A NEW revelation – parish councillors are not voted into office by their parishioners. Instead they are cherry-picked by the parish councillors already in office.

Perhaps that’s why all but one remained mute at the Old Marston Parish Council meeting on Tuesday when deciding on objections to put forward against the Barton outline planning permission.

Councillor Mary Clarkson, pictured, said she is expecting many new homeowners to commute to London (or be employed in the hospitals).

I question whether we really want new Barton to be a dormitory for London workers? Is this likely to happen because they are the only folk able to afford housing? We need housing for locals.

The chair decided to object on traffic issues but refused to include a major concern, flooding.The subsequent public’s unrest was met with arrogance and contempt.

You have to marvel at the clever timing of events. The next meeting isn’t until September 3 – this is democracy in Oxford.

ELAINE BENNETT

Marston Road

Oxford