Sir – 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 which 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 that the changes have happened in such a short period.

One thing that does not appear to have gone forward are 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 is enjoyed by locals for many generations — the 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.

Councillor Sibley must come out with ‘credit’ in at least putting a deal that keeps a roof over the heads of the gardener and his family for six months.

The question that springs to mind with all the prosperity which the town enjoys: why is there a need for any redundancy? Once again, it’s the townspeople who will be affected again! Democracy gives you the right to vote.

Roger Wise, Abingdon