Long-serving couple step down from council (From Witney Gazette)

Long-serving couple step down from Carterton Town Council

2:30pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Tom Jennings

A FORMER mayor and long-standing member of Carterton Town Council has stepped down after almost 20 years’ service.

Former RAF serviceman Joe Walcott and his wife Loretta have given up their council seats.

Two new councillors will be co-opted in to fill the vacancies. The deadline for applications is Friday.

Mr Walcott was born in Jamaica in 1927 and, aged 17, joined the RAF and emigrated to the UK in 1949.

The Walcotts have lived in Carterton for more than 40 years. Mr Walcott was elected to both the town and district councils in 1995.

He served as the town’s mayor from 2000 until 2002.

He also became vice-chairman and then, between 2002 and 2006, chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council.

Mr Walcott, who retains his seat on the district council, was made an MBE in 2006 for his services to the community.

Mrs Walcott joined the town council in 2003. The couple are the grandparents of Arsenal and England footballer Theo Walcott.

For details of the town council vacancies, call 01993 842156 or email tmarchant@carterton-tc.gov.uk