Letters have been written and there have been many demonstrations and protests about Bonn Square in Oxford and the felling of mature trees to make way for the execution of the new design.

However, the one thing that appears to have escaped the thinking of our planners, councillors and civic trustees is the major concept and function of a square - especially when it is located in a primary position.

Visit any town or city and you will find that buildings surrounding a square have their main entrances and elaborate facades facing it.

Architects and other civic designers spend a lot of time detailing the fronts as they are aware that the environment should be pleasant for people to linger in and enjoy the surroundings.

This fundamental principle appears to have got lost as the felled trees have exposed the shabbiness of buildings on the western, northern and eastern sides of the square.

Any visitors to Oxford, who have seen the glory of Oxford regularly displayed on their TV screens and occasionally on the big screen, will be disappointed when they see Bonn Square.

This prime site now looks no better than a service yard for a few dilapidated shops.

This central area, surrounded by featureless side, gable and party walls, displaying rough and smooth stonework with patches of rendering and poorly laid brickwork, does not make a pretty sight.

It wouldn't surprise me if records reveal that our forefathers were aware of this and planted the trees to mask the ugliness.

It will be interesting to see if the Lord Mayor of Oxford will have the effrontery to invite the Burgomaster of Bonn to the square's official opening ceremony.

VIM RODRIGO Rivermead Road Rose Hill Oxford