Water, Weeds and Wind

A long day at County Hall for the full council meeting. It began with patting the lovely horses outside in the car park who had come to protest at the Council's decision to allow BMW to re-route a bridleway in Oxford. The complicated saga means that after a court ruling the Ramblers Association and the British Horse Society are being asked to pay costs. How appalling and what a day for civil liberties when charities could be made to pay for taking companies to court to defend their rights. As Opposition members on the County Council, we were not allowed to give an alternative reply to that given by the ruling group.

Then our long awaited motion to deal with action on flooding was voted down, but not before the County Council agreed to undertake a flooding scrutiny review. Originally, this was not going to be the case, but now they have changed their minds. I think this U turn means we were right in the first place, and people want to see firm action being taken. I look forward to finding out more and hopefully our district councils will be able to contribute. I made the point about good communication, so that at the very least people know where to go for help. I also emphasised that drains and gulleys need regular maintenance because I do not believe that once a year is enough. It is vital that the Environment Agency and Thames Water play their part too. Also, we do need to encourage parishes and towns to set up their own flood defence groups so that local action can be taken.

Next my motion on weeds, and again time has passed since my initial call for action and we are already into the winter months - some have died off, but many still remain. The Cabinet had put an amendment asking that this be part of the budget setting process for next year. Well, that is fine, and we shall ensure there is adequate funding in our budget, but will they? However, the crucial point I made here is that if we do not meet our national targets for improved street and environmental cleanliness, we shall be in serious danger of losing reward monies of up to £1.2M. So, it will be a certain false economy not to take this seriously, let alone the fact that repaving pavements is more expensive than killing the weeds!

And finally, where is the wind in all this - well I guess that can only describe some of the 'hot air' which was expelled in the council chamber. I can only hope that I made a smidgen of difference and something really will happen... and that will make it all worthwhile. We live in hope.