Sir — One major issue not covered by Reg Little in his article last week was the impact that the eco-town will have on the future economy of Bicester, less than eight miles away.

The community is eagerly awaiting the publication of a Government-funded report by Arup into the economic and social impact that the eco-town will have on Bicester. Creating 15,000 new eco-town jobs, which most people will find totally unrealistic, would have a devastating effect on Bicester which is only just beginning to see signs of major investment to its infrastructure after three decades of under-investment.

It would be far more sensible to look at ways of ensuring that the promised investment for Bicester — a new £70m town centre with new cinema, supermarket, shops and library, two new hotels, new school, medical facilities, final piece of the ring road jigsaw, and an office park providing up to 3,000 jobs is supported and takes place.

Much of that is threatened whilst the possibility of an unwanted eco-town hangs in the balance.

Focus and energies should be on improving Bicester and also examining the possibilities of increasing the housing numbers by looking carefully at surrounding land stocks including the major amount of land held by the MoD.

On her recent visit, Housing Minister Caroline Flint made it abundantly clear that if Oxfordshire doesn’t want an eco-town then it must find a viable alternative.

There are alternatives and they must be looked at as a matter of great urgency. Politicians need to show some boldness and leadership in this matter.

Bicester Vision, a partnership between all three tiers of local government and major players in the private sector is an ideal vehicle to co-ordinate strategy for the future evolution of the town.

Bob Langton, Chairman, Bicester Vision