THE Cotswold Green Party candidate for the Fairford North by-election has promised to be an “outspoken voice in support” of the town’s neighbourhood plan, if elected next month.

Xanthe Messenger, a former Oxford city councillor, has lived in Quenington with her husband and three children for the last seven years.

She is standing against rival candidates Dominic Morris (Conservative) and Andrew Doherty (Liberal Democrat) for the seat on the district council, with residents set to take to the polling station on Thursday, February 9.

Xanthe said: “If elected, I will be an outspoken voice in support of the Fairford Neighbourhood Plan.”

She went on to outline her priorities as follows:

  • Fight to keep Fairford’s Green Spaces and country walks;
  • Ensure any new development is genuinely sustainable and affordable, with local employment opportunities and amenities;
  • Better broadband and a 24 hour ATM in Fairford;
  • More local allotments;
  • Bring proven environmental approaches to solving flooding and sewerage problems.
  • Improved bus service and local cycle routes.
  • Keep the District frack-free, but support renewable energy projects

Xanthe has worked in public health for 12 years, teaches Philosophy and Ethics at New College in Swindon and is also a volunteer coach with Fairford Rugby Club.

During her time as a city councillor in Oxford, Xanthe worked to safeguard local allotments, to bring in regeneration funding of £18 million, and to bring empty homes back into use.

Andrew Maclean, chair of Cotswold Green Party, said “Xanthe was a very hardworking councillor in Oxford and we are sure that she would bring the same energy to the Cotswold District.”