THERE are encouraging signs of growth in Oxfordshire’s market towns.

Witney has set the standard with the offer of free parking and the Marriotts Walk development.

Bicester is one to watch, with a major expansion of Bicester Village on the cards. And in its own small way Abingdon is doing its bit, with the all-but-there £4.5m precinct revamp.

Now we only have to wait for Oxford. Is it too much to ask that in 2013 we actually get the long-awaited redevelopment of the Westgate Shopping Centre that this city sorely needs?

Is it too much to ask that we see an end to the current, hideous carbuncle that is one of the worst greetings Oxford has to offer?

It seems ludicrous with the wealth and the resources of a city like this, that we continue to be at the back of the queue when it comes to retail.

Today, tomorrow and Monday are the last chances for people to purchase presents for their loved ones in time for Christmas Day. It would hardly be a surprise if Oxford residents look anywhere but their own city to buy them.