Village debates whether it should become a town

Town or village? Kidlington is facing an identity crisis

Residents are being asked if Kidlington should become a town.

It is often claimed to be the largest village in England - but the parish council says it is 'exploring the option' of becoming a town council.

The census in 2021 put Kidlington's population at 13,600 and expansion plans mean that number could grow to between 30,000 and 40,000.

The parish council says it wants to "ensure that Kidlington is in the strongest possible position".

Lesley McLean, Chair of Kidlington Parish Council, said her authority made no decisions over growth - and that becoming a town would not affect planned expansion.

But with development coming either way - she said the parish council was questioning if it made sense for Kidlington to remain a village.

She said: "We will be at least doubling population.

"Our population will sit somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 depending on how quickly the homes come forward.

"When you consider that currently, for instance, Witney has a population of about 33,000, it does seem a little odd that Kidlington might have a similar sized population and still call itself a village.

"We want to be a strong voice for the community, we want to ensure that we've got the right level of policing and we want to be a strong voice in a room when we're talking about infrastructure that Kidlington desperately needs."

Janet O'Brien and Jacquie Hobbs from Kidlington feel strongly that it should retain its village status

Kidlington Parish Council previously attempted to transition to town status in 1988 - but in a referendum residents voted overwhelmingly to remain a village.

Some residents still feel strongly that it should not become a town.

Lifelong resident Jacquie Hobbs said: "I don't want it to be known as a town.

"It's always been a village and it's our village - all the people that have grown up here and know it as it is."

Janet O'Brien from Kidlington agrees.

"I really think it should stay as a village - because it's nice as it is," she said.

"We've got enough big busy towns around here, without having any more."

Residents can take part in the consultation here.