Sir - I watched a fine tree being cut down in Davenant Road the other day. Perhaps it was diseased and not merely inconvenient, but of course it won't be replaced and Oxford's tree population will continue to decline.

Later, I read the piece by councillor Jean Fooks explaining why we are going to have fortnightly rubbish collection, whether we like it or not. This rather summed up why Oxford doesn't work; the topic demonstrates the manner in which the city council ignores the Oxford public.

People don't want fortnightly collections. They know that all the contrivance in the world doesn't make this a better alternative. They know for sure there is no money saving, there never is. They want quality in their lives, not convenience for their council.

If the present council cannot deliver and can only flex its muscles, we really do need a new one.

Gerard van Dam, Upper Wolvercote