They will be the last to admit it, but sooner or later Kidlington people must accept that their village will one day become a suburb of Oxford.

By the same token, and possibly much earlier, Gosford and Water Eaton will be swallowed by its much larger neighbour, Kidlington. Financial considerations will one day demand it.

We can expect a spirited fight from Kidlington which cherishes its village status yet needs the trappings of a town with a development plan.

Gosford's indomitable chairman Muriel Prestidge will put up a spirited fight. At present she is demanding those Oxford signs are removed. Like some cattle baron in a John Wayne western, she is ordering them off her land.

Such independence is commendable. They should enjoy it while it lasts.