IN your article on the coming East Oxford Forum on the Cowley Road Carnival, it was described as “The Big Debate”.

That’s fair enough as we had titled next Monday’s East Area Forum, “On the Road Again?”

However, what we are looking for is not a debate but a positive look at how we in East Oxford, councillors, residents, retailers and restaurateurs, can ensure that, next year, the Cowley Road Carnival will be on the road again as the majority want.

Last year’s carnival in the park was very pleasant but not the memorable occasion it used to be.

The events organiser came from Bristol and probably didn’t know how rich the talent in our area is or how many local organisations would be keen to be included.

One of the wonderful corners in the previous years was the churchyard of St Mary and St John, where there were all sorts of family entertainments, as well as the trips up the tower.

We would like to keep the family element with as many local schools as possible involved in the parade.

We need to move away from the idea that the road is just for loud music and booze, but to have a great variety of entertainment and fun as well.

What was memorable about previous years was the colourful participation of all the different ethnic groups in the parade as well. This happened last year, but not to such a great effect.

This will only happen if we have more people involved in the organisation.

I hope many people come with suggestions and offers of help, to our East Area Forum (6.30pm, Monday, September 19, East Oxford First School, so that next year’s carnival can be one of the best ever.

NUALA YOUNG Green city councillor Tree Lane Oxford