IT IS good to know that Oxford City Council is keeping its channels of communication open.

The independent report into the Castle Mill controversy was released last week as the city council attempts to atone for what many think is a blot on the landscape. But when a colleague of The Insider contacted Oxford University – which built the controversial student accommodation blocks, pictured, – to find out what it thought, its press office was completely unaware that the report was due to be released. Hopefully, the council’s new year resolution will be to communicate a bit better.

FOR a few years now, Prime Minister David Cameron has been taking part in the Great Brook Run in Chadlington.

But this year the Witney MP didn’t run off his turkey by hurling himself into a shallow brook and instead went to Surrey to console people who had been affected by flooding.

However, one of The Insider’s more eagle-eyed colleagues noticed that Tory upstart Liam Walker, chairman of Witney Conservative Future, pictured, was taking part in the race.

Is Mr Walker now the official David Cameron stand-in? Or is his manouvering more politically motivated?

One thing is for sure: he will be hoping he does better in political races than in sporting ones because he certainly didn’t emerge from the Great Brook Run as the victor.

AT this time of year most people are thinking about quitting smoking or losing weight.

But according to Oxford’s Green Party their minds should instead be on much higher purposes – such as saving the planet.

The party has issued a list of five “new year pledges” which it says can make Oxford a better place.

These include reducing the number of car journeys, reducing household waste and introducing at least one energy saving measure to reduce your carbon footprint.

All very commendable, but it makes The Insider wonder how the Greens spend their new year. Are the Champagne corks recycled and put back in the bottle? Instead of Auld Lang Syne do they sing Earth Song by Michael Jackson?

AS JANUARY begins, so does what could be a long month for one of Oxfordshire’s political leaders.

Ian Hudspeth, pictured, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, is giving up alcohol to take part in the national Dry January campaign. Mr Hudspeth will stay off the booze as part of a challenge laid down by Alcohol Concern.

The Insider can only wish him the best of luck.

Hopefully, the process of getting the budget approved – complete with £64m cuts – will not tempt him back to the demon drink.