Sir – It is rare indeed that I find myself wanting to congratulate the city/county council for their efforts, but having attended this year's Christmas light switching on event and spectacular lantern procession, I am full of praise for the organisation responsible for moving it from a desperately overcrowded Broad Street, last year, to St Giles this year, with its space and carnival atmosphere.

With hope of the same level of organisation, if a charge were introduced to park at Thornhill and refunded to those using the park-and-ride into Oxford, by way of a reduced fare, the passengers travelling to London, would be, in effect, paying towards the cost of expanding an extremely well-used out-of-town car park, presumably pleasing everyone.

As we read that Cutteslowe Primary School is about to obtain consent to double in size, I feel it is essential that in order to fill what is already an under-subscribed school, a further collaboration of minds is needed. The buildings have to be designed to not only be practical, efficient and user friendly but also capable of inspiring young and adult minds alike, in the way the school’s new head, Jon Gray and Sarah Gristwood have managed.

This is a golden opportunity to turn round primary education in the area and one that should not be squandered by way of a dull extension.

With careful planning, the available space at Cutteslowe could be used to build facilities which could benefit not only the local community, but other schools in the area, which struggle for space.

We are after all, all on the same side, that of an exceptional start in life for our children.

Chris Smith, Oxford