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Gareth Epps

@garethepps

Liberal Democrat county councillor for Deddington, North Oxfordshire. He/him. Campaigner for pubs.

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Latest posts by Gareth Epps @garethepps

I am assuming that everyone who follows their local councillor on bluesky is registered to vote(!), but don't forget that if you're a postal voter you now need to reapply every three years. You can do that here: www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/11/elec...

11.03.2026 12:52 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

However, this is one of a number of occasions where their actions seem designed to do nothing but undermine the partnership.

I won’t give up until the bus is allowed to stop at Wigginton again. I’ll be bringing the issue up in public at the next County Council meeting in a fortnight.

11.03.2026 21:38 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

They are claiming it’s safer for children to walk almost 2 miles along this unlit 60mph road than for the bus to stop locally.

Thames Valley Police are supposed to have a road safety partnership with the County Council.

11.03.2026 21:38 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

18 months ago the informal bus stop on the edge of the village was ended by order of Thames Valley Police, seemingly on a whim.

I’ve identified various solutions to mitigate safety risks, but the police refuse to countenance any of them.

11.03.2026 21:37 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

It’s always a pleasure to attend Wigginton Parish Council and update them on relevant issues.

This was more poignant.

A resident appeared and spoke on behalf of her teenage children. They rely on the 488 bus to get to school and work.

[1/x]

11.03.2026 21:36 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 0

Badgers and biscuits are curiously on my feed for some reason.

11.03.2026 19:02 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 2.00 pm We're the local authority for Oxfordshire, committed to delivering top quality services and value for money on behalf of the county's 600,000+ residents.

The Movement & Place plan for Bicester and the surrounding villahes has now been published at mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ieListDocume...

10.03.2026 14:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A Facebook post about the return of Carlins Black Label.  We are doomed.

A Facebook post about the return of Carlins Black Label. We are doomed.

According to Facebook, we have truly reached the end of days.

05.03.2026 23:48 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Except it’s been fixed now.

05.03.2026 00:24 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Leader of Bracknell Forest council resigns after Labour investigation The leader of Bracknell Forest Council has resigned after being suspended pending investigation by the Labour Party.

There are clearly other issues at play, but I for one won’t mourn the exit of the Labour ringleader for the absurd proposed merger of Swindon with Berks and Oxon. Time to ditch that nonsense now.

www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/2590510...

04.03.2026 18:59 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

This would be a really good scrutiny exercise. If only…..

(I’ll ask friends in Cymru. There are studies of the rollout in Edinburgh)

04.03.2026 11:22 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Fair comment.

04.03.2026 11:21 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A panel debate at the Mini Visitor Centre, Oxford.

A panel debate at the Mini Visitor Centre, Oxford.

Post image Post image

Wearing my Future Generations Champion hat, I’ve spent the morning at the High Sheriff’s Conference launching the Youth Voice survey.

Thanks to BMW for hosting a stimulating discussion about the importance of volunteering, challenges to the voluntary sector, and inspiring innovation across Oxon.

04.03.2026 11:20 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Totally regressive and misguided sub-Farage nonsense. And I’ve told the spokesperson so.

04.03.2026 11:09 πŸ‘ 9 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

We are.

04.03.2026 11:08 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I can think of elections where the Green vote could be counted by the number of posters.

By contrast, at the last General Election the only Tory posters I saw were in South Cotswolds, on land owned by James Dyson.

28.02.2026 08:55 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Pam yw’r bwletin ddim yn Cymraeg?

27.02.2026 16:57 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

In most places, the credible tactical choice to beat the far right will win.

When Labour claim it’s them, people don’t buy it.

Labour didn’t deserve to come third. They deserved to come way lower than that.

Congratulations to Hannah Spencer MP.

27.02.2026 07:26 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

In most places, the credible tactical choice to beat the far right will win.

When Labour claim it’s them, people don’t buy it.

27.02.2026 07:24 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

That would make Witney Poffley End, Bicester & Woodstock Thrupp & Noke,and depending on how you pronounce it, Banbury becomes Gagingwell….

26.02.2026 23:28 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

A late finish at Souldern Parish Council tonight but some important topics covered including pub protection: a subject close to my heart.

26.02.2026 22:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Anyone want to buy a bridge from James?

25.02.2026 21:39 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Expelled after being suspended.

25.02.2026 15:05 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

This is alarming, and highlights the dated thinking by Labour leaders in Oxford and their peculiar form of NIMBYism which causes problems for the rest of us across the county.

25.02.2026 15:05 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Cllr Gareth Epps and a montage of potholes marked up for fixing.

Cllr Gareth Epps and a montage of potholes marked up for fixing.

The road out of Heyford Park needed potholes marking for action, so I went out and marked these, submitting the work orders. Then I did the same in North Aston.

25.02.2026 07:44 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Very sad news over the weekend to hear of the passing of my old Reading friend Chris Harris far too young. A lot of laughs in those post-council chats. And a wonderful friend to people going through tough times. Rest easy my friend.

24.02.2026 23:18 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I know a member of Conference Committee who’ll block it

24.02.2026 23:16 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Ah but have you heard Ryan retelling the story?

22.02.2026 23:51 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

If only Half Man Half Biscuit followed a different sport….

(In related news, my Tony Gubba canvassing experience)

21.02.2026 23:01 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Indeed. How many unkempt blonde
shockwigs will we see in the Battle of the Bottlers tomorrow?

21.02.2026 22:59 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0