At an extraordinary meeting of the Vale of White Horse District Council, held last night (Wednesday), members of the public were able to tell Councillors the problems that they experienced during the recent flooding emergency.The meeting, called by members of the Conservative Group was attended by a large number of members of the public, many of whom addressed the meeting and explained how they had been affected by the floods.Conservative Leader, Councillor Melinda Tilley said, “When we called this meeting the Lib Dem Leader criticised us for acting rashly. I think the public attendance at the meeting, and comments made by local residents both at the meeting and afterwards make it clear that this meeting was welcomed.”Other Council’s in Oxfordshire have held meetings since the flooding, it was only in the Vale that the Opposition Conservatives had to call an extraordinary meeting as the ruling group refused to allow residents a public forum.Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Oxford West & Abingdon, Nicola Blackwood commented, “I think it was a very valuable and worthwhile meeting. The debate was constructive and I am confident that tonight’s meeting will help the Council develop better plans to deal with future flooding incidents.”Conservative Councillor and Shadow Cabinet Member for Planning, Terry Cox, supported two motions calling on the Council to think again about future building in the flood plain, and supporting ‘Save Radley Lakes’ in their call for a review. Cllr Cox said, “These are important decisions and although they will be discussed by the Council at a later date it is disappointing the Lib Dems could not agree them on the night.Councillor Matthew Barber, Conservative Finance Spokesman added, “The tone of the meeting was generally constructive and it was good to see Councillors of both parties working together. It was regrettable however that at least one member seemed not to recognise the problems faced by residents.” When a member of the public explained that she felt she had been treated like a criminal by the Council, Cllr Jenny Hannaby comment, ‘this was for her own good’. Matthew Barber concluded, “This is an unfortunate example of process being put before the good of local residents, and exactly what should be avoided in the future.”