I went shopping in the city centre. Either someone has stolen the Christmas illuminations, or the switching on by the Lord Mayor was a figment of my imagination, as the illuminations were nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps if less money was claimed by councillors, as so-called expenses, a better effort could be made.

Do our councillors not realise that they are in charge of one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, and should promote it to the fullest, thereby attracting more visitors and more revenue?

I have lived in Oxford all my life, and apart from the years during the war, I have never seen such a pathetic attempt at celebrating Christmas.

Perhaps thereby lies the rub - we mustn't be seen to be celebrating Christmas, must we?

Our so-called leaders make me sick!

ANTHONY LEE Farm Close Road Wheatley Oxford