West Oxfordshire Alliance to invest in an ambitious strategy with much needed investment in the Carterton area

The alliance; formed by the Liberal Democrat, Labour, and Green parties; continues to work together to deliver the Council’s ambitious Council Plan for building a better future for the district. 

Carterton, as the second-largest town in West Oxfordshire and home to RAF Brize Norton, presents significant opportunities for transformational economic growth bringing benefits for residents and the wider district.  Work has already begun to explore how Carterton town centre can be improved to better serve residents and businesses. This includes looking at how the town and surrounding area can attract more visitors, support local shops and services, and create a more vibrant and welcoming place. The Carterton strategy will form part of a wider programme of work across West Oxfordshire not only to strengthen town centres through regeneration, new affordable homes and employment, building on and increasing local economic growth with a vision for a sustainable future.  

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said: 

“I am pleased to say the West Oxfordshire Alliance continues to work together to lead this council for the good of our communities. Our partnership is built on shared ambition and goals, and we remain committed to providing strong, stable leadership across the district.  

“As we enter the new administrative year, one of our key areas of focus is Carterton, a town and area with huge potential and a strong community spirit. We want to support that by investing in its future creating a town that people can be proud of. This work will sit alongside wider efforts across the district to help all our towns both as places to live and work serving the needs of local people and be great destinations to visit.” 

Alongside his Leisure portfolio, Cllr Tim Sumner has been appointed as portfolio holder for the project under the new title, Executive Member for Leisure and Carterton Area Strategy. 

Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Leisure and Carterton Area Strategy, said: 

“We’re already starting conversations about what Carterton needs to thrive, not just now, but for the years to come. This is about thinking big and planning ahead to create more opportunities for local businesses and jobs, bring new life to the town centre, and improve the spaces and services that matter to residents.  

“I’m really pleased to be fronting this work, which is about more than just physical regeneration, it’s about, creating a thriving town and making the Carterton area an even better place to live, work and visit. It won’t happen overnight, but we’re committed to making steady progress, influenced by local people.” 

The Council’s Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday 21 May 2025, confirmed several other changes to Executive portfolios, to reflect evolving priorities for the district. These include: 

• Culture, Arts and Heritage, to be led by Cllr Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities. 

• Conservation and the Historic Environment, to be led by Cllr Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery. 

• Cllr Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment, has added Car Parking to her portfolio 

At the meeting, Cllr Andrew Coles was elected as Chair of the Council, taking on a central civic role representing the district, with Cllr Carl Rylett elected as Vice Chair. 

Following the by-election held on 1 May 2025, Councillor Sandra Cosier, was newly elected to represent the Standlake, Aston and Stanton Harcourt Ward. 

The political composition of the Council following the by-election is as follows:  

• Liberal Democrats hold 22 seats. 

• Conservative group holds 13 seats. 

• Labour/Labour & Co-operative hold 10 seats. 

• Green Party holds 4 seats.