It aims to improve on the party’s four seats, as up to 18 candidates hope to bag a seat in 16 wards. One councillor, Fiona Mawson in Kidlington East, is re-standing.

Ian Middleton, leader of the Green Party at the District Council, said his party is unique as it listens to residents and responds directly to their needs and concerns.

He said: “Our Councillors are challenging inappropriate and opportunistic developments in the heart of our communities, especially on green field sites.

“We recognise the need for much more affordable housing and continue to press for that, despite government policies which guarantee developers a profit whilst pricing local families out of the housing market.

“We’re also opposing new government policies that will remove almost all democratic accountability over local planning decisions.

“We’ve engaged with County, Town and Parish colleagues to help residents facing the misery of repeated flooding events, providing practical solutions as well as working on the root causes such as climate change and poor drainage infrastructure.

“On the local environment, Greens have delivered on our promise to introduce kerbside glass collection, allowing residents to recycle jars and bottles at home in their blue bins.

“This has enabled the removal of almost all bottle banks, along with the fly-tipping they often attract. We’ve also instigated the conversion of council bin lorries to biofuel, which will cut our net emissions by up to 30 per cent.

“Potholes and broken paths have, of course, been of huge concern.  Whilst roads are not under District Council control, we are pressing national government for a solution and lobbying for a ‘Roads Reset’ to allow for reinstatement rather than more patching.

READ MORE: Oxford construction firm in liquidation with £200k debts

“County Greens also added nearly £1m to the county budget as a ringfenced fund for repairs to paths and pavements.

“We’re working with local action groups to strengthen responses to climate change, the increased cost of living and to combat attempts to divide our neighbourhoods.

“We want to see more united communities facilitated by local action backed by council funding and hands-on support. 

“We’re also helping local businesses with innovative ideas and practical solutions, especially on regenerating our failing high streets and town centres.

“This will be your last opportunity to vote for a district councillor ahead of fundamental changes to local government.

“No matter what the future looks like, your Green vote on May 7th will help us do much more to ensure you and your family have a cleaner, healthier, greener and more prosperous place to live.”

The ongoing incident first started earlier this evening (Saturday, May 2) on Cowley Road in the city.

Thames Valley Police cars arrived at the scene along with several Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines.

Police officers cordoned off the scene with crime scene tape while firefighters tackled the smoke.

FOLLOW LIVE: Smoke billows from underground as police tape off Oxford street

Members of the public were warned to get back, away from the smoke, with many left scared of what was happening.

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, has told this newspaper: “I have never seen anything like this.

“I felt that flames would explode wider in the area; it is so scary.

“I don’t know if the black smoke could be toxic or harmful, so the rest of the public and I got a good distance away from the area quickly.

“When the incident happened, there was only one police car, but then the fire engines arrived not long after- they are so quick.

“Then more police cars came.”

Both Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for comment on the situation.

The ongoing incident first started earlier this evening (Saturday, May 2) on Cowley Road in the city.

Thames Valley Police cars arrived at the scene along with several Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines.

Police officers cordoned off the scene with crime scene tape while firefighters tackled the smoke.

FOLLOW LIVE: Smoke billows from underground as police tape off Oxford street

Members of the public were warned to get back, away from the smoke, with many left scared of what was happening.

The force has now issued a full statement, warning residents nearby to close their windows due to the smoke.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police has said: “Cowley Road closed.

“Cowley Road is currently closed between the junctions with Leon Close/Bullingdon Road and Chapel Street.

READ MORE: Oxford University students ‘shocked’ as ‘flames erupt’ in city

“We are working alongside the Fire and Rescue Service and the electricity network provider while urgent work is carried out following reports of smoke coming from underground.

“At this time, we do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.

“However, residents in the immediate area are advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

“Anyone planning to travel along this section of Cowley Road this evening is asked to check ahead and avoid the area if possible.”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has also been approached for comment.