May has been a busy month for Oakham Town Council.

Alongside undertaking their usual duties such as meetings, visits and more, the team have been encouraging more members of the local community to fill one of the 4 vacant seats on the council.

Oakham Town Council have had vacant seats for some months and, following the elections, can now co-opt applicants who wish to fill the roles.

Former Oakham Town Cllr and a candidate who ran for Rutland County Council in the May elections, Martin Brookes, said: "The lack of competition for seats on the council is a worrying sign for democracy. It suggests that residents are not engaged with local politics or that they do not believe they can make a difference. This is a problem that is not unique to Oakham, as many local councils across the UK are facing similar challenge.

"There are a number of reasons why people may not be interested in local politics. Some people may feel that local issues are not important to them, while others may feel that they do not have the time or the energy to get involved. There are also a number of barriers that can prevent people from standing, such as a lack of transportation or childcare.

"It is also important to make sure that people are aware of the issues that are important to their local community and that they have the opportunity to have their say."

Meanwhile, newly re-elected Mayor and Chairman of Oakham Town Council encourages residents to stand for co-option following the elections: "There are no seats being contested on Oakham Town Council. All that reapplied are back on with spaces available if anyone wants to join, and I would encourage people to do so."

There are currently 4 vacant seats on the council, so if you feel you would like to join please drop the team an email at [email protected].

On top of this, Cllr Wadsworth has attended the musical memory cafe by Age uk as part of Dementia Action Week 2023, and crowned the May King and Queen at Catmose Primary Coronation celebrations, as well as enjoying the may pole dancing and all the other children's performances with the theme of the Coronation.

Tonight, 31st May from 6:30pm, Oakham Town Council will be holding their last meeting of the month. This will be a Recreation and planning meeting and it is an open meeting for anyone to attend.

This will take place at Ron House, Long Row, Oakham.