I AM writing in response to letters damning the development in Elms Parade, Botley.

I have had the pleasure of calling Botley my home for all my life. I went to North Hinksey primary school, studied karate in St Peter’s and St Paul’s for nearly 10 years, saved my pocket money to buy sweets from the newsagents and currently enjoy a nice hangover-curing full English from Café Aloha. So, when I say my next statement, I want you to understand that I am talking about my home.

Oxford Mail:

The Westway Shoping Centre today

I want to be very clear: I am in full support of the planned developments.

I believe these developments are an amazing opportunity for all us Botley folk. Students are amazing for bringing revenue to an area. They bring a whole student loan and are hungry to spend it (as a resent grad. I know this a bit too well). This will be a fantastic boost to all small businesses in the area. Also, I can’t wait to take my younger siblings to see films at the new cinema. I know that my family would feel much safer them staying in Botley then going all the way to Oxford on a crammed Saturday.

Oxford Mail:

An artist's impression of the finished Westway development

Every time anyone sends another letter saying ‘no one wants this’ or ‘locals hate the developments’, know that there are a lot of people that call Botley their home that can’t wait for them.

JIMI DAVSON

Dean Court Road

Oxford