Report from Cherwell District Councillors

The first of regular reports from our Cherwell District Councillors

We can’t believe it has now been over a month since election day; thank you so much for making us feel so welcome as your new District Councillors!

By way of introduction:

Gemma has lived in Bicester for just under three years and currently works in Visitor Experience for the National Trust. She focuses on ensuring heritage and green spaces are accessible for everyone. Her working week is Wednesday to Sunday, and so is not always available at short notice on the weekend but will endeavour to be at anything she can. Gemma has been interested in politics from a young age and has been an active member of the local Liberal Democrats for three years. She is also part of local refugee support groups and has been delighted to see the amazing support that Launton has shown to our Ukrainian guests. Please get in touch if you need any support in anyway on this!

Angus is an IT consultant, currently working for Xerox, and has lived with his family in Bicester for over 6 years. He is partially sighted so may not see or recognise you but is looking forward to supporting and listening to residents. He is keen on protection of our beautiful area, and is already a Friend of Island Pond Wood!

We campaigned on a platform for change, to listen and engage with residents, and to get things done where we can. This included safer roads and making your voice heard over housing development. While the Conservatives maintain a two-seat control of Cherwell District Council, the Progressive Group (made up of LibDems, Greens, and Independents) are now the official opposition. In that role, we intend to hold decisions and recommendations to account and be the voice for all of you, however you voted.

We want to stay in touch all year round, not just at election times. You will find one of us at Parish Council meetings but we will also be out and about in Launton; knocking on doors to chat to you or holding drop in surgeries. If you see us, please stop us and say hello!

You can also always get in touch with us via email if you have anything you would like to raise. Even if it not necessarily a district matter, we will try and point you in the right direction of who can help the best. Emails:

gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.org.uk

angus.patrick@cherwell-dc.org.uk

or call us on 01869 717712.

Thank you once again for putting your trust in us to represent you at Cherwell District Council.