I am writing concerning Mr Woodward’s letter on October 31 on behalf of the silent majority about the West Way redevelopment. Yes there is a silent majority, but silence does not mean consent. Apathy is one reason for the silence and another is that many of us believe that Doric and the Vale council have already done a deal behind closed doors, and the destruction of Botley has already been decided. I do not have Mr Woodward’s clairvoyant skills in knowing that the silent majority are all in favour of Doric’s diabolical development.

Having lived in Botley for 50 years, and become aware of a great many of the residents’ views on the subject, I suggest he could be wrong. A 2,000 strong petition against Doric’s scheme has already been presented to the council. If all 5,000 of Botley residents were persuaded to vote, then I am sure that the 2,000 no vote would at least double, and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.

Mr Woodward obviously does not have any relatives or friends in Field House as he shows total disregard for the elderly residents. As Mr Woodward lives in tranquil Tubney, I can understand why he has no objection to the antisocial idea to house 525 students in the centre of Botley.

The traffic situation on Botley Road is a nightmare every day, but “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. Just wait and see during the two or three years of misery whilst the destruction takes place.

Today’s letters

At the end of it all, total gridlock and a Bicester Village lookalike that the majority of us did not want in the first place. I think I will move to Tubney.

P J COULING North Hinksey Lane Botley Oxford