READING page two of Thursday’s Oxford Mail, a horror story started to unfold before my eyes.

A Stephen King novel? No. A James Herbert novel? No. Then what, you may ask. It was the parking charges for parking in Oxford.

Having not been to Oxford to go shopping for some time it was a stark reminder as to why I haven’t been there.

Yes, the horrendous parking charges.

It’s cheaper, and a better shopping experience, in Reading, Swindon and even Southampton.

People may say it costs to travel.


Today's Letters

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Yes it does but the shopping experience is far better than Oxford can offer.

Oxford City Council will tell us all to “wait until the completion of the revamped Westgate centre.”

Yes, I am sure it will be a magnificent shopping centre that will attract the shopper.

But will the city council reduce the parking charges to attract shoppers from far afield which is what will be required for shops in the new mall to survive?

Yes, there are park and rides which are a cheaper option. But many shoppers would rather park as near to the shopping centre as possible.

On a footnote, out of the three shopping areas I have mentioned, I think the West Quay shopping centre in Southampton is worth a visit.

Its car parking and shopping centre design makes it an attractive alternative for a good day out.

B GIBBS

Hanney Road,

Steventon