How interesting - the launch of British Tourism Week in Oxford.

So many people must look forward to visiting the city after seeing its beautiful buildings and gardens in programmes such as Morse and Lewis.

How sad when approaching Oxford to see all the rubbish which has been lying in the hedgerows for months.

Then next the display of wheelie bins lined up in front gardens.

Perhaps a rest in Cornmarket on those strange seats and a view of the fast-food containers lying around one's feet. No street cleaner should have to clear these away.

The Covered Market still retains some colour and character - councillors haven't quite yet destroyed it with the increased rents.

After the excitement of dodging cyclists in Queen Street and a view of a boarded-up Bonn Square, we see the broken boarded-up shop windows in George Street.

We can then make a return trip along Pembroke Street on the uneven pavement edges there.

Strolling along St Aldate's, one may see the elegant lady 'judge', in her white wig and full length black robes, at the court entrance, finishing her cigarette before throwing it down on the pavement with all the others, then returning inside to her duties.

Perhaps tomorrow, we'll have time to look at the beautiful buildings.

JEAN HAWTIN Kennington Oxford