Sir – I refer to your article about the restored Lumley Tea Building (Report, March 13). Shirehall Properties, the owners of the restored retail units in Jericho are quoted as saying: ‘Mainstream retailers have shown little interest due to the relatively limited floor space and display space... with concerns over footfall etc.’


However having looked for months for empty retail premises in the Jericho area to start a retail shop for students, locals and tourists, I can confirm that there are dozens of local retailers who would be delighted to start a new retail business or expand in the Jericho area. Damian Fantato’s article completely neglected to mention the real reason why the units have not been let: It is because the cheapest lease of the three retail units discussed is being marketed by Cluttons at just under £30,000 per annum.


The business rates on top of that would mean taking on a small shop would cost roughly £40,000 a year before any profit was made. Of course, the only alternative is yet another big restaurant chain.


When I moved to Jericho 20 years or so ago, the area was known for having independent boutiques and small retail outlets serving the local community.


Now, the greedy property owners can’t even get a national coffee chain to take up a lease. Is it not this greed of the colleges who sell their property, combined with unrealistic business rates, that has led to Oxford losing its old-fashioned character and charm that used to make it such a great place to visit.
If they want Oxford to turn into any other town, the council are going the right way about it.
Jodie D Clark, Oxford