The Christmas lights switch-on was total and utter chaos for those of us caught up in it, trapped and frightened at the Cornmarket/George Street junction.

Buses, closely packed together, were travelling across George Street into Broad Street and vice versa at 6.25pm before those of us following the parade had a chance to go into Magdalen Street, so missing the switch-on. No sign of police or stewards, just frightened children and adults. Many eventually moved the barriers to avoid becoming squashed. We never made it any further than that junction, eventually moving into Broad Street as it was impossible to cross to the festivities.

Many simply turned round to go back along Cornmarket. To add insult to injury, we then had to wait more than an hour for a bus from St Aldate’s to Cowley. There seemed to be no coordination of any public transport plan on the south/east sides of the city.

I must stress we thoroughly enjoyed the music and the wonderful lanterns; the parade was magical, as ever. It was such a pity that the evening ended at 6.25pm for those of us stuck and ignored on Cornmarket.

HILARY GRIME Lawrence Road Cowley Oxford