It was most unfair of you in your editorial comment and article to criticise Oxford City Council for a minor error over the release of the photographs of Bonn Square, Oxford (Oxford Mail, February 9).

The term 'gaffe' was more appropriate for a morning tabloid than your illustrious organ.

I fully understand that your role is to call the council and others, including OX1 to account, but you are best placed to do this when you are on firm ground.

I was also saddened to read the way you portrayed the comments from Rebecca Carley, who is performing an excellent role in the city. This sort of treatment can only discourage good people.

From OX1's viewpoint, there can be no doubt that Bonn Square is improving and its long-term plans show that the council and its partners are determined to create a city centre everyone can be proud of.

Much excellent work is going on between the city, county, police and others and it would be nice to see that recognised more often in your great newspaper. Perhaps, if nothing else, this episode can enable all sides to draw a line under the past, well-publicised difficulties in the city centre, and look positively to the future.

The time seems right for balance in the portrayal of the city centre - criticise when required but also praise where appropriate.

BILL McCARDLE

Chief Executive

OX1