SINCE his election in May 2009, Oxford city council newcomer Van Coulter has campaigned hard to safeguard an £800,000 play area and a multi-million school redevelopment on a city estate.

And now the Barton and Sandhills representative has been shortlisted for a national award for his efforts.

Mr Coulter, who is a post-graduate student at Ruskin College, is one of six members nationwide fighting it out for the title of New Councillor of the Year.

The awards have been organised by local government think tank the Local Government Information Unit and the winner will be announced in London tomorrow.

The Labour councillor said he was delighted to be nominated but admitted he had no idea who put him forward.

He said: “Since I was elected I have done my best to support the administration, the hard working officers and the voluntary groups within the community for the benefit of the whole of Oxford.

“I am sincerely surprised that I have been shortlisted and I acknowledge that the support and hard work of the officers have contributed towards my nomination and selection.”

In July 2009, the Government froze funding for the £800,000 Play Barton project as part of its in-year spending review. Mr Coulter, a Play Barton trustee, lobbied the Department for Education to release the cash and minister Michael Gove announced the funding was safe in October.

He also spoke out against plans to axe the multi-million pound redevelopment of Bayard’s Hill Primary School on the estate.

That project was reprieved by Oxfordshire County Council last month.

Praise for the councillor, who is also involved in Headington Farmers’ Market, has come from both sides of the Town Hall chamber.

Liberal Democrat leader Stephen Brown is chairman of the value and performance scrutiny committee, where Mr Coulter is vice-chairman. He said: “I have valued his contributions and support.”

Council Leader Bob Price said: “It is a well merited nomination. He has been a great champion for Barton.”

Mr Coulter faces competition on the night from councillors from Coventry, Gloucester, Reading and Westminster.