IN January of last year Oxford City Council published the results of its public consultation on the future of the Covered Market.

This came in the wake of a business plan it commissioned from an independent retail specialist. A year on and almost nothing has changed.

The retail report said the current market performance was average and could be much better.

It contained recommendations that could turn it into a must-visit experience, with a local, national and international reputation.

Today’s letters

Most importantly the report suggested the market could be producing almost £400,000 of additional income each year.

But sadly, short of the appointing a market manager, the city council seems to have done nothing with the report. More worryingly its new corporate plan outlines money for city centre toilets and extending the City Centre Ambassador scheme but nothing concrete for the market.

Surely, with its obvious potential and exalted position in the hearts of so many local residents, it should be a top priority not a forgotten oddity.

We’ve already wasted a year or £400,000, how much more?

Tim Bearder, Stanley Road, Oxford

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