IF ever there was an appalling example of how not to run a PR exercise, it is the one displayed by the Vale of White Horse District Council in its proposals to renew the West Way shopping centre.

The majority of people in Botley are reasonably happy with the present shops, in spite of one or two empty ones which could be let if the Vale reduced the rents.

I agree that the community centre needs a new heating system. But are we sure this facility will be replaced?

I well remember when the Vale sold the old nursery and garden and then spent the money on building a children’s centre which nobody asked for and nobody wanted – they merely wanted the old nursery replaced.

So what will be foisted upon Botley with the new redevelopment?

Botley is without doubt the Cinderella part of the Vale of White Horse. Places like Abingdon seem to get all the money and facilities.

I would like to say to Matt Prosser, the council’s strategic director, that next time he attends a meeting to do with the redevelopment he has at least some answers to the many questions that will be forthcoming and not to treat Botley’s residents with such disdain by not being able to, or unwilling to, answer these questions.

The whole impression of this redevelopment is that it will be in the interests of the Vale to make as much money as they can to waste on other projects, whether or not they are of benefit to Botley.

I for one will be very pleased to be proved wrong but I won’t hold my breath.

B.E. LANE (Mrs), Westminster Way, Botley, Oxford