Voters can now find out about the people standing to be the Thames Valley’s next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

As the 16 April voter registration deadline approaches, the candidates’ manifestos have gone live on the Choose My PCC website – choosemypcc.org.uk/area/thames-valley

Nigel Lynn, Police Area Returning Officer (PARO), said: “This election is your opportunity to influence how your police service works. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to make sure that crime in our area is tackled effectively and according to our local priorities. They’re elected by you, to be your voice and to hold the police force to account.

“The deadline to register to vote is almost here, so please take time to find out more about the PCC candidates so that you can have your say in who takes on this important role.”

Anyone registered to vote will be eligible to have their say in the PCC election on Thursday 2 May.

For people choosing to vote via post, the first batches of postal votes will soon be sent out across the Thames Valley area.

The result of the PCC election will be announced on Saturday 4 May at Newbury Racecourse.

You may find this short video about the role of the PCC useful

To read the candidates’ manifestos, visit choosemypcc.org.uk

Registering to vote takes just five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote

Residents in the Vale of White Horse should visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/PCCElection2024  

Have you every considered becoming a parish councillor? Appleton with Eaton Parish Council has a vacancy per the notice: Casual Vacancy Notice.

What do Parish Councils do?

Parish Councils make all kinds of decisions and make representations to other local and national bodies, on issues that affect the local community: from managing play areas, liaising with the Police and other services and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities, to commenting on planning applications and representing the Parish in meetings with assorted external bodies, working with the County Council on traffic matters and engaging with other local Parish Councils on matters that affect us all.

There are limited powers to make decisions, but Parish Councils do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions.

If you are interested in learning more, we’d love to hear from you!

Come to Green Appleton’s Big Spring Morning on the 6th of April from 10:30am at South Lawn Barn followed by lunch at The Plough!

For more information about what Green Appleton does, please visit their new website: www.greenappleton.org.uk.

A talk by Diane Purkiss: A history of what the English have eaten

7th of March at 7:30pm in the Village Hall

Entry £5

Everyone welcome

Wine and soft drinks available

For further information, contact Jackie Lewis on 07813 602638 or email jackielewisthame@gmail.com