VERY gratifying that Mike Clarke (Letters, February 23) thought my letter on “the Swan or not the Swan” (Letters, February 21) made sense. Mr Clarke has written many well-argued and persuasive letters to the Oxford Mail over the years, so a compliment indeed.

One small apology: the figure of plus 209 for the aggregated difference in demand for Year 7 places should have been plus 239, which doesn’t alter the points I was seeking to make.

Another point which space wouldn’t allow is that, should the old Marston Middle not be demolished, it can then remain home to Meadowbrook College; and the sometime Marston Middle School hall could be and should be used  as a very fine community asset. In its time this hall saw and heard Marton Middle’s excellent musicals under the direction of Marion Routh and has more recently has hosted St Nicholas Primary’s wonderful International Evenings. The choice is simple: no demolition, then apply for grants for community use from central government (communities!). Pipe dream? Doesn’t have to be.

BRUCE ROSS-SMITH
Bowness Avenue, Headington