An election will take place to fill a vacancy on the Carterton Town Council's Shillbrook Ward on Thursday.

Lib Dem candidate Natalie King said she is "standing to represent the residents of the place where I live".

"I have never been involved in party politics before. That is partly because I have been so busy looking after my children, my job, and in campaigning against the spoiling of the Rec by the Town Council. But I have realised that the only way to get things done is to make sure that residents are properly represented, and that means politics!"

She added: "As we can see from the shenanigans at 10 Downing Street, there is a real problem when a party is in power too long and when it thinks that it can make rules for other people without worrying about sticking to them itself. That is what has been happening in Carterton too, where the same set of party politicians sit on the Town Council, District Council and County Council, and up to now haven’t worried too much about not being re-elected. In fact most seats on the Town Council have not been contested. That is how we have ended up with proposed building on our precious Recreation Ground without the support of the people who live in Carterton and who use the Rec for their leisure activity.

"My opponent on Thursday is yet another Tory WODC councillor, for a ward outside the town. He has supported the huge expansion of building without the infrastructure being built to support the new residents. It isn’t good for our locality if the same people sit on each of the councils, and nod through their own proposals.

"I am standing to ensure that people like me are listened to. I have spoken to hundreds of residents, and I know they share my concerns. Thursday is a chance to send a message, and it will be heard both in Carterton and beyond."

Alex Postan, Vice-Chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council, is the Conservative candidate.

He said his election manifesto contains a "multitude of points that are addressed by the strong Conservative policies that provide the foundation for a successful community".

He said; "I like Carterton and its residents and their vital sense of purpose is the reason for its success. The LibDem candidate doesn’t seem to know what is going on."

"The Rec Action group has advised the Town Council that the historic aspect of The Pavilion is to be treasured and that better facilities are to be included so that we can all gain the benefit. The Rec will be safe with me.

"Natalie doesn’t know what she is talking about. I have been at the forefront of the many groups who have fought for sustainable development and since 1994 I have fought for and have taken part in ALL THREE Public Inquiries fighting the dead hand of the developers. I didn’t see Natalie there nor did anybody else.

"I have promoted many environmental movements to benefit all of us - flood bunds on the Shillbrook, waste traps, electric vehicle charging points, single use plastics and trees to capture carbon.

"My record speaks for itself; I do not just talk, I do it."

"And I can see the Shillbrook division from where I live, can Natalie say the same?"

Poll cards will be issued for this election which takes place on 20 January 2022 (7am to 10pm).

Registered voters may vote in their usual polling station and should give their name and address to the staff there.

If you are unsure about your polling station, or whether you are registered to vote, contact West Oxfordshire District Council.