Sir, I was shocked to discover two branches of Subway suddenly springing up in East Oxford. In an area which has long been valued for its diversity why do we need this high street chain at all? And if we must have it, what sort of diversity is provided by having two branches within a five-minute walk of each other?

I fail to understand why this enormous US-owned company, which has much in common with McDonald's and which sells a product - sandwiches - widely available from other sources in the area, was allowed to open in this area while George and Davis, a unique local company producing quality ice cream, was not allowed to open almost opposite.

I was not surprised to read in The Oxford Times of the possibility that Subway should never have been given planning permission because it may in fact be a restaurant not a shop. Of course Subway is a restaurant!

Caroline Raine, Oxford