Plans for a suitable statue for Oxford's Station Square have been flooding in, writes Andrew Ffrench.

Last week, it was revealed that Oxfordshire County Council is linking up with the Said Business School for a £48,000 work of art for the square, sometimes known as Station Junction.

Candidate: John Power The exact location for the statue, or work of art, has not yet been decided but after the Oxford Mail asked readers for suggestions, we have been inundated with ideas.

The majority would like to see a statue of an individual who would best represent the city, while others would prefer a more abstract work of art.

An ox crossing a stretch of water is popular to depict the origins of the city's name, but a statue of Margaret Thatcher, suggested by county councillor Keith Mitchell would be less welcome.

Bridget Bint, of Weavers Close, Witney, wanted a statue of fictional Oxford detective Inspector Morse, created by author Colin Dexter, and made famous by actor John Thaw.

Elsie Fulker, of Greater Leys, opted for a personality with fewer Oxford connections Princess Diana.

Charles Dodgson, otherwise known as Alice in Wonderland creator Lewis Carroll, has strong Oxford University connections, and Moyra DaBinett, of Coulings Close, Wantage, thought a statue of Alice would be most appropriate.

Some suggestions might not be well received by county council bosses, particularly supporters of the controversial Oxford Transport Strategy.

John Rowland, 73, of Finmore Road, Botley, Oxford, said: "I think that there should be a huge bank cheque for 20m with 'OTS Why?' underneath.

"The only people who come to Oxford to shop now are tourists. The OTS may be a good thing for them but not for Oxford people who are sick of sitting in traffic on the Botley Road. People no longer have any faith in any politicians or the council and I think the statue should reflect that!"

The suggestion of Rosemary Burnett, of Newland Street, Eynsham, will probably not be top of the council's shortlist. A work of art should reflect Oxford as it is today, she said.

"What therefore, could be more appropriate than a model of a large hypodermic syringe, complete with needle, accompanied by an empty wine bottle?"

County councillors will consider readers suggestions when they discuss the project further with the Said Business School.

**MORE SUGGESTIONS:

SEUMAS Leahy, of Jerome Way, Shipton-on-Cherwell, suggests motorbike legend Mike Hailwood.

He said: "Mike the bike was quiet, very well mannered and a great ambassador for both Oxford and his sport at which he was a multiple champion."

David Hutchins, 76, of Crosslands Drive, Abingdon, put forward Lord Nuffield, who founded the Cowley car factory.

He said: "He brought prosperity to the area and gave me a job. I worked at Pressed Steel for 16 years and I think there should be a statue in his memory."

David Lewis, 79, of Upper Road, Kennington, thinks there should be an abstract sculpture.

He said: "The statue should represent Oxford's unique combination of the best of academic learning and modern industry. We still have the motor works and the science park and the sculpture should represent their contribution."

Ronald Edwards, 64, Rampion Close, Blackbird Leys, said the statue should immortalise Bobby Fryer, a shop steward at Cowley for many years.

He said: "He was a local man and did a lot for the community and the workers at the factory. A street has already been named after him because he was so well loved."

George Higgs, 62, of Dene Road, Headington, Oxford, added: "Why not Margaret Thatcher? She was the greatest Prime Minister we have ever had, along with Sir Winston Churchill."

Labour county councillor Tom Richardson jokingly backed the proposal, adding: "The splendid idea would give the council the opportunity to create some income by offering London a humane solution for their problem with the pigeons in Trafalgar Square."

Robert Oliver, of Saxton Road, Abingdon, suggested Olympic rower Steve Redgrave, who won his fifth gold medal in the last Olympics.

Scharlie Meeuws, of Fox Lane, Boars Hill, Oxford, thinks the statue should be of an ox. She said: "I do sculpture and an ox has beautiful lines and is an expression of energy and vitality.

"It is also appropriate for Oxford, bearing in mind the history of its foundation with an ox crossing a ford."

Alan Lester, of Northcourt Road, Abingdon, said: "I suggest the county council should use the image of Cllr John Power, who represents West Ward, in which the station is situated.

"Emblazoned on it could be the words 'They Shall Not Pass'. It would be a most fitting tribute to a councillor who has represented his ward with total commitment."

Finally, Mary Stiff, 70, of Cowley suggested three children - one white, one black and one oriental holding an open book.