Rick Tanner

Hinksey Park residents since 1993, I know and love this ward. I care deeply for the residents and their concerns. In my professional life I run a department of 80 people that generates £5M income per year. I sit on national and international committees and am very used to public speaking. I have the skills to be an effective councillor, influencing people and.getting the deep.understanding of the issues. The ward has changed enormously in my time living here. Traffic congestion, house prices and flooding have all got worse. We own our own home, but I am aware how hard it is for first time buyers. I hate losing green space as much as anyone, but feel we must develop Redbridge Meadow for housing. I have reservations about aspects of the proposal, and would work hard to improve the plans if elected. However, building on Bertie Park would add few houses for the loss of a much loved play area. I pass through there regularly and see the kids having fun. There are brown field sites that should be developed. More houses should be in the proposals for Oxpens and Osney Mead, and also the unused garage space in New Hinksey. It's great to see the Kelpie Cafe opening on Abingdon Road. We need to do more to help the businesses on what should be a vibrant street. Whilst we do need better pedestrian and cycle access from Grandpont Nature Reserve to the city, the proposed bridge is all wrong. It takes out so many trees, when access from the old Gasworks bridge could easily be achieved with minimal environmental impact. I strongly support the South Oxford Welcomes initiative to counter the aggressive imposition of flags, which is intended to both make members of our community feel threatened, and to challenge our inclusive values. Congestion: all the data show that the traffic filters have reduced traffic, boosted bus services and improved air quality. Not by much yet, because people are still wedded to their cars. If elected I will do my best for the community.