Maybe someone could explain to me why the roadworks on the Abingdon Road are being carried out during the night?

I thought we lived in a democratic society. I was obviously wrong.

The local residents were never consulted on this matter.

The first we knew about it was when the letters TELLING us it was going ahead were posted through our doors.

I have rung two of the four 'helpful' telephone numbers printed on the letter, but to no avail.

The Environmental Department didn't return my call, and when I asked the spokesman for Isis Accord if there was anything I could do about it, he replied: "In a nutshell, no".

I have been told (unofficially) that the reason the roadworks are being completed during the night is because the scheme has overrun, and if the previous road management system had been continued during the day, the contractors would have received hefty fines.

So, the residents have to lose sleep in order that the contractors don't lose money.

So much for our democratic society.

Lynne Nottage

Abingdon Road, Oxford