Banbury residents are being asked to play a bigger part in council decision-making.

Two town councillors have called for more grassroots involvement on matters of public concern.

Banbury mayor Cllr Jim Vine has asked residents to take an active interest in council matters, and Cllr Keith Strangwood has suggested regular question and answer sessions between members of the public and councillors.

Cllr Vine appealed to people to attend Banbury Town Council meetings.

He said: "I'm very keen to hear what local folk have to say. In my opinion it is important that we listen to the views of the electors."

Council and committee meetings, usually held in the town hall, are open to the public.

Cllr Vine said that, at every council meeting, time was allocated for questions from the public. Questions had to relate to subjects over which the council had control or influence.

He added: "I'm willing to arrange surgeries so that people can consult councillors direct, if that is what the public wants."

Cllr Strangwood proposed question time sessions in which panels of councillors could face audiences of residents.

He said: "Communication is important. We need a way of getting people together to discuss issues that affect everyone."