I am writing concerning the matter of roadside furniture. How can it be in these times of austerity that Oxford City Council can afford to install a bench at the foot of Headley Way?

Were residents consulted? Who authorised its location?

Benches are welcome and needed in Marston but this bench location is unusual.

I believe the money spent would have had better value for city council taxpayers by providing a community information noticeboard instead, either at the site of the new bench or across the road at the row of shops and doctors’ surgery in Headley Way.

Another noticeboard should be installed too by the shops in Old Marston Road. Both these areas are used by a large sector of the community. When people visit these amenities they would have the opportunity to know what is going on locally. Noticeboards would serve to inform all residents about local events and services. A list of councillors and contact details would enable residents to engage easily. A list of local planning applications would allow the public to have a say in how their community develops.

At present it can be difficult to access some local information via the internet.

ELAINE BENNETT, Marston Road, Oxford