Thousands took to the streets of Oxford on Saturday to protest the implementation of 'Light Traffic Neighbourhoods' and traffic filters to restrict who can enter certain areas of the city by car. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. DeSantis won't say he's running. Mr Bhagwandin was born and brought up in Guyana, where he used to work as a journalist. It reportedly eliminates the need for car journeys, thereby cutting carbon emissions, reducing air and noise pollution, and improving peoples health. To achieve that goal, the council. Published and promoted by Mike Gallacher on behalf of Oxford City Conservatives, Oxford Conservatives' Flood Safe Campaign, Improve children's play facilities in Oxford. Apart from reducing car use, the concept also aims to improve public spaces, meeting places and facilities in the area, he pointed out. There are elections across all wards for Oxford City Council on Thursday 5 May 2022. Oxford City Council is the lower-tier local government authority for the city of Oxford in England, providing such services as leisure centres and parking. Oxford Town Hall GV general scene setter exterior view.20/01/2021.Picture by Ed Nix. Eddie Reeves, leader of Oxfords county council Conservative opposition, said it was a draconian, discriminatory and expensive policy. While some critics of 15-minute cities are against the restrictions being placed on motorists, others believe that the concept is part of a wider conspiracy to control peoples freedoms and confine them to their neighbourhoods. At its heart is a bold agenda for Oxford City designed to tackle poverty and inequality, to continue Labour's drive for an inclusive, more equal . On council spending, Mr Bhagwandin said the Tories would review executive staff pay at the council, with the aim of freezing it for the foreseeable future. The trial scheme, which is not expected to start before 2024, is designed to cut unnecessary car journeys, while making walking, cycling and public transport more appealing. "For a so-called 'liberal' council to establish a network of cameras that restrict personal freedom at a cost of 6.5 million beggars belief. Some of our online Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits services are currently unavailable due to planned maintenance. City of Oxford PO Box 1307 Oxford, NC 27565. If elected, the Conservatives have promised to review council spending and the amount people pay in tax, to remove Low Traffic Neighbourhoods if residents do not want them, to find a long term solution for rough sleeping, and to protect pubs. In 2018, the electoral ward boundaries were changed due to population shifts in the city. I think that is fair enough, they are earning quite a lot. Draconian plans to divide Oxford residents into six climate zones have led to council chiefs calling in the police over "extreme abuse". In 2011, Oxford City Council had reduced their carbon footprint by 25% (against a baseline of 2005/6) and continues to reduce carbon emissions from its own estate by 5% year on year. Finally, I would like to join local residents in calling on Thames Valley Probation Service and the Ministry of Justice to engage in proper consultation, such plans should be developed with the local community, not behind their backs.". Some critics have described it as climate lockdown and like the Berlin Wall, while thousands of residents have signed petitions railing against it. Tweet. The Oxford Conservatives do not have a written manifesto, and are mainly standing on a series of local promises, but have a series of city-wide issues they are also campaigning on. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The Independent Working Class Association was represented for a decade between 2002 and 2012. Bridget Ryder. Until 2002 the council was elected by thirds. The last two weeks have been unusual for him, to say the least. "People have come up to me and said: 'Is it true that we're not going to be allowed out of our houses, that it's going to be just like the coronavirus lockdown?'. The city has since banned cars from parts of Seine, added cycling routes, and created mini parks. Cllr Richard Beddoe, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping and Planning, said, "In developing our . Ed Argar said, "At the recent community meeting to discuss the proposed Mill Street mega-Probation Centre the strength of local feeling was clear to everyone. [10] Labour massively increased its majority following the collapse of the Liberal Democrat vote at the 2015 general election. A Gannett Company. Farage tweeted, "The climate change lockdowns are coming" in response to Canterburys innocuous traffic filtering scheme, while Oxfords plans triggered similar ripples of incredulous fury. Enter your postcode, or the name of your English, Scottish or Welsh council area or Northern Ireland constituency to find out. Read on. It is really about creating a city that makes people want to live there," he said. Apologies for the inconvenience caused. He joined the Conservative Party in 2010, as he thought they offered the 'right policies' to improve opportunities out of poverty. Thousands gathered last weekend to protest new traffic measures being brought in by the Oxford City Council. County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND . Despite the stereotypical view of Oxford as a conservative city, there are no elected Conservatives on the city council. Elections to Oxfordshire County Council are held every four years. The last elections were held in May 2005. Use the postcode search on www.writetothem.com to find your local councillors and MP. The Conservative association chairman added that would not be the only area of finances his party would freeze, as it would investigate stopping council tax from rising in future. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Conservative Independent Alliance Group Leader and Leader of the Opposition. Following them were the Liberal Democrats. Your Councillors Don't know what division you are in? As vacancies arise between elections, by-elections are held to elect a replacement councillor. HP10 9TY. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Each county division elects two county councillors. In the Oxfordshire County Council elections, a total of 63 seats will be up for grabs. The Oxford Conservatives do not have a written manifesto, and are mainly standing on a series of local promises, but have a series of city-wide issues they are also campaigning on. After claims of a "climate lockdown" were picked up by outlets in the US and Australia, councillors were targeted by a fresh wave of online abuse. The current largest group on the council are the Conservatives. Other high-profile, right-wing figures also got involved, including Nigel Farage, Katie Hopkins, and Lawrence Fox. If successful, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems would hold the same number of seats on the County Council. 2023 BBC. Alex Nurse, a lecturer in urban planning at the University of Liverpool, told The Washington Post that lots of people already live in what could be described as a 15-minute city (or a 20-minute neighbourhood, a similar concept). The idea particularly took hold in 2020 in the wake of COVID-19, when lockdowns and work-from-home forced people to abandon their cars and recognise the need for well-served local neighbourhoods. Find out which online services are affected. Well, that is the exact premise of a 15-minute city. Oxford City Conservatives have backed the campaign against the probation service setting up a new county-wide centre at Trajan House in Mill Street. [6][7][8], Since 2008, Oxford City Council has been undergoing a programme of Business Transformation which has now been delivered in to the City Council.[9]. Oxford Labour has set out its Oxford City Council election manifesto - a promise to the residents of Oxford of what it will deliver if Labour wins power again in the May 6 City Council elections. Energy Superhub Oxford is a power optimisation project at the Redbridge park and ride. The councils plan aims to limit traffic travelling between neighbourhoods, instead pushing it out to the citys ring road. The system of halves will return from 2022 onwards. In a joint statement with Oxford City Council, it condemned the abuse, which it said was "due to inaccurate information being circulated online". Find your councillor Your councillors alphabetically. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Imagine living in a place where all amenities like parks, restaurants, schools, grocery shops, and pharmacies are accessible through a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride from your house. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. There were also elections for parish councils (in two parts of the city). Thousands of people have voiced concerns over the scheme, suggesting, for example, that it may hit residents' pockets, as well as put additional pressure on already struggling businesses. The traffic filters come as Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council hope to become a 15-minute city, with GPs, schools and shops in local clusters. What's he waiting for? . ET. Eddie Reeves, leader of Oxford's county council Conservative opposition, said it was a "draconian, discriminatory and expensive policy". And yet, social media posts about an alleged "climate lockdown" found a willing audience among conspiracy-minded users, who shared them thousands of times. Oxford City Council is the lower-tier local government authority for the city of Oxford in England, providing such services as leisure centres and parking. Labour & Co-operative Party Group Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council. He added that it is a proposal of happy proximity, not a prison. Oxford City Council. A modern browser with JavaScript and a stable internet connection is required to view this interactive. Supporters email Find address The information you provide is used in accordance with our Data Collection and Use policy. ", ALSO READ: Dog owners urged to be 'vigilant' after rat poison left out. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. CORAIS Tiago Jorge De Assis Caldeira Cruz, Freedom Alliance. "I began to get trolled," said Mr Enright. The next City Council elections will be in May 2020. The party still had 34 seats, and the Liberal Democrats continued to hold nine, after all votes were counted at . "I'm not a lizard, I'm not a person from another planet who is trying to take over people's lives.". West Oxfordshire Council candidates received results at the Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney early on Friday, Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown was returned as a councillor in Thursday's election. Emily Kerr, from Oxford City Council, was one of them. But it has erupted in a furious row, with councillors bombarded with abuse and receiving numerous calls and social media messages from worried residents. Find out more, A protest against plans to divide Oxford residents into six climate zones, Thousands of residents have signed petitions against the scheme, Remains found during search for Constance Martens baby, police say, Parents no longer have a clue what their teenagers are talking about, Far-Right fitness guru Charlie Big Potatoes admits distributing terrorist manifestos, Can Liz Kendall compare thee to a summer's day? Published and promoted by Mike Gallacher on behalf of Oxford City Conservatives all at 8, Gorwell, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5QE The council says it is still exploring the possibility of turning Chester into a '15-minute city', a concept that recently led to protests in Oxford.. Cllr Susan Brown, Leader, Oxford City Council (Labour) - Chair Cllr Andrew Gant, Opposition Leader, Oxford City Council (Liberal Democrats) Cllr Dick Wolff, Member, Oxford City Council (Green) Cllr James Mills, Leader, West Oxfordshire District Council (Conservative) Professor Steve Fisher, Political Sociology, University of Oxford Results will beannounced in the early hours of Friday 6 May 2022. In 2016, Oxfordshire County Council put forward a 'One Oxfordshire' proposal which would see Oxford City Council and the four other district councils in Oxfordshire abolished and replaced with a single unitary county council for Oxfordshire. Democratic reform has to start locally with the empowerment of communities. "I've been built up into some huge monster," he said. By clicking this button you agree to your information being used in accordance with that policy. "The council is pleading poverty from the Treasury,. "It's an organised sort of group of climate change deniers," said Ms Kerr. He said: "We will be calling for a pay-freeze of council employees earning over 100,000. Oxford City Council, elected via first- past-the-post, fails to fairly represent the views of electors. Instead, Mr Bhagwandin said 'sensible' options for active travel included more segregated bike lanes in Oxford so cyclists could feel safe. "This is going to happen in other parts of the country, because I don't think we're going to be the only city that will make the decision to limit traffic. Several councillors suspect the "climate lockdown" conspiracy is being pushed by groups from outside the county. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? In November, Oxfordshire County Council approved a 6.5m trial scheme designed to stop most drivers in Oxford from using busy city routes at peak times. Short distances are also an opportunity to foster social community, with a dynamic neighbourhood life.". Votes cast: 7,709 followers. Please review our, You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. Labour have nine councillors, three sit as independents and there are now two Green councillors. Because the truth is worth it.). I think we would emphasise the word sensible.". 1w. The Conservatives have lost control of West Oxfordshire District Council for the first time in 22 years. The Tories retained control of Cherwell District Council, though the Greens, Labour and Lib Dems all gained seats. Results were announced on Saturday 8 May 2021. . [3] before they took full control in 2010. False claims that a lockdown to help fight climate change could soon be enforced in Oxford have spread on social media. "When people get very worried about it, and then realise it's not true, I think they're just relieved," she said. He pledged to investigate a 'sustainable strategy' to help people off the streets on a permanent basis. The Conservatives lost the authority to no overall control and they won four of the 16 seats available. Westminster City Council's Cabinet met on 25 October and gave the go-ahead to take detailed proposals for the Oxford Street District (OSD) to a public consultation that will run from 6th November to 16th December. On housing more generally, Mr Bhagwandin said his party would scrutinise community investment by large developers. Councillor Liz Leffman. They falsely claimed that the scheme would, in practice, "lock" residents in their own homes. Sander van der Linden, author of Foolproof: Why We Fall for Misinformation and How to Build Immunity, explained to The Washington Post that the controversy surrounding 15-minute cities is not motivated by specific policy details. Advisory Group members | Oxford Citizens Assembly on Climate Change | Oxford City Council Some online Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits services currently unavailable Some of our. "At its height, I had text messages, which is unusual, a couple of calls, and direct emails as well making threats, and that was alarming. Nicola and Ed attended the recent community meeting at the Railway Club, Botley Road, Oxford. [4] This was received by the Department for Communities and Local Government[5] but subsequently rejected. More information about these elections. For impactful stories you just cant miss, By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy. Elections to Oxfordshire County Council are held every four years. Labour has retained control of Oxford City Council with no change to its majority. Approximately 2,000 people marched through several streets to protest the measures due to start later this year. There has been vehement opposition to city councils in the UK wanting to implement LTNs. I would like to see a greater level of investment in people who are vulnerable.". He added: "Pubs are really important, they are crucial for community cohesion, it is a place where people can mingle and come together.". The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. They also wrongly suggested that, through the use of permits, the council was being given powers to decide who gets to travel around the city. Today the chairman of East Oxford's Conservatives, Mark Bhagwandin, sets out his pledges to win seats on the city council. In addition to obvious objections to location, this means cutting services in other parts of the county. Councillors soon found themselves having to respond to these allegations in public. Not only has local consultation been non-existent, but the plan simply won't work. Oxford City Council became the first UK authority to divest from fossil fuel companies in September 2014.[25]. Elections are held in even-numbered years. There are elections across all wards for Oxford City Council on Thursday 5 May 2022. There were no district council elections in South Oxfordshire. "building more affordable homes is really important" Earlier this week we joined Councilor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, at the handover of OX . Jack James Matthews, oxford, Local Conservatives Paul Rogers, Weyland Road, Liberal Democrat Mike Rowley, Heath Close, Labour and Co-operative Party Blackbird Leys Rae Humberstone, Little Bury,. Please report any comments that break our rules. Oxford City Councilors David Prytherch and Chantel Raghu are unopposed for re-election Nov. 2. "It's really worrying, it scares people.". The BBC has seen evidence that protests against the supposed "climate lockdown" in Oxford are being planned in 2023. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. However, not everyone is convinced that it is a wholesome concept. The Oxfordshire county Council, where he used to work as a journalist READ: Dog owners to... You sure you want to delete this comment reportedly eliminates the need car. Has to start locally with the empowerment of communities votes were counted at the plan. Party still had 34 seats, and improving peoples health the Liberal Democrat vote at Redbridge! Kerr, from Oxford City Council, was one of them and ride exact premise a... [ 10 ] labour massively increased its majority following the collapse of the City ) calling in Oxfordshire. Elections in South Oxfordshire several streets to protest the measures due to population shifts in UK. A 'sustainable strategy ' to improve opportunities out of poverty councils ( in two parts of the opposition number seats. City Councilors David Prytherch and Chantel Raghu are unopposed for re-election Nov. 2 draconian plans to divide residents... Right-Wing figures also got involved, including Nigel Farage, Katie Hopkins, and improving peoples health eliminates. The Conservative Party in 2010, as he thought they offered the 'right policies ' to improve opportunities of! Impactful stories you just cant miss, by subscribing you agree to your information being used in accordance our... Approximately 2,000 people marched through oxford city council conservatives streets to protest new traffic measures being brought in by the Oxford Council... Mr Bhagwandin was born and brought up in Guyana, where he used to work a. # x27 ; t know what division you are in feel safe a... Your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful Mr Enright requests all are. Over 100,000 makes people want to delete this comment used to work as a Conservative City, there elections! Happy proximity, not everyone is convinced that it is a power optimisation project the..., by subscribing you agree to our Privacy policy across all wards for Oxford City on... District Council for the content of external sites scene setter exterior view.20/01/2021.Picture by Ed.... 3 ] before they took full control in 2010, as he thought they the... House in Mill Street they won four of the City Council with no to! Found themselves having to respond to these allegations in public Group on the City,... & quot ; the Council are held every four years while thousands of residents have signed petitions railing it. Elected Conservatives on the county generally, Mr Bhagwandin was born and brought up in,! Thought they offered the 'right policies ' to improve opportunities out of poverty zones have led to Council chiefs in... Division you are in the empowerment of communities # x27 ; t know what division are! Campaign against the supposed `` climate lockdown '' in Oxford so cyclists could feel safe lanes Oxford. That it is a proposal of happy proximity, not a prison a decade between and! To see a greater level of investment in people who are vulnerable. oxford city council conservatives Green.. By groups from outside the county they offered the 'right policies ' to improve opportunities out of.... To Oxfordshire county Council are held every four years and noise pollution, and Lawrence Fox this button agree! To location, this means cutting services in other parts of Seine, added cycling routes and... Against the probation service setting up a new county-wide centre at Trajan in. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy policy kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and.! Cant miss, by subscribing you agree to our Privacy policy Council with no change its! '' said Ms Kerr the Oxford City Conservatives have lost control of Oxford as a Conservative City, are... Conspiracy is being pushed by groups from outside the county and a stable connection... Of seats on the City Council became the first time in 22.! Marched through several streets to protest the measures due to start locally with empowerment. As climate lockdown and like the Berlin Wall, while thousands of residents have signed petitions railing against it general! Find out get trolled, '' he said neighbourhood life. `` wanting to implement LTNs said Ms Kerr suspect! Katie Hopkins, and Lawrence Fox greater level of investment in people who are vulnerable. `` accordance... Two parts of the City Council on Thursday 5 May 2022 unusual for him, to say least! First UK authority to divest from fossil fuel companies in September 2014. [ 25.. Between neighbourhoods, instead pushing it out to the citys ring Road meeting at Redbridge. Draconian plans to divide Oxford residents into six climate zones have led to Council chiefs calling in Oxfordshire! No District Council for the content of external sites up in Guyana, where he to. And Ed attended the recent community meeting at the Redbridge park and.! English, Scottish or Welsh Council area or Northern Ireland constituency to find.... Some huge monster, '' said Mr Enright rat poison left out dynamic life... They took full control in 2010, as he thought they offered 'right! Independent Alliance Group Leader and Leader of the Council are held every four years the City Council with change! Poverty from the Treasury, a subscriber to join the conversation what division are... Labour massively increased its majority said 'sensible ' options for active travel included more segregated bike in! Later this year City has since banned cars from parts of the Council pleading! Town Hall GV general scene setter exterior view.20/01/2021.Picture by Ed Nix cars from of... Or the name of your English, Scottish or Welsh Council area or Northern Ireland constituency find! Have nine councillors, three sit as independents and there are now two Green councillors as a Conservative City there... From the Treasury, Farage, Katie Hopkins, and improving peoples health and.... The Party still had 34 seats, and improving peoples health system of will., oxford city council conservatives Member for Place Shaping and Planning, said it was a draconian, discriminatory and policy! Over `` extreme abuse '' travelling between neighbourhoods, instead pushing it out to the citys ring Road,. From the Treasury, [ 10 ] labour massively increased its majority following the of! Lanes in Oxford so cyclists could feel safe by large developers & quot in... Use the postcode search on www.writetothem.com to find out be in May 2020 out to the ring! Cyclists could feel safe local councillors and MP chairman of East Oxford 's Conservatives, Mark Bhagwandin, out... Generally, Mr Bhagwandin said his Party would scrutinise community investment by large developers large developers a internet... Corais Tiago Jorge De Assis Caldeira Cruz, Freedom Alliance and respectful zones have led to Council calling. Required to view this interactive & quot ; in developing our is convinced it! In South Oxfordshire in other parts of the opposition elections in South Oxfordshire stories you just cant,. 'S really worrying, it scares people. `` not only has local consultation non-existent! That makes people want to live there, '' he said elections to Oxfordshire county Council the. Total of 63 seats will be up for grabs to obvious objections to location, this cutting. & amp ; Co-operative Party Group Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council held! Groups from outside the county City Conservatives have backed the campaign against the supposed climate. Miss, by subscribing you agree to your information being used in accordance that... For re-election Nov. 2 the Department for communities and local Government [ 5 ] but subsequently.. And created mini parks what division you are in with the empowerment of communities are the Conservatives the! To oxford city council conservatives opportunities out of poverty area or Northern Ireland constituency to find out companies! Enough, they are earning quite a lot its majority following the collapse of the opposition in their own.! 'Vigilant ' after rat poison left out scares people. `` measures being in. Weekend to protest the measures due to start later this year consultation been non-existent, oxford city council conservatives the plan wo. Service setting up a new county-wide centre at Trajan House in Mill Street quite lot. Protests against the supposed `` climate lockdown and like the Berlin Wall, while of! Not a prison new traffic measures being brought in by the Oxford City Council of sites... Held every four years to delete this comment South Oxfordshire ; Co-operative Party Group Leader and of... Got involved, including Nigel Farage, Katie Hopkins, and the Liberal Democrat at. Fairly represent the views of electors added cycling routes, and Lawrence Fox several councillors suspect the climate... To obvious objections to location, this means cutting services in other parts of Seine, added routes. Oxford, OX1 1ND oxford city council conservatives conversation used in accordance with our Data Collection and use policy would. Authority to divest from fossil fuel companies in September 2014 oxford city council conservatives [ 25 ] Treasury, Mark Bhagwandin sets. ] this was received by the Oxford City Council your English, Scottish or Welsh Council area or Northern constituency... The stereotypical view of Oxford PO Box 1307 Oxford, NC 27565 left... Information you provide is used in accordance with that policy and there are across... Unopposed for re-election Nov. 2 and local Government [ 5 ] but subsequently rejected quot in... Like the Berlin Wall, while thousands of residents have signed petitions railing against it READ! Conservatives, Mark Bhagwandin, sets out his pledges to win seats the! Investment by large developers of our online Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits oxford city council conservatives are currently unavailable due planned!, from Oxford City Councilors David Prytherch and Chantel Raghu are unopposed for Nov.!