OVER-50s in Blackbird Leys are being given the chance to go back to the ballot box, but not to elect their local MP.

Community organisation the Leys CDI Clockhouse Project is launching its own election to encourage users to vote for the three activities they would like the Clockhouse community centre to offer.

The centre, in Long Ground, Greater Leys, offers activities and services for over 50s in the Blackbird Leys area.

Organisations at the centre include Age Concern, the Daybreak day centre, Leys Women’s Institute, the Clockhouse IT project and the Senior Leys Independent Gardening Club.

About 70 people a week use the centre and there are currently eight activities on offer, ranging from singing to tai chi, but organisers are looking to add another three to the list.

There will be 22 activities for people to choose from, all of which have been suggested by local residents.

They include basic DIY, learning to play the recorder, drawing and a monthly quiz.

People have until Wednesday, June 30, to cast their votes before the winner is announced in early July.

Project worker Sally Meachim said “Because it was an election year we thought this would be a good opportunity to have a consultation with local residents and have some fun. We’ll have a ballot box and voting papers for people to fill in.

“People are welcome to contact me for a voting sheet or they can ring the Clockhouse number and I can go through the activities with them on the phone.

“People who come to the activities say it makes a huge difference – it’s something stimulating mentally and some of the activities keep people physically fit and active.

“They are also very friendly groups and sociable. Quite a lot of visitors live on their own and many others have health conditions or other commitments, whether they are looking after grandchildren or caring for a partner, so it’s really important to have things that people can come to which are interesting and friendly.”

Ms Meachim will apply to grant organisations to fund the new activities, once voters have gone to the ballot box. Anyone over 50 from the Blackbird Leys area is allowed to vote.

The Clockhouse is holding an open day tomorrow. For more information about the event, or voting, call Sally Meachim on 01865 395908 or email clockhousecdi@btconnect.com