Charlie Maynard, who represents Witney, took to the social media site Facebook this afternoon (Saturday, May 2) to bemoan the Lib Dem signs being taken down.

In the video clip, the Lib Dem politician informs his followers that the boards are being taken down in West Oxfordshire’s Ducklington.

Mr Maynard reminds the viewers that doing this is illegal and implores the perpetrators to cease doing so.

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“So, this is all that’s left of a Lib Dem board that was in this hedge on the track going out of Ducklington towards Cogges.

“Whoever it is taking them down, please can you stop doing that. It’s really rubbish in terms of democracy, and it is also illegal.

“So let’s have an election which is reasonable and plays it straight.”

In the accompanying caption, Mr Maynard added: “Signs allow people to show their support for parties and candidates.

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“They are part of our democratic system through which we choose who represents us.

“Please don’t destroy our signs, or anyone else’s, and doing so is also illegal.”

One commenter responded: “That’s absolutely awful, Charlie.

“Drop off two to us, and we’ll put them up on Windrush Place.”

Professor James East, consultant gastroenterologist and medical director at Welbeck Oxford, is urging greater awareness during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

He is especially concerned about increased risk among under-50s and those with a family history of the disease.

Professor East said: “In the US, screening is already recommended from 45.

“This reflects a clear shift in disease patterns, with colorectal cancer now the leading cause of cancer death in under-50s.”

Bowel cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 in the United States, according to American Medical Association research.

In England, NHS screening begins at age 50 using the FIT test, but diagnoses are rising in younger adults.

International evidence points to an increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, and experts fear current screening cut-offs may overlook people at risk.

Professor East said: “Younger patients are not routinely screened and symptoms are often attributed to benign conditions, leading to later diagnosis.”

Colorectal cancer generally develops from precancerous polyps over 10 to 15 years, creating an opportunity for prevention through early detection.

Screening can identify and remove these polyps before they turn cancerous.

When caught at stage one, survival rates exceed 90 per cent, but this drops below 20 per cent by stage four.

Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain, though early disease may present without signs.

Risk factors include family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, and lifestyle factors.

A Mediterranean-style diet and regular exercise may lower risk but do not eliminate it.

Screening options include FIT, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, and colonoscopy – considered the most thorough, as it allows for both detection and removal of polyps during the procedure.

Welbeck Oxford is set to open a new clinic in 2026 offering advanced endoscopy services, including AI-assisted detection and high-definition imaging.

Professor East added: “One in 20 people will develop bowel cancer.

“Screening saves lives, but only if people take part.

“If you are eligible, do not delay.

“If you are younger but at higher risk, seek advice and consider earlier assessment.”

Welbeck Health Partners is investing more than £30 million in the Oxford site, which will deliver multidisciplinary care across digestive health, cardiology, ENT, respiratory medicine and genetics.

The call for action comes as part of growing awareness that earlier screening could save lives, particularly among those currently outside routine testing age.

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.

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“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.”