We never cease to be amazed at what happens inside Oxford Town Hall.

We know the council is short of money, but to axe monthly safety checks for bacteria in swimming pools as an economy measure is simply scandalous.

Yet again, a mix-up between officers in two departments is being blamed.

The executive board had made a decision to switch some of the costs from the environmental health budget to the leisure budget.

A muddle somewhere along the line ended with the whole operation being abandoned, putting the public at risk for six weeks.

Full marks to the social and well-being scrutiny committee, which did its job properly and brought the mishap to public attention.

And full marks to Cllr Mary Clarkson, executive member for the environment, for swiftly promising to restore the service.

But what on earth were council officers thinking about? Only three years ago, the council was forced to shut Temple Cowley Pool when 15 swimmers were taken ill because of high levels of bacteria.

That should have been sufficient warning that such checks are essential to public health.

Councillors must launch a full inquiry and bring their officers under control.