Oxenhope Community Venture

Oxenhope resident, Jane Holdsworth, recently called a meeting for anyone interested in exploring development of a community smallholding venture in Oxenhope. Jane was keen to explore interest in the purchase of land currently for sale in the village.

The meeting was chaired by Cllr Ken Eastwood, from Oxenhope Parish Council. Ken made it clear that the Parish Council was interested in assisting community initiatives where appropriate, but was not otherwise involved in the proposals being discussed.

Jane described a vision and possible opportunities including community allotments, smallholdings, petting farms and more. Mention was made, in particular, of the Incredible Edible initiative in nearby Todmorden.

After much discussion, the purchase of land was put to the vote and received no support. However, there was a general interest in exploring the concept further and, indeed, a local resident offered to make land available free of charge for a community venture.

A core group of interested volunteers agreed to meet again, in the Bay Horse, at 19:30 on Monday, the 10th of October. All are welcome to come along and contribute to the discussion.

A volunteer made notes of the first meeting which are available here.