Sir – A few facts would have improved Hugh Jaeger’s letter (January 15). I am certainly much in favour of railway expansion and electrification — less diesel pollution, quieter trains and less vibration because trains are lighter. I know of nobody who is against electrification — politician or not.

 

However there is a downside — the visual effect of the five-metre high cables, gantries etc that come with electrification — doubled up to more than 10 metres if a flyover is built, and all alongside the full length of the eastern boundary of Port Meadow and Wolvercote Common.

 

I was, and still am, predicting considerable public concern once everybody realises the visual impact of electrification.

 

Mike Gotch, Oxford city councillor, Wolvercote