The leader of Oxfordshire County Council is taking the council on a path of self destruction with, yet again, proposals of cuts to vital services.

These will be implemented unless Keith Mitchell and his colleagues rethink where they could be made without affecting already decimated services around the county.

We all appreciate that cuts need to happen to keep within budget, but many savings could be made closer to home if Mr Mitchell were to lead from the front and ensure each department and every employee worked as efficiently as possible.

Many small cuts would soon amount to a large reduction in operational costs.

At the same time, the Oxford Mail reports public demands for a 40mph speed limit on the B4022 where many lives have been lost, yet the council says it is reviewing its position.

Surely, an astute leader should organise a decision now, not wait for a review.

Is Mr Mitchell not on the ball and unaware of county needs?

Then there is the case of an 88-year-old lady, and others, having to make lengthy and muddy detours to get in and out of their homes while a railway bridge in South Moreton is demolished.

The county council has a duty to ensure public safety and should have insisted Network Rail funds an alternative route for the villagers.

Where was Mr Mitchell in all this? Certainly not leading arrangements with Network Rail, it seems.

Perhaps the council leader should provide greater leadership.

Adrian Taylor, Eynsham