Council wants to see MP

A COUNCIL in Watlington is calling on the MP to attend its meetings.

Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo is also Watlington’s district and county councillor and is meant to provide reports to the parish council, often in person.

Councillor Andy Aherne told a full meeting that somebody should be providing the council with updates.

He said: “Obviously we all understand that Freddie has moved on and is very busy but should we not be expecting somebody to be advising us on updates.”

Parish clerk Kristina Tynan said that Mr van Mierlo does respond to questions when asked.

Councillor Roger Beattie asked if another district councillor could give a report. He said: “We could ask David Turner to come from Chalgrove to give a district council report, as he is a neighbouring councillor. It’s nice to have somebody face to face.”

Cllr Aherne said he would just be happy with a report.

Mr van Mierlo said he would stay on until the county council elections in May next year in order to see through projects he had helped with as a councillor.

Meanwhile, Councillor Tim Horton thanked Mr van Mierlo for mentioning the town in his maiden speech in Parliament.

He said: “Can we notice Freddie’s maiden speech where he noted that his constituency contains Thame and Henley but he described Watlington as the vibrant community of the area? I think we should thank him.”