A public inquiry into the refurbishment of Cornmarket Street would simply result in more of our council taxes being poured down the drain.

From the moment the original granite cobble scheme's cost was known, it was clear that our money was not being used wisely.

Each and every city and county councillor had a duty to know, at least in summary, what was happening and how our taxes were being spent. None is blameless in the Cornmarket Street fiasco.

However, the councils having failed in their duty, what is required now is for full, detailed accounts to be published and then for appropriate proceedings to be taken against councillors, council officers or contractors as appropriate.

Some councillors should shoulder more blame than others and some council officers are certainly to blame as it is well known that councillors would normally accept the advice of council officers in the belief, mistaken or otherwise, that the officers are expert and diligent in their work.

All councillors should stand down before the next election.

The public, not a public inquiry, can then decide who can be trusted to use our council taxes wisely.

JOHN MACALLISTER

Kidlington