellent!

Below is the information about it. Please do make any final comments to the council via email or phone below or contact me.

Riverside Park interactive water feature

South Oxfordshire District Council is delighted to announce a major investment in Riverside Park, Wallingford, to install an interactive water feature which we hope to open in May 2012. This is required due to the need for a total replacement of the paddling pool because of failing structure, pumps and filtering equipment. This opportunity will provide residents and visitors to South Oxfordshire with a:

• water feature that will be free to use and will replace the old paddling pool. It will be suitable for children from toddler age up to 12 years old and also accessible to children with disabilities

• a shallow splash area for young children and babies

• a fully safety surfaced water play area

• a fun, safe and interesting area in which to play

• a retained and improved picnic area with new fencing and gates

We hope to see you at Riverside for a fun packed summer in 2012

Please make any comments to Economy, Leisure and Property email:leisure@southoxon.gov.uk or telephone: 01235 540367

Water & Weddings…

imranlokhon — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:25:09 +0000

Happy Friday to you all!

This Saturday at 9.30am Town Councillor Betty Atkins & I will be in Wallingford market place to answer any questions on the proposed SODC improvement plan for the riverside and replacement of the paddling pool. I am sure many of you have experienced great memories from the pool and the new plans for a water feature is set to create exciting new memories.

If you have questions or views please pop over to see the designs.

Tomorrow see’s the launch of the Wallingford Weddings event. If you are planning a wedding or know of anyone getting married please let them know.

Below is some information from a press release:

Wallingford Weddings, on Saturday 8 October, will feature everything that
a bride needs for the big occasion, from locally designed bridal dresses,
bridesmaid’s outfits and wedding shoes, to potential wedding presents,
photographers, cakes, rings, flowers and invitations.

There will also be the opportunity for the bride-to-be and her family to check
out wedding and reception venues, or even book the honeymoon!

On the day guests will be greeted at the town hall by the Wallingford
Weddings Welcome Group who will offer them guidance about how to get the
most from the day and present them with a treasure map showing everything
the town has to offer.

They will then spend a hassle-free day making their way throughout the town,
stopping at participating venues which will be making visitors feel welcome by
offering discounts and special promotions throughout the day.

Wallingford Weddings is being supported by local businesses, Wallingford in
Business and South Oxfordshire District Council.