10:30pm Sunday 26th July 2009
THE deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council has become the first local representative to be elected head of an influential regional transport body.
County councillor David Robertson has become chairman of the South East Regional Transport Board, an advisory body that informs the Government about transport priorities.
Mr Robertson, who represents the Witney East division, has been elected to the role for a year, but said he wanted to be re-elected in 2010 — and remain in the post for some time.
Mr Robertson was previously in charge of County Hall’s transport department.
He said: “I’m proud to have been elected to this important role. The whole of the public sector is suffering from funding problems, because of the economic downturn, and transport is no different.
“However, I believe that well-thought-out and cohesive transport packages can release economic potential and be an integral part of helping the South East and the country as a whole out of its current economic plight.
“The whole region, including Oxfordshire, needs continued transport investment and I plan to make sure the Government remains aware of that.”
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