Once again, the city council's events team has let down the people of Oxford.

The Lord Mayor's Parade and charity event (Oxford Mail, May 30) was a disaster.

The council's insistence on changing the date and venue, against the advice of experienced volunteers, without even publicising it, meant that virtually no-one attended.

The various ambiguous reasons given for the changes do not really add up, even when taken together.

The obvious reason was that it was to accommodate the German visitors, but that was so embarrassing when no-one attended.

They were very disillusioned. In addition, thousands of pounds were lost by charities. The events officer stood on that field and announced over the microphone that it was a wonderful event and venue. So where were all the people?

Most of the stallholders packed up and went home in mid-afternoon.

No doubt she will try to pass the buck to the Lions, but like the stallholders, they are hard-working, unpaid volunteers.

Last year, the events team tried to pass the organisation of the Florence Park Festival over to 'the community', whoever that is (presumably those of us already giving all our own time).

I understand they are again refusing to help with this event.

What on earth are they paid for? Where is the support for 'the community'?

I hope they can live with their consciences over the thousands of pounds lost by charities. John Mitchell, Crescent Road, Cowley, Oxford