LOCAL democracy is a lot like justice. Not only must it be done, it must be seen to be done.

Oxford City Council had an understandable wish to square away a lot of important issues before the end of the year, but officers and politicians should have recognised there was far too much to do when it came to drawing up the agenda for Monday’s meeting.

Veteran local politicians like Colin Cook might be right when he tries to shoot down complaints about the length of the meeting, citing previous marathon sessions stretching into the early hours.

But that fails to take account of the seriousness of what was discussed on Monday, particularly something like the 1,200 home development at West Barton.

While the voting may not have been any different, wouldn’t it be so much more reassuring for residents to know that councillors were wide awake and keen of mind when discussing a development that will substantially alter the make-up of a corner of the city, rather than five hours into a meeting when senses will be naturally dulled.

And then there is the public.

Politicians are quick to complain when people ignore the goings-on in town halls.

But it is not realistic to expect taxpayers to sit there obediently until past 10pm just to see what is going to happen to their community.