I am honoured to be selected as your Liberal Democrat County Council candidate for the new Charlton, Ardington and Hendreds Division which extends all the way to the western part of Chilton Village.

Full statement

As Councillor twice elected for the former Wantage and Grove division I want to build on what I have helped deliver so far for a rapidly expanded population. This includes a successful campaign saving Wantage Community Hospital securing vital investment and saving residents thousands of journeys into Oxford; securing the funding for the business case at Grove Station which Network Rail has welcomed; the bringing of vital new schools to the area (and four pedestrian crossings), and improved bus services.

I welcome the recent county restructure which has enabled the Liberal Democrat and Green alliance to deliver a balanced budget and put a record £58.9 million into repairing roads with a big investment for annual cleaning of gullies in contrast to previous cC|nservative administrations policy of managed decline and gully clearance once every four years. I welcome the increased investment in SEND and the improvements made so far. None of this is of course enough but if you add even more there are unintended consequences for other vital services. During my time at Council I was able to get starter funding for multiple community organisations to help their work. One example was pre school and school based mental health support project for children and parents which continues today. Another was supporting sustainable community organisations and a re-wilding project.

I have lived in the area for over two decades with a daughter at a local secondary school so residents can be confident I live the issues with them and will always fight for the best future for our area. I have been a member of the local committee which covers the villages and the new housing estates so I understand the opportunities as well as the challenges in each place. I will support Olly Glover push the messages hard to any national government for urgent reforms to give communities parity of power with developers and a fair deal for estates and our area. I know the funding pots that are coming up to support key projects to alleviate congestion on the A417 and will push hard for opportunities to be taken as early as possible to action.

There is no doubt that austerity, the pandemic and cost of living crisis mean we are living through difficult times. I believe because of my successful experience of working with the public and all partners at a local level that we can make improvements locally. I founded a community organization and know the real value of small and medium sized business and voluntary sector. I will continue to support vital community organizations across the division and will seek out solutions and be a strong and experienced voice for residents.

I have already spoken to many hundreds of fellow residents across the Division whilst out canvassing and would like to thank all for their time and the interest shown in local community issues. I won't get the chance to speak to all 8,000 electors but will happily respond to any questions residents may have.

Jane Hanna OBE