RESIDENTS in South Oxfordshire and the Vale are being warned they face a fortnight’s delay for decisions on planning applications.

The councils have been working to get their computer systems running following the devastating blaze at the council offices in Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, on January 15.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council staff who shared the offices have now been relocated.

About 80 staff are working from Abbey House in Abingdon while others are working from home.

SODC leader John Cotton, pictured, said: “Our IT systems are up and running and planning applications are back online but we are asking the public to bear with us as there will be some delays.

“There will be a reduced service for the time being in some areas. But if people have an urgent problem then they can call us and we will try to sort it out.”

Residents are also being asked to delay submitting new planning applications “for a couple of weeks” so urgent issues can be dealt with. The deadline for comments on applications is also being extended by eight days.

All planning applications and comments sent by post or online on Tuesday, January 13, or after have definitely been lost in the blaze.

Other services affected are waste and recycling, taxi licensing, and elections. Drivers needing a temporary taxi licence should call 01235 540534.

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