Save our dreaming spires

His name was on the panel in the boardroom. Another of my ancestors founded the Botanical Gardens – the first in the world.

And when I joined Worcester College, I discovered that another lot of my ancestors, the Digbys, had made themselves well-known at the college.

While my statement above has a spark of pride and honour in it, my reason to disclose it here is to demonstrate that what follows is not said by a transient tourist, or three-week visitor, but by a person deeply part of the city.

The ‘dreaming spires’ concept is not only at the heart of people like me but is a colossal part of Oxford’s income.

The reputation of Oxford University as the best in the world, almost universally credited, also attracts a substantial income.

Therefore, for the sake of Oxford’s finances, let alone its history, its historic architecture should be kept strictly safe from harm.

Don’t build concrete block skyscrapers to overshadow and blank out the spires.

Yes, Oxford is also dependent on commerce, and commerce may require new concrete edifices and factories. But what we have to do, is make sure that the council has sufficiently intelligent and compassionate officers to see new buildings are only erected in suitable and proper places.

Get rid of a traditional boatyard? Break up Jericho?

If you have that sort of destructive intellect, why not concentrate on your own house: bash the kitchen to pieces and wreck the bathroom and loo?

I, personally, would not like to see you do even this. Ask women about the principle. Most will tell you that one can’t modernise just any part of the body. Consider: would welding a cash machine on your mother’s naked shoulders really improve her life?

If you loved any woman, you would not dream of wrecking her looks like this. And if you love Oxford, neither would you want to destroy its attractive features.

Planners, please remember this is a city of beauty, which should last beyond our short lives.

J D H COLLINSON, Sturt Close, Charlbury