RESIDENTS who were told that council leaders would not answer their questions at a meeting have been left “disappointed” after finally hearing the answers.

Vale of White Horse District Council has released answers to 15 questions it previously snubbed at last month’s full council meeting.

Members of the council had declined to give verbal answers to questions on a variety of issues, including Botley’s controversial West Way redevelopment.

Instead the authority exercised its right to provide written answers, having said questions were on complicated issues that could take time to answer.

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Liberal Democrat Debby Hallett, councillor for North Hinksey and Wytham, asked leaders about Vale plans for free wi-fi in Botley and a study into leisure facilities.

She said: “In general I think the main value of any opposition’s questions is to promote more rigorous decision-making and reduce corruption.

“Where such opposition is stifled I am suspicious about the reasons why.”

The Vale councillor said she was not satisfied with the answers and would be writing follow-up questions in time for the next full council meeting on February 18.

At each monthly full council meeting councillors can ask questions, including those requested by residents, and a follow-up question if required.

She said: “We think about half of the original questions deserve a follow-up question due to a weak answer.

“We’re working on those questions and will have them ready for the deadline.”

The questions, submitted to the council by councillors, included issues such as the Local Plan, housing plans for Grove Airfield and the state of air quality management areas in Abingdon, Botley and Marcham.

Dr Mary Gill, from Botley, who attended the meeting in December to hear answers to questions about Botley’s West Way redevelopment and how the council deals with petitions, was disappointed by the responses.

She said: “The responses to the questions are not very helpful.

“If the council had allowed proper process they would have certainly been asked a supplementary question. A lot of them were non-answers. To have to wait a month for an answer and then another month for a proper answer to the same questions takes the micky out of the process really.”

The council’s answer to a question concerning the unsuccessful £100m redevelopment of Botley’s West Way shopping centre revealed a contract with developers Doric Properties has been extended.

Council leader Matthew Barber’s answer read: “The council has a contractual agreement with Doric which is extended by their decision to appeal.

“While I am disappointed by the appeal I am confident that an alternative solution can be found and have already committed to meeting with West Way Community Concern in the new year.”

Mr Barber and the Vale council failed to respond to requests for comments.


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