Town councillors in Bicester have blamed a breakdown in communications after they failed to attend a public forum organised by the police.

Police had hoped that they would attend the meeting, but none did.

Members said they had received no official notification, so all attended a full town council meeting instead.

Town council leader Norman Bolster said he only heard about the forum on regional radio earlier that evening, when it was too late to change plans.

He said: "None of the councillors had any knowledge this meeting was happening. I don't know where this meeting was advertised. I don't know who organised the meeting.

"I would have thought that the organisers would have let the town council know that there was a meeting.

"I can assure you that even with a full council meeting at the same time, some of us would certainly have gone along.

"It would appear there has been a communication breakdown, which is always unfortunate."

Just 14 people attended the forum, which was advertised in posters at the venue, the Highfield Social Club in George Street on Monday.

Town and county councillor Les Sibley said: "The police should have publicised the forum in that area of the town better, especially in the light of problems residents have experienced in the last few months with car fires."

Insp Ian Edwards, of Bicester police, said the public meeting had been open to all agencies, including town, district and county councils.

He said: "We will look at the format of the meetings and consider changing it, bearing in mind the public's response.

"I would stress that valuable partnership work has previously been undertaken by the police and town council, including the youth bus, proposed alcohol ban and disturbance in Garth Park."

The forum was the second that police have held in the past month.

The first was at Heyford Park, Upper Heyford.

Residents raised concerns which included on-going problems with car fires and difficulties in getting hold of police.

Insp Ian Edwards said the police were still investigating car fires, but he hoped contacting police would be made easier next spring when two new call centres were opened.

He reiterated an earlier message that the police cannot operate without help from the public and added it was worthwhile reporting crimes.