WHAT an ‘inverted pyramid of piffle’ Doric are speaking. They say they ‘want to give Botley the High Street it never had’ and then propose a large supermarket, cinema, underground car park and 600 student flats. Doesn’t look like any high street I know of.
However, I don’t blame Doric. They seem only to know (and apparently love) out-of-town, faceless shopping centres. I do blame the Vale of White Horse District Council, whose local plan said that Botley should be a local centre and consulted on the future of Botley shopping centre. All agree that it needs a refresh but four out of five people were happy with the range of shops. Yes, we go elsewhere for our main shop but we walk to Botley for a choice of small supermarkets, butchers, dentist, optician and other shops and cafés. That’s what a ‘high street’ is for.
However, VOWHDC ignore all this and let a contract to a company to bulldoze the lot and more besides. That’s why we’re angry and will fight this stupid deal.
MARY GILL Eynsham Road Botley Oxford
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