02/05/13……The day of reckoning for Thame Neighbourhood Plan

AFTER almost two years in the making, today is the day that the people of Thame go to the Polls to decide whether or not its Neighbourhood Plan becomes enshrined in local planning policy.

The lead up to Referendum day has no doubt been one of the most controversial periods in the town’s history, with passions running high on both sides of the debate, particularly over where it was decided new housing should go.

With accusations of ‘dirty tricks’, illegal advertising and ‘scare mongering’, today the dust must settle, minds made up and choices made that will have repercussions for the way Thame develops for the next 15 years.

Simultaneously, the County County local elections are also being held with the number of seats cut from 74 to 63 , though Thame is one of just two areas which will keep two representatives.

The Conservatives currently control the authority with 52 seats while the Liberal Democrats hold 10, Labour nine, the Greens two and the Independents have one seat.

The Polls in both contests are open between 07:00 and 22:00.

The result from Thame’s referendum is expected to be announced by Friday lunchtime with the county council final declarations by late afternoon.