A PARISH council that was pushed to the brink of extinction has been revitalised after its plight was highlighted in the Oxford Mail.

Chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, Gordon Roper, said there has been a flurry of interest in joining the council after he previously warned it could cease to exist.

The council has long struggled to recruit new members and previously only half of the 14 available seats were taken.

But Mr Roper said several people have now come forward to offer their support and help keep the council going.

Five new members could be co-opted on to the council at the next meeting at the end of the month and Mr Roper hopes that it could soon be up to full strength.

He said: “We are a lot more positive for the future.

“More people will bring new and fresh ideas about what is good for the estate.

“They will bring a mix of experience and new ideas.

“It will make us stronger and help us to work together to achieve things for the area.

“I just hope that everybody who comes on will stay on.”

Previously, a lack of civic minded volunteers had reduced the council to its ‘bare bones’.

Only five councillors could attend a meeting in October, meaning the legal quorum that allows decisions to be made was only just met.

Under the rules of the parish council, new members can be co-opted on without an election if there are empty spaces.

Anyone interested is asked to attend two meetings before deciding whether they want to join.

Mr Roper said that he felt being on the parish council was the ‘best way to get things done.’

He added: “It is effective, when you look at what has been done over the years.

“I lived on the estate for 42 years and have always been involved, people ask me why I do it and I say because nobody else will but if more people get involved perhaps we can have a rest.”

The parish council gave out £26,000 in grants to community groups last year and has also led a campaign to sort out the parking issues on the estate.

In recent years councillors have helped to install defibrillators in prominent areas and a pathway through Spindleberry Park.

John Dillon, who has served on the council for three years, said many of its achievements are often behind the scenes and go unnoticed.

He said: “For me it’s about being a voice for the community.

“Whether it’s on planning or parking, we can put forward what people think.

“Not everybody is willing to talk at a meeting but we can stand up on their behalf and give their view.”