• TROUBLE in paradise is already detected as the new alliance at County Hall enjoys its honeymoon period.

Not only did Independent Mark Gray’s failure to vote cost Tory Lawrie Stratford a committee vice-chairmanship at the annual meeting earlier this month, but there have been spats over the labelling of the alliance.

Independent members of the alliance have already reportedly complained about the council’s website, which had initially lumped them in with the Tories as one political group.

But this may have been to the Tories’ advantage because it has enabled them to boost their presence on the council’s powerful scrutiny committees.

Maybe these are just teething problems.

Let’s hope they’re not a sign of things to come.

The group has mounted a well-run and hard-hitting campaign against the closure of their beloved pool and the building of a new facility in Blackbird Leys.

But The Insider fears they have got to that stage which all passionate campaigners reach where they believe anyone who disagrees with them or says anything they do not agree with is wrong, or against them.

So much has the group’s collective zeal grown that they not only think they have the right to comment on any story about the pool but believe the Oxford Mail should be checking its facts with them before publication.

The Insider wonders if their recent complaints are part of one last offensive, or an acceptance that they have finally been beaten after a long, brave battle.

We shall see.

  • PORT Meadow may be a contentious issue, but isn’t the city council getting a bit heavy handed about a recent hippy invasion?

Two, just two, peace-loving pilgrims recently camped in the beauty spot as they travelled north for the Summer Solstice.

But no sooner had the travelling pair met up with Save Port Meadow campaigners than the council was onto them.

They were served with a notice of eviction with police present.

All that fuss over a bell tent.

The Insider worries what the council response would be if a full traveller community turned up with caravans. Send in the SAS, perhaps?