Dear Electors,

Having served for over 20 years on the Town Council, twice as your District Councillor, and twice as Mayor, I am asking that you re-elect me again on May 3^rd.

Many issues are ongoing, despite our efforts to address them over the years, but as a third tier authority our powers are limited. However we must continue to press hard to solve the top priorities.

More real affordable or market discount housing for local people. House prices in Chipping Norton have meant that even though some affordable housing has been provided they are still out of reach for first time buyers.

Local Employment – The loss of Parker Knoll has meant that although most people have managed to find work they have to travel, (something Central Government says we should discourage ) it is essential that more jobs are provided to balance the relationship between housing and jobs which is currently way out of balance.

Along with other members of the Hospital Action Group and Healthcare User Group I have fought hard to retain our local health services. With community hospitals closing elsewhere, our best chance of keeping  our much loved hospital is a joint scheme providing a new hospital and new care home on the Rockhill site, and in that way we can enjoy a modern facility fit for the 21st Century. There is no guarantee that doggedly hanging on to the present hospital which has served us well in the past, would be the way to go, as ultimately we may lose it with no possibility of being replaced. However we must stand firm on keeping our Hospital staff within the National Health Service.

For years we have tried to deal with the problem of Heavy Goods Vehicles polluting our town, we must continue to press the County Council to make drivers use the alternative route by imposing a weight restriction and making sure this is enforced.

We have made some progress on recreation and leisure facilities with a new  Leisure Centre and additional  playgrounds over the years, but the Leisure Centre is expensive and our playgrounds need to be upgraded.

With the impending changes of potential building on the present War Memorial  Hospital site, Ambulance Depot, Castle View, The Chestnuts and the rear of the High Street, it is essential that we press the planning Authority to use Section 106 agreements to provide a new youth centre at an “ in town “ location bearing in mind the choice of a central site is now extremely limited. I am sure that young people would value a new centre, not allied to school, and that parents would feel more comfortable if such a centre was at a central site and not “out of town.”

In order to achieve these goals we must continue to work with the County and District Councils, (or perhaps a new Unitary Authority ) as in today’s world they cannot be achieved by working in isolation.