The tragic death of schoolboy Ben Halsey-Jones in the Thames during the recent floods brought into focus again the dangers on our many waterways in Oxfordshire.

It also highlighted some shortcomings in the way our rivers are managed.

With responsibility shared by the city and county councils and the Environment Agency, there were always bound to be grey areas with no-one really knowing who should be doing what.

Now the city and county councils are working together to make sure that there is much closer cooperation.

We hope the Environment Agency will also come on board so that the duties of all three bodies are clear cut, and there is less room for confusion.

Our waterways and towpaths are becoming more congested as leisure time increases and people spend more time boating and walking.

When we are driving or walking in our towns and countryside, we expect the roads and paths to be in good condition.

We should expect no less on and along our waterways.