BUSINESS owners have joined a district council’s campaign against calls for a unitary authority for Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has been calling for the county’s six biggest authorities to be scrapped and replaced with a single organisation, which it argues would save £20m a year and make services better.

But West Oxfordshire District Council responded by launching its Too Good to Lose campaign, arguing that some of the services it provides could be lost should a unitary authority come into being.

Several business owners in the district have backed the campaign by speaking out about how WODC has supported them.

Bec Hinds, who owns the Eden Cafe in Wesley Walk, Witney, said: “I have had excellent support from the district council. There is always someone to talk to who understands the town and I think we would lose that service if the county took over.

“There are a good number of independent businesses in Witney and they really benefit from free parking as customers have more time and so enjoy a better experience.”

Gemma Finch, owner of The Angel pub in Burford and chairwoman of Burford Chamber of Trade, echoed Ms Hinds’ thoughts on free parking.

She said: “Tourism is hugely important to the town and free parking has a massive impact on visitor numbers. Losing it would be a major concern.”

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “I am a resident of West Oxfordshire and wish to pay as little council tax as possible. And I appreciate the benefit of free parking. These are the sorts of policies I would like to see a new authority have.”

To take part in WODC’s consultation go to westoxon.gov.uk/at-risk