Oxford voters speak out in Osney on rainy polling day

We talked to some of those making the decision in the Osney and St Thomas ward of Oxford who identified issues ranging from housing to transport and the environment.

Local Green councillor Lois Muddiman, who is not up for re-election this year, was at the site of the West Oxford Community Centre polling station in Botley Road. 

Lois Muddiman. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

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Ms Muddiman said: "The polling station at West Oxford Community Centre was quieter than usual early this morning. Probably because of the wet weather. 

"Across the city, we're seeing support and energy for the Greens.

"We know some wards will be very tight, so please come out, every green vote counts towards a fairer, greener future.

"And don't forget that you have to bring photo ID with you."

Amid this, voters have shared what their priorities have been when deciding who to vote for.

George Frederick Stafford

Mr Stafford has lived in the area since 1985.

He said: "I like the Green party policies but they do not always implement them.

"I do not always agree with Labour but Susanna Pressel is a worker not a shirker.

Susanna Pressel is a worker not a shirker. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"She does her job."

Muhammad Ibrahim

Mr Ibrahim said national issues would have a sway on his vote in local elections.

Muhammad Ibrahim. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

The Oxford resident of two years added that he was concerned about what party policies were in relation to "severely disabled" people.

He added: "National issues belong to local people."

Charlie Raikes

With his sprocker spaniel Paddy, Mr Raiker voiced concerns about the closure of Botley Road and the impact of bus gates on traffic.

Charlie Raikes. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

'Dissatisfied resident'

A local who wished to go by the name 'dissatisfied resident' said she was "not happy about anything at the moment".

The long-time Osney dweller added: "They have ruined Oxford, they really have."

The dissatisfied resident was not in favour of transport policies that had restricted motorists and said it was only Ok "if you can afford it".

"They are not thinking about elderly people," the pensioner added.

This comes as another resident called Cicely, who did not wish to disclose her surname, said the city needed "more low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)".

Enrique Rocha

Enrique Rocha. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

Mr Rocha said he thought it was "very important to vote".

He added that "pollution" and the environment were some of the main issues on his agenda.

Anonymous

Another resident, who did not wished to be named said she was going to be voting "for the person who does the most for this area".

She added: "It's not necessarily what I would vote in a national one."

West Oxford Community Centre. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

Oxford City Council election results are expected on Friday at around 5pm.

One councillor will be selected for the Osney & St Thomas ward among the following:

Sarah Janet Edwards - Green Party

It was a grey and dingy day. (Image: Noor Qurashi.)

Susanna Pressel - Labour Party

Adrian Clive - Liberal Democrat

Caleb van Ryneveld - The Conservative Party Candidate