Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has welcomed the relaunch of the OPRA - the Oakleigh Park Residents' Association. The newly re-formed OPRA met for the first time last night at the Oakleigh Park Tennis Club, in Oakleigh Road North, N20. OPRA was originally set up ten years ago hasn't been active for some time. Around 50 residents attended the launch event, and many more have signed up to be members of OPRA. Cllr Brian Salinger was there to represent the three local ward councillors for the area.
Speaking last night, Theresa Villiers said: "I would like to pay tribute to former MEP, Marina Yannakoudakis, and local residents, Jeanette Fry and Julian Olver, for reviving the Oakleigh Park Residents' Association. An active residents' association will be a real asset to this part of my constitutuency. This initiative has my full support and I provided an article for their first newsletter. Local Conservative ward councillors Brian Salinger, Sachin Rajput and Stephen Sowerby are also very enthusiastic about the new association."
"I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up and help OPRA in its work to protect Oakleigh Park and ensure that it continues to be the great place to live which it is now. I'd like to thank all residents who are taking an interest in their local community and neighbourhood by getting involved in the new OPRA."
"This evening provided a great opportunity for me and Cllr Salinger to listen to the concerns of residents. A number of issues were raised with me, including Labour's mansion tax which would hit homes here and which I am strongly opposing."
Residents can sign up to OPRA at http://oakleigh-park.blogspot.co.uk/ and find out more about its plans. OPRA's new committee intends to keep those residents who subscribe to OPRA informed of matters that could affect the amenity of the Oakleigh Park area and where necessary work with the council and police.