Campaigners who want to stop Radley Lakes, near Abingdon, being used as a dump for fuel ash from Didcot Power Station have failed in their latest bid.

Members of the Save Radley Lakes campaign, including their water vole mascot, picketed County Hall in Oxford before councillors discussed planning conditions relating to the scheme, which was approved in January.

Alison Prewett, a teacher at Fitzharrys School in Abingdon, said before the meeting: "I spent a wonderful day last week with 180 11 year olds in the lakes area and they all had a marvellous time. To think that's all going to be gone is really quite horrifying."

Members of the Save Radley Lakes questioned whether an Environmental Impact Assessment should have been completed before the council could decide on the application.

But councillors agreed in principle to the conditions, which related to crossing a byway, drainage and de-watering.

A decision whether to turn the site into a town green - safeguarding the lakes - is expected in the next two months.