In the age of e-communications, South Oxfordshire District Council’s rubbish policy looks just that, a rubbish policy – particularly if you need to contact them with a problem.

Residents can alert environmental health teams to issues instantaneously via email, but, unfortunately, they should not expect an instantaneous response.

Instead, those flagging up sewage, toilet or car park related woes are treated to a computer generated ‘auto response’ advising them that officers “aim to reply in the next 15 working days”.

And if your issue is garden waste-related, you get the less than encouraging, “If this is the first email you have sent us, please be advised that we have a backlog and will be replying as soon as possible”.

The computer signs off with a helpful: “Please do not reply directly to this message.”

Oxford City Council seems to have hit on an ingenious way to save money at its leisure centres – it is holding gym sessions outside.

This cuts overheads such as electricity and air con, and the only maintenance required is cutting the grass.

Activities include running and walking sessions, and an intriguingly named “bikini burn off” workout.

Leisure chiefs are no doubt hoping for a wet winter so they can move the shower blocks outside as well.

It would certainly solve its Temple Cowley Pools headache – simply knock it down and dig a lake.

Outdoor play and making the most of what’s on your doorstep seems to be an emerging theme as we enter a promised age of austerity.

The Oxfordshire Play Partnership, backed by Oxfordshire County Council, is promoting the benefits of free play – using what’s available in the vicinity. Which, in the case of the sessions the organisation has put on, is a climbing wall and a drumming workshop.

What’s wrong with jumpers for goal posts?

The Highways Agency issued some sage advice this week to help those with that very British affliction, a caravan.

The agency bulletin read: “With the summer holiday period upon us, the Highways Agency is advising anyone towing a caravan, boat or horse box to take some simple steps to ensure a trouble-free journey.

It goes on: “Although most drivers are very responsible, incidents involving towed vehicles can cause disproportionately long delays for other road users, as well as distress for their drivers and those involved.”

We all hear that. But what also causes disproportionate delays are major roadworks on one of the busiest junctions, on one of the busiest routes to the South Coast, during one of the busiest holiday periods.

The agency did not list in its advice, “avoid the M40/A34 interchange at all costs because we’re starting work as everyone else starts their holiday”.

A spokesman did say: “There’s never an ideal time to do roadworks”.

We all hear that as well.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell seems to be enjoying the limelight following the county’s decision to pull the plug on speed cameras.

Requests for media appearances have flooded in from national TV and radio, and a modest Mr Mitchell has even revealed he is in demand across the Channel, with French TV crews knocking on his door.

It must be tough for the leader to relive the difficult decision to cut £600,000 of road safety measures.