WE will soon discover if the Vale of White Horse District Council will protect the wishes of the vast majority of Botley residents and reject the outrageous proposed Westway development by Doric Properties. Yes, Doric have listened to the concerns of the residents and then totally ignored them.

Firstly, we do not want a multiplex cinema (the Westgate development is having one).

Secondly, Field House does not need to be demolished as it is perfectly satisfactory for its elderly residents.

Thirdly, we do not want accommodation for 600 students as this would turn Botley into a student ghetto. Why not build the accommodation in the grounds of the college that needs it?

Lastly, we do not need a supermarket larger than the existing Co-Operative store, as this would only help to drive out our smaller traders. We already have Aldi supermarket 350 yards away.

Botley has no wish to become another Bicester village as we are not in that league. Our homely little shopping centre does need some refurbishment, but not razing to the ground. Strange as it may seem, the majority of us love it just the way it is.

If this destruction – sorry, development, does go ahead (God forbid) what do we do during the devastation for the next two or three years?

Sadly one of the casualties will be our much-valued local butcher, as ‘health and safety’ would not permit him to run his business on a building site.

P COULING, North Hinksey Lane, Botley