SINCE being elected last May to Oxfordshire County Council as an Independent county councillor for Bicester West, I thought I would share my experiences over the past year in my new role at County Hall.

Being independent from party politics allows one the freedom to consider issues and possible policy decisions for the benefit of the people I represent.

A typical example of this is how three of the independent councillors formed an alliance with the Conservatives.

This has allowed Lynda Atkins, Mark Gray and me to have a greater influence and voice in the decision making and, in particular, the annual budget at County Hall.

Recognition and credit should be given to those in the council who have done a remarkable job in a climate of extreme financial constraints in trying to balance the books. This budget has forced the council to rethink its service priorities and make difficult decisions and choices.

Unfortunately, the council found itself in a scenario of having to rob Peter to pay Paul from the financial purse now and in the foreseeable future.

Over the past few months I have continued to work on behalf of local residents with some notable successes.

As an independent councillor I have the flexibility to work with other Bicester councillors without the hindrance of party political constraints which may have prevented progress in the past.

For example, as a team of local councillors we funded the much needed road repairs for the Market Square in Bicester and had the maths block at the Bicester Community College cleaned and repainted.

I also used funds from the Councillor Community Budget to provide an anti-skid patch with warning signs in Browning Drive as well as installing a Vehicle Activation Sign (VAS) system for the busy Middleton Stoney Road.

Oxford Mail:

Leader of the council, Ian Hudspeth

I am also pleased to acknowledge that with help from my independent colleagues and the leader of the council, Ian Hudspeth, I have secured the funds to finance and install a second VAS system for Bucknell Road, to help slow speeding traffic, improve safety and reduce noise levels.

I have also requested that road traffic, parking and speeding surveys be undertaken at Shakespeare Drive, Blenheim Drive and Bucknell Road in Bicester.

Over the winter we have witnessed appalling weather with constant rain, gales and flooding that caused widespread damage to the environment and property nationally and in many areas of Oxfordshire.

This had been experienced first hand by people living in Bicester at Hanover Gardens and on the Greenwood Homes estate near Howes Lane, because of the water management system being unable to cope with the deluge of water.

These problems need permanent solutions and, whilst the flooding was not as horrendous as in other parts of the UK, for those involved it was still a worrying time for local residents who had been personally affected again, just as they were back in 2007.

The sterling efforts and work of the emergency services, county council staff, volunteers and the Armed Forces personnel during this time are to be commended.

As I start my second year as an Oxfordshire county councillor for Bicester West I will strive to listen and work hard for local residents as their independent representative and voice and continue the strong working relationship that we have built together over many years.

I will keep in touch with residents by producing my regular Local Voice Newsletters as well as conducting surveys seeking people’s opinions on important matters facing our community.