Did ram raiders torch vehicle?
By Will Davies
FIREFIGHTERS were called to the scene of a burning Jeep Cherokee last Thursday — the fourth such vehicle deliberately set alight in the Goring area in less than a year.
Police believe this latest 4x4 vehicle was used to steal a cash machine in a ram raid in Greater Leys, Oxford, before being set alight and ditched on Bridle Way, Goring, at around 4.30 a.m. on April 12th.
Three people wearing balaclavas reversed the black Cherokee through glass doors at the Vue Cinema in Greater Leys and ripped out the cash machine, containing over £5,000.
Watch manager at Goring Fire Station, Sean Absolom, said: “This is the fourth Jeep Cherokee in under a year to be deliberately set alight in the area, all of which are the same model with either an M or N registration.“Two were found in exactly the same place, on the Ridgeway junction near Ipsden. We have no idea why this is happening.”
DC Jacqui Bartlett, from Oxford CID, said: “If you happened to have been where this 4x4 was found in the early hours of the morning, we would like to hear from you.”
Police confirmed that another of the four Cherokee vehicles, which was found burned out in Streatly on February 16th, was stolen from a house in West Ilsley near Newbury. However, it could not verify whether it had been used in a crime.
Thames Valley Police spokesman Kate Smith said: “It is possible that all these cars may also have been involved in crimes.“Cars that are found burned out are often cars that have been stolen to commit crimes. If you see a car on fire please report it and report anyone acting suspiciously in the area.”
DC Bartlett can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Friday, 20 April 2007
'We don't want this development'
Overwhelming vote by residents against town centre plans
By Will Davies
HENLEY RESIDENTS have voted overwhelmingly against the controversial re-development plans for Market Place Mews — with 96 per cent saying no.
Responding to a questionnaire printed in the Standard, angry residents are branding the £5 million development as ‘dense and vulgar’ and ‘big money talking.’
The developers London and Henley Properties are launching a revised bid after their original plans were rejected.
But many residents worry about what is already a contentious issue in the town — the increase in traffic congestion and heightened exposure to carbon emissions.
They are also concerned about additional parking requirements to cater for extra visitors the development would generate.
But mayor Cllr. Barry Wood stressed that while the council is sympathetic to the issues of parking and congestion, there was a need to find a solution in order ‘to encourage investment and development in the town.’
The majority of those who replied to the questionnaire, voiced fears over the size of the project — that it was ‘far too large’ and that ‘the buildings are too high and over intensive.’ But the overriding concern was that Henley would eventually become overdeveloped and lose its charm.
One reader said: “The retail units are aimed at attracting large companies rather than niche shops, which are more attractive to Henley.”And another wrote: “I object to the proliferation of chain shops. Soon Henley will resemble any other high street.”
But Cllr. Wood insisted that the council does not want to increase the number of chain shops within the town.He said: “We might have no choice but to let chain shops come to Henley, but we don’t want a predominance of them.“We have a great need to encourage independent retailers.”
One reader gave a cautious thumbs up to the development, saying: “I hope it will put pay to the proposed development at the Townlands site. We do not need a department store or a 600-seat auditorium.”
The mayor said that at present, it is ‘most unlikely’ that the town council will endorse the development and has asked that the new plans which are being drawn up are exhibited at the end of the month.
He said: “We hope that as many people as possible will view these plans and give their response. It is important that the people of Henley have their say.”
By Will Davies
HENLEY RESIDENTS have voted overwhelmingly against the controversial re-development plans for Market Place Mews — with 96 per cent saying no.
Responding to a questionnaire printed in the Standard, angry residents are branding the £5 million development as ‘dense and vulgar’ and ‘big money talking.’
The developers London and Henley Properties are launching a revised bid after their original plans were rejected.
But many residents worry about what is already a contentious issue in the town — the increase in traffic congestion and heightened exposure to carbon emissions.
They are also concerned about additional parking requirements to cater for extra visitors the development would generate.
But mayor Cllr. Barry Wood stressed that while the council is sympathetic to the issues of parking and congestion, there was a need to find a solution in order ‘to encourage investment and development in the town.’
The majority of those who replied to the questionnaire, voiced fears over the size of the project — that it was ‘far too large’ and that ‘the buildings are too high and over intensive.’ But the overriding concern was that Henley would eventually become overdeveloped and lose its charm.
One reader said: “The retail units are aimed at attracting large companies rather than niche shops, which are more attractive to Henley.”And another wrote: “I object to the proliferation of chain shops. Soon Henley will resemble any other high street.”
But Cllr. Wood insisted that the council does not want to increase the number of chain shops within the town.He said: “We might have no choice but to let chain shops come to Henley, but we don’t want a predominance of them.“We have a great need to encourage independent retailers.”
One reader gave a cautious thumbs up to the development, saying: “I hope it will put pay to the proposed development at the Townlands site. We do not need a department store or a 600-seat auditorium.”
The mayor said that at present, it is ‘most unlikely’ that the town council will endorse the development and has asked that the new plans which are being drawn up are exhibited at the end of the month.
He said: “We hope that as many people as possible will view these plans and give their response. It is important that the people of Henley have their say.”
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