The folly of the bridge jumpers has certainly hit the headlines in both national and local newspapers (Oxford Mail, May 3). And the 'ban 'em and flog 'em' brigade, especially within the council, will be having a field day. I can hear their pious cries of anguish as we speak!

What this event needs is a bit of lateral but common-sense thinking. This course of action won't come easy to the wise burghers on the city council of course. It's pointless trying to ban it because a) even the police admit it would be impossible and b) it's an event that has been going on the world over since Pontius was a pilot.

What you've got to do is quite simple. On the days before May 1, get a mechanical digger in and dredge out the offending section of river so that it's five feet deep. Simple isn't it? Cheap...certainly cheaper than resurfacing Cornmarket, accident risk down to zilch and long may the custom continue. PETER LAIDLER, Anson Close, Marcham