“WHAT was the result... you’re kidding... what a waste of time.”Those were the words of one Catherine Street resident yesterday asking about what councillor Rodney Rose had decided when considering whether to introduce parking permits in East Oxford.

The scheme is highly contentious, with some wanting the relative guarantee of better-controlled parking that the scheme would bring, while others worry that barring other motorists will cause problems for visitors and the customers of local businesses.

To expect agreement on both sides is naive. So to then use that as an excuse not to make a decision just adds to the frustration and sense of farce.

Mr Rose should have been in a position yesterday to make a straight choice: Yes or No.

Residents have been asked five times (at not inconsiderable expense) for their opinions on the scheme and now, with a decision to divide the proposed area into two zones, we are headed for a sixth round of consultation about that.

What happens if opinion is mixed in those two zones? Keep proposing even smaller zones until a box can be ticked that everyone is happy?

No. This sorry saga has dragged on long enough and a decision needs to be made. Leadership is not about popularity.