Random thoughts on Ropers nonesense...
1) Roper claims non Kidlington resident (McIvor) speaks for the people of Kidlington, implying , erroneously, that McIvor's views are held by the majority of residents , when clearly they are not. Reality being McIvor heads FoSB , a small but vocal pressure group-(she heads other similar groups & has a history of opposing anything and everything- a professional NIMBY). Valid and genuine concerns of residents of course will be acted upon at the appropriate times.
2) Refreshing to hear that Roper on behalf of FoSB, is claiming responsibility for misleading Kidlingon Parish Council into the stance they took on Stratfield break ports ground. Which , as admitted at a recent KPC meeting by a Parish councillor, cost the people of Kidlington the opportunity of many leisure facilities. Of course with KPC paying out of taxpayers money to maintain the dilapidated sports ground used by and fund toward 4 different sports clubs, FoSB are also part responsible for the incoming and future council tax rises that are being imposed on the people of Kidlington. Im sure most residents of Kidlington would like to personally thank Roper and McIvor for their part in increasing council tax, especially during a cost of living crisis. Hurrah for FoSB - NOT
3) Oxford West Mp Layla Moran appears on social media platforms, bedecked in yellow and blue, supporting Oxford United when ever there's a big game. She is sitting on a small majority in her constituency, so will be seen to listen to all views expressed to her. Thing is the relocation of Oxford United is a County Council issue, which is following the correct and democratic procedures. At last confirmation of the truth regarding cllr Middleton's real position regarding the Stadiam project outside of Kidlington. Until that revelation Cllr Middleton was a self proclaimed cautiously neutral ,Parish, District and County councillor. His filibustering demands for a consultation for local people, is almost out the script of League of Gentlemen, and a blatant and obvious delay tactic. Albeit unlikely to happen, if it did would be another cost at the expense of tax payers, funded by council tax payers. Besides its a county council matter, they own the land that Oxford United want to lease, they held a consultation, involving county council residents, which was overwhelmingly in favour of the stadium project. FoSB really are doing themselves no favours with Kidlington residents by contributing to council tax increases by their actions, and then calling for costly and unnecessary consultations, which would be paid for using money that would be better utilised on services.
4) The toxic scrubland , as previously described by a FoSB supporter, aka The Triangle, has suddenly become detoxified because it suits the agenda of Roper and his FoSB cronys? He and they seem to be glossing over the fact The Triangle is county council land, and that it was the county council who suggested to Oxford Uniteds owners that The Triangle would be the best option for the stadium project.
5) Roper is either being deliberatly obtuse or simply doesn't now what he's talking about on the subject of Oxford Uniteds support. Four Wembley finals ( plus one behind covid lockdown restrictions) over the past four decades have seen in excess of 30,000 oxford united supporters at those games. Plus even more Average home attendance does not equate to the same people going to every game, work , family and other commitments are factors in when people attend. Roper fails spectacularly to consider radio oxford live match coverage listening figures, nor subscribers to ifollow live match coverage. Friends and family of those who do support Oxford United also follow the fortunes of their local football league club. The grenoble rd stadium has poor public transport links, which makes games hard to get to for many. Roper is obviously oblivious to the relatively recent rise in attendance and fortunes of Brighton. It wasn't that long ago that Brighton were playing at the same level as Oxford united, in front of slightly smaller average attenendaces, it was similarly badly served by public transport. Brighton relocated to a new stadium with excellent public transport links, Brighton rose up the football pyramid to play in the premier league. They play every home game in front of a sold out capacity attendance in excess of 30, 000. It seems to me that Kidlington village has more than its fair share of idiots, who seem to be all gathered together in the FoSB pressure group
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