Oakham Town Meeting Sees Low Turnout as Mayor Delivers Address and Resident Concerns Aired, Video
Oakham Town Meeting Sees Low Turnout as Mayor Delivers Address and Resident Concerns Aired
Video to follow
Oakham, UK – Oakham's Annual Town Meeting, held this evening at 6 pm in the Town Council's chamber in Long Row, was marked by a notably low public attendance. Mayor Cllr Paul Ainsley chaired the meeting, with five fellow councillors, two members of the public, and a local democracy reporter present.
In an unusual turn, the minutes from the 2024 Town Meeting were reportedly unavailable. Consequently, Mayor Ainsley directly addressed the attendees, delivering a speech titled "Oakham: A Town of Strength, Tradition, and Progress."
The Mayor, who has served since October 23rd, 2024, began by expressing his honour in leading the council and witnessing Oakham's "unwavering community spirit." He emphasised that "Oakham is not just a place—it is a family, a legacy, and a promise for the future."
His address touched upon several key themes:
- Honouring Heroes: The Mayor highlighted the town's commitment to remembering those who fought for freedom, referencing the Remembrance Sunday Service and VE Day Commemorations.
- Celebrating Achievements: He noted Oakham's recognition in The Sunday Times' Best Places to Live as a reflection of the community's "heart and soul," and praised the success of events like the Christmas Light Switch-On, which proceeded despite Storm Bert.
- Building a Future Together: Cllr Ainsley spoke of initiatives like the Oakham Traders Networking Events to support local businesses and revitalise the High Street. He mentioned collaborations with Rutland County Council on free parking and a town-wide spring clean-up. A significant investment of over £12,500 to refurbish the heating system at Victoria Hall was also highlighted, ensuring its future as a community hub.
- Council Dedication: The Mayor commended the Town Council team—Chris Evans, Kathy Geraghty, and Lee Anthony—for their tireless work in the face of challenges such as collapsed church yard wall and storm damage. He acknowledged recent staffing challenges, asking for patience while working towards "stronger, more efficient governance."
- Commitment to Public Service: The speech underscored that every council decision is rooted in service, citing support for the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club, improvements to banking operations, planning for a new Community Café and dance studio at Princess Avenue, and continued financing of the Hopper bus service (£27,000) and street lighting.
- A Call to Action: Concluding his address, Mayor Ainsley stated, "We are not just preserving Oakham's history—we are shaping its future." He invited residents to share their vision and participate in the town's journey, providing the contact number 01572 723627 and affirming, "Your ideas, your passion, and your commitment are what make Oakham strong. Together, we move forward. Together, we make Oakham even greater."
Following the Mayor's speech, ex-Councillor and ex-Mayor Joyce Lucas BEM, one of the two public attendees, raised several concerns. after along introduction of what she had done. These concerns included the dilapidated state of a doorway on a seemingly unused property between a chemist and a furniture store, a damaged litter bin that she reported 3 years ago, and a perception that some traders were not maintaining the areas outside their premises by weeding or sweeping.
Mrs. Lucas also touched upon the low number of councillors currently serving on Oakham Town Council and voiced her opinion that co-opted members should not be referred to as elected members. Further issues raised included the need for street light painting and a feeling that more could be done following a recent deep clean of the town.
Responding to some of these points, Cllr Martin Brookes stated that Oakham Town Council has been actively working to improve the town and has held numerous meetings with Rutland County Council. He noted that he had personally been requesting the painting of lampposts for nearly two decades. While agreeing that some business owners could do more, he also acknowledged that many do maintain the areas outside their premises.
Addressing the low number of councillor members after the meeting, Cllr Brookes explained to Oakham and Rutland News that a combination of health issues and the sad passing of a member had led to vacancies. He lamented the lack of residents calling for elections, citing "possible apathy here in Oakham."
Cllr Brookes also expressed his profound disappointment with the absence of Rutland County Council's Oakham ward members, stating that not a single one had responded to his invitation to attend the Town Meeting. He conveyed his dismay that residents are no longer attending the annual town meeting in significant numbers.
Editors note: Mrs Lucas is correct co-opted members in a parish council are not considered elected members. They are appointed by the council to fill vacancies or for specific reasons, and they do not represent a constituency like elected members do. Co-opted members typically have voting rights and can participate in decision-making, but they are not subject to elections.
Elected Members:
These are individuals who are chosen by the voters of a specific ward or constituency to represent them on the parish council.
Co-opted Members:
These individuals are appointed by the council itself, usually to fill a vacancy created by a resignation or to bring in specific expertise or representation.
Key Difference:
Elected members are accountable to the voters who chose them, while co-opted members are accountable to the council that appointed them.
Voting Rights:
Co-opted members typically have the same voting rights as elected members, meaning they can vote on decisions made by the council.
Cllr Paul Ainsley Oakham Mayor's Speech in full:
Oakham: A Town of Strength, Tradition, and Progress
It has been the greatest honour to serve as Mayor of Oakham and Chairman of Oakham Town Council since 23rd October 2024. From solemn moments of remembrance to celebrations of our town's vibrancy, I have been privileged to stand alongside you, witnessing firsthand the unwavering community spirit that defines Oakham.
Each event, each milestone, and each conversation with residents has reaffirmed my belief that Oakham is not just a place—it is a family, a legacy, and a promise for the future.
Honouring Our Heroes
Oakham never forgets. We never fail to pause, reflect, and honour those who fought to protect our freedoms. During the Remembrance Sunday Service, standing with so many of you as we laid our wreaths in solemn silence, I felt the weight of history and the enduring strength of our town. The VE Day Commemoration was another testament to that—our collective promise to uphold the values of sacrifice and courage.
Celebrating Our Town's Achievements
Oakham is more than picturesque—it is a town of tradition, character, and ambition. Being named in The Sunday Times' Best Places to Live is not just an accolade—it is a reflection of the heart and soul of our community.
The Christmas Light Switch-On was proof that, no matter the weather—no matter Storm Bert—Oakham shines bright with warmth and joy. Seeing smiling families, hearing children's laughter, and watching neighbours come together despite the rain was a reminder of the magic we create as a community.
A Future Built Together
We are dreamers and doers. Through Oakham Traders Networking Events, we have strengthened support for local businesses and opened new conversations about revitalising the High Street. Collaborating with Rutland County Council, we have worked on free parking initiatives and a town-wide spring clean-up—because Oakham deserves to be a place of beauty, opportunity, and pride.
The decision to return to Victoria Hall is more than a move—it is a statement. We are preserving a landmark, investing over £12,500 to refurbish its heating system, and ensuring that this historic site remains a hub for community life.
Meanwhile, our Town Council team—Chris Evans, Kathy Geraghty, and Lee Anthony— have worked tirelessly in the face of unexpected challenges, from collapsed cemetery walls to fallen trees during Storm Daragh. Their dedication embodies the Oakham spirit—steadfast, resourceful, and resilient.
Yes, we have faced staffing challenges, and I ask for your patience as we navigate this transition. But I promise you—we are working toward stronger, more efficient governance, ensuring that our town continues to thrive.
Our Commitment to Public Service
Every decision we make is rooted in service—whether it's supporting the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club in providing mobility aid donations, overseeing banking changes to improve
Council operations, or planning for the new Community Café and dance studio at Princess Avenue.
We will continue financing the Hopper bus service (£27,000) and maintaining street lighting, because accessibility and safety are non-negotiable priorities for Oakham.
And we are not stopping here.
Join Us—Be Part of the Future
Change is never immediate, and progress is built brick by brick. But if Oakham has taught me anything, it is that when we work together, dream together, and act together—we create something truly extraordinary.
We are not just preserving Oakham's history—we are shaping its future.
If you share our vision, if you want to be a part of this incredible journey, I invite you to reach out—call 01572 723627. Your ideas, your passion, and your commitment are what make Oakham strong.
Together, we move forward. Together, we make Oakham even greater.
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