THE vision outlined today for a new way of heating homes and businesses in the city may seem radical but other European cities have been doing it for years.

As the heat map shows, there are so-called “hot-spots” across Oxford, areas to be potentially harnessed under this new scheme.

While in the very early stages the idea that people could be paying much less on their heating bills as well as cutting their carbon emissions by 75 per cent is a no-brainer.

Homes, a school and an outdoor swimming pool could all be heated by Hinksey Lake. Clearly there are logistical and cost issues involved in such a huge scheme but surely the money saved in the long run, wrong combined with protecting the environment, would be worthwhile?

Those behind it are not taking it lightly or going into it blind; they have clearly done their research and already invested a reasonable amount into seeing the feasibility of the scheme.

They must make sure every possibility is explored, particularly when it comes to funding and value for money.

In many ways our beautiful city is seen at the forefront when compared with other places across the world. Let’s hope we don’t get left in the cold and the vision for a cleaner and greener place to live becomes a reality.