Local issues
Your priorities, my mission
Key issues that affect many people in Grimsbury, Neithrop, and the Ruscote Estate have greater impact here, as this area of Banbury is relatively poorer than the rest of Oxfordshire and larger proportion of the population here are significantly vulnerable. We need efficient services that support those most in need.
Campaigning for this part of Banbury
From potholes to planning, from school places to social care — Paul-Austin is working on the issues that matter most to residents of Banbury Grimsbury and Castle electoral division. Here you can see the priorities he is actively pursuing at Oxfordshire County Council.
If you have a local issue you'd like Paul-Austin to take up, use the contact form below or report it directly.
Issues Paul-Austin is working on
Roads & potholes
Persistent road surface deterioration across the division is a top concern. Paul-Austin is pressing the council for faster repair schedules and better long-term maintenance funding for roads in Grimsbury and Castle.
Social care, health & wellbeing
Paul-Austin is scrutinising council decisions on funding and service levels to ensure families get the support they need. It has become evident that the most vulnerable are not always equipped to access the services that they are entitled to.
Housing & development
New housing developments must come with the infrastructure to support them — roads, schools, and green spaces. Paul-Austin is holding developers and the council to account.
Living in extreme heat
Rising summer temperatures and prolonged periods of heat are having a serious impact on vulnerable residents across Grimsbury and Castle — particularly the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Paul-Austin is pressing Oxfordshire County Council to develop a local heat resilience strategy, retrofitting homes to be more efficient at staying cool, improve shading and green canopy cover in the most exposed streets, and ensure that vulnerable residents are proactively contacted during heatwave alerts. No one in our community should suffer alone when the temperature soars.
Bus services & connectivity
Many residents rely on public transport to access work, healthcare and education. Paul-Austin is pushing for improved bus routes and better connectivity across the division, particularly for those without access to a car.
The Horton General Hospital
Paul-Austin is actively campaigning for improved Cancer Care in Banbury and for a Horton specific Joint Scrutiny Committee.
Green spaces & environment
Paul-Austin is working with residents on a number of projects across the division that will improve the built and natural environment.
Garage sites on the Ruscote Estate
The garage sites on the Ruscote Estate have long been a concern for local residents. Their local county councillor, Paul-Austin Sargent has been actively working to have an assessment made of the garages and for the site owner, Sanctuary Housing, to live up to their responsibility as a registered social landlord. Paul-Austin said, "Enough, really is enough, it appears that Sanctuary Housing have been ignoring the concerns, needs and aspirations of their tenants for far too long. Mark my words, this cannot and will not continue."
Tell Paul-Austin about an issue
Have you spotted a pothole, a broken streetlight, fly-tipping, or another local problem? Let Paul-Austin know and he will take it up with the relevant authority.
Stay informed
Follow Paul-Austin's work and get updates on local issues in Banbury Grimsbury and Castle.