Sir — In reference to the West Way development Botley, I agree wholeheartedly with the views of Adam Rankin.

A vibrant new centre is essential for Botley. Over the years, many of the large attractive houses have been knocked down and replaced with flats. Opposite my house, more than 100 houses are soon to be built. Botley is not as small as it used to be and needs a new medical centre. Some of us would love to have the choice of a larger supermarket.

So many people from this area travel on the A34 for shopping. I work with elderly people and I know lots that would love to go to a local cinema to see a film or a live performance of the opera or ballet.

The office blocks are ugly and unused for years. I’m surprised no one has fallen over the bricks in the car park opposite the church. Some of us would prefer to live somewhere smart and maintained. A modern equivalent of Field House would bring back the guest room for residents’ families — so important when you are elderly and only have one bedroom.

A brighter, airier day room and a kitchen which passes health and safety and can be used to cook lunch for the day centre — these are the things we should be fighting for. Why so much prejudice against student accommodation? We all need to live and let live. Some residents are on low incomes and don’t have free bus travel, some residents are unemployed and would welcome the job prospects. Don’t be put off by the rumours: it may just be you tripping over those bricks. If you support Doric — tell them.

Amanda Frost, Botley