JERICHO ECHO ARTICLE
April 1988
The AGM held on 29th January in the Jericho and St. Barnabas Institute enabled those few residents who came to meet and confirm in office, our new chairman, Ray Inskeep. Although a relative newcomer to the committee, Ray has lived for many years in Walton Street, Jericho. In his opening address he reminded newcomers to the area of some of the history of the JRA; the initial fight to save the area from the developers making sure that residents obtained fair compensation and were properly rehoused, or housed. Things haven't changed very much. The developers are still there and local residents still have to unite to protect their homes. Now the threat is from the new Housing Bill and from the private landlords with their multi-occupancy, short term, market rates policy. Already 34% of houses in Jericho are let in multi-occupancy, against an Oxford average of 18% and a national average of 16%. Two leaflets dealing with the proposed housing bill were circulated during the meeting and the committee has since met with a representative of the Housing Rights Committee and is working in conjunction with the newly formed Jericho Council Tenants' Association but don't be misled, private tenants will be just as affected as Council tenants. Perhaps the biggest success for the JRA recently has been over pollution. Lucy's new filters collect 200kg of dust and soot a week which used to land on your houses and washing. We worked with the assistance of the Council officers, Councillors, and Walton Manor but the constant pushing, reminders and complaints made sure that the matter did not get forgotten. We still work on other issues of local concern: parking, road repairs (or lack of them), unsafe pavements. We have supported the Boat owners of Oxford in their fight for permanent moorings on the grounds that it is better to have people we know, and who work in the area, living along the canal than itinerants. As a result the British Waterways Board are going to clean up the arm between Isis Lock and Hythe Bridge Street so you can enjoy a walk on a decent path. Neighbourhood Watch interests some residents and the Committee talked to the Police Crime Prevention Officer. We were told that such schemes require 60% of residents with one resident in each street acting as co-ordinator to ensure success. Given that support Neighbourhood Watch can be very successful in reducing vandalism, thefts and burglaries. Results of the elections to the JRA Committee: Chairman:R.R. Inskeep 45 Walton St. Secretary:Christine Cowham 15 Guy Court. Asst. Sec.: Val Sillery 24 Walton St. Committee: Margaret Amosu 11 Richmond Road Louise Edwards 77 Gt. Clarendon St. Simon Loveday 44 Richmond Road Auriol Milford 27 Victor Street Carole Guberman 24 Cardigan Street Jan Needle 13 Canal St. & St. Barnabas/Jericho Centre Maureen Parker 25 Worcester Place Denis Wise 52 Cranham Street Fr. Wright St. Barnabas Vicarage Since January the Asst. Sec. has resigned and has been replaced by Terry Foster 30 Walton Crescent. If you want advice on who to talk to in the Council please contact any of these people. Finally we must thank Jane and Paul Turner for their help and work on the Committee for several years.Author: Christine Cowham