Sir - It was heartening to read David Widdowson's suggestion that a purpose-built concert hall and arts centre be built on the Jericho boatyard site, instead of Spring Residential's scheme for two blocks of flats containing 54 one and two-bedroom apartments.

He's right; Jericho residents don't approve of what Spring proposes - the blocks, locals think, are dreary and dominating. Residents feel that these structures, if put up, would stand as a material affront to their beloved community; furthermore, they would be concrete ramparts separating the residential community from the boating community - thus, breaking an amicable relationship that has grown and endured at this interface place for well over a century. Jericho without its boaters at its boatyard heart is simply not Jericho - ask any resident.

Spring Residential's above scheme was refused on the December 11, 2007; however, the battle is still on with the company exercising its right to appeal.

A number of residents of Jericho and wider Oxford have united to form the Jericho Living Heritage Trust, a charity. We are raising funds to oppose Spring's appeal; and, in the event of the boatyard someday reappearing on to the market, funds to attempt to acquire it for the benefit of the Jericho and boaters' communities and for Oxford' further enrichment. Ownership comes first. Only a community ownership of the site, and a community-led design for its transformation - fertilised with good ideas such as David's - can bring Jericho an exceptional boatyard development. We as a Trust are working practically to give good ideas a chance to happen.

Peter Strong, Chairman, Jericho Living Heritage Trust, Oxford