Plans to redevelop the civic offices are in jeopardy after councillor Tom Crisp threatened to veto the plans. Despite getting all party backing, the lead councillor for transport has threatened to surround the new development with bus and cycle lanes - making it impossible to reach - unless the council changes its mind and includes a single residential dwelling for a key worker... himself.

"I'm hoping that this oversight is not a deliberate attempt to render me homeless," he told us. Mr. Crisp has been living at the council offices since his dizzying promotion to head of transport. "I just didn't realise how dangerous cycling down Oxford Road was until I was given the official figures. You'd have to be a complete loon to cycle down there. And it's more convenient for the train." He denied however that his new address would leave him less able to represent his ward. "If my constituents want to contact me, my central location will make it a lot easier than risking arrest down Western Elms Avenue and I am available outside of office hours at: Cardboard Box #1; Civic Centre, RG1 7AE, or via the public phone in the reception area, or you can email any Liberal councillor and the council will pass the message on to me."