Cllr Chris Aramini-Brant

03/11/2026

🏡 Cherwell’s new Local Plan is moving forward

I’m really pleased that our Liberal Democrat-led administration is driving forward Cherwell’s new Local Plan after years of delays under the Conservatives.

The next stage is now confirmed, with independent examination hearings taking place on 12–14 January, 19–21 January and 2–4 February 2027.

For me, this is about delivering the homes people need, backed by the right infrastructure and services, while protecting our countryside and supporting our town centres. Residents deserve greater certainty about how their communities will develop.

As Deputy Leader and lead member for Planning and Enforcement, I’m determined to keep this work moving forward.

The hearings will take place at our Castle Quay council offices in , with live streaming and recordings available so residents can follow proceedings.

👉 Read more about the hearings
https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/news/article/1356/hearing-dates-for-local-plan-announced

03/11/2026

Shame on Oxfordshire Conservative leader Cllr Liam Walker for leaving the council chamber today ahead of the public address by Dr Lidia Arciszewska and Sophie Roell in support of the Lib Dem motion on violence against women and girls.

They highlighted misogyny within local political groups an issue that deserves to be heard and taken seriously. Given the criticism Cllr Walker has faced over his language towards female councillors, I would have hoped he would stay and listen.

01/11/2026

Did you see Hooky's Headless Horseman last night!? 🎃👻

Hook Norton Brewery

31/10/2026

A southern M40 junction for ? 🚗

This week’s closure of Cherwell Street following the serious incident has shown just how vulnerable Banbury’s road network is. Keeping people safe must come first, but the disruption has reignited a question that’s been around for decades: does Banbury need a southern motorway junction?

For many people living south of the town, including in Bloxham, Adderbury and towards Chipping Norton, reaching the M40 means travelling through Banbury, adding pressure to already busy roads.

Labour’s housebuilding ambitions must come with investment first in the infrastructure needed to support them. More homes without improvements to roads, public transport and local services will only add to these pressures. Councils cannot fund major infrastructure projects without proper government support.

Could Labour’s plans for Thames Valley Mayor help secure investment on this scale? Or will places like Oxford, Swindon, Reading and Slough take priority, leaving Banbury and our surrounding villages waiting again?

What do you think? Would you support a southern M40 junction and what other transport improvements would make the biggest difference?

30/10/2026

📣 Come along to my councillor surgery!

📅 Saturday 7 November
🕙 10am–12 noon
📍 Banbury Town Hall

Have a local issue you need help with, a question to ask or an idea for making Banbury even better? I’d love to hear from you.

I’ll be there in my role as a Banbury Town Councillor, but I’m also happy to answer questions about district and county council matters and help wherever I can.

Come along for a chat, I look forward to seeing you!

30/10/2026

🚧 Cherwell Street update - partial reopening expected this weekend

I’m pleased that part of Cherwell Street is expected to reopen this weekend. I know the closure has caused real frustration and difficult journeys, with a significant impact on local businesses.

The carriageway furthest from the building site, closest to Kwik Fit, will reopen between George Street and Bridge Street. Some right turns into Lower Cherwell Street and the Morrisons petrol station will be restricted, so please follow the temporary signs.

A further temporary closure is likely when a crane is needed to help make the site safe. There is no confirmed time yet for this weekend’s reopening.

This is a welcome step towards getting Banbury moving again. Keeping people safe remains the priority, and my thoughts remain with those injured and their families.

I’ll continue to share updates as further details are confirmed.

Photo credit Banbury Guardian

29/10/2026

🚨 STOP PRESS: Another major update on the future of our local councils.

The Labour Government has today reconfirmed that it intends to replace and West Berkshire’s existing councils (including Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council) with three new unitary authorities.

It is backing the proposal submitted by Labour-led Oxford City Council, including its requested boundary changes to create a larger greater Oxford council.

For our area, this would mean a new North Oxfordshire Council covering most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire. Each new council would bring services such as planning, roads, waste collection and social care under one organisation.

This is still not the final decision. There will now be at least three weeks for further representations.

🗳️ Local Cherwell District elections will go ahead in May 2027 on existing council boundaries.
🗳️ Elections to the new shadow councils are planned for May 2028.
🏛️ The new councils would take over in April 2029.

This is linked to, but separate from, yesterday’s announcement about plans for a Thames Valley Mayor.

My priority remains making sure and our rural villages have a strong voice, decisions stay accountable to local people, and the services we all rely on are protected throughout these changes.

29/10/2026

🌺 Free parking and bus travel this Remembrance Sunday in and

To help people attend local services on Sunday 8 November.

🚗 Parking will be free for everyone in Cherwell District Council-owned and managed car parks (excluding Castle Quay).

🚌 Stagecoach bus travel will be free for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and uniformed cadets.This offer also applies on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November. Read more below.

I’m pleased these measures will help people come together across our communities to remember those who served and sacrificed, and show our support for veterans, serving personnel and their families and friends.

Stagecoach offers free Remembrance travel for Banbury’s Armed Forces community

28/10/2026

👍 or 👎- Is today’s Labour Budget good or bad for you?

What does it mean for you, your family or your business? I’d like to hear your views.

The Government has also announced it will progress plans for a Thames Valley mayor covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, with detailed proposals and consultation still to come.

Do you think this could bring the investment and better transport we need, or are you concerned about the costs and another layer of government?

💬 Let me know what you think in the comments.

28/10/2026

🚧 Cherwell Street update.

⚠️ The structure remains unsafe.

I know the closure is causing disruption for many of us, including local businesses and visitors. Thank you for your continued patience while everyone involved works towards a safe resolution.

Cherwell District Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are continuing to work with the building owner following the structural collapse on Cherwell Street.

The HSE is reviewing the owner’s proposals to make the site safe and remove the collapsed materials. The road remains closed, but discussions are taking place with the Highways Authority to explore whether part of Cherwell Street could safely reopen while the work is carried out.

My thoughts are with those who have been injured and their families and loved ones, at this very difficult time.

I’ll share further updates as more information becomes available.

Photo credit Banbury Guardian