COUNCILLOR Darke’s call to build on Headington car park has caused an outcry.
His comments prompt two questions: has he ever visited the car park and observed what goes on there, and has he listened to the views of residents he has been elected to represent?
He claims that car parks are “dead places”. Headington’s main car park is constantly busy.
The message I’m hearing loud and clear in the shopping area, the farmers’ market and at events in the park is that the idea of development on this car park is completely mad.
I have yet to meet a local resident who supports this “preferred option”.
People are queuing up to sign a petition against it so fast that sheets can’t be copied quickly enough.
The centre of Headington is a place where people live, work, shop, study and meet up socially.
How does the proposed reduction in public car parking space square up to Mr Darke’s idea of a “vibrant local economy”?
Yes, we need more affordable housing, but let’s build it where our new residents will feel part of a community. Let’s use our common sense.
RUTH WILKINSON, Lib Dem Councillor for Headington Ward, Thames View Road, Oxford
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