COUNTY councillor Roy Darke states (Oxford Mail, August 5) that in principle he is in favour of building above the Old High Street car park in Headington.

At the end of the piece he finishes with the comment that: “The council has to take long-term development needs into account and support a vibrant local economy”.

Does he not recognise that by building above the car park he would greatly reduce the viability of local business with the removal of some parking spaces?

While the work was being carried out all space would be lost, leading potentially to business customers and clients leaving the area and more than likely not returning.

Headington has already lost a great many customers over the years due to so-called improvements to the area, such as the installation of a bus lane, the ‘hamburger’ roundabout and the London Road improvements scheme.

Also, residents’ parking restrictions have come into force.

The revamp of the shopping district brought more upheaval.

There was the loss of a cinema, bingo hall, snooker hall and football ground, all of which brought people into the area.

Now the car park is to be reduced.

Most businesses in Headington have made every effort to be supportive of the local community, supplying the finance for a Christmas tree and lights, and an annual fun-day, for the last 10 years.

We are the only area of the city to have hanging baskets this year,0 due to the generosity of local business and institutions.

I understand that people need affordable housing, but to keep a vibrant local economy we need a good selection of shops, professional services, cafés and restaurants.

So, unless Councillor Darke and the other members of the city council have a surprise plan to provide new and exciting amenities for the good people of central Headington, I would like to suggest that they consider the businesses of Headington when making their decision.

JILL CUMMINGS, (Headington resident and former trader, London Road, Headington, Oxford