Sir - When making any decision in regard to the future of Ruskin College, the governors must not only take into account the future direction of the college, but also ensure that Ruskin's historical contribution to the advancement of various social movements is preserved.

This can only be achieved by having a presence in Walton Street. To sever its presence with Oxford itself would mean that Ruskin College would be like any other further or higher education college and its uniqueness would be lost forever.

Maintaining a presence at Walton Street would provide a bridge between Ruskin past and Ruskin future as well as give its students access to the magnificent educational and leisure facilities at Oxford Universtiy.

For many students, Walton Street is the spiritual home of their belief systems. Its ethos of justice, peace and equality has inspired many former students to take up vocations in the caring professions, working with some of the most disadvantaged people from our national and international communities.

It was at Walton Street that a unique approach to residential working class higher education was brought into life. Many of its students having passed through its doors have gone on to read for degrees at some of the country's most prestigious universities.

How many professors, PhDs and Members of Parliament owe their high status by reason of second chance education given to them by Ruskin College? Finally, at the last Ruskin Fellowship AGM in September 2007, there was a unanimous decision by vote, to oppose the sale of the Walton Street site.

John Hurlston, President, Ruskin College Fellowship