THOSE at Oxford City Council need their heads examined. Increasing the rent for retailers in the Covered Market shows the council’s total apathy for the businesses that are struggling with the present financial climate.

Also, many shops are having to compete with the large increase in internet sales.

Oxford’s Covered Market is the best centre we have within Oxford with a diverse range of shops under the protection from the elements.

The Covered Market is one of the jewels in the crown for Oxford, along with the historic buildings and amazing architectural splendours within.

The Covered Market shops should be supported by our city council, not be held to ransom.

The people of Oxford are getting sick and tired of reading about the total lack of consideration from those at the city council towards the people who put them in power.

If the city council forces through rent increases, then the other people that will suffer are those visiting the Covered Market who will be met by price increases. We have enough empty shops within Oxford as it is.

The Covered Market is one of the historic sites that visitors to Oxford like to visit.

Don’t let visitors coming to Oxford be met by more empty retail outlets.

At least people visiting the market don’t have to contend with buses as they have to in Queen Street. This area should be pedestrianised so shoppers don’t have to fight for space with buses and be at risk of being knocked over.

Cornmarket was successfully pedestrianised, so why not Queen Street?

Buses would just have to find a different route around as other services have.

STEVEN BENNETT
Marston Road
Marston
Oxford