Sir - I was interested to read that the Co-op is investigating the possibility of installing a wind turbine in the green belt at the western edge of Oxford, a hundred yards or so from where I live. What a brilliant idea!

In an area where our local pub has been claimed by McDonald's and we are surrounded by the Seacourt Tower, a chain of pylons and the ceaseless activity of the A34, all symbolic in their own ways of the emissions that threaten the planet, it strikes a cheering note of sanity.

From here on the ground it's hard to see how it could possibly threaten the view of the 'dreaming spires' as has been suggested. In fact, if there were more wind turbines in the landscape, the spires would be less likely to be dreaming in a haze of air pollution.

As for the noise - the worst noise around here is the traffic roaring along the A34 or revving up as it pulls away from the traffic lights at the end of the Botley Road.

If the trial is a success and a suitable place can be found for the turbine, I hope it will generate enough electricity to power Old Botley, which stands halfway between the Co-op's headquarters and their Botley shop. We residents of Old Botley have written to the Co-op to congratulate them on their public-spirited initiative, and to ask to be kept informed of their future plans. We hope they will inspire other local businesses to follow suit.

Ag MacKeith, Old Botley Residents' Association