Sir, I'm sorry that Father Michael Wright feels that security measures at the Castlemill site are alienating the local community (Letters, June 16).

His views are understandable, but the fact is that these measures are necessary because a small part of the community will not respect the law and have threatened to reoccupy the vacant site. What has not been widely reported are some of the other comments that the judge made when refusing the illegal occupiers any grounds for continuing their unlawful occupation of this land. The judge noted the contents of the occupiers' website which called on individuals to take part in mass resistance to any lawful eviction process.

As a result, the judge agreed that no firm date for eviction should be provided, and stated that it was unlawful for people to remain on the property. What is clear is that everyone involved wants appropriate development to take place on this site that recognises Oxford's wider needs for affordable housing and access to the canal along with a new community centre for Jericho's residents.

British Waterways remains strongly committed to residential boating activities along the canal and continues to work with a group of boaters to explore opportunities for facilities in addition to those already available. Our commitment extends to working into the future with Jericho's residents too. We hope readers will understand that we cannot allow the illegal reoccupation of the site in the meantime.

Jeff Whyatt, General Manager, British Waterways, South East