A FORMER Blackbird Leys parish council chairman who quit because of apathy among estate residents is to become a member of the body again.

Brian Lester, of Pegasus Road is returning after a three-year break.

The 63-year-old – who was one of the council’s most experienced members, with 14 years’ service – resigned in May 2007 after more than five years as chairman.

His vice chairman Bob Avery also stepped down from the council at the same time.

Mr Lester will officially resume office on June 8, taking the number of parish councillors to eight. There are still vacancies for six other members.

He said: “I still feel like I have a lot to offer this community, the estate and the residents.

“I missed the parrying with authority.

“It’s difficult to explain, I was bored anyway and I missed the to-ings and fro-ings of meetings.

“I missed the input and also being part of something.”

The retired taxi driver and grandfather-of-one said he was looking forward to becoming more involved in community life again.

He said he wanted to do something about “apathy” in Blackbird Leys, adding: “When you go to meetings no-one attends. I think the biggest thing is, because it’s called a parish council, people think it’s something to do with the church.

“It’s the oldest form of government in this country.

“The parish council is important, because you can give input to the city council and you can have a go at councillors.

“People are more prepared to listen if you come from the parish council.”

Born in Canning Town, East London, Mr Lester has lived in the same house in Pegasus Road for 49 years.

His family moved to Oxford from the capital after the Second World War.

Mr Lester added: “It’s about getting people to take responsibility for their estate.

“Unless people take responsibility, Blackbird Leys is always going to have a bad name. I feel we have to strive to make people more responsible and community spirited.”

The married father-of-two also called for more people to join the council to fill the vacant seats – and insisted they can help change the estate if they do.

He said: “More people need to step up to the plate. It’s no good people sitting there saying ‘this shouldn’t have happened’ or ‘that shouldn’t have happened’. They have to stand up and be counted.

“I would like to see young people over 18. As long as you can vote, you can join.”

Parish council chairman Gerry Webb said: “Anyone who feels that they can offer something to the parish council is welcome.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk