The news that the new Westgate development is facing another delay will cause delight in some quarters and despair in others.

Objectors to the £220m scheme will no doubt be encouraged to intensify their campaign.

But traders and others who were looking forward to Oxford offering a 21st century shopping experience will be disappointed that there is yet another holdup.

The developers now believe that because of the public inquiry into compulsory purchase orders, the new centre will not be ready until 2012.

Oxford, of course, is well known for dithering when it comes to planning.

In the middle of the last century, the argument was how to handle the city's traffic.

Relief roads were proposed and rejected, numerous inquiries were held, millions of pounds were spent - and not a thing was done.

We clearly haven't learned much since those days.

Whatever side you are on, it is clear that the Westgate cannot be left as it.

The shopping centre is badly in needed of a facelift, the car park is in a dilapidated state and the area to the south looks increasingly tatty.

It is hardly a sight to encourage tourists.

The real danger is that shoppers will see Oxford as a place to miss, and go to neighbouring towns which have pressed ahead with modernisation.

We, as usual, are lagging far behind.