THE turnout for Botley’s human chain protest on Saturday far exceeded expectations with around 550 people taking part.

It demonstrated how strongly the community objects to the controversial plans to demolish the West Way shopping centre and Elms Parade to make way for the new development.

The developer Doric may have made “significant” changes to the £100m proposal which will include a supermarket, cinema, health centre and 600 student flats but clearly that hasn’t appeased the residents.

Let’s hope Doric takes heed of the strength of feeling displayed by the people who have lived and worked in the area for years.