A PARISH council in Oxford has reappointed its clerk, who wants to set up a youth council.

Littlemore Parish Council said Richard Wilkins will continue as clerk, a role he first took on an unpaid basis in February 2017. He had earlier stood down as a councillor from the parish council.

Councillor Lynda Comber, the chairwoman of the parish council, said: “Over the last 12 months Richard has moved this council on so much and we are in a much stronger position now than we were 18 months ago.

“During interview Richard put forward some fantastic ideas, we are extremely pleased to announce this appointment and look forward to continuing to work with Richard as our executive officer.”

Mr Wilkins said: “The past 12 months have been extremely difficult but yet rewarding.

“We now have a full council of 16 councillors who all bring individual personal skills to the council which is very important.”

He said he hopes to set up a new youth council and added: “It is important to listen to the young persons we have in Littlemore.

“In setting up this youth council we will give the young people in the area a forum to put forward its ideas, they will get the opportunity to shadow both the chairman and myself as clerk to allow them to see how the council operates,” he said.

“I am very positive that at the next full council meeting councillors will agree to this fantastic opportunity once they hear off the benefits,” he added.