MARY Clarkson’s response regarding Marston’s residents’ concerns appeared to be very admirable (Viewpoints, November 13).

However, having been a Marston councillor for 14 years, surely she has had ample opportunity to ensure Marston residents were able to have the opportunity of some local affordable housing.

Why then have councillors allowed Brookes to create a student city on valuable Marston land? On the site of the old Government buildings and a car driving test centre on the Marston Road – no local affordable housing provision! Brookes has taken over the site at Milham Ford School on the Marston Road for teaching and a private housing build – again, no local affordable housing provision!

Currently every available space for housing is now a building site in Marston – too many sites to list – still no local affordable housing provision! If elderly residents in Marston (currently in private or council housing) had the opportunity to downsize their property to live in smaller accommodation in Marston near to the local shops, doctors and bus routes, it would free up their larger properties for younger families. Why have residents been ignored?

I am well aware of many people, including my own family, who have no possibility of their own home. Don’t push Barton through while claiming concern for local housing needs. Maybe current plans to remove the popular Temple Cowley swimming pool and Greyhound Stadium will provide real local affordable housing provision. I am sure the developers would be less keen to remove these important, well-loved, irreplaceable leisure facilities.

STEVEN BENNETT, Marston Road, Marston