TWO Blackbird Leys residents are ready to serve on the estate’s parish council after an Oxford Mail appeal for new members.

Daniel Jones and Jadine Kennedy have started as Northfield Brook councillors after being asked to join Blackbird Leys Parish Council.

It comes after council chairman Gordon Roper told the Oxford Mail in May that the council desperatey needed new members to avoid being shut down.

Miss Kennedy, 19, who lives in Nettlebed Mead, said she was inspired to join after seeing the Mail story.

She said: “I’ve always had an interest in political things and I thought this would be a good place to start. This is definitely the first step on my political trail.

She is set to begin a City of Oxford College course next month in politics, law and philosophy.

She said: “I like having so many different people’s ideas coming together and coming to a conclusion that makes people happy.

“I’ll probably try to tackle the drugs on the estate. It’s an important thing that needs to be dealt with.”

Firs Meadow resident Mr Jones, 38, is a full-time dad for autistic stepson Jacob, daughter Scarlett, nine, and son Ruben, two. He said: “The parish council needs some fresh blood and a little bit more input would probably really help them.

“My first impression is that the council needs a little bit of a revamp and a push forward.”

He said he took a greater interest in estate issues after the closure this year of its Shepherd’s Hill and Dovecote nurseries.

Shepherd’s Hill closed after being told it could not renew its lease from Windale Primary School as its space was needed for pupils. Dovecote closed because of recruitment problems.

The parish council has struggled in recent years to fill its 14 seats but now has 10 councillors.

Mr Roper thanked the Oxford Mail for its help, and said: “We still have spaces, but this is the beginning of a solution.”

The council has a kitty of £23,100 from through council tax this year and gives out grants and raises issues of concerns with other authorities like Oxford City Council.

  • For more information about joining the council, email the parish clerk on bblparishcouncil@gmail.com.

 

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