IN response to the story about expanding Oxford (Oxford Mail, January 13), my opinion is as follows: Oxford will never be another Swindon because that town has always been the poor relation to Oxford – and probably always will be.

Reading, however, will always forge ahead of Oxford because it is a can-do, go-ahead place business-wise.

It will be successful for different reasons to Oxford.

My solution to the Oxford ‘problem’ is to create a greater city, developing outer areas such as Eynsham, Kidlington, Wheatley and Kennington; build a new outer ring road to link these areas; and develop Cowley centre as a shopping destination for the people who live and work here.

We should keep the historic centre for the students and tourists.

That way, we get the best of both worlds.

Oxford is a beautiful place but many people have to live and enjoy the area together with Oxford University.

This combination seems to work well in places like Bristol, Reading and Leeds, and space could be retained between developments to please green belt supporters.

J MERSON, Botley, Oxford