Why did you decide to join the Parish Council now?
Once I'd properly settled into the village, I started noticing the small things that affect daily life here, and I realised I had a choice between grumbling about them and actually doing something. There was also a vacancy, and I'd read that recruiting councillors was a priority, so it felt like the right moment to put my hand up rather than wait for a more convenient one.
What do you hope to achieve by being a Councillor?
Mostly practical things. I'd like to help make the case for better bus links into the village, keep on top of the everyday upkeep that makes a place feel cared for, and help Eynsham feel welcoming to the people moving into the new homes being built around us. I also work in technology, so if there are ways to make the Parish Council's information easier for residents to find and engage with, I'd be glad to help with that too.
How did you find the process of applying/being co-opted?
Much more straightforward and much friendlier than I expected. I emailed [Clerk] Michelle, met [Chair] Ross for a coffee to ask all my naive questions, and then spoke for a few minutes at the Full Council meeting in October before the vote. Everyone went out of their way to put me at ease, which I appreciated more than they probably realise.
What has surprised you about the reality of being a Councillor?
It's early days, but two things. First, how much genuinely useful work happens quietly in the background, most of which residents never see. Second, the sheer amount of reading. I've been handed a councillor handbook, standing orders, financial regulations and a code of conduct, and I'm slowly working through the lot. Nobody warns you about the homework.
What issues/areas are you most passionate about?
Transport, particularly buses. Since the S1 returned to its Botley Road route, the village centre has lost its direct link along the A40 and Woodstock Road, and I'd like to help make the case for some S2 journeys serving village stops again. Beyond that, keeping Eynsham safe, clean and well looked after: road markings, parking, supporting Community Speed Watch, and looking after our green spaces. I've joined the Open Spaces Committee, so a good deal of that falls neatly into place.
How long have you lived in Eynsham?
Not all that long. I'm one of the village's more recent arrivals, which I think is part of why I wanted to get involved rather than stay a stranger.
What do you like about being an Eynsham resident?
The fact that it's a proper village rather than a dormitory for Oxford. There are real shops, real pubs and a genuine sense that people know each other. I also like that it's surrounded by countryside while still being close enough to Oxford to be useful.
Do you work?
Yes. I'm an educational consultant, working with students of all ages from six right through to first year university. I also run a small technology business. I have a master's degree in artificial intelligence, which is either very useful or completely irrelevant depending on the day.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Fairly actively. I ride motorbikes, train in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu, and I enjoy shooting. I'm also hoping to get back into polo at some point. When I'm not doing any of that, I'm usually tinkering with some technology project or exploring the footpaths around the village.
Cllr Arta can be contacted directly via [email protected]. Interested in joining him? We still have vacancies for Councillors! Find out more here.