Sir – The arguments for and against the proposed wind turbines at Horspath and Cutteslowe have centred on their size and visual impact. However there seems to be another issue — status.

If the council really wanted to generate green electricity, it would be far cheaper and less intrusive to install hydroelectric turbines on the various weirs along the River Thames. At Sandford the other day I was most impressed by the enormous and powerful flow of water there currently, full of boundless energy all going to waste.

I am personally strongly in favour of wind turbines in the right place, but the city council’s proposals smack to me of macho willy-waving: look we’ve got bigger ones than you! I think we need a proper consultation and debate on the best possible alternative ways to ‘green’ the city’s energy consumption, rather than going for giant windmills before anything else has been considered.

Anthony Cheke, Oxford