It's crunch time for Peers Leisure Centre at Littlemore, Oxford. This is a good time for Peers' campaigners to reflect on the state of local democracy in Oxford.

Lesson 1 - it's possible to close down a well-used, much-loved amenity with no public consultation.

Lesson 2 - it's possible for councillors to make questionable decisions because they've been given inaccurate information.

Lesson 3 - it's possible to close the only decent sports facility in an area of acute social deprivation without. carrying out an impact equality assessment Lesson 4 - the review of the management structure at the city council is long overdue.

Lesson 5 - Individual councillors with integrity will devote time and energy to establishing the true facts on which decisions should be made, and this should be celebrated. David Rundle (Liberal Democrat) and Ed Turner (Labour) are among those who have earned our respect.

Wish us luck on Monday. We are hoping to keep the centre open for just eight more months. Not a big ask, surely, for residents from the poorest areas of town?

RUTH WILKINSON Save Peers' Sports Centre supporters' group Thames View Road Rose Hill Oxford