A HOST of new town leaders across southern Oxfordshire and are gearing up for another year in the region dominated by new housing developments.

New leader of Didcot Town Council, Steve Connel, said the rapid growth of the town required its representatives to fight for more facilities such as sports pitches and green space.

He said one of his main priorities will be to attempt to tackle the town's growing parking problems – one of the 'key issues' raised on the doorstep.

A former chairman of the environment committee and the town's youngest former mayor, Mr Connel, a new father, said he also wants to continue championing parks and green spaces in his new position.

He will work closely with new mayor, Bill Service, with whom he has swapped jobs.

Mr Service said that, in contrast to being the leader, he sees the mayor's role as championing the town and not making the big decisions.

He has chosen the charities Didcot Volunteers, who drive people to and from hospital visits, and SSAFA, the armed forces charity, as the beneficiaries for his year's worth of fundraising.

Mr Service, who has lived in Didcot for 18 years, said: "I am the sort of person that cares passionately for where I live and I want to see the best for it.

"It's a huge honour for me to take on this role."

The duo pledged to run an open civic hall that was prepared to listen to ideas from all sides of the political spectrum.

Mr Service added: "If someone has an idea, they should come to us.

"We have an open door - anyone can come and talk to us on any issue the council deals with."

Elsewhere, June Stock has been re-elected chairman of Grove Parish Council.

The 67-year-old, who has lived in the town since 1974 and been chairman since 2014, expected the year ahead to be dominated by the Wellington Gate development at the village's Second World War airfield.

She said: “Because the airfield is so new we are having a meeting about once a month now. The developers have been very good at talking to people and saying ‘well, actually, maybe your idea is better’.”

Mrs Stock will also open the upcoming Wantage and Grove Extravaganza.

Wantage’s Town Council, meanwhile, has elected councillor Chris McCarthy as the new town mayor. He is also the chairman of Grove Rugby Club and has links to the armed forces. Councillor Kiran Gill will be his deputy.

In Abingdon, Margaret Crick was officially appointed as mayor this month, having been deputy mayor for the past year.

The Liberal Democrat Dunmore ward councillor also represents the town on the district council.

Her chosen charities for the year are Abingdon Carousel, which campaigns to revive children's services, and Be Free Young Carers, a charity that supports young people who act as carers.

Wallingford Town Council officially made Lee Upcraft its new mayor last week in the traditional 'loving cups' ceremony.

He told the paper last month that he wanted to improve services for children and families in the town.