PEOPLE living on an Oxford estate have been urged to have their say on what matters most to them.

Gerry Webb, the new chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, last night outlined his hopes for the estate – and urged more residents to get involved.

Mr Webb, 63, of Frys Hill, in Greater Leys, took over from Gordon Roper who stood down in May after 18 months at the helm.

In a reshuffle, Chris Hatton has been elected vice-chairman and long-standing councillors Carol Roberts and Val Smith have stepped down.

Mr Webb said: “It came as a bit of a shock, but Gordon’s done the community very well. If I can do anywhere near what he achieved I’ll be happy.”

“I hope to support the people who need support through funds or addressing their problems.

“The parish council does not have a magic wand and can only be as good as what people come to us with, so obviously we need feedback from people on the estate.”

Calling for greater involvement, he added: “I would like to see a couple more people on the parish council because we have got vacancies.

“We have a very diverse community and we would like that diversity on the council.

“I would also like to see more people come to the council meetings because it gives them the opportunity to speak about anything they have problems with.

“It doesn’t need to be anti-social behaviour or crime, it could be to do with issues concerning planning, building problems or objections – even to the big plans to build new houses on the Green Belt.

“If people have issues, we can represent them and get things done.”

The former serviceman has worked as a painter and decorator and has lived in Blackbird and Greater Leys for much of his life. He is disabled and uses a wheelchair.

Mr Webb added: “The reason I went on the parish council in the first place was to make a difference to people with disabilities and vulnerabilities.

“One of my big issues is making things easier – such as getting more drop kerbs for people with wheelchairs or walking frames, and sorting out problems with buses.”

Mr Ropersaid: “I wish Gerry all the best. I am remaining as a councillor so will be on hand when, or if, I’m needed.

“I hope the council will go from strength to strength.”

During the past year, the council has paid more than £17,000 to good causes and groups on the estate.

Anyone interested in getting involved should attend the council’s next meeting, on June 30, from 7.30pm at Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk