WITNEY residents can give their verdict on the town council’s four-year term as all 17 members come up for re-election on General Election day next Thursday.

The town’s mayor said the council had a “ghastly” beginning after it was elected four years-ago, immediately facing criticism when the Corn Exchange had to be shut down because of health and safety concerns.

It also came under fire after deciding to sell off Langdale Hall to pay for the Corn Exchange’s refurbishment, as well as for closing down the paddling pool at the Leys over health and safety issues in 2011.

Town Mayor Jeanette Baker said: “It was a very difficult start. It’s the end of a four-year term and I feel the town council has done a reasonable job from a ghastly beginning. It has learnt a lot from what people want and will continue to do so.”

People in Witney will also be casting votes in the General Election and choosing West Oxfordshire district councillors.