The Friar public house in Marston is a building that is aesthetically pleasing and should not be allowed to fall into further disrepair or demolition (February 1).

I would like Tesco to look to the greater good of the community and maybe fund the Friar in becoming a community venue, or release it so that the city or county council can do this.

The Marston Community Hub meetings have flagged up the need for a community café for people to socialise, share interests and facilities in a central site.

Other areas of Oxford, for instance Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Barton, already have this facility. The Friar could be a central daytime and possibly evening Marston venue.

Everyone would be welcome to meet, have a drink, play games and have internet access to learn and share new skills.

People are now faced with less full-time employment available and a larger aging population – more free time and less cash!

Volunteering and joining in builds confidence, improves the community’s mental and physical health and keeps costs low.

Possibilities for the downstairs area include: bike repairs, DIY tips, guest speakers, music, art, knitting, sewing, council outreach, police surgery, councillors’ surgery.

In the back garden there could be communal shared allotment-raised beds. Upstairs could be used as flats for older single council house owners, to free up their larger property, while at the front you could have benches for rest and conversation.

This is not pie in the sky. These local needs are not being met.

Come on councillors, you can help the Friar and the people you serve. Prove that you deserve our vote.

ELAINE BENNETT Marston Road Marston Oxford