I WONDER when Sid Hedges completed his fine book Bicester Wuz A Little Town, did he take a moment to ponder how the future of the town would change and develop?

Could he have imagined the incredible business concept that is Bicester Village, the talk that Bicester is one of the fastest-growing towns in Europe, new train links from different and old destinations with new developments including an eco-town?

Sid may well have thought this was a work of fiction because the changes have happened in such a short period.

One thing that does not appear to have gone forward is the recreation and welfare facilities for the townspeople.

So I was very surprised that one of the few shining lights that the town possesses and has been enjoyed by residents for many generations – Garth Park – has had its head gardener and two maintenance technicians made redundant. Is this a thank you and reward for their efforts in securing awards in the Britain-In-Bloom competition?

They will be replaced by agency and community service workers when required. The question that springs to mind with all the prosperity the town enjoys is: why is there a need for any redundancy?

Once again, it’s the townspeople who will be affected! Democracy gives you the right to vote.

ROGER WISE, Chilton Close, Abingdon