I am prompted to write after reading your editorial last week (Oxford Mail, August 17) in which you suggest that "vast areas of the city centre...remain unfriendly and unattractive to pedestrians".
I share your concern, but sadly there is some evidence that improvements are unlikely.
Every day, hundreds of pedestrians from South Oxford cross Thames Street and walk up Old Greyfriars Street on their way into the city centre.
Unfortunately their path is blocked by that part of the Westgate shopping centre occupied by Sainsbury's.
These hundreds of pedestrians are obliged to make a detour up Roger Bacon Lane, which is so unfriendly and unattractive that it deserves to be called squalid.
The Westgate development proposals show that the whole of this corner of the existing shopping centre is to be demolished.
But don't get excited, the proposals also show that the same arrangement is to be rebuilt!
How could anyone imagine that this is a good idea?
Why is the city not seizing this opportunity to improve this major pedestrian route?
Why, for example, can't Old Greyfriars Street be continued to Pennyfarthing Place?
This would avoid the squalid detour and with dwellings and shops facing it, the street could be friendly and attractive.
It's not difficult. It makes me wonder whether they care.
ALAN ALCOCK, Dale Close, Oxford
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