The crazy Oxford property market is getting even crazier, according to new figures out today.

In the city and across the county, prices are rising at way above the national average, which is good news for those on the property ladder and another savage blow for those who are not.

Set today's startling statistics against the backdrop of a housing shortage in the county and it becomes clear why the debate about where the new homes should go needs to be resolved -- and fast.

District, city and county councils are trying to thrash that one out now so that a final decision can be made by the South East of England Regional Development Agency. It looks likely that thousands of new homes will come, but not in Oxford, so while prices may cool in the county in years to come, the city will remain a property hot spot.

The end result, therefore, will be the same -- people born and bred in Oxford being unable to live in their own city.

That's something that the political ostriches who repeatedly block any form of major nerw development in the city should be ashamed of.